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Jeon Jungkook met him in a frat fight few years back when he was still in his junior years. Park Jimin was the most beautiful living creature he ever saw despite the big bruise on his cheek and a pair of swollen, bleeding lips. Oh those lips that he kissed a thousand times. Unfortunately, there was no such thing anymore. He ran his fingertips through the book that the smaller boy was always fussing about for him to check out. A bittersweet smile was immediately formed on his face. Jungkook ran his fingers through the title, the cover, the spine, the pages of the said book. Ever since that day-- the day-- he started to read the bounded papers out loud, almost memorized every paragraph, every sentence, every scene.
Now he knew why the boy would always recommend this. It reminds him of them. No, scratch that. It was dedicated to them. It was made by Park Jimin himself. A memory flashed in Jungkook's mind; a face of a dejected Jimin it was.
Come on, Kookie-ah.
The older boy whined as he held the book in his hand. Read it. Just one page. Please.
He pouted holding a finger up.
Jungkook sighed and placed his papers down, removing his reading glasses and stared at Jimin.
Okay fine. Leave it on the nightstand. I'll read it after reviewing for my exams, okay?
Jungkook tiredly smiled at him. With a sigh, Jimin left it on the table next to the king-sized bed and gave his Jungkook a smile.
I'll leave now! Good luck on your exam, Kookie-ah.
With one last wave, he left. He remembered. It was his college senior year that day and Jimin just graduated as the one of the most talented writer in South Korea.
A small smile was etched on Jungkook's face. Jimin was always his source of energy. He stopped getting into fights ever since he met Jungkook and Jungkook started adapting well to the foreign place thanks to Jimin.
And after a few weeks, Park Jimin was buried six feet under the ground and Jeon Jungkook hates himself because he wasn't there to protect his everything.
Jimin-ah!! Park Jimin!!
Jungkook barged in the boy's dorms as he held his phone up high, where the exam results are.
What? What? What happened?
Taehyung, Jimin's roommate, rushed out his room as soon as he heard the maknae's scream with a devilishly looking hair. Rapid footsteps are heard from the wooden floor.
Jungkook? Jungkook!
A worried Jimin appeared from the kitchen.
I passed! I passed the exam!!
Jungkook delivered his news with the biggest grin he can ever muster. Jimin reflected his actions.
Really?! I'm so proud of you.
Jimin gasped out and showered the younger with kisses.
What the hell is happening here?
A blond head popped out of Taehyung's room.
Jin hyung! My boyfriend just got accepted in his dream university in Seoul!
Jimin proudly announced as he held Jungkook close.
Congrats, Jungkookie.
Taehyung greeted and buried his face in Jin's collarbone, wanting to sleep more. After Jin muttering a soft 'congrats', the couple reentered their room to gain some more sleep. With a sheepish grin, Jimin and Jungkook went to the kitchen (Fortunately, Jimin didn't get their breakfast burnt.)
So, when's your departure? You know, so I could help you pack up.
Jimin asked as he stirred the rice in the frying pan. Jungkook's smile turned into a frown. With a sigh escaping his lips, he hugged the older from behind.
A week before graduation. They wanted me there as early as possible because of dad.
Jungkook muttered and bent down a little so he could rest his forehead on Jimin's shoulder. Jimin felt like he's been bathe by an ice cold water, still he managed to let a smile. Jungkook's dad is the Chief of the Seoul Police Department that's why barely went home to Busan. With high expectations, the police academy wants Jungkook to be just like his father so they wanted them there as soon as possible. Jimin turned off the stove, finishing things up and faced his lovely boyfriend. He cupped his cheeks with his tiny hands and smiled.
I love you and I'm proud of you.
Jungkook fell in love with him all over again.
Jeon Jungkook stepped out of his late boyfriend's room, holding the book tightly towards his chest. He didn't want to leave the room. He has no will to do so. But he has to. On his way downstairs, he saw Mrs. Park cleaning a photo frame of Jimin. The infamous Park Jimin and his eyesmile. He finally broke down. Mrs. Park stared at him with pity.
Oh, Jungkook.
She called out, embracing the boy with all her might.
I'm sorry Mrs. Park. I'm sorry. This is my entire fault.
His muffled voice was heard around the empty hall while Mrs. Park kept on hushing the boy.
You did nothing wrong, dear. And how many times would I tell you to call me eomoni?
She joked but her voice started to falter. No. She wasn't okay. Not at all.
Eomma! Jungkookie's here!
Jimin barged in the house of the Park. It wasn't big like Jungkook's, it isn't small either. It was their sem-break. Jungkook being a senior high and Jimin being in his first year in college.
Hello, dear. It's nice to see you again.
Mrs. Park greeted with her signature eyesmile, similar to Jimin's.
Hello again, Mrs. Park.
Jungkook bowed politely.
How many times do I have to tell you to call me eomoni?
Mrs. Park playfully pouted. This was the time when Jimin and Jungkook recently got together (Thankfully, both sides approved). Jungkook gave Mrs. Park his bunny grin but was pushed by the cringing Jimin.
Eomma, not again.
The young Park rolled his eyes and dragged Jungkook to his room.
Alright. Call me if you need anything.
Mrs. Park chuckled.
I like your mom, really.
Jungkook stated as soon as he set foot on Jimin's room.
Marry her then.
Jimin pouted and dove into his sheets.
You're such a green monster.
Jungkook laughed and tapped Jimin's thigh, signaling him to scoot. Jimin rolled his body to the other side of the bed and turned on his t.v. They cuddled until the moon starts to shine above them.
Jungkook was no longer in the young Park's abode. He was now carrying a bouquet of lilies, driving his car to the cemetery. His cheeks are now tears free but his heart will forever be in pain. He blames himself for that. Familiar stalls and shops were passed by. These were Jimin's favorite dating places.
'Jungkookie! Let's meet at the cafe downtown after your class, okay?
Jungkook packed his things and went to the cafe. A familiar chime was heard when he opened the door. It was small but cozy, a two minute walk from his university. He was in his last year, about to graduate in the next three months. It's been hectic. Jimin and Jungkook barely talked to each other personally, calls were always cut short, texts were replied after some hours of sending it. Why were they like this, you ask? Jungkook's pressured because of his exams and trainings while Jimin was working on his second book which is due in five months. The demands come one after another. The younger never asked anything about Jimin and his work though. He doesn't have the time to do so. He also got problems of his own. Jimin was always down because of that. But being Jimin, he was optimistic. He was always looking forward that Jungkook would at least read one sentence. At least one and he'd be happy again. Guess he was wrong. Terribly wrong.
Jungkook saw the older waving his hand to indicate where he was. Even though they're like this, the smaller boy would always find a way to the younger's heart. He would always melt as if he was the ice cream and Jimin was the blazing sun.
Hey there.
Jungkook grinned and sat beside Jimin
Don't hey me. How's your class?
Jimin questioned and faced Jungkook.
Tiring. Our exams are up close. The training would be hell especially my dad's coming next week.
Jungkook muttered and palmed his face.
Silence engulfed them. It wasn't awkward or comfortable. More like tense. Jungkook was about to open his mouth but Jimin beat him.
You know that I love you, right?
Jimin said without looking at him. Jungkook suddenly felt nervous. Was this the end? Is this how their five-year relationship would end? Jungkook's eyes started to mist. Maybe he neglected Jimin. Maybe he did something wrong. What if's flooded his mind. He was scared. Damn. He was fucking petrified. He was--
Jeon Jungkook will you marry me?
Jungkook stared at him. Jimin's cheeks quickly flushed and he started playing with his fingers (He does that every time he's nervous).I don't need you to answer right away you know. I mean, I know you've got more plans--.
Once again, he got shut up by a kiss.
I'll freaking marry you even there's a zombie apocalypse going on, Jimin-ah.
Jungkook said as he rests his forehead on his boyfriend's. Well, fiance.
I love you so damn much.
Jungkook parked his vehicle at the foot of the hill. On top of it was Jimin's tomb. His Jimin's tomb. He started climbing the hill and placed the flower down the grass. And once again, he cried. Cried for sorry. Cried for him. Cried for everything he did wrong. They were supposed to get tied. They were supposed to live in a small house at the outskirts of Seoul. They were supposed to be. Supposed to be. Damn it. He was so stupid.
"Jungkook-ah, I-I love y-you so damn much."
So, so stupid. He couldn't stop him. To everybody, they were the perfect couple. So, so perfect that many people envied them. But they were wrong. Jimin and Jungkook are just two broken people who understands each other.
"Can't you spare a little time for me? Even for five minutes?!" Jimin shouted at Jungkook who was rubbing his face because of frustration.
"Look, babe, I was--"
" Was what?! Busy chatting with Ella?!" His boyfriend started to fume in anger. Ella was the girl he met during training. They were just friends. But Ella likes Jungkook. And Jimin could see it every time he visits Jungkook at the academy.
"She's just a friend, Jimin." Jungkook groaned.
"Yesterday, you picked her over me." Jimin's tone changed. It wasn't anger coming out from his mouth. It was disappointment. "You went with her to shop clothes." He smiled bitterly. He went closer to Jungkook and slapped him, throwing him a gift box and went towards their bed room door. But before he entered, he faced Jungkook.
"Happy Anniversary, Jungkook."
He slammed the door shut.
Jungkook was left dumbfounded. He looked at the calendar. It was June 13 yesterday. It was their sixth anniversary. Being Jungkook, he was engulfed with pride. He exited their house, feeling guilty. He's stupid. Ugh. He entered the store and bought 2 packs of beer.
"Boy's night out, I see." The cashier tried to lighten up the mood. Jungkook sent him a small smile. He paid for the beer and carried it back to their house. Not until he saw their door open wide. He dropped the plastic bag as soon as he heard a bang. There he saw Jimin bleeding on the floor and two masked man surrounding him, one of them holding a gun.
"Jimin!!" He screamed. Their heads turned towards him. One of them cursed. They started to scatter out the window, leaving nothing behind except a bleeding Jimin. Those guys were the previous enemies of Jimin's frat. Pay back's a bitch huh?
Jimin turned at him with wide eyes.
"J-Jungkook-ah.."
"Hang in there, Jimin!" His heart beat was the only thing he heard. He couldn't imagine a life without Park Jimin in it. He quickly dialed the hospital and demanded to send an ambulance at their place. He put Jimin's head on his thigh and started stroking his hair. Jimin's faced is all bruised up and a gunshot wound on his abdomen and chest.
"You're gonna be fine, Jimin-ah. I promise." He cried helplessly. They knew it was a lie. Jimin's hand reached out to cup his face.
"Jungkook-ah, I-I love y-you so damn much."
He lost consciousness. Soon, the ambulance arrived. Jimin's heartbeat was so faint. Jungkook panicked when the heart monitor showed a line and a deafening tune started to play. Jungkook felt numb. The medic inside the ambulance started doing CPR. Jimin's face flashed through his mind. It was the day he first said 'I love you' to Jungkook at the peak of the waterfalls.
"I promise to be with you forever and ever." He remembered Jimin saying. Jimin lied. He broke his promise.
Jungkook snapped back into reality. Where Jimin was no more. Where Jimin was nothing but a memory.
"Time of death; 12:04 a.m, Tuesday."
Jungkook went crumbling down.
Jungkook arrived at his home after a one hour visit at Jimin's tomb. It was so nice telling stories to Jimin at the end of the day. He looked at the stars that covered up the dark sky. So pretty.
He then went to a deep, deep slumber.
"Jungkook-ah." Or not.
Jungkook opened his eyes and saw a grinning Jimin beside him. He was more shocked to see a wedding band on his boyfriend's ring finger.
"W-What?"
"Good morning!" Jimin smiled happily. "What do you want for breakfast?" He put down his laptop, where his story files are saved.
Jungkook stared at the older boy. "Are you really here?" He asked, tears filling his eyes.
"Of course I am. What the hell are you talking about?" Jimin laughed.
He started hugging Jimin so tight, afraid that he would disappear like a bubble.
"What's wrong with you?" Jimin laughed. Jungkook started to cry. He kept on muttering 'I'm sorry' and 'I love you' and 'Please don't leave me.'
"I'll always be in your heart Jungkook-ah." Jimin cupped his face with a smile and let him stare into his eyes. He's got no sparks in his eyes. Jungkook's heart broke.
"This isn't real."
Jimin's smile faded. He, then, stared at Jungkook. He couldn't hear anything; he could see Jimin slowly fading away. He was mouthing "I love you". Then he woke up. It was one am.
In his dream everything was perfect. In his dream Jimin was alive. In his dream, Jimin and he were married. But it's only a dream. And this is reality.
It slowly sank in. He slowly realized that he and Jimin are ephemeral. Jimin is ephemeral. All he could do now is stare at the sky. I love you so damn much. That's the only thing he heard.