Archive of Our Own

MONDAY

It’s been a long day of shooting promotion sketches for their upcoming album release, and Yoongi is considering skipping dinner and going straight to bed so he can get up early to work on a track he’s working on IU with for his next mixtape. However as they all file in Jungkook suggests a new series he’s been wanting to check out and suggests they all relax with some soju and snacks. As predicted, no one can say no to the youngest.

Yoongi quickly changes into some sweats and a t-shirt and shuffles over to the couch. Namjoon, Jin, Taehyung and Jin are already taking up the front section of the L shaped sofa and Jimin is curled up in the corner playing a game on his phone so Yoongi plops down next to him.

After half a second Jimin tosses his head back with whine. “Nooo. I was so close to winning that level. Why’d you have to nudge my arm?” Jimin glares at him.

“Me? How is this my fault, I just sat down.”

“Yeah and you knocked your elbow against my arm. Ever heard of personal space?”

“But I wanna watch the TV and I’m cold. Share your blanket with me.” Yoongi pouts.

“Get your own blanket, there’s like 10 in that basket over there.”

“You picked the warmest one, why can’t you just share Jimin-ah?” He whines for emphasis making Jimin laugh.

“Your feet are cold and you’ll distract me from my game.” He pouts.

Yoongi’s attention is pulled away momentarily when Taehyung sighs and hops off the couch suddenly with a determined look on his face. Jimin too follows Tae’s movements before looking back to Yoongi with a shrug.

Hobi finally joins them stealing Taehyung’s empty seat, stretching his legs across Jin’s lap and laying his head in Jungkook’s.

A moment later, Taehyung comes back with a Jar in his hands. “New rule,” He announces holding up the jar. All eyes turn to him. “No more bickering.” Taehyung announces staring pointedly in Yoongi and Jimin’s direction.

Jin laughs shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth, his eyes darting between Taehyung, Jimin, Yoongi and back to Taehyung.

“Every time you two bicker with each other,” Taehyung continues pointing at Jimin and Yoongi, “You each have to put 20,000 won in the bicker jar.”

Yoongi exchanges a confused glance with Jimin. “And why would we agree to that? What’s in it for us?” He asks.

“If you don’t bicker for 24 hours, I’ll buy you dinner.”

Jimin giggles at the offer. “Nah, bickering with Yoongi hung is too fun. I can buy myself dinner.”

Taehyung seems to consider this, thinking some more. “Ok, if you make it a week then I’ll post an embarrassing photo of myself on Weverse.”

“No. Not Weverse. Twitter.” Jimin counters. “You can’t delete it for at least a week. And I get to pick the photo.”

Yoongi cackles when Taehyung’s face drops a bit and Hobi falls over Jungkook’s lap in laughter.

Jimin glances over to Yoongi. “Want to Add anything else?” He gives a noncommittal shrug and shakes his head no simply knowing he'd enjoy that Jimin would get the satisfaction of winning.

“What are the odds they’ll actually make it though, Taehyung?” Namjoon offers.

At this, Yoongi smirks to himself knowing full well how determined both he and Jimin can be when they set their minds to something.

“Right? I don’t think they’ve ever managed to not bicker one whole day during the entire 7 years they’ve know each other,” Jin agrees.

Yoongi thinks that’s a bit extreme but doesn’t argue if it’ll give them the advantage to with the challenge.

“You have to be nice to each other too. You can’t get around this on a technicality by not talking to each other or being passive.”

Jimin nods and shrugs like it’s no big deal and Yoongi is starting to really expect they are underestimating them both. “Of course. We’ll be nice!” Yoongi agrees.

“Deal!” Taehyung finally agrees and reaches out to shake Jimin’s hand then Yoongi’s. “It starts now!”

Jimin has a pleased smile on his face and Yoongi reflexively wants to tease him about it, but he wouldn’t ruin the deal so quickly, so instead he pats Jimin’s leg. “We got this.”

“Now, who wants to order Pizza?” Taehyung asks.

At this, Jimin shoots Taehyung a death glare, knowing full well pizza toppings are a hot button topic between all of them but Yoongi and Jimin especially. “You did that on purpose!”

Taehyung just gives a smug smile and Jungkook and Hobi burst out into laughter on top of each other.

Jimin pouts crossing his arms over his chest and glares at Taehyung. “I hope the grease leaks through the plate and stains your favorite pair of pants.”

Taehyung taps the jar lid with his fingernails. “Bickering!” He announces.

“You didn’t say I couldn’t bicker with you, just not with him!” Jimin points to Yoongi.

Taehyung’s mouth falls open, realizing too late the glaring loophole in his plan. Looking to the other members to back him up. Namjoon shrugs and Jin nods affirming that Taehyung had only specified between Yoongi and Jimin. Yoongi’s shoulders shake before he can feel the laughter bubbling out of his chest and he raises his eyebrows, impressed at Jimin’s quick wit.

“Ha!” Jimin says sticking his tongue out at Taehyung.

—

TUESDAY

The first true test of this challenge comes in the morning as everyone is getting ready for a shoot scheduled for that afternoon.

“Hyung, have you seen my sunglasses with the yellow lenses?” Jimin asks as he’s fastening his watch to his wrist.

“I’m not—” Yoongi has to stop himself from saying ‘your keeper’ just to get a rise out of Jimin. “I’m not sure. Let me help you look.”

“You’re the best!” Jimin beams at him and it’s almost nearly as satisfying as getting a rise out of him.

“Where have you checked already?”

“The entry storage and my dresser drawer with my other glasses.”

“When was the last time you wore them?” He asks.

“When I posted that selfie on twitter with my new pretty Chanel sweater.”

“Jimin, that was almost 2 weeks ago, how are we supposed to find them now?”

“You remember when I took that selfie?” Jimin asks.

Yoongi almost retorts with shut up but stops himself. “Yeah well…it was nice.” he shrugs.

“You think it was nice?” Jimin asks with a quirk of his eyebrow and Yoongi can tell this is bordering close to bickering territory.

“Aish, let’s keep looking, ok? Does it have to be the yellow ones?”

Jimin opens his mouth to respond but seems to think better of whatever it was he was going to say and shakes his head. This makes Yoongi chuckle knowing he must have been about to say something that could be considered bickering but stopped himself.

“I asked wardrobe to put me in something Yellow,” Jimin explains, “I just wanted to look cute for the Jimmy Fallon shoot today.”

“Jimin, you always look cute, you know that right? But if we can’t find them, you can borrow a pair of mine. I have a pair with black frames and a pair with clear frames.” Yoongi offers.

“Aw Hyung! You really are the best” Jimin repeats jumping quickly to pull him into a hug.

Yoongi laughs at the sudden hug attack and his heart speeds up a the praise. If he’s not careful, he might just get used to this.

WEDNESDAY

For the first time in over a week, there’s not a schedule. Staff are currently busy making final preparations for their trip back to the In the Soop house tomorrow so everyone is able to sleep in. However, these days Yoongi finds himself more a morning person even when he stays up too late. This morning he wakes early around 5:30 and decides to work on his laptop arranging some of the files IU had sent over to him. No one else is up this early so he takes the laptop out to the dining room table where he can watch the sunrise while he works.

He puts on a fresh pot of coffee and gets to work. To his surprise, about 30 minutes later, Jimin shuffles through the living room to the kitchen looking bleary like he’s had about 5 minutes sleep.

“Morning.” Yoongi says.

Jimin startles as he finally is aware someone else is in the kitchen with him.

“Why are you up?” Jimin asks.

“Woke up early and wanted to do some work before the others woke up. Why are you?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Everything ok?”

Jimin hums and nods rubbing his face. He turns to get a cup from the cupboard and fills it with water, sitting down next to Yoongi.

“Hyung, do you ever think what our lives will be like in the future?”

Yoongi is a bit taken by surprise at such a deep topic this early in the morning, but he suspects it might have something to do with Jimin having a hard time sleeping. “Yeah, sometimes, but it’s hard to know what that will be like, until we get to that point.”

“I know we talked about moving after our lease is up, but I can’t imagine being away from you guys at all. I know we have our moments of disagreement, but I feel most comfortable around our members.”

“Maybe comfort is keeping you from really living your life.”

Jimin looks at him with a look Yoongi can’t quite decipher, maybe hurt or surprise or mixture of both.

“I don’t want us to fall apart.” Jimin says. “It would break my heart.”

It shocks Yoongi to hear him admit he feels this way because it’s not something Yoongi ever considered. Not after everything else they’ve already been through.

“I know that I can’t say anything for certain, but Jimin I don’t think you have to worry about that with us. We’re all family here, we’ve been through so much. I can’t see a future where we’re not all still close.”

“Even some families fall apart.” Jimin says with a frown, laying his head on the table.

“Not ours.” Yoongi reaffirms. He reaches out and grabs Jimin’s wrist running his thumb over it trying to comfort him. “You should get some sleep. That will help. We have a long drive ahead of us tomorrow.”

Jimin nods sliding his chair out and grabbing his water. Yoongi watches as he pads back to the bedroom and wonders what brought these thoughts on. It’s true they all had a discussion last month about what to do when their lease was up at the dorm but Jimin hadn’t mentioned it weighing on his mind recently. He makes a mental note to bring it up again one evening away from cameras on their trip.

Hobi is the next to wake and Namjoon shortly after. Yoongi decides not to mention anything to them until he’s had a chance to get more time to speak with Jimin alone.

—

THURSDAY

“Who wants to drive today?” Namjoon asks. Jimin, Tae, Hobi and Jin all raise their hands. “Rock, Paper, Scissors?”

“No, I’ll ride, those three can drive. I’ll go with Taehyung. ” Hobi says.

“I’ll ride with Jin Hyung.” Jungkook says.

Yoongi’s relieved he can keep an eye on Jimin. “I’ll go with Jimin.”

“Me too.” Namjoon says. “Let’s load up the cars.”

—

As they get settled in, Namjoon hands out the Gimbap Taehyung’s mother made and they eat in comfortable silence as they make their way out of Seoul.

“Did you sleep better last night?” Yoongi asks after a while.

“Oh yes, much better,” Jimin says. “I had a dream about my mom last night, but I can’t remember.”

“When you dream about something, you should write it down right after you wake up,” Yoongi says.

“I’ve done that before.”

“You’ll look at it later and not understand anything you wrote.” Yoongi laughs remembering some of the awkward dream notes he’s found over the years in his own journals.

Jimin laughs. “Yes, I’ve done that before. There was one, Yoongi had a child.”

If a record scratch could play in real life, Yoongi thinks it would have happened in this moment. “I had a child?”

“I wrote it down and pretty sure I have it somewhere. We got…” Jimin pauses seeming to choose his words carefully. “Much older. We were old enough for you to have a child, but we were still living together, eating rice with gim and hot pepper tuna. That’s what I had written down.”

Hearing this it makes Yoongi laugh and wonder what else kind of dreams Jimin has written down. Namjoon continues probing about the food again because of course that’s the more important part of this revelation, not that Yoongi had a child in this dream.

He can’t imagine his life with a child at all. The thought is almost laughable. It's scary to think of taking care of someone so small and innocent, but then he reminds himself he’s had a lot of practice over the years with all the members. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, especially if he had someone like Jimin around to help.

The thought of Jimin helping him is so second nature, he doesn’t even question it at first. He can easily picture Jimin playing with a kid, both waiting patiently while Yoongi makes their lunch in the kitchen. The imaginary scenario catches up to him and it makes his stomach flip in a way he’s not sure he wants to dig into at the moment.

Namjoon thankfully changes the topic to what music they should listen to and it’s a welcome break from his mind overthinking things he probably shouldn’t.

—

At the house, they get settled back into their previous sleeping arrangements and everyone gathers for lunch. When they’re finished, Yoongi invites Jimin to work on a few things, but first he wants a bit of time to just talk.

“Jimin-ah, let’s go for a walk first just to brainstorm some. Let’s go down this way toward the lake. I asked the staff for some time alone.”

Jimin nods and follows his lead and loops his arm through Yoongi’s.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind lately. Maybe we can work with that,” Yoongi prompts.

“I do but… I don’t think it’s anything I can put into a song,” Jimin admits.

“That’s the best place to put it, when you feel that way.”

Jimin runs his hands through his hair nervously, a sad smile briefly crossing his face.

Yoongi can tell Jimin is hesitant to say anything, so he doesn’t pry. Instead he leads Jimin to a dock where they can sit and watch the water peacefully. When they arrive, they each remove their sandals and roll up their pant legs so they can put their feet in the water.

After a few minutes he remembers the other night when Jimin didn’t sleep well and decides to ask about that again to see if it will lead anywhere. “What had you so stressed you couldn’t sleep the other night?”

Jimin huffs a laugh like he can tell what Yoongi is doing. “I was reading through my journal and thinking on all the hard times we’ve had, but how we got through it all because we’ve had each other and it got me thinking about how everyone wants to move to their own places. What if we don’t have each other to lean on in the same way anymore?”

“I see. That does sound overwhelming.” Yoongi acknowledges. “We have had some really hard times, but it’s not as hard as before. We have more options now and ARMY always look out for us. I know we’re having a hard time right now because we can’t see them, but it'll be ok. Any hard times in the future we'll get through together like always.”

“They can’t protect us from everything.” Jimin frowns and splashes some water with his feet.

“You’re right.” Yoongi agrees. “But we all have each other’s backs. No matter what.”

Jimin nods and stares into the distance. “My friends… I don’t think…” Jimin sighs in frustration, seeming to have a hard time saying what he wants to say.

Yoongi reaches out and rubs a hand over Jimin’s back in what he hopes is a comforting gesture.

“I think my friends only like me when I can be a certain way around them.”

“Then you deserve better friends,” Yoongi says bluntly.

Jimin looks at him in surprise. “How can you just say such things, Hyung?”

“Because it’s true.”

“But I’m not always a perfect friend either,” Jimin admits.

“I don’t pretend to know exactly what has happened with your friends, but there’s a big difference between acknowledging you have flaws or can work on being a better friend and people who only want to know you at your best or only want you to be a certain way around them.”

Jimin laughs in disbelief. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”

“I don’t.”

Jimin laughs fully this time. “Sometimes, I think you can read my mind, Hyung.”

Yoongi smiles at this wishing there were times he could read Jimin’s mind. “If I could read your mind, I think I would have to go fight your friends myself.”

Jimin giggles and it’s nice to hear. “Hyung, can I tell you something?”

“Anything.”

“I think some of my friends don’t like that I like dressing more androgynous these days and like being told I’m pretty and…”

Yoongi’s heart speeds up, anticipating what’s next. He squeezes Jimin’s shoulder in support.

“I don’t feel like I have a preference on who I’m interested in… romantically. I mean I know I don’t have much experience but…” Jimin’s clearly nervous now rushing his words together.

“Jimin-ah.” Yoongi interrupts. He reaches out squeezing Jimin’s hand who hasn’t looked up to meet his eyes. “You don’t’ have to explain yourself. I’m proud of you.”

Jimin’s lip quivers and a distressed noise escapes him. He covers his face, clearly trying to cover the tears escaping. Yoongi hates the cruelness in anyone’s heart that has made Jimin feel so unaccepted when Jimin is one of the kindest people he’s ever known. Yoongi doesn’t feel he’s the best at physical affection, but he can sense Jimin most likely needs a hug and leans over reaching out his arms. Jimin accepts and buries his face into Yoongi’s t-shirt a few more tears escaping as Yoongi gently rubs his back.

“You know that’s ok right? Normal even. If your friends are judging you for that, then they are being cruel.” Jimin pulls back wiping his face and nods.

“I know, but it’s hard to let them go, when I’ve known them so long. It’s not like we can easily go make new friends right now anyway with all the restrictions.”

Yoongi hums in agreement.

“You’ve always got us and your family too.”

“I haven’t told my family yet. It would break my heart if they don’t accept me.”

“Normally, I would agree with you, but Jimin your parents are some of the most loving and accepting people I have ever met in my entire life. I can’t even imagine a world where they wouldn’t love you just as you are.”

Jimin sniffles and nods. “Thanks, Hyung. I’ll tell them, but I need to figure out what to do about my friends first.”

“If you want to keep them in your life, then you have a serious conversation with them and let them know your boundaries. If you don’t want to keep them, then you can take this time to distance yourself. You don’t owe anyone who has treated you cruelly an explanation.”

“Hyung, you really do know the right thing to say, more than you think.”

Yoongi nods. It’s taken him years to get here himself, but he promised himself he’d do his best to make sure others don’t have to go through as much pain and guilt he did in his younger years. “Ah Jimin-ah I wish that were true, but I will always try to help you. No matter what.”

“Even if I punch another idol in the face?”

Yoongi laughs full bodied. “Maybe give Namjoon a heads up first so we can prepare a statement.”

Jimin laughs, the tension from before finally starting to fall away.

“You know, not to make this about myself or anything, but just so we’re on the same page, you know I don’t have a preference either, right?”

Jimin looks up and nods a bit hesitantly. “I suspected because of some of the stuff you’ve written before and said in a few interviews, but you never spoke about it much.”

“I suppose I felt that it’s no one else’s business but mine. But now I wish I would have been a little more open about it, if only to save you some stress.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Hyung, you have always been very accepting of everyone. All the members have. I think it was something I had to get through myself. I think I just didn’t know myself very well yet.”

Yoongi nods, knowing that feeling all too well. “And hey, if you want to meet new people, I can introduce you to some of my friends.”

“Wouldn’t that be weird?”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. They’re your friends. I would feel like I’m intruding.”

“We can have the same friends, what’s wrong with that?”

“It just seems like everyone wants to keep their friends separate from each other.”

This gives Yoongi pause. He hadn’t considered any of them felt that way, but thought it was more an inevitable circumstance of spending time with people they met over the years.

“Well, I can’t speak for everyone else, but I’m not trying to keep any of you separate from my personal life or friends. Maybe some of the other members need some separation to keep things balanced, but you’re more than welcome to hang out with me or any of my friends whenever you want Jimin.”

“Thanks Hyung.”

“Now tell me which friend of yours I’m fighting. I need names.”

Jimin laughs fully falling over this time and Yoongi feels pleased to see that a weight has been lifted off Jimin’s shoulders.

“I’ll talk to them, but I’ll let you know if I need backup.”

“It’s a deal. Now let’s go work on your song. We can work with this.”

“Can we play some games first?” Jimin asks.

“Of course. Anything you want.”

—

FRIDAY

Yoongi and Jimin are in the middle of an intense gaming session and Jimin’s character is on the verge of dying, only to be saved at the last moment by Yoongi who pulls a power move and restores Jimin’s health.

“Don’t say I never do anything for you,” Yoongi quips.

Jimin gasps in mock offense and stares at him with a fake intimidating glare shaking his finger aggressively at Yoongi’s face. At this, Yoongi can’t hold it in anymore, falling into Jimin both erupting into laughter over their inability to actually say what they normally would.

“Ah it’s not fair.” Jimin slouches on the couch, pout firmly in place.

Yoongi can’t tell if he’s whining about the game or not being able to bicker with him and it makes him laugh.

“I saw that!” Taehyung accuses walking around from the kitchen.

Jimin laughs immediately defensive. “Hey, I didn’t say a word!”

“Bickering isn’t always words.”

“That wasn’t part of the terms,” Jimin argues.

“We were just playing around," Yoongi defends absently massaging Jimin’s shoulder.

Taehyung squints at them. He dramatically points to his eyes and then back at them with a smirk. “I’m watching you!”

They both laugh as he leaves the house back to his previous plans.

“Why did we agree to this again?” Jimin asks.

“Because you wanted to embarrass Taehyung on the internet,” Yoongi explains.

“Oh, you’re right. I guess we can make it two more days.”

“That’s the spirit!” Yoongi cheers, making Jimin laugh.

—

That evening it’s so warm in the camper that Yoongi thinks it will probably keep him from sleeping and so he wonders if Jimin would mind sharing for the night. He worries for a moment Jimin would find it awkward, but then he reassures himself that he and Jimin have shared many rooms and beds over the years and this would be nothing new, so he sends a quick text.

Jiminie it’s really warm in the camper tonight, would it be ok if I stay with you?

Jimin’s reply is almost instant. Of course hyung. Come over when you’re ready.

Yoongi spends a few minutes tidying up his supplies and changes into his pajamas. He shoves his book, laptop and headphones into his backpack, so he can work some in the morning if he feels like it.

When Yoongi enters the house, he can hear Jimin is singing to himself in the bathroom around the corner and it makes him smile. Jimin’s singing voice will always be one of the most beautiful things Yoongi has ever heard.

“Jimin-ah, I’m here!” Yoongi announces, but he gets no answer. He sets his things down on the desk and rounds the corner. “Jimin?” He can still hear Jimin singing and the bathroom door is cracked open.

As he approaches he clears his throat and is sure to announce himself again. “Jimin? You in here?”

He knocks on the door and it swings further open, revealing Jimin bent over the sink washing his face, completely shirtless and sweat pants slung low on his hips. Yoongi can’t bring himself to look away so he just stares, frozen in place.

When Jimin stands up, he grabs a towel from the counter and pats his face dry, only catching Yoongi in the mirror a few seconds later. Jimin, startled, screams and throws his towel at Yoongi. “OMG Hyung! Don’t sneak up like that!”

Yoongi laughs, catching the towel in his hands. “Sorry I was—”

“Huh? Wait…” Jimin pulls some earbuds out of his ears.

“Sorry I was trying to tell you I was here, but…”

“Oh… yeah… headphones. Sorry.”

Yoongi stares absently and Jimin’s bare torso for longer than is probably appropriate and then realizes it laughing to himself. “Well, I’ll just—” he motions over his shoulder.

“Do you want to do a face mask with me?” Jimin says at the same time.

“Sure, anything you want.”

“You keep saying that hyung.” Jimin laughs.

“Well…” Yoongi shrugs not knowing really what to say to that. Jimin laughs and grabs his shirt, putting it back on before fishing two face masks from his backpack propped up on the toilet seat.

“These are really nice. My mom sent me some of her extras in a package recently.” Jimin says handing one of the masks to him.

“Your mom still sends you care packages?”

“Don’t tease hyung, she’s just sad because I can’t visit for her birthday.”

“I wasn’t teasing,” Yoongi grumbles. He tears the sheet mask package open and pulls the mask out unfolding it carefully so it doesn’t tear. “I think it’s sweet. The last time I called my parents my dad was badgering me about eating more and getting married.”

Jimin giggles. “Isn’t it too soon for you to get married?”

“Not according to your dream.” Yoongi winks at him in the mirror.

“I never said you were married,” Jimin protests.

“Oh so it was a kid out of wedlock. The scandal! My career might be ruined!”

Jimin splutters. “No! I mean… it wasn’t, you just had a kid and it wasn’t, it was like we were all taking care of her for some reason.”

“So the group adopted a kid for the dorm?” Yoongi raises an eyebrow.

Jimin sighs exasperated. “I’m gonna tell on you to Taehyung!”

“No you won’t because you don’t wanna lose.” Yoongi smirks and laughs.

Jimin scoffs at him in the mirror and places his hands on his hips but can only hold in his laughter for a few seconds before shoving his shoulder.

Yoongi chuckles. “Sorry, I’ll behave.”

They finish putting on their masks and head to Jimin’s room while they wait for them to moisturize. Jimin reaches up to the camera in his room and shuts it off for the night. Jimin's always been a restless sleeper and he knows the idea of a camera on him at night is never something he particualrly enjoys, so the staff lets him turn them off until the early morning. Yoongi sits on the bed and pulls out his book to start reading.

“Hyung, would you read out loud to me?” Jimin asks.

“I’m already about 50 pages in. You might get confused.”

“It’s ok, I just like hearing your voice.” Jimin mumbles as he sits on the floor preparing to do some stretches with his legs and back.

For a moment Yoongi just watches him in awe. Yoongi might have learned to love dancing, but he’s never been very flexible or considered himself graceful, but Jimin just does it effortlessly tucking one leg in and bending forward nearly all the way to the floor. Jimin probably could’ve been a ballet dancer in an another life.

After a moment Jimin sits back up and looks right at him and pouts as he switches his legs. “You’re supposed to be reading to me.”

“Ok ok. But just for a few chapters. I still have some recording I want to do tomorrow.”

“Really? Can I listen when you’re done?”

“You’re always welcome to listen,” Yoongi says.

“Thanks, Hyung. You used to be so shy about it. It makes me happy when you share with me.”

Yoongi smiles at this, because he’s right. He used to be so nervous to share his deepest thoughts to the members but these days he’s been working hard on his communication and letting himself feel his feelings fully. Happy, sad, angry, all of it and it’s helped him grow into being the kind of person he’s always wanted to be. The kind of man that can be there for his friends, partners, family, the members, juniors, trainees or even their fans. If one person feels less lonely or less burdened because of his words or actions, it will be his biggest achievement in life.

He flips the book open to the page he left off and begins to read with a lighter heart.

—

SATURDAY

It’s at least 2am and all the lights are out in the main house and the side house, but Yoongi can’t sleep despite the quiet and he can tell by the way Jimin is breathing, he isn’t either.

“Hyung,” Jimin whispers.

“Hmm?”

“I miss bickering with you.”

Yoongi chuckles and wants to tease him for being so serious about something so silly, but that would be cheating and even though they are alone, it doesn’t feel right even though no one else would know, so instead he goes with the truth.

“Jimin-ah you’re cute when you pout.”

Jimin hides his face in the pillow and whines. “Don’t tease! It’s not fair. We’re not even that bad.”

“I’m not, that would be cheating right?” And yet the tease is still there in his voice anyway.

Jimin whines again and it’s so endearing Yoongi can’t help but laugh. “I miss it too,” He admits, turning on his side to face Jimin. The pale moonlight coming in the window outlines his silhouette, sprawled out on his stomach and his face shoved in between two pillows. “Why do you miss it so much?”

Jimin sighs dramatically and rolls over to his side, facing Yoongi as well. “I don’t know. I think because it gets your attention.”

Yoongi smiles at this, Jimin has always sought out other’s attention. Usually in the form of validation or praise, but for some reason he rarely ever admits to wanting Yoongi’s attention. He rarely accepts his praise either, except during very serious moments. Instead Jimin usually bickers and teases back. “Well, you know it’s pretty impossible not to pay attention to you right?”

Jimin sucks in an audible breath and it makes Yoongi wish there was a light on so he could see the way he knows Jimin’s cheeks are turning pink from the unexpected compliment. Praise he knows Jimin likes, but also probably wants to push back against like he usually does. A part of him wishes he would just so they can return to normal, but another part of him still wants to win just to make Jimin happy.

“I think I was greedy for it,” Jimin admits.

Greedy? The confession knocks something out of Yoongi’s lungs and he feels his own face warm. “Greedy how?” He pushes.

“I think I wanted more of your attention than you gave the others."

Now it's Yoongi's turn to lose his breath. He can feel his heart starting to race and he wonders if Jimin knows the effect these words are having on him. Why now?

"I like it when Hyung watches me,” Jimin whispers voice thick and a little needy.

And suddenly Yoongi feels like a missing puzzle piece of something so completely obvious has settled into place, something he probably should’ve seen a long time ago. Something he'd never dare let himself dream of, because it was too dangerous. How long has Jimin felt this way, or is he reading this all wrong? He suddenly wants nothing more than to give Jimin all the attention he can handle. He sits up and crowds in towards Jimin, arms caging around his shoulders. “You know my eyes are always on you. Even when I try not to."

Jimin shuts his eyes tight and whines in a way that nearly breaks Yoongi's resolve.

"Jimin. Is this ok, am I reading this wrong?” He asks to be sure.

Jimin sucks in a deep breath and Yoongi can hear Jimin shake his head but can’t be sure if it’s yes or no.

“Words Jiminie, I can’t see you.”

“No… no not — not wrong.” Jimin stutters.

“Can I kiss you?” Yoongi asks barely thinking clearly now.

“Please.” Jimin whispers.

“Yeah,” Yoongi breathes out leaning in to press his lips to Jimin’s, who parts them so easily for him, it almost makes him groan. Jimin’s soft tongue prods out curiously to meet his and Yoongi takes the invitation like a starving man. He slides his hand up Jimin's side, thumb grazing Jimin's nipple which coaxes the most intoxicating moan Yoongi has ever heard escape from Jimin’s lips. “Fuck, that’s so hot.”

Jimin whimpers and Yoongi wonders how he’s going to survive the night.

“This ok?” Yoongi checks in.

“Yeah,” Jimin sighs.

Yoongi goes for his neck so they can catch their breaths, kissing lightly down the column of his neck to his collar bone, then back up to his jaw. He takes Jimin’s earlobe into his mouth which pulls another moan and curse from Jimin.

“Hyung,” Jimin whines, bucking up into Yoongi to gain some friction.

Yoongi hisses and grabs Jimin’s waist to hold him still and settles himself to Jimin’s side. He turns them both on their sides so Yoongi’s arms can get a break. Jimin takes the opportunity to snake his hand around Yoongi’s waist and under the hem of his shirt. Yoongi knows they need to slow down, calm down they can’t actually do anything tonight, but it’s like Jimin has lit a fire under his skin that can only be tamed by touch.

Jimin's leg wraps around Yoongi's and he presses another desperate kiss to Yoongi's mouth.

"Fuck, you're so good at that, hyung," Jimin pants.

Yoongi pulls back with a chuckle and hums in appreciation. "You're not so bad yourself." He brushes a hand through Jimin's soft hair. "Everything still ok?"

"Yeah, it's nice. I… I'm happy. Are you ok? I wasn't too much?"

Too much, Yoongi thinks. How does Jimin ever think he's too much? If he only knew the years Yoongi pushed his attraction to Jimin away. The years of loathing himself for wanting someone he couldn't have. Those conversations will come in time though, for now he just wants to enjoy the moment without scaring Jimin away.

"You're never too much, Jimin."

"Hyuuuung," Jimin whines. "Stop being so nice."

"Don't worry, I'll tease you mercilessly after tomorrow."

Jimin giggles swatting at Yoongi's chest which causes Yoongi's own laugh to bubble up. He lays back onto his back, unable to keep the grin from his face. He exhales contentedly and wraps his arm around Jimin's back, pulling him into his side. Jimin curls up beside him, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapping a leg around Yoongi's.

They eventually pass out like that, legs intertwined and blankets askew. It's a bit warm like this, but Yoongi doesn't mind.

—

Despite the late night, Yoongi still wakes early with he sunrise and is greeted with a glowing face bathed in morning sunlight. Jimin truly looks ethereal like this and Yoongi smiles almost wondering if this is a dream, unable to believe what had happened the night before if it weren’t for their entire bodies wrapped around each other now. Jimin scrunches his nose and moans softly in his sleep. It’s so endearing Yoongi thinks he could combust from how cute he is. His brain hasn’t quite caught up on how they got from point A to point Z in the course of one night but he doesn’t regret it for a moment.

The only thing he regrets is that his arm is feeling a bit tingly and he needs to use the bathroom which requires possibly waking Jimin if he moves too suddenly. He extracts his arm slowly and untangles his legs, successfully avoiding waking Jimin, but as soon as he gets out of the bed he hears Jimin’s soft whisper.

“Hyung?”

“It’s ok Jimin-ah go back to sleep. I’ll be right back.”

“Too bright.” Jimin mumbles.

Yoongi huffs a laugh and closes one of the blackout curtains to block the sun from shining into Jimin’s eyes.

After washing his face, and brushing his teeth, Yoongi makes a quick cup of coffee and then fishes his laptop and headphones out of his overnight bag before crawling back into bed. He snakes his legs back under the bunched up covers and leans up against the headboard as Jimin sleeps soundly at his side. As he stares down, he almost has the urge to brush Jimin’s sleep flushed cheek, but decides that might be creepy. Instead, he opens the music program on his laptop and slides his headphones over his ears. He's finishing the final details of his submission for the title track review.

It’s about two hours later when he feels Jimin stir beside him. He slips his headphones off as Jimin stretches out like a cat. “Morning.”

“Morning. Why are you up so early?” Jimin asks.

“Working on my version of ‘Life Goes On’ for submissions. Wanna hear it?”

Jimin’s face lights up and he nods pushing himself up to a sitting position squishing himself into Yoongi’s side, leaning his head on his shoulder. Yoongi unplugs the headphones and makes a couple adjustments before hitting play on the track.

At the end he looks over at Jimin and realizes the boy has tears in his eyes threatening to spill over.

“It’s beautiful Hyung.” Jimin is quiet for several minutes just staring out the half of the window that is still open. “This is all so unfair. I really miss our fans.”

Yoongi’s heart squeezes and he wishes he could take this pain away from Jimin, but he feels it too. “Yeah, me too.”

After a little more time, Yoongi sighs and closes the laptop. "I better get back to the camper before the others wake up."

Jimin had been dozing off again and whines in protest as Yoongi peels the blanket back to slide out of the bed. After putting the laptop and headphones back into his bag he props it on the bed to zip it, noticing Jimin is now clinging to Yoongi's pillow. He leans over and plants a small kiss to Jimin's forehead, pulling the blanket up over Jimin's shoulders. It should be awkward between them, but it's not at all, it's like something that's always been there, just uncovered.

"I'm gonna turn the camera back on when I leave ok?"

"Mkay…" Jimin mumbles and pulls the blanket up over his head.

—

Later that night, Jimin is in Yoongi's trailer listening to more of Yoongi's tracks he's making for his mixtape. Yoongi even shows Jimin a couple more demos of songs he would like to work on for the members, especially one he made for Jimin, which makes Jimin blush in a really satisfying way. And Yoongi finds himself wishing for about the 100th time that day, that they weren't surrounded by tons of cameras or around all the others. These last 10 hours have been a bigger test of his patience than the entire bet has been this week.

As if reading his mind, Jimin looks up and asks, "Do you think it will be too warm sleeping here tonight?"

Yoongi chuckles and hits pause on his laptop and sets his headphones on the table. He motions for Jimin to stand so he can slide out of the booth and promptly turns off the camera and locks the trailer door.

When he turns around Jimin is still standing but he's got a smirk on his face and he licks his lips glancing down at Yoongi's mouth. And suddenly Yoongi can't help but crowd into his space, crashing their mouths together in the way he'd been thinking about all day.

Jimin melts fully into him gripping desperately at Yoongi's waist, pulling Yoongi as close to him as he can. Yoongi instinctually slides his hands up the sides of Jimin's beautiful neck and around to the back of Jimin's head, pulling gently so their mouths can slot together, which elicits a wonderful moan from Jimin.

Jimin pulls back muttering, "Fuck. I'm an idiot." A breathy laugh escaping as Jimin closes his eyes.

"You're my idiot," Yoongi teases.

Jimin squints at him with an accusing look. "That's against the rules."

"Ok hall monitor, Jimin. You going to tell Taehyung then?"

Jimin pouts. "You were the hall monitor, not me."

Yoongi smirks at this. "Mmm guess that's why we 're so much alike, huh… you would've had everyone wrapped around your finger at school."

Jimin scrunches his face up. "Let's not talk about school under these circumstances."

"Mmkay…" Yoongi mumbles leaning back in for a slower, softer kiss, bringing his arms down to wrap around Jimin's waist.

After a bit Jimin pulls back again to catch his breath and leans his forehead against Yoongi's. "We are gonna be in so much trouble."

"Hey," Yoongi says cupping Jimin's cheek. "We're gonna be ok. We'll figure this out."

"How are you so calm about this? I'm freaking out, Hyung."

"I've had a lot of time to think about it," Yoongi admits. He's not sure if it's the right thing to say. Maybe it's too soon to admit and he can't bring himself to look Jimin in the eyes, but he rubs his thumb in circles along Jimin's neck in a soothing gesture, both for himself and Jimin. "Anyway, as much as I would love to join you, I should probably sleep here tonight. We can figure out something when we get back home."

"Maybe getting our own places wasn't such a bad idea after all," Jimin mumbles and Yoongi huffs a laugh, shoulders shaking.

—

SUNDAY

Yoongi wakes early again but lays quietly in bed, scrolling through his phone. He's too sluggish this morning to go make coffee in the kitchen, so he pulls the cold brew can from the mini fridge in the camper and cracks it open He crawls back into the bed and pulls a game up on his phone to pass the time. It's their final morning there and he wishes he and Jimin had a little more time to just exist, but, he knows they'll find a way to find some time when they get back.

After a couple of hours, Yoongi can feel the humidity int he camper starting to rise and he's starting to feel sticky, so he decides to get up and take a shower before they have to start packing and cleaning up to go home.

When he steps into the house, the sliding door to Jimin's room is still closed. Yoongi knows Jimin is still asleep. He's never been a morning person in the years they've known each other and it makes Yoongi smile imagining him wrapped up in his blanket burrito. It's tempting to go in and curl up next to Jimin, but Yoongi knows all the cameras are rolling by this time, so he proceeds to the bathroom to wash up instead.

—

Yoongi finishes packing his things and heads back to the kitchen where he can see several members and staff are gathered around the kitchen and patio, preparing for lunch, talking about the route home and the nice clear weather for the day. After a short while the sliding barn door opens and Jimin shuffles out with his hair sticking up in all directions.

"Good morning sleepy," Yoongi says, tousling Jimin's hair even more.

"Mmm morning, Hyung," Jimin says, voice thick and gravely with sleep.

"Sleep ok?" Yoongi asks.

Jimin shrugs, rubbing his hands over his face. It's cute and Yoongi finds himself resisting the urge to pull him in closer. Instead, he settles for resting a hand on Jimin's shoulder where he knows it's safe, giving it a firm squeeze.

Jimin grabs a bottle of water from the counter and twists it open, taking large gulps, nearly finishing half the bottle in one go.

"Smells good in here," Jimin mumbles watching the several staff members are preparing lunch, chopping vegetable and mixing the sauces.

"Go wash up. Lunch will be ready soon," Yoongi says.

Jimin nods and covers a yawn. He grabs the water bottle and takes it with him back to his room, coming out with a change of clothes a few moments later and heads down the hallway to the bathroom.

—

Once the table is set, Jimin joins them plopping down beside Yoongi like it's second nature. He's dressed in all black with a black bucket hat, and it's almost funny how much they dress alike these days. He's surprised the members don't tease them about their couples outfits like they have so many times in the past, but it's for the better, because Yoongi isn't sure he'd be able to hold a blush back or keep a straight face today.

"Hyung, why did you dry your hair outside the door this morning?" Jimin asks.

"Oh, sorry the plug in the bathroom wasn't working. Did I wake you?"

Jimin nods. "It's ok though. I was just curious."

Yoongi dishes some chicken out to Jimin who eats quietly as the members all talk among each other about their week. Yoongi give's Jimin's knee a squeeze and leans in close. "Everything ok?"

Jimin gives him a soft smile and nods, scooping some rice into his bowl to mix with the soup. And it warms Yoongi's heart to see him eat so well.

—

After Yoongi finishes packing his things, he brings them over to the house to drop them inside Jimin's room. They still have a couple hours before they hit the road. All the cameras have been taken down from inside the houses, and only 2 camera crew members filming from the exterior. Yoongi doesn't expect Jimin to be there since several of the others are out playing around at the main house, but he's greeted with Jimin's warm smile and naked torso as he slides the bedroom door open. He can't help his eyes being drawn to Jimin's pretty Nevermind tattoo before he realizes what he's doing.

"I thought you'd be with the others," Yoongi says. He unzips his backpack and pulls a book from the front pocket.

"I was, but I had to change, they got my clothes all soaked," Jimin says holding up the wet shirt and pants he'd had on earlier. "Can you hand me the striped shirt from my suitcase, Hyung?"

Yoongi unzips the suitcase, laying it flat on the floor. The bag is sparse and tidy, clothes on one side, jackets and accessories on the other. His pants and shirts are rolled neatly in a row, so Yoongi spots it quickly, pulling it out of the bag.

When Yoongi stands up and turns around, Jimin is right behind him a playful smirk pulling at his mouth. Before Yoongi can even ask 'What?' Jimin is crowding into his space , taking the shirt from Yoongi's hand and tossing it to the bed before pressing his mouth to Yoongi's. Yoongi gasps into the kiss, his hands finding purchase on the bare skin of Jimin's waist. It only lasts a moment but it has Yoongi's head spinning.

Jimin pulls back and sighs. "I couldn't wait until we got home."

Yoongi chuckles. "I'm certainly not complaining," he mumbles.

Suddenly there's a sound of feet shuffling and a gasp. Yoongi looks up over Jimin's shoulder and realizes he never closed the bedroom door. In the frame stands Taehyung, mouth covered in shock.

"Oh my god, is this why you guys have been getting along so well?"

They jump apart like they haven't already been found out, and Jimin quickly grabs his shirt, tossing it over his head.

Yoongi can't seem to get his mouth to work at all, frozen in disbelief. How are they going to explain this to the others? What if one of the staff would've caught them? How did they not hear the door open?

"Tae," Jimin says, "It's not…"

"Don't you dare lie and say it's not what it looks like. You were shirtless and you looked like you were going to devour him," Tae says pointing at Yoongi.

Yoongi can feel a hot blush creeping up his face. "Tae we…" He tries desperately to get his brain to catch up. What can he even say that will explain what's happened between them the last couple days?

"No, I wanna here it from him," Tae says sternly. "I can't believe my best friend kept this from me."

"I will," Jimin promises. "When we get home, I'll tell you everything." Jimin glances nervously at Yoongi for approval.

Yoongi nods, knowing it would have gotten out at some point anyway and he knows Taehyung will not let this go.

"I think this means, our bet is forfeit," Taehyung says.

"That's not how this works!" Jimin protests.

"Shall I ask the other members for their opinion?" Tae asks.

Jimin scoffs. "You wouldn't! That's blackmail!"

Tae just grins at them both with his boxy smile.

"Fine, but you know in your heart that you lost fair and square," Jimin pouts.

Tae shrugs and smiles smugly at them both before turning and leaving without ever mentioning what he'd come for in the first place.

"I'm going to wait until he falls asleep tonight and post the most embarrassing photo of him I can find," Jimin says with a huff.

Yoongi laughs, deeply at this, feeling his shoulders shake. "Text me before you do, so I can reply right away."

Jimin smiles then exhales. "That was too close," Jimin says.

"Yeah," Yoongi agrees.

"We have to be more careful, you know?"

"I know," Yoongi says brushing his thumb along Jimin's cheek.