Chapter Text
Yoongi looks at his phone and reads the message sent by Loco again. Fingers tightening around the phone, he sighs. Just when hope started to bloom in his heart, just when things started to look up for him and Jimin there was another threat on their way, another bump in the road. The universe seemed to have deemed that it was necessary to challenge their reunion, challenge the words he had said of this time being different from the rest. It was a challenge for him to show just how much he is willing to do to have Jimin back in his life.
Yoongi knows, the old him would have panicked. The Yoongi from months before, the one who hasn't experienced life without Jimin, would have shrunk down in a corner, unsure of what to do. That Yoongi would have done everything to convince Loco not say anything to another single soul. That Yoongi would have asked Jimin for space, afraid for his career to be gone after everything that he had done to build it up. That Yoongi would've been scared to lose his status, his achievements — not knowing that it all won't matter if he didn't have Jimin in his life.
But it's different this time.
Yoongi knows it in his heart.This time he won't fuck up the chance he had been given, even if it meant dimming the career he had. There was no question about the lengths he would go through just to prove that he loves Jimin, that he deserves another chance to be loved by someone as pure as Jimin.
Yoongi shoves down the phone in his pocket, combing his hair back while he goes down the steps. He walking towards his car. He doesn't go in, but just stands staring at Jimin and Tae's building. With his body leaning on his car, he looks at his phone as he dials Jimin's number. He keeps his eyes trained on the building, it doesn't matter if he doesn't see Jimin from where he was standing. He doesn't even know what Jimin and Tae's unit number is - but that doesn't matter.
After a few rings, Jimin picks up and Yoongi sees one of the lights turn on in one of the windows. Maybe it was just coincidence or maybe it was Jimin — and that thought alone brings a smile to Yoongi's face.
"Hyung?"
"Just making sure you got home safely, baby." Yoongi responds, his eyes lingering on the same spot. The lights yellow, warm — just how he feels at that moment, his heart beginning to hope again, like spring blooming after a harsh winter season.
"Hyung, you dropped me off. We just saw each other a couple of minutes ago," Jimin replies and Yoongi can sense that the younger is smiling as he spoke. His voice, soft and melodic, one that is bringing back all of the fond memories they had.
"I know, but you were still not home. Still not with Tae or in your room—"
"That's just," Jimin sits down on his bed and sighs. He looks out of his window, trying to look for the moon to ground himself in the moment.
The day that he just had flashing back to him, from starting his day with Yoongi, him breaking down, him meeting Yoongi's closest friends, and Yoongi walking him up to his building. It felt like as if his heart can finally beat without that heaviness he had felt for the past few months. It was as if breathing was much easier, similar to coming up for air after diving deep. Just knowing that they are trying again and seeing with his own eyes that this time is much different made him feel that things will be different.
"I mean, you shouldn't be talking when you are driving, hyung. It's dangerous," Jimin reaches out to hug one of his pillows, arms crossed over his chest.
"Who said I'm driving?" Yoongi smiles before he looks down and kicks a stray pebble near him, of course Jimin would've thought that.
"But you already dropped me off? And it's late hyung, you should be on your way home already," Jimin says, clutching the pillow with one hand tightly. His heart beating too fast hearing Yoongi stayed, that Yoongi was still there.
"But my home is where you are at, Jimin-ah. So I'm just staying a few more minutes, to talk to you, to hear your voice, and to say goodnight." Yoongi looks up again at the same window.
Just for a few more minutes, he will stay, he tells himself. Because finally his world, his heart, and his mind seemed a little more peaceful. His mind wasn't filled with thoughts that consumed him until sleep found him. Thoughts that plagued him every waking hour, of how he could have done things differently, of how he could have handled things better, because now, finally, he will get that chance. And he won't let Loco's threats get in the way.
So he will stay there, feet unmoving, for a few more minutes. He wants to keep it that way. Sound, peaceful. light. Even if there is a physical distance between them — he knows their hearts are on its way to reconnecting, that they are slowly piecing back together each part that shattered.
"Hyung," Jimin looks back out to the window, sighs and then smiles. He smiles because he feels the same way.
"Where you are is where my home is." Yoongi repeats again from the other line and Jimin couldn't help but bite his lower lip. Yoongi's words and actions definitely having an effect on him, of helping hope blossom more and slowly the walls he put up to protect his shattered heart are finally going down. Allowing Yoongi to piece it back together.
"Where are you, hyung?"
"Just standing outside, looking up at your building. I think I can see your room from here, with the warm yellow light on."
Jimin stands up, his feet taking him to his window where he has a perfect view of the street below. He remembers where Yoongi parked, but he feels it's just impossible that the idol is there, just out on the street looking up. But he was there, his eyes were not deceiving him or making him imagine things. Yoongi was actually there.
"Hi," Yoongi speaks as he sees the window he was looking up at opening. It was perhaps just three or four floors up, but from where he was standing Yoongi was sure that it was Jimin whom he was seeing looking down at him.
"H-hi," Jimin waves his hand at Yoongi and sees the idol wave back at him. Yet at that moment, it didn't feel like Yoongi was an idol. It didn't feel that what they had, what they were trying to rekindle was impossible.
Yoongi was just Yoongi. And he was just Jimin. Two people who were working on getting back to each other's lives. Two people who had their hearts broken, yet ready to take a leap of faith again.
"I miss you already. But I know you've worked so hard, I know you are tired already." Yoongi tilts his head to the side, yet he keeps his eyes on Jimin just looking back at him. He motions his hand as if saying to Jimin to go back inside.
"Go and rest for now, Jimin-ah. I'll just stay for a few more minutes and then I'll go," Yoongi was quick to add.
"Go now hyung, people might see. People might find it odd that an idol is—"
"Let them see, see how lucky I am to be here staring at someone like you. I told you, it won't be like before. I know I've made a lot of promises before so this time, I will not just say it, I will show you, okay?"
"O-okay, hyung," Jimin responds nodding softly. He might need time to get used to Yoongi's boldness. That this time he won't be hidden, he won't be Yoongi's secret anymore.
"Good night, baby."
"Good night, hyung," Jimin waves again at Yoongi and ends the call. He sees Yoongi wave and nod back at him before he closes his window. The vision of the idol just standing, looking back at him, no mask on, still clear in his mind.
Walking back to his bed, he can't help but look back again at the window, his phone placed near his heart. He hopes this new start will be better, he hopes he won't just end up getting burned again, that what Yoongi is showing will last.
With a few moments to himself, Yoongi stands in silence, just the sound of the city on the background. Alone yet not lonely anymore. Lesser thoughts plaguing his mind and his heart ready to be happy again. He wants to keep it that way, he wants to make things better.
Yoongi exhales deeply. He knows what he needs to do now. He sends three text messages before he drives off to go back to his house. One to his manager, another to Loco, and another to his, Seokjin and Joon's group chat.
Unlike before, he won't hide. He won't let Loco stand between him and Jimin — and he would need his manager and his friend's help. He won't be a coward, for Jimin he will do anything and everything.
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"What do you mean you had a relationship before, Yoongi?" Minho sits right in front of the idol.
Yoongi messaged him the night before asking for them to meet in the company for an urgent matter early the next morning. He had an inkling that Yoongi had someone, that like other idols he might be seeing other idols too or somebody private. Being with Yoongi a lot, he noticed a few things every now and then, but the idol never said anything and he didn't want to pry. He just let the idol be, thinking that perhaps it wasn't a relationship that it was just a mutual understanding. So when Yoongi told him, Minho finds himself caught off guard. He didn't expect Yoongi to admit to him that he was in a relationship before, a serious one at that.
"It is what it is. And the reason why I'm telling you is because I am trying to get him back, hyung." Yoongi leans forward, resting both of his arms on the table, hands clasped together, fingers massaging the bridge of his nose. His talk with Minho should have happened way back, when he started seeing Jimin, when he started to develop feelings for the younger. It was a big mistake in his part to keep it, to not have any ounce of trust in his manager. But now, more than ever, he needs Minho's help. He needs Minho to be on his side.
Minho exhales deeply, massaging the bridge of his nose, mirroring the idol as he takes it all in. Realizations sinking in with each second that passed. First, that Yoongi possibly didn't trust him enough before or that he was so afraid especially of breaking his contract. Second, he feels guilt, in not asking anything and in agreeing to the set up fake dating rumors when Yoongi was with someone. On how he missed the signs, that sad smile Yoongi had just agreeing to it all. And lastly, the need to handle a possible scandal that will drag Yoongi's name and also the person he was seeing.
"Does he know?"
"I haven't told him yet, but I will. I just need to know hyung, will you help me?" Yoongi looks up at Minho.
"I know it must have taken so much from you and for him to keep it under wraps, to—" Minho stops, recalling what Yoongi had said a few moments ago.
"I am trying to get him back, hyung"
And it suddenly clicks, the hiatus, the outbursts from Yoongi before, the day when Yoongi wanted to call it quits. He was sure that those outbursts and breakdown was the idol nursing his broken heart, the person Yoongi was trying to get back was someone special to the idol but he couldn't stop himself from asking.
"Is he worth all of this trouble, Yoongi?" Minho says, and it was automatic. The shift in Yoongi's eyes before shutting them close, the way the idol sat up straight, the long breath the idol took.
"Is he worth all of this trouble, Yoongi?" Yoongi replays the question again and again. For a moment he stayed silent, unmoving while he tries to find the right words to say. Because how can you say in a few words that a single person is the source of your motivation, the driving force behind you in achieving your goals, the person you wants to come home to every night, the one whom gave him comfort and sees him for who he really is.
It simply was no question for him — he would give everything up in a heartbeat for Jimin. And he would do anything to protect Jimin.
"He is. He's more important than what I have now." Yoongi stares back at Minho, his eyes showing nothing but the seriousness of the situation. Loco may or may not say anything, he might take a step back but him saying his truth was needed.
"Okay. Then, let me see how this can be handled. Let me see how we can take care of—"
"If he accepts me, if he lets me be in his world again, I want people to know about us. In our own terms. I want that to be clear, hyung. I don't want it handled by just sweeping it under a rug. I don't want it to just be an open secret here in the agency that never gets out in the public." Yoongi stresses his point further. Making things as clear as he can possibly can. It's not that he didn't want people to know he is with Jimin — it's that he wants to do it in their own terms. His fear is that Loco will say something similar to his accusations the day before, and Jimin doesn't deserve that.
"Yoongi,"
"Hyung, it's your support I need for this. And that is part of what I'm asking for."
"I will see what I can do, give me time and we will talk again soon, especially with your comeback and Jungkook's album launch—" Minho stands, his hands already reaching up to his phone already thinking of who to consult or what he can possibly do together with their PR team.
"Just, try not to cross paths with Loco for now. Don't give him any leverage, just try and ignore him while I find a way to address this in terms you would agree with."
"Thank you, hyung." Yoongi sees Minho nod, and finally Yoongi feels a deep exhale come from his mouth. Slowly, he is unraveling the web he had put up. In his mind before it was his attempt before to protect Jimin, but he knows now it was one he made for himself, for the career he was establishing and not for the younger.
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"So, what are we ordering in for lunch?" Hobi asks as he squeezes in between Tae and Jimin. Tae has told him of what happened two days ago, of Yoongi coming to their office, the two seemingly reconnecting.
"Maybe some dumplings, chicken, and we cook ramen?" Jimin pipes in as he flips through different channels. There was a bit of awkward silence between him and Tae, with their Saturdays spent in their own rooms. He knows Tae, and that soon it will get better. It was all just sinking in for him, and he knows that is the same for Tae. Tae who saw him through it all, and who helped him get back on his two feet.
"Are you a hundred percent sure in giving him a chance again, Chim?" Tae looks at Jimin, sitting nearer to the edge of the sofa. He tried to keep it in, but it was a conversation they needed to have.
"Tae," Hobi squeezes Tae's thigh as if gently reminding him to be more understanding, to be patient. That at the end of it all, it is ultimately Jimin's decision to make, not theirs —never theirs. They are Jimin's friends, his constants but they would never know just how Jimin felt losing his great love and how Jimin is feeling now that they have a chance to rekindle once they once had.
"Taetae, I am. I know," Jimin mutes the TV and puts the remote down to look back at Tae. He knew that they will have the conversation sooner or later. He knows Tae just as much as Tae knows him.
"I know you may not get it, but here," Jimin puts his hand on his chest as he smiles "it's still him that it beats and yearns for. I tried to stop it, I tried to look at other people differently but it doesn't, I don't want anybody else," Jimin relishes at the thought of finally voicing it out. He tried, but it never wanted to beat for anybody else. Regardless of how nice they were they were never Yoongi.
"But Chim, what if—"
"He's trying. It feels, it feels different now Taetae. I am giving him this last chance and I hope you will too, for me please?" Jimin reaches out to Tae's hand with Hobi just looking between the two of them with an understanding face.
"If he hurts you again, if he does what he did before," Tae faces Jimin squeezing the other's hand firmly. Those dark days were still fresh in his memory, of how Jimin cried day in and day out. And how he had overworked himself almost to the brink of extreme fatigue and exhaustion. "I don't know what I would do just to show him he is a foolish he is," Tae adds.
"Taetae," Jimin brushes away a tear that fell from his eye as he squeezes back Tae's hand. Forever grateful to have him and Hobi beside him during his lowest times. He knows just how much his two closest friends love him, and how much he loves them too.
"Look at you two babies," Hobi suddenly speaks, his smile so big seeing tears lining up both Jimin's and Taes eyes. Hobi gets it, the soul connection that the two had, the trust, the love that the two younger ones had for each other. And he feels the same way with the two too, often providing the perspective of an older brother when things get tough. Their group, they weren't just friends, they were beyond that.
Hobi scoots over and wraps his arms around Jimin and Tae, keeping his two babies close he whispers, "Whatever happens, remember we are here for each other. At the end of it all, we just want to see each other happy. So," Hobi leans back and looks at Jimin, eyes scanning the face of the younger.
"If Yoongi makes you happy, if he will be there for you, if he is changing and you decide to really give him a chance, then we will give him a chance too," Jimin nods, the thought making him feel more and more that he made the right decision. And for the next few minutes they stay glued together, just enjoying each other's company, Hobi and Tae seeing a glimpse of a happy Jimin once again. A genuinely happy smile coming from their friend. No more fake smiles or forced laughter. Real laughter coming out from Jimin after hearing Tae's stomach grumble.
"I guess, that's our sign. We need to order some food, so let me check what we can get." Hobi stands up and grabs his phone. He looks through for their options when Jimin gets a message from Yoongi.
"Oh,"
"Everything alright, Chim?" Tae asks seeing Jimin looking at his phone.
"Ju-just Yoongi hyung is downstairs, he said he brought some food and,"
"Good, Taetae's starving and I'm starving." Hobi smiles as he approaches Jimin, locking his phone.
"Taetae, I want to invite him up. Is that okay?" Jimin waits for Tae to answer. The place is both their home, and he wants Tae to be okay before he invites Yoongi. They had a moment there, but he still wanted to make sure.
"Sure," Tae nods once. "Just tell him he has to make sure what he has is delicious and good for four," Tae adds and smiles fondly at Jimin. If Jimin will give Yoongi a chance, then he will try, he will work on being okay with that. Like what Hobi said, he just wants Jimin to be happy again Even if he is still cautious, feeling that history might just repeat itself, for Jimin he will give Yoongi a chance.
"Thank you," Jimin responds, smiling back at Tae and Hobi. Jimin makes his way to the lobby to fetch Yoongi.
"Come in hyung," Jimin opens the main door downstairs.
"I'm just here to drop these off, baby and ask if we can talk quickly. I don't want to bother you and Tae, you two are probably watching a drama or a movie," Yoongi says, remembering how the two liked to unwind together. Almost glued by the hip when they had time off.
"We can do it upstairs, hyung. I would love to introduce Hobi hyung to you. Let's go?" Jimin offers his hand for Yoongi to hold.
Yoongi just looks at Jimin's outstretched hand. Unlike before when Yoongi knows of the code to enter the building and his apartment, when he can just come in Jimin's home, Yoongi knows he had to wait for Jimin's invite. And this time, they are trying to correct things that they didn't do before. He's heard of Hobi from Jimin's stories, and even at times, from Tae's stories.
"If you want me to come, I will baby. I would love to meet people who are special to you." Yoongi smiles and steps inside the building, reaching back out for Jimin's hands.
Yoongi, lets the younger lead the way. If before, he was hesitant to let other people know, even Jimin's other closest friend - he knew that it should be different this time. And seeing Jimin smile back at him as he opened the door and introduced Yoongi to Hobi, he knows that they are both taking steps towards healing.
Jimin was seeing he was trying his best to change, staying true to his words. Small steps that when combined was sending the message he wanted the younger to receive. This was time was different. This time he will make the proper effort.
Sitting beside Jimin, he feels more confident than before to make small gestures. Serving Jimin the food he brought, rubbing his thumb over Jimin's hand while they sat side by side, guiding Jimin's head to lean on his shoulder while they watched a movie with Hobi and Tae.
Yoongi knows how much he had missed out on showing Jimin how important he was. How proud he was to be loved by such a caring and forgiving person. This thought dawns on him making him look more fondly at the younger. Jimin was precious, and what he didn't do in the past he should make up for, a ten fold at that.
"Hyung, everything okay?" Jimin asks when he notices Yoongi just looking at him. And the idol nods "Yeah, just, I'm sorry if I ever made you feel I'm not,"
"It's okay, hyung. I get it. Just," Jimin fixes Yoongi's hair, tucking the stray ones on the back of the idol's ears. The day feeling domestic, feeling like how they used to spend time with each other - but this time much different. It wasn't just the two of them, it was them with two of his closest friends.
"Just, I love you. I love only you, baby" Yoongi and Jimin just looked at each other, staying as close as they can to each other. Memorizing again how their body's felt next to each other's, how their heart felt lighter reuniting with the person they missed the most. At that moment, it felt that they were the only ones in the room. The magnetic pull was still there, and just like that their faces inch up up close to each other until Hobi speaks out loud "Get a room, don't make us singles hate you two,"
"Hyung!" Yoongi hears Jimin shout as the elder buries his face on Jimin's neck, trying his hardest to hide the big smile he has on his face. The pull between them was still as strong, possibly stronger than it was before.
"What?!" Hobi shouts back as he throws a pillow at the two with Tae just rolling his eyes. Jimin starts giggling before running towards Hobi who tried to avoid Jimin's hands. The scene made Yoongi sigh and smile, Jimin sounded happy, looked happier than when they first saw each other after they parted ways. Jimin glowed more, his smile looked more genuine, more real.
Each day, each hour they spend together was helping them get closer again, seal up the cracks in between the broken pieces they had. Each moment they spend together was helping them get back home. A place where he can be with Jimin every day. A place that he didn't know he missed and yearned so much for. Yoongi kept his eye trained on Jimin and Hobi, with Tae eventually joining in. Yoongi prays Jimin will let him stay in his life. That he wouldn't change his mind. Whatever hurdle might come, he hopes this time they will make it through; all the ups and the downs are worth it when they have each other to go back to. Because he knows, he will do everything to stay next to Jimin.
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"Jimin-ah," Yoongi squeezes Jimin's hand to get the younger's attention. He didn't want to overstay, not when things are still up in the air. Each day for him that Jimin welcomes him in his home, in his life is a blessing. One he wishes he can keep.
"Hyung?" Jimin looks up at Yoongi, he had his head resting on Yoongi's shoulder again. After Hobi's teasing and lunch, the four had settled in to a silent afternoon, deciding to watch a movie.
"Can we talk? Just you and me for a bit?" Yoongi fondly moves his thumb over Jimin's hand, rubbing tiny circles on the younger's small hands that perfectly fit his. He knew he had to tell Jimin about Loco, for him protecting Jimin and starting their relationship anew meant not keeping anything between them. That was one of the things that drove them apart, and this time he won't let it be the case again.
Loco's threat might just be that, a threat that will never materialize. A threat said out of spite. But there was also a chance that it can be bigger than that, one that can just break them apart especially with them just building the foundation again of what they once had.
He doesn't want to take any risk, he doesn't want Jimin to be caught in a surprise, much like what happened before. The night when it all disappeared, when he lost everything that made him happy. He knows that when he tells Jimin there's a possibility for the younger to take a step back, to wonder if he made the right decision, to take back his words that of asking him to stay, but he knows that Jimin deserved to know the truth.
"Sure, uhm," Jimin looks around and notices Tae peacefully sleeping, his head resting on the pillow on Hobi's lap. And Hobi seemed to have gone down for an afternoon nap too. "Maybe we can go to my room? I don't want to wake up TaeTae or Hobi hyung. We can just keep the movie playing, like their little white noise."
"Is it okay if we go there? We'll just talk I promise." Yoongi smiles. Jimin nods, he stands and tugs Yoongi's hand, leading them to his room. When they step inside, Jimin closes the door behind them, letting go of Yoongi's hand. He walks towards his bed, a much smaller one than the bed he used to share with Yoongi in his old apartment.
Jimin takes in the view of his room, as he stood there in silence. He sees a space just enough for one, just for him, a place where he laid himself day in and day out still feeling the emptiness. That room that witnessed him cry whenever he missed Yoongi, whenever his hand itched to look up any news about the idol or even message the idol in his socials. But now, the room felt different with only one thing new in it, Yoongi's presence.
Jimin breathes a sigh of relief before he holds himself, wrapping his hands around his shoulders while taking in the moment of them sharing a private space again together. He kept his eye on the single sized bed when he feels a sudden warmth coming from another.
"Baby, are you okay?" Yoongi wraps his hands around Jimin's waist, nuzzling his nose under Jimin's ear taking in that moment too.
Jimin hums, his eyes closed while he drinks in the feeling of being held again like that, of just being right next to Yoongi and everything slowly going back to where it should be.
"Hyung, just hold me like this for a while?" Jimin says, wanting to engrave that memory. Lock it in as a moment he would play and replay in his mind over and over.
"Whatever you want, I will give you. I will give you everything that I can, everything that I have," Yoongi whispers to Jimin's ear. Jimin allows himself to believe each word and relish the feeling of being held like that. Yoongi's hand tighten its hold on his waist, both of them just standing still for a few seconds. None taking a step forward nor a step back. Their hands intertwining, not wanting to let go of the other. No one wanting to break a moment they want to prolong as they both hope that they will have it again and again day in and day out.
"Jimin-ah, you know,"
"I do, I know," Jimin feels Yoongi squeezing his hands before the elder stepped back.
Yoongi moves to Jimin's front so that he can be face to face with the younger. Gently, he cups Jimin's face and the younger leaned toward his touch, with a soft smile on his face as he looks back at Yoongi. Yoongi knew he had to tell Jimin, sooner rather than later about the situation with Loco. And even if he hated having to break their moment, he had to do it.
"I just want you to know," Yoongi exhales, eyes never leaving Jimin's face. "This time I want you to know everything. I don't want to keep anything from you no matter how small or big. I want to gain your trust back with every word I say, every action I do," Yoongi says.
Jimin tried to in as much as he can of what Yoongi was saying. His heart beating loudly wondering if Yoongi will say that his agency has set him up again for another fake relationship. Flashbacks of the night he saw it on the news coming back reminding him of how much pain he felt. Unconsciously, Jimin reaches a hand up towards his chest. His heart feeling heavy all of a sudden that he can't help but tear up and take a step back. But then Yoongi takes a step forward to rest his forehead on Jimin's.
"Is it another, like before? A stunt? I-I can't if," Jimin shakes his head, eyes closed as he bites on his lower lip.
"No, no. Baby, no. It's not that." Yoongi didn't anticipate that what he said could trigger Jimin to thinking that way. It was not what he intended and he feels the guilt building in his heart and mind for not being careful with his words.
"Please, look at me, look at hyung." Yoongi looks at Jimin as he cups the younger's face with both of his hands, his fingers brushing the fresh set of tears he didn't want to fall from the younger's eyes.
"My manager knows about us, I told him."
"Y-you told Minho-ssi?" Jimin opens his eyes, surprised with what Yoongi had said, had done. Something he honestly didn't expect early on their journey.
"I did, he knows you're important, he knows I am trying to get you back," Yoongi nods gently, hands still on Jimin's face. Their gazes locked on each other feeling a broken piece of their hearts being placed back to where it belonged.
"But,"
"I know, this, us, we're trying. And no matter what way it ends, I want you to see, to feel that I did everything that I can unlike before."
"Hyung—" Jimin rests his hands on Yoongi's chest, the words settling in. The weight, the gravity of Yoongi's action filling him in with a certain hopefulness. But he couldn't stop himself from asking; "Did he ask you to stop? To leave?"
"No. He knows how important you are. He saw how I was when we were apart. I told him because I need his help to—"
"His help?"
Yoongi braces himself to tell Jimin of Loco's message. He still had time to back out, to not say anything more, but he knows and he feels that it would not be right.
"Loco, he messaged me. He told me to take a step back," Yoongi feels Jimin's small fingers close tightly on his shirt with a look of confusion on his eyes. "I won't. And I asked Minho hyung to help me stay on the look out for whatever Loco might do." There was weight and finality in Yoongi's words making Jimin feel that the idol was serious with not backing down.
"Do you think he would do anything?" Jimin asks as he lowers his gaze, seeing how Yoongi's breathing was steady, yet feeling the elder's heart beating hard under his touch. He didn't think much of it, that Loco still messaged him relentlessly over the weekend. Asking him if they can go out for dinner, telling him he deserved someone much better than Yoongi. He was persistent, but Jimin knows he doesn't want anybody else — just Yoongi.
"He can be unpredictable, but I've known him as someone who tries to get everything that he wants no matter what it takes. But as long as you want me, as long as you want us to keep trying, I'll stay here right next to you,"
"I still want that."
"Then I will, I will take care of him and, " Yoongi stops seeing Jimin shake his head.
"We will. I will tell him again I'm not interested. Even after all of his messages, his missed calls, his persistence. The fact is, I'm not interested," Jimin smiles softly, his eyes go back up to Yoongi's. Finding the idol just smiling at him as well. If Yoongi was trying, then he will too.
"We will take care of it then," they both nod at each other with Yoongi's hand grabbing hold of Jimin's. Thinking it is time for them to go back out not wanting to overstay his welcome in Jimin's private space.
"Let's go back? Your Hobi hyung and Tae might wake up and look for us." But Jimin didn't take a step forward, instead he walked up and sat on the edge of his bed looking up at Yoongi.
"It's okay, we can stay here first." Jimin feels heaviness in his eye. Once sleep has eluded him, but with Yoongi's presence again, he feels sleep coming much easier to him. Like his body wants to make up for all the time he couldn't rest with his mind running non-stop.
"Lie down, I'll just stay here on the floor—"
"Can you lie next to me, hyung? Just stay close?" Jimin climbs up on his bed, making space for Yoongi and the idol just nods. He sits next to Jimin, helping the younger rest his head on his chest as he wraps his arm around Jimin. He hums a tune that came to him that morning. A melody that makes him think of Jimin.
Soon enough he sees the steady rise up and down of Jimin's chest, his eyes shut as his tiny fingers stay on top of Yoongi's chest where his heart is beating. Yoongi exhales, relishing on the fact that he is able to be there again for Jimin. He doesn't want anything more because just being that close again was enough for now. He cherishes each day that Jimin allows him to be part of his life again. Every single day a gift that he will forever hold on to.
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Jimin wakes up, and it feels as though it was the first time in a long time when his heart was no longer in so much pain. When his mind was finally at peace and the events of the previous days still fresh, lingering in his mind.How Yoongi showed with his actions that he is serious, being there and staying there when he finally let his emotions spill, even coming to their place and meeting Hobi and Tae, and not backing down even after Loco's message.
Yoongi left his place an hour after he woke up from his nap. With the idol kissing him goodbye on his forehead in front of Tae and Hobi.
Jimin had to explain over and over again to Tae and Hobi that nothing happened after the two saw them walking out of his room hands intertwined. Hobi trying to tease him throughout while Tae still had a look of concern at times. He knew that Tae was still hesitant of Yoongi, of what they were trying to have again. Jimin knew that it will probably not be that fast for his best friend to see the seriousness of Yoongi. But he's sure, Tae will soon see it too. Bit by bit, through Yoongi's actions Tae would see it too.
"I hope this, us, will only get better," Jimin whispers as he stares out at his window, wishing his words will be taken by the wind to Yoongi's ears. The hope he has in his heart, the longing to get back to each other's arms, but this time in better terms, with no one hiding or looking behind their shoulders afraid that someone is following or seeing them together.
Yoongi's perfume still lingered on his pillow and sheets, and he tries to take it all in until it was time for him to fix up for the day. Tae and him going to their usual routine, except this time he receives messages from Yoongi. Unlike before when he would be the one to first send a message, when he wouldn't expect a response right away knowing of Yoongi's schedule. Yoongi greets him good morning reminding him to take it easy for the day. A few texts would pop up every now and then with the idol just checking in or updating Jimin of what he's doing that moment.
"You seem to be in a good mood today, Chim," Tae nudges Jimin as they enter their office after going out for lunch.
"Hmm. Just, I feel this time its really different. I know it's too early to say, but he's really trying," Jimin responds back while the both of them head over to the small pantry near their offices.
"I really hope so, just, I just want you to be happy, okay?"
"I know Tae. And I am feeling better now compared to the days before, when I came in and out of work, trying to ignore my truth."
"Then I'm happy for you. And just remember, I'm here okay?"
Jimin nods before he goes to his office, cup of coffee in hand.
Their day pretty much goes back to its usual flow, of having to go through emails, scheduling appointments, and checking items for upcoming events. It was almost the end of another work day when Jimin was in the middle of running through the post mortem report they had to present to Loco's agency the next day. It was just short, a basic summary of how the event went, number of attendees, and the final breakdown of expenses.
Jimin told Yoongi that he might run into Loco during their post-mortem report happening on Tuesday. Although artists don't usually attend such reports, it wasn't impossible for an accidental meeting especially since it was to take place in Loco's agency. Jimin knew he had to be careful, he had to be the one to balance things out now - having to ensure they still retain good client-agency relationship but also distance himself from Loco.
"Just be careful of him, you have to tell him how it is. That can help him back away and stop messaging you," Jimin remembers Yoongi's words after they talked about it more before the idol left.
"Just this final report and then we're done with the project." Jimin tells himself while he does a final run through of the slides to cross check if there were any errors or anything else he needed to add. He was making some minor adjustments when he hears his phone ring. The number wasn't saved on his contact list. Automatically Jimin thinks it might be a potential lead.
"Hello, this is Jimin from Vibe Events, how can I help you?" Jimin answers with a smile.
"Hi, yes, Jimin-ssi. This is Yoongi's manager, Minho-ssi. Do you have a moment?" Jimin's eyebrows meet as he momentarily looks at the number again before bringing the phone back to his ear.
"Su-sure Minho-ssi, how can I help you?" Jimin can feel his heart racing, this was the first time Minho has called him. He's not even sure how the manager got his contact details, perhaps through the company or Soobin, the one he talked to a week ago.
"Great, I just called to check if you will be free tonight around 6 PM to meet me and Yoongi? I have reserved a private room in a restaurant and I can send you the details." Minho responds sounding very professional.
"Sure, Minho-ssi. I am free but does hyung know about this?" Jimin asks, his free hand nervously tapping his pen on his notebook repeatedly wondering what the meeting would be for.
"I will be talking to him after this call. That is great then, we will see you later, Jimin-ssi."
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"Hyung, what is this for? Why did you call Jimin without asking me first?" Yoongi hurriedly types on his phone while Minho tells him of the planned meeting. It was already 5:30 PM and they were already in the car to meet Jimin at the restaurant.
"We just need to talk, Yoongi. Just not here. Just you, me and him first. " Minho looks at Yoongi and then to the company staff member driving them.
"Just tell me, is it good or bad or what? I just told you he is important to me and you go and ask him to meet without running it through me?" Yoongi sends Jimin a message telling him he did not know what the meeting was for and that they are already on their way.
"Later, just trust me okay?" Minho responds before taking his tablet to start checking Yoongi and Jungkook's schedule. The ride stayed silent between the two with Yoongi checking his phone continuously. He receives a message from Jimin that it's okay and that he's already at the restaurant since it is near their office, and that he has been escorted to the private room already.
Soon they arrive at the location too, and Yoongi breezes through the entrance. He asks for the room and leaves Minho behind. He needed to make sure that Jimin was okay and to assure him he had no idea of what his manager wanted or what the conversation would be about. As a staff opens the door for him, he sees Jimin already seated seemingly talking to somebody on the phone.
Jimin hears somebody go in and looks up seeing Yoongi. He offers the idol a tilt of the head and a quick smile trying to wrap up his call."That would be lovely,Taemin hyung. I'm sure imonim would like that. Be nice to her okay or she will set you up on another blind date," Jimin feels a chaste kiss on his forehead before Yoongi sits right beside him - hand already holding his free hand.
"I have to go now, Taemin hyung. I'm with Yoongi hyung. Yes, yes I will say hi for you and please say hi to imonim for me when you visit her this week." He looks at Yoongi and sees another person walk in.
From the photos Yoongi has shown him, he's sure that it was Yoongi's manager. Always in an all black ensemble, very much like today. Jimin ends the call and stands to greet Minho.
"Minho-ssi, it is nice to meet you, I am Jimin from Vibe Events." Jimin bows and he sees the manager do the same.
"It is nice to meet you, please sit. I've ordered our meals already and they should be here later." Minho extends his hand, gesturing for Jimin to sit.
"Hyung, we are here, what is this about? What is this meeting about?" Yoongi asked Minho and he sees his manager reach inside his bag to pull out a folder.
"We need to talk about this, " Minho breathes out and hands the documents, one for each. He sees how fast Yoongi stands, grabbing tightly on his copy.
"If this is serious, we have to be careful for now and plan how we will tell the media about it. Loco may or may not be a threat, but I hope you understand the need for it Jimin-ssi," Minho appeals to Jimin who was just reading through page per page of the document.
"An NDA, you want me and Yoongi hyung to sign an NDA." Jimin says. The tone more of a statement rather than a question. He was familiar with NDAs having worked with different companies, it was always black and white. Jimin flips through the pages reading the document that details things such as limiting knowledge of their relationship, telling the agency when they will meet, being in close surveillance, not working with any projects with the agency and more.
"Just until things clear out, this is the best I can offer now," Minho clasps both of his hands together, placing them both on the table.
"No," Yoongi slams his copy of the NDA on the table. He wanted to stay calm but the NDA was not something he wanted. Not when it would mean limiting their movements, not when the set up would mirror what they had before with the exception of the agency having a heads up of their plans. He was clear that he wanted it in their terms, and that didn't entail an NDA. An NDA he knew that could be stretched on until they get caught.
"Yoongi, you need to work with me here. The public perception, your fans," Minho tries to stand his ground. The NDA was the best he can think of to protect Yoongi and Jimin - just until things get cleared.
"Hyung I was clear, I don't want it to be handled that way! We won't sign this. This NDA? it's you telling us to hide, to pretend to not know each other when outside eyes are looking."
"Yoongi, please listen to me first, I am here for you. I have your best interest at heart," Minho appeals to the idol, trying his best to settle him down.
"No you don't! You don't understand. I trusted you hyung, this is not what I wanted. Jimin, he doesn't deserve to be hidden, to be a secret. You don't know how much I want to scream to the world that he holds my heart," Yoongi's hands form a fist with anger boiling deep inside him.
"Hyung, sit down first. Let's hear out Minho-ssi. Please." Jimin holds Yoongi's wrist pulling him gently down. Jimin knows it, the NDA will mean being a secret yet again - an official secret that Yoongi's agency would want to keep locked up.
"Thank you, Jimin-ssi. Just please consider it. It will be in place just until we clear out the issue with Loco. I already reached out to his management, asking for a meeting to discuss a possible collab of two sought after artists in their generation. A guise for us to meet him," Jimin looks at Yoongi, seeing the elder's deep frown as he shakes his head.
"If Loco-ssi is taken care of, this NDA is not needed yes?" Jimin asks Minho.
"Yes and no, he is a big factor because he might tell a story that can get out of control. If he changes his mind, we just need to tell a story. One that won't implicate and paint you both under a bad light," Minho explains and he sees Jimin look at Yoongi. He sees it, how fondly Jimin looked at the idol, how Jimin helped calm down Yoongi with just a small gesture. He knows his best bet is to appeal to Jimin.
"Hyung, look at me." Jimin asks Yoongi.
"Remember, I told you we will take care of this? That was me promising you that I will also do my part."
"Jimin, baby, you don't need to sign this stupid document. Us being in secret drove us apart," Yoongi reaches out to his copy of the document tearing it down in half, throwing it as far away as he can from their table.
"I won't. I promise, I will stay. Let me help take care of this," Jimin places both of his hands on Yoongi's chest hoping his touch can help settle down Yoongi's worries. Seeing and hearing Yoongi fighting for them fueled something inside him.
"If you are sure, you want us out, you want people to know,"
"I am, my fans, those who truly love me will stay. They will know you make me happy, inspired, and motivated."
Both take a singular breath in and out, eyes closed as they take in how they are both willing to fight for what they have, Yoongi's hands wrapping around Jimin's not wanting to let go. They both know, what they have is a great love that would never come again if they let it pass.
"Minho-ssi, we won't sign this. I will talk to Loco, but this, we won't do it this way. We tried it in our own way before that is similar to this and it tore us apart. Think of something else, not this," Jimin pushes the document back to the manager, and Jimin feels Yoongi come closer to his side.
"Think of another way, hyung or I pull out of the label. I have other agencies I can go to who will go with my terms," Yoongi lays it to his manager. Namjoon has helped him get in touch with smaller agencies who are known to be more flexible when it comes to contracts. He has also considered moving more out of the spotlight, focusing on making music without being the face of the music he crafts. Both options becoming more attractive as he heard Minho's proposition.
"You need to work with us, Minho-ssi. After the threat of Loco-ssi is gone, this shouldn't be a need anymore."
"But,"Jimin lifts his hand to stop Minho from saying anything more.
He reaches out to his phone - dialing Loco's number who picks up on the second ring.
"Loco-ssi, we need to talk tomorrow."