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LA went really well, except for some things that really fucking hadn't, and now they're back in Seoul and Jimin is lonely again. Still lonely.
It seems stupid to say that, because he's surrounded by people he loves, is doing his favorite things in the world with his favorite people, and has only spent a handful of nights alone since getting home from LA. And those nights he doesn't sleep anyway, just watches TV and plays video games until he can conceivably go to someone's studio and nap on their couch. Usually Hobi, because he's always up so early these days.
Today he's supposed to dance with Taemin hyung, but hyung takes one look at him and bundles him up and takes him home and put him in his own bed that smelled like popcorn and chocolate. Once Jimin is properly awake, many hours later, he finds there are popcorn kernels stuck to him, and a wrapper for a chocolate bar under the pillow he had been using.
Hyung gives him a lecture and a too big meal and makes him eat every bite and drink some soju before he asks about it.
"My apartment is too empty," Jimin says, looking hyung in the eyes so it seems like he's telling the truth.
Hyung doesn't buy it. Jimin had known there had only been a fifty fifty chance based on what hyung was thinking about.
"Sure," hyung says finally. "I should let it go or I should ask for the truth?"
"It really is," says Jimin hurriedly. "It's hard, I don't want to be alone."
"I still don't either," hyung says. "I hope it doesn't last this long for you."
Jimin doesn't tell hyung that it's not because he doesn't feel safe and wants someone with him to protect him (mostly not), but because he... He...
He hadn't really enjoyed buying his own apartment and living alone either, and though it's been almost ten years, it still feels wrong to come home to emptiness and solitude, however much he'd needed then. And still sometimes needs it now. Needs it but doesn't want it.
"I hate it," Jimin murmurs, and doesn't turn away when he drinks his soju.
Hyung hesitates for a moment, then says, "Come with me," and takes Jimin's hand, leads him to the door. Jimin is confused about what's happening until the lock beeps, and then hyung has registered his fingerprint with his door.
"Come anytime. Every time," hyung says earnestly, and Jimin feels his eyes fill with tears.
"Hyung," he manages, and Taemin hyung pulls him into his arms, holds him tightly.
"Maybe it'll be easier to be alone here," hyung says quietly, and Jimin's stomach hurts with feelings he can't and doesn't want to put a name to.