Chapter Text
It was late in the evening, everything winding down and people returning back home. The summer heat finally cooled for the day, not sweltering everyone outside. Jimin closed the back door to the studio he worked in, locking the building for the next day. He sighed out loud while putting his book bag on his back. It had been an especially long day and he couldn’t wait to go home and sleep off the exhaustion. With his bed in mind, the peach haired boy walked down the alleyway to go home. He was almost out when he heard a faint grunt behind him. Jimin turned around to see a person leaning against the concrete wall. The person looked to be in pain and being the angel that he is, Jimin walked over to the stranger.
“Hey are you okay?”
The closer he got the more noticeable the electric blue hair was. The stranger glanced up at him and nodded, “I’m okay just go on.” Though he said that Jimin noticed the cuts and bruises forming on his face and hands. He frowned slightly, “But your face—”
He stopped talking when he heard distant running.
“Shit.” The stranger cursed before grabbing onto Jimin’s hand.
“ Wait— ”
“C’mon!”
The pair started running and Jimin could hear some men shouting after them. He looked behind him seeing at least four thugs chasing them. A sudden spike of fear festered in him and his flight instincts took control. He picked up his pace, pulling the stranger left, “Follow me!”
They ran faster down the streets, cutting through alleyways and people before coming to the safest place Jimin could think of. He quickly opened the building’s door and dragged the blue haired boy inside. They both crouched down, heaving as they listened for the thugs. After two minutes of silence, the pair looked at each other and finally let out a deep breath.
They stayed there for another minute before Jimin pulled himself to stand up. He looked down at the stranger, seeing his wounds in better light. The guy could use some bandaids.
Oh god I’m really about to do this.
“Ok let’s go.”
The boy snapped his head up, big eyes widening even more. “I’m sorry?”
“C’mon, my apartment’s three floors up.”
“Y-You’re inviting me into your home?”
Jimin shrugged, “You need some first aid and I have a kit in my bathroom.”
The other male stood up, and Jimin realized he was a few centimeters taller. “So you’re inviting a stranger to your house because he’s a little banged up?”
Jimin looked up at him and smiled, “My name’s Jimin, what’s yours?”
“... Taehyung, but I don’t see your point—”
“Ok, Taehyung! See we’re on a first name basis! Not strangers anymore. Now c’mon let’s go,” The shorter male grabbed the other’s wrist and pulled him into the elevator.
“This is crazy, you’re crazy.”
You’re telling me.
The ride up the elevator was silent and maybe awkward, but the shorter male thought nothing of it. Once they reached the third floor, the shorter male lead the way to his apartment. He pulled out his keys, unlocked the door, and glanced over at the other sheepishly, “Sorry if it looks a mess.”
Taehyung shook his head, “My opinion shouldn’t matter.”
“Eh, I guess,” with that Jimin opened the door. His apartment was a small one. A one bedroom with a small kitchen, a nice sized bathroom with a tub, and an almost furnished living room (he was working on it, just one more couch and he’d be set).
Jimin maneuvered Taehyung to sit on the couch while he jogged over to the bathroom to get the first aid kit. When he came back, the bluenette was sitting at the end of the couch, legs pushed to each other with his hands squished between them to make himself small, and Jimin couldn’t help but think the position was cute. Please brain not right now.
Jimin sat on the coffee table across from Taehyung, the first aid kit on his lap. Taehyung still stared at him with wide concerning eyes, “I can’t believe you invited a stranger into your home.”
“Well considering how adamant you are about being invited I can infer you’re not a bad person.” Jimin responded back instantly. Taehyung glanced to the side, “Still…”
“Ok then, how about we talk about ourselves while I patch you up, so we’re not strangers. Would that settle you?”
“Uh, ok?”
“Ok,” Jimin opened the kit, eyeing at the disinfectants, “Full name and birthday, go.”
“Kim Taehyung,” he flinched as the other dabbed a cut on his hand, “December 30, 1995.”
“Park Jimin, October 13, 1995.” He smiled at the younger, “I guess we’re same age friends then, huh?”
“Yeah I guess… any hobbies?”
Jimin hummed thoughtfully as he spread ointment on the bruised knuckles, “Dancing mostly, I sometimes sing but it’s more for fun than anything else.”
“Oh.” Taehyung spoke softly and Jimin looked at him expectantly, “I like drawing and uh, the saxophone.”
“Fancy,” Jimin raised his hand to the bruised cheek, “Anything else?”
“Uhm,” while Taehyung contemplated what to say next, Jimin let himself inspect the male in front of him. He really did have a pretty face even with it banged up like it was, his nose straight with big eyes that definitely could hold the galaxy in them. Jimin please now is not the time for that .
“I sometimes sing too… but not that often, only with my friend.” Taehyung eventually let out.
“Hey that’s cool,” Jimin started working on the bruised cheek, “So you wanna tell me why you got beat up?”
“ I didn’t get beat up. ” The younger’s voice was laced with indignance, “They were messing with some kid and I stepped in. I got a couple of hits on a few of them!”
“Oh look our own friendly neighborhood hero.”
“Hey don’t do me like that.”
Jimin laughed, surprised how naturally they bantered. He quietly placed a bandage on Taehyung face, smiling cheekily, “I’m assuming your ribs are beat up too since you were holding them, but I’m sure you don’t want to strip for me.”
Taehyung blushed, “Yeah no thank you when you put it like that.” Jimin chuckled at the reaction, “Sure sure. I’ll give you some cold peas or something as an ice pack.”
“They’ll thaw before I even get home don’t worry about it.”
“What do you mean go home?”
Taehyung looked at him with raised eyebrows, “What do you mean, ‘what do you mean’?”
“You can’t walk around tonight, you’re hurt and those thugs are still out there.”
“Yo…” Taehyung paused, “You’re fucking crazy.”
Jimin laughed, “Honestly, you’re right but my conscious wouldn’t be okay with letting you go home right now.” Taehyung was about to refuse but Jimin walked over, grabbing his hand and dragging him to his room, “Welcome to your temporary room!”
“This is kidnap, you’re kidnapping me.”
“Oh, would you stop it and go to sleep!!”
The blue haired male pouted slightly, reluctantly walking over to the bed. With a huff he sat on the bed and crossed his arms while glaring at the other, “ Happy sir .”
All Jimin did was smile, voice full of mirth, “Very, now goodnight.”
“.... Goodnight.”
With that Jimin walked out, closing the door behind him. Nothing about this night truly processed in his mind. Not while he was grabbing extra blankets and a pillow from his hallway closet. Not as he laid the blankets down on his couch and placed himself on top. Not even when he let himself scroll through social media.
No, it only hit when he locked his phone and got more comfortable, letting his eyes closed and silence played in the air for a solid 4 seconds.
His eyes snapped open and he sat up at lightning speed. “What the fuck?!” He whisper screamed. I just invited a stranger into my home oh my fucking god what if he kills me in my sleep!!!!
Jimin took a deep breath. He couldn’t suddenly change his mind and kick Taehyung out. He’s not cruel. The dancer laid back down. The day had been a long one and all this stress was starting to weigh him down.
Jimin decided to deal with this shit in the morning.
---
When Jimin opened his eyes, it felt like another ordinary day. But then images of last night reappeared in his mind and he gulped nervously.
Shit that really happened.
He glanced at his phone and saw that it was 8am. He had work at ten so he had to wake Taehyung up. He didn’t want to necessarily kick him out but he's a stranger he can’t just leave him here unattended. The male seemed like a nice person but looks can be deceiving. He pushed himself off the couch and walked towards the room. He expected to see the blue haired male asleep but to his surprise, the bed was empty.
Jimin walked around the apartment to double check and yup, Taehyung was gone. Everything was left just how Jimin remembered. At least he didn’t steal from me .
The peach haired male decided to just pretend the night before was a strange fever dream and not think about it anymore. So, he went about his day like usual. Got dressed, walked to the bakery for his breakfast, greeted all his co-workers, and got to work.
He really enjoyed his job as a dance teacher. He was still young, but his boss saw his potential and encouraged him to teach, which Jimin was forever grateful for. He taught young kids, ages ranging from five to ten years old. And he loved it so much. He loved the gleam in the children’s eyes when they got a move right, or the excitement of trying a new routine. He felt proud whenever he would see his student progress, especially the ones who usually struggled. Seeing how dance could bring so much joy made Jimin happy he chose to walk this path in his life.
When Jimin finally noticed the time, his shift was ending. “Ah, the time passed me!” He waved to his co-workers and some of the kids floating around the studio before heading home. His gaze fell to the alleyway, his mind thinking about Taehyung. He shook his head. No no stop it.
Nothing eventful happened on his walk home, taking the elevator like usual. It’s when he exited the elevator that something feels wrong. Quietly, he went to his front door, only for it to be cracked open. He knew for a fact he locked it leaving that morning and suddenly a spike of fear ran through him. Swallowing his nerves, he pushed the door open to gape at his apartment.
It was completely trashed. His coffee table and couches were pushed over, his lamps were broken on the floor, his closets were opened and messy, everything was an utter mess. It didn’t seem like anyone was there but Jimin had to make sure. He cautiously walked around the broken glass, pushing open his bedroom door. He didn’t even get a chance to access the area when someone slammed him against the door. Jimin screamed, shutting his eyes waiting for an attack when a familiar voice shouted, “Jimin!!”
The peached hair male peeked up to see Taehyung in front of him. "T-Taehyung?! What are you doing here?! Did you do this?!" Taehyung shook his head, "No it was those people from yesterday. I had a feeling they would come back so I came to check on you but you weren't here. I got worried for you."
“I-I was at work.” Jimin took in his destroyed room, “What the hell…”
“It’s because you helped me. You’re not safe here right now.”
“I’m not?”
“They’ll come back again, this was just a message.”
“A message- wait slow down what are you doing?” Jimin watched incredulously as Taehyung grabbed a gym bag from the floor and started putting random clothes from his drawers inside. “I’m packing you a bag we have to be quick so they don’t catch us.”
“What?!”
Taehyung sighed, slumping to let his arms dangle before turning to Jimin with a serious look. “Jimin I have to take you with me or else you will get hurt. I’ll explain anything and everything when we’re at my place but could you please pick some stuff you want to take with you.”
The older of the two stood there in shock for a few seconds before silently nodding, pushing himself to grab things he needed. They were finished in less than 15 minutes and were out the door, not without Jimin looking at his ruined apartment in pain.
The bluenette put a hand on his shoulder, “I’m sorry Jimin-ah but we have to go.” The two walked a few blocks before boarding a bus. “How long are we riding the bus?” Jimin asked.
“20 minutes and then we’ll walk from there.”
“Do you live in an apartment?”
“No, it’s a house.”
“Is it nice and fancy?”
Taehyung chuckled nervously, “It’s uh, big .”
“With your family?”
“Oh I don’t live with my parents anymore, not for a while.”
Jimin nodded, “Ah you have roommates then got it.”
“Yeahhhh, roommates.”
The rest of the bus ride was quiet after that. Jimin needed some time to process this far into the situation and Taehyung let him. He only spoke to him when it was time to get off at their stop. From there they walked and the further the two walked, the further from the city they were. Jimin started to feel uncomfortable noticing how far out they were, “Taehyung? Are we almost there?”
“Yeah it’s right up this hill.” When they reached the top of the hill, Jimin could only stare.
Ok, Taehyung’s home was not a house. It was a fucking warehouse. Nobody lived in a warehouse just for the hell of it.
Jimin stared at the place cautiously, “Taehyung… where the hell are we?” Taehyung’s grin made him feel even more alarmed, Oh hell no .
“Welcome to Bangtan!”
Shit .
“B-Bangtan- LIKE THE GANG?!”
“Oh you know us?”
“What the fuck who doesn’t?!”
Bangtan, the most notorious gang in Seoul, Korea. It controlled many territories and had so many members, of course everyone would know them. It never occurred to Jimin that Taehyung would be apart of this organization. The guy just seemed too nice for that.
“Did you bring me to help me or to my death??”
Taehyung scoffed flippantly, “That’s offensive I wouldn’t do that to you.” He grabbed the other’s hand, dragging him inside by force, “You’ll like here.”
I’m going to DIE.
When the two entered, Jimin was prepared to see thugs lurking around or doing something illegal like– like gambling or whatever. No, instead they were met with a tall male who didn’t seem much older than him with dusty purple hair, plump lips and soft skin. Said person was glaring at the two, well at Taehyung. Jimin watches in confused awe as the stranger grabs Taehyung by the ear and commits to giving him a big scolding.
“Look at you! Getting beat up and then dragging someone into this mess!” The male looked over at Jimin apologetically, “I’m sorry for this, please forgive this idiot.”
“Ow ok hyung please let me goooo,” Taehyung whined, holding his ear when the person finally let him go. The purple haired male gave a deep sigh, pausing before turning back to Jimin, “Hi sorry you had to see that, what a terrible first impression. My name is Seokjin but you can call me Jin, or hyung it really doesn’t matter to me.”
“J-Jimin.”
Seokjin smiled, “Well Jimin welcome to our humble abode. Sorry we had to meet under these circumstances but things play out how they want.”
Jimin was at a loss, “Uh, yeah unfortunate…”
“Taehyung texted me about what happened to your place but we’re going to have to speak to the boss about what to do.”
Taehyung perked at that, “Oh! That’s a smart idea.”
Hearing the word boss made Jimin sweat. His imagination was already running wild on what the boss could look like. Old and mean. “W-we have to??”
Seokjin seemed to sense his reluctance and shook his head, “Oh Jimin there’s nothing to be worried about! C’mon let’s go so you can see for yourself.”
They walked down a few corridors before coming to a big black door that had the Bangtan logo on it. It made Jimin sweat. Seokjin didn’t give him a chance to prep before opening the door. Jimin’s mind began to run wild again. Old and mean old and mean old and— young?
At the main desk, that was scattered with paperwork, was a very young male with platinum blonde hair. Jimin was shook . Said platinum blonde looked up from what he was reading, “Oh babe, Taehyung-ah.” His eyes fixed on Jimin instantly, “Who’s this?”
Jimin was still stuck on the babe part when Seokjin waltzed in like he owned the place and situated himself on the boss’ side. Oh. Jimin understood then. Taehyung pulled him further in, “This is Jimin and he’s in need of some help.”
“Oh?” The boss stares at Jimin curiously, “I’m Kim Namjoon, leader of Bangtan. What do you need help with?”
“U-Uh well…”
“Ask Taehyung,” Seokjin says pointedly. That seemed to make Namjoon grimace, “What did you do Tae?”
And so Taehyung explained just what happened, all while trying to defend himself. Namjoon says nothing throughout the whole explanation, keeping neutral while Seokjin rolled his eyes and Jimin looks down in shame of the whole situation. Namjoon stared at the bluenette after hearing everything in exasperation, “Really Tae, really?”
“Hey he insisted I go to his place. I was basically kidnapped for a night!”
“You little sh- ya know what get jumped again and see if I help you!!” The shocked betrayal coming from Jimin’s face made Seokjin chuckle to himself.
Namjoon sighed, “It doesn’t matter whose fault it is, what matters is that Jimin stays safe,” He stared at said male, “You can stay here with us while we secure your neighborhood. It’ll take a little while but it’s the best I can give you. Taehyung will watch you and help you acclimate anyway that he can.”
This whole fiasco was giving him whiplash and a small tension headache but because he was being given such strangely placed hospitality he simply replied, “O-Okay.”
Namjoon smiled, and Jimin was surprised how deep his dimples were. It made him look so young and soft, you’d forget he’s the leader of a gang. More whiplash commenced. “I promise we’re not that bad Jimin you’ll fit right in.”
Jimin returned the smile, bowing quickly in thanks, “Thank you for your help Namjoon-ssi.”
Seokjin rolled his eyes, “Please if you’re going to be here for a while you might as well get comfortable.”
The platinum blonde laughed, “Yeah hyung is just fine!”
When they finally finished their meeting the door opened. A male, who looked about the same height as Jimin, with silver hair and cat-like eyes walked in. “Hey I finished my rounds. Nothing to report from the underlings.”
“Yoongi hyung!!!” Taehyung was quick to tackle the shorter male, “We have a temporary guest!”
Yoongi managed to right himself, scanning the room when his eyes met Jimin’s. “Guest?”
“Yeah Taehyung being Taehyung got into some trouble so Jimin here helped out but had to face the consequences. He’ll be with us for a while.”
Jimin waved shyly, “Hi, I’m Jimin.”
“I’ve gathered,” he gently removed Taehyung off him before waving back, “Yoongi.” The silver haired male turned to Taehyung with an unimpressed look, before suddenly flicking the younger on the forehead.
“AH!” Taehyung squatted pressing a hand to his forehead, “Hyung!!”
“That’s what you get.”
“Jin hyung already hit me. I don’t deserve this treatment.”
“Yes you do.”
Jimin had to stop the snicker from coming out but Taehyung noticed anyway, glaring at him. “I hate you Jimin-ah.” Jimin wasn’t even phased by the name, “I hate you too Tae-ah.”
“Well I’m going home, I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Taehyung sprung up, “Can me and Jimin come?! He can meet Hobi hyung and Kookie!”
Yoongi sighed, pinching his nose with his fingers, “Please don't be loud with Kook, I want to sleep.”
“Promise!” Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand (this was starting to feel like a thing), “C’mon Jiminie.” Jimin followed along before turning back to Seokjin and Namjoon, “Uh bye for now!”
“See you around Jimin,” Seokjin waved them off. When the door closed, he turned to Namjoon, “I think he’s going to fit in, surprisingly.”
Namjoon nodded, “I think so too.”
The purpled haired male turned the other’s chair before sitting in his lap, voice silky smooth, “Are you done for the night?”
“Pretty much,” Namjoon wrapped an arm around his waist staring expectantly, “What do you have in mind?”
Seokjin just smiled.
---
Taehyung was buzzing in the back seat next to Jimin as they rode with Yoongi to his house. It confused him slightly, especially when Taehyung kept chanting, “ Hobi Hyung Hobi Hyung Hobi Hyung. ”
“We’re here.” Yoongi announced as he pulled over. Here was a flower shop, the outside decorated with bright colors and a sign that read ‘Hope World.’ The shop had a closed sign hanging but Yoongi unlocked the front door before pushing it open. “I’m home!”
A light from the back turned on and rapid footsteps followed. “ Hyung! ” A boy with wavy black hair came barreling through the back doorway. His round eyes sparkled when he saw Taehyung, “And Hyungie!”
“Hey Jungkook!” Taehyung waved.
Yoongi could already see his peaceful night leaving, “Hey Kook we have guests so don’t go all crazy tonight please.”
Jungkook seemed confused by that, “Tae hyung isn’t guest-” He finally noticed Jimin standing slightly behind Taehyung. “OH! Hi! Sorry I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s okay, I’m Jimin.”
“I’m Jungkook!”
“Jungie, what’s all the commotion down here?”
Everyone glanced to the doorway, a brunette walking through. He had doe eyes and heart shaped lips and wow everything about him screamed soft to Jimin.
“Hobi hyung we have guests!” Jungkook pointed at Jimin and Taehyung.
“Oh Taetae what a surprise! And who’s your friend?” His eyes met Jimin’s and the smile he received was really bright. “I’m Hoseok.”
“Jimin, I’m going to be around for a bit. Taehyung wanted to introduce me to everyone.”
“Around for a bit?”
Yoongi shook his head, “Let’s talk about it upstairs, yeah?”
“Ok perfect timing we finished dinner and I made a lot,” Hoseok walked over to Yoongi, placing a kiss to his cheek, “Welcome home, by the way.” Yoongi placed a hand on the brunette’s waist before passing him to head upstairs.
Taehyung placed a hand by his lips, whispering to Jimin, “They’re dating.”
“Ohhh.”
“C’mon we made lamb skewers!” Jungkook locked the shop’s door before leading them up the stairs.
Above the flower shop was a humble apartment. Jimin was surprised by the sheer comfort he felt the moment he walked in. There were pictures all around the place, more pastel colors that adorned the curtains and rugs and complimented the soft tan of the walls. Yoongi and Hoseok were in the kitchen grabbing the food. Jungkook led the two over to the dining table, “Take a seat hyungs, I’m going to help them.”
Jimin and Taehyung sat on one side while watching the other three get things together. “They… look like a family.” The older one commented.
“They basically are,” Taehyung smiled softly, “Hoseok hyung and Yoongi hyung have taken care of Jungkook for years now.”
There were a lot of layers to that statement that Jimin wanted to uncover, but he decided now wasn’t the time for that. Jungkook came to the table with plates and chopsticks while Yoongi came with the lamb skewers and rice and Hoseok came with a tray of sides.
“So Jimin,” Hoseok set the sides down, “Tell me your story. Why are you hanging around for a bit?”
“Well considering this was explained three times I’ll give you the shortened version. Taehyung ran into some trouble and I decided to help him. But that had consequences since the thugs that attacked Taehyung broke into my apartment and destroyed everything. So Namjoon-ss-, I mean Namjoon hyung is letting me stay until he figures out what to do.”
Hoseok frowned slightly, “Oh wow I’m sorry to hear that Jimin.”
“It’s ok Hoseok-ssi, things just happen.”
“Hm well two things,” The brunette held up a finger, “One, please don’t be formal. Hobi hyung is just fine,” He held up another one, “And two, why don’t you stay here while your situation is being settled?”
“Huh?”
“Well you’re not a member of Bangtan, Jungkookie and I aren’t either. We’re just affiliated because of Yoongi. Plus the flower shop is a neutral ground, pretty much everyone knows that. This is the safest place for you to be.”
“I-Is that really okay?” Jimin glanced over at Yoongi and Jungkook.
Jungkook nodded vigorously, “I’m ok with it!”
Yoongi shrugged, “We have an extra room. It’s probably best for you since it’s a better environment compared to the base.”
Hoseok nodded along, “Mhm and you can help around the shop so you don’t have to feel indebted.”
Taehyung grinned, “Wow hyung you’re a lifesaver!”
“Yeah thank you.” Jimin couldn’t even begin to describe his gratitude. Hoseok smiled gently, “Of course. And please, drop the formalities we all like being called hyung. Tae-ah call Namjoonie and let him know, ok?”
“Yes sir!” Taehyung stood from his chair, grabbing his phone as he walked away. Yoongi glanced over at Jimin, “I’m assuming you left your stuff at the base so I’ll bring them here tomorrow. For now you can borrow Jungkook’s clothes.”
“Thank you Yoongi-s- ah, Yoongi hyung.”
“Yeah no problem. Welcome to our home Jimin-ah.” Jimin wasn’t prepared for the gummy smile in return. “Let’s eat when Taehyung comes back.”
“Lamb skewers, lamb skewers~”
“Jungkookie please, settle down.”
Jimin smiled at the cute banter happening in front of him. Taehyung finally came back taking his seat next to Jimin.
“Ok let’s eat!”
And this was the start of his new life.