Chapter 1: A Fleeting Ache
Summary:
This chapter serves more like a gentle introduction. It eases you into the story before everything starts unraveling. Things are still light, but there's so much more ahead. So buckle up and enjoy the journey 💃
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Park Jimin
⤷ 23 years
⤷ Singer/Songwriter
⤷ Performs at Clubs
Jeon Jeongguk
⤷ 26 years
⤷ Marine Engineer
⤷ Works at Chinhae Base
Park Jihye
⤷ 15 years
⤷ Home schooled
⤷ Jimin’s little sister
Jimin’s Circle
Kim Taehyung
⤷ 23 years
⤷ Rookie Model
⤷ Takes up part-time gigs
Min Yoongi
⤷ 28 years
⤷ Producer
⤷ Taehyung’s boyfriend
Jeongguk’s Circle
Jung Hoseok
⤷ 28 years
⤷ Club owner
⤷ Own a chain of clubs
Kim Seokjin
⤷ 30 years
⤷ Chef
⤷ Own a franchise
Kim Namjoon
⤷ 28 years
⤷ Lawyer
⤷ Stays in Seoul
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Blue Lemon Club, Busan
It was one of those clubs Jimin had frequented, which meant he had visited it about twice a month. Blue Lemon had always been kind of mild, the people weren’t batshit crazy and he had preferred the calm, easy environment that greeted him when he stepped into the club. He would move like a robot, heading straight to the dressing room, changing into his stage clothes, putting on some makeup, and waiting for the clock to strike seven, just so he could step onto the stage, lips gracing the mic, and sing to the crowd.
One thing about his lifestyle that fascinated him was being locked up in his house on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a notepad in a pile of crumpled papers. He had an old keyboard and a rented guitar to create some melodies and finish up the songs. Jimin’s routine was boring. Weekends were the busiest days, and he would make enough money to last for 2 weeks but medical bills always knock at the door at unexpected times so, he takes up part-time gigs on weekdays, which always left him with a sore throat and bone-crushing exhaustion.
As usual, the clock struck seven and Jimin received a pat on the shoulder along with a warm smile. He didn’t need to tilt his head to know the person. There was a bartender who always covered for him when he had to perform and somehow in three years, they grew closer than ever. Maeum was someone Jimin considered as a friend outside of his original tiny circle. She had always been energetic, always been understanding, and always been kind, something that people seemed to lack these days.
“Burn the ceiling. Let’s go, Jimin-ie”
Jimin chuckled at that, genuinely snorted at the statement because she always came up with silly stuff to make him smile and it always worked. With one final inhale, Jimin stepped onto the stage, standing before a small crowd, eyes trailing over them and a little burst of happiness filling his heart every time he spotted a familiar face, which meant they liked his performance. The conclusion might be a little delusional but that had always pumped his energy, so Jimin went along with it.
Lovers come and go
In and out of my heart
All I really know is
I wanna be where you are
Oh no, baby, don't leave me hеre in the dark
I want you to be minе
As his angelic voice reverberated through the club, he watched how people moved their bodies, swaying side to side, smiling and vibing to the song. It was his latest one, something that he created on a whim, completely out of context but he was satisfied with the result. And when he performed it for the first time last week, the crowd turned hyper, complimenting how the song was so good, light-hearted and groovy. Jimin almost melted into a puddle at the kind words, and it was no different this time round.
The entire 30 minutes of his performance passed by in a blur. He truly enjoyed being on stage and when he was letting the notes flow out of him, life left a little easier. All the burdens fled out the window as he enjoyed himself. The show came to an end and Jimin got down the stage with a bow, pulling his mic pack off and walking into the dressing room to get changed. He had to be home in 10 minutes so he could prepare a meal for his sister. Maeum was waiting for him near the counter with a long face as Jimin approached her, eyes searching for the owner to collect the money.
“Where’s he?”
“Jimin-ah… you know how he is!”
Jimin scoffed and pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation radiating from him in waves. The owner was great most days, but sometimes he acted like a complete idiot… always running on hormones with libido off the roof.
“It’s been two fucking weeks. I need to collect my pay”
Maeum simply shrugged and slid a shot of soju toward him, which Jimin took without a second thought. One glass was never enough to get him tipsy anyway.
“He’s been holding back everyone’s pay and the hot gossip right now is that the club owes thousands in debt. Might shut down any day now!”
Maeum said and Jimin’s eyes flew open, lips parting at his friend’s words. How much worse could things get? This was the only club that paid decently and felt remotely comfortable.
“What the hell?! So we’re all just gonna be out on the streets?”
“Seems like it. But hey, for all his dickhead moments, the owner’s got some brains. Maybe he’ll pull something off”
Jimin exhaled slowly, feeling that familiar burn sting the back of his eyes. His chest ached at the thought, if the club closed down, he wouldn’t have enough to cover his sister’s end-of-month treatment. Everything had already felt slightly off lately, like a storm building in the distance… but this? This was a hit he hadn’t seen coming. After waiting for a few more minutes, Jimin decided to leave after hugging Maeum goodbye.
It had taken fifteen minutes on foot, and it was always better than wasting hundreds on a cab. After muttering a few curses under his breath and kicking at some loose stones, his house finally came into view around the corner. One good thing about it was its location… close to the beach, where the breeze usually managed to calm him down. Jimin pushed open the door to his small but cozy apartment, a sigh slipping past his lips as he walked inside. His sling bag landed on the couch with a thud, and he tugged off his hoodie, leaving himself in just a white tee and a pair of sweatpants.
“Ji?”
“Minnie, I’m here!”
His sister’s voice called out, and Jimin opened the door leading to the terrace. The soft breeze ruffled his hair as he stepped out, a smile tugging at his lips when he saw her. She was sprawled out on the lilac rug he’d bought her, surrounded by open books, deeply focused on whatever she was solving.
“How was the show today?”
She asked without looking up.
“Amazing. You know how much I love performing”
“You deserve to be on big stages, Minnie”
Jihye said with a sigh and Jimin knew where this would lead and he hated it.
“You should be performing for thousands, not in those crappy clubs”
Deep down Jimin knew that. He knew with enough practice and training, he could do a tremendous job but he can never leave his sister and move to a place for a career which might not even work out in the end and there’s no way he could afford all the medical bills in Seoul. That was not possible. Not at all.
“So… what does my angel want for dinner?”
“I’ve been craving Kimchi fried rice”
Jihye had smiled warmly, and Jimin had offered a playful, exaggerated salute before rising to his feet and heading back inside the house. The kimchi had arrived earlier that month, sent by Taehyung’s parents, and Jimin was quietly, deeply grateful for the thoughtful gesture. They had always told him they’d be there for him however they could, and they had never wavered. All Jimin could do in return was bow with heartfelt gratitude, silently thanking them for standing by him like the parents he had never truly had.
He had gathered the ingredients from the fridge and plugged in his phone to the small, slightly battered Bluetooth speaker on the counter. Soon, the quiet hum of music filled the kitchen, softening the silence as he got to work. Two servings of kimchi fried rice with scrambled eggs… simple, comforting. It had become a habit between him and Jihye to keep their dinners light, especially late at night. Besides, Jimin hadn’t felt particularly hungry anyway. It didn’t take long. Within minutes, the warm scent of garlic, sesame oil, and spices drifted through the air, and just as he plated the food, Jihye stepped into the kitchen, humming in appreciation.
“Your food is to die for, I swear”
She said, grinning as she took a seat at the table. Jimin gave her a low, theatrical bow and slid one of the plates toward her with a soft chuckle. As she dug in, she spoke through a mouthful of rice.
“TaeTae dropped by a couple hours ago. Said he wanted to talk to you”
Jimin paused, eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he turned toward her. That was strange. Taehyung hadn’t called or messaged, which he would’ve if it were something serious. Instinctively, Jimin reached for his phone and checked the screen. Nothing. No missed calls, no unread messages. Just silence.
“Did he say it was important?”
He asked, his voice a little more tense than he intended.
“No clue but he did look a little stressed”
The words hit him like a quiet blow. Jimin’s heart sank, the lightness from earlier quickly fading. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn’t nothing and Taehyung rarely wore stress so openly.
The words hit him like a quiet blow. Jimin’s heart sank, the lightness from earlier quickly fading. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn’t nothing and Taehyung rarely wore stress so openly. They finished the meal in silence after that and Jihye returned to finish her studies while Jimin waited in the living room, texting his best friend who barged inside, startling and making Jimin jump on the couch.
“What the fuck? You jumped me!”
Taehyung didn’t even respond to Jimin who looked bewildered, eyes almost popping off the sockets. He plopped down beside his friend, resting his head on the lap, eyes slightly glossy as he stared at Jimin who melted in an instant.
“Tae? Oh my god? Why the hell are you crying?”
Now this was very very unusual. Kim Taehyung has never cried or at least Jimin had never caught him sobbing. He was out of it and sad a few times but full on crying? Nope. Taehyung turned to face Jimin, hugging his waist.
“Will you tell me what happened?”
“I got a gig”
Taehyung’s voice was muffled but Jimin heard it. That was news. A real deal to celebrate. He has been watching taehyung run around the companies, taking up small gigs here and there to put his face on the magazines, ads, billboards, anywhere which screamed exposure.
“That’s awesome! Stop crying, idiot!”
Jimin pushed him by the shoulders, eyes boring holes as Taehyung stopped crying, a pout forming on his lips.
“It’s for the whole 2 damn months! I need to stay in Seoul”
Taehyung blurted out, voice breaking with frustration. Jimin’s face morphed… first confusion, then disbelief, and finally a stunned silence. His lips parted slightly, forming a small ‘o’ as the words fully registered. The weight of the news settled heavily in his chest. This… this wasn’t something he’d even considered. When Taehyung put his name down under anyplace for some paperwork, they hadn’t really talked about the details. Not the consequences. Not the distance.
Since they were kids, Jimin and Taehyung had been inseparable, bound together by years of friendship and something deeper they never needed to name. They’d always known where the other one was, always felt that invisible string keeping them tethered. The thought of two whole months apart felt like someone had reached in and tugged that thread loose.
“No… are you being serious? Tae, don’t even joke now”
But Taehyung didn’t laugh. He just shook his head, eyes already glossy with a new set of unshed tears. A moment later, they spilled over, and Jimin felt his own vision blur in response. It was instinctual. There were no words after that, just the quiet sounds of their crying as they clung to each other on the couch. Time passed unnoticed. Exhaustion crept in slowly, and at some point, the emotional weight gave out beneath them. Curled close, arms wrapped around each other, they drifted off to sleep on the worn couch, breaths soft and synced.
Later that night, Jihye walked into the living room, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. She paused when she saw them… Taehyung curled against Jimin, their faces calm, tear tracks dried on their cheeks. Her heart ached just a little at the sight, her face full of confusion. With a soft smile, she set her mug down and grabbed the comforter from the nearby armchair. Gently, she draped it over them. She stood for a moment longer and then, with one last look, she turned off the lights and left them to sleep, their shared sadness softened by sleep and quiet comfort.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The Swan Room, Busan
This had been another club Jimin visited occasionally, only when they offered him a spot in advance with a clearly defined schedule. The Swan Room was known for its exclusivity, often hosting VIP guests who lounged in luxury, sipping on expensive drinks, partying behind closed curtains, or playing cards under dim, golden light. Nestled in a wealthy neighborhood and carefully hidden from the public eye, it was a place where celebrities came to disappear, to live recklessly without any consequence.
When Jimin had stepped inside that evening, he was immediately escorted to the changing rooms without so much as a word of greeting. No one spoke unless they had a specific purpose, and that left him slightly uneasy and without friends. Taehyung would have adored this place. With his obsession with films, celebrities, and idols, people Jimin never really kept track of, he would’ve been in heaven. That thought made Jimin’s chest tighten. His best friend was out there somewhere in Seoul, all alone. It had been two days since Taehyung left, and Jimin had spent the first day sulking like a heartbroken teenager. He’d moped around the apartment, sprawled across the couch, skipped meals, wrapped in silence and longing.
He had felt hollow without his soulmate. But the reality had hit him hard and fast: no amount of sulking would pay the bills. If he didn’t get up and work his ass off, the money wouldn’t come in. That, unfortunately, was non-negotiable and it kind of sucked. With a subtle nod from the stage manager, Jimin had stepped onto the stage, dressed to perfection in a black ruffled, bejeweled shirt tucked into sleek, form-fitting slacks. He knew he looked stunning, he always put in the extra effort to doll himself up when it came to performance nights.
The Swan Room lived up to its reputation… elegant and elite, cloaked in deep velvet and polished wood. Chandeliers lined the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow that danced across his face as he moved. The first three songs passed in a graceful blur, and he still had four left to go. As the next instrumental swelled through the speakers, Jimin paused briefly, offered a soft apology to the audience with a shy smile, and took a small sip of water. Then, he stepped forward into the warm light, letting the beat pulse through him as he swayed to the rhythm, the music once again wrapping around him like a second skin.
There had been many faces turned toward him… some happy, some excited, some lost in the music, others deep in conversation and a few, the kind he despised the most, watching him with dark, predatory eyes. Those were the ones that made his skin crawl. He was there to perform his art, to share something meaningful, but to them, he was just an object, something to be consumed, a temporary thrill. The thought made him uneasy, and Jimin had quickly averted his gaze, forcing himself to focus on the music instead. He kept singing, letting his voice carry through the space, occasionally engaging with the crowd to keep the energy alive. His heart did a small somersault when his eyes flicked to the tip jar and found it nearly full.
There had never been any shame in it, not for him. He had poured his heart into every lyric, every melody, creating songs with nothing but his own effort, hard work and passion. Performing them was an extension of that love, and getting paid for it felt like a reward, not a compromise. So, when the club had first suggested setting out a tip jar, Jimin hadn’t hesitated. It was just a few extra bills on top of the standard pay for the night but in his eyes, it was a win. And at the end of the day, that was all that really mattered.
The performance ended soon with a round of applause from people and a few even stepped forward and extended their compliments to him personally. That made his heart swell in warmth as he stepped down the stage. He couldn’t wait to get out of the dress and run back home. Jimin passed by the rows of seats when a hand wrapped around his wrist, making him halt and tilt his head to find a man staring at him with a smile. He didn’t the ugly feeling creep up his system as he pulled his hand away gently.
“That performance was fucking phenomenal”
Jimin had wanted to leave, but he offered a polite bow, maintaining the same professional smile.
“Thank you. I am glad you felt that way”
Jimin turned on his heels to head out when the same man reached out and grabbed his wrist again… this time, with a firmer grip. The unease that had been simmering beneath the surface deepened rapidly. Jimin glanced around the club for some clue or anchor, but no one seemed to notice. Everyone was too busy chatting, drinking, or laughing among themselves.
“Would you sing for me? In… private? I promise to give you a good time”
The words were so absurd, so brazen, that Jimin felt the urge to slap him. But he held back.
“Sorry, Mister. I don’t do private services. It’s for the entire crowd or nothing at all”
His tone was intentionally curt, he just wanted the man to let go. Jimin tried to wriggle his wrist free, but the man only tightened his grip, tugging him slightly and causing Jimin to stumble.
“Learn to have some fun. Besides, I don’t think you know how good this ass is. Let me show you, yeah?”
Jimin felt nauseous, the need to puke. That made his stomach churn violently in distaste. No one had ever spoken to him that way, and it made his skin crawl. The anger came next, burning hot beneath his shock. Just as he opened his mouth, ready to unleash a sharp curse, a firm hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him back. Suddenly, another man, one Jimin vaguely recognized as someone who had escorted him to the dressing room earlier, stepped between him and the sleazy stranger.
“He is a performer. Not a pleasurable toy. So, I suggest you to let him go”
The man scoffed in response, glaring at Jimin one last time before turning away and disappearing into the crowd. Jimin felt the blood rush back to his face as he let out a shaky breath, still reeling from the encounter. The man who had stepped in turned to face him and offered him a glass of water, his expression calm but serious. Jimin accepted it with a grateful nod, he’d seen him around a few times, though they’d never really spoken.
“Thank you. That felt really uncomfortable”
“No need to thank me. We prioritize boundaries here. Everyone is expected to respect that. I’m sorry you had to go through that. You can take your leave now, Jimin”
Jimin mumbled another soft thank you before hurrying back to the changing room. He quickly swapped his performance clothes for his casual outfit and rushed out of the club. The night air hit his face, cool and grounding, helping him feel a little less suffocated, though the tightness in his chest remained. He made his way to the nearby bus station, choosing to take the long ride home. Exhaustion seeped into his bones… he was mentally and emotionally drained.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Functional Neurological Disorder
FND is a condition where an individual experiences neurological symptoms like fainting, tremors, weakness, and seizures. The brain functions abnormally due to a misfire in the internal system.
Symptoms: Sudden Limb Weakness, Seizures, Visual/Sensory Disturbances, Fainting Spells
Cause: It often develops after emotional trauma, bullying, grief, or even a period of chronic anxiety/depression.
Treatment: Psychological Therapy, Medications, Regular Validation
Jimin rounded the corner of the street, barely three blocks from home, when the seizure alert device in his pocket buzzed violently. His breath caught, and panic surged through him like lightning. Without wasting a second, he bolted forward, sprinting down the sidewalk and up the stairs of his apartment building, taking four steps at a time. His hands fumbled with the keys, and when the door finally gave way, he burst in, heart hammering against his ribs. He found her in her room, collapsed near the table, her body jerking uncontrollably. A strangled cry escaped Jimin’s throat as he rushed to her side.
“Jihye!”
He gasped, pulling her gently away from the sharp corner of the furniture and lowering her onto the floor with trembling hands. He shoved a pillow beneath her head, quickly rolling her onto her side the way he had been taught, his fingers shaking as he brushed her hair back from her sweaty forehead.
“Ji… you are alright! Baby, look at me… it’s okay”
He whispered over and over, voice cracking. He loosened her jacket a little, trying to help her breathe easier, tears slipping down his cheeks as he tried to stay focused, tried to remember every instruction he’d ever been told. But the seizure didn’t stop. The timer on his phone kept ticking. Five minutes passed. Still convulsing. Still screaming and he could feel his heart pound out of his chest.
“No, no, no, please…”
Jimin’s voice broke as he scrambled to dial emergency services with a shaky thumb. He stayed beside her, whispering, begging her to hold on, eyes wide and unblinking, terrified. When the paramedics burst through the door, Jimin didn’t even notice until someone was gently pulling him back by the shoulders. His hands refused to let go of his sister until she was carefully transferred to the stretcher, and even then, he staggered behind them, dazed and pale. The ride to the hospital was a blur. Jimin sat beside her, clutching her hand. His knuckles were white from gripping too hard. He felt like a child, powerless and scared, tears still flowing silently down his face.
By the time they arrived at the hospital, Jimin was shaking all over, barely able to stand on his wobbly legs. He watched helplessly as they wheeled her away into the emergency unit, and all he could do was collapse into a chair in the waiting room, hands covering his face, trying to control the sobs threatening to spill out. It wasn’t long before he felt a warm hand on his back. He turned, eyes bloodshot, to find Yoongi rushing toward him. His Hyung dropped his bag, sat beside him, and without a word, pulled Jimin into a tight, anchoring hug.
“I came as soon as I read your text”
Yoongi murmured, rubbing his back.
“She’s strong. She’ll be okay. Jimin-ah… it will be alright”
Jimin clung to him like a lifeline, the dam inside finally breaking. All the panic, fear, and helplessness spilled out in gasping sobs as Yoongi held him, staying by his side through the long, agonizing wait. Jimin sat hunched over, Yoongi’s arm around his shoulders as they waited in the sterile corridors with bated breaths. Every time the emergency doors swung open, Jimin’s breath caught in his throat… until finally, a doctor stepped out, scanning the room before his eyes landed on Jimin.
“Park Jimin?”
Jimin shot to his feet so fast he almost tripped, his knees weak and stiff from sitting for so long. Yoongi stood right beside him, gently giving his palm a little reassuring squeeze.
“Your sister is stable now. The seizure has passed, and she’s resting”
“She’s okay? No issues?”
Jimin’s legs nearly gave out with relief.
“She’s going to be okay. Please don’t fret”
The doctor said gently, a woman in her late forties, who constantly assisted Jihye on the medications.
“But this episode was more intense than her previous ones”
She continued and Jimin nodded. He had experienced it way too many times but this time it was scary.
“It didn’t stop on its own, which is why the emergency intervention was necessary. We’re going to need to reassess her treatment. Her current medication isn’t working as effectively anymore”
Jimin nodded quickly, though the words took a second to fully register. Million other questions swam inside his head but he pushed them away.
“Yes. Anything… Just… anything she needs”
“We’ll start on the medication tonight. There might be some side effects like impulsive mood changes of dizziness but it’s a safer long-term option given how she’s been responding. We’ll monitor her closely for the next few hours”
“Can I see her?”
“You can sit with her, but she may be a bit disoriented when she wakes. So, just let us know”
Jimin didn’t even wait to be told twice. He mumbled a grateful thank you, squeezing the doctor’s hand with trembling fingers before following a nurse down the hallway. Yoongi gave him a pat on the back, promising to bring some food for them and Jimin gave him a small nod, silently promising he’d be okay now, a gentle note of thanks. Jihye lay still, pale and breathing deeply. Jimin’s heart clenched at the sight of the oxygen mask on her face, the IV in her arm, but he also felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude that she was there… alive, safe.
He pulled a chair beside her bed, sinking into it without making any noise. Gently, he reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. Her skin was warm. That was enough for now.
“You scared the shit out of me, Ji. Please don’t do that again”
Jimin whispered with a watery smile. He didn’t expect her to answer. But it was enough to sit there, holding her hand, watching her chest rise and fall, as the hospital lights flickered softly above them and then he let his mind wander into the territory he despised. New Treatment. New Medication which meant additional money. A sigh slipped past his lips, quiet but heavy, chest already tightening at the thought. He didn’t know the exact cost yet, but he knew enough to feel the familiar dread curling in his stomach. Hospital bills piled up faster. He didn't have health insurance and he wasn't naive, this was going to stretch them thin. He needed to work overtime. Maybe find a couple more bars to perform at on Wednesdays.
Maybe say yes to those weird, exhausting gigs he usually turned down, the ones that kept him out until 3 a.m., only to have him wake up at 6 and go again. The thought made his eyes sting, because he knew how much Jihye hated it when he did that. She always noticed, whether it was the half-portion dinner or the untouched lunchbox. Even when she was sick, she’d scold him. It was ridiculous, really. And now, there she was, unconscious in a hospital bed, and he was already planning how to quietly fall apart just so she wouldn’t have to.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Mapo-Gu, Seoul
Jeongguk waited in the car, contemplating on going into the house or just sending a text to his father. Sending a vague text sounded way better. It’s not like his father would care anyway. After 20 minutes of contemplation and racking his brain, he turned around and slipped out of the alleyway, car speeding on to the roads that lead to Itaewon, fingers tapping mindlessly as he reached Hoseok’s residence, the neighborhood buzzing with life, just like he had always liked.
He parked the car and made his way to the familiar apartment, the comforting scent of food wafting through the air. Jeongguk hadn’t told them he was coming… mostly because he didn’t want to raise expectations in case he didn’t bring good news but still, part of him longed to see familiar faces. When he walked in, he found Hoseok and Namjoon lounging in the living room, chatting casually while munching on fried dumplings. They looked up in surprise at the unexpected guest.
“Gguk… it’s been almost 2 whole weeks”
Hoseok’s tone was light, but there was clear worry in his voice. Namjoon got up and gave Jeongguk a warm hug as well, while Hoseok nudged the plate of snacks toward him on the coffee table. Jeongguk let out a small chuckle and sat down, running a hand through his hair.
“The job results are coming out any time today. I’ve been too nervous to function like a normal human”
Jeongguk sighed, his shoulders slumped and face morphing into one of utter anxiousness. Namjoon raised his brows.
“The Marine Engineer application?”
“Yeah. That one”
Just as the words left his mouth, his phone buzzed in his pocket. The three of them froze. Jeongguk slowly pulled it out, his heart thudding so hard he could hear it. He tapped through the notifications through trembling fingers and then… A beat of silence. Then another. Until suddenly, Hoseok lunged over his shoulder with a shriek, staring at the screen.
“YOU GOT IN?! YOU FUCKING GOT IN! GUKK YOU GOT SELECTED?!”
Jeongguk blinked, still in shock as read the mail over and over again, eyes twitching at the letters as reality sank in.
“I - yeah, I… I think I did. Wait, no. I did. I actually did! What the fuck? I got selected”
And then Hoseok was jumping up and down, pulling him into a hug and shaking him by the shoulders, squealing like a puppy. Jeongguk still looked stunned, his lips slowly curving upward.
“Oh my god, you’re gonna be a real marine engineer! We need to celebrate!”
Namjoon, now smiling wide, grabbed a half-empty bottle of wine and raised it in the air, grinning ear-to-ear.
“We are definitely throwing a send-off party. You’re not getting out of that, Gguk”
The room filled with laughter, cheers, and half-mumbled plans for food, music, and a playlist no one would agree on. Jeongguk sat back on the couch, his heart still pounding, but for once, not from fear or anxiety as he shot a text to Jin, informing him about the job. A rare warmth spread through his chest… relief, happiness, and an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. After everything, it was finally happening. He had made it.
After leaving Hoseok’s house, Jeongguk didn’t look back, eyes gleaming with joy. The news still buzzed in his chest, and despite the heaviness in his gut, he knew he needed to make one more stop. His parents' house loomed ahead like a familiar echo… equal parts comfort and anxiety. He knew his father wouldn’t spare him more than a disinterested nod, but his mother, his mother would smile, and that alone made the visit worth it. He climbed the familiar steps, the paint on the railing chipped just as it had been for years, and pressed the doorbell a couple of times with shaky fingers.
Silently, he prayed it would be his mother who answered. Moments later, the door creaked open, and there she was… her face softening into pure joy the instant she laid eyes on him.
“My baby… You are here? What’s the occasion? Did you eat anything? Come in”
She beamed, pulling him into a tight hug before he could get a word out. It has always been his mother who visited him at his small flat, watching him as he studied and worked a part time job. He laughed, slightly breathless from the affection.
“I got the job, Mom. The marine engineer position… I finally got it!”
Her eyes widened, shimmering with pride before she broke into a delighted gasp, pulling him into yet another hug and dripping a peck on the forehead. She looked on the verge of tears and Jeongguk actually turned red.
“You did? You really did? Oh my goodness… Wait! This calls for something sweet”
Before Jeongguk knew it, he was seated at the kitchen table, watching her rush around with newfound energy and excitement. She brought out a small tray of cake she’d baked earlier and even sprinkled extra chocochips and fruit on top for him, just like he always liked. Jeongguk smiled as he took a spoonful, letting the icy sweetness melt into his nerves.
“I had the cake ready. I knew there would be some good news today. You’ve worked so hard for this, Jeongguk-ie. Two years of effort. I knew it would pay off”
She mumbled, eyes filled with joy as he sat beside him, running a hand through his hair. Jeongguk’s eyes glanced around for any trace of his father but he was nowhere to be seen.
“Yeah… it finally did, Mom and this is delicious”
“Your father’s away on one of his trips again, so we can celebrate without him glaring holes through the wall”
His mom added nonchalantly and Jeongguk chuckled at the quirky tone. His mother studied him for a second, the corner of her mouth twitching upward with hope.
“Now all that’s left is to find someone to settle down with… Maybe bring home a nice partner before you ship off to wherever that job takes you”
That made Jeongguk choke on the cake. He had always been interested in the sea and it never crossed his mind to find himself a boyfriend/girlfriend whatever. It didn’t matter though. He did have a few crushes here and there but he didn’t make a move, neither did they so it was always a lost cause.
“Mom… No!”
Jeongguk groaned, setting the spoon down and shaking his head to make his point.
“I don’t want anyone. I’m not interested. Really. You know that”
“Not even a little someone to send letters to while you're at sea?”
Jeongguk shook his head again. Maybe some day but for now, there was no one in his mind and he didn’t think he would even find someone.
“I’m serious, Mom. I just want to work, focus on my life… at least for now. No strings. No partner”
There was a silence, gentle but lingering. Then she smiled and reached across the table to ruffle his hair like she used to when he was little.
“Well… alright! As long as you are happy. You’ll find someone when the time is right”
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Chinhae Base
The sun disappeared behind the decks of the naval base, casting long shadows over the rows of uniformed cadets and engineers gathered in formation. Jeongguk stood in crisp white shirt with a navy blue blazer, tailored to perfection, the gold trim on it catching the light, his heart beating steadily beneath the pressed fabric of his jacket. His name was called, sharp and clear through the mic, making him take a sharp inhale.
He walked forward with composed steps, posture straight and standing tall before the officer, who clipped a small silver-and-blue badge on his chest… a symbol of initiation, of all the hours he'd spent studying and building, repairing and refining. A symbol that he was officially a marine engineer now. Jeongguk could feel his heart jump out the chest. The applause that followed wasn’t loud, but it was sincere, and as he tilted his head, somewhere from the back, he caught a glimpse of his friends… Jin with a wide grin and loud whistle, Hoseok waving both hands excitedly, Namjoon clapping with a proud sparkle in his eyes.
As the commanding officer spoke, Jeongguk listened, spine straight, taking in the discipline of the words.
“From this day forward, your duties lie in your discipline. You are now the beating heart of a vessel that carries lives, hopes, and honor. Remember your training, respect your crew, and serve with pride”
The speeches continued, laying out the structure of responsibilities, shifts, maintenance drills, emergency protocol reviews. It was dense and complicated, but Jeongguk soaked it in like he always did… quietly, seriously. When it was over, he stepped off the deck, badge gleaming against his chest, his gaze briefly finding the sky above. It felt good. After so long, after enduring so much, he finally felt good. Like the closing of a long chapter and the start of something new… something real. His friends rushed toward him soon after, not caring for the base’s formality anymore.
“You looked like a damn hero up there!”
Namjoon said, clapping a hand on his back and then pulling Jeongguk into a brief hug.
“Marine engineer Jeon Jeongguk!”
Hoseok added with a dramatic bow and Jeongguk smiled, a small one, but it reached his eyes. He didn’t say anything at first… he didn’t need to. His chest felt light. He’d finally made it. Jin was snapping a few pictures when Hoseok excused himself to take a call as they made their way to the car. He had a good 1 month to sort things out and prepare for the new life and needless to say, Jeongguk was excited.
Hoseok returned with a frown on his face, his bottom lip pulled between the teeth as he slid into the seat beside Jeongguk. They shared a worried glance and Jeongguk nudged the shoulder, silently questioning Hoseok who sighed.
“There was a little dispute in the club. A patron, some high-profile bigshot, tried to harass a singer. This had never happened before. Glad that the singer was escorted out the club but that’s so fucking disgusting. Need to do something to make sure nothing of this sort happens again”
Jeongguk’s smile faltered as he absorbed Hoseok’s words, the weight of the news sinking in. He turned in his seat to face his friend more fully, concern clouding his eyes.
“That’s messed up! Is the singer okay?”
Jeongguk whispered and Hoseok gave a tired shrug, running a hand through his hair.
“Security handled it well, but I still hate that it happened in the first place. The fact that people like him walk in thinking they can do whatever they want just because they’ve got power or money. It’s exhausting”
Jeongguk reached out, squeezing Hoseok’s arm gently. He could see the latter tearing himself down for the mistake. It could’ve been worse but that was handled.
“You’ve got a lot on your plate, hyung. I know it’s not easy running clubs… especially with the reputation yours have. Safe, inclusive, clean. You’ve set the bar high and people come because of that”
Hoseok glanced at him, his mouth twitching into the smallest smile.
“Still, things go wrong, Gguk. No matter how hard you try”
“I know. But that doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. You can’t control everyone who walks through the door, but you’ve built a place where people know they’ll be taken care of. That matters and that should be enough I guess”
Hoseok looked away, swallowing hard.
“I just hope he’s okay. That it doesn’t shake him too much. He is one of the best singers in Busan and I don’t want to lose him. It’s his decision but… ugh, people can be so... disgusting”
So, it was a he . Jeongguk had loved singing when he was a kid but his father hated that he took interest in that department and Jeongguk dropped it somewhere along the way. It’s been years since he sang and that tugged something at his chest.
“Hope so. He was protected. That makes a difference. And maybe he’ll remember that more than the rest”
They sat quietly for a moment, the weight of unspoken thoughts stretching between them.
“Anyway… enough about that. Today’s about you, sailor boy!”
Hoseok eventually said, straightening his shoulders. Jeongguk snorted.
“Don’t call me that!”
“Nope, you’re not getting out of it now”
Jin teased from the front seat and Hoseok agreed, his smile finally reaching his eyes.
“Captain Jeon, the heartbreaker of the fleet!”
“I’m literally a marine engineer, Hyung”
“... with a badge!”
Jin called from the front, wiping an invisible tear dramatically.
“We’re celebrating tonight, no excuses”
Namjoon waved his hand and Jeongguk smiled again, grateful… not just for the recognition, but for the people who stood beside him through every part of his life. The people he considers family. The only people he cares enough to call his priority.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The elevator doors slid open with a gentle ding, revealing an expansive, modern lobby filled with polished marble, soaring pristine ceilings, and staff moving about with sleek clipboards and headsets. Taehyung stepped out, a little in awe, but quickly schooled his features into something more nonchalant. He was here to audition… modeling for a premium drinks campaign hosted by one of the city’s elite club chains. Big names. High stakes.
Taehyung was no stranger to the runway, but this level of glamour was new. He had just moved to Seoul and the situation Jimin was in Busan, clung to his heart like a storm cloud. Jihye’s health and the incident at the club still rang inside his ears. Taehyung shook his head and adjusted his coat, ran his fingers through his hair, and followed the signs to the casting studio. Cameras, stylists, and assistants buzzed like bees in a hive, all centered around a small stage and backdrop that bore the shimmering label of the drink brand.
In the far corner of the room, almost hidden behind tinted glass, stood a man in a sharp beige suit, posture upright and eyes hawk-like with hair perfectly slicked back. That was him . Jung Hoseok. The owner. The man who’d built his club empire from the ground up and now dabbled in everything from branding to PR. Taehyung had seen him in magazines. He walked in cautiously and bowed to the crew who acknowledged his presence and offered him a seat. But what caught his attention more than the man himself was the hushed conversation drifting from Hoseok’s half-open meeting door.
“I need a singer next week. Not just a decent one… someone with presence. I want the music to feel expensive. Magnetic. No repeats from last time, alright?”
Hoseok’s voice was clear, firm. He sounded like someone who was always used to things going his way, who always liked checking the entire formation personally. Taehyung’s mind clicked into place. Jimin.
As Taehyung stood up to maybe have a word with Hoseok, he was dragged away to get ready for the shoot but he was never the one to give up. The shoot went surprisingly well. He gave it his all… slow, confident movements, a smirk, a cheeky grin, hands that held the glass bottle like it was temptation incarnate. A stylist clapped quietly when Taehyung stepped down. A few crew members whispered. Taehyung didn’t allow himself to look too pleased, but he felt it. He’d made an impression.
Still, something tugged at him. He glanced back toward the hallway Hoseok had disappeared into. It’s been almost 45 minutes since he heard the life-altering conversation. After a few minutes of mental back-and-forth, Taehyung took a breath and made his way to the lounge area adjacent to the studio where the auditions took place, where Hoseok now stood, sipping espresso, scanning something on his tablet. Taehyung approached, a careful blend of confidence and caution in his posture.
“Excuse me, sir?”
Taehyung began and Hoseok looked up, eyebrows raised slightly in surprise at being approached so directly. The man was intimidating as fuck. Taehyung almost felt his heart drop to the stomach at the gaze.
“Yes?”
“I’m Kim Taehyung. I just finished the shoot. First off, thank you for the opportunity… it was an experience”
Hoseok nodded, polite but cool. He didn’t look uninterested and he sounded genuine. Taehyung knew Hoseok saw the shoot. He just needed to say the words.
“You did well”
“I overheard something earlier…”
Taehyung continued, choosing his words carefully. He really shouldn’t come out as a creep.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I happened to enter at the same time. I am sorry. It’s about a singer for an upcoming party. I have someone in mind… if you’re still looking”
Hoseok set down the tablet, intrigued. The initial sharpness of his stare dwindled into amusement and Taehyung felt a little at ease.
“Do you?”
“He’s good. Jimin. Park Jimin”
Taehyung said, tone steady but earnest now.
“He’s trained, performs live. He writes his songs and creates music. He has a very unique voice, clean aesthetic and angelic, and he knows how to work a crowd without even trying. He sings ballads and R&B mostly, but adapts well to any genre”
“Jimin…”
Hoseok repeated slowly, eyes narrowing slightly as if he was trying to remember.
“I haven’t heard of him but it does sound familiar”
“You will, sir”
Taehyung smiled softly, just the hint of a dare in his voice. Maybe he is sealing this deal for Jimin.
“He works at clubs. He doesn’t have the connections yet. But he has the presence you’re looking for. If you'd give him a chance… I’ll make sure he delivers”
There was a beat of silence. Hoseok studied him for a moment, then gave a half-smile but it looked genuine as if the man was interested.
“You talk like you believe in him”
“I do. He is my best friend”
Taehyung said simply. Another pause, then Hoseok reached into his coat, pulled out a card, and handed it over.
“Have him contact this number. There’s a shortlisting happening tomorrow for performers. If he can back up what you just promised, he might have a shot”
Taehyung took the card with a soft nod, heart thudding but face calm.
“Thank you, sir and I do have a few videos of him”
“My assistant is just outside. Send them over to him. I’ll review it”
Taehyung bowed with a grateful smile and handed over the few recordings of Jimin to the assistant before walking out of the building, phone already in hand, he couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at his lips.
Jimin!
Park Jimin!!
Jimin-ie… my soulmate, my sweet pie
Yaaa… Jimin-ah!
Jimin-ie 🎀
What?!
How did your audition go?
Did you get in?
Ofc, you will… stay strong my bestie!!
Taehyung cackled at the texts. Jimin would never be not funny.
Save that discussion for later.
I’ve something for you… an offer…
But you are needed here tomorrow!
Jimin-ie 🎀
Needed, what?!?!
Tae, you know I can’t leave Jihye
She will be discharged tomorrow…
Taehyung felt his smile drop but this could be a turning point, an end to all his miseries. If Jimin gets selected then the exposure would work so well. People would see him and then hire him for various events.
Yoongi Hyung is literally there, Jimin
He can keep an eye on her for a day.
This is a fucking huge opportunity and that man is too popular
Jimin-ie 🎀
Yeah… I will think about it
For sure… but who?
What am I even auditioning for?
Jung Hoseok, the elite!
He is hosting a party next week
…. and he is looking for a singer!
I put a word out and
He said you should audition tomorrow!
Jimin-ie 🎀
Jung Hoseok?!
As in The Swan room, Jung Hoseok!
What the fuck? That’s literally where I work…
Taehyung almost squealed in his seat. This was a whole circle moment and now there’s no way Jimin would get out of this.
That’s fucking incredible!
Get your ass here, Jimin.
We are getting that slot…
Jimin-ie 🎀
I know but Jihye…
I will talk to Yoongi Hyung now.
Pack your bags for a couple days
And practice your best pieces…
Jimin-ie 🎀
Ughhh… Okay.
I will let you know after boarding the train!
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The ride to Seoul was nothing short of exhausting. Jimin had hastily packed a few pairs of clothes after continuous bugging from Taehyung and Yoongi about the golden chance. Jihye wanted him to leave as well, and so Jimin had finally agreed. He boarded the train and Taehyung promised to fetch him from the station. He had packed his guitar, his notes, and a drive of his performances. Nothing was needed and he didn’t even know the complete details.
But performing before Jung Hoseok was something he had never dreamed of doing. He owns a chain of popular clubs which are considered to be elite, exquisite and safe. But the experience he had a few days prior shook him to the core… though the security were kind and attentive enough to back him up. The man was a dancer himself, a mind-blowing one at that with a touch of music, and that made a shiver run down Jimin’s spine. He had to be at the venue at 10 a.m. and it was past midnight when the train finally came to a halt. Taehyung was already there waiting, leaning against his car with a beaming grin and a coffee in each hand.
“You look like you fought a war!”
He said as he caught sight of Jimin dragging his duffel behind him, hair sticking out in all directions and eyes dazed from sleep deprivation.
“I think I did”
Jimin muttered, gratefully accepting the coffee as Taehyung took the duffel bag from him.
“You didn’t have to wait this long, Tae”
“Are you kidding, stupid? I told you I’d fetch you. This is not a big deal”
Taehyung said, clapping him on the back.
“You ready?”
“Not even close!”
The ride to Taehyung’s place was quiet, the city lights dancing against the windshield, the familiar hum of Seoul washing over Jimin like a strange lullaby. He barely spoke, lost in nerves and anticipation. Taehyung, sensing it, played soft jazz through the phone and hummed along… filling the silence in a way that didn't press Jimin to speak. Once home, Jimin tried to get some rest, but sleep was a faraway concept. He lay on the couch, eyes wide open, rehearsing chords in his head, breathing exercises Yoongi had once taught him, and mentally preparing for everything that could possibly go wrong. When the clock hit six, he gave up entirely and began getting ready.
He wore a simple outfit… black jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and a light jacket, casual but presentable. Jimin needed to look professional at least. His fingers trembled slightly as he did his hair in front of the mirror. Taehyung was already dressed, running a comb through his own unruly curls.
"You look good, Jimin-ie"
Taehyung offered, eyeing Jimin through the mirror.
"I look like I haven't slept in a week. I mean I didn’t really get much sleep but this is killing me"
"You look nervous…"
"I am nervous, Tae. I am so close to shitting myself"
By the time they reached the venue, a sleek studio space located on the top floor of a high-rise, Jimin's heart was pounding so loudly he could barely hear himself think. There was a quiet tension in the building… stylists, makeup artists, and models rushing back and forth as camera equipment was wheeled across marble floors. Taehyung walked as if he had seen it all and maybe he did given he auditioned just a day ago. Jimin followed him with a racing heart and then Jimin saw him.
Jung Hoseok stood at the far end of the room, dressed in an effortlessly stylish black turtleneck and tailored slacks with a blazer, clipboard in one hand, earpiece snug in his ear. He was mid-conversation with someone, nodding intently, eyes sharp and calculating. Everything about him was magnetic… refined, confident, unapproachable and intimidating.
Jimin froze. He wanted to run.
"That’s him"
Jimin whispered, eyes opened wide and lips parting in a gasp.
"Yes, it is. Isn’t he handsome?"
Taehyung replied with a smirk and Jimin just stared at the man.
“And he doesn’t bite, so stop looking like you’re about to throw up!”
“He might as well bite…”
“Jimin! Shut up!”
Taehyung gave Jimin a gentle push forward and bowed at someone. Hoseok noticed, his gaze shifting from the assistant he was speaking to, to Taehyung and then Jimin. And then he smiled, a gentle and warm one.
“Oh, Taehyung!”
Hoseok greeted, voice warm, walking over and standing before them. His eyes then turned to Jimin, and he extended a hand.
“You must be Park Jimin”
Jimin blinked, still lost in the haze.
“I… Yes. Uh, yes, I am. Good Morning. Morning, Mr. Jung”
Hoseok chuckled, the sound low and light as he shook his head.
“You can relax. Taehyung told me about you. Said you’ve got a voice that could haunt a man for weeks”
Hoseok sounded calm and that made Jimin sink more into himself but he flushed, biting his inner cheek.
“He exaggerates”
“I doubt that after those immaculate performances”
Hoseok said gently, reaching out to pat Jimin on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry. Just think of it as us getting to know each other. I’m glad you came”
Something in Hoseok's tone… gentle but assured, settled a bit of the chaos inside Jimin. He looked into the man’s eyes and found no judgment there, no pressure. Just a quiet curiosity, and kindness that caught him completely off guard but he still couldn’t believe he was standing before Hoseok.
“Thank you. I… I’ll do my best”
Jimin answered softly with a bow.
“I’m sure you will”
And just like that, the intimidating, larger-than-life persona of Hoseok that had haunted Jimin's imagination dissolved into something much more human. The anxiety still churned in his belly, but it felt bearable now as he walked into the room, ready to steal the show. Jimin stepped up to the mic, fingers trembling ever so slightly as he adjusted the stand. The small audition room was warm with sunlight spilling through the windows, yet his palms were clammy, his heart rattling in his chest.
He took a deep breath and let it all out in the first note. Soft and unsteady at first, but as the melody took hold of him, he grew stronger, steadier, like he was no longer singing to impress, but because he needed to. His voice carried years of yearning and heartbreak, hope and hunger, emotive, and beautiful. Once the music filled the space, Jimin got lost with it, singing so effortlessly. Hoseok, seated casually with a clipboard in hand, slowly lowered it as his eyes locked on Jimin, a slow, awed smile creeping onto his face.
His foot tapped with the beat, head nodding slightly, but his gaze never wavered. The room felt like it had been hollowed out just to house Jimin’s voice. Taehyung sat nearby, hands clutched tightly between his knees, watching Hoseok’s reactions with nervous anticipation and shifting his gaze between Jimin and Hoseok. When the last note fell into silence and Jimin bowed his head with a short breathless exhale, Hoseok blinked as if waking from a trance. He turned to Taehyung with a small, incredulous shake of his head.
“No more auditions are needed”
Hoseok muttered, almost to himself, then added with a smirk paired with a chuckle.
“Though, we’ll have to finish because people are waiting”
Taehyung’s eyes widened.
“That means… oh my god?”
Taehyung whispered, eyes sparkling and Hoseok nodded, chuckling under his breath.
“I’m dead serious”
Taehyung barely held back a squeal, fists clenched in triumph as he bit his lip, vibrating with excitement. When Jimin looked up, Hoseok was already approaching, that easy-going confidence draped around him like silk.
“Damn!”
Jimin nodded quickly, still dazed, heart thudding hard against his ribs. Hoseok said, tone smooth but sincere.
“You’re the kind of voice that leaves a mark. It’s exquisite and unique”
Jimin flushed, stammering out a quiet
“Thank you”
“I meant it…”
Hoseok said, offering his hand for a shake.
“I’d love for you to perform a forty-minute set next weekend. Make it count. You’ve got the slot”
Jimin blinked, stunned, words catching in his throat. But Taehyung came to his side and threw an arm around his shoulders before he could spiral as they watched Hoseok walk away.
“Guess we’re in showbiz now”
Taehyung grinned and Jimin smiled, shy and small, but brighter than the sun outside.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The entire party thing has been stressing Jeonggukk out and he wouldn’t say but he felt embarrassed on going out and mingling with all the people who would congratulate him. Hoseok has always been a show-stopper and he always managed to make tons of friends and it’s a given that there would be a lot of people for the party. Jeongguk waited along with Namjoon in one of the dressing rooms as Hoseok chatted away outside. With one final call, they walked into the crowd and Jeongguk hoped he wouldn’t just get drunk.
On the other hand, Jimin sat in the chair, getting his hair done by the stylist while Taehyung stood beside him, playing some music to reduce the nerves and Jimin genuinely appreciated the effort. The outfit was simple but stylish. He was dressed in a white silk top with ruffles and dangling threads at his wrists with the top 2 buttons open to reveal a silver of his smooth skin and a pair of black slacks that hugged his frame perfectly. It was comfortable and that’s all that mattered.
He doesn’t even remember how one week had passed. It was a blur of events, of late-night rehearsals, and stolen moments of panic soothed by Taehyung’s reassurances. All Jimin could clearly recall was the trip he made to Busan amidst the chaos, needing to see Jihye just once before the night. Yoongi had scolded him gently, Taehyung’s parents had promised to look after her, but Jimin’s heart wouldn’t rest without that short visit. And then, all too soon, the night was here.
The lights dimmed, and with one last tight hug from Taehyung, Jimin stepped onto the stage, mic in hand, the spotlight warming his skin. He began to sing. The first note floated out, slow and sensual, coated in emotion. He was singing his own pieces. It was like silk unraveling across the crowd. His voice commanded attention, effortlessly. His gaze swept through the room, confident but gentle and warm, finding his grounding in the sea of faces. He had always felt alive when he was on stage and when people actually paid attention to his music. His heart fluttered when he found a handful of people mouthing the lyrics which was extremely surprising.
And near the back of the giant room, nestled beside Hoseok in the VIP booth, Jeongguk sat with a glass of red wine in hand, posture relaxed, eyes quietly focused on the performer. The moment Jimin’s voice filled the space, something shifted in the air. Jeongguk found himself sitting straighter, brows lifting subtly as the melody poured over him. He wouldn’t admit it, not even to himself, but he felt the music sink into his skin. The voice… so smooth, rich with ache that wrapped around his ribs like a quiet confession. He didn’t swell into music after he had stopped singing but this was gorgeous.
Hoseok leaned forward, clearly impressed, tapping his fingers to the beat, and Jeongguk stayed still, almost frozen. He wasn’t sure what he was more focused on… the song, or the singer. The songs were spectacular and the way the notes fell from those lips… it was borderline sinful. Jimin moved like he was born under the spotlight, pouring emotion into every note, every glance, every breath. There was something magnetic in the way he held the room… how even in the softness, he was a storm and Jeongguk was struck.
Forty minutes passed in what felt like a blink. The music faded into its final echo, and Jimin bowed with a smile, chest rising and falling with exertion. Jeongguk loved every second of the performance but his smile… God , his smile was brilliant enough to light the whole club. He looked directly toward the booth as he spoke into the mic.
“Thank you for making me live this! It was memorable to sing to you. And, Jeongguk-ssi, hearty congratulations on your job. You all are exceptionally beautiful. The man who gave me the chance too”
Jimin said with a glint in his eye and Hoseok chuckled, clearly tickled, waving a playful hand in the air as he stood up to clap. Jimin bowed once again before leaving the stage but Jeongguk was frozen. He was still in the same pose. The way his name rolled off Jimin’s lips sounded gorgeous. He shook his head, getting rid of every thought that flooded his mind.
“What a charmer!”
Hoseok teased, catching Jeongguk’s amused glance. Then, leaning toward him conspiratorially, Hoseok added with a wink.
“He’s single, you know!”
Hoseok wiggled his brows and Jeongguk scoffed softly, rolling his eyes, but there was no hiding the slight curve to his lips. As the party continued around him, noise and movement returning in waves, Jeongguk nursed his drink and watched Jimin laughing with the crew near the stage. He wouldn’t dwell on it. Wouldn’t label it anything because this was just a fleeting moment and soon he would be off to the base. But still, the soft edges of Jimin’s voice, the way his name rolled off those lips lingered quietly in the back of Jeongguk’s mind as he eventually stood, thanked Hoseok, and melted back into the Seoul night.
Notes:
Please let me know your thoughts through comments🩷 This is my second fic inspired by arch's edit, and many more edits make me want to whip up a fic. Should I make a series? I don't know whether I could do justice, but she deserves all the appreciation!
And stream
This man completely had me in a chokehold. I had to take a breather before I could even post this chapter. So please, shower him with all the love he deserves :)
Chapter 2: Numb to the World
Notes:
Chapter Two is here 🩵
We’ve finally arrived at a major turning point. I won’t give away too much, but this chapter sheds light on some key parts of the plot. Buckle up... I hope you enjoy the journey!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“That was great. Fucking amazing. You have no idea how people stopped everything and stared at you. Jimin, you killed it”
Taehyung practically bounced in his seat, nearly spilling his coffee from the way he was squeezing the cup with barely contained excitement. Jimin chuckled softly, a faint blush blooming across his cheeks. The warmth in his chest was undeniable. Taehyung’s words soothed something raw and lingering. He knew he had done well, but hearing it out loud made it feel more real, like the echo of doubt still trailing behind him was finally silenced. They sat in a spacious café near Taehyung’s dorm, soft jazz playing overhead, tucked into a corner booth as the golden hour light streamed through the tall windows.
It had been four days since the party, almost two weeks since Jimin had first met Hoseok, and yet the nerves still clung to him every time the man’s name came up… or worse, when he appeared. Hoseok had been nothing but warm, patient, and respectful, but something about him still made Jimin straighten his back and fidget with the hem of his sleeves. Maybe it was the charisma, or the way he seemed to see through people a little too easily. Right on cue, the café door chimed and in walked Hoseok, dressed casually in a light knit sweater and brown slacks, sunglasses tucked into his collar. He spotted them immediately, smiling as he made his way over.
“Hope I’m not crashing…”
Hoseok said, sliding into the seat beside Taehyung without hesitation.
“Not at all! We were just talking about the performance and waiting for you”
Taehyung grinned, scooting over to make room. Jimin offered a small smile, polite and a little reserved, complimenting his greeting with a bow. He truly wondered how Taehyung managed to loosen up so quickly. But again, both of them were social butterflies and it really wasn’t a surprise.
“Hi, Hoseok-ssi!”
“Just Hyung is fine!”
The man chuckled, waving off the formality. Jimin’s head spun again. How the hell was this huge sunshine in a human form managing the chain of high-end clubs? Hoseok didn’t even look remotely close to the man people spoke about by joining his name with intimidating and cold.
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something. I didn’t realize until recently… someone told me what really happened that night, with that guest”
Hoseok started, voice soft but guilty as if he was coursing down a hard road and he indeed was. Jimin’s expression faltered slightly, his gaze dropping for a second.
“I’m so sorry, Jimin. I should’ve known sooner”
Hoseok said, sincerity etched into every word. He genuinely looked remorseful and no matter what, Jimin couldn’t blame him. The club was always the safest but some accidents happen.
“I pieced it all together just yesterday. Security handled it, yes, but it never should’ve happened at all. You were put in an awful position, and I hate that it happened under my roof”
Jimin shook his head quickly, fingers curling around the edge of his mug, peeking from the oversized sweater that swallowed his frame.
“It’s okay, Hyung. You and your team were really kind about it. I just wanted to forget it”
“Well, I haven’t. I will try my best to make sure there are no incidents again”
Hoseok said, squeezing Jimin’s stretched-out hand a little.
“But thank you for being so graceful about it. And Jimin… your performance that night? Breathtaking. You truly owned that room. People were flattered. They loved you”
Jimin blinked, startled by the compliment, cheeks coloring again. He could feel his skin burn under Hoseok’s touch. He knew this wasn’t some attraction, but the man was genuinely just so charming, and Jimin was someone who only heard whispers about Hoseok, and those didn’t do enough justice. He was an embodiment of warmth.
“Thank you… that means a lot, Hyung”
There was a brief silence, not awkward, just calm. Jimin hesitated, then spoke, voice soft but steady. He wasn’t sure, but he was desperate. Hoseok didn’t seem the type to judge but even if he did, Jimin had nothing to lose. He needed to find a way soon, and he needed to pull in all the connections.
“I’m just… trying my best. My sister’s unwell… She is stable for now, and I’ve been trying to find a steady job that offers insurance, but most of what I do is temporary. Music helps with money, but it’s not stable enough to rely on, but this party… I am grateful for the chance, Hyung. I genuinely mean it. Thank you”
Hoseok’s expression softened. He didn’t interrupt, just nodded slowly, genuinely listening, and Taehyung gestured at him to continue.
“She’s all I have. So I’m doing what I can. The singing gigs, making music… I’m just trying to make sure she doesn’t miss a single dose”
Jimin added, eyes a little glassy but still composed. He didn’t mean to vent, but something in Hoseok made him falter. He just needed someone to understand the depth of his pain. He might look normal because he does live in the moment, but the unknown weight always kept pulling him, tugging at him every second. Taehyung gently placed a hand on Jimin’s arm beneath the table. Hoseok leaned back slightly, thoughtful.
“You’re doing an incredible job, Jimin-ah. Seriously. And you didn’t even have to tell me all of this… but I’m glad you did. I admire your strength. And that party offer… You earned that, so don’t thank me for it. You are insanely talented”
Jimin smiled… small, genuine, and a little shy. For once, he didn’t feel like he had to hide anything and Hoseok grinned.
“And I will try my best to help. But first… finish your coffee. This is your moment, and I want you to enjoy it”
And just like that, the tension that had clung to Jimin’s shoulders began to ease. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to shift. He didn’t know how or when, but for now, he needed to leave, go back to his sister and take her to the hospital to find out the medication and storm his brain.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Chinhae Base
The mess hall buzzed with the low hum of conversation, cutlery clinking against metal trays and the occasional burst of laughter echoing off the walls. Jeongguk sat at the far end of one of the long tables, his tray untouched as he stirred absentmindedly at his rice. The cafeteria food wasn’t bad by base standards… steamed vegetables, soy-glazed chicken, kimchi, and soup, but he wasn’t really tasting any of it. He was new to it, yes but so were everyone and somehow everyone seemed to have adjusted.
Jeongguk’s thoughts drifted again. He could still hear the singer’s voice from the party last week. Clear. Controlled. Angelic . Soon his table was filled with his dorm mates but everything else had faded into the background. That last note… God, that last note had been like a thread tying his chest into a knot. He hadn't even realized how tightly wound he’d been until that moment.
Jimin.
Jeongguk didn’t know his full name, and he didn’t need to. That night, he had thought he would be over it in a couple days but he was indeed wrong. Maybe he was in some fan phase. He didn’t know anything. The image of the singer alone was enough to stick… delicate features framed by soft, styled hair, dressed in white with glittering buttons and a stage presence so captivating it felt almost illegal. And his smile. Bright. Genuine. It lingered even after the music stopped.
“Earth to Jeon!”
A voice cut through the noise of his endless thoughts. Jeongguk blinked, lifting his head as a piece of radish slipped off his spoon and plopped back into the bowl. Across from him, Seungmin raised an eyebrow, chewing on a mouthful of food. A new recruit just like him who sleeps right next to his bed at night.
“You’ve barely touched your lunch”
Seungmin said around a bite, pointing at the food with a silly smile.
“Are you hungover or heartbroken?”
Jeongguk gave a dry laugh and shook his head.
“Neither”
Did he really give off that vibe? He had never been in a relationship to begin with and he didn’t even know the basics of it.
“Then why do you look like someone just slapped you with a love song?”
Minjae chimed in, nudging Jeongguk with his elbow. He was a senior by one year but was friendly enough to show them around the base.
“You’ve had that dazed look since we got here. Spill!”
Jeongguk exhaled, resting his chopsticks down. They wouldn’t leave him and he didn’t have an answer.
“Just thinking. Stuff…”
“That is concerning…”
Seungmin quipped with a grin, sharing a glance with Minjae who nodded.
“Jeon Jeongguk? Thinking?”
“Let me guess. You met someone at that fancy send-off party a few days ago, didn’t you?”
Jeongguk hesitated. Not really ready to share… but also kind of needing to. He didn’t know what happened to him but he just needed to get those feelings out.
“There was a singer. He performed that night”
Jeongguk admitted, glancing at his tray, already regretting the words as he found the way his friend's lips curled into a teasing smirk.
“Aha! I knew it!”
Minjae grinned, pointing at him with a pair of chopsticks like an accusation.
“Was he hot?”
Jeongguk scoffed, but the way his ears pinked gave him away. Jimin was hot… maybe? He hadn’t really paid attention to the man completely. He was a bit too reserved and embarrassed to do that but he did memorize the features.
“I mean… yeah. But it wasn’t just that. His voice… It was insane. Fucking beautiful. It just… got under my skin”
“You mean you caught feelings from a voice ?”
Seungmin laughed with his entire body just like Hoseok and Jeongguk suddenly missed his Hyungs. But the topic was about Jimin and a smile stretched his lips. Okay, now that sounded ridiculous. Can someone actually fall in love with a voice? Understandable if that person was an Idol or someone people stan but he had met Jimin only once. He just listened to Jimin sing. Jeongguk knew nothing more about the scene.
“Shut up!”
Jeongguk muttered, but there was no real bite in his tone.
“It was more than that. The way he sang… he meant every damn word. Like he wasn’t just performing, he was feeling the music. I could feel that and I’ve never felt that way listening to music for years. I don’t know how to explain it”
The table fell into a short silence before Minjae smirked again.
“So when’s the wedding?”
Jeongguk rolled his eyes and picked up his spoon, finally deciding to eat and put an end to the conversation which looked like his termination.
“It’s not like that. I don’t even know him except the name. Probably never seeing him again”
“But you want to…”
Seungmin noted, eyes narrowing playfully.
“You don’t usually stare off into the abyss unless it’s about your engine manuals”
Jeongguk chuckled softly.
“Maybe. I don’t know. It’s just stuck in my head, that’s all. Probably just a phase. I will outgrow it”
Minjae let out a low whistle. Teasing one.
“Man, if a single voice can haunt you this bad, I hope you never meet a poet”
Jeongguk shook his head, smiling despite himself. The teasing didn’t bother him much… he was used to it, but something about admitting the truth out loud felt strangely grounding. Yeah, it had only been one night. But something about that performance lingered, like a song you couldn’t stop humming. As the lunch bell rang and they began to clear their trays, Seungmin clapped him on the back.
“Let us know if your mystery singer shows up again. We’ll start taking bets on how fast you fall”
Jeongguk just smiled faintly and shook his head and swatted Seungmin away with a grin, but as they walked out under the blazing afternoon sun, he found himself humming again… low, quiet, familiar. That same melody Jimin had ended the set with. He hadn’t realized he was doing it until Minjae glanced sideways with a smirk and said…
“See? You’re done for, Jeon!”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a haze of schedules and routines. Working as a marine engineer wasn’t exactly easy… constant assessments, technical drills, adapting to shifting ship protocols, but it was everything Jeongguk had worked for. He’d spent years applying, studying, building up his profile for this very post, and now that he was finally stationed at one of the powerful bases, the exhaustion in his limbs came with a strange sort of satisfaction.
There were moments of laughter, inside jokes between the unit as they cracked open systems and pieced them back together, troubleshooting the valves and checking the circuits. A colleague asked him about the fuel tank, and another complained about the engine room's heat, to which Jeongguk replied with a dry…
“It’s hotter inside my skull”
It was cringey but that made people laugh. And yet… despite the work, despite the pride, his mind wandered. Back to the spotlight. Back to the voice that wrapped around the room like silk and fire. Back to that soft, delicate man who held everyone’s attention like it cost nothing at all. By the time night fell, the base had settled into a lull. All the officers returned to their rooms. It was quiet in the barracks, save for the distant hush of waves lapping against the shore and the occasional rustle of blankets as a few soldiers shifted in their bunks.
Jeongguk sat on the portable chair beside the bonfire, one leg bent, earbuds in, scrolling through his playlist as he basked in the warmth. Nothing felt right. He tried ballads, tried acoustic tracks, even a few lo-fi beats… but none of them hit quite the same. Not like that voice. He didn’t even know the song’s name. Very pathetic. All he had was the memory of dark eyes under soft white lighting, of a ruffled white shirt, of a voice that dipped in honey and fairy dust and soared in perfect rhythm with his heartbeat. Delicate yet strong. Serene, but impossible to ignore.
Jeongguk exhaled slowly, sinking back onto the chair, eyes fixed on the velvet sky full of stars. The hum of the base faded behind the buzzing in his ears.
“You good?”
Jihyun asked from across the vast ground, voice muffled by distance and sleep.
“Yeah… Just tired”
Jeongguk replied, forcing his arms to stay still even though his fingers twitched with the urge to tap out the rhythm of that damn song again. The melody looped in his head like a quiet chant, pulling him back to that night under glittering lights and velvet drapes. Jihyun yawned audibly.
“First week blues?”
Jeongguk let out a low breath, turning slightly to face the other side, locking eyes with Jihyun, 2 years senior.
“Something like that”
“You’ll get used to it. We all do!”
Jihyun mumbled, already halfway back to sleep.
“Just give it time!”
Time.
That was the problem, wasn’t it? Time didn’t seem to be helping. If anything, it made the memory sharper, more vivid. The way the singer had stood there, eyes half-lidded, swaying gently as the notes poured out of him like poetry in motion. That soft smile at the end… timid and radiant at the same time had been burned into Jeongguk’s mind with terrifying clarity. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to think of anything else. Think of his friends, his mom, his paintings, his pictures, ship diagrams, electrical schematics. Fuel ratios. Anything . But it always circled back.
That voice. That face.
That feeling .
Jeongguk muttered something under his breath, something about letting it go, about how he probably wasn’t even going to see him again. It had been a moment. A song . Nothing more. Still, as sleep slowly pulled him under, Jeongguk found himself humming again… quietly, unconsciously under the stars that sparkled bright but nowhere close to the glow on that man’s face. The same tune. The same final note that refused to leave him alone. And eventually, with the sound of that voice still echoing faintly in his ears, he drifted off to sleep.
Stardust
That was what Jimin was.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Busan
Jimin had just returned from Seoul after five long days. The city hadn’t changed much, of course it wouldn’t but something in him had. The meeting with Hoseok still lingered like a balm on a sore wound… a sense of reassurance that hadn’t visited him in a while. Hoseok’s calm encouragement, the way he listened and quietly promised to keep the doors open for him, was something Jimin kept replaying every time doubt crept in.
Now, the landscape has shifted. He was back in Busan, nestled between comfort and familiarity, riding a bus that hissed to a stop right in front of the local bakery. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafted through the air, making his heart flutter just a little. He stepped out, grabbing a small box of cinnamon rolls, Taehyung’s parents' favorite before continuing down the street. The road home, as he liked to think of it, was quiet, filled with memories from his childhood. A few children ran past, laughing, the seaside breeze gently tousling Jimin’s hair as he rounded the corner.
The pastel blue house stood like a beacon of peace, small and snug, wrapped in memories and quiet love. It wasn’t his by blood, but it had always been home in ways his own never was. He knocked softly, already smiling at the thought of meeting the couple inside. The door creaked open, and Taehyung’s father stood there with the same warmth Jimin had always known. His eyes crinkled, smile stretching wide as he pulled Jimin into a tight hug.
“There’s my boy!”
Mr. Kim murmured, voice thick with affection as he pressed a soft kiss to Jimin’s forehead.
“Come in, come in!”
Jimin melted into the embrace, feeling the warmth seeping into the depths of his bones, affection filling the torn spaces of his heart before stepping inside. The familiar scent of freshly made broth and the faint salty breeze from the open windows filled the space. From the kitchen, Taehyung’s mother peeked out, drying her hands on her apron.
“Jimin-ah!”
She exclaimed, immediately walking over to ruffle his hair and pinch his cheeks.
“You’ve lost weight again, haven’t you? In just what… 5 days? Look at you! And you brought cinnamon rolls… sweet child!”
Jimin chuckled at the way her eyes lit up at the sight of cinnamon rolls. She was a sweetheart.
“I knew you'd say that, so I picked them up on the way”
“And you brought our baby home too. We totally had a blast the last 2 weeks”
Mrs. Kim added as Jihye walked in from the hallway, smiling sheepishly before being pulled into a warm embrace by Jimin.
“Of course, Mom. Where else would she be safest?”
Jimin said softly, ruffling Jihye’s hair as they were ushered inside, slippers exchanged and cinnamon rolls placed neatly on the table. Jimin sat beside Jihye as she was instantly doted on… fed sliced fruit and offered warm soup. He watched with a fond smile, warmth blooming in his chest as he sipped his tea.
“So, how did it go in Seoul? The performance?”
Mr. Kim started and Jimin smiled.
“It went… better than I could’ve hoped for, Appa. I was nervous, honestly. But Hoseok-ssi… the owner, he was really kind. He said he’d keep in touch”
“That’s wonderful! You are growing up”
Taehyung’s mother beamed, clasping her hands together, before taking a seat beside her husband.
“You’ve always had that spark. Just needed someone to see it”
“I’m trying…”
Jimin said softly, playing around with the crepe served by Taehyung’s mother.
“I just want something stable, Mom. It’d be a huge relief if something solid comes out of this”
Taehyung’s father reached over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“We’re here, always. And you don’t have to thank us, Minnie”
Taehyung’s mother nodded firmly.
“Don’t say ‘thank you’ like we’re strangers. You and Jihye are ours. That’s final”
Jimin felt the sting of tears press behind his eyes, but he smiled through it, nodding. They had been through the same conversation for over a hundred times but still Jimin felt a little twinge every time they had to take care of Jihye.
“Okay… I won’t. I promise”
“Befriending you was the best Tae had ever done”
Mr. Kim announced, making every crackle and just then, the front door opened with a loud creak and a groan.
“Smells like chaos and cinnamon!”
Yoongi’s dry voice rang from the hallway before he even stepped into view.
“You didn’t save any rolls, did you?”
“Yoon-ie!”
Jihye squealed, jumping up to hug him as he ruffled her hair with a lopsided grin. Jimin snorted.
“You’re late, Hyung”
“I wasn’t invited…”
Yoongi said with a dramatic huff, flopping down into a seat beside Jimin.
“But then again, when your boyfriend’s mom calls you and says ‘come eat’ , you listen like a puppy”
Jimin snorted and Taehyung’s father chuckled.
“Smart man!”
“Oh, come on…”
Jimin teased, elbowing Yoongi.
“You would’ve shown up even if she hadn’t called. You just want to snoop around and hear gossip about Tae”
Yoongi raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t snoop, dumbass. I gather intel”
“Uh huh… I remember a thing or two”
Jihye joined in, wiggling her brows.
“Like how you were trying to steal his skincare products last time?”
“Borrow. Temporarily! That’s sharing and sharing is love”
Taehyung’s mother laughed, dishing another spoonful of soup into Yoongi’s bowl.
“He talks about you all the time, you know. At this rate, we’re going to plan the wedding before either of you propose”
Taehyung’s mother commented and Yoongi visibly choked on his soup while everyone burst into laughter. Jimin leaned back, resting his chin on his hand, watching the chaos unfold with a full heart. It wasn’t perfect, not by any stretch, but here… among teasing, laughter, cinnamon rolls, and people who chose to love him and give them a home, a family… It felt like he had everything he needed.
.
.
.
After dropping Jihye off at home, Jimin made his way toward the hospital, a routine he had memorized down to the angle of the turns and bumps in the road. But no matter how many times he repeated it, the feeling remained the same… tightness in his chest, dread curling in his gut like a second skin. He couldn’t bear to bring Jihye with him, not when the meetings involved charts, scans, percentages, and potential outcomes. It was his burden to carry, not hers.
The hospital loomed like a silent demon, sterile, dark, and imposing, its white walls offering no warmth despite the familiar scent of disinfectant and the soft greetings from the front desk. Over the years, the hospital staff had become an odd extension of Jimin’s world. They knew him by name, by face, by the weight in his shoulders whenever he walked in alone.
“Is Mrs. Jung available?”
Jimin asked gently, eyes tired but polite. The receptionist smiled kindly, warmth in her eyes.
“She’s in her office. Go ahead”
Jimin made his way down the quiet corridor, shoes echoing against the polished floor, scrubbed clean. The door to her office stood half open, and he hesitated for a moment, collecting himself before knocking. Dr. Jung Soojin looked up from her files with a warm expression, one that always managed to ground him slightly enough to get through the session.
“Jimin-ah… Come in”
She greeted softly and he stepped inside, settling in the seat across from her, already bracing himself. The gentle rustle of her papers only worsened the gnawing feeling in his stomach. He would never get used to this.
“I’ve been reviewing Jihye’s recent results. And I’m going to be honest with you… the FND has progressed a little since her last evaluation”
Jimin swallowed thickly, his stomach forming knots at the implication.
“What does that mean?”
“It’s not dangerous per se, but it does mean her current medication isn’t sufficient anymore. She’s going to need a stronger dose, and we’ll have to adjust her therapy sessions to twice a week instead of once”
He blinked, fingers twisting in his lap. He was already starting to dread the meeting.
“Is it… serious?”
Dr. Jung paused for a beat, then shook her head slowly.
“Not life-threatening, no. But it’s a condition that needs consistent and careful management. She’s not in any immediate danger, but this stage will require more support. Physically and emotionally. It’s challenging but we will get through it”
“How much will the new treatment cost?”
Jimin’s voice came out smaller than he intended. Jihye was not in danger and that was a huge relief. He needed to know the expenses so he could plan them out, spread them and save themselves from going broke. Soojin sighed, reluctantly pulling out a printed sheet from her drawer and sliding it toward him. The number stared up at him in bold, unflinching black ink. Several million won.
Jimin stared at it, lips parting slightly. The room seemed to press in on him, the edges of his vision dimming just enough to make his heart thunder. He couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. Dr. Jung noticed immediately.
“Jimin!”
She said, gently, reaching over to place a hand over his clenched one and giving it a firm squeeze.
“I know it’s a lot. I tried my best but this time it wasn’t in my hands. But please don’t worry about the money right now. You pay what you can, when you can. You know that”
“But… ”
Jimin’s voice cracked. He felt pathetic.
“This is too much. My gigs… they won’t cover even a fraction. I’m trying, but…”
He stopped himself before the tears could spill. He didn’t know whether he was hurt and angry. Instead, he inhaled shakily and bowed his head.
“Thank you. For always being kind”
“You’re doing more than most would in your place.”
Soojin said softly, offering Jimin a kind smile, though her eyes looked sad.
“Raising and taking care of your sister all alone isn’t an easy task. And Jihye… She's lucky to have you. We’ll get through this. I promise”
Jimin nodded, but his throat felt too tight to speak further. With another bow and a whispered thank you, he left her office with the schedule and the hospital behind, stepping out into the cool afternoon light that felt much too harsh. The walk back to the bus stop felt longer than ever. Each step echoed with doubt. The streets blurred as he tried to hold it all in, face still and composed as if he had nothing to worry about. He had mastered it by now. The art of being indifferent and smiling even when he had a million reasons to cry.
But inside, he was falling apart. The cost, the responsibility, the desperation of wanting to give his sister a normal life… it all sat heavy in his chest. His gigs, the short performances and weekend shows, weren’t enough. Not when the bills were this steep. He thought of the small stash he kept saved, the envelope hidden in his drawer. It wouldn’t last. And yet, he had to smile for Jihye. She deserved so much more than he could ever offer. Jimin had homeschooled her from the start, not because he wanted to isolate her, but because he feared how cruel the world could be. How cold the world might be to a girl who froze up without warning, whose limbs betrayed her when she least expected it. He couldn’t risk that. So, he kept her close. Kept her world small. Safe.
But Jihye had always been sharp, far more intuitive than he’d given her credit for. She sensed things no child should at her age. Moved carefully around the unspoken tension in their little home, sidestepping landmines of worry and grief as if she had been trained to do so. She never asked too many questions, never talked when something was amiss, never cried in front of him, even when the pain was too much. She just smiled. For him. And Jimin smiled back. It was fucked up in every way possible, but they were together in the mess, they were at least surviving.
Jimin boarded the bus in silence, the kind that buzzed in his ears. Head bowed, shoulders curled inward, he pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the window. Outside, the world continued without pause. Children ran down sidewalks, couples shared coffee under the trees, and vendors called out on corners. But this time, the feeling inside him was different. And yet, he felt miles away from all of it. The weight of it all crushed him in waves.
And then, like a lifeline, Jihye’s laugh from this morning echoed through his memory… soft, high-pitched, full of delight when he had walked through that door and embraced her after days of being away. He had made her giggle. That moment… so small, so fleeting, was his anchor. Still, as Jimin closed his eyes, all he could feel was the gnawing pressure in his chest, the unbearable ache of not knowing what tomorrow would bring. His hands tightened into fists on his lap, knuckles white, nails digging into his palms. The helplessness was a quiet monster that wrapped itself around him every night, whispering questions he had no answers to.
How much longer can I hold on like this?
Would he have to take more jobs, push his voice past its limit, compromise the little sleep he already stole in bits? Should he accept gigs from places that might leave him tainted? Would he sell off more of his belongings, downgrade their apartment again, move to a cheaper place, cut back on food or electricity? He had nothing left to cut back on. He had already given up on so many things. If he had to give up more, then he would be a corpse. As the bus rocked gently on its path, Jimin turned his face further into the glass, his breath fogging a faint circle. The ache behind his eyes throbbed. He blinked back the sting, refusing to let the tears fall.
Not here. Not now.
A phone buzzed in his coat pocket. He ignored it. Probably a late message from a client or another update he didn’t want to read. He had no strength to do anything. It’s been more than a decade and yet he was struggling. His reflection in the window looked foreign. Pale, tired, a shadow of the vibrant man who once dreamed of sold-out theatres and awards. His music had become survival, not expression. Not anymore. He made music because he had to not because he wanted to.
And still, he had to smile for Jihye.
He always would.
Because if he broke, there would be no one left to carry them.
And so, with that familiar tune softly threading through his thoughts, the one Jihye liked to hum under her breath when she painted… Jimin closed his eyes. Let the sound cradle him. Let his sister’s smile pull him up from the trenches. Let exhaustion, sorrow, and dreams slip together into the quiet lull of sleep as the bus rattled through the dusky streets. He would cry later. In the dark. Alone. But for now, he rested. Because tomorrow, he’d have to wear a smile again.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The Swan Room, Busan
Being stuck in the house and moping around wouldn’t help, Jimin knew that. He knew better. No matter how many tears he shed behind closed doors, no matter how loud his sobs were in the still silence of the night, money wouldn’t come knocking on his door. So, the next morning, he did what he always did… picked himself up and wore a smile. He prepared a warm breakfast, hugged Jihye a little longer than usual, locked himself away to cry one last time in private while creating music, and by evening, forced himself out.
Busan’s lights blurred as he moved through them, heavy limbs dragging him through the streets until he reached the club. There were other places to visit, other venues to chase, but tonight, he needed to show up for the one place that still held him, no matter how fragile his grip felt. The club’s door creaked open, letting out the low hum of music and the dull glow of purple and pink neon. Jimin stepped inside, his breath catching slightly at the familiarity of it all. It had been almost two weeks since he last performed, the Seoul party leaving him too drained, too hollow.
He walked toward the counter with a mechanical ease, entered his details, and turned on his heel to make his way to the usual changing area. But something stopped him. A man stood near the hallway, slightly older, maybe in his early thirties. His presence was unfamiliar… possibly a bartender or new staff. He offered a polite bow, not expecting something in return. Jimin paused, returning the gesture.
“Evening!”
Jimin greeted with a small smile, expecting nothing more than a nod in return. But the man smiled back.
“Park Jimin?”
Jimin nodded, now slightly confused. No one ever really addressed him directly here unless necessary. Most avoided small talk, especially during pre-show hours.
“I’ve been told to inform you that starting today, you’ve been moved to a permanent contract. You’ll be assigned a personal vanity room and your performance schedule will be fixed. Your pay has been doubled. Show time extended to an hour… three days a week. The days are yours to choose”
The man spoke and Jimin blinked. The words felt distant, echoing like they were bouncing off the walls of a dream. A permanent contract? Vanity room? Doubled pay? He opened his mouth but no words came out. The man merely bowed again and motioned for Jimin to follow him. Jimin did, on numb feet. Down the hall and past the dressing corridor he usually frequented, they stopped in front of a sleek black door. The man pushed it open, revealing a compact but beautifully designed vanity room.Almost luxurious. The mirror was framed with bulbs, the kind that made everything feel real, professional. There was a plush chair, a table with his name engraved on a tiny gold plate, a rack of hangers, and a small fridge tucked into the corner.
Jimin stepped in, dazed. His eyes roamed the space, his heart beginning to stutter as realization sank in and the door closed shut behind him softly. Hoseok. This had Hoseok written all over it. He raised a hand to his lips, trembling fingers brushing against them. His knees almost gave out. This wasn’t just a promotion… It was validation. It was someone saying, I see you. I believe in you. His phone buzzed in his pocket the exact moment. With shaking hands, Jimin pulled it out and read the message, his vision blurry.
Hoseok Hyung ☃️
You deserve this.
You have talent, Jimin-ah.
And I will help you in any way I can
The screen blurred as tears welled in Jimin’s eyes, this time not from despair, but from overwhelming gratitude. His throat felt constricted and chest felt heavy. A soft, broken laugh slipped out of him as he lowered himself into the chair, burying his face in his palms, letting the tears drop down his dainty wrists. He couldn’t remember the last time something good had happened to him without him having to claw, beg, and bleed for it.
After a few deep breaths, he wiped his tears, reapplied the light makeup he always wore for stage, put on the dress he felt the most comfortable in from the little closet filled with hangers, and took a final look at himself in the mirror. There was color in his cheeks again. Dusty Pink. He felt pretty. A flicker of hope behind his eyes. He exhaled once, long and slow, and made his way to the stage. The lights hit him the moment he stepped onto the platform.
The crowd waited in a gentle murmur, but tonight, the tension that always sat in his chest loosened just a little. He took the mic in hand, eyes closed for a beat before the music began. And he sang. Every note carried more than sound, it carried relief, gratitude, and the unspoken promise that he wouldn’t give up. Not yet. Not when people like Hoseok believed in him. Not when Jihye’s smile was waiting for him at home. That night, for the first time in a long while, Jimin performed with a lighter heart.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The studio buzzed with energy, lights shifting, cameras clicking, stylists fussing with fabrics and hair. Taehyung stood tall in front of the backdrop, his eyes focused, capturing the lens with his signature pose. He wore a charcoal suit with silver hoops, effortlessly elegant, fingers curled around a sleek bottle of the sparkling drink brand Hoseok had recently launched.
“Hold it a little higher”
The director called out from behind the camera crew, his tone light, encouraging.
“Yes, chin down just a bit. That’s perfect!”
Taehyung shifted smoothly, brows arching and body moving to the directions. The shoot ended after 50 minutes and he actually felt drained. Hoseok was meticulous, observing every move and catching every detail. It was hard to escape his gaze and Taehyung was the prey. Over the course of one month, Hoseok turned into someone he considered a brother.
“You sure you’re not just enjoying bossing me around, hyung?”
The staff chuckled and Hoseok grinned at Taehyung’s statement.
“A little. But mostly, I just like watching you pretend to be effortless. You handle the chaos well, Tae”
Taehyung rolled his eyes but smiled, holding the pose a second longer before stepping back as the camera lights dimmed.
“That was great. You make my brand look ten times cooler”
Hoseok said, walking over to hand him the real drink instead of the prop, another one in his other hand as they walked off the set.
“I like it, Hyung. Tastes better than anything else on the shelf”
Hoseok looked genuinely pleased.
“It’s clean, natural, no sugar... I wanted something that works for performers. You know how grueling schedules get”
Taehyung nodded, still catching his breath from the previous set.
“Yeah… this will sell out, for sure. I would buy a carton if I could”
The stylists adjusted the backdrop while Hoseok and Taehyung sat off to the side, chatting over a light snack.
“So, are you going to the charity gala next week? There’s a jazz set and you would probably love that. It’s a great exposure, Taehyung-ah. People from various agencies visit the gala every year. You can make some connections”
Taehyung leaned back in his seat, gaze thoughtful. Hoseok was right. Taehyung had initially planned on attending the gala. He had been excited about it too but there was a lingering ache to visit Busan. It’s been a month and he just had to leave.
“I know, but it depends, hyung. Jihye hasn’t been doing well again”
Hoseok paused, the casual tilt of his shoulders slowly stiffening.
“How is she?”
He asked, voice low with caution and Taehyung exhaled.
“Better than before with the new medication… but not great. Jimin doesn’t say much, but I can see it… how tired he is. How it’s eating away at him, piece by piece”
His voice was soft, but sorrow threaded through every word, unshakeable and deep.
“You know how expensive neurological treatments are. Even routine scans, the appointments, the emergency nights. And Jimin still manages to smile. Like he’s fine. Like this isn’t killing him slowly. That’s the worst part”
Taehyung continued, the bitterness barely masked and before Hoseok could answer, Taehyung’s phone buzzed. One glance at the screen and the color drained from his face. It was Yoongi. Seeing his boyfriend’s name used to bring comfort, a steadying kind of warmth. But lately, every call felt like a thread snapping. Taehyung hesitated for a fraction of a second, then answered.
“Hyung?”
He was already on his feet. Hoseok sat up straighter, watching the younger’s every move. A pause. Long. Dense. Then Taehyung’s breath caught.
“What? When?”
His voice cracked mid-syllable. Hoseok set his glass down, tension wrapping tightly around his spine as Taehyung turned away, clutching the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white. His lip trembled, chest rising and falling too fast.
“Okay. I’ll be there. Just… keep Minnie calm, please. I’m coming”
The call ended. Taehyung stood frozen, phone still in hand, eyes glassy and unfocused.
“Taehyung?”
Hoseok said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
“She… she fainted!”
Taehyung whispered, his voice paper-thin.
“Yoongi said her vitals dropped too fast. The seizure was worse than usual. They had to admit her again. She’s… she’s at the hospital now”
He pressed his hand to his chest as though trying to hold himself together, but his breathing had already turned ragged.
“I… god, hyung, it’s happening too often now. And Jimin…”
He swallowed hard, tears already pooling.
“He’s breaking. He won’t say it, but I can see it. Every time he smiles it looks like it hurts”
Taehyung’s voice cracked again, and this time he turned away, shame burning behind his eyes.
“I try not to cry in front of him, you know? He doesn’t need that. He has enough to deal with. But I… I can’t keep pretending either”
A breath, sharp and shallow.
“She’s my sister too. We all watched her grow. We’ve seen her laugh, sing, stumble through her first piano recital, fight with Jimin over ice cream flavors. And now she’s hooked on machines”
He wiped at his face with the back of his hand.
“She doesn’t deserve this, Hyung”
Hoseok didn’t speak. He just stepped forward and pulled Taehyung into a firm embrace, arms locking around his shaking frame with quiet urgency. Taehyung didn’t respond at first. His body was stiff. But Hoseok held on… grounded, steady, warm, like he wasn’t going to let go until Taehyung let himself fall. And slowly, something inside the younger man gave in. His fingers clutched at the back of Hoseok’s jacket, bunching the fabric tightly as his forehead dropped onto his hyung’s shoulder.
“It’s okay. Let it out”
Taehyung resisted at first, jaw clenched, but the moment his forehead rested on Hoseok’s shoulder, something inside him broke free. His tears came silent and hard, shoulders trembling under the weight of everything he’d been carrying. It wasn’t loud. There were no sobs, no gasps. Just the quiet collapse of a dam that had been cracking for too long.
“I’m so tired…”
Taehyung whispered eventually, voice so raw it barely carried.
“I wake up every day hoping she’s okay. That she made it through the night without another episode. And then I feel guilty for dreading the phone ringing”
He pulled back just enough to look up at Hoseok, eyes rimmed red and shining with unshed despair.
“Every time Jimin calls, my heart just… stops. What if this is the one he can’t hold together through? What if… what if we lose her, hyung?”
His voice cracked again, brittle and aching.
“She’s just a kid. She hasn't even lived yet. And we… we keep telling ourselves we’ll get through it, that the next treatment will work, the next doctor will have answers. But what if they don’t? I hate that there’s nothing I can do. I hate that money decides who gets to live. I hate that we’re all just waiting for the next episode like we’re not supposed to be used to this by now”
Hoseok’s jaw clenched. There was something brewing in his silence… an anger not loud, but simmering beneath his skin.
“This won’t go on like this. Not if I can help it”
He pulled back, his hand steady as it rested on Taehyung’s shoulder.
“Come on. I’ll drop you at the station”
The drive was quiet. Taehyung sat curled into himself, his face turned toward the window, watching the city blur past like a dream he couldn’t wake up from. Hoseok didn’t speak. He just drove, a hand resting tensely on the gearstick, eyes occasionally flicking to Taehyung to make sure he was still okay. When they pulled into the station, Taehyung hesitated before unbuckling. He turned to look at Hoseok.
“Thanks, hyung. For everything”
Hoseok smiled softly.
“Always. Safe trip and let me know once you reach. And if anything… just call me. No matter the time”
Taehyung nodded, gripping the strap of his bag tighter before stepping out into the night. Hoseok sat in the parked car for a long time after the doors closed. The quiet pressed in like a weight. His fingers tapped the steering wheel, restless, his jaw tight with thought. Then he pulled out his phone and opened a message thread already sitting near the top.
Are you free to visit them sometime this week?
We need to talk. Nothing serious
I’ll explain later. Let me know, alright?
He hit send to Jeongguk. Something in him had already made a decision. He couldn’t just watch anymore. Hoseok tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, the screen flickering briefly in the dark before it faded out. The hum of the engine filled the silence, but his mind buzzed louder. He hadn’t said anything… not to Jimin, not to Taehyung, not to anyone, but he’d been thinking about it for weeks now. Maybe it wouldn’t fix everything. Maybe it wouldn’t be enough. But it could be something . He leaned forward, elbows braced on the steering wheel as he let out a slow, deliberate breath.
Hoseok had always believed in timing. And now, it felt like the universe was pulling him into motion, no more pretending that things would fix themselves. Because… if friendship, loyalty, and family meant anything… Then he would do what he could. Even if it wasn’t perfect. Even if it didn’t save the world. Maybe it could save one . And that was more than enough.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Receiving a text from Hoseok without an emoji or a pet name told enough about the situation and since the time Jeongguk received the cryptic texts with the serious undertone, his heart had been racing. Hoseok sent the text 3 days ago and now Jeongguk was on his way back to meet his Hyung after taking a special day off from his vacation days. They hadn’t spoken again after he assured Hoseok that they would be meeting. The journey took almost 5 hours which was pretty long considering how Jeongguk preferred trains.
By the time he reached Seoul, it was already half past 8, a little late for whatever serious discussion he was going to have but Jeongguk hated dodging and right after getting down, he made a beeline to Hoseok’s house, heart in his palm, thumping harder than ever. He just hoped this wasn’t some terrible news. He wasn’t mentally prepared to accept any kind of bad news now. What he didn’t expect was to find Namjoon and Jin along with Hoseok in the living room, everyone wearing the same expression. Clipped and anxious.
“I am dreading this meeting now”
Jeongguk announced, an empty chuckle leaving his lips as he made his way through the hallway, the sound of his heavy boots against the wooden flooring serving as the only noise in the middle of suffocating silence. He dropped his small duffel bags and let his feet breathe before he walked over and took a seat beside Jin, facing Hoseok who offered a small smile.
“Hyung… I am literally dying of anticipation. Please tell me what’s wrong”
“Do you want something to eat?”
Namjoon questioned and Jeongguk just stared at his friend in disbelief. His stomach was in knots and the air felt way too thick to even push a spoonful into his mouth.
“No. I want to know what made you text me and ask me to meet you in such a flat tone. I can’t wait any longer. Just, tell me”
“So, this might come off as a shocker and I need you to brace yourself for this, Jeongguk-ah”
Now, Jeongguk’s stomach dropped. This was definitely bad news. He gave a subtle nod, clasping his palms together as if that could ground him.
“This is just a proposition. We won’t force you. Never and the decision is totally up to you”
Hoseok continued and Jeongguk gulped. His patience was running thin. He had never felt so anxious in his entire life. Not even the results of his job selection made him squirm in the seat.
“It’s a wedding proposal. Out of the blue, yes. But, it’s been on my mind for a few weeks. I know you aren’t interested in dating and are willing to focus on your career now but I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I just wanted to let to know and ask your opinion”
Jeongguk swore his heart had stopped. He froze. Did he hear it right? A Wedding proposal? What in the world was he hearing? It felt as if his brain had stopped functioning for a second the moment the words left Hoseok’s lips. He tilted his head to steal a glance at Jin and Namjoon, searching for some kind of laugh, or some assurance saying it was all a prank but their face remained as stoic and serious as ever. The room fell silent, tension building up and Jeongguk let out a wet chuckle, disbelief settling deep inside his stomach.
“Tell me this is some kind of a sick joke. Hyung sorry but what the actual fuck?”
Hoseok sighed, reaching forward and staring straight at Jeongguk. They had expected this reaction, in fact they had expected the worst.
“Jeongguk-ah… I know we don’t have any right to meddle with your life but this is just a proposition. You aren’t willing to date or find a partner. And that guy is struggling. You both will be benefitted by this. I am not just saying this lightly. I gave it a lot of thought and I need to think before rejecting”
A guy.
And soon Jeongguk’s mind drifted to the singer, the stardust. He shook his head, erasing every picture of Jimin playing on his mind. He wasn’t willing to date or give it a part of his schedule and he had encountered his mom whining about bringing home a partner a handful of times. His father would act indifferent anyway. So, his family would be elated but will he be happy? If Hoseok’s words were anything to go by then this was purely a marriage of convenience. Nothing more. Nothing less.
“Who’s the guy?”
Jeongguk found himself asking, his chest tightening up as he waited for the answer. He didn’t know why his mind kept painting pictures of Jimin before him. If he was about to accept this proposal then he should erase Jimin from his mind. No matter under what circumstances he might be, he would at least be loyal. That was a given. The silence stretched for what felt like hours and Jeongguk stared as his Hyungs shared glances.
“Jimin. Park Jimin. The singer at the party”
Nothing would’ve ever prepared Jeongguk for this. His entire body stilled, chill running down his spine as the world around him faded into the background. It felt as if the ground beneath his feet had slipped. The wedding proposal was a blow and now knowing the guy was Jimin threw him off the cliff. His mind spun and his heart raced, making him actually choke on air as he clutched his chest to steady himself. Jin was immediately beside him, hand rubbing his back and Namjoon offered a glass of water.
“Come again?”
“The guy who performed at your send-off party. I am talking about him. Park Jimin”
Still, Jeongguk couldn’t wrap his mind around the sentence, the truth. If he were to accept then he would be marrying Jimin, the singer who got stuck inside his head like a never ending chant. The voice that haunted him in his sleep, the one he actually called stardust . But marrying Jimin? He would’ve actually accepted it if he had known at least a single detail about the singer. He had to know the details, the story that led up to this decision. His head hurt with the millions of questions clashing like furious waves.
“So, you are saying that this Jimin guy is struggling and me marrying him would solve his problems and what do I gain from this? Hyung, I am sorry but nothing is adding up. My mind is blank. I don’t even know him except his name. And how exactly would I be of help?”
This time Namjoon intervened, placing his hand on Jeongguk’s and offering him a gentle smile.
“You work in the Navy. You are a marine and you hold a government job. If you marry him then he would be getting all the spouse benefits which includes Health insurance, Base privileges, Relocation aid, Education support and many more. You know them all better than us. He is need of all the things I just mentioned, especially Insurance”
Namjoon sighed and Jeongguk just stared at his friend, processing everything that Namjoon had just mentioned. So, Jimin needed health insurance. Was he sick? He knew the limitless benefits a marine spouse would get and he also knew he would be shifted to a huge quarters where he could stay with his partner. He would be given access to a lot of amenities but why?
“Is he sick?”
“His sister is. He has a younger sister, Jihye. 15 years old and suffering from FND. As he does gigs and that isn’t a permanent job, he won’t get any financial support from the Government and the hospital bills are skyrocketing with every treatment. This would be the best but the decision is totally up to you”
So, Jimin had a sister. And from the way Jin sounded, it was extremely serious. He wouldn’t lose anything and though he would be gaining a few things from the wedding, Jeongguk still didn’t know whether this was for the best. He would be helping Jimin, yes but what about their life after the wedding? Firstly… does Jimin even know this?
“Does he know about this? You all spoke to him?”
Hoseok shook his head, an exasperated sigh leaving his lips.
“Jeongguk-ah… he is desperate. No, we didn’t speak to him. Yet. He is soft, extremely kind, and super attentive. He is hard working and understanding. He is even willing to work overtime, even at sketchy places to earn more. He would be baffled but there are chances he might actually agree to this arrangement. But first, we need your opinion. We shouldn’t be giving him false hope”
Hoseok’s explanation was on point. Jeongguk didn’t have any reason to argue. He knew he wouldn’t date a soul if this wasn’t proposed. So, stepping into an arranged marriage didn’t sound too bad. His heart raced at the thought of actually marrying Jimin and a little part of him even squealed at the idea.
“I… I need some time, Hyung”
.
.
.
Jeongguk couldn’t sleep that night.
No matter how many times he adjusted the pillows or flipped to the cooler side of the blanket, the moment he shut his eyes, the same thoughts flooded in. Jimin. Marriage. A name tied to a life-changing decision. He didn’t even think about marriage. He didn’t know what he was getting into just a few hours ago. A person he’d seen under low neon lights, radiating a kind of sorrowful grace that had latched itself into the deepest parts of Jeongguk's memory and refused to let go.
He turned to lie on his side, eyes fixed on the city lights blinking through the window blinds. Hoseok’s apartment was quiet, too quiet to silence the mental noise. His fingers reached for his phone out of habit, flicking aimlessly through the apps until he landed on Jimin’s social media page. Not much there… just a few photos of him smiling with his friends, a couple from some old stage events, and one blurry candid someone else had probably taken.
Jimin looked delicate in that one. Not in a weak way, but in the way people who’ve suffered in silence often do. Eyes too deep for someone so young, smiles too soft to not be carefully crafted. Jeongguk remembered Hoseok’s words again…
He is desperate... but kind. Soft. Hardworking. He’d be baffled.
He imagined Jimin’s reaction to the proposal. How his brows might furrow, how he might hide behind laughter or a polite smile to mask his discomfort. Jeongguk couldn’t stand the idea of Jimin feeling used , like someone was tossing him into a marriage as a last resort. But… it wasn’t that, was it? Jeongguk sat up, legs swinging over the edge of the bed, bare feet pressed to the cold wooden floor. He tried listing the cons like a rational adult.
Cons:
This is not a love marriage.
Jimin probably doesn’t even know him well. Doesn’t know him at all.
Arranged marriages could be risky. Complicated. Unpredictable.
Their lives were worlds apart.
But then the pros. Jeongguk pulled his bottom lip between the teeth, heart thumping harder against his chest.
Pros:
Jimin needed support. He would be helping.
Their goals weren’t so different… both just trying to make it through.
Jeongguk remembered the way Jimin looked on stage that night. Fragile, burning, unforgettable.
His heart thudded louder the longer he thought about it. Not just from nerves, but from the odd flutter of anticipation that wouldn’t die down. Maybe it wasn’t love. But it didn’t feel like settling or compromising either. With thousands of answerless thoughts in his head, Jeongguk fell into a light sleep which would break after a few minutes, humming the tune that wouldn’t leave him.
When morning finally came, pale gold light bleeding through the curtains, Jeongguk was still wide awake. His hair was messy from the restless night, and there were faint shadows under his eyes. But he felt steady. Tired, but steady and ready. He walked down the stairs, heart calming down a little at the sight of Hoseok brewing coffee.
“Hyung?”
“Jeongguk-ah… Are you okay?”
Hoseok’s tone was alert, like he’d been waiting but he didn't show it on his face. Hoseok’s gaze lingered a second too long on Jeongguk’s tired eyes but he pulled another mug and started brewing coffee for the younger.
“I thought about it…”
Jeongguk said slowly, his fingers wrapped tightly around a piece of furniture, finding some anchor.
“The wedding… the arrangement. I don’t think it’s a bad idea”
There was a pause, but Jeongguk heard the softest exhale of relief filling the air.
“Are you sure?”
Hoseok asked, cautious but hopeful as he turned around and offered the mug to Jeongguk.
“I don’t know if anyone’s ever truly sure about these things, but… yes. I want to go ahead with it”
Another beat of silence.
“But… Can I meet him first?”
Jeongguk questioned, eyes tired yet hopeful. Hoseok chuckled, a low sound that carried the kind of fondness only a big brother figure could have.
“Of course. That’s the least we can do”
“I just…”
Jeongguk rubbed the back of his neck.
“I want to look him in the eyes and know he’s okay with this. That he’s not agreeing out of fear or pressure”
“He won’t but I think he’ll be surprised that you’re the one asking”
Jeongguk smiled faintly to himself, heart still beating fast but no longer in confusion.
“Let me know when he’s free. I’ll come”
And for the first time in days, he felt like he was moving toward something, not out of obligation, but out of something quieter, deeper. It was still an arranged marriage purely for mutual benefits but it didn’t feel pressing. It was a choice. A beginning. A small hope wrapped in the form of a boy with a soft voice and tired smile.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jimin woke with his throat feeling like sandpaper, his body burning with fever and limbs trembling under the weight of fatigue. It wasn’t often that he got sick, but when he did, it always hit him like a freight train at full speed… unforgiving and brutal. A low groan slipped past his cracked lips as he tried to sit up, every movement tugging at aching muscles he didn’t even know could hurt. He hated feeling like this, weak, drained, and helpless.
Just as he swung his legs off the bed, the door creaked open and Jihye stepped in, carefully balancing a tray of warm porridge, neatly sliced fruits, and a steaming mug of herbal tea. Her brow furrowed as she approached, eyes scanning him with quiet worry. She lowered herself beside him, gently placing the tray on the nightstand before pressing a cool palm to his forehead.
“You’re still burning up, Minnie”
She murmured with a sigh, brushing damp hair away from his eyes. Jimin blinked slowly, confusion lining his features. The last thing he remembered was scribbling lyrics down at his desk. Did she carry him to bed?
“I’m okay, Ji. Just the flu or something”
Jimin whispered, his voice raspy and thin, trying to act normal though he was almost dizzy all over again.
“You’re not okay…”
Jihye replied with a small pout, adjusting the pillows behind him.
“You look like death warmed over. You need to eat something before you take the medicine”
He opened his mouth to protest but she was already helping him sit upright, placing the tray in front of him and blowing gently on the tea to cool it down. Jimin didn’t have the strength to argue. He let her fuss over him, quietly eating the porridge while Jihye hovered, watching his every bite like a hawk, a cute hawk. She even handed him tissues, tucked his blanket tighter around his waist, and wiped a bit of porridge from the corner of his mouth with the sleeve of her hoodie. Once he’d finished most of the food, she handed him the medicine, waited until he took it, then gently eased him back down into the pillows.
“Get some rest. I’ll wake you if your fever goes up!”
Jihye said, tucking the blanket snugly around his shoulders like she was the older sibling.
“You’re taking this role reversal too seriously”
Jimin muttered, half a smile curling on his lips as he ruffled his sister’s hair.
“You’d do the same for me. Let me take care of you”
She whispered, pressing a light kiss to his forehead before slipping out of the room and closing the door with a soft click. Left in silence, Jimin stared up at the ceiling, his body still aching but a little more at ease under the warmth of the covers. Just as his eyes fluttered shut, his phone buzzed against the side table. With a groan, he reached over and grabbed it, his eyes burning at the light illuminating from the screen.
Tae ☘️
We’re visiting tomorrow.
Me and Hoseok hyung.
Around noon💕
Jimin blinked at the message, reading it again and again. Visiting? There? Both of them? It was sudden, too sudden for him to process. His heart had thudded softly beneath the weight of his fever, confusion knitting his brows. Hoseok hadn’t been the type to make a casual trip, and if Taehyung had been coming along, it wouldn't have been just a check-in. Something had been up. Jimin had placed the phone on his chest, staring blankly into the dim ceiling light as the gears in his mind slowly began to turn.
What kind of news had warranted Hoseok traveling all the way from Seoul to Busan? And what had it had to do with him? The thoughts had spun faster than his aching head could manage. Despite the exhaustion, sleep had refused to come easy. Instead, he had lain there, still and silent, the soft hum of the fan overhead doing little to quiet the storm of anticipation rising in his chest. Something had been changing. And it was coming for him tomorrow.
Notes:
Please share your thoughts on this chapter 🫶
Chapter 3: Blending Times and Colors
Notes:
🌼 I am here with Chapter three 🌼
This is the longest chapter so far, but I truly hope you enjoy the journey 🥹 It leans a little heavy, packed with emotions, and might tug at your heart enough to draw out a tear or two. Not exactly angsty, but definitely one that aims straight for the feels🩷
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Originally and logically, Jimin should’ve let the meeting happen at the cafe just a few blocks away from his house. That had been the plan Taehyung had proposed and Hoseok had agreed on, but Jimin, being the sweetheart he was, gracefully texted Hoseok, and asked him to visit his cozy little humble abode. Maybe it was his sweet face or his warm heart, but his trick had worked. Taehyung said he would be at Jimin’s home around 4 pm, along with Hoseok, and they had something very important to discuss.
Now, Jimin sat in his room, dressed warmly, still recovering from the flu. He felt exhausted, but thanks to his sister, the soup and meds had worked. He had raked his brain the entire night, trying to find the reason behind their not-so-surprise visit. What threw Jimin off was Hoseok tagging along with Taehyung when he had no business being in Busan, much less meeting Jimin. They had met a few weeks ago, and that was it. Jimin had stayed in contact and texted Hoseok now and then, but he seriously didn’t think he would meet the man again, and that too in Busan.
Jihye was busy attending classes in her room, and when Jimin walked to the door, heart in his palm at the mild tinkle of the doorbell, ready to face two people who meant no harm. He was pulled into an embrace, more like a bone-crushing hug, by Taehyung, who kissed the side of his head affectionately before pulling back, only for Hoseok to hug Jimin again. It felt overwhelming to some extent. Jimin moved to the side, allowing them to enter the house and locking the door.
“I missed you, Minnie”
“It’s been a while, Jimin-ah”
Hoseok and Taehyung mumbled at the same time and Jimin smiled warmly, taking a seat beside Taehyung on the couch, across from Hoseok, who took the single chair. The environment was comforting but he knew something had been up for Taehyung to travel all the way home with Hoseok.
“It’s nice meeting you, Hyung”
“How’s your flu?”
“Much Better. I will be alright in a day or two”
Jimin answered, heart thumping hard as seconds turned into minutes. They indulged in a light-hearted conversation at first, nothing too stressful with Hoseok asking simple questions about his gigs, and his sister’s health. The soft hum of the ceiling fan blended with the distant noise of traffic outside and waves hitting the shore. Afternoon sunlight streamed lazily through the windows, wrapping the living room in a warm, golden glow. Jimin curled his fingers into the sleeve of his sweatshirt, grounding himself as Hoseok and Taehyung settled deeper into the couch, exchanging a quiet look between them. It was that look… the one people gave each other before saying something important. Jimin felt it coming.
“I actually… wanted to talk to you about something a little serious, Jimin”
Hoseok began, voice calm, deliberate and Jimin gave a small nod, hesitation evident in his almond eyes.
“But I promise, there’s no pressure. Just hear us out, okay?”
Jimin nodded again, eyes flickering between his best friend and Hoseok, who’d unknowingly changed the course of his life already once.
“It’s about a… proposal”
Taehyung added softly, reaching over to clasp Jimin’s hand between his own, intertwining their fingers. His palm was warm and steady, anchoring Jimin as a wave of uncertainty crept up his spine. His mind struggled to process the words, the semantics behind the so-called proposal.
“Not the romantic kind. Well, not at first anyway”
Hoseok continued and Jimin blinked, unsure if he’d heard that right. His breath caught in his throat, unable to voice out what his heart was going through.
“A proposal? Like… marriage?”
Jimin echoed, heart skipping a beat. He couldn’t muster speaking longer sentences when his mind turned mushy. A wedding proposal… what had he just heard? Taehyung gave a sheepish nod.
“Minnie, it sounds crazy, I know. But hear him out, please, okay?”
Hoseok leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, fingers interlaced. There was no trace of amusement in his expression… just quiet seriousness and something deeper, more protective. Jimin had understood how much of a kind sweetheart Hoseok was but this was too much for him to handle. He had been resting only to invite his friends inside so they could speak about the wedding proposal.
“Jimin…”
Hoseok’s voice was soft, the kind people used when they didn’t want to shatter something fragile. It pulled Jimin deeper into the couch cushions like he could disappear into them. He swallowed hard, already sensing the direction the conversation was headed.
“... there’s someone I want you to meet. Or rather, someone you’ve already met”
Jimin’s brows furrowed, confusion coloring his face and crawling up his spine. He had no clue where this was going. The proposal itself had been shocking enough, but this twist made his stomach twist uneasily.
“Jeon Jeongguk”
Hoseok said carefully, observing his every flinch, every change in his breathing.
“He’s the marine engineer you sang for that night in Seoul. He’s stationed now and eligible for military spouse benefits… housing, insurance, stipends. The full package”
Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. This is not real. This is absurd. He blinked, trying to process the names and words being hurled at him so gently yet firmly. Were Hoseok and Taehyung really suggesting what he thought they were?
“What… what does that have to do with me?”
Hoseok’s tone remained soft, patient as if he had expected the outcome.
“He’s not looking for love. And I assume you really aren’t in a place to prioritize love either”
Jimin’s breath hitched. That part was true. As much as he craved tenderness, comfort, and romance, love wasn’t something he could afford right now, not when his sister was barely hanging on, not when every extra hour he performed was a desperate attempt to keep the lights on and the prescriptions filled.
“A contract marriage, mutually beneficial. You’d receive full medical coverage, stability, and insurance. And Jeongguk… he gets the support and benefits at the base that come with having a spouse”
It makes sense, Jimin thought. It makes so much sense. Too much sense. But as soon as the logic settled in, panic bubbled up to counter it. This was marriage. A legal union. A lifetime's worth of decisions condensed and squished into paperwork. He was grateful… god, so grateful for Hoseok and Taehyung. They were trying to give him something he never thought he'd be offered: stability. But at what cost? Taehyung squeezed Jimin’s hand gently but the storm that had been brewing inside Jimin’s heart since the moment Hoseok mentioned the proposal was on the verge of breaking him inside out.
“We would never bring this to you if we didn’t think it could help, Minnie. Jihye’s treatment, your own well-being… you’ve been juggling it all by yourself for so long”
I have.
But maybe I was supposed to.
Maybe this is just my life now.
Maybe I don’t get a lifeline like this. And what happens if I mess it up? What happens if Jeongguk hates me? What if it gets too real? Too heavy? Jimin shook his head slightly, trying to ward off the storm in his chest.
“This is a lot… I -”
Jimin’s voice cracked, and so did something in his heart.
“I don’t even know him”
“He’s a good man, Jimin-ah. He’s been my friend for years. I would never propose this if I didn’t trust him with my life”
Hoseok said firmly but not forcefully. That should make me feel better, Jimin told himself. But it didn’t. Not yet.
“He is quiet, hardworking, and respectful. A bit goofy at times but a gentleman. He didn’t say yes right away either, if that eases your mind. He asked about you. He remembered your voice, Jimin. Said he couldn’t get it out of his head”
And somehow that shook him more than anything else. He stared at Hoseok like he had been punched softly in the chest. Jimin’s lips parted in disbelief, his head spinning. He tried to picture Jeongguk again… tall, sharp eyes, sitting calmly beside Hoseok that night. His expression was unreadable then, but somehow… attentive. Jimin doesn’t remember much. He hadn’t paid a lot of attention. All he knew was that the party was for Jeon Jeongguk.
“I don’t know, Hyung. I am sorry but… I’m not someone who just gets married like that. It’s too big. What if I mess up? What if he messes up? What if he regrets it? What if I end up giving up everything and it still isn’t enough?”
Jimin's tone cracked, voice rising with a tremble and turned a bit louder, frustration breaking past the politeness he had been holding onto for the last half hour. His fear was valid. Taehyung moved closer, pulling him into a half-hug.
“Am I supposed to just… sacrifice what little I have left for some arrangement? What if this becomes another thing I fail at? I don’t even know what he wants… What if I’m not what he expected? What if I couldn’t adjust to the routine? What if this turns into another mess and I drag Jihye into it? I can’t… ”
Jimin stood up abruptly, pacing a few steps, arms tightly crossed over his chest. He felt chills all over his skin. He was blazing inside out.
“I can’t afford that!”
The room went quiet. Not tense. Just warm. Like it understood where Jimin was coming from. Taehyung stood too, walking toward him slowly before wrapping his arms around him. Jimin sank into it… this safe space, this moment of breath without protest. Hoseok looked concerned too.
“You’re not alone in this, Jimin-ie. Why not think about the bigger picture? What if it actually works out? What if you both end up becoming friends? That’s a possibility and right now, this might help you. And you’re not alone. We’re here, all of us. Every step of the way”
Jimin clenched his jaw, torn between reason and fear. The offer was gentle, the room warm, the people around him kind but the weight of it felt immense. Still, the exhaustion in his bones, the mounting bills, the helplessness from yesterday at the hospital… they hadn’t left him. Taehyung was right too. Maybe the marriage will work. Maybe they will become more than just husbands on paper. Jimin still shook his head weakly, eyes burning.
“But it feels like it. Like life’s pushing me toward something I didn’t choose”
“But this time… you can choose, Jimin-ah”
Hoseok spoke from the couch, standing now, voice calm and warm.
“We’re just offering. Not forcing. You’re allowed to say no. You can always say no. But if there’s even a tiny part of you that wants a little more stability, a little more time to breathe… maybe this is it”
Jimin stared down at the floor, blinking back tears. Everything hurts. The pressure. The grief. The weight of a lifetime packed into the space between breaths. But somewhere in there was something else too… hope. Maybe fragile. But real.
“I just… need time”
Jimin whispered again, curling in on himself.
“Please. Just a little”
Hoseok smiled softly and gave a single nod.
“Of course. Take as much time as you need”
And just like that, the conversation faded back into quiet comfort. Nothing had been decided. But the seed had been planted. And it was already beginning to take root inside his head.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Even as the night settled around their little neighborhood, even after Taehyung and Hoseok had left with soft smiles and reassuring hugs, even after Jimin had prepared a quiet dinner and laughed a little with Jihye over silly stories and warm food, his heart didn’t rest. The silence that followed, as Jihye retreated to her room and Jimin was left alone at the dining table, was deafening. The sound of the waves crashing was his favorite, but even that did nothing to soothe the turmoil in his heart.
He sat still, his fingers curled around his now-cold cup of tea, staring at the faint flicker of a candle they had lit earlier. His eyes didn’t blink for a long time, and his breath was shallow, as if he were afraid that any sudden movement would shatter the fragile thread holding him together. The conversation replayed in his mind again and again… Jeongguk’s name, Hoseok’s voice, Taehyung’s hand on his, the idea of marriage, benefits, security, hope. It should’ve felt like a blessing. It was everything he’d silently begged the universe for. But why did it feel so heavy?
Jimin’s throat tightened as his thoughts spiraled down a nasty road. Would this truly help? Would it give Jihye the life she deserved? Would she finally be able to go to a proper school, meet people, and live freely? Would she finally stop watching him with guilt every time she needed medicine? Yes, a small voice whispered. Yes, it would help her. He knew it would help her in ways he couldn’t comprehend yet. But another voice rose from the deepest, quietest, and hidden corner of his heart… the one he had spent years silencing. It was softer, sadder.
But what about you, Jimin? What about your freedom? Your interests? Your dreams? You’ve worked so hard for your voice, your music, your lyrics, your own little world. What if you lose yourself in this? What if you never find yourself? What if no one ever sees you again… not truly?
Jimin’s lips trembled as he squeezed his eyes shut. One decision could change the course of their life. He didn’t want to be selfish. Not when so much was at stake. Not when someone like Hoseok offered him a lifeline. Not when Jeongguk remembered his voice and asked about him. But Jimin was tired. So, so tired. Of being strong, of smiling, of choosing between dignity, happiness, and survival. And as the thoughts tangled and twisted like vines around his chest, Jimin broke.
A sob slipped out of his lips before he could stop it, and suddenly he was on the floor, knees curled to his chest, arms trembling as he covered his face and let the tears fall… raw, silent at first, then louder, hiccupping as his chest heaved under the weight. He cried for the boy who had always been gentle, soft, and inviting. For the man who had tried to hold the world together with tired hands. For the brother who had become a parent too soon when he was a kid himself. For the artist who wanted to be loved not for how much he could sacrifice, but for who he was.
And when the crying didn’t stop, when his lungs ached, his eyes burned, and his cheeks were sticky and wet, Jimin slowly got up. His legs felt numb just like his heart, but his instincts guided him… straight to Jihye’s room. He opened the door quietly and stepped in, the dim light from her bedside lamp illuminating her face. She was fast asleep, curled beneath the blanket, one hand clutching the stuffed bear he had given her years ago. Worn out and torn, but she still held it like it was something precious.
Jimin moved closer and brushed her hair back, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, swallowing down the sob that rose again. She deserved everything. He would do it all for her. He would bring down the moon. Even if it broke him. But tonight, he needed someone, too. He was tired of carrying everything alone. He wanted to be held, not be the one holding. The cold air outside hit his skin like a whisper, chilling him to the bone, but he didn’t stop. He wrapped his hoodie tighter and let his feet carry him, barefoot in worn slippers, down the familiar roads. It was past 3 in the morning, the world was dead silent, but the ache in his chest didn’t let him rest even for a second.
Jimin didn’t even realize where he was walking until he stood in front of the soft blue home… the one that had always felt like a second sanctuary. He knocked once, then twice, not even registering the absurdity of the hour. He didn’t know what he would become if he didn’t have someone catching him. Tears still hadn’t stopped, marking his flushed cheek, imprinting his skin with the pain he was holding inside. The sound of his knocking was small but sharp in the night, and a few seconds later, the door creaked open.
It was Taehyung’s father. He looked stunned at first, blinking blearily as he took in the sight before him… Jimin with puffy red eyes, lips trembling, hoodie askew, his frame shivering under the weight of the world.
“Oh, Jimin-ie”
He murmured. No questions. No judgment. He stepped aside and gently pulled Jimin into a warm embrace, his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on the small of Jimin’s back before guiding him inside, closing the door behind them. They didn’t speak as he led Jimin down the hallway to the bedroom. The room smelled like lavender and familiarity. Taehyung’s mother was already sitting up when they entered, concern clouding her face before it melted into softness the moment she saw Jimin.
“Oh, my poor baby”
She whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She opened her arms, and Jimin all but collapsed into them, chest heaving as fresh tears rolled down his cheeks all over again. He couldn’t stop them. She tucked him into her chest like he was her own, like he was just a baby, like he was just born, whispering soft nothings as her fingers carded through his hair.
“You’re enough, Jimin-ie. You’ve always been enough. You are doing enough. Everything will be okay. You’ll be okay. You are not alone, my darling”
She kissed his temple and hummed softly, the way mothers do when words fail and love takes over. Jimin’s body shook with sobs that ripped him inside out. It felt too much. The emotions, the pain, the hurt, the decisions. He wanted to forget it all. Taehyung’s mother held him close, pressing kisses to his hair and whispering sweet nothings. And finally, Jimin’s breathing slowed. The tightness in his chest loosened just enough for the time being. Under the warm covers, in the embrace of borrowed comfort, the tears dried on his cheeks. He fell asleep to her heartbeat, to the steady rhythm of home , the only thing that held him together that night.
.
.
.
Jimin sat on the couch, wrapped in a thick duvet with a coffee mug in his hands which were still trembling and heart still felt heavy. Across from him sat Taehyung’s parents, face neutral with undertones of concern and confusion. Taehyung and Yoongi were on either side of Jimin, giving him some warmth and anchor. After his mental breakdown last night, he had no other choice but to reveal what had transpired the previous day between him, Taehyung and Hoseok. Jihye had reached out in the early hours, drowned in fear at Jimin’s absence and he felt guilt clawing at his chest all over again.
“Jimin-ah… this is sudden, yes. And we understand the weight of it. Though it sounds good and beneficial, it’s a huge decision. It’s your life. Marrying someone just for the benefits… it might solve your problems now, but it isn’t the kind of choice you should feel forced to make. So we’ll support you in whatever you decide, son. But think carefully. Don’t just focus on the positives”
Taehyung’s father had just spoken with gentle wisdom, his calm voice cutting through the storm swirling silently in Jimin’s chest. He nodded once, a slow, small movement, Yoongi’s comforting arm wrapped around his shoulder, the only anchor keeping him grounded. Taehyung, seated beside him, looked torn. His hands were clenched into fists resting on his knees. He couldn’t hide the storm brewing in his chest any longer.
“Appa… don’t you think this is the best thing for him right now? He’s falling apart. He won’t say it, but I see it every time he tries to smile. He’s destroying himself trying to keep everything together. This marriage, this deal gives him everything he needs right now”
The desperation in Taehyung’s voice made Jimin’s heart twist, guilt curling up from the pit of his stomach.
“Tae… I know what you’re trying to do, and I respect it. You love him. You want to help him. But this is his life, his future. He’s the one who’ll share a home with a man he barely knows. No matter how convenient the benefits are… it can’t be your decision or anyone’s decision”
“But… Mom…”
“No, Tae. Let Minnie speak. Let him feel what he feels”
The silence returned, heavier now. Jimin lifted his gaze slowly. His eyes were a little swollen, lips pale, but his voice, when it came, was steady despite the fatigue that coated it.
“Thank you… for letting me be here. For making me feel like I have a place to go when things fall apart”
Taehyung’s mom’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She opened her arms and Jimin leaned in again, allowing her to pull him into a warm embrace.
“You’ve always been our son, Minnie. And nothing will ever change that”
She whispered, brushing his hair back and placing a soft kiss to the top of his head. Mr. Kim gave a soft nod of agreement, his voice sincere.
“Your burden is ours to share. We don’t want you to feel alone. Never thank us for anything”
“I…”
Jimin hesitated, then took a deep breath.
“If… if I do agree to this marriage, I don’t want Jihye to know. Not the real reason. At least till the wedding is done. She’ll feel guilty. She already blames herself sometimes. I can’t let her go through any more pain that she has been carrying. I don’t want her to think I gave up everything just to fix her life”
Yoongi leaned forward, voice quiet but supportive. They had anticipated this. They knew Jimin wouldn’t back down without anything but listening to it cracked their hearts a little more.
“You’re sure?”
“I am Hyung. Please. I need your promise. All of you”
Taehyung looked up, still crouched on the rug, eyes wide.
“Minnie, but -”
“No, Tae. Promise me. This is my decision, and I’ll live with it. But I can’t let her carry that weight too”
They all exchanged a look, somber and silent. Then, one by one, they nodded.
“We promise, son”
“She’ll never know, sweetheart”
Taehyung’s mom added, brushing a tear from Jimin’s cheek as Yoongi squeezed his shoulder.
“You have my word”
Taehyung said nothing at first. His brows were furrowed, his lips pressed in a firm line… but then he exhaled and finally nodded too, pulling Jimin into his embrace.
“Okay. I promise”
Jimin let out a quiet breath of relief, though the pain didn’t ease. The afternoon drew to a quiet close, soft murmurs and the rustling of blankets as Taehyung’s mom helped straighten Jimin’s hoodie before pressing another kiss to his forehead. Yoongi offered to drive Jimin home. On the ride, the streets were quiet as Jimin stared outside, his reflection staring back at him in the glass. He didn’t speak much. Neither did Yoongi. The silence was warm and respectful. Only once did Yoongi place a hand on Jimin’s thigh gently at a red light, giving it a small squeeze.
“You’re doing your best, Minnie. That’s more than enough”
Jimin bit the inside of his cheek, blinking away the sting in his eyes, and nodded. That night, when he crawled into bed beside his sister’s room, Jimin curled into himself and clutched the last thread of strength he had. He hadn’t made a decision yet. But he had taken the first step toward one. And for now, that had to be enough. Maybe…
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Chinhae Base
The waves crashed against the side of the cruise ship with a rhythm that should’ve brought him peace and happiness. The ocean stretched endlessly, a canvas of deep blue kissed by the sunset sky, and yet, Jeongguk stood near the railing… uniform crisp, cap fitted neatly, shoulders straight but his heart was anything but calm. His first official sail as a marine engineer should have been a moment of pride. He had worked hard for this, spent sleepless nights studying, sacrificing comfort and time to earn his place aboard. And yet, as the ship pulled away from the dock, Jeongguk’s eyes blurred against the salty breeze, chest tight with an ache that refused to loosen.
He had dreamed of this his entire life. But right now, it all felt hollow.
The distant cheers of his fellow officers, the booming laughter of his friends, and the energetic bustle of the ship’s crew preparing for voyage… none of it could pierce through the fog that clouded his mind. Not when all Jeongguk could think about was that night a month ago. The day he had made the choice to marry… an unconventional and impulsive decision, yes, but one made with clarity, with purpose and hoped, prayed, that his family might meet him halfway.
Jeongguk had gone home after the talk with Hoseok, after saying he would go forward with it, jacket folded neatly over one arm, a bouquet of Jasmines and roses tucked under the other. He prepared himself for every reaction his parents would give oblivious to the heart break he was about to experience. His mother had welcomed him with her usual warmth, a beaming smile lighting up her face when he mentioned the word “marriage”.
“Oh, my son… you’re ready? Finally?”
She had whispered, pulling him into an embrace, tears springing in her eyes.
“I’m just glad you’re not alone anymore. Jeongguk-ah, I am so happy”
And for a brief moment, Jeongguk had let himself breathe. Let himself believe everything would be alright. Because in his mother’s embrace, everything felt right and calm. He reciprocated the hug, wiping her tears away. Until his father walked in. The sound of keys on the counter, the heavy footsteps, the silence that fell when his mother turned and spoke with an amused yet excited voice.
“He’s getting married… he’s met someone”
Jeongguk had turned to his father, mustering the courage to clarify. He had never been the one to reach out and talk to his father about anything. His mother acted as a bridge, always converting the information but this was a big step so Jeongguk hoped for the best.
“It’s an arranged match. Through Hoseok. I don’t have a love interest and Hobi Hyung said he’s kind. I think… I’ll be alright”
The silence stretched into something unbearable. Jeongguk’s heart raced and he hated how he could never get used to being in his father’s presence. And when he parted his lips to ask again, came the first word, like a whip…
“A man?”
Jeongguk’s stomach dropped.
“You’re marrying a man?”
And then it came… the unraveling. It didn’t even cross his mind. He didn’t even think about the consequences when he had pulled up. He was marrying a man. He agreed to marry a man and that didn’t mean anything when Jeongguk had given his word to Hoseok. Because his friends knew him, his mother knew him. His father… he hadn’t known. He hadn’t known Jeongguk was attracted to men.
“I should’ve known. From the moment you chose that art school over the academy when you were six. From the day you pierced your damn ear and started prancing around in those ridiculous torn clothes when you were thirteen. Everything about you… every choice you’ve made, has been a disgrace to this family”
Jeongguk had stood frozen, not knowing whether to shout or crumble. Anger bubbled inside his system but his tongue felt heavy. His mother gripped his arm, saying something to his father, trying to stop him from lashing out. But his father had continued anyway.
“You think you’ll find peace playing house with a man?”
Jeongguk’s father laughed bitterly.
“You’re a black mark, Jeongguk. Who knows what you are up to at work? You are a walking shame. You’ve always been”
The memory of those words still echoed in his mind as he stood at the edge of the ship now, fists clenched behind his back, chest rising and falling in measured breaths. Those words burned him inside our, ripped and stomped on his guarded heart. Even after days and drowning himself in work, they had the same impact.
“You’re nothing but disappointment wrapped in a pretty uniform. I don’t care how far you sail, how high you climb… you will never make me proud”
Jeongguk swallowed hard, eyes stinging. No words of comfort from his mother that day had reached him… not truly. She tried her best to comfort him and Jeongguk was just frozen. He had left that house with his head held high but his spirit in pieces, the door closing behind him like the final seal of rejection. He would never crumble, not before his father at least. Even now, a full month later, the pain lingered. Gnawed at him quietly. He was on the open sea, surrounded by endless possibilities, but inside, he felt caged.
He thought of the man he had agreed to marry… Jimin. Soft voice. Kind eyes. A stranger, yes, but perhaps the only constant he could hold onto right now. Maybe, just maybe, this decision would anchor him somewhere real, somewhere steady. Jimin had yet to answer and that didn’t make anything better but Jeongguk was holding onto the hope, a silver of hope. Hoseok mentioned Jimin had been willing to go forward with the wedding and he just needed time. Jeongguk understood. He did because he wanted to be someone Jimin felt comfortable with.
But tonight, as the ship cut through the waves and the stars began to peek from the edge of the sky, Jeongguk remained still, letting the wind tangle through his hair. He didn’t cry. He couldn’t. But something in him shifted… like a slow crack running through a dam. His father's words burned like saltwater in an open wound. And yet… he stayed standing. Because of all his father’s hate, Jeongguk had chosen a different path. A path he still believed in, even if it hurt. He held on to one single hope… marriage. Because maybe, just maybe… that person would help him remember how to breathe again.
.
.
.
Jeongguk had barely moved in the past hour, resorting to lean against the railing and stare at the endless ocean that sparkled under the moonlight. Work would begin tomorrow and they had the night to themselves. He could hear the distant chatters of his colleagues as he tried his best to push away the words that echoed inside his head. He had tried to shake them off, to focus on the cool breeze and the freedom the open sea usually promised… but tonight, it felt like nothing could unstick the weight in his chest. Jeongguk exhaled deeply, about to return to his cabin for the night, when he heard footsteps approaching behind him.
“There you are, Captain Broody!”
Came Minjae’s voice, teasing but light. Jeongguk turned to find his friend grinning at him, a champagne bottle in one hand, two glasses clinking in the other. Beside him stood Jihun, another new recruit, same as Jeongguk, already half-smiling, cheeks flushed from the cool wind or maybe the first few sips of drink.
“Thought we lost you!”
Jihun added, giving a pat to Jeongguk’s shoulder as they stood before him.
“You know the rules… First official sail, we celebrate. No hiding allowed”
Jeongguk hesitated. His first instinct was to refuse, to mumble some excuse and slip back into the silence of his bunk and sleep his worries off. But something in their smiles… unbothered, alive, and warm made him pause. He was tired of being trapped in his own head. Tired of giving his father space in a life he no longer belonged to.
“Fine. Just one drink”
“That's the spirit!”
Minjae beamed, already tugging him by the arm toward the far corner of the deck where the stars stretched wider, the lights from the port long behind them, almost fading into the velvet sky. They settled down in a tucked-away spot, the hum of the ocean beneath and the ship's steady movements grounding them. Their coats were open, revealing the white shirts, neatly ironed as Minjae popped the cork with a dramatic flair, champagne spilling a little over the edge before he poured it into three glasses.
“To… surviving the training!”
Jihun declared, lifting his glass.
“To… Not getting yelled at on our first day!”
Minjae added with a laugh. Jeongguk managed a faint smile, raising his glass half-heartedly.
“To… being here!”
The bubbles tickled his throat on the way down, the warmth of the drink hitting faster than he expected. He took another sip, and then another until the glass was empty. The burn helped… something about it cut through the numbness that crept inside his system. They talked. Or rather, Minjae and Jihun did most of the talking, tossing stories about traineeship, old academy pranks, their preparation, the hard work, the mentors who terrified them, and the ones who slipped them extra desserts. Jeongguk listened, laughed softly once or twice, and let their words fill the void that had stretched too wide lately.
But with every sip, the edge of Jeongguk’s thoughts dulled and his ache softened. The guilt, the disappointment, the bitterness from his father's cruel words… all of it faded into the background hum, moving away from him. His fingers curled around the glass tightly, his head gently leaning back against the cold metal beam behind him.
“You okay, Gguk?”
Minjae asked after a while, nudging his shoulder lightly. Jeongguk glanced up, blinking slowly. The stars above were spinning a little.
“Not really. But I’m trying”
Jeongguk admitted quietly, staring at the golden liquid at the bottom of his cup. They didn’t know about the arrangement and he didn’t have anything to even disclose. But their faces softened and Jihun didn’t ask further. Instead, he slid over a second pour.
“That’s enough. Trying is enough”
Jeongguk downed it in one go, the fizz burning, his heart aching. But it was good. He needed the ache to mean something. As the night wore on and the bottle emptied, Jeongguk let his head fall against the railing again, eyes closing. His thoughts flickered briefly… not to the ship, not to his father, but to a stage. A voice. A man with glittering eyes and a voice like the moon singing his pain away.
Jimin.
The Stardust.
His Stardust.
Jeongguk didn’t know why the memory surfaced then, of all times. Maybe because it had felt warm. Safe. A promise, unspoken but lingering. The voice that echoed inside his soul. The thought lingered like a whisper behind his ears. Maybe… maybe that stranger would be the beginning of something different. He didn’t know. But for now, he let the alcohol settle in his veins, his body slowly sliding into calm. For one night, he chose to forget. For one night, he let the waves carry the weight for him…
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Blue Lemon Club, Busan
The performance had been nothing short of starlit… breathtaking, as always. But truthfully, Jimin had hoped to skip the night altogether. His body was running on empty, every bone aching with exhaustion, and his mind felt like it was unraveling from the constant stress. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept more than three consecutive hours. Maybe he hadn’t in weeks or in months. The never-ending worry and responsibilities had kept him wired, unable to rest even when the nights were quiet.
That morning, he’d taken Jihye to the hospital for her regular bimonthly treatment, which, as always, had left his savings gasping for breath. His wallet was nearly drained, and his heart had ached with it. When the club called, asking him to perform for a special event, Jimin hesitated. He wanted to say no. But the promise of triple pay pushed aside every hesitation. He couldn’t afford to let it go. And so, he had dragged himself to the venue, walked onto that glowing stage, and now found himself alone after the performance. The dressing room buzzed with low noise, the distant thrum of music still spilling in through the walls.
But inside, it was eerily quiet. Jimin stared down at the wad of cash in his hand like it was something foreign, something he didn’t quite believe was real. His fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the notes, still warm from Maeum’s hands. It wasn’t millions. But it was enough… for now. Enough to breathe, to pay for the last set of Jihye’s treatment for the month, enough to have food for the week without calculating every penny.
For a man who’d been living off borrowed time and courage, this felt like the softest miracle. Jimin’s vision blurred slightly, the weight of everything finally threatening to tip over, and that’s when Maeum reached for him. Her arms wrapped tight around his frame, pulling him into a warm hug that made Jimin’s shoulders shake.
“Minnie… come on now!”
She murmured, gently rocking him side to side.
“Don’t you dare go all emotional on me. You know I cry if you cry”
A teary chuckle broke past Jimin’s throat as he wiped his eyes quickly against her shoulder, grounding himself.
“I just… didn’t expect this. I thought I’d have to wait… beg, maybe. Just like we always do”
“Well, guess the universe finally gave you a little mercy. I am happy”
Maeum said brightly, her voice a beacon of hope and joy in the moment. Jimin smiled, a small, tired one, but it didn’t last long because Maeum pulled back and peered at him curiously.
“So… about the wedding…”
Jimin froze.
Just like that, the warmth drained from his limbs and color drained from his face. His smile faltered. His breath caught. That question… so casually thrown, so innocent had cracked something deep inside him that he had been holding together with thread and sheer will.
“I -”
Jimin blinked, mouth parted but no words came. His chest constricted and mind spun. Maeum immediately frowned, her voice lowering.
“Jimin?”
He looked down at the cash again, his fingers still clutched tight around it like it might vanish any moment. That single question had opened a floodgate of memories of the past month that felt like a decade. The nights he'd cried into his pillow, curled up quietly so Jihye wouldn't hear. The conversations with Taehyung and Hoseok that left his heart aching and his mind spiraling. The endless weighing of pros and cons until he no longer knew what his own heart sounded like and what his soul wished. The desperate plea inside him that screamed for a way out, a loophole, a miracle that didn’t come wrapped in sacrifice.
Jimin hadn’t given an answer. Not yet. Not to Hoseok. Not to Taehyung. Not even to himself.
But every two days like clockwork, his mind would spiral, the panic would return, and in the dark of night when he was most honest and raw, the image that always surfaced… was Jihye. Her sleepy smile. Her bright blue eyes. Her small hands wrapped around his wrist as she tried to soothe him when she should’ve been the one resting. Jimin didn’t know what love was supposed to look like in a marriage. But he knew what responsibility felt like. And it burned.
He had taken long enough to weigh down the options and no amount of procrastinating would solve the issue. And now… standing there, a wad of relief in one hand, and Maeum’s concern in the other, he made the choice. Even if it meant giving up something of himself. Even if it meant building a life with a stranger. Even if the nights were lonely and awkward at first. Even if love never bloomed. Even if he lost himself down the lane. If it meant Jihye could get better treatment. If it meant her smile could return without pain behind it. He looked up slowly, voice trembling but steady.
“Yes. I’m getting married”
Maeum blinked, her eyes searching his face.
“You… what? For real?”
Jimin nodded again, more firmly this time, as if saying it out loud rooted it into reality.
“To a stranger. To someone I don’t know”
Jimin added softly, almost like a confession, as if he was convincing himself, as if he was tasting the bitter reality. And Maeum’s heart broke at the same time it swelled.
“Oh, Jimin-ie…”
She whispered. But he just smiled again, eyes damp but determined.
“It’s okay. I’ve thought about it. A lot. This… this is what I need to do”
Jimin’s voice didn’t waver, but deep down, he felt the words chip away at something tender inside him. Saying it out loud solidified the decision he had been circling for weeks… chasing, fearing, doubting. There was no more running. No more rehearsing the possibilities in his head until the exhaustion and confusion turned into numbness. He had finally chosen. Not because he had fallen in love, not because it was romantic, not because he wanted it, but because it was the only path that didn’t end in despair for someone he loved more than anything.
Maeum didn’t respond right away. She just looked at him, eyes wide and a little glassy, reading the weight behind his calm. Then, without another word, she pulled him into another hug… tighter than the first, arms wrapping around him like a lifeline. And this time, Jimin didn’t cry out of sorrow. His eyes burned, but not from the hopelessness that used to claw at his chest. These weren’t desperate tears. They were something quieter, something steadier. His arms came up to hug her back, and he let his head rest on her shoulder as a single tear slipped down the curve of his cheek.
He had made up his mind. For Jihye. For himself. For the life he needed to keep holding together. And though his heart ached at the cost, though fear still hummed in the back of his mind, there was also… peace. A fragile kind of peace, built on sacrifice and love. Maybe this wouldn’t be a fairytale. Maybe it would never bloom into something beautiful. But it would be enough. So Jimin didn’t cry because he was broken. He cried because he was able to choose. Because he was finally stepping forward… even if it was into the unknown, even with the broken pieces.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The hardest part about accepting the wedding wasn’t the decision itself, it was breaking the news to his sister. Jimin hadn’t realized how complicated that moment would be until he found himself waiting outside Jihye’s room, listening to the soft hum of her online lecture filtering through the closed door. He hadn’t thought this far ahead. Not really. And now, the weight of it all began to settle heavier on his shoulders, turning his resolve into a knot in his chest. He had informed her that they had to speak and he still recalled how her face frowned at his tone.
Jimin had already spoken to Taehyung… called him early in the morning and carefully, cautiously explained that he had made up his mind. That he was going through with it. Taehyung’s shriek and squeal of excitement nearly shattered his eardrum. Jimin had pulled the phone away from his face so fast, he almost launched it across the hallway. But the chaos on the other end was comforting in its own way… familiar, loud, and full of love and happiness. Taehyung had always been expressive and open, and Jimin knew deep down that his joy came from a place of care and concern. He wasn’t happy about the situation in itself… he was just relieved that Jimin might finally get a break. A breath of air after being submerged under water for too long.
Still, the haunting truth remained: Jimin was trading a part of his life or rather his entire life for a future that wasn’t entirely his. He was stepping into a marriage built not on love, but on necessity and desperation. With a man he had never spoken to beyond fleeting glances at a party. And yet, he’d chosen it. Not because it was easy, but because it might be the only way forward without him collapsing. It had been two days since he’d told Maeum and her quiet support had helped him stay grounded. It took another full day of internal battles and mental pampering, of replaying every possibility, before he finally built up the courage to speak to Taehyung. And still… he hadn’t messaged Hoseok yet.
He couldn’t just send a text. Not to the man who had spent weeks trying to make this work behind the scenes. Not to the person who had offered him hope when he had none left. Not the friend that crashed into his life like a knight in the shining armour. Jimin needed to see Hoseok in person, look him in the eyes, and thank him properly for his kindness, for his persistence, for his warm heart and for being the one who didn’t let him drown.
Now, as he sat on the couch in the quiet corridor of their small home, heart beating in erratic rhythms, Jimin realized this next step might be the most difficult of all… telling Jihye. He didn’t want her to know the real reason. He couldn’t bear the guilt that might cloud her eyes and take over her heart like darkness. She had already carried so much without ever complaining. Jimin didn’t want to add to that burden. He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled slowly, bracing himself. In a few minutes, she would walk out of her room and he would tell his baby sister that he was getting married.
To a good man. For a stable future. But not because they were desperate. No, he would frame it as something hopeful. A new beginning. Because if there was one thing Jimin had learned in the past few years, it was that the truth could be told kindly… and love didn’t always have to start with romance. Sometimes, it started with sacrifice and now he had started to believe it from every fragment of his soul. And the door clicked open, revealing Jihye, dressed in a baby blue summer frock with a white cardigan thrown loosely over his shoulder. She walked in with a calculated smile, sitting beside him, interlocking their arms and resting her head on his shoulder.
Jimin took a sharp inhale. He had to do this.
1…
2…
3…
“Ji… I have something to tell you”
“Hmm. I figured”
Jihye mumbled under her breath, voice extremely soft and understanding but Jimin could sense the fear, the anticipation and the anxiety that clouded her heart. Just before he parted his lips to speak, Jihye beat him to it.
“Just… promise me, it isn’t bad”
Jihye’s voice was barely above a whisper, the tremble in it slicing right through Jimin’s chest. Her eyes were searching, wide and laced with something far too deep for someone her age… something like fear disguised behind practiced calm. Jimin’s throat tightened. She had seen too much. She had grown up too fast. And most of it was because of him, because of the situation they were forced to live in.
“No. It isn’t. I promise. It’s rather an unexpected one”
Jimin said gently, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. Jihye pulled herself from him to look him in the eyes, puzzled. Jimin hesitated for a second, just long enough for her to notice. Her brows furrowed.
“I… I am getting married”
The words slipped out slowly, like a pebble dropped into still water but the ripples already made it to Jiye’s heart. The silence that followed was immediate and deafening. Jihye blinked once. Twice. Then again.
“Wait… what? Come again”
Jimin gave her a tiny, wavering smile, hoping that would ease her.
“I’m getting married, Ji”
“To whom?! You’ve never even been on a date! At least… not that I know of?”
Jihye asked, blinking rapidly as if assessing the truth behind Jimin’s eyes. He let out a soft chuckle, dry and trembling, his hands falling into his lap as he blinked back the tears that threatened to spill.
“It’s a guy I met at one of the performances in Seoul. We’ve… talked a little since then. And… he’s good, Ji. He’s kind. And we’ve agreed to take this step together. We both want to go through with it”
Jihye looked stunned. Her mouth opened, lips parting slightly, but no sound came out at first… like her brain was still racing to catch up to the words that had just left Jimin’s mouth. Her eyes darted back and forth across his face, searching for any signs of a joke, a lie, a dream she’d woken into too fast. But there was none. Jimin looked calm… too calm, like he had rehearsed this moment again and again until he could say it without flinching.
“Wait. A guy?”
Jihye asked, eyes flicking up to him again. Surprise flashing over her features. Jimin nodded slowly, steady. At least this part wasn’t a secret. She knew he liked both men and women.
“Yes. His name is Jeongguk. Marine Engineer”
There was silence again. A long one. And then, without warning, Jihye’s eyes welled with tears.
“You’re serious? You’re actually… like actually getting married?”
She whispered, voice trembling and Jimin smiled, but it cracked at the corners.
“Yeah. I’m serious, baby”
“To someone you met at a performance?”
Again, a nod.
“And you’re sure?”
Jihye asked, this time her voice slightly higher, the emotions behind it beginning to climb toward the surface.
“Like really, truly sure? This isn’t a dream or one of those things you do just to protect me. I swear to god…”
“I am sure. Genuinely sure”
Jimin interrupted softly, the lie sliding down his throat like fire, even though his voice stayed steady. He had to suck it up. Jihye’s lips wobbled as her hands slowly fell into her lap. Her eyes shone with a glossy sheen, tears fighting to rise but not quite making it yet.
“I didn’t even know you were dating someone, Minnie”
Jihye whispered, and there was no bitterness in her tone, just honest disbelief like Jimin had hidden a world's worth of treasure.
“You… you never even mentioned anyone…”
Jimin chuckled weakly, dragging a hand through his hair.
“I wasn’t. Not really. It’s… complicated. We’re not in love. But we want to try. And it’s more than enough for now. I am sure”
And then in a split second, she launched herself forward, wrapping her arms around his waist, burying her face into his chest. Her body shook with quiet sobs. It startled him at first… he thought maybe she was scared, maybe she didn’t understand, maybe she caught the whiff of the truth. But her next words made him break completely.
“I’m so happy for you. So, so happy”
Jimin froze, then slowly lifted his arms to hug her back, pressing his cheek into the top of her head as tears slipped down his own face now. He kissed her hair, letting the tears cascade freely down his cheeks.
“You’ve done everything for me, Minnie. You’ve given up so much… your sleep, your dreams, your time, everything. And I… I’ve always wished someone would look at you the way you look at the people you love. I’ve always waited for a day like this. I’ve always prayed someone would love you enough to give you the world”
Jimin couldn’t speak. His throat burned, tight with the ache of a thousand buried emotions he hadn’t dared to name in weeks. He hadn’t meant to cry. Not again. Not in front of her. But everything spilled out at once. Jihye’s small arms wrapped tighter around him, like she could somehow anchor him, pull him back from the world his mind was spiraling into at her words.
“If he’s good to you, if he makes you smile, then that’s all I need. I don’t need anything else. Even if it’s sudden, even if I’m shocked and too stunned to speak… I just want you to be loved, Minnie You deserve that and so much more”
He held her tighter, as though afraid she might disappear. She had healed something she hadn’t broken and suddenly everything was worth those words. He pulled back and copper her face, thumbing the tears away and pecking the tip of her nose.
“You’re my whole world, Ji. I’d give everything for you. I’ll do it. I’ll do anything. I’ll do everything a thousand times”
Jihye looked up at him again, her face damp with tears, but there was a smile tugging at her lips now.
“I love you, Minnie. More than I can ever say and I am so damn happy for you”
They sat like that for a while, folded into each other’s arms, tears soaking into sweaters, pain and love tangled between their quiet breaths. And for the first time in weeks, Jimin let himself hope, just a little that maybe he wasn’t giving everything up. Maybe, in some twisted way, he was finally choosing himself too.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The Seoul skyline was breathtaking, and if someone had told Jimin a few months ago that he’d be staying in one of the city’s tallest buildings, living temporarily in a luxury hotel, he would’ve laughed them off with disbelief. Yet here he was, standing in front of a massive window, eyes trailing from the glimmering Han River to the tiny moving dots of cars below. It all felt surreal, like a dream just within reach, but emotionally distant, almost untouchable.
The conversation with Hoseok was supposed to end with Jimin bowing repeatedly in gratitude. Instead, it ended with Hoseok dragging him to this hotel and telling him to stay for a while… until the meeting. Until he met Jeongguk. In person. Within twenty-four hours. Just the thought made his stomach twist. Jimin had immediately called Taehyung, screeching about the suddenness of it all, his nerves spiraling. Of course, he knew this meeting was inevitable, but not this soon, not when his heart was barely ready.
Apparently, since Jeongguk was still new at his naval position, he got a few days off each month. And just like that, fate, Hoseok’s impeccable planning, or Jimin’s choice of the days, had aligned everything. Jeongguk would arrive in Seoul on Friday at 6 p.m., just in time for dinner at a restaurant Hoseok had already booked. If Jimin could’ve gifted the stars to Hoseok, he would’ve. But all he managed was a heartfelt hug, hoping it would convey what words couldn’t.
Still, time ticked by slowly, and Jimin couldn’t relax. The weight of the upcoming encounter sat heavily on his shoulders. If he was being brutally honest, he didn’t even remember much about Jeongguk from the party. The event itself had been a blur of clinking glasses and flashing lights. He’d only offered congratulations because Hoseok had mentioned the name in passing. That was all. There had been no way to predict that months later, the man he toasted would become his… husband. It was bizarre, unexpected, and far too real. Jimin plopped down on the mattress and with all the thoughts taking a piece of his brain, he drifted into slumber in the early hours of Saturday.
.
.
.
Jimin woke late into the afternoon, the day already beginning to dip into a mellow golden haze outside the window. It had been the best sleep he had ever had since the past few months and it was utterly surprising given the condition his mind had been in the previous night. For a few moments, he lay still, staring at the ceiling with a hollow weight pressed into his chest. The night hadn’t been restful… dreams had come and gone in flashes, most of them tangled with nerves, voices, and the unknown curve of Jeongguk’s face, but he had slept like a baby.
The clock ticked on, dragging him back to the present, and with it, reality hit like cold water. He had a meeting tonight. More like a date. With his future husband and no matter how much Jimin had wanted to hide under the soft sheets, he had to get his shit together. Dragging himself out of bed, Jimin moved through the motions with robotic precision… shower, dry himself, steam from the curling iron, light makeup that he wasn’t even sure he could carry tonight. He stared at his reflection, buttoning a soft cream shirt over his torso that had ruffles around his neck and smoothing it down over tailored black pants.
The outfit had been carefully chosen… classy but not overdone, comfortable but formal enough to match the weight of the situation. But no amount of fabric could smooth over the chaos inside him. As the time ticked, the anticipation only grew. Jimin’s fingers trembled slightly as he fastened his watch. His heart hadn’t stopped its dull pounding all day. His thoughts were a noisy mess… of what-ifs, regrets, and every reason he had said yes to this marriage. For Jihye. For stability. For a chance at easing the suffocating weight of their life.
It wasn’t for love. It wasn’t for himself.
And that was the hardest part.
A knock at the door pulled Jimin out of his spiral. He opened it to find a tall, suited man sent by Hoseok. He didn’t speak much, only bowed and gestured to the hallway. Jimin nodded wordlessly and followed, his mind still pacing even as his steps remained composed. The car waiting outside was sleek and black, with dark-tinted windows and the soft scent of leather and cologne lingering inside. He felt as if he were a celebrity who was being escorted from an event. Ridiculous, really.
Jimin sat quietly, hands folded in his lap, eyes flickering to the buildings outside. Seoul was still busy, still glowing, still unbothered by the storm inside him. The drive ended in front of one of the most elegant hotels Jimin had ever seen after thirty minutes. The entrance alone was enough to make his stomach flip. Grand glass panels, a high-arching lobby with soft jazz humming in the background, and floral arrangements that looked too expensive to exist. He felt wildly out of place. He had never been to Seoul before the party gig, let alone a grand hotel that looked straight out of a fantasy tale.
The man led him straight to a private elevator that ascended silently, smoothly and fast, until it opened to a rooftop terrace. The doors slid open, revealing a space drenched in gold lights strung across wooden beams, soft instrumental music flowing in the background, and one elegantly set table waiting by the railing. The city sprawled behind it like a painting, the Han River gleaming in the distance, the breeze kissing his cheeks and tinting them in hues of pink with its night chill.
Jimin stepped out slowly, shoes clicking against the polished floor, the air feeling heavier than it should. This was it. He was here. Waiting for the man he would marry. He exhaled slowly, pressing a hand against his chest to calm his heartbeat. Every nerve inside him trembled. The setting was beautiful, romantic even, not intimidating yet elegant, but his emotions were far from dreamy. He wasn’t here for a date. He wasn’t here to fall in love. He was here to meet Jeongguk.
Jimin walked to the table and sat down carefully, resting his palms over his thighs to stop them from shaking. The sky was beginning to darken, stars barely visible yet, but he felt the night creeping in. He waited, heart in his palm, unsure if it would shatter… or steady. After exactly twenty minutes, the elevator doors opened again. He didn’t turn at first. He couldn’t. His spine stiffened instinctively, fingers clenching the fabric of his pants beneath the table. Only when the footsteps drew closer did he muster the courage to glance toward the sound. And there he was. Jeongguk.
Walking in behind the same man who had escorted Jimin earlier, nodding politely at the staff with a small, calm smile on his face. His presence hit harder than Jimin had expected. There was something so grounded, so composed about the way he moved… even in something as simple as black tailored pants, a clean white tee, and a soft grey jacket draped over his shoulders like he didn’t think too much about it but still managed to make it look effortless. The city lights behind him cast soft shadows along his sharp jawline, and Jimin’s throat went dry. He can definitely appreciate beauty when he sees one.
This was it. The man who would soon, on paper and otherwise, be his husband. Jimin stood slowly, his knees threatening to give in under the weight of anticipation. He bowed gently, a light but respectful gesture.
“Jeongguk-ssi… Evening”
Jimin murmured, voice soft and practiced, not quite sure how to start anything else. It sounded vague, borderline awkward, and Jimin bit his lip. Jeongguk’s eyes flicked up the moment he heard his name, and then, something like recognition settled in. He returned the bow, equally light.
“Good evening, Park Jimin-ssi”
Jeongguk replied, with a small smile tugging at his lips, nervous, like it hadn’t been used in a while. They both sat, almost at the same time. There was a quiet fumbling as they adjusted their chairs, straightened napkins, trying not to make it more awkward than it already was. A staff member came in discreetly, placing the first course in front of them… small, beautiful plates of food. Neither of them had the presence of mind to register what was happening, too busy to do damage control. Water was poured, glasses clinked lightly, and then the staff disappeared just as quickly as they arrived, the terrace falling back into stillness.
Silence.
Not cold or uncomfortable, but heavy with unsaid agreements and emotions. Tangled with the weight of two hearts bearing too many thoughts, and too little experience in how to voice them. Jimin had never dated and as much as he got to know about Jeongguk from Hoseok, the man wasn’t even interested in finding love or a partner, but here they were. Jimin folded his hands in his lap under the table, a common thing now, fingers clenched too tightly to feel anything else. His eyes darted toward Jeongguk once, then away, then back.
He tried to smile. Failed. Tried again. Managed something close, and Jeongguk mirrored it. Just the hint of amusement behind his expression, mixed with the uncertainty of the entire ordeal.
“You… look a little different from the club”
Jeongguk said at last, voice low, almost sheepish, and clasped his lips shut right after the words had left his lips. Jimin blinked, caught off guard. A dry chuckle escaped him… more from tension than anything else. He had expected anything but that. Did it really matter anymore?
“I don’t usually perform in hotel terraces”
Jimin answered, trying his best to keep his tone soft and welcoming. They both laughed, but it fizzled quickly into silence again, the chuckle not quite reaching their eyes. What were they supposed to say? That they had agreed to share a life without knowing each other’s favorite colors? That this dinner the beginning of something that terrified them both? Jimin felt his heart thud harder in his chest. All the mental rehearsals he had done on the way here were failing him now. He wasn’t even sure what kind of impression he wanted to make. Kind? Mature? Collected? Grateful? Inviting? Too many options but too little time, and even less experience or heart.
But amidst the chaos all he could think about was his sister’s smile. Her hug. The way her voice shook when she told him she wanted someone to love him. That was why he was here. Not for love. But for something that would ground them both. And Jimin dared to steal a glance at Jeongguk… who sat across from him, looking just as unsure, just as out of place in this picture-perfect scene. He wasn’t cold. He didn’t look angry or annoyed. If anything, he looked… cautious. Like he was afraid one wrong word might tip the entire table over and Jimin understood him well… too well.
Jimin took a breath. A leap. To wipe off the awkwardness.
“We don’t have to talk about anything heavy. Let’s just… talk. Whatever comes. We’ll get through the rest when it’s time”
Jimin said finally, voice soft but firm. If there’s time , he wanted to add but he hid it inside his heart. Jeongguk looked at him then, properly. His expression was unreadable, but something softened in his eyes… like he hadn’t expected Jimin to say that. He nodded, fingers tapping gently on the edge of his water glass and that eased Jimin a little.
“That sounds good. I’d like that”
Jimin nodded with a subtle smile and began to hold the chopsticks with trembling fingers as Jeongguk politely gestured for them to have the food. They ate slowly, not because the food was hard to eat, but because their minds were elsewhere… floating somewhere between reality and the unspoken agreement that brought them here. It wasn’t a date. It wasn’t romance. It wasn’t even companionship yet. It was two strangers trying to stitch together enough thread to make something that might eventually feel like warmth.
“So…”
Jeongguk started, catching Jimin’s attention who had paused chewing. He looked up and found the man before him pushing a small cube of grilled zucchini around his plate with his fork.
“You’ve been singing for how long? If that’s okay to ask…”
Jimin blinked, surprised by the question. Of course, it was okay. They were about to get married… they could share basic information.
“Since I was a kid. But I started performing professionally… maybe six years ago? I lost count”
Jeongguk nodded, and it was Jimin’s turn to push the food around on his plate now.
“You’re really good. I didn’t say it that night, but… your voice stuck with me”
Jimin smiled, small and shy. He didn’t know how to react. When Hoseok said the same thing, his eyes almost popped out of his sockets. He had been a singer because his voice was his asset, and listening to a stranger… no, his fiancée, voice it out loud was oddly comforting.
“Thank you. That’s nice to hear. I am glad. I didn’t even think you’d remember me”
“I didn’t think I would either. But I did”
Jeongguk admitted, and they both paused, letting that settle. Jeongguk was honest. Jimin cleared his throat softly.
“What about you? Did you always want to join the Marines?”
Jeongguk leaned back slightly, contemplating, and Jimin wondered, for a moment too long, whether he’d asked something he shouldn’t have. It wasn’t like he knew the boundaries yet. Where he was allowed to prod, and where he needed to stay silent. This wasn’t a friend. This wasn’t a lover. This was a stranger he was supposed to marry…
“Sort of. Not the military, but ships? Yeah. I used to draw boats in my textbooks in elementary school. This wasn’t my dream, but we never get what we wish for, do we?”
Jeongguk finally replied, lips tugging into a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Jimin watched him closely, the subtle flicker of something… Regret? Disappointment? in Jeongguk’s gaze as he said that. He nodded slowly, unsure of what to say that wouldn’t sound shallow. He didn’t think much about it.
“I had always loved music but I used to want to be a lawyer”
Jimin offered quietly, stirring the corner of his plate with a spoon. It was only fair that he spoke about his dreams, too.
“Until life taught me otherwise…”
Jeongguk’s eyes met his, and for a second, they held each other’s gaze. There was something mutual in that look. A quiet acknowledgement. A shared loss of something they never quite had the chance to hold onto. The conversation stumbled forward, light but hesitant, like walking barefoot on jagged glass. They spoke in short sentences, each answer weighed before it was spoken. No jokes, no flowing banter. Nothing. The air around them was thick with a lingering weight, one neither of them addressed. The reason they were here. The unspoken contract wrapped around them like an invisible wire.
“So… is it okay, if we… uhm… just play five questions?”
Jimin was caught off guard again and he gave a little nod. They weren’t doing anything other than pushing their food on the plate, trying not to make this more awkward than it already was. Jimin had noticed how Jeongguk had almost finished his portion of the food. He was a fast eater, unlike Jimin… Jeongguk reached for the water glass, his fingers tapping softly against the side.
“You go first”
Jimin suggested and watched the way Jeongguk’s eyes fluttered for a moment as if he had tried to process a question inside his head.
“Alright. Day or Night?”
“Night. Always. That’s when I feel alive and numb. Night though”
Jeongguk hummed at the answer.
“I like mornings. Nights too but I would like to rest after an entire day at work. Calmest part of the day”
Jimin offered a polite smile but kept quiet. He could see Jeongguk’s point... his life revolved around late nights, while Jeongguk’s began with the rising sun. Their routines were practically mirrored in reverse. A beat of silence passed between them, hanging in the air, and Jimin realized it was now his turn to steer the conversation.
“Coffee or tea?”
It felt almost ridiculous... two grown adults, preparing to get married in a matter of weeks or months (they hadn’t even settled on that yet), sitting on a luxurious rooftop playing a hesitant game of five questions. Honestly, could this meeting get any more awkward?
“Coffee. Black coffee and iced Americano”
“I prefer tea. Peppermint or Jasmine. And it helps my voice too”
Jeongguk nodded, and Jimin sank a little into the seat. They had a little shot of wine, not enough to get him tipsy, but it was just enough to ease the nerves inside his system.
“Favorite season?”
“The colder the better. Winter. I love snow”
Jimin responded instantly. Winter had always been his favorite. The way snow blanketed everything in white, softening the sharp edges of the world, making even grey skies feel gentle. There was a quiet strength in it that always gave him the push to carry on. Across from him, he noticed Jeongguk giving a small shake of his head, clearly not agreeing but not judging either.
“I like Spring. When things feel… softer. New, calm, and motivating”
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Jimin offered a small smile. Their responses may have been opposites, but each one carried intention, and somehow, the reason behind their answers didn’t matter. They almost felt right in their own way, their own world.
“Cats or dogs?”
Jimin questioned, hoping that at least this would match. It felt like he was part of a losing game.
“Dogs. I have one at home”
Jeongguk’s tone was anything but annoyed or agitated. He sounded soft, and Jimin could sense the strength it took to sound calm, to not let things go haywire, to not crowd him all at once.
“I am a cat person. Not that I don’t like dogs, but I prefer cats. They don’t ask for much, and I just love how snuggly they are”
Jeongguk cracked the faintest smile, and Jimin watched how the lip ring twinkled under the moonlight. He looked away.
“Books or Movies?”
“Books… Non-fiction kind. Something mysterious or even history or space related”
Jimin didn’t even have to think before answering. Books had always been his solace, an escape from the noise, a quiet place where the world felt manageable. He had read dozens over the years, clinging to their stories like lifelines. Across the table, Jeongguk gave a slight nod, settling back into his seat, casually spinning a tissue between his fingers with the chopsticks. Jimin already knew his answer would be the opposite. Again.
“I like movies. Something dramatic, adventurous, thrillers mostly”
“That checks out”
Jimin muttered under his breath, but it caught Jeongguk’s attention, who raised a brow, amused.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“No… just different”
They sipped their drinks in silence again. No matter how many smiles they shared, no matter how kind Jeongguk seemed, no matter how little they spoke or how little they matched, the knowledge kept pulsing in the back of his mind… he was only here because life had cornered him. And he hated how Jeongguk might be in the same boat. The questioning ended, and the terrace had grown quieter. Only the occasional footsteps of staff and the breeze that tugged gently at the edge of the tablecloth filled the silence now.
Jeongguk was looking at the skyline, jaw tense, hands clasped on the table. Still, steady. Like he belonged there. Like he had no idea how stormy everything felt inside Jimin’s chest. And suddenly, Jimin knew. It hit him like cold water. They were polar opposites. He wasn’t just imagining it… they were completely different people built from different kinds of pain, born in different worlds. Jeongguk was structured, composed, and all quiet logic and resilience. Jimin was emotional. Raw, aching, messy emotion that refused to be boxed in a place. Jeongguk survived in stillness. Jimin barely survived, always on the edge of breaking.
“Seems like we’re different in a lot of ways”
Jeongguk added after what felt like hours, voice low and understanding. Jimin looked up, but the man before him wasn’t staring at him. Jeongguk’s eyes were glued to the night sky, as if he were seeking answers to the questions they hadn’t asked.
“Yeah. We are”
Jimin answered and didn’t say anything more. Just smiled faintly and returned his gaze to the terrace view, letting the quiet linger like a thin veil between them. How were they supposed to meet halfway when they didn’t even speak the same language emotionally? The realization felt like a sinking weight pressing down on his already bruised heart. A quiet ache that twisted low in his belly.
What if this never worked?
What if he was giving away his life for a promise that couldn’t hold? What if Jeongguk regretted saying yes one day? What if Jihye found out the truth and it shattered her belief in him? Jimin wanted to excuse himself. To breathe. But instead, he sat there, nodding along to something Jeongguk was saying… something about the stars being easier to see at sea and smiled as if his heart wasn’t slowly crumbling. Because what else could he do?
This wasn’t a date. He couldn’t cry on the table. He couldn’t let himself unravel after coming this far. He couldn’t tell Jeongguk that he was scared shitless. That his dreams were made of sacrifice and silence and nights where he begged for relief. He couldn’t even say that he didn’t know if he’d ever learn to be himself around someone who didn’t burn the way he did. Maybe Jeongguk burned too, but he would never know how Jimin ever tried to find comfort in the melting wax.
So Jimin swallowed it all. The fear. The grief. The bitterness. He watched Jeongguk look at the skyline and reminded himself why he was doing this. For Jihye. For her safety. Her future. Her health. Even if it meant locking away his own. And yet, as they stood up eventually… thanked the staff, walked to the elevator in silence, Jimin couldn’t help but glance at Jeongguk one last time. He was stunning, yes… attractive, yes… soft spoken and attentive, a million times yes, but that didn’t compensate for everything. Trying to find something, anything, to hold onto.
A glimmer of hope. A promise of something warmer. But Jeongguk only offered a small nod, polite and unreadable, with a small and soft ‘Goodnight, reach home safe’ . Jimin returned it with the same warmth, mumbling something along the same lines. At least Jeongguk wasn’t an asshole. He was indeed kind. Jimin walked back to the hotel that night, hands trembling in the sleeves of his coat, wondering if he'd just agreed to a life that would never truly be his…
Notes:
They finally met... woohooo 💃
What do you think so far? Don’t worry... the next chapter will include glimpses of Jeongguk’s point of view as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments 💌
Chapter 4: In Second Light
Notes:
Chapter 4💃
This chapter is a gentle pause, shedding light on their emotions and inner feelings with a little more depth🫠 You’ll get a glimpse of Jeongguk’s perspective at the beginning to help you understand what’s stirring inside him. Yes, they’re different in many ways, but they’re trying, and they will find their way through it. As mentioned before, this fic is a slow burn🙃, so buckle up for the long journey ahead. Things begin to settle a bit here, but the road is still long 🥹🩵
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The ride to the hotel wasn’t long, and given he had stayed with Hoseok the previous night, it was rather super close, which didn’t leave Jeongguk with any time to ponder his thoughts. And so, when he reached the luxurious building, he adjusted his sleeves again. And again. The ride up to the rooftop was smooth and quiet. His heartbeat was anything but quiet, though. It thudded erratically inside his chest, as if it didn’t understand the calm exterior he was trying so hard to put on. He’d seen waves crash against the dock and survived storms at sea. He’d faced glares from commanding officers who could silence a room… but none of that compared to the twisting, unfamiliar knot sitting in his stomach.
He was about to meet the man he would, technically, marry in a week or months, which felt unreal. He would marry not out of love. Not even out of comfort. But practicality. Agreement. Necessity. And yet… as much as the entire arrangement felt like stepping off a cliff blindfolded, Jeongguk couldn’t forget the voice. The voice that had started all of this. Jimin’s voice. At the party. It had been haunting him, holding his mind in a grip so tight that it made Jeongguk gasp sometimes.
He remembered it clearly from that night in Seoul. It wasn’t the words or even the melody. It was the emotion laced into each note, the way the air shifted the second Jimin opened his mouth to sing. Jimin was made of stardust. Jeongguk hadn’t even looked at him properly then, just caught glimpses from across the room… glitter under lights, hair swept perfectly, body moving like water subtly to the tune. But that voice? That had sunk deep into Jeongguk’s chest and stayed there.
When Hoseok brought up the possibility of a contract marriage, Jeongguk had almost dismissed it. But then the name came up. Park Jimin . The same name from that night. And something inside him stalled… not in fear, but in curiosity. Because he had never imagined he would marry someone, and that too out of love, was not even a question. Now here he was. The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and he stepped out, following the host. And there, at the table near the terrace railings, sat Jimin. And Jeongguk… froze.
He was beautiful. Not just in the “well-dressed, clean features” kind of way. He had that quiet yet guarded glow about him. The kind that came with experience and exhaustion and strength disguised as fragility. His skin looked warm and silky smooth under the lights, his long lashes fanned against high cheekbones when he blinked, and his posture was so still, so composed that Jeongguk felt like he had just walked into an art frame. Jimin turned, sensing his presence, and their eyes met. Jeongguk’s breath hitched. Not enough for anyone to notice, but he felt it. The subtle shift. The stutter of his heart.
Jimin stood and bowed slightly with a small smile. A warm greeting.
“Jeongguk-ssi… Evening”
Jeongguk’s eyes flickered, and that voice pulled him out of the trance. He looked up and greeted Jimin back with an equally light tone.
“Good Evening, Park Jimin-ssi”
They sat and the way too formal greeting pinched at the corners of Jeongguk’s heart. The man before him would be his husband in a few weeks or months. The staff poured water, adjusted the napkins, placed the starters down… all a blur, Jeongguk barely registered. He was too busy stealing cautious glances. Trying to study Jimin without seeming invasive. He looked tired. Beautiful, extremely gorgeous, but tired. Like someone who had held himself together for too long and didn’t know how to stop.
Silence engulfed them once again.
But not the kind Jeongguk was used to. Not like the quiet of the ship when the engine hum became white noise or the stillness of his cabin at night, even when his friends were around. This was something else entirely. Something alive, but too far-fetched. It stretched across the table like a heavy blanket, thick with unspoken intentions and guarded hearts, afraid to let go. Jeongguk kept his posture composed… straight-backed, hands folded lightly on the table. But inside, he was splintering slowly. The nerves that had settled in the pit of his stomach the moment he stepped into the elevator hadn’t gone away. They’d only evolved and mutated into something worse, and he didn’t know how to keep himself in check.
He’s beautiful.
Jimin’s beautiful.
That was the first clear thought Jeongguk had when he’d seen Jimin seated under the soft glow of the terrace lights. Far more beautiful than he remembered from the club, and it hadn’t even been a memory to begin with, just a blur of dim lighting and a voice that had gripped him. That night, Jeongguk hadn’t expected much from the party Hoseok had dragged him to celebrate him securing a job. He barely remembered half the introductions, and didn't even retain most of the performances… except Jimin’s. Something in it cracked open a space inside him he hadn’t known existed. And when Hoseok had later said, he’s the one I’m talking about… Park Jimin , Jeongguk didn’t know what to do with the information and the fact that he was out to get married to the same person. Now, here they were. Sitting across from one another, with too many emotions and too few words.
The delicate way Jimin sat, hands folded in his lap under the table. The way his lashes fluttered with every blink, and how he looked away the moment Jeongguk's gaze lingered too long anywhere close to him. It made Jeongguk feel intrusive, like he wasn’t supposed to be staring at the latter. So he looked at the skyline instead, then his glass, then anywhere that wasn’t Jimin’s face. He had rehearsed, too, but clearly, it wasn’t enough. So when he finally spoke, just to break the tension which clearly oozed from him alone, his voice came out lower than expected. Softer. Maybe too soft.
“You… look a little different from the club”
The moment the words left his mouth, Jeongguk wanted to disappear under the table. Why would you say that? He clasped his lips shut, trying not to groan. Jimin blinked. And then, to his surprise, he chuckled dryly, but not coldly.
“I don’t usually perform in hotel terraces”
Jimin said, that soft, airy voice pulling at something in Jeongguk’s chest again. They both laughed, a short, breathy sound that dissolved as quickly as it came. Then… silence again. It wasn’t uncomfortable but awkward. But it was heavy. And Jeongguk hated how he didn’t know how to reach across it. Jeongguk wasn’t cold, and neither was Jimin. Their walls almost touched the sky and none of them knew how to break them open. Jeongguk wasn’t here because he wanted to be a stranger with a stranger. But what do you say to someone you're supposed to marry, without even knowing how they take their coffee? So when Jimin finally spoke again as if he was trying to bridge the gap, Jeongguk felt something loosen inside his chest.
“We don’t have to talk about anything heavy. Let’s just… talk. Whatever comes. We’ll get through the rest when it’s time”
Jeongguk looked at him, startled by how steady the words sounded. The airy tone had morphed into something calm. Jimin wasn’t trying to impress or charm. He was offering something rare… honesty, because who were they kidding? This wasn’t even a date with all the circumstances. "We'll get through the rest when it’s time" and Jeongguk wondered whether they would get time in the future . They weren’t looking for love, and what would bind them into sitting in the same place and exchanging words when their arrangement would mean nothing in reality if not on paper? Jeongguk nodded with a lump in his throat.
“That sounds good. I’d like that”
Jimin smiled… small and reached for the chopsticks, hands trembling just slightly. Jeongguk caught it and felt the faintest flicker of guilt. He’s nervous too. His mind had supplied as they dug in to at least eat something. The food was good, but Jeongguk barely tasted it as he ate. His mind was miles away. Part of him wanted to ask Jimin about his life, his art, his thoughts. The other part was still trying to process how they’d ended up here in the first place. A meeting was arranged for a marriage that was never meant to be romantic. A contract, bound by circumstance. A safety net disguised as a dinner.
“So…”
The word slipped out before Jeongguk could fully prepare himself for where it might lead. His fork nudged a cube of zucchini across his plate, pretending like the vegetable was suddenly the most important thing in the world. He didn’t lift his eyes yet, but he could feel Jimin’s attention shift to him. Maybe the question would be too intrusive, but he had already said it out loud. There was no going back, and he glanced up, just for a second, and found Jimin watching him, a bite of food paused mid-chew, head tilted ever so slightly like he was waiting for Jeongguk to take the lead.
“You’ve been singing for how long? If that’s okay to ask…”
The last thing Jeongguk wanted to do was make Jimin uncomfortable, not when it already felt like they were dancing on a tightrope made of silent yet heavy tension. Jimin blinked, a little surprised and taken aback, but not offended. That eased Jeongguk’s nerves just a little.
“Since I was a kid. But I started performing professionally… maybe six years ago? I lost count”
Jimin answered softly, and Jeongguk nodded, chewing the inside of his cheek as he watched Jimin drop his gaze and start stirring around his food. Jeongguk’s own plate looked mostly complete, save for the tortured zucchini.
“You’re really good. I didn’t say it that night, but… your voice stuck with me”
Jeongguk said after a pause, and Jimin’s smile was small and instant. Shy. It tugged something unexpectedly warm in Jeongguk’s chest, making his lips curve upward momentarily. He hadn’t known what kind of reaction to expect… Maybe embarrassment, maybe irritation. But Jimin looked genuinely pleased. Just… quiet about it. Jeongguk had to praise the voice… it was borderline otherworldly.
“Thank you. That’s nice to hear. I’m glad. I didn’t even think you’d remember me”
“I didn’t think I would either. But I did”
Jeongguk admitted, truth rolling off his tongue before he could guard it. He remembered more than he should have. The smoky lighting. The way Jimin stood on that stage with nothing but a mic and a voice that made the room fold in on itself. It had been haunting in the way a beautiful echo clings to an empty hallway. He hadn’t expected it to stay with him. But it had, and the tune Jimin had sung still made him sleep like a lullaby. Silence lingered for a moment. Not hostile. Just thick. Then Jimin cleared his throat, voice softer this time.
“What about you? Did you always want to join the Marines?”
Jeongguk leaned back a little, his fingers tightening faintly around his fork. The question wasn’t too personal. But it still made him pause. For just a breath longer than he intended. Because he didn’t really talk about this with people. Not the way that mattered.
“Sort of. Not the military, but ships? Yeah. I used to draw boats in my textbooks in elementary school. This wasn’t my dream, but… we never get what we wish for, do we?”
Jeongguk meant it to be light. Casual. But his voice sounded heavier than he wanted it to. Too honest. And somehow Jimin seemed to have understood the semantics and depth of emotions behind his words with the way he tilted his head and lowered his gaze. Jimin was not judging, just… thinking maybe. Quiet, like he was measuring the edges of the answer and choosing not to prod any deeper, Jeongguk felt utterly relieved.
“I had always loved music, but I used to want to be a lawyer”
Jimin said a beat later, voice lower now, almost as if he was sharing a secret. Jeongguk looked at him again… really looked. The curve of his shoulders, the way he moved his spoon around the plate like he was stalling. He’d barely eaten anything. Every movement Jimin made felt deliberate. Careful.
“Until life taught me otherwise…”
Jimin added. Their eyes met. Something quiet passed between them then. Mutual, heavy, wordless but understanding. They didn’t need to explain it, this subtle ache of detoured dreams, stubborn sacrifices and reluctant compromises. Jeongguk didn’t know what Jimin had lost or what he’d given up entirely. But he knew the look in his eyes. He saw it in the mirror sometimes. And Jeongguk understood, even if it made something in his chest clench. Because this wasn’t a date. It wasn’t even friendship. It was an agreement, a transactional path toward security. And still… Jeongguk had hoped it would feel a little different.
“So… is it okay, if we… uhm… just play five questions?”
Jeongguk supplied, and Jimin nodded. He had spent a month preparing for this meeting. Not just in logistics or nerves, but emotionally. What it meant. What it didn’t. And still, nothing could have prepared him for Jimin in person… His presence was soft but firm, like wind threading through tight fingers. And fragile . Not in weakness, but in the way people become when life chips at them a little too hard, a little too often. So Jeongguk suggested the game, with five questions, which came out of nowhere. Desperation, maybe, to ease the edge off the table between them.
He hadn’t expected Jimin to say yes so easily.
He hadn’t expected any of this to be easy.
“Alright. Day or night?”
Jeongguk had asked first, the most harmless thing he could think of.
“Night. Always. That’s when I feel alive and numb. Night though”
Jimin answered without hesitation. And Jeongguk didn’t know how to respond to that honesty. So he just nodded.
“I like mornings. Nights too, but I would like to rest after an entire day at work. Calmest part of the day”
Already, it was obvious… how reversed they were. But something in Jimin’s answer lingered. Alive and numb . Jeongguk didn’t know how someone could feel both at once… and yet, Jimin somehow made it make sense.
Coffee or tea.
Winter or spring.
Dogs or cats.
Books or movies.
Five Questions. Every answer they put forward stacked up like opposing puzzle pieces, which might never fit. And yet, Jeongguk didn’t feel frustrated. He felt curious. And something that almost felt like guilt. Because it didn’t take long for him to realize that Jimin wasn’t just answering questions… he was revealing pieces of a life held together by survival. Maybe he hadn’t expected that the night would go this way, and they would talk about their interests, and it might’ve been hard to reveal something to a stranger.
Late nights and jasmine tea. Cats that didn’t ask for too much. Books that offered solace. Winter that muffled the world’s noise. And Jeongguk understood… because he had his own versions of those escapes. Different, but those were his escapes when he had burned himself to the bone. He understood how someone who spent their life holding everything together, loving away every emotion in the depths of their heart, would find peace in things that didn’t demand, didn’t shout, didn’t ask.
Jimin wasn’t cold. He was guarded . He wasn’t difficult. He was wounded in ways Jeongguk didn’t have the right to pry into. At least not yet. Maybe never. Maybe they would never get close even after the wedding. That was possible, and given how their meeting had gone up until now, it was very likely the outcome of their wedding. And the more they talked, the more Jeongguk felt like he was standing on thin glass, looking in on a person who had learned to protect his soul by shrinking himself.
He didn’t want Jimin to shrink around him . He wanted to understand him. But god, was it hard. When every answer echoed how differently they lived. How oppositely they breathed. Would Jimin ever trust him enough to share what he felt or what he feels in the moment?
“Seems like we’re different in a lot of ways”
Jeongguk said softly, eyes on the skyline because he didn’t want to see what the words would do to Jimin’s face.
“Yeah. We are”
Jimin replied. No resentment and Jeongguk understood that Jimin felt the same. They were miles apart, and maybe they were judging too fast because those five questions were meant to be light-hearted and fun. But, not even one out of five made them choose the same option. Jimin’s agreement hurt more than if he had said it in anger. Because it was true. They were different. Jeongguk clenched his hands together on the table, trying to breathe through the disappointment curling in his chest. Not disappointed in Jimin . Just… in life. In the timing. In the weight of everything they were carrying into this arranged, uncertain future.
He had agreed to this because he wanted to do something different with his life… something real , something meaningful, and help Jimin in any way he could. He had his own benefits, but Jimin would surely be entering a new territory. And now, sitting across from someone he didn’t know how to reach, Jeongguk wondered if he had asked too much of fate. And yet… every time Jimin answered… honestly, softly, vulnerably, Jeongguk felt something unravel inside him. A string pulling taut, telling him Don’t let go yet . As the meal ended and they rose from the table, Jeongguk tried to find words… any words that wouldn’t sound rehearsed. They should end this on a good note. He turned to Jimin at the elevator and nodded slightly.
“Goodnight… reach home safe!”
The smile Jimin gave him was soft, kind, but distant. Jeongguk wished he could have given Jimin something more . He wished he could say something that would make this feel less like an obligation and more like the beginning of something human, something emotional. But he didn’t. Because maybe Jimin didn’t need hope right now. Maybe he just needed space. Maybe Jeongguk was just assuming things, but he had never been good with words, and much less emotions, so he clipped his lips. As he watched Jimin walk away, sleeves pulled over trembling hands, Jeongguk’s throat burned with something bitter.
Jimin didn’t know.
He didn’t know how Jeongguk had listened to his voice months ago and felt it in the darkest of nights. He didn’t know how that voice had stayed in his head… soft, aching, unforgettable. How Jeongguk hadn’t said yes to this marriage just for the benefits or stability, or because Hoseok had arranged it. He had said yes… because he remembered the feeling. And now, after tonight, it hurt even more. Because that feeling was still there. But so was the wall between them. And Jeongguk didn’t know how to tear it down without breaking Jimin apart.
So he walked back to his hotel in silence. The city lights blurred in the distance. And Jeongguk’s chest ached with quiet hope and a sharper kind of helplessness, wondering if he had just shaken hands with a stranger he wanted to hold for eternity… but might never get to know to begin with.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
“What? A month? What the hell?”
The words came out in a rush, barely coherent, as Jimin shot up from his seat like he’d been electrocuted. His phone slipped a little in his grip, his thumb trembling as he re-read the text for the fifth time. They were in the middle of lunch… Yoongi and Taehyung’s parents. A calm, warm weekend meal. That was, until Taehyung decided it was the perfect time to send a message that nearly sent Jimin’s soul rocketing into the stratosphere. Taehyung’s mom gasped, hand clutching her chest as her chopsticks clattered onto the table. The startled expressions on everyone’s faces didn’t help Jimin’s rising anxiety.
“Minnie… what’s wrong?”
Yoongi asked, furrowing his brows, already halfway out of his seat in concern. Jimin’s voice cracked as he finally managed to speak, his wide eyes still glued to his screen.
“The wedding… they want to have it in a month!”
Silence fell over the table for a second before Jimin started frantically typing a reply to Taehyung, thumbs moving faster than his brain could process. He could feel a chill run down his spine at the unexpected news. He had met Jeongguk exactly a week ago, and now he would walk down the aisle in a month?
What do you mean by a month? When was this decided? Since when?!
Tae 🌿
I don’t know the full details, Minnie
But… Jeongguk asked for your number.
He said he’d like to talk to you himself…
And that was it. That was all it took. Jimin let out another strangled noise that made everyone flinch again. What was he even reading? Taehyung’s father blinked at him from across the table, confused and deeply concerned.
“Isn’t that a good thing? That he want to talk to you?”
Yoongi questioned.
“No! I mean, yes! Hyung… I don’t know”
Jimin’s voice cracked as the words stumbled out, jagged and raw. He buried his face in his hands, fingertips pressing into his temples and nails carving crescent moons on the soft skin like he could somehow massage the panic away. His shoulders trembled faintly, a flush creeping up his neck as the weight of everything settled over him again, dropped on him like a bomb… suffocating and relentless.
“What am I even going to say? What if he thinks I’m insane? Which I am, at this point!”
Jimin’s voice came out in a choked whisper, muffled by his palms, but the despair was loud. His thoughts were spiraling… memories of that rooftop dinner flashing through his mind. The awkward silences, the cautious smiles, the way their answers had clashed like puzzle pieces that didn’t belong in the same picture at all. That night hadn’t gone wrong, but it hadn’t gone right either. It had only confirmed what he feared: they were from different worlds, held together by a promise and agreement they didn’t fully understand. Taehyung’s father chuckled softly from the other end of the table, his voice calm and grounding like the low hum of the earth beneath shaky feet, trying to be the anchor Jimin needed.
“Jimin-ah, take a breath. You already met him once. It didn’t go terribly, did it?”
Jimin peeked through his fingers, eyes glassy. His lower lip trembled, the panic still clinging to the edges of his breath.
“No, it didn’t but… Appa, this is different. This is real. Not just polite conversation over food. This is the wedding dates and legal paperwork and -”
And a life. A life Jimin wasn’t sure he’d be able to build with someone who didn’t feel what he felt, who didn’t move like he moved. Jeongguk had been kind, attentive, and even warm in his own way, but he had a quiet structure and cautious emotion, and Jimin didn’t know how to live inside that silence. His own world was too loud, too heavy with feelings that refused to stay tucked away. And no matter how cordial they had been to each other, the realization of the life that awaited him chipped away at the pieces of his heart.
“You don’t need to panic, baby”
Taehyung’s mom reached across the table, her hand finding Jimin’s and wrapping around it gently. Her voice, always soft but firm, was a balm against the storm in his chest.
“You’re not being thrown into a cage. If he wants to talk, maybe it’s a good thing. It means he wants to know you. Not just the idea of you”
Jimin’s throat clenched. But what if the real him wasn’t enough? What if he talked too much? Felt too much? Loved too hard or asked for things Jeongguk didn’t know how to give? What if every second of this marriage was just two strangers pretending to be compatible because life gave them no other choice? Every question, every “what if” made Jimin sink into himself more.
“And you don’t have to say anything you’re not ready to say, Jimin-ah. Just listen first. Be honest. If you’re nervous, tell him. If something doesn’t feel right, say that too”
Yoongi added from beside him. His tone was measured and reassuring. Jimin blinked hard, the sting behind his eyes sharp and unrelenting. He finally exhaled, shoulders sagging as if the breath had taken all his strength with it. The phone sat in his lap like it was made of fire, burning a hole straight through the fabric of his shirt. Jeongguk had asked for his number. It was just a message. Just a call. But it felt like a cliff he wasn’t ready to jump from. Still, buried beneath the anxiety, beneath the dread and fear and spiraling thoughts… was a tiny flicker of curiosity. A question that hadn’t left his heart since the night on the terrace: what if there was more to Jeongguk?
“A month, though…”
Jimin’s voice was barely a whisper, as if saying it too loudly would make it more real. One month. Thirty days to plan a lifetime. Thirty days to become someone’s husband. Thirty days to convince himself that this could work. That he could do this. That he wouldn’t break halfway through. Yoongi gave a slow nod, voice low, but sure.
“A lot can happen in a month”
Jimin turned toward him. Yoongi’s eyes met his, steady and warm and unwavering, and for the first time since the text arrived, the tremble in Jimin’s chest settled… just a little.
“You never know. Maybe it’ll be okay”
And Jimin didn’t answer. Not out loud, at least. But he allowed himself to close his eyes for a heartbeat, to breathe in the warmth of the house he loved, these people that raised him, this moment where he wasn’t alone. It grounded him… the low hum of soft chatter, the clinking of dishes, the scent of warm rice still lingering in the air. It didn’t erase the uncertainty… but it helped him remember that he wasn’t walking into this completely alone. Maybe, he would learn to accept… he had been adapting and molding himself to fit in for years, so maybe, he could really be himself, somehow make it work.
And for a second… Just a flicker of breath and courage, Jimin let himself believe that maybe, just maybe, Yoongi could be right. Maybe there was a version of this future that didn’t hurt quite so much. After the lunch, he had bowed, silently blaming himself for the shift in the mood, but they had hugged him and kissed him lovingly. Jimin turned on his heels and listened to the door shut as he walked onto the familiar roads of Busan. The streets glowed in soft amber as Jimin walked back home. His coat hugged tight around his frame, but the cold still crept into the corners of his sleeves. It wasn’t biting, just present… like a silent echo of all the thoughts screaming in his mind.
The closer he got to home, the louder the voices became again. One month. One month to rewrite everything he thought he’d have time to figure out. Jimin tried to push it away. Focus on each step. On the lights. On the rhythm of his own breath. Tonight, he had another performance, and he needed to get ready. No room for mess. No space for spiraling when he had to make money for Jihye’s approaching session. He stepped into the apartment and kicked his shoes off with a sigh, not expecting much. But the moment he opened the door, Jimin stopped in his tracks.
“Ta-da!”
Jihye stood by the little table with a proud grin stretched across her face and her hands dramatically presenting a small, slightly uneven but adorable cake placed in the center of the table. The frosting was lopsided, falling off a little. The writing was a bit shaky, still pretty nonetheless. But it read… Congrats, Minnie! in her bubbly font with a little fondant heart right beside it.
“W-What…?”
He blinked, heart already flipping over itself, the surprise tugging breath straight out of his lungs.
“You made this?”
“Of course I did!”
Jihye chirped, already halfway toward him, her hand slipping into his with the lightest tug, bouncing slightly on her feet. Jimin just watched her, wide-eyed, as his brain tried to catch up with his racing heart. She had dressed up, he realized… her baby blue ruffled top paired with the denim he always teased her about, saying it made her look like an adorable clown. She wore it anyway, he knew, because she liked how it made him laugh. She wanted to make him smile today. His chest clenched. She looked adorable. Too precious for a world like theirs.
“Well, okay… I tried. You know, baking isn’t really my strong suit, but I followed like… three YouTube tutorials and bam! Cake is here”
Jimin brought a hand to his mouth, trying hard to hide the tremble in his lips. The sweetness of vanilla and Oreo and the faint hint of burnt sugar hung in the room, wrapping around them like a soft blanket. His throat burned, but he wouldn’t cry. Not now. Not when she was beaming like she’d just pulled the moon down for him.
“I thought we should celebrate…”
Her voice dipped gently, her tone softer, almost shy. She moved around the table, positioning her phone and opening the camera. Jimin watched as she turned it to record mode, aiming the lens at him like he was the star. And maybe, for her, he was.
“I mean… you’re getting married, Minnie. That’s huge!”
Jimin couldn’t move. Just stood there, heart roaring in his ears, staring at this tiny cake and this tiny girl… no, not tiny. Brave. His world. She looked at him with nothing but pride and joy, like this wedding was a new beginning and not the silent compromise it was. Jihye nudged his shoulder gently, smiling wider.
“Don’t just stand there. Say something, make a wish! This is your moment”
Jimin felt something lodge itself deeper in his throat. Her phone was still pointed at him, her eyes gleaming behind the lens, and he knew this was the happiest she had been in weeks. Maybe months. This was hope, living on her face. So he nodded, blinked quickly, and whispered with a smile that trembled just a little too much.
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect”
And in that moment, as she clapped softly, cheeks puffed out in pride, Jimin watched with glossy eyes. The soft smile soon turned into a teasing one.
“Tell me at least one thing about him. Is he tall? Is he shy? Did he confess first? You have to give me something”
Jimin chuckled airily, the sound leaving his chest like it had been stitched together out of nerves and tons of effort. Fragile. Like the laugh might break apart if anyone looked too closely. He tugged her gently down beside him onto the worn couch, their knees brushing.
“Uhm… He’s… taller than me, yes. And quiet. But polite”
Jihye’s face immediately lit up. She leaned in like she was about to receive the juiciest gossip of the year, voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.
“Ooooh, the silent charming type! I knew you’d fall for someone like that. Brooding and mysterious. It’s always the quiet ones…”
Jimin let out a laugh again, this time softer, a little less forced, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He ducked his head into her shoulder, hiding the way his smile wavered just slightly when she wasn’t looking.
“You make it sound like I’ve been planning this romance for years, Ji”
“Well, haven’t you? I’ve told you that you are a yearner and your songs say the same”
“Oh, shut up!”
Jimin muttered, lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. But Jihye wasn’t paying attention to his fading amusement. She was too busy grinning, already stringing together theories about his “mystery man,” her joy filling the room like sunlight slipping through dusty curtains. And Jimin just let her. Because how could he tell her the truth? That there was no confession. That there was no real falling. That was the only thing he was sinking into was the weight of sacrifice, the cold metal of an agreement disguised as a union.
But Jihye was so happy… so glowing with innocent excitement, that Jimin couldn’t let the truth bleed into the moment. He couldn’t say this isn’t real, not like that. So instead, he leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a second, willing the ache in his chest to stay buried.
“Do you think he’ll let me hang out with you guys, or he will be the jealous type who would want you all for himself?”
Jihye said suddenly, breaking into his thoughts and making Jimin’s eyes snap open wide. Jimin blinked at her and gave a huff of fake offense.
“Jealous? Of you? You little gremlin?”
“Hey! I’m adorable, thank you very much. And if he doesn’t like me… you should take care of it”
Jihye whined, swatting at him with a laugh. Jimin looked at her for a long second, at the way her cheeks were flushed with laughter and hope, at the way her eyes shimmered with possibilities he had never been able to give her… until now. And something inside him curled painfully. Because she believed in this. She believed he was in love. She believed he had found someone who looked at him the way people do in movies. She believed he would have someone to hold, someone to bring home, someone who would care for him when she couldn’t.
And Jimin let her believe.
Even if he didn’t know what love like that felt like. Even if the closest he’d come to a romantic future was this… an arranged marriage wrapped in silence, and sacrifices tucked behind neatly practiced smiles. He didn’t know what it felt like to be chosen. Desired. Touched with gentleness for no reason but love. And the worst part? Jimin had accepted he might never know. But Jihye looked so happy. So, he smiled, eyes glassy but bright, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. You’ll always be the first person I bring along”
Jihye leaned into his side, humming a tune under her breath. And Jimin closed his eyes, letting the weight of pretend settle gently onto his shoulders. Because her happiness made the ache bearable. Maybe, if their lives were different… he would’ve introduced her boyfriend to his sister and even then, she would’ve celebrated just like this.
“I really hope he makes you smile a lot…”
She said, reaching over to feed him a crooked bite of her cake.
“You deserve someone who makes you smile every day, you know?”
The sweetness melted on his tongue. Vanilla and a bit too much sugar… but it warmed something in his chest. Jimin didn’t answer immediately. He was too busy memorizing her face. The pure joy, the excitement, the hope lighting her features like she could see something beautiful on the horizon… like he was walking toward something beautiful. And in that moment, Jimin reminded himself again, this was why he said yes. This was why he was giving up the freedom of choosing love on his own terms. For her . For this joy. This cake. This unfiltered happiness that she hadn’t worn in a long time. Jimin swallowed thickly and reached out to cup her cheek gently.
“Thank you, my little darling”
Her eyes lit up again.
“I love you, Minnie”
“I love you too”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead before excusing himself to change for his performance. As he walked to his room, Jimin felt the weight still there, still lingering… but covered now with a softness. A blanket of warmth pulled from a little cake and a little sister’s joy. And even if his world wasn’t built on love yet… he’d carry this love with him. Every step of the way. Jimin knew… he would walk into fire for her. Into cold, into sacrifice, into a marriage that may never be warm enough for his aching soul. But if it brought this light to her eyes… Then he’d do it all over again.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
It was nearly one in the morning by the time Jimin stumbled out of the second club, muscles aching, voice raw, and head pounding from the sheer weight of his own exhaustion. Jihye would be asleep by now, and he figured he’d grab something small before heading home. Just a quick break to breathe. Maybe feel human again. The convenience store by the coastal road was mostly empty. He picked up a cup of ramen and a gimbap roll, his fingers shaking slightly as he held them. It smelled like it might rain, the wind carrying the familiar salt of the sea.
He settled onto one of the stools near the window. Just him, the food, the sea, and the silence. And for a brief moment, it felt like he could pretend none of this was real. That he wasn’t about to marry a man he barely knew. That he wasn’t sacrificing his life piece by piece for survival. And momentarily, he did forget about everything and just stared at the sea before him, finishing the small cup of ramen. But the chime of his phone shattered that fragile bubble. The sharp tone echoed louder than it should’ve in the quiet corner of the store. Jimin blinked at the screen, brows furrowing. And then his heart dropped.
Xxx-xxx-xxxx
Hi, Jimin-ssi. It’s Jeongguk.
I hope you don’t mind me texting at this odd hour.
Sorry, if it’s a bother… but please let me know when we can talk.
Jimin stared. Read it once. Then again. And again. His thumb hovered over the screen, not sure whether to type or to run away from everything. Jimin swallowed thickly, wiped his hand on the side of his jeans, and slowly typed back, the half-eaten gimbap long forgotten on the table as he braced himself for the worst.
Oh… Hi Jeongguk-ssi
It’s okay. I don’t mind. You can tell me
Jeon Jeongguk
Thank you. I just… I wanted to apologize
About the announcement
I didn’t know they’d make it official so fast
My family’s been pushing hard
And I won't get many leaves after a month
I’m really sorry, Jimin-ssi
The reply came faster than he expected. Jimin read the text, letting the words blur for a second. He didn’t know what kind of family Jeongguk had. He didn’t know how his parents were. He didn’t know what kind of troubles he was facing. Jimin had no clue about Jeongguk’s personal life. Of course, it was the family. Of course, it wasn’t Jeongguk’s idea. And yet, Jeongguk still chose to reach out. Still bothered to explain. Jimin’s fingers hesitated before replying.
It’s okay. I understand
You don’t need to apologize
There was a pause this time. Long enough for Jimin to stare at the sea through the glass, now smeared with streaks of rainfall. The gimbap still stared at him, but Jimin had lost his appetite. Then Jeongguk’s reply came.
Jeon Jeongguk
Still, if you’re uncomfortable, I’ll talk to them.
We don’t have to rush anything.
You matter in this.
That last line hit Jimin square in the chest, a straight punch to the gut. You matter. A part of him wanted to laugh. A cruel, broken laugh. Because no matter how kind Jeongguk was trying to be… how respectful, how careful, Jimin couldn’t feel any of it. He felt… nothing. Just a dull hum inside his skull, like the silence that followed a scream. He stared at the message, and let his thumbs sit on the screen, the cursor blinked like it was holding its breath for him. And finally, he typed.
No, it’s fine. Really. I… I agreed to this
So it’s okay, Jeongguk-ssi
Jeon Jeongguk
Only if you mean that and…
You can just call me Jeongguk.
Anything that’s comfortable for you
Jimin closed his eyes. He didn’t mean it. Not truly. He knew he would never mean anything regarding this arrangement heartfully. But what else was there to say? What more could he offer when he had already laid everything at the altar of necessity? And switching up the names didn’t sound bad because it felt way too formal to address each other with a respectful tag to the names, and he was younger than Jeongguk anyway, so…
I do. It’s okay.
Thank you for checking in, Jeongguk
Just Jimin…
Jeon Jeongguk
I’m really glad you texted back.
But, please let me know if you aren’t comfortable with anything
I would like us to be on the same page
Jimin’s fingers hovered above the keyboard, still trembling slightly. He could feel the weight of Jeongguk’s words settle quietly in his chest… not heavy, not forceful, but soft, like a hand reaching out but not gripping too tight. Like kindness, cautious and deliberate. And somehow, that made it harder to respond. Jeongguk was nothing but gentle. Respectful. The kind of man anyone would be lucky to have in their corner. And here Jimin was, spiraling in silence, because those words, those beautiful, soft words, meant nothing to someone like him. Not in the way they were supposed to. They weren’t lovers. They weren’t even close. They were practically strangers, pretending that arranged fates might look like falling in love. He swallowed the thought, fingers finally moving.
I will. I appreciate you talking to me
Thank you so much!
The reply came quicker than he expected, and it made something flutter in Jimin’s chest… something dangerous, something hopeful that he immediately tried to crush. He can’t have expectations. He must never have any expectations.
Jeon Jeongguk
Always.
And, if it isn’t too intrusive…
Can I ask how your sister is doing?
The question startled him. Not because it was inappropriate, it wasn’t. It was thoughtful. But it caught him off guard in a way that felt too tender. They were getting married for this reason. Most people didn’t ask. Or if they did, it was out of pity or polite obligation. But Jeongguk didn’t sound like he was asking for the sake of appearances or to make an impression. He sounded like he… cared . Like he genuinely wanted to know. That made everything feel real. Jimin’s throat tightened as he typed, every word slow and cautious. Maybe he had already formed a decent opinion about Jeongguk in his head, but that was no one’s business.
She’s okay. Stable, for now
Still on medication and undergoing treatment
It’s tough, but… she’s strong. Always has been
There was a long pause. Jimin bit his lip, debating whether he should’ve stopped at “she’s okay.” Whether this was already too much, too personal, too close. But the next message made him sigh… somewhere between relief and restraint.
Jeon Jeongguk
That’s really good to hear. I’m glad
She’s lucky to have you, Jimin
I mean it
Jimin blinked down at the screen, something inside him curling tight. His chest felt too full and too hollow at the same time. Lucky? He didn’t know about that. He was barely making it, doing everything he could just to keep the pieces of their life together with a dangling hope and second-hand dreams. But he wouldn’t argue. Not now. Not with Jeongguk.
Thank you for saying that
She’s everything to me
Jeongguk didn’t reply right away. Maybe he was giving Jimin space. Maybe he was just careful with words, the same way he seemed careful with everything else since the night they met for the first time. Jimin appreciated that more than he could admit. When the reply came, it was as gentle as everything else had been.
Jeon Jeongguk
That’s… beautiful
I hope she continues to do well
Rain tapped steadily against the glass window before him, as if urging him to stay rooted where he was stuck between the calm of Jeongguk’s words and the storm rising slowly in his own chest. Jeongguk was gentle. Too gentle. Too patient. And Jimin could feel the smallest crack forming along the walls he had so carefully, painfully built around himself. Not from romance or attraction or fantasy. But from kindness. Because that’s what always undid him… the smallest mercy. He had to remind himself that this wasn’t a fairy tale. That Jeongguk was just doing what anyone respectful would do.
Hoping for it
Are you at the base? Still?
Jimin hesitated but sent the text. His fingers hovered and debated, but he had given in. Keep it simple. Cordial. Impersonal. That’s what he had told himself but Jeongguk had reached out first. Had shown sincerity. And if this was something they were really going to move forward with, Jimin had to at least try. He couldn’t let Jeongguk do all the reaching. That wouldn’t be fair. Even if every step closer hurt.
Jeon Jeongguk
In the sea. Close to the shore though
Had some engine paperwork, didn’t want to push it off
That made sense. Of course, Jeongguk was the kind to take responsibility seriously. Jimin could picture him perfectly… sitting on a deck or a cruise somewhere in that huge world of his, focused and quiet, getting everything in order. The kind of man who didn’t let things spill over. Who knew how to contain the chaos. The kind Jimin could never be. He looked down at his own reflection faintly mirrored in the glass… the slight smear of eyeliner under tired eyes, the glint of a performance earring still in his lobe, the exhaustion in his bones from giving pieces of himself on a stage where no one really knew him. Jeongguk would never understand this part of him. But he had to try… didn’t he?
That sounds exhausting. Not the sea though
I love the ocean
Do you always stay in the water?
He kept the question simple. Not personal. Not too curious. Just enough to say, I see you trying, so I’ll try too. They were just stating things and Jimin decided to just take it a step further.
Jeon Jeongguk
Not always
Just when I know I won’t sleep unless I get it done
Makes me feel at peace, I guess
And… I love the sea too. Oceans.
A match! They had agreed on one thing. Jimin almost heaved a sigh of relief at the response, his lips curling upward as he read Jeongguk’s text. But wasn’t that obvious given how Jeongguk literally said he used to draw boats and how he had chosen to work in the marines? Jimin smiled faintly. He had been a little dumb, but that made sense. Jeongguk’s answer. Peace. A word that had never really belonged to him. Not completely. Not for a long time.
I don’t remember what that feels like
Peace, I mean
Jimin regretted it the second he hit send. He was sounding too broody, too dull, and too hopeless. He was all of that, but there was no need to rub it off, Jeongguk, who was just trying to sound casual and light-hearted. But the reply that came made his throat tighten.
Jeon Jeongguk
I hope you do, someday, Jimin
Maybe not all the time
But even a little would be good
We can visit the sea
And that was the moment Jimin knew he had to pull back. “We can visit the sea”, the sentence echoed loudly inside his mind. Jeongguk was too gentle. And that was exactly the kind of softness Jimin had no space left for… not when it only stirred up things he had long buried. Because Jeongguk’s kindness wasn’t a balm… it was a blade disguised in warmth. The kind that made his chest ache with a dangerous feeling he’d locked away long ago, hope . And hope was the cruelest thing of all. Because what if he let himself believe again?
What if he slipped, allowed himself to dream, just a little, and Jeongguk didn’t stay? What if it all turned to dust in his hands, like everything else? No. He couldn’t afford that. Not when he had nothing left to lose except the illusion of peace he’d managed to build out of survival. So Jimin swallowed it down. The flutter. The crack in his chest. The thousand things he wanted to say in return. Instead, he typed what he had to.
I should head home now
Thanks for talking
Good night, Jeongguk
Jeon Jeongguk
It felt good and thank you for replying
Reach home safe
Good night, Jimin
The screen dimmed, and the last message faded into the dark. Jimin slipped the phone into his coat pocket, his movements slow, like every inch of him was suddenly made of glass. The unfinished gimbap sat on the plastic table, soggy now, forgotten. None of it mattered. Not when his entire body felt like it was bracing for impact, one that hadn’t even come yet, but lived somewhere just beyond the horizon, somewhere across the seas. The rain outside had eased into a soft drizzle. But the storm inside him was still raging, blazing like wildfire.
Jimin stared blankly out at the sea beyond the store, its edges blurred by the glass and the ache pressing right behind his eyes. He blinked once. Then again. It wasn’t the rain that blurred his vision. It was the weight of all the things he couldn’t let himself feel. Because no matter how much he tried to remain distant, no matter how much logic he armed himself with… a small, fragile, foolish part of him still wanted this to mean something. Still hoped Jeongguk’s softness wasn’t temporary. Still longed for something warm to hold on to.
And that terrified him.
Because if this turned out to be nothing… If Jeongguk’s kindness was just part of a polite agreement, then Jimin didn’t know if he had the strength to survive the loss of something he never even had…
Change Jeon Jeongguk to Jeongguk? Yes
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
⋆ 2 weeks later ⋆
It had been the most chaotic, exhausting, and emotionally charged two weeks of Jeongguk’s life. Since the night he last texted Jimin, his mind had refused to quiet even in the slightest. Even when his body was pushed to its limits during training, even when his boots dragged across wet steel and his muscles ached with exhaustion, his thoughts drifted, again and again to Jimin. That night still lingered in his chest like a candle’s last flicker. The softness of Jimin’s texts, the way his responses had grown a little longer with each message, that Jeongguk couldn’t stop replaying in his head.
And the sea hadn’t helped. Being out on deck four days a week meant long stretches with no signal, no contact, no digital tether to the world, or to Jimin. Every time he reached for his phone during his rare breaks only to see no service, a pang of frustration burned low in his stomach. He wasn’t even trying to be clingy. He just wanted to talk. He just wanted to hear from Jimin. He just wanted to make sure that Jimin felt that he was reliable. Even a little. But he hadn’t sent another text.
He didn’t want to pressure him. He didn’t want Jimin to feel watched, or trapped, or more anxious than he already seemed. So, Jeongguk waited. And when the longing became unbearable, he bit down on his lip, clenched his jaw, and reminded himself why they were here, why this arrangement existed. He told himself he could be patient. If Jimin had taken the step to reply, maybe there was space to grow. Even if it was slow. Even if it was tentative and fragile and carved between silences.
Now, back on solid ground with his duffel bag dragging behind him, Jeongguk walked the concrete road outside the base, sighing as the salty wind stung at his skin. He’d fought tooth and nail to get this two-week leave approved by the commanders. It involved three separate meetings, multiple shift negotiations with his colleagues, extra hours of work and the promise of unpaid overtime once the wedding was over. He had given up almost all his free days for the next six months, his calendar was a battlefield. But he had done it.
Because this wasn’t just a formality for him. It wasn’t a show or a signed paper. It was Jimin. Jeongguk felt silly for letting the person he was about to wed take so much of his head and time but he couldn’t help. And even if they were still strangers wrapped in quiet texts and awkward dinners, even if they didn’t know what the future held, Jeongguk wanted to be present. He wanted to try. If Jimin had been willing to step forward, then Jeongguk would take the next step too.
After waving goodbye to a few of his friends from the base, Jeongguk made his way to a tiny restaurant near the station, treating himself to a simple hot meal. Something warm to fill the pit in his stomach that hadn’t settled for days. As he sat by the window with a bowl of ramen, he let himself exhale. Tomorrow, he'll be in Busan. They were supposed to pick wedding outfits. Look at suits. Try on colours. Talk about themes. And cakes. Jeongguk smiled faintly at the thought. Cake tasting with a stranger you were marrying… It sounded insane and he had no clue how they would pull through that.
But then he thought about Jimin’s delicate voice, airy and how it dipped into soft warmth when he spoke about his sister or music. How Jeongguk hadn’t been able to get that voice out of his head since the first time he’d heard it… months ago, on a stage, glowing beneath neon lights. He had told how Jimin’s voice stuck with him but he hadn’t told him how it almost haunted him to the point of Jeongguk humming the melody to lull him to sleep. He didn’t know if he should. There was a lot Jimin didn’t know.
Like how Jeongguk had agreed to this marriage not out of pressure, but because the first time he had seen Jimin’s name again, on a paper, weeks after that performance… something had bloomed quietly in his chest. Like fate was giving him a strange second chance he didn’t understand. He wanted to know him. Not the performer. Not the name tied to a benefit. Just… Jimin. He wanted to help in any way he could, that was staple but he wished this meant more. And maybe, in Busan, they could find a moment to breathe.
Maybe something as simple as fabric choices and tasting frosting could make the whole thing a little less terrifying. Jeongguk finished his food, pulled his duffel tighter over his shoulder, and checked his phone one last time before heading toward the train. No new messages. But that was okay. Because the next time he saw Jimin… it would be in person. And he didn’t know what would happen. He didn’t expect miracles. He didn’t even know what kind of suit he’d wear. But he knew one thing. He would show up. Wholeheartedly. Quietly. Ready to try.
And just as the train pulled away from the station, his phone chimed… calling him cliche and old-fashioned but Jeongguk had set a tune of soft wind chimes whenever he received a text from Jimin. And this was the first time he was actually hearing it and Jeongguk’s heart almost leaped out of his chest.
Jimin
Hi, Jeongguk
I hope you are doing well ☺️
At what time will you be here tomorrow?
Jeongguk blinked at the screen, lips parting in disbelief as his eyes lingered on the message. His heart stuttered a beat. It was a simple text. Casual. Polite. But there was something about it… the soft smiley emoji, the fact that Jimin had texted first, that made it feel warmer than it had any right to be. He rubbed a hand down his face and let out a small, breathless laugh. Maybe he was reading too much into it. Maybe he was just tired. But still, it lingered… Jimin’s presence, in a handful of words. He typed back quickly, then deleted it twice before settling on something that didn’t make him sound insane.
I am alright!
How are you? And your sister?
Probably around 11 am…
Jeongguk tapped send and set the phone down, staring at it like it might sprout wings and fly away. It didn’t. It buzzed a minute later with the same tune. It was perfect.
Jimin
I’m okay. Thank you!
She had a couple of rough days, but today was good.
She says hi!
Jeongguk’s chest softened at that. It shouldn’t have made him smile the way it did, but it did. There was something so heartbreakingly sweet about the fact that Jimin always mentioned his sister. It reminded him that underneath all the layers, all the distance, there was still a tenderness to Jimin that hadn’t been dulled by life yet. Maybe he could meet Jimin’s sister too. He would be meeting her anyway while signing the papers and labeling her as his family, but it would be nice to get to know her before all the legal paperwork.
Tell her I said hi too
Had your dinner?
Jimin
I have a performance tonight so no food until I’m done.
Is 2 pm okay for tomorrow?
For the fitting and… everything else?
It wasn’t a real conversation, not yet, but just something light, a soft thread between them in the quiet of the night. And yet, it made something in Jeongguk’s chest loosen. Just a little. Jimin had texted to ask him about the timings, and that was enough for now, maybe…
Of course. I’ll be there!
Jimin
Great! Have a safe journey.
Good night, Jeongguk!
Have a great performance too!
Good night, Jimin…
Jeongguk stared at the final message, thumb hovering for a moment before locking his phone as Jimin liked the last message. His compartment was still, only the faint sound of the city and bustling trees outside the window, the occasional rattling in the distance. And yet, for the first time in weeks, Jeongguk’s chest felt… quiet. He didn’t expect dreams that night. But if he had them, he hoped they’d sound a little like Jimin’s voice.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
It was nearing 4 a.m., and the world outside Jimin’s window was cloaked in dark silence, save for the occasional hiss of a passing car, the distant hum of a streetlight flickering, and the soft soft of the waves crashing the shore. But sleep hadn’t so much as grazed him. No matter how many times he shifted in bed, no matter how tightly he pulled the sheets to his chest, no matter how heavy his limbs felt after performing at two clubs, his eyes remained wide open, glued to the ceiling as if it held the answers to all the questions crowding his mind.
His body was wrung out, exhaustion clinging to his skin like sweat, yet his brain wouldn’t shut off. It raced in loops… backwards, forwards, in circles, dragging him through every choice, every moment, every “what if” that had brought him here. Because tomorrow was the first official day of preparing for a wedding he had agreed to. A wedding he hadn’t dreamed of, hadn’t planned for, hadn’t fallen in love with, but had said yes to anyway. A wedding built out of quiet desperation and a future bartered with careful calculation.
His and Jeongguk’s names would soon be printed side by side. On the invitation, on cake toppers, on official documents. The thought hit him square in the chest, a weight that made him curl in tighter against the mattress, heart thudding a little too loud. Yoongi had offered to drop him off tomorrow, because after that, it would be him and Jeongguk. Together. Shopping for wedding outfits, choosing the cake, finalizing the simplest of things that usually came at the end of months of love and planning. Their wedding, on the other hand, would be minimal… under thirty guests. Friends from the club, Taehyung’s family, Jeongguk’s circle.
No long ceremonies and no crowded halls. Just soft lighting, a warm room, and a promise signed between two people who had only begun to speak in gentle, guarded texts. The simplicity of it should’ve been comforting. But nothing about this felt simple. It felt like the air was thinning around Jimin, like his chest might cave in at the next breath. Because tonight… Tonight it all felt real. He had made the decision almost 2 months ago. He had stared at the ceiling every night for weeks convincing himself that this was the right thing to do. For Jihye. For her medical security. For her future. For her stability.
And yet, with each passing hour, the awareness of what he was giving up curled tighter around his ribs. This wasn’t just a formality anymore. This was the start of a life. A new life he had no clue about with someone. Someone kind, yes. Someone gentle, yes. Someone attractive and charming, yes. Someone whose voice was warm and whose texts were thoughtful and who remembered to ask about his sister. But still… Jeongguk was a stranger. And Jimin would be marrying him.
For mutual convenience. For safety. For necessity.
Jimin repeated those words over and over in his head. Tried to anchor himself in them like lifelines. Because letting anything else slip in, any softness, any hope was dangerous. Still… Jeongguk made it difficult not to hope. He didn’t try too hard. He didn’t overwhelm Jimin in any way. He spoke with care even though it was just thrice. He waited patiently. He didn’t try to fix Jimin, didn’t try to smooth over the cracks. He just… showed up. And in some ways, that scared Jimin more than anything.
Because if Jimin wasn’t careful, he could see himself leaning toward that presence, that little mercy someone was offering. That might be tentative and he was terrified all over again. He could already feel it, a little ease settling in his heart whenever Jeongguk’s name lit up on his phone. A strange, almost disorienting comfort in knowing he would reply. That he would listen. And wasn’t that how it always started? One small softness at a time. One gentle gesture. One tender sentence.
No.
Jimin shook his head and buried his face deeper into the pillow. He couldn’t afford that. Not now. Not ever. If he hoped… if he dared to want something more than the arrangement, more than the basic decency of kindness, then what would he do when it didn’t last? What would he do when reality came crashing down again? No. He couldn’t. Jimin wouldn’t let himself hope. Because hope had only ever broken him. He closed his eyes, chest tight, hands balled into fists beneath the covers.
“Just… make it bearable”
He whispered to no one, to the ceiling, to the universe that never answered. Not for himself, maybe. But for Jihye. For her smile. For her little cake with slanted frosting. For the way she looked at him like he was her whole world. Whatever the future held, Jimin prayed it would be enough to keep that smile on her face. Even if it meant unraveling at the seams, some fragile corner of his heart still longed for Jeongguk’s quiet tenderness. And though he’d forged himself into steel, taught his soul to brace against softness, it still reached for warmth… knowing well that gentle things, when not given back, leave the deepest scars.
Notes:
I’m so excited to hear your thoughts and reactions 🫣 I promise I’ll reply to each and every comment soon! It truly makes me so happy that you’re enjoying the fic so far🥹 I’d love to know if this chapter changed your perspective in any way. They’re getting married in the next chapter… let’s gooo 💍✨
The update might take a while because I will be stuck with work till second week of July but I will try my best to post it as soon as I can🩵
Chapter 5: Love like Low Tide
Notes:
🌷 Chapter 5 is here 🌷
This fic was meant to wrap up in 5 chapters, but… let’s be real, they’re only just getting hitched now 🫠 I clearly have no self-control when it comes to diving into their feelings, so yeah expect lots of long emotional rambles🥹This chapter is pure softness overload, and if you’re not feeling like a melted marshmallow by the end, I may need to rewrite it again :(
Pro tip: I may have used the word soft enough times to make up for all the angst I've ever written. If anyone’s up for counting, you deserve a medal😂 Just kidding! Ignore my rants. Work is messing with my head so bad that I am just spinning with droopy eyes😮💨
Anyway, buckle in, breathe deep, and just let the softness carry you 🍑
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Stop being nervous. You know he won’t bite”
“Yeah, I do”
“Then?”
Then. Jimin wasn’t sure. He didn’t know what to expect. This would only be the second time he was meeting Jeongguk in person, and despite their sparse text conversations, a sea of unfamiliarity still lay between them. They hadn’t exactly spoken deeply, not the speaking that told you what to expect from a person. They were just gentle and conscious of each other. So the thought of spending an entire day with Jeongguk, shopping, talking, just… being around each other, felt like standing at the edge of a cliff.
Fianceé.
The word echoed in Jimin’s mind like a whisper too sharp and too loud to ignore. It made his heart skip and stutter, not because it was romantic… but because it was real, a reality that loomed over him like a deadly shadow. A reality he had signed up for. And now… that reality stood just a few steps away, dressed in skin and breath and heartbeat. They were almost at the park now… the one nestled along the curve of the beach, where the waves hummed in the distance. The afternoon sun filtered gently through the scattered clouds, and tall trees. Jimin stared out the car window, trying to steady the quick rise and fall of his chest. From the driver’s seat, Yoongi glanced at him quietly, then pulled the car to a soft stop along the curb.
“Jimin-ah… deep breaths. Just be you. It’s alright”
Jimin turned to him, lips pressed tight. He nodded once, and Yoongi gave a short, firm squeeze to his wrist. No dramatic words. Just presence and Jimin stepped out of the car. His converse shoes hit the pavement, and the light breeze caught his baby blue shirt. The park stretched ahead, a gentle expanse of green with daisies planted here and there. Somewhere in that space, Jeongguk waited. Jimin inhaled deeply, clutching his phone and began walking.
As Jimin walked further into the park, each step felt like approaching a version of life he wasn’t sure he belonged in. His fingers twitched slightly, adjusting the strap of his cross-body bag across the torso. The closer he got, the louder his thoughts thrummed inside his head. What if it’s awkward again? What if we run out of things to say? But still, beneath the nerves and the what-ifs, there was something else… a flicker of anticipation. Small. Quiet. Like the hum of a distant melody he hadn’t heard in years. A part of him, buried under all the caution, wanted this little meeting to go well. Wanted to laugh without calculating it, to find comfort in Jeongguk’s company.
A far-fetched and beautiful dream. Even if Jimin wouldn’t admit it to himself. The breeze tugged at his soft, long black hair styled prettily by his sister, and the sound of the waves softened the noise in his head, just for a moment. Then, Jimin saw a figure in the distance… tall, calm, waiting and he knew it was Jeongguk. He took another breath. And kept walking until they were just a few feet away.
“Jeongguk?”
Jimin doesn’t remember sounding so cautious and so soft. With one word, he had Jeongguk turn to face him, a gentle smile on his face as if he had recognized Jimin’s presence by the voice alone. They bowed a little, a usual gesture which won’t matter with time, Jimin supposed.
“Hi!”
Jeongguk’s voice was a little high-pitched, lacking the usual girth Jimin had acknowledged the first time they had met for dinner.
“Hi. Am I late?”
It was more reflex than real concern. Jimin asked, clutching the strap of his bag a little tighter. But even before he could glance at his watch, Jeongguk shook his head almost immediately, strands of neatly parted hair bouncing slightly with the motion.
“Not at all”
He said, the same calm, easy smile stretching his lips.
“I got here just a few minutes ago. It’s really beautiful”
Jeongguk gestured toward the open field ahead… the wide stretch of grass that slowly gave way to soft dunes and, farther in the distance, the shimmer of the sea. The sunlight was still pale, and the breeze carried the faint scent of salt and early summer blooms. Jimin followed his gaze, his chest tightening with a soft ache.
“This place… it used to be my favorite”
Jimin said quietly, as if the breeze might carry the deepest words inside his chest if he said them too loudly.
“I used to bring my sister here when she was little. Taehyung too, sometimes. We’d walk down to the beach right before sunset and eat ice cream, even in winter”
Jimin gave a breathy chuckle, more nostalgic than amused, without a clue how Jeongguk’s eyes softened at his words, curiosity glimmering in the doe-orbs.
“I don’t even know why I picked it today…”
Jimin added, eyes skimming over the quiet field as they slowly started to walk side by side unconsciously.
“Maybe I just… wanted a familiar beginning”
Jeongguk didn’t speak right away, and Jimin risked a glance sideways… only to find the other man watching him, not with intensity, but with a kind of quiet attentiveness, genuine enthusiasm. The kind that didn’t interrupt. That listened without pressing.
“I’m glad you did, Jimin”
Jeongguk said after a beat.
“It’s peaceful here”
Jimin nodded once, the corners of his lips tugging into something small… close to a smile but still weighed down with everything he hadn’t said. They kept walking in the field. Not fast, not aimless either. Just falling into step naturally, the grass brushing against their ankles as the sunlight shifted above. Their pace was slow, easy, and neither of them made a move to rush anything. And maybe that was what made it bearable. The silence between them was nowhere near uncomfortable. It was hesitant, yes but not heavy.
They didn’t talk about the wedding. Not yet. No mentions of vows or paperwork. Just gentle steps on soft grass, the occasional breeze catching Jeongguk’s long black coat, and the distant sound of the sea reminding them they were still here, still grounded. Eventually, Jimin spoke again.
“We should probably get going. The cake shop’s not too far from here”
“Yeah. Alright”
Jeongguk said, smiling a little as he reached for his phone to pull up the directions and call a taxi.
“First, our wedding cake”
Jeongguk said the words lightly, no weight, no pressure. But hearing them aloud made Jimin’s heart give a little thump in his chest.
Our wedding cake.
It was surreal and strange. But not unpleasant. As they made their way toward the parked cab waiting nearby after 5 minutes, Jimin kept his eyes forward, not trusting himself to look at Jeongguk just then. Because for a moment, in the stillness between their footsteps, things didn’t feel forced, and Jimin didn’t want to hold on to that hope.
“I haven’t been to Busan in years. Maybe… nine?”
Jeongguk’s voice was quiet as the car engine hummed to life, the words drifting into the air like an afterthought. It caught Jimin slightly off-guard; unexpected, but not unwelcome.
“That’s… a long time”
Jimin replied, and before he could stop himself, the rest slipped out.
“We can visit whenever we want”
The sentence hung heavy in the miniscule space between them.
We can visit.
Whenever we want.
It came out too naturally, like something rehearsed in dreams and in front of mirrors. Jimin stiffened the moment the words left his lips, his heart faltering at the realization of what he’d said. We. As if they were already a unit. As if they weren’t still just learning each other’s rhythms, pulling the farthest strings to learn the tune, still wrapped in the awkward hush of near-strangers.
But it was true, wasn’t it? They were going to be married. A few weeks from now, they’d be tied by name and law and promises spoken to an audience. Still, it felt too surreal to fully acknowledge it aloud and speak about it. And the silence that followed only made Jimin retreat further, turning his gaze toward the window, pretending to be more interested in the sunset than the hammering of his own heart.
Jeongguk hadn’t expected that; neither the statement nor the visible dusty pink flush that rose on Jimin’s cheeks afterward. He had only meant to fill the silence, not prompt something so personal, intimate, and maybe forbidden. And yet, he didn’t mind the thought. A trip to Busan, together… It sounded nice. He imagined Jimin showing him around the places he grew up in, maybe telling stories with that faint smile he wore… like ocean waves kissing the shore, soft and a little distant, but beautiful in their own way.
There was something about Jimin that made things feel… lighter, easier. A quiet steadiness, a gentle weight that didn’t press down but grounded him. And even now, as they sat side by side with the road stretching ahead, Jeongguk found himself thinking, not for the first time… that maybe this wasn’t just tolerable. Perhaps, in some way, this could become something more.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The cake shop Jimin had suggested was just twenty minutes away, a charming little place tucked between quiet streets of Busan, exuding the perfect balance of luxury, coziness, and warmth. Inside, the air smelled of butter, sugar frosting, and vanilla, laced faintly with citrus and chocolate. The walls were lined with soft pastel beige décor, photos of wedding cakes they had baked, and glimmering displays of towering cakes, each more breathtaking than the last.
They were ushered in by a staff member with a polite smile and led to a tasting table already set up with delicate bite-sized portions of different cake flavors. Jimin instinctively drifted to the left side of the table, eyeing the fruit-based and slightly tart samples, while Jeongguk started on the right, gravitating toward the richer, creamier and sweet offerings. For a while, they ate in silence. The clink of forks and soft background jazz music filled the space between them. Jimin took a careful bite of what turned out to be a raspberry-chocolate truffle cake and winced slightly at the richness and the sting on his tongue. He didn’t notice Jeongguk watching him from the corner of his eye.
“This one is… intense”
Jimin finally commented, his voice quiet but honest, breaking the silence that hung like a thick blanket. Jeongguk chuckled, holding a forkful of the same cake.
“I liked it. It reminds me of the desserts they served at formal naval ceremonies. Rich and a little too dramatic”
Jimin let out a soft giggle at that, covering his mouth with his hand, amused.
“You think cakes can be dramatic?”
“Oh, absolutely”
Jeongguk said with a mock-serious nod, grabbing a piece of the tissue and wiping his lips.
“Especially the ones with names like ‘Death by Chocolate’ . It’s like a dessert and a threat”
Jimin’s laughter slipped out more freely this time, and it startled him a little, how natural it felt to laugh. He glanced away quickly, cheeks warming, then lifted a piece of lemon cream cake to his lips. His shoulders visibly relaxed after the first bite.
“This one…”
Jimin murmured with a tiny, pleased sigh, facing Jeongguk with a small smile.
“I like this. Have a bite”
Jeongguk complied immediately, moving a little too fast and swiping up a spoonful and tasting it while Jimin waited for his reaction.
“Too sharp for me…”
Jeongguk muttered, scrunching his nose but not letting the glimmer in his eyes dim.
“Feels like the cake’s scratching at my taste buds”
That earned another chuckle from Jimin, who looked down to hide the growing smile.
“Understandable. I like sour things. Always have. Since childhood”
“Figured!”
Jeongguk said with a gentle lilt, not mocking, just observing the way Jimin’s shoulders didn’t stiffen and how he looked relaxed.
“I’ve got too much of a sweet tooth, I guess. This one’s my favorite”
Jeongguk motioned toward the caramel sponge cake with buttercream and caramel glaze. Jimin tried it and gave a non-committal shrug.
“It’s too sweet. A little too sweet”
Jeongguk’s hand flew to his chest, dramatically.
“I’m wounded, Jimin-ssi”
“I am wounded too, Jeongguk”
Jimin laughed properly this time. It felt strange but comforting… the way they were slowly learning how to talk around the awkwardness, how to read each other’s reactions, and find common ground. Not in flavor, clearly, but maybe in something subtler. After a little back and forth, a few more giggles, and even a playful disagreement over a failed tiramisu sample, they both agreed… There was no need to compromise entirely because they had an entirely different palette.
“One lemon, one caramel?”
Jimin offered, raising a brow. Jeongguk tilted his head.
“A two-tiered treat. Sounds fabulous”
The staff member took notes with a smile, clearly relieved at the shift in the mood. They sat for a few more minutes afterward at the corner table, sipping water and nibbling leftover crumbs as the final cake selections were discussed. The vibe between them had softened… still tinged with nerves, still a little unsure, but far more comfortable than when they had walked in. Jimin leaned back in his chair, eyes briefly scanning the delicate pastries on their table before settling on Jeongguk again.
“You know…”
Jimin began, lightly tapping his water glass with his long nails.
“...This bakery reminds me of a place near my high school. Not as fancy, obviously, but they used to sell these ridiculous delicious chocolate tarts. My classmates and I once snuck into the kitchen pretending to be staff just so we could eat the broken ones they were going to throw out”
Jeongguk blinked, amused at the sudden confession because he hadn’t expected this. He hadn’t expected a silly childhood story from Jimin.
“You got away with it?”
“Barely!”
Jimin snorted, and Jeongguk leaned forward.
“They caught us mid-bite, chocolate all over our mouths. I had to sing an apology to the entire staff to not get reported”
Jeongguk let out a quiet laugh, lips curving up softly.
“That sounds very… you, I guess”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
Jimin pretended to frown, lips tugging up regardless.
“I mean… creative, and kind of clever”
Jimin rolled his eyes, laughing into his hand, but Jeongguk wasn’t entirely listening by then. He was watching. There was a gentleness in the way Jimin’s shoulders shook lightly when he laughed, in the way his long lashes kissed the apple of his cheek when he blinked down. His baby blue shirt fit him too well… soft fabric tucked neatly into his black slacks, the sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his wrists covered in dangling silver bracelets. The silk of his long black hair shimmered under the soft bakery lights, cascading in waves, almost touching his shoulders. He looked like a memory. Like a painting.
And Jeongguk was helplessly staring.
He didn’t mean to. But there was something about Jimin at that moment… talking about a silly high school story, his laughter unguarded, eyes glowing in that delicate way like crescent moons, that made something twist in Jeongguk’s chest. A strange ache. Like being close to something fragile and knowing you could never touch it without breaking it, and that made his heart clench a little tighter. Jimin turned suddenly, and Jeongguk blinked, caught.
“Everything’s alright?”
“Sorry”
Jeongguk said quickly, cheeks tinged pink, but the smile disappeared as he watched how quickly Jimin built his walls back up. The unguarded joy morphed into a controlled smile in seconds.
“Was just… thinking”
“About?”
Jeongguk smiled faintly, warm and unreadable, thinking of a million ideas to make Jimin go back to being the free fairy.
“About how I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to sneak into any kitchen in high school”
Jimin giggled again, and Jeongguk joined in, his laugh soft, more felt than heard. Outside, the sky was beginning to bruise into deeper shades of gold and lilac, the first hints of evening approaching. They stood slowly, still quiet but not uncomfortably so. The cake was chosen, the first big wedding decision made. And as they stepped out of the bakery, side by side, there was something in the way their shadows fell together on the pavement… separate but brushing, almost overlapping; that made it feel, just for a fleeting second, like maybe this wasn’t the worst thing in the world and Jeongguk smiled.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Next destination: Wedding Costume Botique
This stop had been haunting Jimin all day. He’d even begged Taehyung to tag along… whined, pouted, even offered to buy him unlimited coffee for a week. But his best friend had been stubborn. Taehyung had declared, with the kind of exaggerated wisdom he often used, that this outing was a perfect opportunity for Jimin to "bond" with Jeongguk, to "nurture connection" or whatever nonsense he said over FaceTime while lounging in a blanket burrito. He wasn’t even coming to Busan, opting instead to stay behind in Seoul to "give them space."
Now, here they were standing in front of the towering boutique, three stories of pristine glass glinting in the evening light, the mannequins behind the windows dressed like runway models from a royal wedding. Jimin stared up at the entrance, nerves flaring again in his chest like they had a habit of doing lately. Beside him, Jeongguk spoke gently, voice low enough to not startle.
“Well… we still have two options left. So, let’s take it slow”
Jimin gave an imperceptible nod, letting out a breath as they stepped inside. The scent hit them immediately… lavenders and salt, fresh linen and something faintly sweet. The interior was calming, light marble floors reflecting the golden lighting above. Racks of formalwear lined the space, divided by color and silhouette, each suit gleaming under the curated lights. A staff member approached them with a warm smile and began leading them to the wedding collection. Jeongguk kept a step behind Jimin, not hovering but close enough to make his presence known. As they walked past rows of textured jackets and crisp shirts, Jeongguk was the first to speak again.
“Do you want to go for something traditional or… more contemporary?”
Jimin scanned the display of tuxedos, fingers brushing tenderly across the edge of an ivory blazer.
“I don’t know. Maybe something that doesn’t make me pop?”
Jeongguk huffed out a soft laugh.
“That’s a good choice for an appetizer. You’d look good”
Jimin blinked, a little caught off guard at the statement, then turned his face quickly to hide the soft flush rising on his cheeks. The staff laid out a few tuxedos for them to try… different textures, fits, slight variations in shape or embroidery. They stood side by side in the fitting area, Jimin cautiously lifting a pale fabric off the rack while Jeongguk considered something deeper, bolder and darker.
“I think this one would suit you”
Jimin murmured, gesturing toward a sharp-cut black tuxedo with subtle satin trim. Jeongguk looked at it, then back at him. Jimin had his bottom lip pulled between the teeth, still not sure about the statement he had made. Were they even that close to making choices for each other? Would Jeongguk think he was being a little too comfortable? Thoughts swirled inside Jimin’s head but the last remnants of doubt vanished when Jeongguk genuinely inspected the suit.
“You think?”
“Yeah. Clean lines. You… wear this kind well”
Jimin answered in a low tone. The only image in his head was Jeongguk in a navy suit. He did look good in that and that was the main inspiration behind this suit but the latter didn’t need to know that. Jeongguk’s ears flushed a little, but he nodded.
“Okay. Then I'll pick this for you”
Jimin turned to see him holding up a white tuxedo, minimal in design but stunning in its simplicity. No embellishments, just elegant tailoring that was cropped at the front with a little trail at the back and an aura of quiet confidence.
“I… White? Really?”
Jimin asked, eyeing it skeptically and Jeongguk shrugged, smiling just enough.
“Yeah. You’re… softer and brighter than black. But not any less bold”
Jimin hesitated. Then smiled. Jeongguk really had a way with words. Something about the way he had phrased that sentence tugged at his heart. Softer and brighter. It felt as if Jeongguk had referred to something deep inside him, something that he had hidden behind all the carefully crafted walls of the heart. He had been enduring since the day he agreed to shoulder Jihye’s responsibility but actually listening to someone else acknowledge and point out he was brighter, made his insides warm.
They changed in separate rooms, emerging a few minutes later. Jeongguk in black, Jimin in white. The contrast was striking and alluring to the eye. The boutique’s lighting made the pale silk of Jimin’s jacket glow faintly while Jeongguk’s outfit made him look taller, shoulders broader and silhouette more broad. For a moment, neither said anything as they stood before each other. Then Jeongguk offered, voice softer than before as he let his gaze zero in on Jimin.
“You look really good”
It really wasn’t that grand of a compliment but those words held more depth and more genuine appreciation than anything. Jimin stared at his reflection with a faint blush on his cheeks, then turned his gaze to Jeongguk’s.
“You do too. It suits you”
Their eyes met briefly for a split second, and something passed between them… still fragile, still wrapped in layers of hesitation and distance, but it was there. An understanding. A quiet agreement and they didn’t need to voice out their thoughts.
“I think… these are the ones”
Jimin said, and Jeongguk nodded to the staff who agreed with a smile.
“Yeah. We will go with these”
They changed quickly, the silence between them now threaded with a strange kind of soft comfort. Once the staff had taken their measurements and finalized the selections, they were guided back to the front where Jeongguk pulled out his wallet, insisting gently on paying the advance. Jimin didn't argue much, saying he would pay the half during the final payment and only watching the way Jeongguk nodded with ease, the briefest smile gracing his thin rosy lips when the staff handed them a copy of the receipt.
Unintentionally, Jimin let his gaze wander to the two tiny silver hoops adorning the corner of Jeongguk’s bottom lip, catching the golden light and sparkling like stars. That made the man look even more charming but Jimin erased the thought as soon as it invaded his brain. They stepped out of the boutique a few minutes later, the heavy glass doors closing behind them with a soft hush. The night had deepened… the streets slightly quieter, the sky velvety-black above them, and the moon low and gentle, casting a silver glow on the pavement.
Taehyung’s parents lived only fifteen minutes away from the boutique, tucked in a neighborhood Jimin had known for years, and when he suggested they walk instead of take a cab, Jeongguk nodded, too full of nerves to say anything else. They walked side by side, not quite brushing shoulders, their steps unconsciously synced as the moved past all the little stalls that decorated the pavement.
“I’m still surprised you went with white. I mean, you agreed instantly”
Jeongguk said quietly, trying to sound casual as his hands fidgeted in his coat pockets.
“I was too”
Jimin admitted with a faint chuckle.
“I love pastels but I’ve always preferred darker formal wear. But… It felt okay. Somehow”
Jeongguk glanced at him, eyes soft beneath the fringe of his styled hair that was almost on the verge of falling like waves down his cheeks.
“It looked more than okay”
Jimin didn’t answer that. Just smiled faintly at the compliment. He genuinely didn’t know how to take compliments, especially from Jeongguk.
“What about you?”
He asked instead, turning slightly toward him.
“How’s the work at the deck?”
Jeongguk took a breath, nodding.
“We had our first sail. I made a few friends and they are good company. The work is kind of starting to get hectic but it’s nice. I like when things are grounded”
Jimin hummed, looking at the pavement ahead of them, arms tucked neatly into the pockets of his slacks as they turned onto a quieter street, their footsteps falling in tandem.
“Grounded… ”
He repeated, smiling faintly at the sound of the word in his ears.
“That sounds like you…”
Jeongguk turned to glance at him but said nothing as the sea breeze still clung to his coat like a sense of warmth as he asked after a beat, his voice a little softer.
“How’ve the performances been lately?”
“Busy. I had to take up more. Back-to-back bookings. I barely feel my voice by the end of the night. But I’m not complaining. It’s good to have work. It keeps the thoughts away”
Jeongguk nodded slowly but he couldn’t brush off the hint of worry at Jimin’s words and he definitely couldn’t brush off the sadness and desperation that clung to the voice.
“You like performing, don’t you?”
Jimin tilted his head, thinking, his lips curving into a genuine smile.
“I do. It’s the one place where I can let everything go and still not fall apart. It’s… freeing”
Jeongguk’s heart squeezed a little at that. He didn’t know what it was exactly… maybe the honesty in Jimin’s voice, maybe the way he said “fall apart” so gently, like it was something he’d grown too familiar with. But he chose to remain silent. They weren’t there yet. They continued walking, the sky above them slowly shifting from deep navy to velvety black as more stars peeked through the gaps in the clouds.
“Do you like music?”
Jimin questioned after a pause.
“I do. I used to like it a lot when I was young”
Jeongguk replied quickly, and then laughed under his breath.
“But I don’t think I get it the same way you do. I like loud stuff. Rhythmic. Which gets your head spinning”
Jimin laughed lightly as Jeongguk actually whipped his head.
“Head-spinning music. My sister likes that. Very apt”
“Hey! Your sister got a nice taste. I can enjoy soft stuff too… sometimes”
“Oh yeah?”
Jimin raised a brow.
“Like what?”
Jeongguk shrugged slightly.
“Don’t laugh, but… I used to listen to lo-fi piano when I was preparing. Something about it felt clean. Like white noise but softer”
Jimin’s eyes softened at the answer as he looked at Jeongguk who had a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“That’s not silly. That’s awesome”
Jeongguk smiled.
“Which genre do you make, Jimin?”
“Ballads and R&B. The heart-wrenching ones. Give me string instruments and emotional lyrics, and I'll be crying in five minutes. Recently I’ve been experimenting with afro beats and metal rock”
“That checks out!”
Jeongguk murmured, half teasing, half sincere. Their smiles lingered, the quiet blooming between them no longer awkward. It felt… kind. Warm. And then the house came into view… Taehyung’s parents’ home, porch lights glowing like little moons before the soft blue walls, the smell of stew wafting faintly down the lane. Jeongguk slowed down slightly. His heart began to beat in irregular pulses.
“Oh god…”
Jimin blinked, face morphing into one of confusion.
“What?”
“I think I’m going to forget how to use words in the next thirty seconds”
Jimin tried not to laugh too hard, biting back a smile. Jeongguk can be funny. He was funny.
“They’re just people. It will be alright”
“They’re your people, Jimin”
Jeongguk whispered like that was somehow worse as he actually started to calm himself down internally. No matter what the circumstances were, it was still a huge deal to meet the partner’s family.
“They’re lovely. And they don’t bite. I promise”
Jimin added softly and Jeongguk took a deep breath, adjusting his sleeves of his coat like that would help anchor him.
“Okay. Okay, yeah. I can do this”
“You’re overthinking. Just be you”
Jimin murmured, and for the briefest second, he reached out and gently touched Jeongguk’s sleeve… a small grounding gesture, light as air and he swore Jeongguk didn’t even feel the touch. That was purely instinctual. A gesture he had learned over years. Jeongguk looked at him, breath catching for the tiniest heartbeat.
Just be you
He wasn’t sure why those words nestled so tightly in his chest… but they did. Even before he had the time to process the thoughts inside his head, the gate creaked as they opened it and walked up the small path toward the front door. Warm laughter echoed faintly from inside, and Jeongguk could already feel the nerves crawling up his spine. But somehow, with Jimin next to him, the fear didn’t completely take over. There was still room left… for breath. For hope. For whatever this strange, delicate thread was that quietly connected them.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The door creaked open barely a moment after Jimin’s knuckles tapped against it twice, as though the house itself had been holding its breath, waiting for them to arrive. Jeongguk stood a step behind, clutching the hem of his coat between his fingers, heart beating a little too loud in his ears. The soft golden light spilled out from the warm interior, and standing in the doorway was a woman who looked no older than her early fifties, dressed in pale pinks and gentle creams, with a smile that seemed to wrap around you like a familiar and comforting blanket.
“Jimin-ah!”
She called out, instantly reaching forward to wrap her arms around the younger man, pulling him into a gentle embrace that held nothing but affection and pure joy. Jeongguk watched the exchange quietly, a little out of place, standing just a bit too straight, too stiff and too still. He wasn’t sure what he expected, but it wasn’t this soft, familial energy that rushed out the door to meet them. Then the woman’s gaze fell on him. Her eyes softened further, and with a light touch to his shoulder, she beamed at him.
“And you must be Jeongguk”
He immediately bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, voice quiet and unsure but tender.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s an honor to meet you”
“Oh my, he is such a well-mannered boy”
She chuckled, eyes flickering to Jimin for a brief second and before Jeongguk could fully rise from the bow, she pulled him into a hug too. Not tight, not overwhelming… just the kind that said, “ you’re welcome here”. Jeongguk wasn’t used to it. And he wasn’t sure what part of him started to melt first.
Inside, the house smelled of garlic, soy, and fresh broth. It was small but cozy… wooden floors, family photos on the hallway walls, and soft music playing from the kitchen. Jimin immediately helped the woman, Mrs. Kim, he presumed, carried dishes to the table, sleeves rolled neatly up, eyes focused. And though they didn’t say much to each other except a few hushed sentences and silent smiles, the domesticity between them was so natural that Jeongguk felt like an intruder just watching the softness unfold.
“Come, come, sit!”
A gentle voice pulled him back, and he turned to see Taehyung’s father standing by the table, already arranging glasses and cutlery. He had a warm, kind face, with laugh lines etched in deep from years of smiling, which might never appear on his father’s face.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. Military boy, right?”
Jeongguk smiled sheepishly, sitting across from the man.
“Yes, sir. Navy”
“Ah, tough one then. You must be strong like those ships you board”
Jeongguk chuckled softly as Mr. Kim nudged his shoulder.
“Trying to be, sir. It’s a lot of learning and I’ve just started”
Their conversation continued for a few minutes and as if the elder had sensed his nerves, Jeongguk felt a comforting hand on his knee.
“You can make yourself home. It’s alright. Jimin helps Taehyung’s mother in the kitchen more than our own son ever has. We always told him he was secretly ours. He had always been ours along with Jihye”
Jeongguk smiled at that, warm flooding his chest, eyes shifting to the kitchen where Jimin was cutting scallions with trained fingers, nodding along to something Mrs. Kim was saying, laughing quietly. His sleeves were pushed up to the elbows, hair tucked daintily behind his ear, and the pale blue of his shirt somehow made his skin glow under the warm kitchen lights. Jimin looked… at home and Jeongguk’s chest tightened at the sight.
“He’s a good one. The best one and I swear I won’t play when it comes to Jimin”
Mr. Kim added with a fake fury in his tone, as if he’d noticed where Jeongguk’s gaze had landed.
“Don’t let him carry the world alone, alright?”
The words sat heavy in Jeongguk’s chest. They were getting married just for the sake of it, but looking at everything, starting a family and a little world for himself didn’t sound too bad.
“I won’t, sir”
Jeongguk answered, almost on instinct, making Mr. Kim shake his head fondly.
“Jimin’s our son and now he is marrying you. Which makes you our family too, Jeongguk-ah. Just call me dad”
Jeongguk blinked, the words slipping into his heart so quickly, so quietly, he barely had time to brace himself for the clash.
Just call me dad.
He tried to smile, but something cracked inside him… too soft, too sudden. For a moment, the warmth that had been steadily building around him since the front door opened surged like a wave too huge to bear. He had never heard those words before. Not from his own father, who had only ever seen him as someone unworthy, a provider, an heir. Never a son with dreams, never someone to be embraced, never someone to offer a gentle belonging to. And now, here, in a stranger’s house that was slowly unfolding like a home, this man was offering it freely and unconditionally.
“I… thank you so much”
Jeongguk managed, voice quieter than he expected, wavering and cracking around the edges.
“I’ll… try to live up to that, Appa!”
Mr. Kim reached over and gave his shoulder a soft pat, eyes kind but knowing as if he had already read the deepest scripts of Jeongguk’s life.
“You already are, son. We are proud of you”
Jeongguk laughed under his breath, fingers tightening in his lap as he bit back the pressure and the burn behind his eyes. Don’t cry now, he told himself. Not in front of them. Not in front of Jimin. He needed something, anything to steady himself again. So he cleared his throat and asked, a little too quickly, a little too frantically.
“Uhm… Jimin’s sister? Jihye, right? Is she -?”
Mr. Kim chuckled.
“She’ll be here any minute. Yoongi’s bringing her over. He’s Taehyung’s boyfriend, you’ll meet him tonight too”
“Oh. That’s… great”
Jeongguk nodded, a little surprised and it really was. The house, the warmth, the web of relationships that all tied so gently and so comfortably together, it was so different from what he was used to. Less about blood and more about choice. Love. Before the silence could stretch too long, Jimin appeared in the doorway, wiping his hands on a towel and adjusting his bracelets, gaze flicking briefly to Jeongguk. His eyes softened the tiniest bit.
“We should eat. Jeongguk and Appa”
Jimin said gently, voice floating in like a sea breeze.
“Everything’s getting cold”
And somehow, that was all it took. Jeongguk stood slowly, nodding as Jimin passed him by, a small smile stretching his lips for a brief second. It felt like something clicked quietly into place. He didn’t know what the future held, didn’t even know how this arrangement would unfold beyond the legality of it. But tonight? Tonight, he had a place at the table. A seat in the warmth. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to start with and Jeongguk had never thought he would dive headfirst if it meant he would be coddled in love.
The clink of cutlery and the soft hum of conversation filled the dining room as Jeongguk settled at the far end of the table. The warmth in the house had deepened with laughter, the scent of marinated mushrooms and grilled fish filling the air like home-cooked nostalgia. He had rarely experienced it. Just as he reached for his glass of water, the front door creaked open once more and laughter spilled in like bright sunlight. Yoongi walked in first with a bag in his hands, his face flushed from the wind and the slight exertion of helping Jihye out of her coat and dusting it off. His black hair was tousled, and his smile widened a little when he spotted the table already half full.
“We brought dessert…”
Yoongi announced, holding up a small bag, and walked toward the table.
“Please pretend to be surprised”
The Kim parents chuckled, clapped, and rose to greet them, while Jihye followed behind, smiling shyly, dressed in a soft green summer frock with a white cardigan, and clutching a phone. Jimin stood immediately, pulling the girl into the tightest embrace.
“You look gorgeous”
Jimin whispered and Jeongguk almost strained his ear to listen but he couldn’t. He only caught Jihye smiling widely and winking at Jimin.
“I tried doing my hair but I gave up. Sorry, we are late”
She said, a little bashful but sweet. The table burst into low laughter, the mood lifting even more, if that was possible. Jihye pressed a light kiss to her brother’s cheek, whispering a quiet “You look nice” before taking the seat beside him. Her eyes flickered across the table to Jeongguk and she offered a soft nod and small bow, polite but observant. Jeongguk nodded his head slightly with a warm smile at the girl. She almost looked like Jimin, way more feminine but the tiny button nose and almond eyes were definitely the same. Yoongi dropped into the empty seat beside Jeongguk, gave him a sideways grin, and extended his hand.
“I’m Yoongi. Producer and Taehyung’s boyfriend”
Jeongguk accepted and shook Yoongi’s hand. He swore his jaw would fall off because of all the smiling he had done.
“Jeongguk. Jimin’s… fiancé, I guess”
“You guess?”
Yoongi teased with a cocked brow, leaning forward.
“That’s not very promising, jeongguk-ssi”
“Hyung…”
Jimin warned from across the table, and Yoongi just raised both hands in mock surrender, his serious face morphing into a smiling one.
“Well, now that we’re all here…”
Mrs. Kim announced with a chuckle.
“...let’s eat before these side dishes start a protest”
The dinner that followed felt nothing like what Jeongguk had imagined or had experienced, if he had anticipated anything at all. He listened as stories were exchanged, most of them embarrassing childhood tales of Jimin told with a dramatic flair by Taehyung over FaceTime, who popped up from a quiet café corner in Seoul, sipping something iced with Yoongi’s cat peeking out from behind his shoulder.
“Don’t listen to him!”
Jimin groaned, hiding his face behind a lettuce wrap, almost flustered at a silly story being recited by Taehyung.
“No, no, I need to hear this”
Jeongguk added, laughing now, leaning into the moment. He was surrounded by people who weren’t bound by duty, money or labels but simply by care and affection for each other. The Kim family was a quiet kind of extraordinary, almost luxurious and Jeongguk had never quite known this flavor of affection before. It wasn’t loud, overwhelming or smothering… It was the way plates were filled without asking, the way Jihye leaned into Jimin’s shoulder, and how Jimin pinched her cheek now and then, the way Mrs. Kim reached over to pull the dishes close so they ate to their heart’s content.
It was soft. And contagious.
And Jeongguk found himself slowly, almost reluctantly, letting it consume him.
After dinner, when laughter had faded into sleepy contentment, warmth seeping into the heart and dessert was reduced to empty boxes, Jeongguk stepped out onto the small balcony behind the living room. The moon was high, the sea just barely visible beyond rooftops, but its salty scent hung heavy in the night air. He rested his arms on the railing and exhaled, long and deep. The door creaked behind him a few moments later. He didn’t have to turn around to know it was Jimin.
“Too warm in there?”
Jimin asked softly, stepping beside him, leaving a good amount of gap between them. Jeongguk shook his head.
“No… no, not at all. I just needed a breath”
Jimin nodded and they stood in silence for a while. Not awkward, not filled with pressure. Just two bodies learning how to share space. Jeongguk tilted his head slightly, watching the faint movement of the waves.
“Your family… well, the ones who love you… they’re incredible”
“They aren’t my real family, Jeongguk. Taehyung’s parents… Yoongi… they’re just… they are the only ones I have…”
Jimin replied, voice soft with hints of sadness but he looked relieved and happy to have them in his life.
“They love you. That makes it real enough”
Jeongguk interrupted, not tearing his gaze and Jimin didn’t reply right away, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. Jeongguk turned to face the sea again, his voice gentler now.
“It’s kind of contagious, you know?”
“What is?”
“This… affection. Warmth. The way they care. I think I might already be affected”
Jimin let out a soft laugh, eyes crinkling into crescents as he looked down at the moist railing of the balcony. Jeongguk smiled too, the weight in his chest easing.
“I haven’t really… felt something like this. Before”
Jeongguk had no clue why he was sharing such a personal detail about the brokenness of his family but he had to let it out. Jimin looked up at him, quiet understanding softening every feature.
“Me neither until I met Taehyung”
They didn’t need to say more. The moment held enough. The breeze tugged at Jimin’s long hair, the scent of lavender still lingering from the boutique on their clothes. Jeongguk looked at him then, really looked, and thought… not for the first time that this might not be the worst story to fall into. And maybe, just maybe, there was something beautiful blooming slowly… somewhere between the silence and the softness. Quiet knocks interrupted the stillness that clung to them.. Jeongguk turned slightly, and Jimin followed suit, both of them spotting Jihye peeking out from behind the sliding door, her head tilted and expression unreadable.
“Can I steal Jeongguk for a second?”
She asked, stepping out in her cozy hoodie, track pants and socks, the wind tugging lightly at her long hair. Her eyes flicked to her brother, then back to Jeongguk.
“Just for a few minutes”
Jimin blinked, eyebrows shooting up.
“Me? Why do I have to leave?”
Jihye grinned, all mischief as she walked over to them.
“Because this is a private conversation, duh. Shoo!”
Jimin scoffed, but it was exaggerated.
“Wow. Kicked out of my own balcony by my own sister”
“You’ve hogged him all day, Minnie. Let me have two minutes. For wedding reasons”
“Wedding reasons? Great!”
Jimin repeated with a long-suffering sigh, rolling his eyes as he stepped back inside, disappearing behind the door not before offering Jeongguk a small good night and a tiny smile. When she turned back to Jeongguk, the playfulness faded just slightly, replaced with something softer and quieter. She stepped beside him at the railing, hands tucked into the sleeves of her hoodie as her eyes found the sea.
“He doesn’t do things for himself”
She said, after a pause long enough to be a breath and a heartbeat. Jeongguk looked at her, brows furrowing.
“What do you mean?”
Jihye shrugged a little, her voice small as if she had been holding all of it in for the longest period.
“Jimin. He’s always been like that. Since I was a kid. I don’t even remember our parents. Always thinking about me. About what I need. About keeping things together. He gave up on a lot, you know? His dance scholarship. His degree. Friends. Everything. All for me. Even now, he’s… marrying you, and he says you met before and like each other. I hope that’s the truth. But…”
She trailed off, pressing her lips together in a thin line.
“I don’t think he ever thought about what he really wants. Not even once”
Jeongguk’s throat tightened, his fingers curling against the railing as her words landed like stones dropped gently into water, rippling, sinking, weighing down on his chest. Jihye turned to him, her eyes shining with a gentle, unspoken plea, glistening under the moonlight.
“I don’t care what this marriage started as… Arrangement, Date, Love… whatever. But please…”
Her voice wavered just slightly, almost burning Jeongguk’s heart in the process.
“Please don’t let him carry everything alone. Please don’t let him feel like he’s alone”
Jeongguk’s chest ached, full and cracked all at once. The sound almost made his ears ring.
“I know you’re gentle. You look good too”
Jihye continued, voice a little steadier with a hint of a smile.
“I saw it. You’re patient with him. He acts tough and he is the strongest person I’ve ever known. And he’s soft… so soft, even if he acts like he’s not. But it’s been so long since anyone took care of him”
Jihye bit her bottom lip before whispering.
“So… I just want to ask you for one thing”
Jeongguk looked at her, something raw and open in his eyes. He was ready to give up anything and everything. Jihye sounded too broken and too hopeful. What would happen when she got to know that this wedding was based on a contract? That her brother accepted the proposal just so he could fund her treatment?
“Don’t make him cry. Not even once. Not the kind of cry that hurts”
Jeongguk’s heart shattered at the edges, his chest too tight to speak.
“I won’t!”
He said finally, voice hoarse but clear after a heartbeat.
“I promise”
And he meant it. With something deeper than just words, deeper than obligation. Something warm. Something real. Jihye smiled faintly, her lashes fluttering as she looked away, satisfied and somehow still afraid.
“Good. No worries then”
She murmured but Jeongguk knew something was still there.
“Because he deserves a lot. And maybe, if we are lucky… he’ll start believing it too”
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Wedding Day
It had been weeks… silent, fast, and blurred weeks and now, the time had finally arrived. Jimin sat alone in the softly lit small dressing room, the white of his tailored suit almost glowing under the warm amber light. The silk lapels lay smooth against his shoulders, every detail on his outfit meticulously picked out days ago, yet somehow now… it all felt surreal and way too real. The mirror before him reflected a picture-perfect version of himself… flawless makeup, his long black hair tucked behind one ear, delicate accessories adorning his fingers, ears, and neck but he couldn’t quite recognize the eyes staring back.
They were distant. Quiet. Caught in the middle of too many thoughts and emotions, each one louder than the last. He was getting married today. The thought settled on his chest like weightless snow, soft but unrelenting, spreading chills through his system. This was it. A decision made in silence months ago, back when he had agreed gently, uncertainly to this arrangement. The weeks had passed like sand slipping through his fingers. The last time he had seen Jeongguk was during their trip to Busan. After that, they had exchanged no more than a handful of texts… just four, to be exact.
“How was the base?”
“Did you eat?”
“How’s Jihye?”
“Take care”
No grand declarations. No promises of something more. Just quiet check-ins as if they were supposed to do that, brief exchanges that spoke more of courtesy than connection. But even in those sparse words, Jimin had felt something. A sliver of thoughtfulness in how Jeongguk always replied gently, quickly, and kindly. Even now, that gentleness lingered in Jimin’s mind and heart, carved like a tender whisper he couldn’t forget.
Jeongguk had told him he wouldn’t be able to take a day off for six months after the wedding because he had exhausted all his days off for the preparations. And so, they would get married today, spend two days in each other’s company, legalizing the documents, and then he’d be gone… back to the sea, to the work that pulled him away for most of the year. Just like that. And what then? Jimin had no clue.
Jimin let out a slow breath, his fingers tightening slightly in his lap. It wasn’t fear exactly that filled him… it was the ache of uncertainty. He didn’t know what their life would look like after this day, after the wedding. He didn’t know if the softness they’d built in brief silences and words would last. Or if time and distance would stretch it thin until it eventually tore into tiny shreds. They didn’t love each other. Not yet. And maybe they never would. This wasn’t a story spun of fairytales and sparkly dust or passionate romances. This was a pact, a contract. A shared decision stitched from desperation, responsibility, and hope neither dared to admit out loud.
But Jimin knew one thing.
Jeongguk… was good.
Too gentle. Too quietly considerate. Too soft around the edges in a world that had hardened Jimin long ago. And that was something. Maybe not love. But something. Something worth holding onto, even if loosely. He knew Jeongguk might never be his in the way storybooks wrote about, the way he had visualized during his childhood days when everything had felt easier. But if nothing else, Jimin could try. He could be kind. He could be steady. He could be a shoulder.
He could offer a home made of peace rather than tension. A companionship, if not a love. Even if they could never become husbands in the truest sense, Jimin swore to himself… he would be a good companion. A cordial presence. Someone Jeongguk wouldn’t dread returning home when the sea gave him a break. As a knock sounded gently at the door and Taehyung’s mother peeked in with a smile, telling him it was almost time, Jimin stood up slowly, smoothing the white fabric at his waist. Whatever came next… He’d walk into it with grace.
For Jeongguk.
For Jihye.
And, just maybe, for himself.
.
.
.
Jeongguk sat on the edge of the neatly made bed in his room, dressed in his black tuxedo with the white shirt buttoned at the collar, secured with a bow. It was quiet… too quiet for a day that held so much weight and so much importance. Outside, Seoul stirred faintly, a world preparing for someone else’s ordinary day, while his own had never felt more extraordinary. He rested his elbows on his knees, fingers laced, head bowed. His breath moved slowly and thoughtfully. The clock ticked gently, but time didn’t feel real here… not when his thoughts were back at the warmth of a dinner table in Busan all those weeks ago, in a house that wasn’t his but felt like home for the briefest moment.
It had been weeks, but that night… lingered like a long forgotten yet warm scent. The scent of garlic and seaweed soup. The sound of laughter. The way Mrs. Kim had passed him another piece of meat with a motherly smile, like he belonged there. The gentle timbre of Mr. Kim’s voice telling him “Just call me appa.” He wasn’t used to that. Not that kind of warmth. Not that kind of unconditional welcome. Not when his own father barely remembered his birthday or called for anything other than duty. It had nearly broken something inside Jeongguk. And then… there was Jihye. Sweet, cheeky, sincere girl, cornering him on the balcony and asking for a promise with the most disarming honesty.
"Don’t let him carry the world alone"
He remembered how she looked when she said it… eyes unwavering, voice barely above a whisper, and the small smile that cracked at the corners, trying to be strong but failing miserably. She wasn’t just Jimin’s little sister. She was his anchor. His reason for everything. Jeongguk had swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded before the tears could betray him.
"I promise"
He had meant it. With everything in him. And Jimin. God, Jimin…
That night, after dinner, Jeongguk had found himself on the balcony, sea breeze tousling his hair, and then Jimin had joined him. They had talked… soft, quiet, barely a few words. But it had been enough. Jeongguk remembered the way Jimin had smiled, not wide or showy, but small and honest. Like something had cracked open in him too after the dinner. He remembered thinking that maybe, just maybe… he could do this. That maybe Jimin wouldn’t be someone he had to learn to tolerate. But someone he might… come to know in the future. Come to admire. Come to feel safe around.
Jeongguk hadn’t seen him since. Just a few texts. Nothing too deep. They weren’t lovers. They weren’t partners in the realest sense of the word. They were just strangers trying to blend in. But Jimin’s voice stayed with him. That soft way he said
“We can visit whenever we want”
Like hope. Like maybe there could be an alternate version of this story where they didn’t just survive… they existed gently together, like yin and yang. And now, in a few hours, they’d be standing side by side on the little podium. Signing their names. Posing for photos. Saying words that would bind them together in the eyes of the world and on the papers. Jeongguk exhaled, pressing the heels of his palms over his eyes. He wasn’t sure what kind of husband he’d be, what kind of partner Jimin would be. He didn’t even know what
marriage
would look like in a situation like this. But he knew how Jimin made him feel… with just a look, with just his presence and if he had to hold onto anything in the storm of unknowns ahead, it would be that.
The warmth. The quiet. The gentleness of someone who’d been through too much and still offered the world a smile. That was rare. That was spectacular. Jeongguk reached for his watch. Fastened it carefully. Stood in front of the mirror. Straightened his jacket. And let the thought settle deep in his chest; Even if this marriage had started with duty… maybe, just maybe, it didn’t have to end that way and he walked out of the room with just that one single thought.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The sun dipped behind the ivory columns of the venue, casting long golden shadows that waltzed quietly across the polished marble interior. Everything looked like it belonged in a painting… minimalistic but beautiful, pale florals blooming in soft pinks and creams, glittering thread stitched into table linens that flowed down like water, candlelight flickering even in daylight. The venue wasn’t grand, but it was warm. Intimate. Jimin stood just outside the arched entrance, his fingers trembling slightly against the bouquet he wasn’t even supposed to hold… but Jihye insisted he have something , an anchor . She stood beside him in a soft lavender gown with a small trail, gently fixing the sleeve of his pristine white suit.
“You look beautiful, Minnie”
She whispered, eyes glossy. Jimin forced a smile, soft but unsure. His heart was doing laps inside his chest, wild and erratic, as if unsure if it wanted to flee or leap toward what awaited him beyond those doors. He didn’t know what kind of life was ahead. But it is happening now. With every breath, every flutter of silk, every beat of his heart and lace around the aisle, his decision solidified. The music swelled, and when the doors opened, Jimin walked in slowly, steadily, eyes locked on the end of the aisle where Jeongguk stood, waiting in the black tuxedo he had chosen.
He was a vision in contrast. His hair brushed back gently, exposing the forehead, tuxedo crisp and molded to his form like it had been stitched to his skin. He looked stunning, no doubt about it, but there was something else… something raw and trembling emotion in his eyes. He stood with his hands loosely clasped in front of him, chest rising and falling in careful rhythm, eyes catching Jimin’s… and not straying. But for a brief second, Jeongguk's eyes flickered. To the side. To the front row. To his father. Stone-faced. Arms crossed. Disapproval so sharp it could be heard even in silence. Jimin could even feel the sting of distaste radiating off Jeongguk’s father in waves. He watched how Jeongguk inhaled sharply, fingers twitching at his sides.
As Jimin walked toward the aisle, Jeongguk felt a gentle pat on his back from Namjoon, and a soft smile from Jihye who had taken her seat already. Hoseok gave him a slight, encouraging nod. Taehyung’s parents beamed like it was their own son getting married. So he looked back at Jimin. Only Jimin. And everything else… faded. Jimin stood before him, bouquet passed away now, their hands brushing gently as the officiator began speaking. The world quieted into a hush, as if the universe wanted to listen too.
It was short. They had planned to keep it simple and crisp. A few sweet, clean lines about unity and promises. About the choice they were making. The legality of it was a backdrop, a noise inside their heads, but what played out on their faces was more personal. Private. They were scared… terrified even. Two people who had not planned for love. Who were building a future from necessity and desperation, not affection. But even in that, there was something fragile and precious. A tenderness neither of them voiced but both seemed to carry in their hearts.
When the officiator asked for the rings, Jihye stepped forward with a little grin and a tiny “ta-da!” that made a few guests and their friends laugh. She opened the box with an exaggerated flourish and presented the bands like they were sacred. Jimin took one with careful fingers, sliding it onto Jeongguk’s finger with a breath so soft and touch so tender, Jeongguk barely felt it grace his skin. Jimin’s lips trembled but he didn’t flinch. Jeongguk followed suit, took the smaller band and gently pressed it onto Jimin’s ring finger. It all happened way too quietly, save for their friend’s constant cheers.
Then came the words.
“You may now kiss!”
Time stopped. Jeongguk’s breath caught in his throat. His eyes searched Jimin’s face, like seeking permission, consent, safety. Jimin didn’t step back. Didn’t blink. Just looked up with that ocean-deep gaze that held numerous tales and hundreds of words but none of it resembled uncertainty. So Jeongguk stepped forward. One hand rose, tentative to Jimin’s waist, fingers hovering over the blazer before settling lightly under it and top of the shirt. A ghost of a touch. Barely there. And he leaned in slowly, giving Jimin every chance to move, to turn, and run. But Jimin didn’t.
Their lips met in the lightest, briefest kiss. Feather-soft. Nothing passionate, nothing staged. Just a brush. Just an acknowledgment. Just something they hadn’t thought about previously. And yet it landed like thunder in both their chests. It was just a peck. When they pulled away after three seconds, eyes still half-lidded, there was a beat of silence before the guests broke into applause… gentle, supportive, and sincere.
Jimin and Jeongguk turned to face them. Hand in hand. Still quiet. Still unsure. But… standing together. Jimin’s fingers curled tighter around Jeongguk’s, and Jeongguk squeezed back making Jimin look at their intertwined hands, how his thumb only reached two of Jeongguk’s fingers whereas he knew his
husband’s
hand could engulf his entire palm. And in that moment… under the golden hue of a sun slipping behind the clouds, under the eyes of people who had seen the worst and best of them… they weren’t just strangers with signatures on paper. They were two people trying to make everything work. Maybe that was enough for now…
Notes:
It’s been a while... how have you all been?
This chapter is straight from the heart and hasn’t been edited or proofread yet, so please excuse any grammatical slip-ups. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts🩵
Chapter 6: Curtains Down, Darling
Notes:
I edited this just to keep myself awake, and well, here we are!
This chapter is a bit shorter than the others, but I still hope you enjoy it🥹 You’ll find some government clauses and agreements woven into the story later on, please don’t take those too seriously! I’m not a civics student and don’t have in-depth knowledge of the law🥲 I referred to a few sites and made up most of it to suit the narrative. So, with that out of the way… let’s dive in!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Unrealistic. Finality
If anything could have captured the essence of that moment, it would have been two simple words… finality. The wedding was over. The moment Jimin had been dreading had come and gone, and the delicate ring now adorning his finger was all the proof he needed to tether him to the reality he had stepped into. His friends were laughing nearby, sipping champagne and vibing to a song he didn’t even recognize. Seoul shimmered in the backdrop, alive and electric, while he stood still… stuck in a moment that didn’t offer a glimpse of what came next.
Jihye was chatting with Taehyung and Yoongi, who had just introduced her to Namjoon and Jin, Jeongguk’s friends. Somehow, she had slipped effortlessly into the group, her energy warm, charming, and magnetic. Everyone always loved her. She looked radiant, as always, and her charm wrapped around people like a fresh ocean breeze. A part of Jimin smiled, truly smiled, watching her blossom and connect so easily. She deserved every bit of love the world had to offer. But… didn’t he deserve some, too?
Jeongguk stood a few feet away, caught in conversation with a group of colleagues who had managed to attend the wedding despite their packed schedules. They’d greeted Jimin with kind eyes and gentle words before pulling Jeongguk away for a while… which, honestly, gave Jimin a moment to breathe. To adjust. To come to terms with what had just happened. He stood near one of the counters, a glass of wine in hand, staring off into nothing. Since the moment the rings had been exchanged, his mind had been spinning, but everything had completely tilted off-axis when they kissed.
That part, the kiss, had completely slipped from his mind. So when the officiator’s words rang through the venue, he felt his heart stop. Long enough for Jeongguk to place a light hand around his waist. As terrified as he was, Jimin didn’t have it in him to pull away. So he tilted his face up slightly, allowing the moment to happen, and Jeongguk, true to who he’d shown himself to be, attentive and tender, had handled it with the gentlest care, pressing their lips together in the softest, most fleeting yet melting kiss.
Jimin had kissed before, back in high school when life felt easier and his shoulders weren’t weighed down by survival. But nothing after that. He hadn’t even let himself imagine intimacy in any form. Romance, affection… it hadn’t been an option. He’d buried it. Or so he’d thought. But in that one kiss, in the warm press of Jeongguk’s lips, something long-buried had stirred inside him, almost burning the sharp edges of his heart. His stomach had dropped, blood rushed beneath his skin, and he hated how much his body responded.
Maybe never having been loved the way partners love had hollowed out something inside him… something that now ached at the slightest touch. But Jimin had always kept that ache locked away. Denied it. And now, a single kiss, a single brush of fingers at his waist, had cracked the door open. He didn’t want to want more. Because if he did… he feared he wouldn’t be able to stop. And love, true love, still felt too costly a luxury to afford.
Jimin sighed, emptying his wine glass in one breath, hoping the liquid would wash away the thoughts that had begun to cling to his mind. He turned on his heel, intending to get a refill, but instead found himself facing Jeongguk… his husband, still so unfamiliar and yet impossibly gentle. That same smile rested on Jeongguk’s lips, soft and cozy, and Jimin hated the way his heart betrayed him with a quiet flutter. That smile always seemed to slip past his guard and settle in places he had long boarded shut.
Jimin had expected him to stay longer with his friends, to laugh a little more, keep his distance as they each eased into the evening their own way. But Jeongguk had returned, and when he extended a hand without formality, Jimin didn’t have time to hesitate.
“Would you be comfortable with a little dance?”
The words were wrapped in that same calm cadence Jeongguk always carried… gentle, unrushed, like a baby tide kissing the shore for the first time. They didn’t demand anything from Jimin, didn’t sway with hope, expectation, or urgency. Just… an offer. A soft-spoken bridge between strangers wearing rings as part of the agreement. For a brief second, Jimin froze. His mind wanted to retreat, to come up with a reason to say no, but the music had already begun to pulse through the air… soft, orchestral, and slow, typical wedding background noise. He met Jeongguk’s gaze, searching for something, maybe a sign that this was just a formality, just for show… but Jeongguk’s expression remained unreadable and steady. So Jimin nodded.
He let Jeongguk lead him gently toward the center of the venue, where other couples were already swaying under the dim glow of golden fairy lights along with Taehyung and Yoongi, who had already taken a spot right beside them. Their entrance was met with quiet smiles and soft cheers, friends parting to make space as though they had been waiting for this moment. Jeongguk’s hand found its place against the small of Jimin’s back, barely there, just like a ghost… light as breath. The other hand held Jimin’s with just enough pressure to ground him.
Jimin placed his palm on Jeongguk’s shoulder, maintaining a respectable space between them. The music began to wrap around them delicately, and Jimin let his feet fall into rhythm before he even realized he was moving. His body, despite the protests of his mind and screams of his heart, knew what to do, how to sway, how to lean subtly into the tempo, how to fall in tune with the notes, how to follow without drawing attention.
They didn’t speak. Not a single word. There was no need. Silence stretched between them like silk, not heavy or awkward… just quiet, safe, and understanding. Jimin’s gaze wandered somewhere over Jeongguk’s shoulder, never daring to settle on his face or worse, eyes, for too long, afraid of what he might feel if he did. But he could sense it… Jeongguk watched him, not with intensity, but with a softness that was nearly unbearable because that same thing made a flicker of hope bloom inside Jimin’s chest.
Jeongguk didn’t pull him closer, didn’t shift the pace. He simply matched Jimin’s vibe, respected the distance, and followed his rhythm like he wasn’t trying to lead, only accompany. Jimin’s heart beat a little faster, not from fear, not from love… he wasn’t ready for those words, maybe he would never be, but from the weightlessness of it. The way his body slowly began to relax, the way the touch didn’t burn, the way the world didn’t blur but slowed around them. He hated how natural it felt, hated that some part of him wanted it to last longer.
Their dance wasn’t grand or spectacular. It didn’t draw eyes or applause from the small crowd. But it was theirs. A quiet, fleeting moment in the middle of too many loud ones, especially in their head. And though Jimin had held his heart close to his chest behind walls made of steel, this… this felt like a whisper of what it might be like to open the door. Just a little. Just for now, he could open it and let himself peep a little into the wilderness of it all.
Time flew by, and they stepped away amidst the soft cheers of the audience. Jimin moved away first, opting to turn around and leave the spotlight, naturally prompting Jeongguk to follow him to the side. The event was almost done, and Jimin just had to leave the venue, pack the few things in the room, and go back to the apartment. And that thought almost had him choking on air. Even before his thoughts could spiral, Jeongguk’s voice pulled him out of the trance.
“That was… really nice”
“Huh?”
Jimin blinked, slightly startled by the sudden voice, his eyes searching Jeongguk’s face for context.
“The dance…”
Jeongguk clarified, the corners of his mouth lifting into a soft smile that didn’t try too hard.
“You’re a natural, Jimin. I could see it”
There was a small pause before a wave of pink bloomed across Jimin’s soft cheeks, his gaze faltering just for a second. The compliment wasn’t extravagant, just simple and sincere, yet it somehow managed to slip under his skin and nestled there like warmth he hadn’t expected.
“It’s… nice hearing that”
Jimin said quietly, his voice a little rough around the edges.
“After so long!”
Then, after a short breath, he glanced at Jeongguk and added.
“You’re good too. You catch up on things quickly”
Jeongguk gave a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck with his thumb sheepishly with a shake of his head.
“Only because I had a good partner”
That made Jimin’s lips twitch into something small and fleeting, the barest trace of a smile that almost managed to turn his almond eyes into crescents. They stood there for a moment longer, bathed in the soft glow of string lights, neither stepping away, nor moving forward, nor initiating a conversation. The world around them hummed with laughter and music, with glasses clinking and conversations flowing, but their little bubble felt slow, quieter. Like the last pause before a curtain fell.
“I guess… this is goodnight then!”
Jeongguk murmured, taking a step back but still holding Jimin’s gaze like it meant something more than just a formal goodbye. And maybe it did. Or maybe they were just strangers, still trying to give their roles meaning and do justice.
“Yeah. I… guess so”
Jimin echoed, not quite ready to turn yet. They didn’t look like the people who kissed so softly on the altar. They didn’t hug. They didn’t shake hands. The parting didn’t call for it… but there was something in the beat of silence that passed between them. Something that lingered even after Jeongguk turned and began walking away, his shoes crunching faintly against the gravel. Jimin stood still for a moment longer before he too turned, his feet carrying him in the opposite direction.
Jimin’s chest felt tight, tighter than it should have after such a small moment which probably shouldn’t mean anything. The quiet exchange, the unexpected dance, the soft praise, the warmth that had bloomed in his chest for just a second… it all felt ridiculous in hindsight. Because none of it meant anything. They were married. On paper. The rings were real, the kiss had happened, their families had cheered. But tonight, they would return to their separate homes, sleep in separate beds, and continue pretending like these tender things were nothing more than courtesy.
Jimin let himself concentrate on the soft thuds of his shoes against the gravel, as if the touch of Jeongguk’s hand at his back during the dance hadn’t grounded him. As if the softness in his voice hadn’t made Jimin’s chest ache. Jimin’s throat burned with a familiar restraint. He didn’t want to admit it, but a part of him, foolish, lonely, and aching, wished it had all been real in some stupid alternate reality. Wished it had meant something more than mutual convenience.
Jimin wrapped his arms tighter around himself as he stepped into the quiet corridor, the shadows stretching long ahead of him from the warmth and laughter he left behind, which would soon diminish. Familiar voices echoed distantly, too far to touch. His heart beat against the walls of his chest like it was trying to grieve, maybe mourn something he couldn’t name, but Jimin didn’t have the strength to listen. Not tonight. So he walked on. Alone. Into the dimly lit hallway that led to the room he had been given, away from the smiles and the clinking glasses and Jeongguk’s touch that still lingered like a ghost against his back.
He hated how it stayed with him, how something so soft could weigh so heavily. He ignored it.
The room was warm when Jimin entered, a small lamp humming in the corner. Jimin let the door click shut behind him and wordlessly walked to the edge of the bed, kneeling to open his suitcase. His fingers trembled slightly as he pulled out the clothes he had laid out before the wedding… comfortable ones, a soft hoodie, and jeans. Something to feel like himself again. That was him… not the person in the wedding suit who had just got married.
He unbuttoned his shirt slowly, methodically, like a muscle memory, each tug a distraction from the thoughts that haunted him. The white fabric fell into his lap, leaving him naked from the waist above, and he folded it before tossing it into the small suitcase. His ring gleamed under the light when he moved, and for a moment, he just stared at it… at the dainty thing that had locked him into a life he didn’t choose. Or maybe he did. He just didn’t know what the price would feel like yet. The soft knock came before Jimin could finish changing. Familiar. Annoyingly familiar.
“Come in, Tae”
Jimin said flatly, and the door cracked open, and his best friend stepped in, tie loosened, jacket gone, hair a mess from dancing.
“Hey…”
Taehyung smiled, eyes already scanning Jimin’s face.
“The wedding went better than we had expected. No fire, no drama, no one ran away”
Jimin didn’t say anything; instead, he bent forward to zip up the suitcase, moving too precisely. He knew his best friend was trying to ease the tension in the room by cracking a lame joke, which didn’t work. Not this time. Taehyung stepped closer.
“Minnie… you good?”
“Peachy”
Jimin muttered, not looking up, and Taehyung frowned, taking a seat on the bed beside him.
“We’re meeting Jeongguk again tomorrow morning for the legal paperwork. Just an hour. I’ll go with you if you want”
Jimin gave the smallest nod with a hum, and Taehyung leaned forward, watching him closely.
“You’ve gone all pale. Jimin-ah, talk to me”
Taehyung held his chin, turning his face side to side to inspect it with a worried tone.
“I’m fine”
“No, you’re not. You look like you’ve just come back from a funeral”
Jimin’s hands froze, and Taehyung sighed.
“I know you. You’re holding back again. Just say it. Talk it out. Scream it. Cry it. Anything. I’m right here”
Jimin plopped down on the mattress beside him and sat still for a long beat. Then his lips parted, voice cold, aching… tired in a way that felt deeper than exhaustion.
“This is just a contract, Tae…”
Jimin’s voice was quiet but sharp, cutting through the stillness of the room like a blade dipped in resignation and anguish. Taehyung blinked. He rarely heard Jimin like this. So distant. So final.
“This whole thing. It’s fake. A performance. Arranged. I married someone I barely knew because life backed me into a corner with no other way to escape”
Jimin didn’t even look at him. His gaze was locked on the ring… on the thin, silver band that caught the lamplight and mocked him with its elegance. He didn’t need to have that on his finger, but he had, he had let Jeongguk slide it willingly.
“ So don’t talk about how smooth it went or how good it looked. I don’t care”
Jimin stated, voice fraying around the edges, growing quieter, as though he was afraid it would break apart entirely. Taehyung opened his mouth, but the words stuck in his throat. Jimin’s tone wasn’t cruel. It was hollow. Like something had been scooped out from the inside, and all that was left was a shell… cracked and barely held together.
“I don’t want to hope for anything, Tae, not when I know everything will be in shambles one day”
Jimin paused and exhaled shakily. His shoulders sagged as if the words weighed more than he could carry. Taehyung tried to interject and offer some comfort, but Jimin just shook his head, eyes glossy.
“Minnie…”
“I’m not going to pretend it’s something it’s not. It’s an agreement. That’s it. I signed those papers knowing exactly what it meant”
Jimin continued, his voice low and brittle. The weight in the room was suffocating, silence pressing down like a heavy blanket, thick with grief unspoken.
“I’ll act the way I’m supposed to because I am in this for just one purpose. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing can change my mind. I’ll smile. I’ll do what’s required. But don’t ask me to be more. I don’t have it in me”
Taehyung’s eyes softened. His fingers flexed at his side before he slowly reached out, placing a hand over Jimin’s trembling one. The touch was featherlight… an anchor without chains.
“You don’t have to be more. You just have to let someone in when it hurts too much to carry alone”
“I can’t and I won’t”
Jimin said quickly, his tone final, leaving no room for discussion. Taehyung watched as Jimin shut his eyes, biting back the tears that threatened to fall. His words fell like stones between them. But even then, he sounded like someone who had already lost, someone who didn’t know how to be held without fearing the moment they’d be dropped. Jimin’s eyes never met Taehyung’s. They remained fixed on the suitcase, as if those neatly folded clothes could compensate for everything falling apart inside him. His thumb rubbed over the wedding ring absentmindedly, like he was trying to erase it… or remember it. Even he didn’t know anymore.
But his hands trembled. Quiet, invisible quivers that only Taehyung noticed. And that was enough. Without a word, Taehyung leaned in and wrapped his arms around Jimin, cocooning him. He didn’t squeeze. He didn’t speak. He just held him, the way you hold something fragile that could shatter with too much pressure. Jimin didn’t return the hug. But he didn’t pull away either. He sank into the embrace like a wounded angel, his shoulders shaking. And maybe… maybe that was all the permission Taehyung needed. Because even if Jimin didn’t want comfort, it didn’t mean he didn’t deserve it.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Never in his twenty-six years of life had Jeongguk dreaded returning to his own home more than he did that night. The wedding was over, the gentle press of Jimin’s plump lips still lingering faintly like a ghost on his mouth, yet as soon as he stepped into the foyer of his childhood home, reality gripped him by the throat. His father walked in first… spine straight, shoes clacking against the marble like accusations he didn’t voice out. His mother was close behind, her fingers wrapped tightly around Jeongguk’s forearm, as if trying to anchor him, to stop what they both knew was inevitable. The door clicked shut.
“I hope you’re happy with yourself”
Jeongguk’s father said finally, his voice low but sharp, intended to slice through the heart. Every syllable dipped in disgust as he gazed at Jeongguk.
“Parading yourself around, putting on this spectacle.. marrying a man, no less”
Jeongguk said nothing. He didn’t flinch, didn’t move. Just stood still, lips pressed together, his body braced for what was coming. He had been on the receiving end of his father’s wrath more often than not, and with time, he had learned to let the words fly over his head, but a few words did pierce him nonetheless.
“And it’s an arrangement? An agreement? A useless contract. Do you think this is a joke, Jeongguk? Is that what we’ve raised?”
His father turned, gaze drilling into him with the intent of burning him alive if only he could. Jeongguk could watch his mother shake her head, gesturing to her father to stop talking from his peripheral vision, but he also knew his father wouldn’t stop.
“I spent years… years trying to put you on the right path. And every single time, you found a new way to spit in my face like the disgrace you are”
The man continued, but Jeongguk still didn’t respond. His jaw clenched once, and he puffed up his chest, a low sigh leaving his lips as he held back the pressure behind his eyes. He had always hated how powerless his father made him feel, and everything that had unfolded didn’t help his state either.
“You turned down every decent proposal we got you for years. Every girl from a respectable family. Always with your excuses. ‘Not ready,’ ‘not interested.’ And now, this? A mess of a wedding just to make fools out of all of us”
“Just please don’t…”
His mother started, but he raised his hand to silence her, fury evident on his face.
“No. He needs to hear this. He needs to finally hear what a disgrace he’s become. You want to marry a man? Fine. But don’t dress it up and pretend you’re noble for it. You can’t even love him, can you? You can’t even live like a proper family. What’s the point, Jeongguk? Just tell me that… what’s the point?”
His voice rose at the end, breaking through the air like thunder in a clear sky, hitting Jeongguk right where it hurt the most. Jeongguk finally lifted his eyes to meet his father’s. Calm. Quiet. Hollow.
“I don’t need to explain anything to you. You’ve never cared, Appa. Why are you bothered now?”
The words were low, stripped of anger or defense. Just a fact. Bare and blunt. A genuine question tossed into the sizzling air. Jeongguk’s father scoffed, stepping forward.
“You don’t need to explain anything? To me? You’re nothing without the name I gave you. You wouldn’t have survived without this roof over your head. And now you think you can live this… life? This farce?”
“Stop it!”
His mother said gently, almost pleading, but Jeongguk could already feel the tightness creeping up his chest. His hands had curled into fists at his side, crumbling the neatly ironed black suit. He hadn’t wanted to argue. He hadn’t even wanted to speak. But every sentence chipped away at something inside him… something he didn’t even know still existed.
“Say it…”
His father hissed.
“Go on. Defend this marriage. This performance. Tell me you love him. Tell me this would bring you fortune. Tell me you’re happy with this”
Jeongguk’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, the sting behind his eyes threatening to break his composure. He couldn’t cry. Not before his father, who had been waiting with hawk eyes for years to see him sway.
“I didn’t do it for pride or happiness. I did it because I had to. I did it because it felt right”
The room fell silent again. His father sneered, crossing his arms.
“Of course you did. You’ve never done anything because you believed in it. You’ve always taken the easy way out. And now you expect us to pretend this is normal?”
Easy way out
Was that the reason?
Was that why Jeongguk had agreed to get his father off his tail?
Was that the truth?
Jeongguk exhaled slowly and took a step back. He could feel the wall behind him, could feel the heat rising under his skin, and the exhaustion settling deep into his bones. His father’s voice blurred into a throb inside his skull, pounding. The words weren’t new. They were just louder this time. Crueler. And it wasn’t worth it after everything he had to endure, and so he turned to leave.
“Jeongguk-ah… wait…”
His mother reached out for him, her voice softer now, laced with worry, and her eyes shining with unshed tears. But he gently shook her off, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I can’t tonight, Mom. Please. Let me go”
“You always turn on your heels, Jeongguk. You walk away when things get worse. But what’s the point of marrying someone when you can’t even live together under the same roof?”
Jeongguk didn’t pay any mind to his father’s words, which turned into muffled sounds as he stepped out the same door he had entered a few minutes ago, each step quieter than the one before, like he was erasing his own presence. The ring on his finger felt colder than it had all day, and Jeongguk felt something other than warmth. He felt empty. And he didn’t know how long that would last as he got into the car and closed the door with a muted thud.
The silence in the vehicle was deafening, so thick that even the beat of his own heart felt intrusive and loud. He sat still for a second, his hands gripping the steering wheel, until he felt the knuckles turn white. His father's voice, though muffled, still rang in his ears like a wound that wouldn’t scab over. The venom laced into every sentence replayed without mercy.
You’re a disgrace
What’s the point of a marriage like that?
You wouldn’t have survived without me
Jeongguk exhaled shakily and rested his forehead against the steering wheel, eyes shut. The ring on his finger… silver, delicate, now unbearably cold, pressed lightly against his skin, but the weight of it felt massive. Crushing. With a soft curse under his breath, he started the engine and pulled away from the curb. The city’s lights blurred past his window, blinking like fading stars devoid of any light in the midnight hush, but Jeongguk barely noticed. His mind was a storm. Every turn felt like a rerun of every moment he had failed to meet his father’s expectations.
It wasn’t even the fact that he had married a man… Jeongguk had long known that it would never sit right with his father. He knew better. What pierced deepest was the confirmation that nothing he ever did would be enough . Not when love wasn’t a language his father understood. By the time he reached his apartment, the sky had deepened into a blue-black ink. He slipped his key in, turned the lock, and stepped inside a place that was supposed to feel like his own. It didn’t. It felt foreign. Hollow. Sterile as he moved like a ghost
Jeongguk kicked off his shoes and dropped his blazer on the floor, not even bothering to switch on the main lights as he made his way to the kitchen, bathed only in the weak orange glow from the streetlights filtering through the curtains. He opened the cupboard with a little too much force, the glass bottles clinking against one another as he searched for the right one. Jeongguk’s fingers hovered for a second before they closed around the neck of a half-full whiskey bottle. He poured a drink. Then another. And another.
The burn in his throat was the only thing that felt real amidst the turmoil inside his head. The silence didn’t stop pressing into him, didn’t stop whispering what he was trying to bury under the alcohol. That the wedding had happened. That it was legal. That he had kissed Jimin today, kissed his husband , and that it had meant more than he thought it would. It felt like something almost sacred had happened, and yet, hours later, it had all been reduced to nothing. A joke. That he had done all this to keep things from falling apart for someone who barely even trusted him yet… and here he was, unraveling anyway.
Jeongguk sunk on the floor in the kitchen, back against the wooden counter, phone discarded a few feet away. At one point, he’d picked it up, thumb hovering over Jimin’s name in the chat. There had only been a few messages since the wedding preparations had started, brief and careful. Not too long, never too long or lingering. He’d wanted to text something.
Are you okay?
Are you feeling the same weight?
Did the kiss affect you too?
But it was stupid. Naïve. And way too selfish. Jeongguk knew how Jimin felt, and he knew how he was feeling. So he threw the phone onto the sofa instead and poured another drink. His thoughts circled around Jimin more than he wanted to admit. The way he had looked in that pristine white suit. How he had trembled, ever so slightly, when they stood before each other, rings in hand. The way his lips had softened into Jeongguk’s, like he wanted to be held even if only for a second. And how he’d walked away afterward, into a room that wasn’t Jeongguk’s after the goodbye when he stopped hoping Jimin would halt and turn back, but he had walked away like none of it had mattered.
It had mattered
Jeongguk knew it in his gut. But he didn’t know what to do with that truth. Maybe Jeongguk was being stupid. Maybe he had read too much into things. Maybe he was just trying to test the waters. He didn’t know, but now he was here, hurting and alone, a few hours after his wedding. Eventually, the bottle was lighter and emptier, the room was spinning, and his body had gone heavy with exhaustion and unspoken grief. He curled up on the floor, not even bothering to fetch a blanket, not even bothering to crawl to the mattress, and closed his eyes.
The last thing he saw before the alcohol pulled him under was Jimin’s face… half-turned, eyes unreadable and glossy, that solemn smile still seared into the softest part of Jeongguk’s chest. And with that image etched into the silence, he finally passed out… lost, drunk, longing, yearning, and aching in ways he didn’t yet have words for.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jihye had stepped into the room like a shadow, quiet, cautious and careful, her bare feet barely making a sound against the wooden floor as he closed the door behind her. The lavender dress Jimin had gifted her for the wedding had been folded neatly and left on a chair in the living room, replaced by soft pajamas that hung loosely around her small frame. The fabric had felt far too ordinary for a day that had been anything but simple. It was well past midnight, and sleep had evaded her like it always did when her mind wouldn’t stop spinning with endless thoughts. No matter how many times she had adjusted the pillows or shifted under the blanket, one thought had circled back again and again like a haunting melody…
Jimin should have been with Jeongguk tonight. That’s what married couples were supposed to do. But he hadn’t been.
He was here. In their shared expensive room that still smelled faintly of lily sachets and. In his bedroom, curled up in the bed with the blanket pulled up to his chin, his cheeks stained with the faint trails of dried tears. Her heart had cracked at the sight… at how still and small he looked, as if he were shrinking and hiding away from the world even in sleep. To a stranger, he might have seemed peaceful. But Jihye had memorized every flicker of her brother’s face, in joy, in sorrow, in doubt, in anger, and in the hollow silence that often fell between them. She knew better.
She had crouched beside the bed, one hand pressed to the dresser for balance, her eyes trailing over Jimin’s soft features with the ache of someone watching a loved one disappear slowly, inch by inch into the darkness. Her throat had burned. Her eyes had stung. She’d blinked rapidly, biting the inside of her cheek to stop the trembling of her frame. She could feel her head pound violently but she pushed it all back.
She had always looked up to Jimin… not just as her older brother, but as the one and only person who had never given up on her despite the hardships. He had been her lighthouse in every storm, even when the winds threatened to pull him under the currents. Jimin had raised her with kindness, love, and protected her with ferocity, and made space for her in a world that had often felt too cold and too judgemental. And now… now he had married someone not out of love or joy, but out of obligation.
Jihye wasn’t a child anymore. She wasn’t naïve. She wasn’t stupid. She’d overheard too many hushed conversations, too many subject changes in her presence, caught too many lingering looks, and drawn enough conclusions to understand that the wedding had been an arrangement. A lifeline dressed in pristine white and pretty flowers. A sacrifice wrapped in smiles and promises.
A sob had clawed its way up her throat and she’d quickly pressed her palm to her lips, biting on the flesh to stop herself from losing the anchor, afraid of waking him. But the tears had come anyway… warm, silent, and steady. She’d leaned forward, gently brushing her lips against his cheek, a soft kiss pressed to the skin adorned with dried tears.
“I’m sorry, Minnie”
She whispered, her voice raw and low.
“I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve this. None of it”
Jihye’s fingers had reached for Jimin’s small ones, cold from lying above the sheets, and she held it tightly in her own. The ring on his finger had glinted under the moonlight spilling in through the curtains, a painful reminder of promises forged in necessity and desperation, not affection.
“I love you”
She had breathed, her voice cracking under the weight of the words.
“Irrevocably. You gave me everything, and I wish I could take away your pain. Just for a moment. If I could, I would do it a million times. I wish you didn’t always have to carry it alone”
Jihye hadn’t dared to crawl into bed beside him and cuddle him. Jimin hated being disturbed in his sleep, and she didn’t want to take away the rare stillness he’d managed to find amidst the tornado that had swept his life. So she had simply pushed herself closer to the bed, one arm resting across the edge of the mattress, her head tucked against their intertwined hands.
And there, on the floor of their small apartment, Jihye had cried herself to sleep… quietly, without sound, curled beneath the weight of everything unsaid. Holding her brother’s hand like an anchor to something real, she’d slipped into uneasy rest. Because love hadn’t always looked like fairy tales, extravagant suites or perfect vows. Sometimes, it looked like this… two bruised hearts surviving side by side in the dark fighting the storm to see the light.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The fluorescent lights in the wooden room buzzed faintly, washing the expanse in a white glow that did little to warm Jeongguk’s skin and anchor his heart. He sat stiffly on the wooden chair, elbows on the table, hands clasped together as fingers tapped the surface mindlessly. He wasn’t nervous… no, the emotion had long since dissolved into something heavier and duller. He was tired. Tired in a way that sleep or no amount of drinks could fix. Hoseok sat behind him on the couch, scrolling aimlessly through his phone, legs crossed, shooting the occasional glance at Jeongguk as if to check whether he was still breathing.
Dragging Jeongguk from the kitchen floor that morning had taken Hoseok a full thirty minutes. Jeongguk had been slumped beside the counter, head bowed, the cold tiles imprinting against his skin. It was only after Hoseok raised his voice an octave higher, only after he threatened to call Namjoon, that Jeongguk moved. He hadn’t said anything. Just allowed himself to be pushed into the shower, the hot water hitting him like sharp pins before he emerged clean and quiet, dressed in neatly ironed black shirt with checkered pants, his face unreadable.
Now, they waited. For Jimin.
Ten minutes passed before the door finally opened and Jimin stepped inside, hair still slightly damp at the ends, dressed in a soft grey coat over a white turtleneck tucked into black slacks. He looked like a portrait that didn’t belong in a room so devoid of warmth and emotion. His eyes flicked across the space before landing on Jeongguk, and he faltered. Just for a second. Because the man who used to greet him with soft eyes and a smile that reached them now looked… blank. Polite. Still kind and gentle, yes, but distant. As though he was behind a wall Jimin didn’t remember building the previous night.
“Morning, Jimin”
It wasn’t cold. But it wasn’t warm either. And that small, immeasurable difference made Jimin’s chest ache for all the unknown reasons. When had he started noticing the miniscule details? He nodded back, offering a faint smile.
“Good morning, Jeongguk. Hi, Hyung!”
Hoseok grinned, waving at Jimin with a warm smile, but his eyes flicked between the two men with caution. The officer at the desk before them cleared her throat and motioned for them to take the seats. Her tone was professional, bordering on overly courteous and pleasing as she explained the legal documents placed on the table before them. The contract had been pre-approved, clauses already reviewed and discussed over weeks of communication between them, not directly and personally though. Now, it was just a matter of final signatures but that was the hardest part, wasn’t it?
“The contract outlines the terms of your legal marriage”
She began, sliding a thick file across the desk and tapping on the paper with her overly bright neon peach nails. The paper was cream-colored, official and clean, but it felt far heavier than it looked.
“You’ll both receive a certified copy after the signatures and final processing”
The officer added, adjusting her glasses as she flipped the folder open and began pointing to each section, one by one.
Section 1: Legal Binding Agreement
The contract legally confirms that Park Jimin and Jeon Jeongguk are entering a marital union recognized by the state government effective upon signature. Their marriage will be considered valid, subject to all spousal responsibilities under national law.
Jimin blinked slowly, his gaze fixed on the neatly printed words on the page, but his mind was nowhere near the ink. Each phrase struck like a distant bell, hollow yet loud. His fingers curled faintly against his lap beneath the table. This was real. Not just whispers behind closed doors or rehearsals in his head. This was it. The beginning. His breath caught in his throat, and for a second, he wished he didn’t understand the weight of those words. But he did. Too deeply.
Jeongguk didn’t look up as the officer finished reading the first clause out loud. The words weren’t unfamiliar... he’d read them before. Memorized, even. But hearing them spoken aloud, twisted something inside him. He nodded faintly, almost robotically, at the officer’s pause, but his hands had turned cold. Jimin turned ever so slightly toward him—just a shift, not even a glance… but Jeongguk felt it. And somehow, that quiet presence next to him grounded him more than the walls around them. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. So, the officer continued, unaware of the turmoil she had stirred with just a single paragraph.
Section 2: Duration and Termination
The marriage is valid indefinitely unless either party files for divorce under mutual agreement or legal grounds. This clause ensured a minimum period of living together on paper, though not required in practice.
Jeongguk didn’t move. He just sat there, gaze locked on the document, eyes trying to read the words over and over again, hoping that would somehow change the semantics but it didn’t. “Not required in practice.” The words echoed a little too loud in his chest. Cold and clean. That was what this was. Not a vow. Not a promise. Just paper. His fingers clenched slightly around the edge of the table, knuckles paling.
Jimin was no better. This clause had always been there, had always been real… but hearing it made it thrum in his chest like rejection. He wouldn’t have to live with Jeongguk. He wouldn’t even be expected to try. Somehow, that stung worse than it should have. Like being told, "You’re not wanted. Not really". Jeongguk’s face was void of any expression but Jimin noticed the way he shifted slightly in his seat, the quiet rise and fall of his chest, the way his fingers stilled over the corner of the file.
Section 3: Financial Support and Responsibilities
Jeon Jeongguk, listed as the higher-income spouse in the marriage union, agreed to provide a monthly financial allowance to Park Jimin, a substantial sum labeled under “adjustment support.” This would cover personal expenses, healthcare, and housing needs. Jimin would not be required to seek external employment unless desired. The government would handle health insurance coverage, emergency costs, and provide access to legal benefits attached to military spouses aka Park Jimin.
As the officer read aloud the lines of Section 3, the air in the room grew even thicker and quieter. Jeongguk sat still and it had been almost thirty minutes. His fingers loosely interlocked on the table, eyes focused on the grain of the polished wood as if it could offer him some answer. He had money. He had stability. He could give it. But he knew Jimin had never wanted to take it but he had no other option left. Jeongguk tilted his head ever so slightly, catching Jimin who looked lost.
A “sum labeled under adjustment support.” That one phrase made Jimin’s stomach twist. His hands were clasped on his lap, knuckles pale from how tightly he held them together. The words not required to seek employment made his ears ring, and he lowered his gaze, biting back the burn and pressure rising behind his eyes. This was the truth. This was the agreement. He wasn’t a husband. He wasn’t even a companion. He was… a responsibility. A dependent. A name on a file to be taken care of. And yet, Jeongguk never even looked at him as though he were a burden. That thought alone made it worse.
Section 4: Non-Interference Clause
While married, both parties will retain independence over personal, professional, and romantic matters unless those actions publicly affect the dignity or image of the other. No strict or legal enforcement of cohabitation. No demand for physical intimacy or shared living.
The lines were neutral, clearly drafted to provide comfort and boundaries. To create space for both of them. But all Jeongguk could think about was how hollow it sounded, how numb it made him feel. How lonely. He wasn’t sure what he had expected… Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. But the way those clauses sat on the page, they felt like concrete walls. Cold, deliberate walls carved to keep them from ever trying. It was logical. Reasonable because this was what they had agreed to. Humane, even. Yet, it stung.
Jimin’s throat tightened when he heard those lines. His fingers went stiff where they gripped the edge of the table. He forced his face into stillness, keeping his emotions at bay, knowing Hoseok and the officer were watching. But inside, a storm rattled his bones. He should have felt relieved. It was what he had wanted… terms that gave him space, that didn’t trap him into being touched, into pretending. But why did it still feel like rejection? Why did it feel like the words were confirming what he already feared?
Section 5: Spousal Benefits - Jeon Jeongguk
Due to his Navy position as a Marine Engineer, Jeongguk would receive modest benefits upon registering as a married officer. Slight housing allowance increment. Eligibility for emergency family leave. Spousal visitation rights during deployments or medical leaves.
Section 6: Acknowledgement
Both parties had read and reviewed the terms in advance and had been given full opportunity and enough time to revise or discuss clauses. The signatures below represent complete understanding and consent.
The officer continued, detailing the financials… how Jeongguk had committed to providing a large monthly sum under Jimin’s name. His benefits included full health insurance, spousal security, and a clause allowing him to access emergency funds if required. The document laid it all out like an open book, like Jimin’s life had a price tag, though that wasn’t how Jeongguk had ever seen it. Still, reading the words made Jimin's stomach twist into knots. Jeongguk’s benefits in return were minimal, nearly none. But it was clear… Jeongguk gained far less than Jimin. And that made the ache in his chest deeper.
“You’ll both be required to sign three copies. Please write your full names here… and initial beside the non-interference clause”
The officer stated and they followed suit. After a moment, Jimin asked about the process, the timeline for the official documentation. He wasn’t sure why he even asked when he already knew most of the answers to the questions. But he needed something to fill the suffocating silence, something to wipe off the tension that hung in the air like mist over a frozen lake. Jeongguk responded to each question with the same calm and careful tone. Polite. Distant. So unlike him. It wasn’t cruel, not even indifferent. It was... formal. And Jimin hated how much it hurt.
Because just weeks ago, that same voice had told him lemon cake suited him. Had teased him gently when he tripped over a suit hanger. Had selected the wedding suit though it was just on paper. Had murmured a thank-you after their dance in a voice just soft enough to bruise the edges of his heart. Now, that softness had been trimmed away. Folded and filed somewhere Jimin couldn’t reach. Still, Jimin tried. He reached for something in the silence. Anything. He didn’t know why he was doing it when he clearly told himself he would just follow the script.
“You… you managed to get the insurance processed?”
Jimin questioned in a soft tone. That wasn’t needed but he just couldn’t sit in a room where it felt too hard to even take a breath. Jeongguk didn’t look up. He nodded once.
“Yes. Hobi Hyung helped”
A beat of silence passed between them but nothing had changed. They carried on with the signatures, Jimin’s attention not on the officer anymore.
“That’s good. Thank you, Jeongguk”
Jimin spoke up, his voice light, testing the waters.
“Yeah”
That was it. Just yeah . Jimin’s fingers fidgeted with the corner of the file, knuckles pale and eyes stinging.
“You got your naval verification too?”
Jimin tried again after a few minutes, after the officer had excused herself to bring a few more documents, softer this time, eyes briefly flickering to Jeongguk’s hand resting on the table. Jeongguk finally glanced up… not fully, just enough to meet Jimin’s eyes for a brief second.
“This morning. They processed it fast. Didn’t expect it would be done soon”
Jimin nodded, as if that answer meant something more than it did. He chuckled once, low and short, a little breathier than normal. He felt stupid but there was nothing to lose anyway, so he continued, trying to keep up the non-existent liveliness in the room, the ease they had built over the months.
“Fast wedding. Fast paperwork”
Jimin murmured, trying to make a joke out of it. He didn’t know why. Jeongguk blinked at him and then gave the smallest tug of his lips, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Right. Very efficient”
It felt like a wall. Not one made of stone… but one made of distance. Unclimbable. Jimin smiled when the officer looked his way. But it felt like a performance he hadn’t rehearsed for. His throat ached from holding back everything that shouldn’t be said. Beside him, Jeongguk’s shoulders sloped slightly forward, like he was shrinking into himself. His fingers, resting idly at first, tapped once, twice, then curled into tight fists. And still, his face remained unreadable. Jeongguk had never looked like this. Never this numb and lost. But Jimin saw it. The absence of something. A rupture. A quiet shift he couldn’t name but couldn’t ignore either.
He broke down in Taehyung’s arms. Did Jeongguk break down too? He didn’t know what Jeongguk had returned to after the wedding, but it had changed him. And it scared Jimin. Not because Jeongguk had been cold, but because he hadn’t. He had been too kind. Too soft. Too good. And now he was nothing but still water that no longer reflected the light from the doe-eyes that held galaxies. The officer slid the final contract forward, her expression calm.
“This is the last section. Please sign here at the bottom. Once stamped, this contract will be valid starting today. You’ll receive certified copies within five business days”
A pen was placed gently between them and Jeongguk nudged it toward Jimin first who hesitated. Just for a moment. His eyes scanned the lines… the ones that sealed him into something safe, but loveless and emotionless. That gave him protection, but no comfort. A promise written in ink but void of warmth. Jimin’s thumb absently brushed over the band on his ring finger, cool to the touch. He reminded himself why he was here. Why he had said yes to the wedding, but nothing eased the ache in his chest.
This wasn’t about what he felt. Or what he hoped. It was about his sister. About survival. Not about the soft look Jeongguk had given him once. Not about the ghost of a kiss that still lingered on his lips like a forgotten feeling. So with one final and sharp inhale, Jimin signed the document. Neatly. With hands that shook only a little as he gave the last stroke.
He exhaled as he passed the pen over to Jeongguk, who didn’t hesitate. Quite the contrary. He just asked, quietly, face tilting a little and catching Jimin’s gaze.
“Initial here too?”
Jimin nodded.
“Yeah… just below the final clause”
“Beside mine”
. Jimin wanted to add but he sealed his lips as Jeongguk signed. One stroke at a time. Without a pause. Without a word. No eye contact. No smile. Just silence. But even that silence held something too heavy for Jimin to bear. And when they stood, thanked the officer, and walked away from the table, neither of them said a word. But both of them knew… something had changed. And neither of them knew if it could be undone.
Notes:
Thoughts 🫠🫠🫠
Chapter 7: I have you to come back to
Notes:
Finally... I can post this🍂
This chapter is by far my favorite in the entire fic, and I truly hope it makes you ache for them just as deeply as they ache for one another🥹 It’s tender, soft, and emotionally rich, a gentle wave of feelings that I promise comes without any angst. Honestly, I think we’ve left most of the heavy moments behind. There might be a few emotional lines or tiny angsty scenes here and there, but from here on, it’s all about embracing the softness. So please, hop on this emotional journey with me. I can’t wait to hear what you think💋
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
One of the hardest parts about moving to Seoul was saying goodbye to the small, slightly cramped yet cozy apartment he had shared with Jihye for years that held way too many memories. That tiny place in Busan had been more than just a home; it had been comfort, safety, and embrace. No matter where life took him, Busan would always be his anchor, a place he’d instinctively call home. Jimin hadn’t expected marriage to rearrange his world so quickly or so severely, but it had. And like he always did, he adapted as if he were water flowing through every crevice. He didn’t complain when he signed the papers. He didn’t hesitate when he packed up his life.
And now, as he stood in front of a newer, bigger apartment nestled in the quieter side of Seoul, he reminded himself this was the right decision, even when the tears still clung stubbornly to his lashes. Jihye carried some of the lighter bags, insisting she’d be fine despite Jimin’s protests and light smacks to her head. Taehyung and Yoongi took over the heavier boxes, moving easily through the narrow hallway and into the living room, cracking light jokes between themselves. Hoseok, unable to make it in person, had sent a couple of movers to help out, a gesture Jimin wouldn’t ever forget. He made a mental note to text him later, maybe even send a small gift.
Jeongguk had called earlier, apologizing in the same gentle tone that Jimin secretly craved for not being able to help with the move. He was stuck at the registrar’s office finalizing the last of their legal paperwork. Jimin hadn’t expected him to come; nowhere in their contract did it say husbands were required to help each other settle into separate apartments, but still, Jeongguk had promised lunch for everyone, and that small gesture said more than the contract ever could.
Jimin blinked against the sunlight as he reached into the back of the truck for one of the remaining boxes, light, probably books. He paused, exhaling slowly, letting his shoulders slump a little as the heat clung to the air around him. The moving wasn’t tiring; it was the mental fog that weighed him down. Being stripped away from Busan and Taehyung’s family made Jimin sob the entire way to Seoul. Everything felt suspended, like he was drifting in some version of his life that didn’t quite fit yet. Inside, Taehyung was rearranging some of the cushions on the couch while Yoongi fiddled with the small TV setup. Jimin could hear them talking, their voices low and easy.
“Don’t put that one there. Turn it around, Hyung. Minnie hates when the cushions face inward”
Taehyung muttered, and Yoongi snorted, cocking a brow.
“Min will survive. He’s a married man now”
Jimin entered the room with the box in hand, lips twitching into a small smile.
“I heard that!”
“You were supposed to”
Yoongi replied, taking the box from him.
“What is this, cookbooks?”
“Poetry, mostly at least”
Jimin said softly, watching the spine of one book peek out from the box, winking at him. Taehyung gave him a look, gentle and amused as Yoongi dropped that box before the shelf.
“Of course. You’d move cities and bring heartbreak in paperback”
Jimin laughed faintly, the sound brief and fragile.
“At least they’re good company, Tae”
They continued working around him while Jimin drifted between rooms, placing the few things he owned into drawers and closets, all the while his thoughts circling like leaves caught in a breeze. Jeongguk was leaving tomorrow night. After dinner. Heading back to sea for six months. Six long months. Jimin had barely slept the night before, and the night before that, his thoughts filled with that number. Half a year. Long enough for this already strange marriage to become more distant and more awkward. Long enough for the fragile thread connecting them to fray and maybe disappear.
And even if Jeongguk had stayed in Seoul, it’s not like they’d be living together, under the same roof like a married couple. Jeongguk had his place, a sleek, beautiful apartment just over an hour away. A luxury flat nestled in an area of Seoul that Jimin had only seen in passing. Jeongguk had joked once about traffic making the distance feel like more, and now, that joke felt like a fact. Because it was indeed a fact. How cruel is it to travel for over an hour to meet your spouse?
Still, it made things clearer. Jeongguk came from money. Not stupendously wealthy, but comfortable in ways Jimin could never quite claim. But Jeongguk had never flaunted it or even brought it up. He wasn’t like his father… calculating, sharp, power-driven, and solely focused on money. Jeongguk was... warm. Gentle. He remembered small things, held doors, checked in, and offered kindness without expecting anything back. And that made everything harder.
If Jeongguk were cold or cruel, if he were a man driven by ego and numbers, if he were a first-grade asshole, it would’ve been easier for Jimin to settle into this marriage like a transaction and go through with his life abiding by the contract. Just business. Just paperwork. But Jeongguk wasn’t any of those things. He was all softness and golden-hour glances. He was steady hands, gentle smiles, and quiet reassurance. He was the kind of person who remembered your favorite tea, even when you didn’t ask.
And Jimin hated that. Hated how it made him hope, despite everything. Taehyung called from the tiny kitchen.
“Do you want your cups in the top cabinet or the one below?”
Jimin turned, startled from his thoughts. He had four cups, and the place wouldn’t matter for just four, yet he still answered back.
“Top’s fine. Thank you!”
Yoongi leaned on the doorway, eyeing him.
“You okay?”
Jimin hesitated, then nodded.
“Just tired, Hyung”
It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the entire truth either. Because the truth was: he didn’t know how to be married to someone like Jeongguk without losing a piece of himself along the way. And he didn’t know if he wanted to try. Not when trying might hurt more than keeping his distance.
“Jimin-ah…”
Yoongi said softly, voice laced with quiet concern as he moved closer, arm around Jimin’s shoulder.
“Don’t bottle it all up, okay? You don’t have to pretend you’re fine when you are not. It’s okay to be angry, to feel overwhelmed and hurt. So much has happened, and it’s happened so fast… it makes sense if it feels like too much. You have every right to feel the way you do. So please... don’t keep it all inside. Let yourself feel it”
Jimin stood frozen for a beat, lips pressing into a thin line as his fingers curled into the hem of his hoodie, a sigh leaving his lips. His throat bobbed once, then again. The tears didn’t fall, but they trembled on the edge of his lashes, clinging to them like dew drops, heavy and stubborn. His body gave a slight shudder, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe around the lump in his chest and the vice around his throat.
“I’m just...”
He finally whispered, voice cracked and small.
“... so tired, hyung”
Yoongi pressed himself closer instantly, wrapping an arm around him, the embrace steady and grounding but enough to unravel Jimin at the seams.
“Emotionally… I feel completely drained”
Jimin murmured, his forehead tipping to rest against Yoongi’s shoulder as they stood on the quaint balcony.
“I wish... I just wish there was a moment where I could enjoy something without my head being so loud. Without thinking about what’s next or what I’ve left behind. I just want quiet. Real, peaceful, quiet… at least for a day”
Jimin’s voice broke at the edges, the emotions swirling inside him like a tornado, but still, he smiled… a small, sad curve of the lips that didn’t reach his eyes, nowhere close to a genuine smile. It was followed by a hollow chuckle, short and humorless, like the echo of joy long forgotten. Yoongi didn’t say anything. He just pulled Jimin in tighter, his hand resting protectively against Jimin’s back.
“You don’t have to carry it all by yourself”
He whispered into Jimin’s hair, and Jimin let himself be held. Just for a while. Just until the shaking in his frame softened and the weight of everything felt a little less suffocating, even if it was temporary.
.
.
.
Yoongi and Taehyung had dozed off on the couch, their exhaustion evident in the way their limbs hung loosely, arms wrapped around each other, breathing deep and even. After helping set up the living room and lugging boxes all morning, they deserved the rest. Jimin, meanwhile, sat quietly on the bean bag out on the balcony, cradling a warm mug of coffee between his palms. The cup offered some comfort, but it was more for the ritual than the warmth. The sky above Seoul was a brilliant blue, humming with the usual weekday noise, yet distant enough not to bother him.
Inside, Jihye was in full nesting mode, unpacking and decorating her new room with her usual flair and the small trunk of items she had. Jimin smiled faintly, thinking about her excited commentary about where the fairy lights should go and how she wanted to hang her old posters again. He was glad she was with him. Her presence grounded him, kept him from slipping into the silence of overthinking. And he was overthinking, wasn’t he? He glanced down into his cup. Only a sip left.
He knew Jeongguk would arrive soon with lunch… he had texted a while ago, saying he was leaving the registrar’s office. Less than an hour, he had promised. Jimin had replied with a simple “okay, see you” followed by a thank you he wasn’t sure sounded genuine enough. Still, he waited anyway. His thoughts drifted again, this time to the wedding gifts, each one a thread stitching him back together in places he didn’t know were unraveling.
Taehyung, ever the thoughtful mischief-maker and soulmate, had gifted him a round-trip ticket to Jeju for the weekend, two tickets, though he hadn’t mentioned a name. Typical. Jimin smiled at the memory, chest tightening with the kind of hope he hated admitting he still held onto. If this were a normal wedding, they would be planning a honeymoon by now. Laughing. Packing swimwear. Taking a couple of photos by the sea like husbands do. But this wasn’t that kind of wedding. This wasn’t that kind of love.
Still… six months from now. A chance. A breath of possibility, and silently, he hoped the person next to him would be Jeongguk.
Yoongi’s gift had made him cry more than once. The man had moved into Jimin’s old apartment just to preserve the memories Jimin couldn’t let go of. And not only that, he had composed soft, instrumental pieces for him. Pieces, he said, were meant to help him sleep. Jimin had cried into Yoongi’s hoodie for a full ten minutes when the older struggled to keep up with Jimin’s heavy breathing.
And then there were Taehyung’s parents. Jimin had always felt like family to them, but this time they left him breathless. A tiny property, right next to his new building. Registered under his name. It was small, yes, but it was his. Something stable, something permanent. A home and maybe… someday, a shop or studio. A step toward independence and Jimin didn’t have any words to thank them, so he hugged them tight and cried again.
Jihye’s gift had undone him completely.
Two hand-crocheted cardigans… one a soft beige, the other a deep brown. Same pattern, different sizes. They weren’t just clothes. They were hope and love, stitched and knotted with her delicate hands. A wish for something more, for something Jimin hadn’t even dared to ask for out loud. And just as he exhaled, staring out at the skyline, the doorbell rang. Jimin blinked, almost startled. Then he stood, set his empty mug on the ledge, and padded softly through the apartment toward the door, smiling a little at his sleeping friends who didn’t even hear the doorbell.
Jimin knew who it was on the other side yet his heart raced a little faster. He opened it to find Jeongguk, as expected , hair slightly windblown, dressed in a white button-down and dark navy coat that clung to his frame just right and reached his knees. A bag of takeout hung from one hand, the other stuffed into his pocket. Jimin stepped aside with a small smile tugging at his lips at the sight of his husband . The word still sounded too distant and unreal.
“Hey!”
Jeongguk said quietly, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and Jimin brushed it off as exhausted. They were all busy for the past week. He returned the smile anyway, hesitant and clipped.
“Hi. You made it just in time!”
“I told you I would. Registrar work took longer than expected, but it’s finally done”
Jeongguk replied, stepping inside as Jimin held the door open until the man was out of the way and closed it with a soft thud.
“Thanks for the food, Jeongguk”
Jimin said, trying to keep things light and maybe keep the conversation going.
“You didn’t have to”
“I wanted to. You’ve had a long day”
Jeongguk interrupted softly, setting the bag down on the kitchen counter and pulling out the items one by one. Jimin nodded, watching him and moving forward to help the latter with a little too many boxes of food. Something was different. Jimin could tell by the way his husband moved. Jeongguk looked the same… gentle eyes, the same careful manner, but something was missing. Something Jimin couldn’t name, but could feel deep in his bones.
“Are you okay?”
Jimin asked, before he could stop himself. He paused for a second and wondered whether that was rude. Maybe he should’ve phrased it better, but the words were out, and Jeongguk paused, glancing at him.
“Yeah. Just tired with this packed schedule. It’s alright”
It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the full truth either, very similar to the way he had answered Yoongi earlier. They both were in similar positions, so he understood the storm inside Jeongguk’s head. Jimin hummed, looking down at the floor for a moment before speaking again.
“You’re… different”
Jeongguk tilted his head, voice a little rougher around the edges, a first and Jimin wanted to smack himself. He shouldn’t be caring and questioning. That wasn’t what he was supposed to do.
“Different how?”
Jimin swallowed.
“I don’t know. Just… after the wedding. You’re quieter. I can’t tell if you’re upset or just… distant. Not that, it’s not understandable because things are hectic, but I just wanted to make sure you are okay”
There was a beat of silence, and Jimin’s heart almost stuttered inside his chest. What did he just say? Jeongguk looked away first.
“I guess I’m still figuring out how to be in this... whatever this is. Don’t worry, Jimin”
There came the smile that instantly soothed the raging turmoil inside Jimin’s chest. The gentle kind, the assuring kind, the ‘everything will be alright’ kind and Jimin smiled.
“Me too”
Jimin wanted to reach out, to say more or ask something that would brush off the uneasiness creeping up his lungs. To ask if Jeongguk had received the cardigan Jihye made. If he even wanted it. Did Jihye meet Jeongguk after the wedding? Jimin thought back, and there he got the answer. The cardigan was still tucked inside his sister’s suitcase. But the air between them was too delicate, like a bubble too full to risk one more word. So instead, Jimin gestured toward the couch.
“Yoongi and Taehyung are asleep. Should we eat on the balcony?”
Jeongguk nodded, his eyes flickering to the couple for a moment before grabbing the takeout bags again
“Yeah. Sounds good”
Jeongguk smiled again, soft, fleeting, as they made their way from the kitchen with the warm takeout boxes in their hands. Jimin moved ahead to the balcony, setting one box on the small table and pulling over another bean bag for Jeongguk. He kept his seat, the same black one he’d been curled into earlier, still warm from before. It was late for lunch, almost edging into the calm of afternoon, but neither of them seemed to mind. There was something tender about this moment, not quite close, not quite distant. Just… careful. They unpacked the food without words for a while, opening containers and setting chopsticks beside the rice bowls. Jimin glanced at Jeongguk, noticing the slight slump in his shoulders was beginning to ease. He took a chance.
“Are you going back soon?”
Jimin asked gently. He knew Jeongguk was going back tomorrow, so he added.
“To the sea, I meant”
Jeongguk paused for a second, looking up at him.
“Yeah. Probably in a couple of weeks. The crew’s already prepping. I’ve just got a few things to settle before we leave the dock”
He answered eventually, drawing a long breath, and Jimin nodded, stirring his rice quietly.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Depends”
Jeongguk answered with a shrug paired with a sigh.
“Sometimes it’s two weeks. Sometimes it stretches to five. When we’re deep out there, it’s hard to tell what’s waiting because all we can see is blue. Water and sky… they merge into one. It’s quite beautiful out there, Jimin”
Jimin nodded because he knew what Jeongguk was talking about. He had been on the boat when he was a kid, much smaller compared to the one that probably Jeongguk worked on, but he could picture the beauty. Jimin lifted his chin and looked at Jeongguk. There was a strange glint in his eyes… not just weariness, but something alive too. Like the sea breathed through him, and Jimin smiled at that.
“I won’t have a proper signal most of the time, which kind of sucks”
Jeongguk continued, eyes flickering to the sky and the sides of those doe-eyes crinkling as the sunlight kissed the tan skin so prettily. Jimin had to get a hold of himself.
“Sometimes none at all. The intercoms are limited. I’ll have to try hard if I want to get a message out”
Jimin blinked, attention sharpening.
“That sounds… hard”
“It can be very hard, especially if there’s an emergency”
Jeongguk replied with a small, crooked smile.
“But I love it. The deck, the sound of waves… It’s the only place I feel like myself. No noise, no expectations. Just the ocean and whatever’s ahead”
Jimin didn’t interrupt. He was listening so intently, he thought it almost startled Jeongguk. For a moment, things felt like a scene from someone else’s life… comfortable, domestic even. He would never not agree with Jeongguk’s words. The sea was everything to him, too. The sun slanted across Jeongguk’s cheek from the corner of his eyes, and Jimin noticed how he looked younger in this light, his voice softer when he wasn’t bracing himself.
But then Jeongguk faltered.
It was like someone pulled a switch inside him and took him off guard. His shoulders stiffened, the slump vanishing, his posture straightened, and his expression dimmed just slightly. Jimin watched, eyes flickering down in confusion when Jeongguk leaned back against the railing and went quiet. It was abrupt… like he’d realized something, like he’d caught himself being too at ease. Being too cozy with Jimin around. The wall was back up, and Jimin’s heart sank.
He shrank into himself just a little, the warmth draining from his face. He forced a small smile and nodded like he hadn’t noticed the shift, like it had been so subtle to catch when it was too loud. Of course, he thought bitterly. This was a contract. This wasn’t real. What they had shared was just to erase the awkwardness between them. They had been cordial to each other but he knew it was genuine. Whatever little conversations they had over the months had been real, but still Jeongguk didn’t owe him conversations like this. He didn’t owe him smiles, or softness, or explanations about his job at sea. This wasn’t a love story… they had said vows without meaning behind them.
And Jimin knew better than to hope again. But it was too late… he already had.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The kitchen was quiet, save for the soft clinks of cutlery and the running tap. The evening fell softly, and Jimin stood by the sink, sleeves of his hoodie rolled up, mindlessly rinsing out the vessels that caught dust as if they might help him wash away the gnawing ache in his chest. The sun was softer now, its rays filtering through the half-drawn curtains, casting golden speckles with pink hues across the tiled floor. From where he stood, he could just barely see into his bedroom… and there, curled on the edge of the bed, was Jeongguk.
Asleep. Deeply.
One arm slung loosely over his stomach, his coat long discarded, the other folded beneath his head, Jeongguk lay there like he hadn’t meant to fall asleep at all. Jimin knew he didn’t mean to fall asleep. His brows weren’t furrowed like usual. His lips parted just slightly, the lip rings catching the sunlight and glinting, his breathing steady. Peaceful. Defenseless. And Jimin hated how endearing he looked. Hated how gentle his heart felt in that moment.
Because this wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
Jimin found himself staring longer than he should’ve, dish towel forgotten in his hand. Why couldn’t they have met like other people? Like normal people? In a bookstore, in a library, at a cafe, at a party, even on the street in the middle of a rainy day. Why couldn’t it have started with coffee dates, exchanged numbers, secret smiles, stolen kisses, not a damn contract, and a legal obligation? His throat tightened.
Why couldn’t they have fallen into each other, hearts first?
With a sharp inhale, Jimin shook his head, blinking rapidly and turning his back on the sleeping figure. There was no point in spiraling. There was no point in questioning things that wouldn’t happen anyway. This wasn’t some romantic movie where the ending turned magically perfect and he was swept into a fairytale. No, this was real, and painfully complicated. So, Jimin forced his focus back to the dishes, ignoring the sleeping man on his bed, his husband , continuing to stack things away when he heard footsteps and then the faint shuffling of something being dragged.
Jihye appeared, her hair clipped up in a loose bun, arms full of folded towels.
“You know, Minnie”
She said teasingly, poking at his waist, making Jimin yelp softly.
“You’re very noisy for someone trying to tiptoe around their sleeping husband”
Jimin gave her a dry look. That comment would have made him turn red if the circumstances were different.
“I’m just cleaning, Ji”
“Uh-huh. And just happened to look into your room six times in the last two minutes?”
“Stop, idiot”
She giggled, nudging him with her elbow again. Jimin knew Jihye was trying to fill in the awkwardness, and he wished that disappeared too.
“He’s handsome, though. I see why you’d stare”
Jimin rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of color creeping up his neck at the compliment. Jeongguk was handsome. More than handsome if he were being honest. Doe-eyes, thin rosy lips with metal rings, the tiny mole beneath the lip, the neatly slicked black hair… Everything about Jeongguk was attractive.
“You’re annoying”
“Admit it. You like him!”
Jimin ignored the stutter of his heart.
“I like silence, so leave”
Jimin muttered, but his smile betrayed him. Jihye dropped the towels on the counter and sprinted back into her room, rummaging through the suitcase until she pulled out a small box with a neat satin black bow tied around it. Her fingers ran over the lid before she ran to Jimin again, hopeful.
“Can I give him the cardigan?”
Jimin hesitated, chest tightening at the question. His first instinct was to say no, to protect himself, to keep something so lovingly made away from the delicate, blurry line they walked, burdened by duties. But when he looked at his sister, he saw the hope shimmering in her eyes, the kind of pure affection that had no agenda, no expectations.
“Yeah. You can!”
Jihye beamed.
“Thank you”
Box in hand, Jihye padded toward Jimin’s room, knocking lightly before stepping inside. Jeongguk stirred, blinking slowly awake as she entered. His eyes adjusted, a little bleary at first, but they crinkled at the corners when he saw her. Jeongguk pulled himself up, and then suddenly his shoulders squared as if he had realized where he was.
“Hey!”
He murmured, pushing himself up into a sitting position, more attentive and straight.
“Sorry for waking you!”
Jihye said quickly, holding the box out.
“But I… I made this for you. I made one for Minnie, too. Jimin. I mean, for the wedding. As a present. I know it’s weird, but I wanted to -”
Jihye rambled out and Jeongguk reached out gently, taking the box from her hands like it was something precious. It was precious. He pulled the bow open with careful fingers, lifting the lid to reveal the neatly folded brown crocheted cardigan inside. His smile softened, wide and genuine as he looked up at the young girl.
“You made this?”
She nodded shyly.
“It’s just yarn and time. I hope it’s your style”
“I love it”
Jeongguk said, ruffling her hair affectionately.
“Thank you, Jihye. I’ve never gotten something like this before, and it looks so pretty”
Her cheeks flushed at the praise, and her voice dropped a little, softer this time.
“I know things are a bit… strange. But I really hope you’ll be part of our family, no matter how long this lasts”
Jeongguk looked at her for a moment, something unreadable passing through his eyes. The words “no matter how long this lasts” struck something in him. Why did Jihye say it like that? Does she know? Jeongguk wondered, but he nodded, warm and sincere. He knew what her main concern was, and he wouldn’t blame her for that. Never.
“I’ll take good care of him, I promise”
“Take good care of yourself too. I want you both to be happy”
Outside, in the kitchen, Jimin stood frozen with a hand still on the open cabinet door. He had watched the whole exchange through the narrow crack of the wall, peeping and trying to listen as much as possible, heart catching at the sight of Jeongguk’s tender smile and Jihye’s quiet joy. Something about the moment… so simple and kind made the ache in his chest soften just a little. He smiled faintly, pressing his hand against the counter to steady himself. Maybe this wasn’t how it was supposed to be. But maybe… just maybe, this was still something worth hoping for.
.
.
.
Jeongguk ran his hand slowly over the cardigan, fingertips grazing the soft brown threads like they were spun from something far more delicate than yarn. Jihye had taken time to gift him something he could cherish and he would. The warmth of it hadn’t even touched his skin yet, but it was already pressing into something deep in his chest, a part of him he rarely acknowledged, let alone let someone else reach. His eyes drifted from the handmade gift to the living room, where Taehyung and Yoongi were playing some silly board game with Jihye. Their laughter echoed faintly, soft and homey.
And yet, amidst it all, there was an absence that he felt.
Jimin wasn’t in the room.
He was probably in the kitchen tidying up the chaos that came with guests, changing cities, and moving boxes, and the emotional wreckage of a wedding neither of them had dreamed of as children. Still, Jeongguk had caught the glances… those small, quiet moments where Jimin's eyes lingered on him just a second too long, as if searching for something familiar and unsure if he found it. He had caught him staring, eyes distant even when they were on him, thinking of the future that was no longer in their hands.
Jeongguk let out a breath, his gaze trailing toward the glass door and out onto the balcony, where the night had finally taken over. The sky was velvet black now, scattered with stars that blinked down like secrets. In twenty-four hours, he would be gone. Back on the train. Back to the docks. Back to the sea and the wind and the stillness of waves that didn’t demand answers from him, that didn’t expect anything in return. No eyes watching. No weight of a gold ring sitting on his finger and reminding him that somewhere inland, someone was calling him their husband .
Would Jimin even miss him? Would they talk during the months he was away, or would they just let the silence take root, pretending that this strange, careful tenderness that blossomed between them hadn’t started to take a deeper turn? Questions were endless, plaguing his heart every second, but he didn’t know. And he hated that. Because Jeongguk, for all his stubbornness and mistakes, had begun to want. Not the marriage on paper, not the formalities of couple, but something real. Something gentle and unspoken.
Something that came when Jimin smiled softly at him while handing him a cup of coffee or when his fingers accidentally brushed Jeongguk’s and neither of them pulled away immediately. It happened when they were almost an entire day choosing the cakes and wedding tuxedos. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, into small jokes that made each other laugh, and somehow he had also realized they had different tastes, but from the inside, they traveled in the same direction… their destinations were different.
Jeongguk didn’t know when it started, but he knew he wanted more. More than the safety net of a contract. More than fleeting conversations and closed doors when there was no third eye. He wanted to call Jimin without needing a reason. He desired to hold those hands that fit like pieces of a puzzle in his. To wake up next to him and not feel like it was a mistake. To learn how Jimin took his tea in the mornings, to listen to the voice that still haunted him at night, and what music he hummed when he thought no one was listening and how he created those masterpieces.
And yet, a part of him whispered that wanting might not be enough.
He couldn’t stay. Not yet. Not when his livelihood depended on the tides and the crew and long stretches of salt-soaked solitude. The sea had been his home for so long, the only constant in a world that never stopped changing. But now there was Jimin, and Jeongguk was starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, he was allowed to want a second home. Maybe he could say he also had something to look forward to while he stayed on the sea. He looked back at the cardigan again, held it to his chest, and closed his eyes for a beat too long.
“Please don’t forget me”
He whispered into the silence.
“Please let there be something to come back to”
Jeongguk had never thought he would be saying those words. Pathetic, but was it actually wrong to crave something, though it started as a contract? Jimin was a sweetheart and he knew it by now. And for the first time in a long time, Jeongguk felt afraid. Not of storms or shipwrecks, but of coming back six months later to find everything had moved on without him… and that Jimin had, too. An empty chuckle left his lips at the thought that stung like venom, but if anything… he just hoped this wedding wouldn’t lose its meaning, their sacrifice wouldn’t go to waste. He wanted Jihye to get better treatment; at least the purpose would be fulfilled, doesn’t matter if he and Jimin ended up in ruins.
Jeongguk reached for his coat and walked into the living room, the air shifting instantly when Taehyung caught him walking out, a small smile stretching his lips as he bowed slightly. Jeongguk greeted back and made his way to the front door, eyes carefully scanning the house for a glimpse of Jimin, for an alone second, for a moment with his husband. The word somehow felt good slipping past his lips, and maybe one day he could say that out loud with a grin that ached his jaw. Jeongguk wanted it to ache beautifully. And then, Jimin emerged, dressed in a white long-sleeved tee with grey sweatpants hanging low on the hips, his long black hair still a little wet from the shower.
Jeongguk waited, his chest tightening at the sight of Jimin looking gorgeous. He always looked beautiful, no matter the time, but the moment Jimin turned to face him, towel still in his hands, Jeongguk dropped his gaze, heart thundering inside his chest as if he was caught in the act. Legally, it wasn’t wrong because they were husbands, but emotionally, they were way too far away for him to sneak glances. Jimin’s expression didn’t change, instead his face softened as he approached Jeongguk.
"Leaving already?"
The question came softly, barely above a whisper, but it clung to the space between them like stubborn mist. Jeongguk paused near the doorway, his coat slung over one shoulder, fingers curling around the keys just a little tighter. He could leave. He should leave. The clock was ticking, and there were things to pack, people to meet, and oceans to travel. But when Jimin looked at him like that, hope tucked carefully behind those lashes, voice caught somewhere between hesitation and want… Jeongguk’s resolve wavered.
And god, what a dangerous thing that was.
He tried for a casual smile, something that didn’t betray the ache blooming inside his chest. I’d stay if you asked. I’d stay if you just said you needed me.
“It’s late already, and I need to pack”
Jeongguk said, tone light, forced. Then added quickly in a breath even before Jimin could get the wrong idea.
“Do you need some help? Is there anything I can do?”
Jeongguk hated how hopeful he sounded. How stupidly eager he felt. This wasn’t him, he wasn’t supposed to be the kind of man who lingered even if it’s in the shadows, who wished to be needed, who read too deeply into fleeting moments. And yet… here he was, standing like an idiot, praying that Jimin would give him an excuse. Any excuse. Jimin didn’t answer right away. His teeth tugged gently at his bottom lip as he glanced around the apartment, scanning as if willing something, anything, any work to appear. A broken bulb. A half-packed box. A chore left undone. But there was nothing. Just silence, and that made Jeongguk’s heart race.
And then…
“Stay for dinner?”
The words hit Jeongguk like a warm wave, slow and engulfing. His breath caught for a moment before he quickly covered it with a nod, too fast, too eager, but it didn’t matter because it had come from Jimin. Desperate, his mind supplied and maybe he was, but wasn’t that good?
“Yeah”
Jeongguk said, setting his coat down by the door.
“Yeah, I can stay!”
Dinner wasn’t anything elaborate or grand, given the minimal amount of groceries Jimin had in the fridge. Just rice, a quick kimchi stew, and some leftover side dishes, Taehyung’s mom had packed in far too generous portions. But the kitchen felt warmer than usual, humming with soft and unspoken feelings lingering a little too close. Jeongguk was cutting scallions while Jimin stirred the stew. Every now and then, their shoulders and hands would brush. Light. Accidental. Charged. Again, it felt cheesy, but they enjoyed it.
“I didn’t know you knew how to chop scallions that well. Perfect!”
Jimin teased, glancing at the even slices on the cutting board. Jeongguk huffed, feigning offense. The same ease they had felt during the wedding shopping was back, pulling them into a light-hearted conversation in seconds, and that was much better than moving in a space full of tension.
“I work on a ship, not under a rock. I can cook!”
Jimin smiled when Jeongguk’s face broke into a grin at his unusual voice, slightly silly but lightened the mood.
“Should’ve asked you to help sooner”
“Would’ve gladly shown off!”
Jeongguk murmured, before catching himself. He cleared his throat, throwing the chopped greens into a small bowl. He really should control himself. All the thoughts that poke his heart were now locked. No one mattered and definitely his father didn’t have space to crowd him when he was with Jimin and that made him sigh… with relief and fear.
“What about you? Always this good in the kitchen?”
“I’m decent”
Jimin replied, laughing softly as he put the scallions into the pan, stirring the stew again.
“Mostly learned out of necessity. Jihye and I used to burn instant ramen, though”
“That’s a crime, Jimin!”
Jeongguk said, mock-serious.
“Burnt ramen? That too instant one?”
“Hey, we were ten. Cut us some slack”
Jimin grinned, pointing the ladle at Jeongguk playfully. Jeongguk chuckled, swatting away the ladle. Their eyes met for a second too long. Neither of them said anything nor tore the gaze away. The silence stretched, not uncomfortable, but fragile, like the calm before something inevitable. Jeongguk looked away first, reaching for the soy sauce.
“Do you prefer spicy or mild?”
“Spicy. Always spicy”
Jimin said without hesitation, and Jeongguk smiled.
“Knew we could click... something at least”
The words slipped out too easily, and he immediately regretted it, not because it wasn’t true, but because he didn’t know what it meant to say things like that in a marriage built on paperwork and fine print. Jimin stilled as if the words had caught him off guard. But Jimin didn’t call him out on it. He just stirred the stew again with a flush painting the cheeks and said quietly.
“You remember my spice tolerance. That’s impressive”
“I remember everything you told me”
Jeongguk said before he could stop himself. Again, silence. They moved around the kitchen gently, like planets in orbit… always circling, always just missing. The food came together quickly, but neither of them seemed eager to end their little moment in the kitchen. It was easier like this, with hands busy and hearts hidden. They ate together on the floor of the living room, with the other three, bowls in their laps, soft music playing in the background. It was domestic in the strangest way, even with people around them, comfortable yet unfamiliar, like trying on someone else’s sweater and realizing it still smelled like them.
The clink of empty bowls being stacked broke the comfortable silence that lingered after dinner. Jeongguk leaned back slightly, arms propped behind him as he glanced toward Jimin, who was gathering the last pair of chopsticks. The others had left… Taehyung and Yoongi after promising to finish the setup in the morning, and Jihye with a sweet smile and a quiet goodnight. Now, it was just the two of them again. Jeongguk hesitated for a second, his thumb brushing over a scratch on the floor.
"So… what are your plans?"
Jimin looked up, eyes narrowing for a heartbeat before softening.
“You mean while you’re away?”
Jeongguk nodded. That did sound painful. Which husband leaves for six months right after the wedding?
“Yeah. Six months is a long time. I mean, maybe not forever… but long enough for things to shift. I am just curious”
Jeongguk wasn’t asking directly, but the question hung there in the air, loaded and fragile… Will you think of me? Will this still mean something when I’m gone? Jimin exhaled slowly, lips twitching with a small, tired smile.
“Hoseok Hyung offered me a permanent weekend slot at the Seoul Swan Room branch”
Jeongguk’s brows rose. His hyung was insane but that was something Jimin deserved,; he really did.
“That’s huge, and I am happy for you, Jimin”
“Thank you”
Jimin smiled.
“It’s nice to feel wanted, I guess. There’s also this other club that reached out… said they’re expanding their branches across Seoul, and they liked my setlist”
“That’s fantastic”
Jeongguk murmured, and he meant it. He could almost see Jimin on a softly lit stage, bathed in a warm spotlight, singing in that voice that held entire oceans just like the day he sang at the party. Hauntingly beautiful.
“I should probably start writing again”
Jimin added, chewing at the corner of his lip with a chuckle.
“It’s been too long since I touched my drafts”
“Songs?”
Jimin hummed.
“Lyrics. Just… stuff. I stopped when life got too loud”
Jeongguk nodded, gently. He knew what Jimin meant. Loud. That was exceptionally the ight word to describe the chaos they were in.
“Maybe now’s a good time to make it quiet again”
The moment was still a little soft and thoughtful.
“And the store?”
Jeongguk asked after a beat, voice tentative, an attempt to not let the conversation end.
“Taehyung’s parents gave it to you both. Do you have something in mind?”
“It’s a small space close by, a bit rundown, but it has good light. We’ve been thinking. Maybe a small café? A used bookstore?”
Jimin put out the thoughts, and his voice dwindled as if he was leaving space for suggestion and Jeongguk tilted his head.
“What if… we let Jihye have a go at it? She’s been crocheting nonstop and she is extremely good at it. Maybe she could sell her pieces. A tiny shop. He can open it after her classes and look after it in the morning. Something that’s hers and yours equally. A distraction, maybe… or just something to smile about”
Jimin stilled, eyes locked on Jeongguk for a long breath.
“You think so?”
Jeongguk’s voice was soft.
“She deserves something gentle. You deserve something away from the frenzy of life, Jimin. You deserve to feel at peace”
And that’s when it happened… Jimin’s heart melted. Just quietly, like sugar dissolving in bubbling tea. No big gesture, no grand confession. Just this man, sitting cross-legged in a house that didn’t belong to him, talking about his sister as if she was his own family. She is family but… Talking about dreams like they could be real. Like he wanted to be a part of them. They spoke for almost an hour after that. Ideas tossed around like pebbles into a lake… soft, playful ripples of possibility. Jeongguk’s voice lost its edge, became warm and fluid. Jimin laughed more than once, a real, unguarded sound that made Jeongguk ache inside. But time crept on, as it always did. Eventually, Jeongguk reached for his phone, his thumb hesitating over the dark screen.
“I should probably head back. I need to make sure I don’t forget anything”
Jimin stood with him, slowly. There was a moment of silence again… too many words waiting to be said but none brave enough to leap first.
“Jeongguk…”
Jimin began, fingers curling at his side as they stood up and Jeongguk deposited their cups in the bin.
“Can I… can I send you off tomorrow? At the station, I mean?”
Jeongguk didn’t even pretend to hesitate because the flush rushed to his face instantly.
“Yeah. I’d like that!”
Something in his voice cracked at the end, not enough to shatter, but enough to leave a mark. He left not long after, the apartment door clicking shut behind him. But for the first time since the countdown to departure had begun, Jeongguk felt something loosen inside him… a quiet shift in the tide. The way Jimin asked in the softest tone, eyes glistening under the moon light, had undone him. His heart still ached, still longed for something he didn’t quite know how to ask for. But at least now, there was an anchor.
A promise. A possibility.
At the station tomorrow night, Jimin will be there.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The night came sooner than expected, and Jimin was in the cab, dressed warmly from head to toe as he made his way to the station. He instinctively touched the ring on his finger, rubbing it to feel some kind of balance. This entire ordeal felt weird, not in a bad way, but something about the situation made his heart ache. He wouldn’t be seeing Jeongguk for six entire months. He could visit… yeah, that was indeed an option, and maybe he would actually visit, but for now, it pressed heavily on his chest. The train would leave at nine, and it was now half past seven. Jimin sighed… he was just paranoid. He pulled out the phone, chewing on his lips, but opened the contact.
I am on my way to the station
It might take around thirty minutes
Jimin waited with bated breath. He was playing spouse at the station, sending the husband off to the war. A chuckle left Jimin’s lips at the absurdity of it all. No matter how many times he brushed the thought off, he could only desire a time where they were husband in different circumstances. His phone buzzed after a minute, a little too quickly.
Jeonggukwhen
Already?
Damn, I need to hurry up then!
Jimin chuckled then, this time genuinely. Jeongguk was still in his house, which was a little closer to the station,, so it wouldn’t take long, but somehow, Jimin wanted to reach before him. Silly, maybe but he decided on it anyway.
And you are the one leaving?!
Jeongguk
Hey and exactly…
I need to make sure I have everything
I always tend to forget a thing or two
So triple checking, I guess!!!
You could have used a helping hand
I have a good memory!
Jimin hit send even before he thought twice about the texts. Did he actually say he would be happy to help Jeongguk pack? Well… that really wasn’t that deep, was it? But the way the “seen” stared back at him without reply, even after two minutes, Jimin mentally smacked himself. That was indeed domestic. So, he started typing again, damage control but his phone pinged again.
Jeongguk
I highly appreciate the offer, Jimin-ssi
You are so kind
Next time, for sure!
After six months that is…
That last text and the three dots made Jimin’s heart clench. He doesn’t need to be reminded of the cruel fact again and again. Cruel? He just wished they had enough time to mend the broken pieces and fix the gap that had lingered for too long.
That’s a long time but I hope…
You do remember!
Jimin waited with bated breath because “You do remember” hinted at so many things and he just wished Jeongguk took the meaning he intended to convey the most. He wished Jeongguk remembered him, he wished Jeongguk would come back, he wished they would meet again… maybe a bit differently, maybe with light heads and hearts with something to share, with something to give. It took almost five minutes for Jeongguk to respond but when he did, Jimin felt his heart stutter out loud.
Jeongguk
I will remember
I promise
I will always remember
Jimin stared at the message, the soft glow of the screen casting pale light onto his features. The words sat there, so simple… yet they made something deep inside him stir and tremble. A breath hitched in his chest before he could even think. His thumb hovered above the screen, his heart aching in an excruciatingly tender way it always did when Jeongguk offered pieces of himself like this… unguarded, stripped of formality, so gently real.
Jimin hadn’t realized how tight his shoulders had been until they relaxed as soon as those words appeared on his screen. The tension slipped away slowly, like waves ebbing after a storm, and a smile… small, uncertain at first bloomed on his face. He blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the sting in his eyes, overwhelmed by the weight and softness of that promise. It wasn’t just about memory. Not really. It was about them , about this fragile thread that had begun to stitch itself between them from the moment they met each other.
Jimin curled up on himself a little on the seat, his heart still drumming in his chest like a quiet knock on a locked door, “ open up, open up, it’s safe now”. His fingers finally moved.
I’ll be at the station
I’ll be waiting
The message was short, but Jimin poured all the warmth he could into it, all the hope he didn’t know he still carried. A smile tugged wider at his lips as he set his phone aside, letting his head fall gently against the seat. The noise around him was loud, but his chest… his chest felt full in a way that scared him and comforted him all at once.
Jeongguk
See you soon!
Maybe it was foolish. Maybe it wouldn’t lead to anything at all. Maybe they were still just two people bound by a contract and good intentions. But… maybe, just maybe, there was hope. A sliver of it, fragile and flickering, but real. And Jimin would hold onto it, as gently as he could.
.
.
.
The train station stretched out before him, bustling and echoing with lights, crowded with faces that all blurred into one. Jimin stepped out into the sharp Seoul air, the cold biting at his cheeks, making them flush pink as he wrapped his coat a little tighter around himself. He had gotten used to Busan’s sea breeze, the soft lull of waves in the background. But this place… Seoul… it had started to settle in his bones in ways he couldn’t explain yet. Maybe it was the late nights, maybe it was the way the city never really slept, or maybe it was because he was here to send his husband off. Or would be again.
He didn’t know anymore. He was too scared to hope. One more breath, drawn sharp into his lungs, and Jimin finally walked in, weaving through strangers who had destinations and stories that didn’t collide with his. He clutched his phone tightly, eyes scanning the ticket Jeongguk had texted him… the platform number circled twice in a neon blue ink. As if Jeongguk hadn’t wanted him to miss it. As if it mattered that he came. That made Jimin’s heart twist painfully.
He had stood near the platform entrance for a while before he wandered toward the vending machine. His eyes lingered on the rows of drinks, chocolates, and snacks, but it was the simple chocolate bar wrapped in a burgundy wrapper that drew his gaze. He stared at it for a full five minutes before pressing the button. It was a silly, childish thing… but something about it felt grounding. A small gift. A parting token. A trace of himself Jeongguk could carry with him, at least till Chinhae, even if just in a wrapper. Something small. Something stupid. Something deeply, painfully him .
Now, as Jimin stood near the railing overlooking the platform, the chocolate bar was warm from the press of his palms. He hadn’t moved, barely blinked. His heart beat too loudly in his ears. The clock ticked mercilessly forward as he waited for Jeongguk to arrive. There was a strange stillness inside him, a war between ache and affection. He had told himself he wouldn’t expect anything from the wedding. He had signed the contract, hadn’t he? He knew what this marriage was, what it wasn’t .
And yet, here he was, waiting for a man who made the world blur at the edges, who made him want more even when there wasn’t supposed to be anything. Jimin hated this part of himself, the softness, the yearning. Those feelings were foreign, something he had buried deep inside him. The way his chest felt tight with things he hadn’t said and didn’t know how to. But at the same time, he couldn’t stop. He didn’t want to stop whatever the feeling was that had taken root in his heart.
The time passed and then a hand on his shoulder made Jimin flinch subtly, his head tilting to find Jeongguk behind him, the same gentle smile plastered on his life. Jimin sprang to his feet, hands stuffed deep into his pockets as he stared at his husband who looked exceptionally good, way more handsome dressed in a total black ensemble, looking wider and buff. Jimin really shouldn’t let his mind wander.
“Hi!”
Jeongguk broke the silence, and Jimin took a deep breath before looking back up again.
“Hi”
“Did I make you wait for long?”
“No. It’s just been ten minutes”
Jimin didn’t let the smile fade away. He wanted to hide the ache poking his heart like pine needles.
“Jin Hyung offered to drop me off, so it took a little while. Had dinner?”
Jimin gave a quiet nod, his eyes soft as he reached out, fingers brushing gently against Jeongguk’s hand as he took the duffel bag from his grasp. It was a simple gesture, wordless and small, but it carried the weight of everything unspoken between them. Jeongguk hesitated, just for a second, but then, slowly, he released it, the strap sliding from his fingers into Jimin’s waiting hands. They walked together in silence, their steps falling into rhythm without effort, until they reached a bench tucked slightly away from the noise of the station. The crowd hummed in the background like a distant ache, but in this quiet little pocket of space, it felt like time had slowed.
“Yeah and you? It’s quite chilly today”
“Jin Hyung cooked the meal. You should definitely try his food, Jimin. The taste is flawless. I will ask him to make something for us when I am back”
Us
Jimin blinked, caught off guard.
His breath hitched.
“We have quite a list for when you are back”
Jimin chuckled, easing into his husband’s presence little by little as they relaxed on the bench. He stared behind Jeongguk but there was no one, not even one of Jeongguk’s friends.
“We do, and that’s something worth looking forward too”
The words settled softly between them, but their weight was enough to leave Jimin momentarily breathless. His heart stuttered. Was he misinterpreting this? Was he letting his hopes stretch too far, too fast? He didn’t know whether it was his own longing speaking or if Jeongguk truly meant what his voice so delicately implied. Maybe it was foolish to read between the lines, but Jimin couldn’t stop himself from falling into them. He turned, gaze drifting toward Jeongguk, and what he saw made his breath catch all over again.
Jeongguk was already looking at him.
His eyes, warm and devastatingly soft, held something Jimin couldn’t name. Something that made him feel seen, like Jeongguk wasn’t just responding to his words, but to something deeper, something Jimin hadn’t even said out loud. And for a moment, in the stillness between heartbeats, Jimin felt like he could unravel entirely under that gaze. Like all the parts of him he tried so hard to keep hidden, were already known, already held in the space of Jeongguk’s silence.
Was it possible to fall into someone without even touching them? Was it possible that, beneath all this, beneath the contract, the pretense, the boundaries, they were already starting to? Jimin looked away before he could sink further, afraid of how much he wanted to believe.
“There’s no one. I told them I would leave alone”
Jeongguk smiled a little, reading his mind, making Jimin flustered at the observation. He wasn’t used to this kind of proximity, this kind of soft reciprocation of whatever he was feeling.
“Oh… I thought someone would accompany you”
“You did accompany me, Jimin”
That was all Jeongguk said, but it landed like a whispered confession, soft and earth-shattering in equal measure. And just like that, Jimin felt his heart squeeze, an ache blooming deep in his chest. His breath caught, eyes stinging with a sudden rush of emotion. Why was Jeongguk doing this? Why was he speaking so gently, with such quiet warmth, like Jimin mattered , like he was someone to miss, someone to remember?
None of this was part of the deal. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way. Jeongguk wasn’t supposed to be so kind, so tender, so… present . He was leaving, and yet he spoke like he was staying. And Jimin didn’t know what to do with that. Didn’t know where to put the trembling hope now rising in his throat, how to silence the part of him that wanted to believe in something more. He couldn’t find the words. Because everything he wanted to say felt too fragile to voice. Too sacred to risk.
“Yeah. Right. Text me once you are at the base”
That came out more like something between a question and a plea. A quiet reminder that they were still husbands.
“Definitely. Will text you whenever I get time”
Each word that slipped from Jeongguk’s mouth felt like it carried more weight than it should, each syllable threaded with affection that made Jimin ache in the most delicate, devastating way. It wasn’t just a promise to keep in touch; it was something softer, something almost sacred. Like Jeongguk was handing him tiny pieces of hope without even realizing it. Jimin didn’t know why it hurt so much. Maybe because the words were so simple, and yet they cracked something wide open inside him. Maybe because everything between them always felt like it existed in the in-between, in pauses and glances and almosts.
They weren’t speaking in riddles, and yet… weren’t they? There was something just below the surface of every line, every word, an unspoken truth neither of them dared name. He wished he could freeze this moment, stretch it into forever, wrap himself in the warmth of it before time pulled them apart again. But moments never stay, and all Jimin could do was hold it close, silently, and pretend it didn’t make him want everything he wasn’t supposed to want.
“Okay. Be… Be cautious. The sea… it’s a little dangerous at times”
“Are you worried?”
There was something in the way Jeongguk asked him that made Jimin frown, not seriously, but he squared his shoulders. He watched how his husband’s eyes sparkled with affection and mischief.
“Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
That hit a little close to home. He shouldn't be worried, right? He could feel his body tremble at the emotions swirling inside him. Even before Jeongguk could answer, the noise of the approaching train hit them like a wave, pulling them out of the trance.
“I guess, it’s time”
Jeongguk whispered under his breath as he stood, prompting Jimin to unconsciously take a small step closer. The train groaned to a halt in front of them, the sign flashing a five-minute wait. Too little. Far too little for Jimin to steady his heart, to gather the words tangled in his chest. His eyes found Jeongguk’s hand, fingers clenched tightly around the suitcase handle, the knuckles white with restraint. And then, the other hand lifted, reaching out. Jimin’s breath hitched.
“Jimin…”
The world blurred around them, station noise, hurried footsteps, the cold… all of it fell away. Jimin couldn’t breathe, couldn’t speak, couldn’t do anything except stare back at Jeongguk like the answer to everything was hidden in his eyes.
“Jimin-ah…”
It was all it took. That soft, aching call of his name, just enough affection, just enough longing shattered every barrier. Jimin surged forward, arms circling Jeongguk’s neck, cheek pressed against his shoulder, his toes lifting off the ground in a quiet, desperate need to hold on. It was reckless. It was unplanned. It was everything Jimin had been fighting not to do. But Jeongguk had said his name like it mattered, like he mattered. And Jimin couldn’t stop himself.
When Jeongguk’s arms came around his waist, pulling him in without hesitation, Jimin’s walls crumbled completely. A soft tremble ran through him, his eyes stinging as tears clung stubbornly to his lashes. He didn’t know why he was crying, maybe it was the timing, maybe it was the way Jeongguk held him like something precious. Maybe it was because he’d spent too long pretending not to care. He buried his face into the warmth of Jeongguk’s neck, fingertips grazing the fine hair at his nape. Time was slipping again, but Jimin couldn’t let go.
“Jimin-ah… I…”
But Jimin didn’t want to hear it. Not now. Not when every second felt like a thread slipping through his fingers. He wasn’t ready for this ending, if that’s what this even was. For the first time in what felt like forever, someone had come this close, nestled so deeply into the quiet, aching corners of his heart. Jeongguk had slipped past his defenses like sunlight through a crack, and now he was everywhere. There was no shutting him out. And God, Jimin didn’t want to. The first tear slid down his cheek, and he clenched his jaw, trying to swallow the sob building in his chest.
“I… will miss you”
The words shattered something inside him. The tears kept falling, hot and silent, streaking his cheeks with everything he couldn’t say out loud. He hated this. Hated how his heart broke even though they were technically still bound by paper and signatures. That wasn’t enough anymore. It hadn’t been enough for a long time. After what felt like an eternity trapped in that fragile embrace, Jimin finally leaned back, his palms still resting on Jeongguk’s shoulders. His husband’s arms didn’t drop from his waist. His face was drawn, eyes filled with so much unspoken pain, and still, he looked heartbreakingly beautiful. The train horn blared again, cruel and sharp in the stillness around them. Time slipping away.
“Will miss you too. Just… Just keep in touch, please. I… I don’t know… Just…”
The ache in his chest burned, deep and endless. There were no more tears, but the grief lingered, quiet and consuming. Jeongguk’s hold tightened for a fleeting second, grounding, desperate.
“I promise. Now… I have something to come back to. I have you to come back to. Take care”
Jimin trembled as Jeongguk smiled, his hands giving Jimin’s waist a final, tender squeeze before reaching for the duffel bag beside him. It hurt. God, it hurt more than he’d expected. I have you to come back to. That one sentence clung to Jimin like a lifeline, holding him together as Jeongguk slowly stepped back, turning toward the waiting train. Jimin watched him board, the ache in his chest blooming wider, sharper… until his fingers brushed against something in his pocket. His eyes widened.
The chocolate.
Without thinking, he ran to the person, heart pounding, feet stumbling against the pavement as the train hissed and rumbled to life. The sound of metal grinding against the tracks roared in his ears, a cruel reminder that time was slipping away. Jeongguk turned at the commotion, his expression flashing with confusion and sudden panic. And then he saw Jimin… breathless, arm outstretched, holding the small bar of chocolate like it was something precious.
“For good luck… come back soon. I’ll be waiting”
Jeongguk’s face softened immediately, his smile blooming wide, warm, and crinkling the corners of his eyes. It was the kind of smile that eased the weight off Jimin’s chest, the kind that said, I see you. I feel it too. It was worth it, this moment, this little gesture. It was worth everything.
“Thank you. Will you text me once you get home?”
Jimin nodded quickly, tears blurring his eyes as he took one final look at the man who had become so much more than just his husband on paper. And as the train pulled away, carrying Jeongguk farther and farther into the distance, the fear that had clung to Jimin’s heart dissolved slowly… giving way to something gentler. Something real.
Hope.
Jeongguk would return. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not soon, but he will. And this time, Jimin would be waiting… not with dread, but with a heart full of something to hold on to.
Six months. A long time.
But not unbearable.
Not when you finally have someone to come back to.
Not when you finally believe they will.
Notes:
They finally hugged😭 Is the slow burn, slow burning🫠
I might end this fic at nine chapters, but I want to know whether you guys would like having an epilogue included in the last chapter or make that a separate chapter? Do let me know💋
Chapter 8: Sailor's Stardust
Notes:
Tada!!! Double Update💃
And this might go till ten chapters🫠
This chapter is full of soft, tender moments as they gently become a part of each other’s lives in the most heartfelt way. Not physically, at least not yet 🫣 but they’re slowly discovering just how much they truly mean to one another. As promised, there’s no angst here, so let’s ride this wave of emotion with happy tears for our couple🥹🤎
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Days left: 180
Four days
Four whole days. That’s how long it has been since Jeongguk left for Chinhae. Jimin realized he had never heard the name before but marriage did make him learn new things. When he arrived home from the station, Jimin cocooned himself with the comforters, making himself as small as possible so he could sob in peace, letting his heart break into pieces as emotions crushed from the inside. He had never been used to feeling something on such an intense level. There were many spoken words but he held back because he believed Jeongguk knew what was running inside his head.
They were pushed into this whirlwind by life but maybe they could step out hand in hand. A far-fetched dream. That was what it was but now, hope didn’t make him tremble in fear, it didn’t make him shield his heart that was openly longing for love. It made him smile, it made him trust that maybe this wedding wouldn’t just sit in a wooden chest, locked away by their touch and the public eyes. Yes, it had just been a week but so much had happened just like Yoongi had said.
Today was the first day at ‘Swan Room’... Seoul’s branch and as expected it turned out to be bigger and more luxurious. Though the theme remained identical with velvet walls and cushions, it looked extravagant, drenched in money from top to bottom. Jimin sighed when he stepped inside, fingers clutching the sling bag a little tighter but the nervousness didn’t last long when a familiar face appeared, beaming and radiant. Jimin’s lips curled upward instantly at the sight of Hoseok approaching him, dressed in black suit, looking elegant as ever.
“Hyung!”
Jimin bowed a little before he was pulled into a bone-crushing hug by the latter, catching the attention of the people… more like celebrities who were lounging inside.
“Jimin-ah! It’s been a while. I hope you are all settled!”
Jimin nodded as Hoseok dismissed the guards, guiding him to one of the rooms, right beside the area where the stage began. The corridor was dimly lit with amber hues splayed along the burgundy velvet walls, their shoes echoing a thud as they walked toward the farthest room.
“We are. Thank you, Hyung. For everything. I didn’t know you would be here today”
Hoseok pushed the door open after unlocking it with a card and Jimin’s jaw almost dropped at the sight. Inside the room was peach themed, soft and classy. There was a mirror adorned with little bulbs, a dressing with a vintage wooden partition, a mini walk-in closet full of outfits and foot wear, and a floor-length chest with accessories. It definitely looked like a dream. It was a dream.
“I wanted to surprise you and maybe just be with you as it’s your first day. I thought it might be nice having someone familiar at a new place”
Jimin almost melted at the words. Hoseok has always been extremely thoughtful and he knew what to say to make everything fall into place.
“I am grateful and I appreciate you being here so much, Hyung. Thank you”
Jimin smiled warmly, thinking of ways he could return the gratitude but his train of thoughts stopped when Hoseok ruffled the hair, making him take a seat on the fluffy peach stool.
“Jimin-ah… you married Jeongguk and that means you are my brother and I would do anything to see you smile. Not just because you are related to him but you are you. Talented, Soft, Kind, and extremely gorgeous so, never thank me for doing the bare minimum and never hesitate to voice out what you feel and need. I am here, for shits, giggles, and for cries too. I just hope we don’t share the last one”
Jimin’s eyes stung that exact moment. Did he actually bag more friends? Making friends and acquaintances wasn’t hard but as time flew by, he shrunk into himself, enjoying his company alone, keeping the circle small and close.
“That’s really so generous of you, Hyung”
Hoseok gave him a warm hug and a few words of encouragement before leading Jimin through a brief tour of the peach room. The warm lighting already made Jimin feel like he had stepped into another life entirely, one that shimmered and swayed to the rhythm of music and stolen glances. Hoseok then introduced him to one of the security guards stationed nearby, assuring Jimin that he could reach out for anything he needed. After a few more friendly exchanges, Hoseok excused himself with a knowing smile, leaving Jimin to get ready.
Jimin moved around the private dressing room slowly, like a kitten exploring a new home. The energy in the club was electric, and though the space felt unfamiliar, the anticipation of performing again sparked a thrill down his spine. He walked into the closet and let his fingertips trail across rows of carefully curated outfits… satin, velvet, lace, and leather. It was a dream. His gaze settled on a pair of black leather pants and a fitted black woolen sweater with full sleeves, and he pulled them on without hesitation. The ensemble clung to him like it had been made for him. A rhinestone belt, delicate but flashy added just the right touch, draping low on his hips. He left his hair tousled in soft waves and dusted his eyes with smoky shadow that made the brown in them gleam under the mirror lights.
He looked at himself one last time before stepping out into the hallway. If there was one thing he had never doubted, it was this: he knew how to own a room and knew he was gorgeous. When the clock struck nine, Jimin walked onto the stage. It wasn’t massive, just a small platform with warm lighting and an intimate crowd, but it made him feel alive. The music began, slow and sultry at first, and as his voice floated out, a hush fell over the room. The conversation dipped, and all eyes turned to him. His voice curled around the lyrics like smoke, and as the final note lingered in the air after 45 minutes, the room burst into appreciative cheers.
Gasps, claps, a few awed whistles, and someone from the back shouted, “Angel!” He laughed lightly as he bowed his head in thanks, cheeks tinged pink but his heart alight with giddiness. The energy of it wrapped around him like a warm hug. He felt proud… proud that he could still do this, still hold a room in the palm of his hand. Jimin slipped off the stage, bowing slightly to a few people who offered him compliments on the way. He headed back to the vanity room, fingers brushing his flushed cheeks. He had just begun tugging off his sweater when his phone vibrated.
Jeongguk
Hi!
Heard you were singing tonight from Hobi Hyung
Hope you steal the show!
Jimin blinked at the message, his almond eyes turning a little wide, the corners of his mouth already lifting into a grin. He hadn’t told Jeongguk… maybe he should’ve. He might start today. Jimin didn’t know why the message made his heart race the way it did because it was a very simple encouraging statement but he could hear the way Jeongguk would whisper the same words in the gentlest tone possible.
Just done with the show!
And, people cheered so I think I did steal it to some extent
Thank you…
Jeongguk
Damn… I’m late!
They should totally cheer you on
They don’t have another option
Jimin stared at the screen for a moment longer than he needed to, his fingertips hovering over the keyboard, as he typed and deleted the reply, heart stammering like it didn’t quite know how to settle. His thumb brushed the edge of the phone, a small breath leaving his lips as he leaned back into the peach fur of the vanity chair. His cheeks were still warm from the compliments he’d received after the performance and sheen sweat on the skin, but this… this was different.
You’re not late…
You messaged at the perfect time
I’m still riding the high, so it’s basically part of the afterglow
That was a bold statement and Jimin hesitated for a few minutes before sending the message, but the smile tugging at his lips was impossible to resist. It still made him wonder how they fit in, how they just flow with each other without any barriers and how easy it was to talk to Jeongguk. He hadn't expected his husband to text, but now that he had, Jimin wasn’t sure how to put the phone down.
Jeongguk
But I don’t think it’s the stage or the lights or even the music
You always leave a little warmth behind, Jimin-ah
Jimin inhaled sharply, a quiet laugh slipping out. There it was. That soft yet simple endearment that threatened to unravel him from the seams. He hated how he could hear Jeongguk’s voice melt inside ears. He turned his head slightly to hide the way his face flushed even though no one else was in the room. The words were soft, offered so casually, but they curled around his ribs like the warmest scarf. He typed slowly, biting down on a smile.
You are dangerously good with words, Jeongguk-ssi
Even when you aren’t trying…
Jeongguk
I’m not trying
Just saying what I think
What the truth is
Jimin rested the phone on his chest for a moment after reading the texts more than thrice, staring up at the ceiling. He could still feel the lingering warmth of the spotlight, the gaze of people, the low hum of music that had followed him off the stage, and now, layered over it all, was Jeongguk’s voice… not really there, but imagined in that familiar soft cadence. He could still feel the touch on his waist from four days ago. He let the silence stretch for a moment before replying.
Well, thank you for saying that
I feel seen and maybe
like I belong on a stage again
I haven’t felt that in a while
Jimin sent them without thinking and that was the truth. He hadn’t felt like himself from the moment he stepped into the marriage and its preparations. He hadn’t felt like himself from the moment Hoseok proposed the arrangement. He questioned every single thing, doubted his every decision, and pondered over things that should’ve been simple but now here he was… talking to his husband, miles away with a smile on his face and lightness on his chest. Maybe, he was still living a dream and if he was… he didn’t want to wake up.
Jeongguk
You do belong there, Jimin
You light up when you sing
Even when I watched you at the party for the first time
I could tell you were at home in that moment
Jimin’s heart squeezed, and he found himself rereading the message, once, twice, just to feel the words again. Jeongguk has a way with words and he craved to hear them, maybe a little close but for now, this would suffice. His fingers tightened slightly around the phone, and he let his knees curl up beneath him in the chair, making himself a little smaller, letting the warmth of the words cradle him for a moment longer.
It’s weird, isn’t it?
The world feels big sometimes
But then I step onto that little stage,
and suddenly I can breathe again
Tonight felt like that
And your message… helped
Thank you
Jeongguk
I’m glad
You hold so much magic in you, Jimin
Jimin exhaled shakily, overwhelmed by the tenderness. It wasn’t a grand gesture. It was nowhere close to that and it wasn’t laced with intention or heavy-handed flirting. But it was gentle and real and filled with a kind of unspoken care that Jimin hadn’t realized he’d been craving. He didn’t want the conversation to end. He wanted to stay in this moment, where his body still buzzed from singing and his heart fluttered from words not meant to impress, but simply meant.
You’re going to make me emotional
I might need an entire encore
Jeongguk
Wish I could be in the front seat
Even if it’s just for one song
But, I am glad you are happy
… Text me when you get home?
Jimin’s heart cracked open a little at the simple request. It kind of became their thing. Just texting each other their whereabouts. Jeongguk didn't have many locations which made Jimin chuckle in his room but he did travel a lot everyday. With Jihye to the treatment, to the clubs, to the library, and to make something useful with the store… agreeing on Jeongguk’s idea of opening a small and cute crochet store.
I will. Promise
Text you thirty minutes!
Jimin stared at the screen long after the conversation ended, clutching the phone like it held more than words, like it was tethering him to something gentle, something new. Something that maybe, just maybe, could last and if he had skipped out of the club, hired a cab, and showered in the span of just twenty minutes then that was his secret.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 170
The day had started like any other, quiet and familiar. Jimin moved around the kitchen in his usual worn-in black sweatpants and a loose, oversized beige tee, hair still a messy mop from sleep. Jihye was in her room, attending her class with her books sprawled around her like a fortress. With her entrance exams approaching and college applications looming overhead, she’d barely had a moment to breathe. Jimin had taken it upon himself to be her anchor with concern bursting under his skin… prepping meals, making sure she took her meds on time, refilling her water bottle without being asked. It was the least he could do.
The scent of freshly toasted bread and scrambled eggs filled the kitchen as he plated the food neatly, ready to carry it over to her room when a sudden knock on the door stopped him mid-step. He frowned. Taehyung was out for a shoot today. Yoongi was in Busan. Hoseok wouldn’t just drop by without texting, and he wasn’t close enough with Namjoon or Jin to expect a morning visit. He hadn’t ordered anything either. With furrowed brows and a flutter of unease blooming in his chest, Jimin padded to the door, brushing his palms against his thighs as he slowly turned the knob and pulled it open.
The breath hitched in his throat. Standing just beyond the threshold was a woman Jimin had seen only in pictures, once during the wedding.
Jeon Haerin.
Jeongguk’s mother.
Jimin froze.
Her expression wasn’t harsh or unreadable… quite the opposite. Jimin doesn’t know what he had expected but it definitely wasn’t this. There was a gentleness to her face, something calm in her eyes that felt almost too tender. She didn’t look like she’d come to accuse or demand or interrogate because Jimin knew Jeongguk’s father was against the marriage. And that somehow made it worse. Jimin’s heart began to pound painfully in his chest, a silent panic rushing under his skin. This wasn’t how he imagined this meeting.
Not without Jeongguk. Not in crumpled pajamas. Not with bed hair sticking up in all directions. Not while holding a tray of eggs and toast meant for his sister, who had no idea her life was about to shift, however briefly, by this visitor. Still, Jimin cleared his throat quietly and stepped aside.
“Ah… please come in!”
Jimin’s voice was soft, barely above a whisper as he moved aside with a small smile, his fingers gripping the tray tighter as he tried to steady himself. Jeongguk’s mother stepped in slowly, carefully, as if aware of the tightrope Jimin was walking in his own home. He closed the door behind her, mentally scolding himself for not at least brushing his hair or putting on proper pants. But how could he have known? How could anyone have expected this? He set the tray down on the small table by the wall and turned to face her after rapidly fixing his hair, trying to school his features into something polite, composed. But inside, everything was shaking.
“Do you… would you like something to drink, ma’am? Tea? Water? Juice?”
Jimin hurried, eager to do something that would give him a moment to process his thoughts. What could be the reason behind her visit? Yet her smile remained warm.
“Just water is fine”
As Jimin walked to the kitchen, every step felt like he had boulders on his shoulders. He could feel her gaze gently following him… curious, kind, but still foreign. This was Jeongguk’s mother. The woman who raised the person Jimin had come to care about far more deeply than he liked to admit despite the contract. And now she was here. In his house. On a random morning, while he was dressed stupidly. He poured a glass with trembling fingers, trying not to let it spill, and returned to the living room, offering it to her with both hands. She accepted it graciously.
Jimin sat perched on the edge of the couch, hands folded tightly on his lap, the fabric of his loose tee bunched under his knuckles, giving him sweater paws. His heart hadn’t stopped racing since the door opened. Across from him, Jeongguk’s mother sat gracefully, the glass of water resting untouched in her hands, her expression patient and warm, like she had no intention of rushing this meeting.
“I hope I’m not intruding”
She said softly, her gaze steady but gentle. She definitely wasn’t intruding but Jimin wasn’t prepared for the meeting. He parted his lips to say the same but she beat him to it.
“I just… I wanted to visit. It’s been almost a month since the wedding, and I didn’t get a chance to speak to you alone then. Not properly. Not when Jeongguk was around”
Oh!
Jimin blinked, lips parted slightly at her statement. He hadn’t expected her voice to sound like this… so calm, like she spoke in lullabies. Maybe he was still sleepy. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond, his mind running a marathon of confusion and panic. She came here… alone. For him. Not Jeongguk. For him.
“I…”
Jimin cleared his throat, hands curling into his sweatpants, finding an anchor. He should probably speak.
“No, not at all. I just… I wasn’t prepared, that’s all. I would’ve at least… um, dressed a little better”
She smiled, and it was all ease and sincerity like she didn’t mind it at all, like she even preferred things candid.
“You look fine, Jimin-ah. Comfortable. Like home and please call me mom or whatever you prefer. We are a family”
That simple word, family , snapped something in Jimin. It had been so long since someone said it like that after Taehyung’s family, with no conditions or expectations. His chest tightened. Haerin set the glass down on the table, folding her hands delicately in her lap.
“I know it might seem strange”
She said, eyes scanning the living room like she was letting herself soak in the space.
“But I didn't want to come as someone’s mother. Not even as a relative. Just as someone who cared… who wanted to know how you're doing. How both of you are doing”
Jimin’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. This was totally going in the way he hadn’t expected. Maybe having Jeongguk around or beside him would’ve helped ease the panic bubbling inside his chest. It was caving in and she sounded too gentle for him to not melt under the softness.
“We’re okay”
He said quietly.
“Jihye’s got exams coming up. I’ve been trying to make sure she’s taking care of herself. She’s been really busy”
Haerin’s eyes softened even more.
“You take care of her like a parent would. I can see that already and I am proud of you”
The words hit harder than Jimin expected. He smiled faintly, but something in him ached.
“I try. She’s all I’ve got”
Jimin whispered under his breath.
“Then you’re doing wonderfully, sweetheart”
Haerin said without hesitation, making Jimin’s head spin. Why was everyone so set on making him feel too many emotions at once?
“I want you to know something, Jimin-ah. I may not be able to change how others think or what they choose to believe, but… if you or Jihye ever need anything and I mean anything at any time, you can call me. I mean that”
Jimin’s eyes widened slightly, his lips slightly trembled, and before he could stop it, something cracked inside him. He wasn’t used to this… being seen like this. Not just as Jeongguk’s husband. Not just as a caretaker. But as someone worth extending a hand to. He forced a tiny smile, but his chest caved with the pressure of emotions he’d kept locked away for too long.
“Thank you, Mrs. Jeon”
He said, his voice almost hoarse.
“That means more than I can put into words. I am very grateful”
Haerin leaned forward, her voice a notch softer as she held his hands, giving them a subtle squeeze.
“I know Jeongguk’s father… he’s distant. He’s set in his ways. I won’t pretend that’ll change easily. I don’t know whether he would change at all. But that’s not your burden to carry so, don’t think about it ever. If he doesn’t warm up or understand your place in our family, that’s his failing. Not yours”
Jimin sucked in a breath. That honesty… spoken without sugarcoating, without dodging, landed deep.
“I’m sorry if that makes things uncomfortable for you, Jimin. But I wanted you to know that even if he doesn’t accept, I do. Completely. I see you. I see Jihye. I see why jeongguk agreed to this when he didn’t even want to date at any point. I see how you hold this place together. And I see how you make my son a little softer than he’s ever been”
Jimin let out a quiet laugh, biting back the sheen of tears that began to collect in his eyes. He didn’t know what to say or where to even start. This was too much for the first meeting but maybe he needed it. Maybe things were falling into place slowly.
“He already was soft. He… Jeongguk is very, very gentle”
“He gets that from me”
Haerin smiled knowingly, flicking back her non-existent long hair. That made Jimin laugh, properly this time. It sounded like a hiccup in the middle of his emotions, but it helped ease the weight on his chest.
“I can tell. He’s… he’s a lot like you”
A gentle pause settled between them. Jimin lowered his gaze for a moment, unable to stop the memory that came unbidden to the surface: Taehyung’s mother, his entire family, kind and warm and ever-welcoming, holding Jimin’s hands in hers, treating him like their own child, embracing him when he felt down. And yet she was never his . She was a light borrowed from someone else’s world. But he didn’t know whether he could love someone and find someone like her again. But this… this was different. He looked up again, the knot in his chest loosening.
“You really didn’t have to come here. I would’ve gone to you”
Jimin said, voice trembling with gratitude.
“But I’m so glad you did. I am happy. Very happy”
“I did. Because no matter what brought you and Jeongguk together, you’re family now. You and Jihye. And I will always, always be here for you both”
Jimin nodded, barely able to hold her gaze, the burn behind the eyes making it hard to let the words out.
“I think… I think I needed to hear that more than I realized. Thank you so much”
For the first time that morning, he felt a strange, quiet peace settle over him. Not because everything was okay. But because someone had chosen to be there without being asked. Jeon Haerin wasn’t just Jeongguk’s mother anymore. She was beginning to feel like something Jimin hadn’t had in a very, very long time, at least in a place he barely knew.
.
.
.
Now, Jimin was perched on the chair, sipping spoonfuls of the soup Haerin had made for them, fingers gripping the spoon hesitantly as his taste buds hummed. That tasted extremely delicious but his mind wandered to how she had told Jeongguk was a lot like her. Jimin wondered whether Jeongguk was great at cooking. He was pulled out of the thoughts when Jihye walked in, freezing at the door when she caught the sight of a new woman in the house. Jimin tilted his head, gesturing her to come closer and greet the lady which she obeyed with a confused face.
“Oh! She’s here. It’s been a while, little one. How are you?”
Haerin, cupped Jihye’s cheeks, thumb brushing the skin softly as Jihye bowed ninety degrees.
“I am good. I hope you are doing great, ma’am”
“Both of you… you need to start calling me mother”
She raised the ladle, pointing at the siblings accusingly with a mock frown which made Jimin giggle and Jihye slightly scared. He nudged her shoulder with a nod, silently explaining that it was all good.
“Okay”
She mumbled under her breath, still slightly stiff with guards on when Haerin placed a bowl of soup before Jihye, prompting her to take a sip which resulted in a pleased hum.
“This is delicious. So good. Thank you”
Haerin nodded and placed all the items on the table, which were a lot. Jimin insisted on helping her but she brushed him off, cooking the food which would last at least for two whole days.
“Jeongguk showed me the cardigan”
That made Jihye almost choke as she looked up through the lashes, spoon hanging in the air.
“And that looked really pretty, sweetie. You weave magic into threads”
Jimin watched the interaction and how his sister’s cheeks flushed pink at the compliment. They were so alike and now that hit him hard.
“Thank you, mom”
Apparently, Jihye slid and slithered into conversations with the grace of someone who had known Jeongguk’s mother for years, not just an hour. Her questions were polite but curious, and her laughter came easy, genuine. Jimin, on the other hand, still fumbled occasionally, catching himself midway through sentences, unsure whether to be formal or relaxed. But Jeongguk’s mother didn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, she leaned into the warmth of the moment, her voice gentle and full of affection. Jimin observed them quietly for a few seconds, his chin resting lightly on his palm. The morning light streamed in through the windows, casting a golden hue on their small table, and the scent of the now cold food still lingered faintly in the air. This, whatever this was, felt like a soft dream, the kind he didn’t want to wake up from too soon.
“I used to crochet, back in the day”
Haerin said, a light smile on her lips.
“Blankets, mostly. I tried making a sweater once for Jeongguk, but the sleeves ended up in entirely different lengths and he still wore it everywhere like it was the most fashionable thing in the world. He is a kind kid”
Jihye giggled and leaned forward.
“Really? That’s so cute!”
“Oh, you have no idea… There was this one time he wore that hideous sweater to his school’s winter concert. He was eight I guess. Everyone else was in proper uniforms, and he stood out like a bright red cherry on a plain cake. I asked him why he insisted on wearing it, and do you know what he said?”
Jimin perked up despite himself, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. He wanted to hold back and just watch them but Jeongguk’s name had him spiraling a little.
“What?”
“They’ll know my mom made it with love and I am okay being a cherry”
She laughed softly, a fond shake of her head following.
“That boy always knew how to turn guilt into affection”
Jimin chuckled and nodded absentmindedly at the statement, the image so vivid in his head he could practically see Jeongguk, pouty and proud in a lopsided sweater, standing amidst a sea of neatly dressed kids. He didn’t know them well… he didn’t even know Jeongguk well, he didn’t know the likes and dislikes completely but something about listening to the stories made him feel all warm and cozy inside.
“He hasn’t changed much”
Jimin said, his voice laced with amusement, a distant look in the eyes.
“Still endearingly proud of the people he cares about”
Haerin hummed, her eyes reading Jimin’s for a moment before her lips curled upward.
“That’s how I know you’ve become one of them, Jimin-ah. He doesn’t soften easily, but with you… he does”
Jimin looked down for a second, heart fluttering as if the words carried weight he wasn’t prepared to hold yet. He had been too vulnerable lately and everything seemed to crack him open. He traced the rim of his glass with his finger, a small smile gracing his lips. He missed Jeongguk. More than he thought he would in just a few days. It wasn’t about the messages or the calls, it was the presence. The warmth. The grounding presence. The small glances and half-smiles. The way his name sounded from Jeongguk’s mouth, like it meant something.
“You should both come over sometime”
Haerin continued as he turned to face Jihye.
“If you ever get tired or need a break. My garden’s a bit wild now, but there’s a lovely bench under the cherry blossom tree. Jeongguk used to sit there for hours with a sketchbook when he was little. Never told me what he was drawing though. Probably something dramatic like monsters or motorcycles”
“Definitely motorcycles but monsters sound cool too”
Jihye laughed and Jimin just shook his head, his smile widening with every passing second.
“Or dragons in leather jackets. They are cool too”
He added under his breath and they all burst into laughter. For a moment, Jimin didn’t feel like someone caught in an unfamiliar web of legal ties and uncertain beginnings. He felt like a son. Like a brother. Like a person simply… welcomed and cherished. And as Haerin reached for the last piece of toast and casually offered it to Jihye, telling her how Jeongguk once cried because she forgot to pack strawberry jam in his lunchbox, Jimin realized something… he didn’t just miss Jeongguk. He was slowly, gently falling into the life that surrounded him. And despite the messiness of how it all began, this warmth, this ease, this accidental family was something he wasn’t sure he could ever walk away from.
After an hour more, Haerin left with the promise of visiting them again. Jimin walked into his room and flopped down on the bed, heart lighter and mind empty for the first time in a while. He smiled and pulled out the phone with a finger hovered above one contact he desperately wanted to text. Jeongguk would not respond. It was a possibility but he just felt the need to share, to let him know how invited and welcomed he felt.
Hi! I hope you are okay!
I and Jihye met your mom. She visited us today
I think I like her already
She is very sweet and very gentle, Jeongguk
And she said you are so much like her
She definitely isn’t wrong…
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 150
Just like that, a month slipped by… quietly, steadily, without any trouble. Jimin hadn’t expected time to pass the way it did, caught in the gentle pull of everyday life, yet it did. He started visiting ‘Swan Room’ on the weekends and ‘Blue Lemon’ two times a week. What surprised him most, though, was how often he found himself speaking to Jeongguk. Thirteen times in thirty days. It wasn’t a lot by any romantic standard, but for them… two strangers brought together by circumstances and vows they hadn’t even had time to fully process, it felt significant. It felt like a quiet promise.
Jeongguk had texted before boarding the ship, a simple message letting Jimin know he’d be unreachable for a while. And then, nothing. For nine long days. No messages. No updates. Just silence wrapped in the kind of distance that felt heavier than it should have. Jimin held his phone tight, hoping to hear the ping, but it never came. It was the longest they had gone without a word, and Jimin would be lying if he said it didn’t unsettle him just a little. Not because he expected anything, but because he had slowly, almost unknowingly grown used to Jeongguk’s presence, even if it only lived inside his phone. When the messages resumed after the agonizing wait, they were simple. Casual. No sweet nothings or lingering innuendos. Just plain, honest check-ins like they had never been apart.
"Did a diving shift today. The water was clearer than I expected"
"Tried that rice bowl place you recommended. A different branch I guess. 10/10"
"Is Jihye still studying? Tell her I said Hi!”
And Jimin would reply, equally simply, weaving words with warmth he hoped reached Jeongguk.
"Taught Jihye how to make that lemon tea today. She burnt the first pot"
"I organized the wardrobe. Might’ve cried because I dropped the soup on the clothes"
"Your sweater story came up again. Still the best"
They weren’t flirtatious. Not even close. They weren’t overly emotional either. But they were steady… These soft little connections that stitched themselves into Jimin’s day like a gentle habit. It became part of his routine to wait for the notification, the gentle chime that mimicked ocean waves, signaling Jeongguk’s message. He contemplated changing the tone but he decided against it. That sounded so fitting. It was oddly comforting too. A sound he’d once barely registered had now become something he listened for, heart skipping a beat every time his screen lit up.
There were times the texts came in at odd hours, sometimes during his late-night walks, sometimes in the middle of cooking, sometimes during his performance, and once even while he was asleep with Jihye after she struggled to breathe a little, humming an old lullaby. A constant. And every time, Jimin would pause, just for a second, eyes softening as he read Jeongguk’s words, smile tugging at the corners of his lips. They weren’t building a love story. Not yet. But there was something tender blooming between the quiet exchanges. It was slow, and maybe it wasn’t meant to be anything more even in the future. But for now, Jimin clung to it, the sound of waves which reminded him of his home back in Busan, the simple texts, and the knowledge that someone out there, far in the middle of a vast ocean, was thinking of him just enough to type…
“You must be tired. Sleep well tonight”
And maybe, that was enough for his heart to feel a little less alone. Now, dressed in a beige linen shirt tucked into neatly pressed black slacks, hair parted carefully to the side and falling in gentle waves, Jimin stepped out of his room with a soft exhale. He paused in the hallway as Jihye emerged from hers, radiant in a soft blue dress with pale yellow flowery straps and a cute baby blue pin, one she had been saving for a special day. Today was one of those days.
“Ready?”
He asked, lips curving into a smile as she twirled to show her dress off.
“As I’ll ever be”
Jihye grinned, adjusting his hair before falling into step beside him.
“Your hair looks like it got its life together, Minnie. You look so pretty”
Jimin rolled his eyes and smacked her head slightly as they locked the door and made their way to the store. Their laughter blended easily as they strolled down the street, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the path ahead. The store wasn’t far, just around the corner, a quaint little space they had poured their hearts into. The shelves were lined with carefully curated pieces: handmade accessories, soft knitted scarves, dainty pouches, and even a few of Haerin’s pieces.
By the time they reached the storefront, a small crowd had already gathered… Taehyung’s family, beaming with pride as they hugged them so hard, almost making Jimin cry in happiness then and there; Hoseok waving from beside a little stand of pastries he’d brought; Seokjin and Namjoon chatting near the door. Jeongguk’s mother, elegant as always in a soft cream hanbok-inspired blouse and tailored pants, stood near the entrance, hands folded and eyes warm as he waved at them.
“About time!!!”
Taehyung grinned as Jimin approached, pulling him into a side hug.
“We thought the star of the show got cold feet”
“We had to look pretty. First impressions and all that”
Jimin replied, nose scrunching as Jihye nodded with a giggle. Seokjin leaned in dramatically.
“First impression for the customers, or your very-much-out-of-country husband?”
Jimin gave him a look that only made Namjoon chuckle.
“Don’t mind them. They’ve had sugar and no adult supervision”
Jimin still didn’t meet Namjoon and Seokjin as much as he met Hoseok but he understood that Seokjin always lightened the mood up. He was witty, charming and extremely gorgeous while Namjoon was composed, cool and warm. Hoseok held a small bouquet of dried lavender and baby’s breath, stepping forward to pull Jimin into a hug and ruffle Jihye’s hair affectionately.
“We’re proud of you, Jimin-ah. This place… it feels like you. Soft, careful, full of thought. Jihye… you are crazy talented”
Jihye smiled and bowed, turning away leaving Jimin with Hoseok.
“I like the way things are falling into place for you. For you both”
Jimin’s eyes crinkled as he nodded, heart warm.
“Me too, Hyung”
Just as the words left his lips, his phone buzzed in the pocket. The screen lit up with a familiar name and an incoming FaceTime request. Now, this was a first and his heart hammered in his chest. They just texted and never once initiated a call, facetime to say the least. Jimin blinked in surprise before quickly excusing himself and stepping a little to the side. He pressed accept, and Jeongguk’s face filled the screen… sun-kissed and hair windblown, a scarf wrapped around his neck above the white collar. He was on the deck.
“Hey!”
Jeongguk said, voice soft and almost shy, making Jimin’s lips curl upward, smile reaching extremes.
“The big day. How’s it going?”
Jimin’s eyes turned into crescents, the voice filling him entirely with warmth he had longed for, the kind that crept up and softened every corner of his face.
“Very well. We just got here. Everyone’s already fussing”
Jeongguk grinned, his subtle dimple appearing as he adjusted the angle for better lighting.
“Can I see?”
Jimin nodded and flipped the camera, giving his husband a sweeping view of the storefront. The wooden sign read “Whimsical Wool” in delicate lettering, flowers draped over the arch, a little chalkboard menu beside the door with cute doodles courtesy of Taehyung.
“Wow…”
Jeongguk whispered and Jimin swore he looked extremely handsome. With sunlight framing the face and wind caressing the soft strands, Jeongguk looked every bit like a dream.
“It’s… beautiful, Jimin. You did it. You both did”
“We did…”
Jimin said quietly, turning the camera back to himself as he took a seat on the stool, cheek pressed against his palm as he let the phone stand against the wall.
“You were the first person I told about this place, Jeongguk and this was your idea. This wouldn’t have been possible without that”
Jeongguk nodded, eyes holding something tender as he moved closer to the screen, making Jimin freeze for a moment.
“Still… you made it into a reality. I wish I could be there”
“You kind of are. This feels like a little more than mine and Jihye’s now”
Jimin whispered, gripping the phone a little tighter and for a moment, neither of them said anything. It wasn’t awkward. It was just… full. Of something unnamed.
“I’m proud of you, Jimin-ah”
Jeongguk said finally, voice barely louder than the breeze on his end of the call. These days, that nickname has appeared in their conversations more often, making Jimin all giddy with pink cheeks. He blinked once, twice.
“Thank you”
Jeongguk’s gaze lingered as if he wanted to say something more and Jimin just stared, not wanting to miss even a second because who knew when he would get to do this again.
“Take pictures. All of them. I want to see everything later”
“I will”
Jimin promised with a smile and then, Jihye peeked over Jimin’s shoulder and waved.
“Hi, Jeongguk-ssi!”
Jihye peeked from behind her brother’s shoulder, waving brightly. Jeongguk laughed, his dimple deepening as he lifted a hand in return.
“Hey, Jihye. Congrats to you too. You’re gonna rock it. I’m rooting for you”
He said sincerely, his gaze soft even through the screen as he occasionally shifted his focus to steal a glance at Jimin.
“Thank you!”
She beamed before stepping back, giving them their space again with a knowing smile. Jimin turned the camera back to himself, cradling the phone a little closer as the background quieted around them. His voice dropped, a little more private now.
“You didn’t have to call, you know….”
“I wanted to”
Jeongguk said, immediate, almost quiet but firm as if he wanted Jimin to know that he meant it, that he made it a priority.
“I’ve been thinking about it since I woke up. I know this means a lot to you. I wanted to see you smile today. I wanted you happy”
Jimin’s eyes faltered, caught on Jeongguk’s expression. There was something impossibly gentle in the way he said that… unpolished and real. The past few days… Jeongguk had been a little more open, a little more talkative, leaving him speechless.
“You’re making it hard not to cry right now”
Jimin confessed with a small laugh, tucking his face into his shoulder for a second, cheeks pink and squished. Jeongguk grinned but didn’t tease him.
“I mean it. You look… happy. Calm. Like you’ve found your rhythm”
“I’m trying my best. The performances are going well too”
Jimin murmured. Jeongguk knew. Jimin made sure to iterate about his day whenever they had time and so did Jeongguk, telling a few tales from the deck, filling each other in.
“Some days are easier than others. But today feels… good. Full. I just wish…”
Jimin paused, the next words hesitant and watched how Jeongguk’s gaze turned a little more soft, a little more sincere, glazed with affection.
“... you were here”
A beat passed. Then Jeongguk whispered.
“Me too”
There was something about the way he said it without pretense that made Jimin’s throat tighten.
“You’d have liked the corner with all the plants”
Jimin said softly, trying to lighten the weight between them. He knew they were hanging by a thread, walking down a fragile road built solely on emotions.
“It’s chaotic and green and alive. Kind of like you”
Jimin shrugged and Jeongguk laughed, his gaze fond.
“That sounds perfect. Will you show me everything later? Like, after everyone’s gone?”
Jimin smiled again, smaller this time, touched by something deeper.
“Yeah. I’ll walk you through it. Every shelf. Every little thing”
“I’d like that. I’d like to listen to you explain all the tales”
Jimin didn’t reply right away, just let the words settle. He visibly trembled at the softness that dripped from jeongguk, not to mention the intense gaze, his fingers reaching to caress the ring on his finger. He twisted it between his fingers absentmindedly.
“I think… you’re part of it too, Jeongguk. Not just because you encouraged me. But because… you stayed. Even from far away”
Jeongguk blinked, his smile turning softer, quieter.
“I’m not going anywhere, Jimin-ah”
The sound of someone calling for him echoed in the background of the store, breaking the moment just a little, breaking their emotions but maybe it was for the best.
“I think… I should go”
Jimin said, but his fingers hesitated over the screen.
“I know. Later?”
“Are you free today?”
Jeongguk nodded as he checked the time, conversing with a person beside him while Jimin waited.
“Till noon”
“I will call you as soon as it’s done. You’ve already made it beautiful”
Jeongguk smiled and the screen went black. Jimin stared for a moment longer, heart full and a little shaky. He wasn’t sure what this thing between them was turning into, but it was gentle, and steady, and it was starting to feel a lot like home he never had.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 120
Having no holidays for Christmas absolutely sucked. Jimin had tried to keep his hopes low, knowing Jeongguk’s schedule was packed with no holidays or leaves till April, but the 3 a.m. text he’d received earlier had still knocked the wind out of him. Ever since then, sleep had refused to return, leaving him awake with a heavy feeling in his chest and a persistent pout on his lips. He’d rolled around under the covers for a while, burying his face into the pillow and hoping the disappointment would just pass. But it didn’t. The moment he read the message…
“No break. Not even Christmas ”
… something inside him just deflated. He didn’t blame Jeongguk. He never could. But it was hard not to feel a little lonely, especially when he had quietly tucked away the thought of maybe spending the day with him, even just through a screen. Now, lying in bed in a tangle of sheets and lingering ideas, Jimin felt all his motivation drain out like air from a hot air balloon. He’d been planning to get up early and write; he had a string of soft, hopeful melodies and lyrics building in his head all week, just waiting to be poured onto the page. But after reading Jeongguk’s message, the mood had vanished.
The world outside was already getting dressed in the colors of the festive season, twinkling lights curling along balconies, wreaths bright with crimson ribbons, and the soft hum of familiar carols bleeding through frosted shop windows. But here, in Jimin’s quiet apartment, the silence was far too loud. Too sharp. His phone rested beside him, screen black now but still echoing the weight of Jeongguk’s text. He hadn’t replied. He didn’t know how to. There wasn’t a right tone for a message like that. Because Jeongguk didn’t owe him anything, not even a holiday or a promise, yet he tried, but Jimin still wanted it. Quietly. Selfishly. Maybe not even a full day, just a sliver of time. A phone call. A smile. Something.
Jimin understood. He did. But understanding didn’t soften the ache that lingered like a shadow behind his ribs, pulsing and clawing with the slow realization that it was Christmas in three days and he would be alone. And alone meant no Jeongguk. Not in the literal sense again… Jihye was there; his friends would call and visit, but the kind of loneliness that you felt when someone you missed wasn’t there, even though you didn’t know when exactly you started missing them.
Then the door bell rang, a sudden sound slicing through the stillness of the apartment, and Jimin blinked, startled out of the spiral he had willingly drowned. He dragged himself out of bed, wrapping his arms around himself as he padded to the door in his socks. Maybe it was a package for Jihye. Or maybe Taehyung had sent something ridiculous and festive again. But when he opened the door, it was a courier holding out a thin envelope.
“Park Jimin?”
The man asked, and Jimin nodded slowly, accepting it with a soft thank you as the man turned on his heels. He closed the door quietly behind him and stared down at the envelope. It looked official. Too clean. Too emotionless, and his stomach dropped. He walked back to the couch and sat down slowly, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he unfolded the paper. The government watermark, the dull header from the marital registration office they had visited all those months ago, and beneath it, a neatly typed message reminding him of the insurance claim linked to his legal status. A cold reminder of the contract.
If needed, it read. If he wanted to collect the insurance before the year ended, he could walk in and get the money with a single signature. Because according to the law, he was still someone’s husband. Originally, he had to do that because that was the sole purpose of the contract. Because he had to take Jihye for treatment right after Christmas. Jimin stared at it for a long time, the room suddenly became colder than before.
The paper lay there like a ghost, one of the lives he thought he had figured out, one that made sense at some point. But now? It felt cruel. A cruel reminder. A punch to the chest when he already felt winded enough with thorns poking him. Because things weren’t simple anymore. They hadn’t been for a while. And that terrified him. Because he had started missing Jeongguk in ways he didn’t prepare himself for. He wasn’t the same human he was two months ago. He had started looking forward to his husband’s texts, even the ones that came at odd hours with nothing but a tired emoji or a blurry photo of the ocean. He had started noticing how his name sounded softer when Jeongguk said it. How Jeongguk remembered things no one else did. How he made space for Jimin gently, never too much, never too demanding. Just… consistently there.
This? This piece of paper? It brought him crashing back to the truth he tried to ignore: that it all started as a contract. That it was still a contract. He slumped down, elbows on his knees, head in his hands. A quiet curse left his lips as his shoulders trembled once, and then again, a slow exhale chasing the burn in his throat. It wasn’t supposed to be this complicated. It was never supposed to hurt. But the truth was… Jimin didn’t want to collect anything. He didn’t want legal documents or insurance updates. He wanted Jeongguk. Just the presence, a light-hearted conversation. He wanted to see him again. In person. He wanted to hear his voice and not through the static of a poor signal.
He wanted to look him in the eyes and see if they held the same flicker of something that Jimin had started to carry in his own orbs. He would visit him. Jimin had decided. If Jeongguk couldn’t come home, then Jimin would go. He needed to make a move. Because there was a spark, and even if it was fragile, he wanted to nurture it. To see if it could grow into something steady. Something real. And maybe that was the scariest part… wanting something real when it all began with a lie written on paper. But it was also the part that made him feel alive again.
.
.
.
The drive to the Chinhae Base stretched on longer than Jimin anticipated, each passing town, dense forest, and flicker of ocean view doing little to quiet the restless pacing of his thoughts. It had been an impulsive decision, one made in the dark, heavy silence of his room when the weight of everything became too much. But the moment the idea had taken shape, it anchored deep inside his chest like it had always been waiting to surface, waiting for the right moment.
He had texted Hoseok… his safe space, the only one who knew the full truth about the emotional intimacy born from the contract marriage, apart from Taehyung and Yoongi. It was short and hesitant: Is it okay if I come see him? Hoseok had replied almost immediately, a grinning emoji accompanying the words About damn time. Now they were in Hoseok’s car, the engine humming as a nostalgic hip-hop beat thudded quietly from the speakers. The military base slowly came into view, stretching across a wide expanse of land, framed by the glimmering coast to one side and dense greenery on the other.
The entrance was guarded by tall iron gates, manned by uniformed officers in crisp white and navy blue. Jimin sat a little straighter, adjusting his black coat over his beige turtleneck, his palms starting to sweat despite the winter chill seeping through the car’s window. Beyond the gates, the base was a world of its own color. Orderly buildings lined the pavement in clean rows… training centers, administration wings, mess halls, and a small post office tucked between them, a quiet reprieve. Soldiers moved with precision across the grounds, some jogging in formation, others carrying gear or checking equipment.
It was intimidating, this world Jeongguk belonged to. So structured. So far removed from the soft chaos of cafés, playlists, and everyday warmth, Jimin was used to. But he was here for his husband. Jimin stepped out of the car as Hoseok waved to someone at the gate, showing his ID and explaining their visit. As his feet hit the ground, the salty air hit him square in the face, mixed with the faint scent of oil and cold metal. He could hear the shoes hitting the concrete road as he wrapped his coat tighter around himself, nerves coiling as he followed Hoseok toward the check-in point.
The wait near the check-in point felt longer than it really was. Jimin stood quietly beside Hoseok, who was chatting casually with one of the officers as if they had known each other for so long but again… Hoseok knew almost everyone. Jimin's eyes kept drifting, watching the distant figures moving in and out of buildings and ships, and the soft hiss of distant walkie-talkies. The occasional bark of commands rose in the air, sharp but not harsh. There was so much order here. It made Jimin feel a little out of place with his soft beige turtleneck, long woolen black coat, and city shoes that clicked too gently against the concrete. His hands were tucked deep into his coat pockets, heart thudding a little faster with each second.
And then, a figure appeared at the top of the ramp that sloped down from the east building, and Jimin’s breath hitched. Time didn’t exactly stop, but it slowed enough to make him bite back a gasp. There he was.
Jeongguk.
He walked with confidence that came from belonging, shoulders squared and stiff, posture perfect, that lean yet solid frame filling out the uniform like it had been tailored just for him. The sharp folds of his naval jacket hugged his waist and arms exactly at the right places. Jimin shouldn’t let his thoughts wander, but he couldn’t help. His dark hair was neatly swept back, but a few strands had rebelled, curling softly against his forehead. Jeongguk wasn’t smiling, not yet, but his gaze was focused, burning through the slight winter haze until it found Jimin.
And Jimin forgot how to breathe.
He had always known Jeongguk was beautiful, way too handsome, and had always thought of him as this annoying mix of stupidly charming and devastatingly attractive. But this… this version of Jeongguk, crisp in uniform, the sea wind kissing his skin, walking toward him was something else entirely. Jimin’s throat went dry. He couldn’t look away. His eyes drank in every detail greedily, the faint glint of metal on his lapel, the flush on his cheekbones. There was a power in his stride and still a softness in his gaze that only seemed to deepen the closer he came. He looked so much like someone Jimin should be proud of. Like someone worth crossing cities for.
“Damn!”
Hoseok whispered beside him, nudging Jimin’s arm with a teasing grin.
“Your man’s giving the main character energy today”
Jimin’s lips parted but no sound came. Not when Jeongguk’s gaze locked fully onto him and softened, lips twitching like he was trying not to grin too much.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jeongguk had barely tugged his cap off his hair as he stepped out of the building, letting the cold wind slap at his cheeks gently. He hadn’t expected anything out of the ordinary, it was supposed to be another day on base, another round of drills, another shift dragging him closer to the end of the day. He wanted to be home, to be back in Seoul, back with his friends but mostly… he wanted to be back with Jimin. He shook the thoughts off as his fingers adjusted the tight cuff of his sleeve, when his eyes lifted casually and stopped.
There, by the check-in post, stood two figures he knew all too well. One of them waved with that usual energy, cheerful smile despite the chill. But it was the other that brought Jeongguk’s world to a screeching halt.
Jimin.
For a moment, the air shifted inside his lungs, the breeze dulling to silence around him. Jimin stood still, bundled in a long coat that fluttered slightly due to the wind, cheeks pink, eyes wide and shimmering like he hadn’t expected to be seen yet. His soft black hair was parted gently, lips slightly opened like he’d been caught staring. Jeongguk couldn’t process the sight before him. Was he hallucinating?
His feet moved before his mind caught up with reality, like gravity had shifted, pulling him toward the only constant that mattered in that moment. And all Jeongguk could think as he walked down that ramp, heart pounding painfully against his ribs, was He came. He actually came. He’s here. His boots hit the ground with steady steps, but his pulse was chaotic, racing against time. There was a smile trying to break free on his face… messy, sheepish, relieved, overwhelmed and he couldn’t stop it anymore the closer he got.
“Damn!”
Hoseok whispered, nudging Jimin’s arm with a teasing grin.
“Your man’s giving the main character energy today”
Jeongguk caught that little gesture. And the way Jimin's mouth parted, no words coming out, his gaze fixed on him like Jeongguk was something worth marveling at. It made his heart drop to the stomach. He didn’t know what to say or how to react. He hadn’t expected this.
“Jimin…”
Jeongguk breathed, once he finally reached them, blinking past the sudden heat in his chest.
“What… What are you doing here?”
“Surprise”
Jimin said softly, almost sheepish, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly as if he were proud of his actions. He must be because this made Jeongguk’s day if not life.
“You didn’t get a day off. So… I thought I’d come to you”
His voice was soft, a little uncertain, but warm. Always warm. Always sparkling like stardust.
“Jeongguk-ah”
Hoseok greeted, pulling him into an embrace, saving Jeongguk from melting completely where he stood.
“Looking good as fuck”
“Hyung…”
Jeongguk chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Thank you for coming and for bringing him. Seriously”
Hoseok winked.
“You two take a walk or something. I’ll be near the car. You know where to find me”
He turned on his heel, giving them a bit of privacy, and Jeongguk swallowed the lump forming in his throat before turning to Jimin again. He still felt as if he were living a dream.
“Walk with me?”
Jimin nodded, wordlessly, following him as they stepped away from the bustle of the base and toward the coast where the sea spread endlessly, silver and blue and breathing together. The gravel gave way to a narrow footpath that traced the shoreline. They walked in silence for a moment, shoulders close but not touching. The rhythmic crash of the waves filled the quiet, until Jimin spoke in his usual soft tone.
“You look good. The Uniform I mean. A sailor”
Jimin murmured, teasing gently, eyes forward, avoiding facing his husband as they walked in tune. Jeongguk flushed instantly.
“Sailor?”
He repeated, glancing down at his clothes, grinning despite himself.
“What, did the cap finally win you over?”
Jeongguk shook his head, waving his cap before Jimin who took it, running his fingertips against the object as he shrugged, lips curled into something just shy of playful.
“Maybe…”
Jeongguk chuckled, warm all over, heart still trying to catch up with the fact that Jimin was here, real and breathing and standing next to him like he hadn’t just shattered every bad hour Jeongguk had dragged himself through for months.
“It’s unfair, you know. You look like you walked straight out of the runway. I look like I’m one drill away from collapsing completely”
Jimin huffed a quiet laugh, the kind Jeongguk liked best… soft, almost private and precious, like it wasn’t meant to be shared with anyone else.
“You’re being dramatic now”
Jimin said, tone teasing but voice tender as he tilted his head, gazing at Jeongguk as if he were assessing him.
“You look good. Tired, maybe. But good”
Jeongguk didn’t know what to do with that. He’d spent years learning how to stay composed, to breathe through stress, to walk straight and stay alert and quiet the noise in his head. He had long forgotten what it felt like to crave someone’s presence so deeply until Jimin happened. But now… standing here with Jimin’s eyes on him and the scent of his cologne faint in the wind, all of that training felt suddenly useless. He rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks heating.
“Still not convinced this isn’t a dream because I hadn’t expected this at all”
Jimin gave him a side glance.
“If it is, you’ve got a weird imagination, jeongguk-ssi”
Jeongguk smiled, crooked and bashful as he shrugged, trying his best to control the emotions.
“Maybe I do. You tend to mess with it often and you didn’t even slip up. Not even once”
That earned Jeongguk a very slight nudge on the arm, light enough to pass for casual because it stayed for a fraction of a second. Jeongguk caught the twitch in Jimin’s lips, the near-smile, almost hesitant, almost like he wasn’t sure he was allowed to show it yet. They kept walking slowly, the silence filled only by the steady hush of the sea beside them. Jeongguk cleared his throat softly after a few minutes.
He tried to get at least a single day off, not enough but that would suffice but they didn’t have holidays. His mind almost screamed at him to let Jimin know that he would like to meet, a silent offer, a subtle invitation but Jeongguk refused. He shouldn’t burden Jimin that way. He shouldn’t let his thoughts get the best of him. That was cruel and so he zipped it all up but here he was, walking with his husband who read him from miles away.
“I… I thought about texting you. But it felt selfish”
Jeongguk stopped, eyes catching the sight of Jimin who hummed softly, asking him to continue but the way Jimin nodded told him he knew what Jeongguk was about to say.
“I didn’t want to ask you to carry something heavy just because I couldn’t”
Jimin’s steps paused for a moment before he looked at him, gaze quiet and clear.
“You can, Jeongguk”
Jeongguk looked at him, and for a second the noise of the base, the sting of the wind, the months between them… all of it blurred away into the background.
“Yes?”
“Yes”
They stood at the edge of the trail now, where the path met a small curve in the coastline. From here, the sea looked endless, vast, its waves silver under the winter sky, sparkling, gently collapsing into the shore again and again. Jimin exhaled, the sound feather light, and Jeongguk’s fingers brushed against his… an accidental touch, but not entirely. Their hearts just wouldn’t stop. But this time he let his hand linger and curled his fingers gently, slow enough for Jimin to pull away if he wanted. Jimin didn’t.
Their hands intertwined wordlessly.
Jeongguk’s chest hurt in a way that felt good. A stretch, not a wound. Like something growing. Blooming. He glanced at Jimin, his hair swept by the breeze, his lashes lowered as he stared out at the ocean. There was a stillness to him that Jeongguk rarely saw… fragile and open, like he was letting the moment breathe for both of them. Like he was allowing everything to unfold. So Jeongguk said it, the word he held inside for so long, just barely louder than the waves.
“Stardust”
Jimin blinked and turned to him, brows raised slightly, and Jeongguk smiled, soft and a little shy, like he was giving away a piece of himself he’d never dared to show anyone else.
“That’s what you are to me”
The silence that followed wasn’t empty. It was full and thick with salt-laced air and the weight of guarded hearts held too tightly for too long. Jimin’s inhale was small but sharp, as if the word had settled deep in his chest, as if it cracked something open and then filled the space it left behind. His hand tightened in Jeongguk’s, not dramatically, not urgently, just a soft, trembling curl of fingers, grounding both of them. Jeongguk didn’t look away. He watched the way Jimin’s lashes fluttered, how the wind caught strands of his hair, how his lips parted like he wanted to say something but didn’t yet know how.
He didn’t have to. Jeongguk could feel it.
In the way Jimin leaned just a little closer, until their shoulders touched. In the way his thumb traced lightly over the back of Jeongguk’s hand, right below the ring on his finger, hesitant, reverent, like he was memorizing the moment without words. Jimin turned his head toward him, fully now, eyes soft and searching, glazed with a sheen layer of water and Jeongguk’s breath hitched. It always did. Every text they hadn’t sent, every night spent wondering where they stood, every ache born from silence and waiting and wanting, it still lingered deep inside them.
The waves lapped at the shore, the sky a wash of pale blue and faint clouds above them. The world was too beautiful for sadness and questions, and yet they stood there, steeped in it… two people who hadn’t planned to fall into something this tender and terrifying. Jeongguk took a sharp inhale as he tightened the grip around Jimin’s hand a little more.
“Jimin-ah…”
The said man stilled as if he knew what was coming.
“I want to try. If you’ll let me”
Jimin’s gaze dropped to their hands, then to Jeongguk’s face again. There was vulnerability there… pure and naked. And then, quietly, he nodded, with zero hesitation as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“I want to try too”
And just like that, the ache softened. The edges dulled. Jeongguk stepped closer, enough that he could see the way Jimin’s eyes shone in the light, enough that the wind seemed to wrap around them in a bubble of its own. Jeongguk’s heart clenched, full to bursting. He didn’t kiss him. Not yet. The moment wasn’t asking for that. It was too fragile, too sacred in its stillness. Instead, he simply leaned in, holding Jimin’s hands in his, fingers brushing the knuckles. And for a while, they just stood like that… tethered by touch, breath, and the realization that they were more than just husbands on paper.
Something had started to bloom
Something beautiful… something whimsical…
Notes:
I am camping here, waiting to read your thoughts on the chapter🤎
Chapter 9: Little Touches of Devotion
Notes:
Hiee 🍑
Get ready, because this chapter is going to be an emotional rollercoaster🫠 I won’t give away any spoilers, but just know, things will finally start clicking into place. The slow burn has definitely burned its way through, and by the end of this, I’m pretty sure you’ll be smiling from ear to ear💋
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Mulhoe?”
Jimin marvelled as he stared at the bowl placed before him. After the little getaway along the shore, Jeongguk had tenderly guided him into the restaurant right on the premises of the base. Sun had dipped down the horizon, painting the clouds in hues of pastel pink and orange, leaving behind a trace of the moments it had witnessed. Hoseok sat across from them, already savoring the meal while Jimin poked the food, trying not to concentrate on Jeongguk’s arm leisurely draped over his chair.
“It’s a raw fish soup. Pretty popular here and it’s quite delicious”
Jeongguk answered as he swallowed down a spoonful along with a bite of pork. Jimin nodded because that was the first he had heard about the dish, let alone taste it. Maybe, people didn’t know about this in Busan because he was damn sure he had tried all kinds of varieties back home. Hesitantly, he pushed the food into his mouth before a satisfied hum left his lips, eyes twinkling slightly.
“You like it?”
Jimin nodded with a smile, slowly relaxing and easing into the new environment. Jeongguk had to be back in his quarters by 8 pm, and they had a little over an hour left. The thought of leaving made Jimin shrink into his seat, but at least he was able to visit the base before Christmas.
“Jin Hyung would love this”
Hoseok commented with a chuckle, and Jeongguk nodded, throwing some random remark that made Hoseok laugh a little more.
“Should we… uhmm… maybe pack it? Take it to him? Will it still be fresh?”
Jeongguk tilted his head at Jimin’s question, a smile grazing his lips. Jimin was thoughtful, a little too attentive, and considerate.
“It will. You need to refrigerate it after getting home”
Jimin nodded, resuming again, and Jeongguk just stared at him, eyes never once leaving his husband, who talked now and then with Hoseok, smiling and rolling his eyes at Hoseok’s tease and praise. He looked gorgeous, like a character picked straight from 80s romance novels. Jimin was pretty, too pretty for his heart, which stuttered every time his gaze landed on him. It had been months since the wedding, and a few more months since he had last met Jimin… yet, he felt the same rush under his skin.
An exaggerated cough made Jeongguk fumble a little, polling his gaze from Jimin, focusing on the food. He then made a mistake of lifting his eyes, catching Hoseok who wiggled his brows with a teasing smile. His friends were stupid, and Jeongguk didn’t want to make Jimin uncomfortable in any way. They had agreed to make it work, which settled like a soft lullaby in his ears. They were going to try. They were going to make sure this marriage didn’t just stay on paper, and that gave a reason, a hope to invite the remaining sunrises so he could finally take a proper break.
“We should be heading back”
Hoseok announced, wiping his eyes dramatically as they walked out of the restaurant, the salty breeze caressing his cheeks. Jeongguk’s heart dropped a little. Four hours were really not enough. It was like a cruel punishment. He just wished they had a bit more time for themselves, and it stung a little more when he felt Jimin freeze a little beside him. He turned to face Jimin when his brain went off like a switch.
“Just… give me a couple of minutes, okay?”
Jeongguk’s voice came out in a rush, words stumbling over each other in his haste. It startled Jimin, who blinked, brows drawing together in soft confusion.
“Okay, but… what happened?”
“Just… stay here, alright?”
Jeongguk insisted, eyes briefly locking with Jimin’s as if anchoring himself in that gaze. Jimin nodded slowly, still puzzled and perplexed, and Hoseok raised an eyebrow beside him, watching the scene unfold with curiosity. Before either of them could say more, Jeongguk stepped forward, his palm brushing gently against Jimin’s cheek… barely a touch, just like a ghost but warm enough to linger. Then he turned and took off down the pavement, sprinting in the opposite direction, dark hair bouncing with every stride. The chill in the air nipped at Jimin’s skin, but it couldn’t quite chase away the heat blooming on his face.
“Is he alright?”
Hoseok asked after a beat, phone in hand, glancing between the direction Jeongguk had disappeared and Jimin’s unreadable expression, who was still feeling the high.
“I… I think so?”
Jimin replied, but even he didn’t sound convinced. They stood there under the twinkle of stars, steam rising from warm cups of coffee between their palms, the scent of salt heavy in the air. Minutes passed before Jeongguk reappeared, slightly breathless, a large black case in his hands… rectangular, sleek, unmistakable, and Jimin’s eyes widened.
“You didn’t…”
The words tumbled from Jimin’s lips in a whisper, already thick with emotion he tried to hide. His throat constricted, and it wasn’t just the cold biting into his skin or the snow swirling gently around them like fairy dust. No, it was the sight… Jeongguk standing in front of him, breathless, flushed from the cold or maybe the run or maybe the reality they were in, eyes fixed on him with a tenderness that knocked the wind right out of him. And the case. That case.. It didn’t take a genius to know what was inside, and yet it still stole the breath from Jimin’s lungs. Jeongguk slowed to a stop, fingers tightening around the case, like he was afraid that if he moved too fast, the moment would collapse in on itself and vanish. His chest rose and fell with each breath, but it was the way his lips quirked into the gentlest, shyest smile that hit Jimin the hardest.
“Merry Christmas”
Jeongguk said, voice barely audible. Time seemed to freeze around them, as if the world had shrunk to a space no wider than the reach of their hesitant arms. Jimin just stared… first at the gift, then at Jeongguk, eyes flickering, glossy and full of emotion, as if trying to memorize every detail. His plump lips parted slightly, a foggy breath escaping as the cold air wrapped around the sudden warmth blooming in his chest, dizzying and unfamiliar. Was he dreaming? Jimin’s hand trembled slightly as he reached out, fingers brushing against the matte case with a reverence usually reserved for sacred and precious things. For a moment, he didn’t open it. He just stood there, tracing the lines of it, feeling the weight of what it meant. Feeling the weight of the situation because this meant something, right? A start. Because this was a piece of Jeongguk’s thoughts, handed to him in the most unassuming way, wrapped not in paper but in time, and feelings unspoken. He opened the case slowly, and the guitar greeted him like something out of a dream. Smooth, polished wood glowing in the moonlight, the strings taut and untouched. Brand new. Carefully chosen. Meant for him. Solely him.
“You… You got me a guitar?”
Jimin’s voice cracked slightly, barely making it past the tightness in his throat.
“I saw it weeks ago when I had a little time to step out…”
Jeongguk replied, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice was quiet, unsure, but every word carried weight, the thought that went into buying the guitar.
“Thought of you instantly. It feels right in your arms, Jimin-ah”
That name. That soft suffix Jeongguk added so often made him feel like he was cuddled in a soft cloud. The way it tumbled from Jeongguk’s lips was like a song Jimin had been aching to hear again and again. His heart stuttered painfully. He clutched the edges of the case, grounding himself, because his body felt light, like one more kind word from his husband would send him spiraling. And still, guilt bloomed in his chest, curling at the edges of this perfect moment.
“You didn’t have to…”
He murmured, eyes not meeting Jeongguk’s, bottom lip slightly pulled between the teeth.
“I didn’t even get you anything”
Because how could he? How could he give something equal in meaning to a gift like this… chosen with such care, filled with such intention? How could he match the quiet way Jeongguk always gave him more than he asked for? But the taller one only shook his head, stepping closer, his eyes never wavering.
“You came to visit me. That’s more than anything you could’ve wrapped into a box”
Jimin’s breath hitched, his eyes finally rising to meet Jeongguk’s. And there it was laid bare between them. The longing. The ache of time spent apart. The thousand things they hadn’t said but felt in every phone call, every letter, every second spent waiting. It hung between them, not heavy but full, rich with everything they had endured and still carried. Jimin looked up at him, lips trembling, arms full not just of an instrument but of everything that had gone unspoken between them. Music and memory and all the hidden affection and adoration that had refused to fade, no matter how many weeks or miles had come between them. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. Instead, he gently set the case down beside them, stepped forward, and wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, clinging to him like he was the only steady thing in the world of chaos. He didn’t care about the place, didn’t care Hoseok was right behind him, didn’t care that eyes were watching them. His face pressed into the crook of Jeongguk’s neck, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath layers of the uniform.
“Thank you”
Jimin whispered, the words catching like pearls, thick with everything he couldn’t yet say. Jeongguk tightened his hold around his waist, the motion borderline instinctual, like he’d memorized the exact way Jimin fit against him in every lifetime before this one. His chin came to rest atop Jimin’s head, the soft strands of black hair tickling his skin, smelling like the faintest trace of vanilla and something warm he couldn’t name, only feel. The snow fell heavier now, still silent, a quiet kind of blessing, and neither of them moved, as if breaking the embrace would also break whatever fragile thread was tying them together in that exact moment.
Eventually, gently, Jimin stirred and wiggled. He pulled back only a little, his arms sliding down Jeongguk’s sides as he tilted his face up to look at him. Their eyes met, wide and searching, and Jeongguk felt the air leave his lungs. Everything was there in Jimin’s gaze: the distance they’d passed, the closeness they didn’t know how to name, the ache of something blooming that had no words yet. And then Jimin leaned in, just a little. A bold mover. Very, very bold move. A soft press of lips against Jeongguk’s cheek… small, feather-light, the kind of kiss that wasn’t meant to linger but did anyway.
It wasn’t loud. It was quiet and trembling and full of meaning, a sensation that barely touched but still managed to crack something open inside Jeongguk’s chest. He froze, lips parted slightly, eyes wide and stunned, not because he hadn’t imagined this moment, but because no daydream had ever come close to how real and devastatingly gentle and beautiful it felt. Jimin stepped back slowly, a tiny, knowing smile tugging at his lips, and it was that smile… so full of fondness, so achingly sure, that made Jeongguk feel like the snow wasn’t falling but floating them both somewhere softer.
“I’ll be waiting to see you again soon”
Jimin murmured, voice low, curling like a blanket around Jeongguk’s frozen senses, and he meant it. With everything he had. Jeongguk felt it in his bones, in the space between each heartbeat. And yet, he couldn’t speak. Couldn’t trust his voice not to betray how badly he wanted to ask him to stay. So he stood there, helpless, watching as the distance between them began to form again… slow, reluctant, and inevitable. Every step Jimin took felt like a string being pulled taut between them, stretched with all the weight of everything they hadn’t said, everything they still carried despite all the words they had exchanged.
But Jeongguk’s gaze refused to waver.
God, he was beautiful.
Devastatingly so.
Jimin stood under the moonlight and snowfall like something otherworldly, like he didn’t belong to this moment but to something softer, more ethereal. The soft black strands of his hair fluttered gently in the breeze, brushing over his cheeks and lashes like the night itself was trying to caress him. His lips, still faintly parted from that small goodbye, looked too soft, fighting the petals. His eyelashes framed his eyes like shadows, delicate and long, and that tiny nose scrunched for the briefest second against the cold before he turned, ready to go.
And something inside Jeongguk snapped. Or maybe it was stitched together for the first time in months, for the first time since he had met Jimin. He took a step forward, then another, until his hand reached out almost on its own. With a sharp inhale, barely more than a breath against the wind, he curled his fingers around Jimin’s waist and pulled him in. This time, the embrace was firmer. Desperate. Unwilling to let go. Jimin let out the softest gasp, and it melted into a tender sigh as he yielded immediately, folding into Jeongguk’s chest like that was where he’d always belonged. No resistance, no hesitation… just warmth meeting warmth.
Jeongguk exhaled then, a shaky, uneven breath that sounded too much like a plea, forehead resting against the side of Jimin’s head. When did he crave someone so much? When did his heart start yearning for a feeling that defied all his thoughts? Time bent around them once more, snow falling like slow confessions they didn’t know how to say aloud. And then, just as quietly, Jeongguk pulled back… not far, just enough to see Jimin’s face again, eyes lowered, breath mingling between them. He leaned in, carefully, and pressed a kiss to Jimin’s jaw. Soft. Small. Barely there. Just like how Jimin did. The kind of kiss that meant thank you. He didn’t know why, but he was grateful.
And when Jimin finally turned to leave, cheeks flushed and eyes glossy, walking beside Hoseok, whose presence blurred into the background, Jeongguk remained rooted in place, arms heavy, breath shallow. He didn’t speak. He didn’t move. He only stood there, a man made of ache and awe, watching the person he had begun to long walk away, carrying with him every piece of Jeongguk's heart wrapped in quiet goodbyes and the ghost of a kiss. No words had been needed when everything had already been said in silence.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 95
Jeongguk had only just returned from ten long, draining days at the underwater base, an experience unlike anything else. It had been surreal, almost dreamlike at times, submerged beneath layers of ocean, with minimal sunlight, working to modify and upgrade essential equipment. Everything was slower down there, quieter. He’d loved it. But nothing, not even the weightless drift of being underwater, could compare to the comfort of his bed in the small yet cozy cottage at the base, to the solid feel of his phone resting in his palm again, to the simple joy of reading Jimin’s messages under warm blankets.
It had been a little over three weeks since they last saw each other, since they had stood close enough to feel each other’s breath, to whisper soft and unspoken promises in the dark and then shatter all their restraints in a rush of affection that neither of them had anticipated. They had gone a little overboard, yes. But neither had pulled away. If anything, the memory of that snow-filled night still pulsed like a second heartbeat under Jeongguk’s skin. Laughter turned sacred. Every sigh, every quiet moment still lingered in his mind like a song that wouldn’t stop playing.
Since then, they'd been cautious, a little too careful. Texts exchanged at odd hours, short updates, photos of little things, thoughts too small to say out loud but too meaningful not to share despite the time. They were building something delicate and fragile, like trying to balance a flicker of flame on their palms without letting it burn out or hurt them. Three FaceTime calls had come through the distance, carving space into the loneliness that lodged deep in the hearts.
The first, when Jeongguk had stepped out onto the upper deck and was so overwhelmed by the pink-dusted sky that he had to share it with Jimin. The second, when Jimin sat in a quiet café while waiting for Jihye to finish an exam, his voice hushed but eyes bright as he described the way the sunlight poetically spilled over his table. Jeongguk understood why he was a writer to begin with. The third… Jeongguk could never forget. He’d been pacing the deck again after dinner, talking idly about the day in clipped but warm sentences while Jimin prepped food back home, camera angled awkwardly but charmingly from the counter.
Then Minjae appeared, slightly tipsy and singing something terrible, his voice off-key and his limbs loose as he draped himself over Jeongguk, startling him mid-sentence. Jeongguk almost fell forward and shoved him away, muttering complaints, profanities, and burning with embarrassment. But the real blow came when he looked back at the screen and saw Jimin, doubled over with laughter, shoulders shaking as he nearly slid out of the frame, his joy radiating through the tiny device with such force that Jeongguk forgot to breathe. He hadn’t stopped thinking about that moment since.
Now, back at base, Jeongguk tried to return to routine. He went through the motions… morning briefings, rounds of maintenance checks, evening paperwork, but his mind kept drifting back to the same topic, same person, the urge to shield himself from the public so he could talk to his husband. His laugh, his voice, his soft fingers dancing across the rim of a coffee mug in a video he'd sent two days ago because he had liked the view from the balcony, oblivious to Jeongguk’s thoughts that went crazy. The way he’d said "sleep well, Jeongguk" in a voice barely above a whisper. Three more months. That’s how long he had left before they could even think about meeting again. Three more months of moments filtered through screens. Of aching in silence. Of missing someone so deeply, it made his ribs ache some days.
And then… his phone buzzed.
Jimin ✨
Hi! Back at the base?
How was it underwater?
Tell me you took at least a few pictures…
Jeongguk couldn’t help the chuckle that left his lips. They had fallen into a comfortable teasing, never too extreme but casual enough to laugh and giggle. Jeongguk also learned how much his husband loved the ocean, and well… he did take pictures. A lot of them actually. When his finger hovered above the send button, his phone beeped again.
Jimin ✨
[video attached]
That wasn’t unusual. Jimin had a habit of sharing clips of flowers he passed at the park, the crochet store with racks of cute yarn hanging like candies, sunlight slanting across the bookstore table, the neon lights of the club on his performance days. Little pieces of his day, small tokens of affection, passed without ceremony. Jeongguk tapped the video without thinking, always eager, always ready. And then everything stopped. It was quiet at first… then the soft strum of a guitar came through. Familiar. Intimate. His breath caught.
There was Jimin, framed in the warm lighting of his bedroom. His soft black hair falling gently around his face, lips parted slightly as he played the guitar Jeongguk had given him, the Christmas gift. The instrument sat perfectly in his lap, like it had been made for him. Jimin sat at the foot of the bed, dressed in a loose black woolen tee with black sweats. Very simple yet beautiful. His fingers glided over the strings with ease, with care, and with precision. He was playing a song Jeongguk didn’t recognize, soft and slow and raw, but the melody tugged at something buried deep within him.
Baby, don't leave, just stay with me
To you who saw me greater than my little self
So that I can only deliver as much as I received
So that I can keep my word
His voice. God. That voice had always haunted Jeongguk. Sweet, breathy, angelic, dipped in longing, honey, and stardust. Like moonlight filtered through an open window at 2 a.m… quiet but impossible to ignore, too enticing. It was the kind of voice that curled around your soul and refused to let go.
Don't worry, just stay by your side
Because I don't know what days await us
I'm scared even though it looks like it
Don't forget to always say "together"
Jimin sang like he meant every word. Like the notes had been sitting inside his chest for ages, since the day they had met, waiting for a moment like this. Jeongguk watched, transfixed, fingers tightening around his phone, heart pounding so loudly he thought it might drown the music. The ache was sudden and deep… almost too much to handle, too much to comprehend. Not sadness, no. Something more tender. A longing wrapped in warmth. An ache for something beautiful that felt too far away.
I know it's obvious
So that it's not taken lightly
Let me tell you this properly
Jimin’s eyes never looked into the camera. He sang like he was singing to the air, hoping the wind would carry the semantics. To no one. To someone. And that made it worse. Better. All of it. Everything happened at once. By the time the clip ended, Jeongguk was frozen, blinking back the sting in his eyes. It was the kind of beauty that unraveled you, that made you ache beautifully, that made the tears well up to explain what words couldn’t. Because how do you respond to something that breaks you open so quietly? He could only sit there, lost in the ghost of Jimin’s voice, his heart tangled up in six strings and a melody that sounded suspiciously like love, maybe…
Jimin ✨
Couldn’t get this out of my head…
New piece. What do you think?
Jeongguk let out a shaky breath, something between a laugh and a sigh, dragging a hand down his face. What do I think? How could he even begin to explain what it did to him? That Jimin could pluck at a guitar string and unravel his entire soul in sixty seconds flat? His fingers hovered over the keyboard, then stilled. He deleted the first reply. Then a second. Then third. None of them were right. None of them could hold what he felt.
I think… that completely ruined me
Jimin-ah… it was beautiful
Your voice…
I’m floating but sinking all at once!
Jeongguk hit send before he could take it back. His phone buzzed again almost immediately.
Jimin ✨
I didn’t mean to make you feel that way…
I thought of what’s before me, and it kinda bled into the song
Jeongguk’s chest tightened, a dull ache blooming between his ribs. Was that a confession? Was he reading too much into simple things? He could picture Jimin, probably curled up on the bed, phone glowing softly against his cheek, fingers toying with the edge of a blanket or the guitar pick. Jimin didn’t even realize the way he touched people without trying, and that made Jeongguk shake his head fondly.
You made me feel too much
Like we are closer and still miles away
It’s been like 25 days?
Yeah?
There was a pause. A long one, and Jeongguk absentmindedly rolled his eyes, anticipating the response. This was new. The way Jimin made the teenager with a crush in him jump out was hilarious. He counted the seconds between the bubbles appearing and disappearing. His heart thudded with every flicker.
Jimin ✨
You make it sound like I’m some kind of ghost haunting you
...Am I?
Jeongguk let out a soundless chuckle, running a hand down his face, trying to keep the ache at bay. If anything, he had also learned that Jimin was a bit silly; he was funny too. It was cute. Jeongguk stared at the screen for a moment longer, then sent back the only truth he had ever known, a giddy smile stretching his lips.
More like a Stardust
I see you, Jimin-ah
Even when you’re not here
Especially then
Another pause. This one little longer. But Jeongguk didn’t mind because he knew they had been crossing the lines little by little, not too overwhelming but just putting them out in the open. Ever since they had decided to give this marriage a try, it had been happening way too often. Jeongguk lay back against his bed, phone still in hand, letting the silence settle like snow. Eventually, a reply came… so soft it made his chest tremble because he could picture Jimin’s flushed face on the other end.
Jimin ✨
That’s the most romantic I’ve heard
Still think the books I’ve read have great romantic lines ☺️
I’m going to bed now… before I say something too much
Jeongguk’s lips curled into the smallest smile, one he didn’t even try to hide. Jimin had recommended some books, explaining his favorite parts and narrating them over the call and sprinkling his giggles now and then, which almost made Jeongguk lose his focus, but he wasn’t a reader, and hence the teasing. His heart felt raw and full. Too much, but not enough at the same time.
Good night, Jimin-ah…
You are still a Stardust!
And with that, the night closed around them. Miles apart, tangled in the same invisible thread, hearts beating to the sound of unsaid things… too big for words, too tender to rush.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 80
The soft hum of the bus filled the silence between them, comfortable and grounding, punctuated only by the occasional rattle of plastic bags in their hands. February skies were the kind that made Jimin pull his scarf tighter around Jihye’s neck even though she swatted his hand away, grinning cutely. The weather was nice, and they had picked up her favourite cupcakes from that corner bakery. Jimin had even offered to buy the strawberry ones she pretended she didn’t like. But the lightness wouldn’t last. Jihye had been quiet for the past five minutes, too quiet, very unlike her, and Jimin knew that look on her face. The kind where her lips pressed together, eyes darting to the side as she gathered the courage to say something she knew might not go down well.
“Minnie…”
She began, soft and unsure. Jimin turned to her, the corners of his eyes crinkling, voice warm. He knew something was going on inside her head.
“Hmm?”
“I’ve been thinking…”
Jihye said slowly, hands curling into her hoodie sleeves as he took in a sharp breath.
“About the university. When the results come in in a week or so”
Jimin smiled, ready to tease her a little, to ask which colour she wanted to dye her hair when she finally got in, or what she would like to have as a gift. He might not be able to afford something extravagant, but they can get a nice meal or go to Busan for the weekend.
“I want to go. Like… really go. Not homeschool. Not some private program tucked away online. I mean an actual university. With people. Classes. Campus life”
Jihye blurted out, and Jimin’s smile faltered just a little. A blink. Barely there.
“Jihye…”
“I mean it”
She rushed, turning to him fully, her voice trembling with how much she had thought about this.
“I know we’ve always said it’s safer this way, and I get that, I really do, Minnie. I know you’ve only wanted the best for me, but I’m fine now, don’t you think? You’ve seen me. The treatment’s working. I walk to the store every day, I run the register, I handle people, and I-”
“It’s not the same, Ji”
Jimin interrupted gently, his hand finding her delicate one.
“You’re doing great, baby, I know you are, I am so proud of you, but that’s a controlled environment. That’s something I or anyone of us can reach if anything happens”
“But nothing has happened!”
Jihye argued, louder than she meant to, drawing a glance from an elderly couple two seats ahead. She lowered her voice instantly. Jimin could feel her grow frustrated, and he felt down. He had never wanted to shield her from the outside world, and she would turn eighteen in a couple of years. She deserved to enjoy and explore on her own, but what if something happened? What if they didn’t get help right away? What if she were stranded alone, suffering?
“I haven’t had a single episode in weeks. Three months, even. Minnie, you know that, and we’ve been doing the therapy, the meds, the validation exercises. I just want… I just want to feel normal”
“You are normal, Ji. You’ve always been”
Jimin said quietly, voice almost a whisper as he cupped her cheek, heart caving in. Jihye looked away, the frustration bubbling under her ribs.
“Then please let me feel that way. I promise I will be alright”
“Because I know this condition. I’ve lived through every minute of it with you. I’ve held you through the worst of your seizures. I’ve watched your hands shake for hours. I’ve been so close to losing you. I’m not trying to cage you, Jihye. I’m just trying to keep you safe. Please…”
“But I’m not made of glass, Minnie”
Jihye shot back, biting her lip as her eyes began to burn.
“You think I don’t want to be free? Don’t you see how hard I’ve been trying? I promised you I would be safe”
Jimin looked at her, his own eyes glistening, voice shaking despite how soft it stayed.
“We don’t know that, Ji. Try to understand, please and you think I don’t see you? You think I don’t know how brave you are? You think this is easy for me? Keeping you from the world?”
“Then why won’t you let go just a little?”
Jihye’s voice cracked.
“I know you care for me and you are doing it all just for me but I will be safe. Why do you still act like I’m going to break the second I’m out of your sight?”
Jihye almost cried, a lone tear sliding down her cheeks.
“Because I can’t afford to lose you”
Jimin whispered. And then, it happened. She didn’t mean to. It wasn’t planned. But it came out… sharp, a little cruel, and soaked in the kind of hurt that had been sitting in her chest for too long.
“Maybe if you spent less time worrying about me, you’d stop pretending your life ended just because Appa and Eomma died”
The silence after was deafening. Jimin’s face didn’t shift. It didn’t crumble. But it didn’t hold together either. His eyes darkened, the light vanished, something unreadable passing through them as he blinked slowly, as if steadying himself against the blow. The bags in his hand crinkled slightly with the force of his grip. Her eyes widened in horror at what she’d said, hand flying to her mouth.
“Minnie… I didn’t mean -”
But Jimin had already turned away, shoulders curled inwards like he was trying to protect something delicate inside him. The rest of the ride passed in that same heavy silence, thick and choking. He could see his sister parting her lips to say something, but silently crying beside him. The air between them wasn’t just uncomfortable… it was broken. Something sacred had cracked. When they reached the house, Jimin didn’t say anything. He carried the bags inside, his footsteps careful and quiet. He set the groceries down, peeled off his jacket like he was moving underwater.
“Eat them before they get hard”
“Minnie…”
“Lock the door after I am gone”
And just like that, he disappeared. The door clicked shut, and Jihye stood in the living room, everything around her suddenly too still, too quiet, too hollow. Her fingers curled tightly at her sides as the weight of her words came crashing down on her. She knew better. She knew how hard he worked to keep her world intact. She knew the sacrifices he’d made… even if she didn’t know the full extent of them. She even knew about the contract that let her brother sleep at night, knowing her therapy sessions would never be cut short. A contract with Jeongguk that was built on shaky grounds but funded every scan, every test, every quiet visit to the ER.
She knew what he had sacrificed, and yet she let the emotions get the best of her… Jihye sank to the floor, back against the wall, eyes red with tears, heart in pieces as guilt clawed its way up her heart, echoing inside her head like a vicious melody.
.
.
.
The cold didn’t bite
Not really
At least not harder than the words
Jimin walked with his hands in the pockets of his coat, the wind slipping through the seams, brushing against his skin like a cruel whisper. The evening had folded into a deepening blue, streetlights flickering on one by one, and he just kept moving… not toward anything, not away from everything either. Just… away from the weight in his chest that he didn’t know how to carry. The words were still ringing in his ears, relentless.
“Maybe if you spent less time worrying”
He had frozen. The way Jihye said it, not with malice, not with hate, never with cruel intention to hurt him, but with that raw, stinging truth that only someone who knew him could wield, it split something wide open in him. It wasn’t about the words. It was the hurt behind them. The accusation was wrapped in longing. And now, with every step of his boots echoing against the cracked pavement, Jimin couldn’t tell what stung more, the guilt or the fear.
Maybe…
Maybe he had been holding her too tightly
Maybe she was right
Maybe he had forgotten how to live… how to let her live
His breath fogged out into the air like smoke, leaving rings that mingled with the snow, but he couldn’t feel it anymore. He walked past familiar corners, the old flower shop that shut down just a few days ago, the rusted bike chained to a lamp post, the bakery with lights still glowing inside. Places that had started feeling like home. Places he had memorised with her, for her, because all he had ever done was try to provide. Try to build a world where she is safe. Try to catch every trembling, every dizzy spell, every cruel thing life has done to her and say: You don’t have to do this alone. You have me.
But was that enough?
Was he enough?
He remembered the seizures, the nights she fell and he caught her, barely, knees bruised and hands shaking. He remembered the night when everything fell apart and when they were tossed into the world. How cruel it had been to hold a baby in his arms as he wandered like a lost soul. He remembered the first time she couldn’t move her legs for a full hour and he sat beside her, stroking her hair, humming lullabies through tears they hadn’t sung since she was little.
He had made peace with giving her the best of himself. But maybe… she wanted more. More than what he could offer. Because it was normal. It was normal to want to go outside. It's normal to want to make friends. Normal to want to explore. And that thought, that maybe he had given his everything and it still wasn’t enough, that was what hollowed him out. He reached a bench near the old bus stop and sat down, head spinning and heart rattling in his chest like a thing too big for his body. It was so quiet. Just the soft shuffle of wind and the far-off buzz of a streetlamp. Jimin lowered his head into his hands.
Maybe she wasn’t happy.
Jimin hadn’t meant to. He never wanted to cage her. He just loved her so much it terrified him to lose his only family. Every small smile, every sarcastic remark, every shared meal, every time she came into the room humming something under her breath, they were pieces of her he held close, like fragile glass ornaments he couldn’t afford to drop. She was his whole world. She was the reason he hadn’t completely unraveled the day their parents died. The reason he agreed to that contract. The reason he learned to push past exhaustion and fear and heartbreak and smile anyway.
So why did it feel like it wasn’t enough? Why did it feel like the more he gave, the more distant everything became? Thoughts were baseless because something like this had never happened before. He understood where Jihye came from, but why did it hurt so much? A tear slipped down his cheek. Then another. He didn’t sob. Didn’t shake. Just sat there, quietly crumbling from the inside, like snow melting under too much weight. It was all catching up to him. The years of being the strong one. The caregiver. The protector. The one who didn’t have the luxury of falling apart because someone else always needed him whole.
But right now… He didn’t feel whole. He felt like an empty house with the lights left on, always weighed down by a responsibility to shine when someone walked in. A room still echoing with a voice that had just left. A boy who had made himself small so someone else could breathe easily, and who was now wondering if he had disappeared entirely in the process. And maybe… maybe he hadn’t failed. Not completely. But the hurt sat too deep. Too loud. And all he could do was sit with it, let it ache, let it carve itself into the silence. Because he loved her. Because love, when real, comes with wounds too.
He let the tears fall, hot and relentless, streaking down his flushed cheeks as if they could carry the pain away with them, but they didn’t. They never did. Instead, the ache inside him deepened, venomous and sharp, twisting like a blade lodged beneath his ribs. Each tear seemed to invite another wave of sorrow, and every breath he managed felt thinner than the last. This was their first real fight. Not just a playful disagreement, not one of those harmless squabbles that always ended in laughter and fond apologies. No, this one was different. This one felt like something broke, at least inside him, because once back home, he would be alright again.
His hands trembled in his lap, fingers curling inward like they were trying to hold something together, but he didn’t know what anymore. His eyes burned, the edges of his vision swimming with tears and the beginnings of a headache so dull it made the world sway. Was he being too sensitive? Was he taking it too much to heart? But how could he not… when every fiber of his being had bent, broken, rebuilt itself to keep her safe? She knew . Jihye knew what he gave up. Even if he never spoke it aloud, even if he held back the worst of it, she must have seen . So why did it feel like she had just thrown it all back at him with one careless sentence?
It was just the heat of the moment, a flare of frustration. Jimin knew how much his sister cared for him, how considerate she was, how much she loved him. He knew she would give up anything for him, just like he did. But it didn’t stop it from hurting. It didn’t stop the wound from blooming across his chest, wide and gaping, leaking doubt and guilt and years of silent sacrifice. He thought of her now, alone in their little flat, and his whole body ached to run back. But he couldn’t move. His legs refused. His chest refused. He felt suspended, trapped in that breathless second between breaking and completely shattering.
Jimin didn’t know how to stitch himself back together this time, at least until whatever he was feeling subsided. He needed someone. Just one person. Someone to pull him close, wrap arms around his shaking frame, and whisper things like You did your best. You gave her the world. You were enough. Was that too much to want? Was it selfish to ask for softness? He had fought so long, so hard to build something stable. Something safe, even if it meant sacrificing his entire life. And now, in the stillness of the night, all of it felt like a house made of cards knocked over by one gust of wind.
Maybe he had built too high. Maybe hope was always going to be this fragile. The thought lingered like frost on skin, numbing him further, and the questions still wouldn't stop, guilt curling like smoke through his veins, grief pressing down on his lungs, leaving barely any room to breathe. His fingers trembled as he fumbled inside his coat pocket, heart hammering against his ribs as if trying to escape the ruin within. Jimin stared at his phone screen. Jeongguk’s name glowed softly in the dark, far too gentle for the turmoil boiling inside him. He hesitated. Just for a second. He didn’t want to burden him, not when he was probably exhausted, not when he was always giving and giving… but his thumb moved on its own, pressing the call button like it was muscle memory. The dial tone rang, once… twice… three times.
Maybe he wouldn't pick up. Maybe he was caught at work. Maybe this was his burden to carry alone… but then, through the silence, the voice broke like sunlight through thick clouds.
“Jimin-ah”
Soft. Warm. Familiar. Gentle.
That was all it took. The sob ripped from Jimin’s throat so violently, so suddenly, it startled him and the person who stood close by. He hunched forward, the phone clutched tight to his ear like it was the only thing anchoring him. His cries came in waves, raw and unrestrained, loud enough to echo in the cold air around him, louder still inside the cracked halls of his chest.
“Jimin?”
Jeongguk’s voice faltered, fear rising. Jimin wanted to say that it was nothing, that it was just him being vulnerable, but words got stuck inside his throat.
“Jimin… What’s wrong? Where are you?”
He tried, opened his mouth to explain, to make sense of the pain, but all that came out were shuddering breaths, wet with grief, his whole frame curled inward as though trying to make himself smaller. His fingers dug into his coat, nails biting skin. It hurt. Jeongguk’s gentle tone with panic didn’t make anything easy. Was he worrying him, too?
“I tried…”
Jimin gasped, voice catching like it was tangled in a thorny wire.
“I did everything I could. I did everything. I just wanted her to be okay. I need her to be okay, and I think I messed it all up… I -”
“Jimin… listen to me. Don’t do that. Don’t say that”
Jeongguk interrupted, voice firm but gentle. Still gentle, and Jimin bit his lips, trying to hold back, trying to focus.
“Do you think I caged her? Do you think I am hiding her away?”
Words barely came out, and the line went silent before Jimin heard Jeongguk speak.
“No. You did good. You did more than good. You were everything she needed. You’ve always been… enough. Don’t you dare doubt it”
And something broke. Not in the way hearts shatter, but in the way a dam does, when the flood finally finds its path past the defenses. Jimin crumpled further into himself, forehead pressing to his knee, his entire soul pouring out in every shake of his body. Jeongguk didn’t say anything else. He just stayed there on the line, a quiet presence radiating warmth through the cold night. His breath on the other end was steady, grounding, like lullabies and open arms.
“You did good”
Jeongguk repeated after a few seconds, softer this time, like a soothing balm being placed against a wound.
“You’re so brave. So kind. She’s lucky, sweetheart. I’m lucky”
Sweetheart
Jimin felt his heart stop for a moment. That was the first time. Blood rushed under his skin by the way he said it like music. Like Jimin’s favorite song on a tired day. Like the hush that fell over the sea after a storm. Like the arms he could collapse into without needing to explain. It was salvation. Jimin curled tighter, eyes fluttering shut as Jeongguk murmured quiet reassurances once every minute. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that, him breaking open piece by piece and Jeongguk holding every shard with reverence, but eventually, the tears slowed. His breathing evened out. And all that remained was the quiet, aching thrum of connection, fragile but real.
“Can you stay on the call?”
Jimin whispered, hoarse, but he didn’t want Jeongguk to leave. He needed him.
“Just… till I reach home?”
“You don’t even have to ask”
Jeongguk’s voice was a whisper in his ear… steady, patient, the only thing keeping Jimin tethered to reality. He nodded in response, even though he knew Jeongguk couldn’t see. His legs ached, and his chest felt painfully hollow, but he kept walking, one trembling step after another, guided by the comfort of his husband's presence on the other end of the call. The night was still, too quiet, the kind that made every thought feel louder, sharper, and Jimin bit down on the tremor rising in his throat.
Neither of them spoke much. There was no need. Just the hush of Jeongguk breathing, just the faint rustle of the phone brushing against Jimin’s cheek as he turned into the familiar alley that led to their apartment. Each step felt surreal, almost dreamlike, as if this wasn’t real, as if he was still walking in the storm of guilt and grief swirling inside his chest.
“Did you have dinner?”
“Was just heading back to the room”
Jimin hummed, eyes on the cracked pavement, scuffing a loose stone with the toe of his shoe.
“Isn’t it past your dinner time? You are gonna feel lightheaded headed”
Jimin whispered into the phone. He remembered Jeongguk mentioning how he feels dizzy when he skips a meal, and that information kind of etched itself into Jimin’s brain.
“I will have it once you are home. Don’t worry”
The building loomed into view, dimly lit, and the chill seemed to seep deeper into his bones the closer he got. His gut twisted uneasily. As he reached the door, a strange discomfort curled at the edge of his consciousness. Something didn’t feel right. It was too quiet. The flat should have been glowing faintly, lights from Jihye’s room or the television casting familiar shadows. But it was dark. Silent. But he drowned it out because they didn’t part harmoniously.
“I’m home!”
Jimin whispered, more to himself and maybe a little more to his sister, unlocking the door with shaking hands. He turned on the hallway lights, his chest constricting as he stepped inside. The hush felt wrong, like the breath before a scream.
“Jihye?”
He called again softly, slipping off his shoes, voice echoing through the silence.
“Jihye, sweetheart?”
No answer. His stomach dropped and he could hear a sharp inhale on the other line.
“Jimin-ah… is everything alright?”
“She might be in her room…”
Jimin didn’t sound convinced, even to his own ears. With his heart beating violently, Jimin moved quickly through the apartment, flicking on lights. He pushed her door open and froze. There, crumpled on the floor beside her bed, was Jihye. Still. Unmoving. The world tilted off its axis. A scream tore from his throat, broken and raw as he dropped the phone into his pocket, scrambling toward her on wobbly legs.
“Ji!”
Jimin gathered her into his arms, her skin cold, lips slightly parted as if he had been gasping. Her weight felt unbearable. He fumbled for her phone on the table, taking it blindly while trying to shake her, sobs catching in his throat.
“Wake up… please. Wake up, baby… oh god!”
This wasn’t a seizure. She was completely still and cold. People didn’t look like this when they fainted and that made a chill run down Jimin’s spine. His fingers dialed blindly. The ambulance. He didn’t remember pressing the numbers. Didn’t remember what he said. Everything blurred into one, the panic clawing at his chest, the way her head lolled against his shoulder, the frantic breath that never seemed to come. And then the line picked up. Sirens were promised. Help was coming.
Jimin did everything he could, everything he could remember, but nothing worked. Jihye was still in his arms and the door opened. It felt like a deja vu. She was right. She hadn’t have another episode in so long. It’s been months, and the treatment was working perfectly, then why? Jimin could feel himself in their old house, in the same helpless state as they wheeled her into the ambulance. Why was everything repeating? But this time, he wasn’t alone. Jimin picked the phone back up, desperate cries still leaving his lips as his voice trembled with fear. Jeongguk’s name was still glowing on the screen.
“Guk… she’s, she’s not waking up. I found her on the floor. I should’ve stayed… I shouldn’t have left her alone”
His voice broke again and again, words tumbling over each other, barely intelligible through the cries. He could feel himself spinning.
“I was so stupid… so fucking stupid”
“ Jimin! ”
Jeongguk’s voice cut through the chaos inside his head, firm but not harsh.
“Jimin. Listen to me. You’re doing everything right. You’re getting her help. She’ll be okay. Just breathe, baby, please. Breathe for me. In and Out”
Jimin hiccuped, clutching the phone to his ear with one hand, the other wrapped around Jihye’s limp wrist. His tears wouldn’t stop, his mouth kept moving, but no more words came out except whimpers of agony. Did he finally ruin everything?
“I’m coming”
Jeongguk announced, low and sure, like an anchor dropped in a storm, and Jimin’s eyes widened.
“Wh… What?”
“I’m leaving right now. I’ll be there in a few hours. You’re not alone, okay? You’re not. Just stay still, be with her. I will inform everyone. I’ll be there, I promise”
They wheeled her into the ambulance and Jimin followed like a man stripped of life, like a ghost, hunched and shivering in the sterile lights. He clung to the phone like salvation. Like Jeongguk’s promise was the only thing tethering him to the earth. And maybe, it was…
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jeongguk’s blood ran cold the moment he heard Jimin’s broken voice… strained, panicked, thick with terror. He had expected a soft update, maybe a quiet sigh as a reply after Jimin tucked Jihye in and curled into bed, safe and resolved. But instead, he got sobs… gut-wrenching, breathless, and haunting. And then the scream, sharp, agonized that it echoed in his skull. His heart clenched violently and his fingers fumbled as he scrambled to grab his wallet, jacket, phone charger… all while speaking gently but urgently into the phone, trying to calm Jimin even as his own world tilted on its axis.
He couldn’t bear the sound of Jimin breaking down into shards. The raw and vulnerable edge of his cries was quiet, choked, but they split Jeongguk open in ways no sound ever had. He had never felt that kind of horror before. Every word out of Jimin’s mouth had been a blade, and Jeongguk was bleeding by the time the call ended. He didn’t remember how he got to the office late at night, after the official visiting hours, only that he burst into the operations wing like a storm, demanding emergency leave. When they told him protocol didn’t allow last-minute exits without prior notice, let alone someone who didn’t have any leaves left, he snapped.
For the first time, he raised his voice at a superior, shaking hands curled into fists by his side, knuckles white and face pale. His usual calm had evaporated, replaced by the overwhelming need to be by Jimin’s side, to hold him, anchor him, make this nightmare less terrifying.
“I’m not asking, Mr. Kim. I am leaving”
Jeongguk had said, eyes gleaming, voice low with suppressed rage. It took more arguing, a few calls, a furious exchange with a senior official who tried to pull rank and threaten him, but Jeongguk didn’t back down. He never had, not when it came to Jimin. He didn’t know the kind of pull Jimin had on him but in that moment nothing else had mattered. Three days. That’s what he managed to get after they told him they would station him at the underwater base for a month for going against the rules. He agreed and turned on his heels but three days weren’t enough, but better than nothing.
Jeongguk boarded the first available train to Seoul, sinking into the cold seat as the world rushed past the windows, the city lights blurring into streaks of white and red as the ocean moved further away. His head rested against the glass, eyes heavy but too wired to sleep. His thoughts raced. Was Jihye okay? Was she awake now? What had happened? He wanted answers, but more than that, he wanted Jimin. He wanted him safe. He wanted him to be happy. Jeongguk shut his eyes and exhaled shakily, imagining Jimin’s tear-stained face, the exhaustion in his shoulders, the way he must’ve curled up somewhere in that cold hospital waiting room, clutching his heart.
Hold on a little longer, Jeongguk thought, fingers tightening around the strap of his bag. He ached to hold him. To wrap himself around that trembling frame and whisper reassurances against the skin of his neck. To press kisses to his temple and tell him that he wasn’t alone. That he never had been alone.
.
.
.
Jeongguk arrived at the hospital just past four in the morning, his steps echoing sharply down the silent and pristine hallway. A bag hung off one shoulder, forgotten the second the receptionist gave him the room number. He didn’t wait, didn’t breathe properly until he was running… feet thudding against polished floors, past endless white walls that felt too still, too clean, like grief had never touched them. But grief had, a million times. He could feel it in his bones. But he just hoped it wouldn’t reach them. Not now. Not ever.
He turned a corner, and his heart stumbled when he saw Taehyung and Hoseok against the wall, their expressions tight and pained. But Jimin wasn’t there. Panic flared. He stopped in his tracks, suddenly breathless.
“Where’s…”
Jeongguk’s voice barely left him, rough and cracked from the weight of sleeplessness and dread. But before he could say more, before his friends could actually hear him, the door beside them creaked open. And there he was.
Jimin
Pale, eyes rimmed and glossy with a redness that spoke of hours of silent weeping, lips pressed together like he was barely holding himself together. He was dead on his feet and his hands trembled at his sides, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Then Jimin lifted his chin and his gaze locked onto him, like a star finding the light, and a sharp, broken breath escaped him… part sob, part relief, all pain.
And he ran
There was no hesitation, no waste of a single second. Just Jimin, suddenly a blur of soft blue sweater and aching heart, bolting across the space between them, crossing the distance in just a couple of feet. Jeongguk took a step forward instinctively and opened his arms just in time to catch him. Jimin crashed into him with a force that knocked the breath out of his lungs, not from the impact, but from the way Jimin clung to him. Like he’d fall apart if Jeongguk let go. Like Jeongguk was the only thing left holding the world together. He wrapped his arms tight around Jimin’s waist, pulling him flush against his chest, grounding him, holding every shaking piece, almost lifting his feet off the ground.
“I’m here”
Jeongguk whispered into his hair, pressing kiss after kiss into the dark strands, onto his temple, his forehead… desperate, tender, like trying to kiss away every hour of fear and heartbreak he had to endure all by himself. He didn’t know what he would’ve done, but he wouldn’t have taken a single breath if he were still at the base. This was where he was supposed to be. Hopefully forever.
“You’re okay. I’ve got you, sweetheart”
Jimin didn’t speak, and didn't need to. His fingers fisted the back of Jeongguk’s shirt, burying himself in the scent and warmth he had longed for since the night rained down on him. And Jeongguk held him there, in the quiet curve of that sterile corridor, like the world had stopped spinning just to give them a moment to breathe again. They didn’t let go for minutes on end and Jeongguk walked them to the chairs, carefully lowering both of them as Jimin held his hand, fingers intertwined, resting on Jeongguk’s lap.
“How’s she?”
Jeongguk’s voice was barely a breath, as his thumb brushed soft, slow circles against Jimin’s knuckles. The touch, so simple and familiar, easing the tightness in Jimin’s shoulders bit by bit, the weight he carried easing enough to allow a breath, shallow but real, to pass through his lips. Jimin blinked slowly, eyes still glazed with fatigue and grief.
“She had a seizure”
He murmured, voice raw and rough.
“A severe one. The doctors said if I had been even a little late...”
Jimin swallowed hard, the words catching in his throat
“... it could’ve been critical. Maybe worse”
Jeongguk’s hand stilled and a gasp left his lips, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Jimin’s hand before curling their fingers tighter together, grounding him.
“She’s stable now. She’s responding... but they’ll keep her in the ICU for the next twenty-four hours. Just to be safe. They said it’ll be okay if she gains consciousness soon”
Jimin continued, his voice quieter, almost dazed and Jeongguk hummed, the sound vibrating gently against Jimin’s skin like a lullaby, like the promise of calm after a storm. He said nothing else for a while… because some moments needed only silence and presence, not words. And Jimin, found himself slowly inching closer, leaning into Jeongguk’s side until his head found that familiar place just beneath Jeongguk’s jaw. Jeongguk welcomed the closeness like a second skin, his heart thumping out of the chest, tucking his arm securely around Jimin’s shoulders, pulling him in, anchoring him with touch alone. His other hand never stopped tracing along Jimin’s fingers… tender, rhythmic, reverent. Another kiss was pressed into Jimin’s hair, slow and lingering. Then another, softer this time, like little touches of devotion.
“Thank you for coming”
Jimin mumbled, the softness in the tone sending Jeongguk down a spiral.
“Always for you”
And Jimin just nodded against his chest, eyes fluttering shut as the warmth around him slowly dulled the ache inside. He didn’t need to speak anymore. Not now. Jeongguk’s quiet strength was enough. Enough to cradle the jagged pieces of the night and his broken heart, enough to fill the hollowness in his ribs with something gentle, something that might eventually become peace.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jimin felt the soft squeeze of his arm, the distant voice, so gentle and so familiar, calling him. He could feel the press of fingers on his knuckles along with lips that pecked his temple. He didn’t even realize he had fallen asleep, but when the squeeze on his arms tightened a little, Jimin stirred awake, and his eyes opened wide, the reality crashing down on him like a storm. He flinched hard, almost moving away from Jeongguk’s touch.
“Jimin-ah… It’s okay”
And the squeeze returned, pulling him to the ground, into the reality which sounded painful. He tilted his head, eyes catching Jeongguk’s, who had a small smile plastered on his face.
“Jihye’s awake. Go see her?”
Jeongguk’s voice was soft, almost reverent, and the words made Jimin’s chest clench with a wave of relief so strong it left him breathless. How long had he been asleep?
“Three hours”
Jeongguk answered without pause, as if reading Jimin’s thoughts with ease.
“Not too long. She’s asking for you”
Jimin’s eyes widened, and he shot up from the seat, only to hesitate, glancing back at Jeongguk with uncertainty.
“I’m not going anywhere. She needs you”
Jeongguk said gently, offering a reassuring smile. How did Jeongguk always know exactly what he needed? Words caught in his throat, and he offered a small, grateful smile before leaning in, wrapping his arms tightly around his husband in a brief, grounding embrace. Then, without saying a word, he turned on his heels and hurried toward the room. When Jimin opened the door, the sterile scent of antiseptic greeted him first, the one he had started to despise years ago. Then came the sight… Jihye, awake, propped up weakly against the pillows, her face still pale. Tubes clung to her arms and wires traced soft beeping rhythms across the machines beside her, but her gaze lifted to meet him the moment he stepped in. There was a smile on her lips, one that tried its best to be brave, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Jimin’s heart clenched at the sight, throat tightening as he shut the door behind him gently. He walked slowly, steps careful as though afraid she might disappear if he blinked or left her alone one more time. His breath caught, emotions swelling and pressing against his chest like a dam ready to burst.
“Minnie”
Jihye whispered, voice raspy and rough. Jimin couldn’t respond right away. His fingers curled at his sides, clutching the sweater as he sat beside her, hand reaching out to brush a stray strand from her forehead.
“You scared me”
He finally breathed out, voice trembling.
“You really scared me”
Jihye’s eyes filled with tears, and she sniffled, not able to hold back any longer.
“I’m sorry, Minnie… I didn’t mean to. I just… I got tired, and everything felt too much”
Her lips trembled and Jimin wanted to take every ounce of pain from her body.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I shouldn’t have… I am sorry. I don’t mean it. Not even a single word”
“Ji…”
Jimin murmured, reaching out to take her hand gently in both of his and kissing the palm softly.
“You didn’t hurt me. I was startled, yes, but I get you, baby. I was just so… so afraid. You wouldn’t wake up, and I… I promise you can tell me anything”
She looked down, lashes fluttering, cheeks flushing with shame.
“I wasn’t trying to run away, I swear. I wanted to step out, I agree, but I just… I saw how much you and Jeongguk needed each other. I see it all the time. How he looks at you, how you lean into him without even thinking. And I thought…”
Jihye hesitated, the words catching like splinters in her throat as Jimin stiffened beside her.
“I thought if I gave you both space… maybe you could just breathe. You could grow closer. I see the way you need him, Minnie, and he does too. I thought… Maybe I could be a little normal, too. Go to university, explore like everyone else my age”
Jimin froze and her words hit him like a punch to the chest, sharp, direct, and devastating.
“Ji…”
He whispered, already pulling her closer despite the wires between them. He wrapped his arms around her carefully, cradling her head against his shoulder and pressing a kiss to the forehead, tears welling up in his eyes.
“You are not in the way. You’re not a burden. You never were and you will never be. You’re my heart, Jihye. You are my entire world. You don’t have to be anything but exactly who you are. You don’t need to give me space… I need you safe. That’s all I want. You being okay is how I breathe”
Jihye’s hands clutched his back tightly as her tears soaked into his shirt.
“But I want to be better for you. I want to be strong like you so I can take care of you too”
Jimin pulled back just enough to cup her cheeks, words hitting and flowing through the cracks of his heart.
“You are strong, darling. Do you know how brave you are? You’ve survived so much already. Your strength doesn’t lie in pretending to be fine, Ji. It’s in how you open your heart again and again, even when it’s hard. Even now. I am proud of you. So damn proud of you”
Her eyes brimmed again, but this time, there was a small flicker of relief.
“And Jeongguk… he really cares for you so much, Minnie”
Jimin smiled, this one softer, tinged with weariness and something beautiful as pink flushed his cheeks.
“Yeah… he does. And I do too. But that doesn’t change how much I need you, Jihye. My life is you. You’ll always be part of the home”
Jihye closed her eyes, pulling Jimin a little closer.
“I love you, Minnie. So much. So much”
“I love you more”
Jimin replied, resting his forehead against hers, as the storm inside them both finally began to quiet.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The sun was dipping low, melting behind the veil of clouds that scattered across the lavender sky. The horizon glowed in hues of pink and purple, brushing gold against the corners of the leaf blades in the green lawn that stretched in front of the hospital premises. It wasn’t peace, not entirely, but something close. Something softer, easier to breathe in. Jimin stood under the tree just off the path, where many people didn’t wander. The hospital was quiet behind him, the muffled sounds of nurses and machines fading into the breeze. His fingers brushed the branches absently, the faint dampness clinging to his skin as he kept his eyes fixed on the distance.
The storm had reduced, and his heart felt a little lighter. He wasn’t waiting for anything in particular. But maybe he was indeed waiting for someone . Jeongguk had said he would meet him outside soon, after helping his mother settle things inside. Jimin hadn’t expected her to come, much less with food packed with care, love, and a change of clothes for Jeongguk, him, and Jihye. It shouldn’t have made his eyes burn. But it did. Because that’s what love looked like… quiet, thoughtful gestures that held you up when you were too tired to stand.
And now, beneath that tree, Jimin found himself staring out at the world that had changed so rapidly in such little time. Just months ago, Jeongguk had been a stranger with a contract and a neatly signed name at the bottom of the paper that bound them. It was never meant to be anything more. He didn’t ever think it would be more. He wasn’t supposed to care . Wasn’t supposed to look at Jeongguk and feel the ache he felt now. But things never went as planned, did they? He thought of the way Jeongguk had run to him. Not even a second of hesitation when he heard him scream. As if there was no distance he wouldn’t cross in a heartbeat. As if the word husband had rooted itself deeper than anything written on paper. Jimin blinked rapidly, eyes glossy with the weight of it all.
How did we get here…?
Somewhere along the way, as the time passed, between sleepy phone calls, short yet warm texts, between whispered comforts and quiet resilience, the lines had blurred. The boundaries dissolved as if they had never existed. There was no contract here. No performance. Only them, raw and achingly real. Jimin didn’t know what to call it. Didn’t have a name for this thing that lived in the space between yearning and love. He only knew it pulsed in his chest whenever Jeongguk looked at him with that tenderness. That certainty.
And then, as if summoned by thoughts inside his head, Jeongguk appeared. Walking down the stone path with slow, steady steps, dressed in a fresh pair of clothes, his eyes softened the moment they landed on Jimin beneath the tree. And Jimin just watched him, heart twisting painfully at how familiar he had become. A constant and grounding presence in his life. His husband, maybe, in every way that mattered. Jeongguk came to a halt in front of him, lips curling into a faint smile before he leaned down, arms circling Jimin’s waist with gentleness. He pulled him close, forehead nearly brushing against his.
“What were you thinking about? You looked… so far away”
Jeongguk asked, voice like honey in the stillness. Jimin blinked slowly, then shook his head with a breathless laugh, as if any answer would betray the intensity of what he felt. How could he possibly explain what he had been feeling? Would that make any sense? Words wouldn’t quite suffice to describe what Jeongguk made him feel, the enormous range of emotions he evoked inside him with a single glance, and melt him with a single word.
“Thank you… for everything”
Jimin mumbled, faces inches apart. He didn’t know what he was supposed to say. It was barely more than a whisper, but Jeongguk heard it. Of course he did. And before he could respond, Jimin closed the space between them, hands lifting to rest on Jeongguk’s shoulders as he leaned in, lips finding his husband’s in a kiss so soft it could have broken. There was no desperation, no fire… just something achingly gentle. It was a kiss of gratitude, of relief, of all the unspoken things Jimin didn’t know how to say. A kiss that asked for nothing and gave everything. Jeongguk sighed into it, arms tightening ever so slightly around Jimin’s waist, grounding them both as their foreheads rested together once more when they parted.
“You don’t have to thank me, Jimin-ah”
Jeongguk whispered with a small smile that crinkled the edges of his doe-eyes.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be”
Jeongguk’s hands rose slowly, cradling Jimin’s face, thumbs brushing the flushed cheeks like a prayer before he leaned in, connecting their lips again. Their lips danced to the melody of quiet yearning, like soft waves trembling to meet the shore, like a confession. Jimin let himself be kissed, his lips parting ever so slightly just so Jeongguk could place his mark and leave a trace for days. The kiss was nowhere near desire, not even close, if anything, it conveyed everything they couldn’t say in words. It spoke of things neither of them knew how to name, and in that fleeting eternity, Jimin allowed himself to believe. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be . That maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t temporary. Maybe this… they were something too real to ignore.
Too sacred for syllables to cradle
Too tender for titles
Too infinite for labels
They were a hush between heartbeats and the kiss was a little touch of devotion
Notes:
How was it🥹 Did you shed any tears? If yes, then sending lots of hugs your way🫂
I've already mapped out the final chapter, but whether the epilogue will be included depends on the overall length of it after editing. If it feels too long as a single update, I'll post the epilogue separately as Chapter 11, right alongside the finale at the same time. Hope that’s alright with everyone🤎
Also, the fic will be wrapped up before Sunday, so please stay tuned for the ending💋
Chapter 10: Breath behind Every Note
Notes:
Finally🥹
We made it! This chapter is filled with gentle tenderness, moments that feel suspended in time, and the deep love and devotion they hold for each other. I truly hope it lives up to your expectations and satisfies every bit of what your heart was longing for🤎
⸙ Poetic Sex ⸙
There is smut in this chapter, yes, but I’m genuinely not sure how you’ll all feel about it🫠 I’d really, really love to hear your thoughts because it took me hours to write and then even longer to edit. I don’t know if something like this exists or is ideal, but I tried to shape it more around devotion than just raw intimacy. So please do let me know what you think💋
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Mood Song: Everytime by Yuqi, Minnie
Days left: 75
Jimin shifted under the warmth of the blanket, lulled awake by the soft glow of morning weaving its way through the blinds, lightly pulled apart. He blinked against the gentle light, his body still tucked in that in-between state of sleep and consciousness. He didn’t even remember falling asleep, much less sleeping this soundly, like a baby. And yet, something had been there all night… a quiet hum, a grounding presence that lingered like a lullaby at the edge of his dreams.
When his eyes finally fluttered open and adjusted to the light, they landed on the phone perched on the nightstand. And just like that, his heart softened, melting like the snowflakes. The FaceTime screen glowed faintly, and on the other side, Jeongguk. Peacefully asleep, his soft snores filled the silence like music. Jimin’s chest tightened, something warm and aching blooming. It had only been two days since Jeongguk left, and already Jimin missed him more than he could admit out loud.
Today marked the beginning of his punishment… thirty days of restricted communication, only fleeting chances to hear each other’s voices or see each other’s faces. The thought of it alone made Jimin curl deeper into himself, his lips forming a pout, wishing he could hold on to the present moment just a little longer. His gaze traced every detail… how the sunlight bathed Jeongguk’s skin in a golden hue, how the faint glint of his lip rings shimmered as he lay there completely unaware, soft lashes brushing against his cheeks, chest rising and falling in a rhythm Jimin had grown to know like his own. A smile tugged at Jimin’s lips, small and full of wonder.
How did they get here?
From something written in contract ink to something too sacred for words. They weren’t bound by terms anymore, or expectations. They were held together by something gentler, stronger. He reached out without thinking, fingers grazing the phone screen as if he could trace the slope of Jeongguk’s jaw, the corner of his sleepy smile, the scar on his cheek. And then, like magic, Jeongguk stirred. His lashes fluttered, lips parting slightly as he blinked into the screen.
“Morning”
He rasped, voice low and still heavy with sleep. Jimin let out a breathy chuckle, fondness spilling from every pore.
“You’ve been snoring in my ear all night”
“Good…”
Jeongguk muttered, eyes closing again.
“Wanted to make sure I stayed close somehow”
Jimin’s throat tightened, but he masked it with a quiet hum and a chuckle.
“You did. I didn’t even realize I was alone until I woke up. You were already here”
Jeongguk smiled lazily, that half-asleep kind of grin that made Jimin’s insides melt. He had been unwinding little by little, the goofy and flirty side peeking out. Oh… did Jimin love that.
“I’ll take that as a compliment”
“It is a compliment. More than you’ll ever know”
They lingered in silence for the next few minutes, soft and full, the kind that doesn’t ask to be broken. Just two people holding each other the only way they could for now… through pixels and morning sun.
“I’ll leave a text before I get on the ship”
Jeongguk murmured eventually, his voice quieter now, edged with something heavy as he opened his eyes completely, gaze zeroed in on Jimin.
“Might not have a signal after that”
Jimin nodded, even though he knew Jeongguk could see the sadness bloom behind his smile.
“Okay. This sucks. I won’t lie”
Jimin couldn’t help but pout, his heart already aching at the distance he had to endure when they felt the closest.
“Should I be sending you a selfie to make it up?”
Jeongguk smiled and wiggled his brows, successfully getting an eye roll from Jimin.
“You are going because of me in the first place”
“And I would go a million times more. Even meditate on the sea bed”
Jimin almost flung himself off the bed as laughter bubbled out of him in waves. He never knew Jeongguk was funny but this side was so domestic, so intimate.
“That’s stupid”
“Stupidity is a crown, Jimin-ah. Not everyone can wear it”
Jimin peeked into the screen with a cocked brow. Jeongguk was still grinning stupidly, now back against the headboard as he ran a hand through the messy hair.
“Now… you are just saying whatever”
“I’ll think of you every damn day, sweetheart”
“I’ll wait for you”
Jimin replied, just as softly. They didn’t say goodbye. Not this time. Instead, they let the silence stretch, let it cradle them like the ocean that would soon separate them… gentle, inevitable, and somehow still full of love and tenderness.
.
.
.
The dusky sky poured gold into shadows as the evening breeze slipped into the open balcony, tousling Jimin’s soft black hair like a lover's hand. He sat curled into the wooden chair, legs drawn up, a pen twirling between his ring-cladded fingers. A notebook rested on his lap, its pages filled with scribbles, some crossed out, others so raw they bled onto the paper. Crumpled drafts lay scattered around him like discarded thoughts, like pieces of his heart he couldn’t quite fold into song. Any moment now, Jeongguk would text. And Jimin wanted to, needed to, put these feelings somewhere before they swallowed him whole. He took a shaky breath and let his gaze settle on the latest lines, ink still fresh.
Just stop and think about it
No, we shouldn't be afraid
Even if it fail today
But it doesn't mean a thing
The words glimmered in the fading light, as if the page itself carried warmth from the memory of Jeongguk’s smile, the way his eyes crinkled at the edges. Every lyric Jimin had written these past months had, in some way, belonged to him. Jeongguk wasn’t just a muse… he was the rhythm behind every beat, the breath behind every note. Jimin had always believed songs came from emotion, ever since he had begun creating music. But with Jeongguk… it was soul-deep knowing. It was the kind of truth that clung to your ribs and whispered this is home .
They’d come so far. From a contract in cold ink to shared silence and soft laughter, late-night melodies and whispered fears. They’d learned each other, gently, without asking for more than the other could give. Jimin had watched himself fall, slowly and irreversibly, and Jeongguk had never once let him hit the ground. He smiled at the silliness of it all and another lyric flowed from his pen before he could stop it.
Nothing's gonna stop us, we will be forever
Our story's never ending, oh, for sure
Nothing's gonna change us, we will be forever
Our faith will not be forgotten for sure
His hand trembled slightly as he wrote the words, watching them bloom on the paper. Something was terrifying about putting it all down like this, about translating feeling into permanence, into something that the world would hear. But the fear was drowned out by the steady hum of affection. Of trust. Of something more powerful than either of them had expected when this began. Jimin bit his lip, heart aching most tenderly. He was never good with names… never good at labeling things. But this thing between them? It didn’t need a label. It lived in the way Jeongguk reached for him, in the way he listened without needing to understand, in the way he stayed , always.
Going through a lot, but we still stand strong
The sound of your voice still leads me along
Jimin scribbled down the last line. The balcony blurred for a moment, misted by the weight of everything he felt and could no longer hold back. The sound of Jeongguk’s voice… real or imagined wrapped around his heart and steadied his breath. And then his phone lit up on the nearby table.
Jeongguk ❤️🩹
Boarding the ship!
Will text you whenever possible…
Miss you, Jimin-ah
Jimin reached for it, fingers trembling as he typed back with a heart stretched open, raw and real, hoping Jeongguk would text him sooner.
I will be waiting as always
Take care, Gguk
That was another thing that had changed. Along with Jeongguk’s sweet names for him, he had let go of the formality, easing into calling whatever his heart wished.
Jeongguk ❤️🩹
Can’t wait to hear what you’re writing about tonight
And tomorrow… and the day after…
Jimin giggled, his eyes slightly glossy as he clutched the phone harder between his fingers. Whatever this was… he needed it for a long, long time.
You. It’s always you
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
The low thrum of the engines echoed through the metal walls of the underwater station, a soft and steady heartbeat beneath the sea. Everything was cast in a dark bluish hue, like the world had drowned itself in calmness and fierceness of the waves, and Jeongguk wiped the sweat off his forehead as he twisted a rusted bolt back into place, the smell of salt and steel thick in the air.
“I swear, if you keep making that face, the engine’s gonna get jealous”
Minjae quipped from where he was crouched beside a massive turbine, his sleeves rolled up and dark curls damp with sweat. Jeongguk looked up, confused because he was sure he had just been fixing the turbine for the mock drills.
“What face?”
“That one…”
Jihyun added from behind the control panel, waving a gloved hand before Jeongguk’s face.
“The soft, dreamy, completely smitten expression. Honestly, are you fixing a turbine or thinking about your honeymoon?”
A low chuckle escaped Jeongguk before he could stop it, and he shook his head, tightening one last screw. Honestly, what were they thinking? He definitely wasn’t thinking about the honeymoon… maybe a little but that was too far-fetched.
“Shut up. I’m just focused”
“Focused on your husband, maybe”
Minjae shot back with a grin, earning a snort from Jihyun. Jeongguk didn’t argue. He didn’t need to. His silence said enough, and the slight smile tugging at his lips gave him away. Jimin was always there, lurking in the spaces of his mind like a buzzing melody. Even here, dozens of meters below sea level, his presence hovered around Jeongguk like a second skin… soft, grounding, and irreplaceable. The thought of his sleepy face during their last FaceTime, sunlight glinting off his pink cheeks, still sat heavy and warm in Jeongguk’s chest. They finished the work in easy silence and Minjae clapped Jeongguk’s shoulder once they were done.
“You owe me a drink when we surface”
“I owe you two if you stop bringing Jimin up every five seconds”
Jeongguk muttered in his usual gruff tone, though the blush on his neck said otherwise. They all laughed as they peeled off their gloves and packed up. The corridor lights flickered to life overhead as they began the short walk back through the main tunnel, the translucent walls offering glimpses of marine life outside… schools of fish darting through the water, a lone stingray drifting past like a soft paper kite. Jeongguk paused at one of the larger windows, fishing out his phone and tapping it on. There were no signals but at least the camera would work, then the shutter clicked softly as he captured the view… one, two, three shots in succession.
“Another one for Jimin’s photo folder?”
Jihyun teased, nudging him with an elbow, wiggling the brows.
“He’d love this one”
Jeongguk replied softly, not even pretending to deny it this time. Minjae leaned against the wall, grinning.
“You always say that. Man, you’re down bad”
Jeongguk looked at the pictures again, gaze lingering on the way the light fractured over the reef just beyond the glass. He smiled, slow and sure.
“He just sees beauty everywhere and isn’t shy of expressing it, especially in his songs. I think about that a lot when I’m down here”
“The reason you are being punished, Jeongguk-ah”
His friends giggled but there was no mockery after that. Just a quiet understanding that settled between the three of them, softer than the filtered sunlight beyond the station walls. They walked a little further, the hush of the sea wrapping around them like a lullaby. Jeongguk tucked the phone back into his pocket after clicking nearly twenty pictures, fingers brushing against the simple ring he wore, the wedding band. A promise born out of convenience but now pulsing with truth. More real than he had ever imagined.
His friends didn’t say anything as they reached the central dome, the wide glass ceiling above them offering a full view of the sea above, dark and velvet-blue, looking almost mystical. Jeongguk looked up and then closed his eyes for a moment, just breathing. For the first time in years, he felt like he belonged somewhere, with someone. And that someone, hundreds of miles away at the moment, was probably curled up on a balcony with a notebook on his lap and a song in his throat that Jeongguk didn’t deserve but would cradle with every beat of his heart.
They weren’t perfect. But they were real. Raw and delicate, unspoken but deeply understood. And maybe it didn’t need a name. Maybe this was enough. Jeongguk opened his eyes and smiled to himself, a whisper of a laugh caught in his throat.
“I’ll send this to him before lights-out and when the signals are still in my favour”
He murmured as they stepped through the doors, the station quiet behind them and the sea eternal around them. Minjae just patted his back with a grin.
“Tell him we said hi. And that we’re rooting for you both”
[10 pictures attached]
Jimin-ah, you would love these
I’ll call the moment I’m at the surface
Goodnight, my stardust💙
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 60
“Jimin-ah… it’s totally up to you. But this is a great opportunity. Your songs deserve to be heard”
Taehyung said gently, his voice full of desperation. His fingers curled around Jimin’s, warm and grounding, as if hoping the touch would nudge him closer to saying yes. They were curled up on the couch like they used to back in Busan, limbs tangled, comfort pressed into every inch of closeness. Hoseok sat across from them, leaning against the coffee table, brows raised in soft encouragement as he took a sip of warm tea. The lamp beside them bathed the living room in amber light, casting long shadows that flickered like the dreams Jimin had long forgotten.
“It’s just a small festival, Jimin-ie”
Hoseok chimed in, setting his cup down.
“Nothing over the top. Indie artists, up-and-comers, local bands, people who feel music. You’d be surrounded by the kind of energy that reminds you why you write in the first place. You wouldn’t even have to do more than one set if that’s all you want. No pressure but that would be a small start… a great one”
Jimin stayed quiet, eyes on the mug cupped between his palms. His thumb ran slow circles along the rim, the words lingering in his throat. His songs… sure, they’d grown louder over the past few months, braver. Some of them even had Jeongguk’s laugh tucked between the lines, not yet released but Jimin had planned to after talking with Jeongguk of course. But the thought of standing in front of strangers, huge crowds, of letting them see him, all of him, made his skin prickle with nerves. That wasn’t just a club, it was a festival.
And then there was Jeongguk. His absence carved out a hollow space beside Jimin lately, like a phantom ache that neither time nor FaceTime could soothe. Jeongguk had been gone for two weeks now without any contact, working deep underwater. And it would be another two weeks until he would be back to the deck. The festival was barely a month away. Jimin bit down on his lower lip.
“I… I don’t know if I’m ready”
Taehyung tilted his head, voice still soft but unwavering.
“You are. You just don’t believe it yet. You’ve dreamed of this, Minnie. This is you”
Jimin sighed, shaking his head a little.
“Besides…”
Hoseok added with a teasing glint in his eye, hoping whatever he was going to say would push Jimin a little more.
“Jeongguk would murder us if he found out we didn’t push you to do this. He doesn’t know about this yet but still. I’ve seen the way he talks about your music, Jimin. Like it’s holy. Like it saved him. Maybe it did”
A quiet smile crept onto Jimin’s face despite himself, his cheeks flushing. He didn’t say it out loud, but he’d been wishing Jeongguk would be there. To sit in the audience with those wide, starry doe-eyes and that proud little smile he wore whenever Jimin strummed even a single chord. To hold his hand backstage, whisper that he was brilliant before the first note even played. But that wasn’t possible this time.
“It’s been long since I’ve given up on that dream, Hyung. That was a luxury I couldn’t afford and now… do you think I will be okay?”
Jimin asked, voice barely a whisper, as if saying it too loud would scare the hope away. Taehyung squeezed his hand tighter.
“I know you will be. You are a natural, Minnie. You are born for the stage”
Hoseok nodded, smiling like a proud older brother.
“You’ve always been more than okay. You’re magic, Jimin. The kind that people don’t forget”
The silence that followed was full. Full of memories, possibilities, hope, and unspoken courage building between heartbeats. Jimin exhaled slowly, setting his mug down and leaning his head against Taehyung’s shoulder.
“Okay. Just… don’t leave my side, yeah? I need you all”
Taehyung let out a soft laugh, nuzzling his cheek and pecking it.
“Never”
And as Hoseok clapped once in celebration, Jimin let himself picture it… warm lights, gentle applause, a quiet song floating through the Seoul night… and maybe, just maybe, Jeongguk standing at the edge of the crowd, camera in hand, love in his eyes.
.
.
.
The performance at the Blue Lemon Club ended in the kind of applause that left a slow warmth blooming in Jimin’s chest. Forty people, maybe a few more, filled the intimate space, the lights low and blue-tinted, a soft haze curling over the stage like a ribbon of smoke. It wasn’t the largest crowd he’d ever played to, but it didn’t matter. The connection was there, tangible, and that was enough. Always had been.
Jimin had been particular about everything… the clubs he worked with, the type of crowds they attracted, the ambience, even the rules and restrictions. It had taken years to get to this point, years of navigating around sleazy offers and condescending advice. People had always said he was being too cautious, too selective, that if he really wanted to “make it,” he’d have to be willing to throw himself into the grind, let go of the need for control. But Jimin knew better. His comfort wasn’t something he was willing to trade. He had fought too hard, bled quietly for too long, to let someone else dictate the terms.
The Blue Lemon and the Swan Room had become safe havens, dimly lit cocoons of music and murmured praise by the high-profile individuals, the quiet kind of fame that didn’t demand anything he wasn’t willing to give. They paid well, better than what he used to make in his earlier days, when he'd perform four times a week just to afford Jihye’s prescriptions and keep a roof over their heads. Now, life has finally softened at the edges. He had time. He had a partner. He had someone to hold him through the day and night. And more than anything, he had peace.
But peace had a way of feeling fragile, like a bubble too easy to pop. After the last chord faded, after the clapping hands gave way to murmuring conversations and clinking glasses, Jimin made his way down from the stage with a soft, tired smile, his guitar strapped securely to his back. He changed into a casual outfit and made his way toward the bar, weaving through the people, nodding politely at the familiar faces who came often enough to know his songs by heart.
“One bourbon please”
Jimin murmured to the bartender, settling onto a stool at the corner of the bar. He missed the clubs in Busan, the friends there, especially Maeum. He made a mental note to visit Busan during the weekend. The crowd had thinned slightly, giving him a moment to breathe. He leaned his elbow against the counter, shoulders relaxing as the familiar buzz of the club enveloped him. He was used to this. His thoughts drifted back to the festival offer. It lingered in the back of his mind, nudging quietly at his resolve. It was tempting. It was everything he had once wanted, before his dreams had to be pushed in favor of survival.
But now, with Jihye's treatment finally on a steady course, and Jeongguk… his sweet, gentle, and ever attentive husband, making him feel cared for and cherished in ways he hadn't thought possible, Jimin wasn't sure he wanted the chaos of chasing dreams again. Not when the present felt so full, so achingly real and impossibly beautiful. He just wanted to live, not perform for the world, not carve himself out again to be devoured by flashing cameras, jealousy, and shallow praise. He wanted quiet mornings, music in dim rooms, and someone to come home to.
He had agreed to perform, to test the environment out, though he knew he was past the stage of craving the spotlight. Life had softened and molded him into what he was currently and with time, Jimin had learned to accept what he truly was and what truly made him happy. The drink arrived after a couple of minutes, and he was just bringing it to his lips when he noticed a man approaching him, well-dressed in a three-piece suit, confident in that overly polished, self-assured way that set off a quiet alarm in Jimin’s gut. The man took the seat beside him without asking, eyes sharp with intention.
“You were fantastic up there”
The man said, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, or it did, shining light on the intentions that weren’t pure.
“There’s something about your voice. Sultry. Intimate”
Jimin blinked, nodding politely. Was he one of the VIPs? He had no clue, but people did stop to praise him, and while a few made his heart swell with warmth, the man before him praised as if that would have a price.
“Thank you”
The man leaned in just slightly, elbows on the bar.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. You might not know me… Min Doyoung, manager and creative head at Solstice Entertainment”
He said it like it should mean something, but sadly it didn’t. Jimin had never heard about the agency, let alone the man before him. He once had every advertisement cut out pressed in the books, but those days were just a bittersweet memory. He nodded subtly.
“One of our rookie idols, Choi Sujin, is performing at the Seoul Music Fest next month. There’s buzz, but not enough. We’re thinking of boosting her image. A bit of romance helps with attraction, you know the drill”
Jimin sipped his drink slowly, brows lifting in disbelief. Jimin didn’t know the drill, even if he did, that sounded ridiculous. Do people just come up and propose some stupid shit like that?
“Are you… asking me to date your artist?”
“Fake dating!”
Doyoung clarified with a small laugh, as if it made things better, as if it didn’t annoy Jimin.
“Just for the cameras. A few outings, hand-holding, news articles, airport appearances, nothing serious. You’re both performers, and your presence would help her stand out. And you…”
He paused meaningfully, leaning a little forward.
“... could use a little more exposure. It’s mutually beneficial”
Jimin stared at him for a long moment, blinking slowly. He was totally new to this, but there’s no way he was actually a part of this conversation. If he were an Idol, would he have done it? The thought alone disturbed him enough.
“Is this… a common thing?”
Doyoung chuckled again, unfazed at Jimin’s bewildered expression.
“You’d be surprised how often it works out. And after your performance tonight, there’s definitely a market for you. You could cash it. People would throw money recklessly. You can have as much as you want”
“I’m married!”
Jimin said, sharp and calm, twirling his hand for the man to see the glinting diamond. Anger bubbled under his skin at the statement. Who the fuck does the man think he was? That gave Doyoung a beat of hesitation. But then he smiled again.
“Right, but this is fake. Your real relationship wouldn’t even come into the picture. Totally out of the equation”
Jimin set his drink down. The man was too stubborn, and all he needed was to step on the bus, go back home, and if lucky, then talk to his husband and sleep. Very simple, very cozy.
“See, here’s the thing. My real relationship isn’t something I hide behind closed doors. She’s great, but not to demean her, would never do that, but my husband? Yeah, he’s a little better. A lot, actually. He’s hotter. Smart. Ridiculously sweet and gentle. Works his ass off underwater and still manages to FaceTime me just to say I look pretty under bad lighting”
Doyoung faltered, and Jimin leaned closer, just enough to smile like he wasn’t planning to rip the man apart.
“He’d think this conversation is hilarious, by the way. I don’t want him to worry that people still think they can turn me into something I’m not. I am an artist, and I sing because I love it, not to milk people by projecting a fake relationship”
There was a pause. Doyoung cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly on his stool, clearly taken aback.
“Right. Well. Think about it!”
He muttered, eyes flicking away from Jimin.
“I won’t. Thank you”
Jimin said brightly, taking a final sip from his glass and tilting his head in a sarcastic bow. Doyoung stood, smoothing his suit, muttered a stiff “Have a good night,” and walked off with his pride only slightly bruised. Jimin turned back to the bar, a slow grin blooming across his face, a giggle escaping his lips. What had gotten into him? But that felt nice. At least he told the man Jeongguk was hauntingly handsome. Jimin pulled out his phone, tapping into his gallery, scrolling past a handful of blurry pictures of Jeongguk… his husband, half-smiling, half-sleepy, squinting into the sun, on the deck, caught mid-laugh in a video that Jimin played at least once a day. God, he was ridiculous.
But if being ridiculous meant being this deep into knowing someone’s smallest details… he didn’t mind. Not at all.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 55
It had been five days since Jimin finally said yes to performing at the music festival, and there were still ten days left until Jeongguk would return to the deck. Time had moved painfully slow in his absence, sometimes making Jimin pout for hours on end. That morning, Jimin had been out since sunrise, studio-hopping to find the right place to practice. Everything about the festival was foreign and far too overwhelming… the lineup, the schedules, the lighting cues. He hadn’t even thought about how he’d walk onto the stage. It all felt so official, so big.
By the time he trudged up the stairs to his apartment that evening, his limbs ached and his eyes were begging to close, body sore and totally exhausted. He barely noticed how he’d unlocked the door and stepped inside on autopilot, until the gentle chime of his phone rang from his pocket. It was that ocean ringtone; the one he had specifically chosen for his husband. The tune rolled through him like waves, washing away the exhaustion in an instant, magic really.
Jimin fumbled with his phone, already grinning as the screen lit up with Jeongguk’s name and the tiny thumbnail of his face. He nearly dropped everything to the floor. God, it’s really him. Nineteen long, dragging days. No video calls. And now here he was, finally.
“Just… just two minutes, okay? Don’t go anywhere!”
Jimin didn’t wait for a reply. He kicked off his shoes mid-run, throwing his bag on the couch before disappearing into the bedroom. The phone was placed carefully on the bathroom counter, angled perfectly so his husband could only see the pastel amber roof. Jeongguk chuckled, voice rich and warm through the speaker.
“Jimin-ah… take it slow. I have all night”
A laugh bubbled out of Jimin as he lathered the shampoo in his palms, turning off the tap to answer.
“Do you know how long it’s been? Nineteen freaking days! I thought you got adopted by a mermaid colony or something”
“Tempting, but no!”
Jeongguk replied in a sing-song way, and Jimin could hear the smile in his voice.
“I wanted to run back to you at least five times. But you remember what happened last time I ran like a maniac. Capitalism sucks, baby”
Jimin blinked water from his eyes, chuckling at the dramatic tone.
“They practically drowned you in the water”
“Exactly. Never again”
Jeongguk groaned. They both laughed, and it was easy again, warm and teasing and achingly familiar. Jimin stepped out after a quick rinse, dressing himself in a pair of soft baby blue pajamas before coming back to the phone, cheeks flushed and hair wet.
“I missed you”
Jimin murmured, plopping down on the bed, drops of water sliding down his neck. Jeongguk stared through the screen, eyes fond and lingering.
“Missed your more”
They held that silence for a moment, just breathing each other in. Jimin had texted Jeongguk about the festival but he hadn’t responded to the texts. Right when he parted his lips to announce the news, Jeongguk beat him to it.
“So… how’s the festival prep going?”
Jimin scrunched his nose cutely, shaking his head.
“Confusing. Stressful. Everything is structured and… kind of cold? I don’t know, it’s weird to think about going on a real stage. It’s like… everything I wanted, but now it feels scary, terrifying even”
“You’ll be amazing, sweetheart"
Jeongguk said instantly, with the kind of certainty that made Jimin’s heart squeeze.
“Your voice on that stage? It’s meant to be heard. People are gonna fall in love with you”
There was a quiet, fluttery beat between them. Jimin bit back a grin, cheeks warm.
“Wanna help me pick the songs?”
He asked softly, settling onto the bed comfortably now with the phone propped against his pillow.
“Only if you promise to sing them all for me first. A little privilege”
Jeongguk teased and Jimin rolled his eyes but grabbed the notepad from his bag. The list was rough… mostly songs he’d written late at night, scribbling down lyrics that bled with emotion. Some were full of longing. Others tasted like sunshine and first kisses and soft hands on his back. A few songs did fit the festival vibe. They went through them together… Jeongguk leaned in, offering thoughts, sometimes humming along when Jimin read out lyrics.
“That one”
Jeongguk said, pointing when Jimin recited a verse that was clearly written about him, though he didn’t know that, yet.
“End with that. It’s the kind of song that makes people cry and feel satisfied when they get home”
Jimin flushed but nodded.
“You’ll be there, right?”
“Jimin-ah… I wish”
Jimin would sing. Maybe to a hundred people, maybe more. But at the end of the day, the only person who truly mattered would already be in the front row of his heart.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Days left: 40
Jimin would forever be grateful to Hoseok and Taehyung. If it weren’t for them, he was sure he’d still be drowning in his self-doubt, buried under the weight of fear and years of suppressed dreams. They had been his light, dragging him out from the darkest corners of his mind and giving him just enough hope to believe again. He had found a small studio, not far from where he lives. It was nothing fancy… peeling walls and a slightly out-of-tune keyboard, but it had mirrors and space, and most importantly, it gave him silence when he needed it and music when he craved it.
He practiced alone, sometimes until late at night, rehearsing songs he had written with trembling fingers and heartfelt eyes. Performing had never been the issue. It was everything else. The moment he arrived at the venue for a quick walkthrough a few days prior, it hit him like a freight train. People were everywhere, idols rehearsing in their coordinated outfits, stylists moving frantically, managers barking into walkie-talkies, speakers thumping with bass during sound checks. Everyone seemed to belong, to know what they were doing. He did not. Panic clawed at his chest like an unchained beast. Within minutes, Jimin had bolted straight back to Taehyung who was at Hoseok’s agency, heart racing and mouth running faster than his thoughts.
“I’m going to trip and die on stage and they’ll have to scrape me off with a mop and…”
Taehyung calmly shoved a pastry into his mouth, shutting Jimin up. Hoseok ruffled his already messy hair with adoration. He chuckled.
“Jimin-ie, breathe. You’re gonna be fine. You’ve performed more than half these people. They just have fancier coats”
“I don’t even have a coat. I still need to buy it, Hyung. I didn’t even think about all the external work”
Jimin mumbled, still spiraling.
“Exactly why I’m here! Your outfit’s going to be better than everyone’s combined”
Hoseok winked and Taehyung leaned in dramatically.
“And I swear to all the heavenly realms, if anyone dares say you don’t look drop-dead gorgeous, I’ll throw glitter in their face and blind them forever”
Jimin laughed. Finally, a real laugh that made his chest loosen. And now here he was, backstage, sitting stiffly in the waiting room with half of Seoul buzzing just behind the walls. The crowd was insane. His palms were clammy, bouncing on his thighs. Jihye stood behind him, running gentle fingers through his hair. He wasn’t sure what style she was going for… something soft and tousled, probably, but Jimin couldn’t focus. His brain played one scenario after another of him messing up, freezing, or worse… no one clapping.
“Minnie”
Jihye said, pinning a stray lock back behind his ear and hugging him from behind.
“You’re going to do great”
Jimin blinked up at her through the mirror, eyes still wide with panic.
“Because you’re you, and there’s literally no one else who can be that. Don’t think about anyone or anything”
Before he could reply, Hoseok came in, holding the custom outfit on a hanger like it was royalty. It shimmered in a soft cream hue with subtle gold embroidery that caught the light but wasn’t loud… elegant, timeless, and distinctly Jimin. Taehyung gave a dramatic gasp.
“You’re going to steal hearts tonight, you cute ass”
Somehow, with their help, he stood on two solid feet, still slightly trembling. He changed, let them fix the last bits of his hair, took in the soft perfume Jihye sprayed near his collarbone, and stepped toward the stage. His heart pounded in his ears as the stage manager gave the cue. And then the lights dimmed, the host’s voice echoed across the venue, and Jimin’s name was called. He walked out slowly, the first notes of his song spilling like silk from the speakers. The spotlight hit him, bright and blinding, and for a moment he froze. Just a second. But then he saw a girl in the second row smiling at him. Someone in the back raised a hand. Another clapped, and another. Maybe they knew him…
Jimin closed his eyes. The first lyric left his mouth as a whisper, barely audible as he tried to compose himself. Then the second, a little firmer. The third trembled slightly, but by the time the chorus came in, he was soaring like a phoenix. His voice dipped and curled like ocean waves… gentle, aching, yearning. His lyrics wrapped around the crowd like a soft hug, and the silence that followed each verse felt reverent. Slowly, people started understanding, cheering, their voices rising after each line. They screamed even though they didn’t know the lyrics.
Phones lit up. Whispers turned into soft “wows.” And the applause… it built, until it shook the floor under his feet. He felt overwhelmed, but Jimin didn’t hear any of it. Not really. Because somewhere between the third and fourth song, his eyes began scanning the crowd. He didn’t know what he was looking for until he felt the ache bloom in his chest again. The familiar longing, the dull pain that whispered: He’s not here. His husband. His sailor. His anchor. Jimin poured his heart into the final song after thirty minutes, hands trembling as he clutched the mic. The lyrics were about distance and waiting, about love that stretched across oceans and always found its way back. When the last note faded into the air, he stayed still for a second, eyes wide and shining.
And then the crowd erupted. Cheers. Applause. A few shouted his name. One yelled “I love you!” and Jimin actually laughed, cheeks pink, bowing deep and grateful. He didn’t know what had happened. It was all a blur of magical moments, but still… his gaze lingered at the entrance, hoping, aching. Just one glimpse. One heartbeat. He stepped off stage, chest still heaving from the emotional high, and was instantly engulfed. Taehyung hugged him so tightly, he squeaked. Hoseok squeezed his shoulders, yelling something about how he owned the stage.
And Jihye gently adjusted his hair and whispered in her usual honey tone.
“You looked like a star up there, Minnie. You lit up the entire sky”
Jimin smiled through the buzz, thanking them and even shedding a few tears of joy, heart warm and full and breaking all at once. Because he had done it… he had truly done it. But still… he whispered silently to himself.
Gguk, I wish you’d seen me
.
.
.
The moment Jimin stepped into the house, it was already half past eleven. The silence and comfort of the place wrapped around him instantly, in stark contrast to the roaring crowd he’d left just an hour ago. And yet, his heart was still racing, chest fluttering with the remnants of adrenaline and awe. He hadn’t expected it, any of it. Over two thousand people had filled the venue, their cheers thunderous, the energy electric and off the roof. It had been overwhelming in the best possible way.
His limbs ached as he peeled off his shoes, exhaustion pooling in his bones. He needed a hot shower to soothe his muscles. But under it all was joy… a gentle, lingering hum of happiness that sat behind his ribs, just warm enough to soften the tiredness. He had dreamed about moments like this. The cheers still echoed in his ears, like a phantom song, and he smiled to himself as he padded into the bathroom. The hot water was a welcome balm, washing away the layers of sweat, nerves, and exhaustion from his skin. He let his head fall against the tile for a moment, letting the memories replay with a smile, the applause, the singing, the lights, and something in him swelled with pride.
He’d done it. He’d actually done it.
After drying off and slipping into an oversized t-shirt and shorts, Jimin flopped onto the bed, limbs boneless and heavy. He grabbed his phone, fingers moving instinctively. There was only one person he wanted to talk to, one person he wished had been there through it all. His thumbs hovered over the keyboard.
I did it!!!
You would've laughed, Gguk
I almost fell when I walked out
I feel boneless
There were so many people
It was terrifying yet amazing
Wish you were there 😓
Jimin stared at the messages, a sigh slipping from his lips. A pang of sadness curled in his chest, soft and stinging. He missed Jeongguk… achingly so. He wanted nothing more than to see his husband in the front row along with Taehyung, Hoseok, and Jihye. He wanted nothing more than to curl into him, tell him every little detail. Just as he was about to hit send, his phone buzzed sharply in his hand. The screen lit up.
Incoming FaceTime: Jeongguk ❤️🩹
Jimin blinked. And then his entire face lit up like a thousand bulbs, lips stretching into a gasp and a squeal that broke free before he could stop it. He scrambled upright, nearly dropping the phone in his hurry.
“Jeongguk!”
Jimin practically shouted as he answered the call, nearly breathless from how fast his heart leapt at just the sight of him. There he was, his husband, filling the screen with messy hair, dimples barely hidden behind a grin that rivaled stars and galaxies. His eyes sparkled, warm and teasing, and everything inside Jimin softened in an instant.
“I heard someone became a star tonight”
Jeongguk said, voice low and teasing, full of fondness. Jimin clutched the phone tighter, heart thudding with something far deeper than adrenaline now.
“God, I missed you”
Jimin breathed, voice cracking just a little.
“I missed you at the festival”
He added, eyes dipping for a moment as he tried to hide the flicker of longing that always made itself known in Jeongguk’s absence, lips forming a subtle pout.
“You would’ve loved it. I was looking for you though I knew…”
Jimin’s voice slurred a little and Jeongguk’s grin widened.
“Who said I missed it?”
Jimin blinked, confused.
“Huh?”
And then he noticed it, the subtle tilt of the camera, the edge of the familiar navy curtain in the background, the amber lighting… the silence. Jeongguk wasn’t on the deck. The screen shook slightly as Jeongguk shifted and angled the camera a little more, revealing the corner of the bookshelf in the background.
“Wait… what the fuck?”
Jimin gasped, eyes wide.
“You’re… You’re home?!”
“Hi!”
Jeongguk said, sheepishly, lips curling with that maddening smile. Jimin’s heart stuttered painfully in his chest, warmth rushing over him in waves. He looked so young, so charming, and so handsome. The shock morphed quickly into something soft, then something searing.
“You’re unbelievable”
Jimin whispered, eyes fluttering slightly as his gaze dropped to the way Jeongguk;s tongue played with the lip rings, twirling around them. That was unnecessarily hot. He could feel Jeongguk just staring through the screen and the air subtly shifted. It happened quietly, like a ripple beneath still water. Something thick and heady crept between them, even through the screen. It was in the way Jimin looked at him, mouth parted, and the way Jeongguk’s gaze lingered too long… soft, hungry.
“I’m holding myself back”
Jeongguk said suddenly, voice husky and real, low enough to make Jimin’s toes curl. He had never that tone and maybe that was for the best. Jimin’s breath hitched.
“I’m pretty sure…”
He replied, fingers fumbling with his hoodie.
“I didn’t see myself falling for an underwater man”
Jeongguk chuckled, but it didn’t quite hide the ache and desire in his eyes.
“Doesn’t help that said underwater man is a loser who thinks about you all the time”
“You should be knowing that it’s the same, Sailor”
Jimin whispered, eyes glassy and hooded.
“Every time I sing, I think of you”
There was a pause. A breath of tension. A slow-burning silence so loud it nearly cracked open.
“Suddenly…”
Jeongguk said, his voice trembling with restrained need that had been held captive for so long.
“I want to see you. I want to kiss you”
Jeongguk’s voice was soft, almost a plea and Jimin couldn’t think straight, not when his husband looked like a greek god and mumbled something so open and so raw.
“Come home”
And then the call ended.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
Jimin stared at the black screen, breath caught in his throat, heart hammering in his chest as he sat up straight, fingers brushing over the bedpost, breath shallow with anticipation. What had just happened? They have been pushing away the feelings, pushing away all the advances, but tonight, they had said it out loud and now Jeongguk was on his way. Maybe, it’s for the best that Jihye decided to go with Taehyung. Time flew by, and Jimin sat motionless, eyes full of haze and heart thundering against his chest. The door clicked open after it felt like an eternity… he must’ve run the entire way.
“Jimin”
Jeongguk exhaled, voice ragged, and Jimin tilted his head slowly, looking up through his lashes. Jeongguk stood near the bed, skin glowing under the warm light, oversized white shirt slipping slightly off his shoulder, revealing a delicate line of collarbone and the slight flush dusting his cheeks. His hair was still a little damp, eyes molten with emotion, longing, and something that burned low and hot in the belly. Jeongguk didn’t even realize when he moved. He was just there, inside the room, breathless, desire crashing over him in relentless waves.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. Unspoken feelings and denial of them for too long rose like a high tide between them. Everything they hadn’t said, everything they felt, it clung to the air, wrapped around them, heavy and warm. And then Jeongguk stepped forward, closing the distance and standing in between Jimin’s parted legs. He cupped the smaller man’s face like he was holding something precious, something fragile. They stayed like that for a moment, letting their hearts sync… fast, hungry, desperate.
“Kiss me, Jeongguk”
And Jeongguk did, like a man starved, like a man finally returning home. His fingers held Jimin’s hoodie and yanked him up, chests colliding as he crashed their lips together. Jeongguk kissed him like the world had stood still for just this moment. Like every wave in the ocean had paused, like every star in the sky had dimmed just enough so the glow between their bodies could take center stage. Their lips danced together with undertones of desire slipping through every touch. It was the culmination of days counted in breaths held, nights marked by aching silence, and a yearning that had stretched itself across phone screens and missed touches.
Jimin melted into him, fingers curling into Jeongguk’s shirt, gripping tight like he was terrified it was all a dream, terrified that the man holding him would disappear if he let go. But the heat of Jeongguk’s palm on the small of his back was real. The tremble in his sigh was real. The way Jeongguk tilted his head to deepen the kiss, reverent and slow, was real.
“I thought about you every night”
Jeongguk breathed against his lips, voice hoarse with emotion, so deep it could fight oceans.
“I saw you in every ripple of the sea, Jimin. I thought of how you smile when you're shy. The sound of your laugh. The way you look at me when you think I’m not noticing”
Jimin whimpered softly, tilting his head back, lips parted, eyes fluttering shut at the words. Jeongguk didn’t have to; they didn’t have to voice it all out. He knew because he felt the same. Jeongguk leaned back, lips inches away as they stared. Jimin’s grip tightened on Jeongguk’s shirt, fisting the fabric as he pushed himself closer.
“And I kept waiting…”
He whispered, voice falling out of his lips like snowflakes, soft and tender.
“I kept singing like you were in the crowd. Every song I wrote... it was yours before I even knew it”
Jeongguk visibly shuddered and gripped Jimin tight as they stumbled backwards, hands groping for something steady, only to find each other. Jimin fell back with a soft thud and watched Jeongguk crawl on top of him, eyes never once leaving him. He felt his heart stop when Jeongguk’s hands held his waist, fingertips brushing against the flushed skin of his waist as he looked at Jimin, seeking permission in silence that spoke more than any words could. He nodded, not trusting his voice, and the shirt was tugged off his body gently, slipped over his head with fingers that trembled not from lust, but devotion. Jeongguk’s breath hitched at the sight of him, moonlit, porcelain, and soft, the embodiment of a thousand wishes.
His gaze traced the curves of Jimin’s body like a prayer before his fingers could even move. With a shuddering breath, Jeongguk moved his hands along the lines of his husband’s torso, tracing every crevice and every dip that caught the moonlight and shone like stars. And Jimin, lying there under him like every poem Jeongguk had never dared write, looked back at him like he was salvation.
Jimin couldn’t hold himself when Jeongguk was staring at him with a gaze so deep that it broke every wall that guarded his heart. He fell without knowing the depth, without knowing when his feet would touch the sea bed. He heaved a shuddering breath, and their lips met again, this time slower, deeper. Less frantic, more certain. Tongues tangled between gasps and sighs, not chasing lust but drowning in the quiet miracle of being close. Of being known. Jimin's hands moved up Jeongguk’s back, feeling the warmth of him, the solidity, the tremble beneath his skin as their lips danced in unison. His fingers splayed on the shoulder blades, feeling the muscles ripple beneath the touch, sending sparks under his skin.
“You’re here”
Jimin murmured when the kiss broke, as if saying it out loud would make it truer. Jeongguk’s fingers brushed over Jimin’s jaw, his cheek, the swell of his lower lip, gently as if Jimin could break under the slightest of touch.
“I am. Here. Always. Yours”
Jeongguk whispered into Jimin’s ear, voice rough and raspy. Jimin shivered as the man above him nibbled on the ear lobe, peppering feather light kisses that would ache with memories once it was over. A melodious hum left his lips when Jeongguk pressed himself without any restraint, every inch of their bodies moving together and their clothes dropped like falling petals, scattered across the room. Jeongguk straddled Jimin gently, knees pressed into the mattress on either side of his husband’s waist, the air between them thick. His breath hitched at the sight below him… Jimin lay out like a vision dreamt into reality, body bathed in the soft spill of moonlight. Skin like porcelain warmed by desire, shimmering faintly with sweat and the remnants of their kisses.
He looked divine, untouchable, and yet entirely his.
Jeongguk’s gaze devoured every inch. The way Jimin’s hair fanned messily over the pillow, how his lips parted with every exhale, how his chest rose and fell like he was trying to hold in every overwhelming second of this moment. It made Jeongguk dizzy, like gravity had shifted just to keep him suspended in this moment. His fingertips ghosted over Jimin’s waist, gentle as pixie dust, sketching invisible constellations over his flushed skin. Each touch drew out soft, breathy sounds, quiet whimpers that curled through the night and stitched themselves into Jeongguk’s soul, filling every undone crevice.
He dragged his fingers lower, skimming the dip of Jimin’s hips, over the soft curve of his thighs, warm and trembling under his touch. They were silk and heat and everything he had ever craved without knowing it. He wanted to memorize the shape of his husband, leave his devotion inked into every place his lips could reach.
“God…”
Jeongguk murmured, voice shaking, barely audible as he ran his hands on the skin, cupping Jimin’s jaw.
“Do you even know what you do to me?”
Jimin opened his eyes slowly at the words and the touch, lashes fluttering, gaze hazy with want and something deeper, something achingly tender.
“You make me want to worship”
Jeongguk whispered, brushing his knuckles along the inside of Jimin’s thigh.
“Like you’re sacred. Like the world made you just to ruin me”
Jimin arched slightly under the touch, lips quivering in a ghost of a smile, but he said nothing, only lifted his hand to rest it on Jeongguk’s chest, thumb grazing his collarbone with a softness that melted something inside him. And then he dipped down, pressing a kiss to the inside of Jimin’s knee, slow, and shaking, and then another higher up, until every breath they took belonged only to each other, until his heart had enough of the purple marks blooming like lavenders on the pale skin.
Jeongguk’s heart roared inside his ribcage like a drumbeat summoned by desire, loud and aching, every thud echoing his yearning as he leaned forward, mouth meeting Jimin’s in a kiss that burned them. It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t frenzied. It was a promise wrapped in heat, a fire held delicately between parted lips and gasping breaths. Their mouths danced until Jeongguk’s hand trailed lower, fingertips gliding over the tender skin of Jimin’s thigh. His touch was reverent, as if seeking permission before reaching the place he longed to be.
Jimin’s breath hitched, the smallest gasp escaping into Jeongguk’s mouth when his husband’s fingers brushed against the entrance… gentle, like testing the surface of a sacred flame. A pause, and then he pressed in, slow and careful, one finger slipping past the tight resistance. Jimin shuddered, his spine arching as a cry caught in his throat, half pleasure, half vulnerability, wholly overwhelming. Jeongguk stilled for a moment, grounding himself in the sound, the warmth, the way Jimin’s lashes fluttered against his cheeks like moth wings trembling in the dark as a lone tear cascaded down.
His lips moved to Jimin’s jaw, to his neck, kissing through the storm of sensation he was building inside his husband’s body. Whispered apologies and praises melted into skin as he slowly pulled his finger back… just to press in again, deeper, firmer. Jimin’s entire body trembled beneath him, thighs parting further as if to offer more of himself, heart laid bare with every breathy moan. There was nothing but the silence of the night and the symphony of them… bodies speaking a language too tender for words, skin painting verses across skin.
“Breathe with me, darling”
Jeongguk whispered, voice barely holding together, the weight of his love thick in every syllable. And Jimin did. He breathed… shaky and sweet and desperate, his fingers clutching at Jeongguk’s back, not to stop him but to feel him closer, deeper, more. Soon, there were three fingers, moving in a rhythm too loud to understand, too melodious to care. Jimin let out a whimper when Jeongguk placed wet kisses on the expanse of his chest, leaving marks over the tender skin as he scissored him with three fingers.
Jimin’s eyes brimmed with tears from the sheer intensity of it all. The weight of love, of longing fulfilled, of a touch that felt like salvation… it was almost too much. His body trembled with the kind of ache that had nothing to do with flesh, but everything to do with soul. His fingers found Jeongguk’s and curled around them tightly, clutching like a lifeline, as if anchoring himself to this one breathtaking moment.
“Please”
He whispered, though he didn’t know what he was asking for… more, closeness, forever. Maybe all of it, and Jeongguk looked down at him like Jimin was something holy. He kissed the tips of their joined hands and then let them rest beside Jimin’s head, cradling him. Slowly, he trailed his hands down, gripping Jimin’s thighs with tenderness and strength, spreading them further apart with care and intention.
“I’ve got you”
Jeongguk murmured, voice low and warm like candlelight, as he gave himself a few languid strokes, the anticipation sparkling like electricity in the air. Then he leaned forward, his breath hitching as he pressed his forehead to Jimin’s, letting their noses brush.
“Stay with me”
Jeongguk breathed, and then he kissed Jimin’s jaw, the curve of his neck, the place where pulse fluttered like wings, and in one slow, aching thrust, he sank into him completely. Jimin gasped, a sound between a sob and a moan, stars exploding behind his eyes at the sensation. It felt like everything had aligned in that one moment, like the heavens had cracked open and poured their light into the crevices of their joined bodies. His back arched, spine bowed in surrender, lips parting in silent wonder.
It was exquisite. Overwhelming. The stretch, the fullness, the burn of being known so deeply it made him feel alive in the most profound way. Jeongguk stayed still for a moment, as if memorizing the way their bodies fit, letting his husband give a sign. His chest rose and fell against Jimin’s, the shared heat between them enough to melt galaxies. One hand cupped Jimin’s cheek, thumb catching a tear that had slipped free as he pressed a wet kiss to the corner of his husband’s lips.
“You feel like home”
Jeongguk whispered, a little breathless, a little broken by how much he loved him. And Jimin, blinking through the shimmer of tears, pulled him down into a kiss that was all open mouths and whispered promises, a silent vow spoken through every brush of skin. The rhythm built between them like the sea pulling toward the moon, drawn, inevitable, sacred. And with each motion, each stroke of Jeongguk’s cock within him, Jimin dissolved more into him, into this closeness, this touch, this unbearable, beautiful ache.
Jeongguk moved with the desperation of a moth chasing the flame, drawn to the searing, golden heat that wrapped around him. Every push of his hips was a surrender, deeper as if he could carve his name into Jimin’s soul with the way their bodies met. The rhythm was sacred, a harmony sung in broken breaths and low moans, and Jeongguk could do nothing but follow the pull of that fire. Jimin arched beneath him, hands gripping his back, almost carving memories of the moment as if his back was a canvas, lashes fluttering as each thrust coaxed another breathless sound from his lips… soft, pliant, beautiful.
Those moans… God, those moans spilled from Jimin’s mouth like hymns in the dark, like confessions only Jeongguk was meant to hear. His body trembled with every motion, spine curving like a bow as pleasure rippled through him in waves. His skin glowed under the touch, kissed by sweat and starlight, flushed with want. Jeongguk’s hands framed his hips, fingers sinking in. He watched, utterly spellbound, as Jimin fell apart for him, again and again and again, eyes hazy, lips parted, as if offering his entire being to the moment.
“I… Gguk, I”
Jimin couldn’t find his voice, not even the breath to whisper Jeongguk’s name. It had been stolen, lost somewhere in the trembling space between his own tears of pleasure and the heavens Jeongguk was carving into him. Every movement sent a shiver through his spine, unraveling him thread by thread until he was nothing but sensation and aching, unbearable love. Jeongguk's thrusts grew desperate, rhythm faltering only slightly as he chased the final crescendo, his hips snapping forward with precision until…
There.
He struck deep, right where Jimin felt it the most, where it made his vision go white and his fingers clutch his husband’s back like they were his only tether to reality. He arched like a bow pulled taut, back curling beautifully as his lips parted in a silent cry, eyes fluttering shut, his soul offered without words. Jeongguk held him through it, forehead pressed to Jimin’s, the warmth of their breaths mingling like a secret too sacred to speak. With one final, trembling thrust, he buried himself to the hilt, his release pouring into Jimin as he gasped, body quaking, collapsing against the man beneath him.
Jimin came with him, soft, shuddering, face a canvas of pleasure and something even deeper. Love, raw and unfiltered, flooded every corner of him as he spilled between them, lips parted in a soundless moan, the room echoing only with their breaths and the beat of their hearts. Jeongguk didn’t move right away. He stayed inside him, arms bracketing Jimin's face, forehead still resting against his. His body trembled faintly from emotion, from the sheer depth of what they'd just shared. Jimin slowly opened his eyes, glassy and damp at the edges, and met Jeongguk’s gaze.
“You ruin me”
Jimin breathed, the words slipping out like a confession against Jeongguk’s damp hair, soft and sacred. His voice was hoarse from moans, thick with emotion, trembling with too much feeling. Jeongguk chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest like a purr of satisfaction. He lifted his head slowly, the tip of his nose brushing against Jimin’s, eyes holding that familiar softness that always undid Jimin. He leaned in to press a kiss to Jimin’s lips like he had all the time in the world to taste him. The kiss lingered, their breaths mingling, lips brushing like a promise not yet made. When he finally pulled back, Jeongguk’s voice was quiet, reverent, touched with a smile that was both playful and devastatingly sincere.
“Will you go on a date with me, gorgeous?”
Jimin blinked, stunned for a second, and then let out a breath that caught in his throat. His chest tightened as if Jeongguk had asked for something so much more than just a date. And maybe he had. The way Jeongguk looked at him, like Jimin hung the moon, like he was something made of stars and magic and all the impossible things in the world, made it hard to even remember how to breathe. A soft laugh left Jimin’s lips, one hand finding Jeongguk’s jaw, thumb stroking over the flushed skin.
“Only if you keep kissing me like that”
He whispered, voice wrapped in affection. Jeongguk leaned in again, their mouths brushing once more.
“Then it’s a lifetime of dates, because I’m never stopping”
And just like that, in the dim light of their bedroom, tangled in sweat and skin and something far deeper, they fell a little more into each other. Into something that felt like forever.
─ ♡ ─ ⋆⋅ 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 ⋅⋆ ─ ♡ ─
2 years later
Jimin had been waiting for this moment, for the time when he could finally stay by Taehyung’s side as he walked down the aisle. Their wedding had been delayed for so long and now here he was, hugging his best friend from behind, silently comforting him before the wedding.
“I feel like I’m going to pass out”
“Pass out on the altar. Will get good pictures with Yoongi Hyung at least”
“What the fuck, Jimin?”
Jimin giggled, pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s cheek as the door opened, revealing Taehyung’s mother, who stared at them fondly. With a quick promise to meet outside the room, Jimin exited, giving them a little privacy. The moment Jimin turned the corner to greet the guests, a hand reached out and yanked him into a room before he could even react. Lips crashed against his in an instant, arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and a knee slid between his legs. It was overwhelming, but Jimin melted into it effortlessly, as if his body already knew exactly what to do. His hands found Jeongguk’s neck, clinging like instinct. They kissed like they’d been separated for years, like the air they breathed only existed in each other. After what felt like forever, Jeongguk finally pulled back, but only to mouth along Jimin’s jaw, making the latter tilt his head and offer more of himself.
“What’s gotten into you?”
“More like what hasn’t gotten into you. Tragic, really”
Jeongguk’s reply came with a teasing glint in his eyes as he tugged Jimin’s bottom lip between his teeth. Jimin gasped and swatted at him, his cheeks blooming red.
“You are shameless”
“Is that why you like me even more these days?”
Jimin groaned, just as Jeongguk squeezed his ass through the sleek dress pants, drawing another sharp breath from him.
“As much as I’d love to be thoroughly pounded against this wall, we do have a wedding to attend”
Jimin smiled against Jeongguk’s lips, trailing a finger along the curve of his jaw. Jeongguk let out a soft groan at the touch.
“You walk in looking like sin dipped in silk and expect me to behave? That’s cruel”
“You had your turn earlier today. Rare treasures aren’t so easily claimed twice in one day, Jeongguk-ssi”
He winked and Jeongguk visibly staggered. Pulling Jimin close again, Jeongguk gripped his hips.
“You are evil, Jimin-ah”
“You ain’t getting any ass for two days”
“Two? That’s…”
“Be on your best behavior. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be rewarded tonight, A surprise in silks”
Jimin leaned in, placed one final kiss on Jeongguk’s lips, and then swept out of the room, leaving his husband standing there, breathless, flustered, and completely lovestruck.
.
.
.
The afternoon sun draped the world in gold as vows were exchanged beneath a canopy of soft petals of white roses and summer breeze. Taehyung looked ethereal in ivory, eyes glassy and gleaming with unspoken love, while Yoongi stood opposite him, gaze unwavering, as if nothing else in the world had ever mattered. They were magnetic, promising forever in front of those who mattered. Jimin watched with his heart in his throat, hands clasped tightly with Jeongguk’s under the shade of swaying trees. The ceremony felt like a dream, one spun from laughter and tears. And when they kissed, the petals rained down and cheers echoed through the wind. Jimin turned to Jeongguk, his heart brimming.
“They’re really married”
He whispered with a smile, eyes shimmering, and Jeongguk didn’t respond right away. He just looked at Jimin, the way he always did when the world slowed down and it was just them.
“Yeah and so are we”
Jeongguk said, voice thick with emotion, and the party danced into the evening. Music floated across the open garden, candles flickered, and laughter rang like bells. Jimin laughed with Taehyung, swayed with Hoseok, cried into Yoongi’s shoulder and clinked glasses with Jihye, who had turned eighteen a few months ago. Every moment felt carved into time. And then, Jeongguk caught Jimin by the wrist when he excused himself to get a drink, and twirled him.
“What are you…”
Jimin’s words were swallowed whole as Jeongguk kissed him. It was soft at first. A gentle press of lips, familiar and grounding. But then it deepened, turned into something more breathless, more uncontained… like everything they had carried in their hearts was finding its way out, one heartbeat at a time. Jimin smiled against the kiss, a muffled giggle slipping out as Jeongguk wrapped both arms around his waist and lifted him just slightly off the ground.
“You’re ridiculous”
Jimin whispered, laughing, forehead pressed to Jeongguk’s.
“And you’re mine”
Jeongguk whispered back. They held each other there, swaying gently in their own private orbit, surrounded by the fading echoes of music and the soft laughter of their family and friends. No titles, no definitions… just love and devotion. Love that had bloomed through distance and ache, through longing and vulnerability. Devotion that had become a language between them, sacred and wordless. They had come a long way. From the strange beginnings to whispered confessions and aching reunions.
From silence to song
From yearning to belonging
And now, wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew they would go even further.
They were unbreakable
Untouchable
And what they shared… this fierce, golden thing between them, was beyond even forever, beyond realms, and beyond any labels
Notes:
💃 And the curtains fell 💃
We've finally reached the end, with the epilogue wrapped into this final chapter. I hope you enjoyed the journey, and I’m endlessly thankful to each one of you who took the time to read this story and leave such thoughtful, encouraging comments. They made my day, truly🥹 Your support has been the fuel that kept me going, and I feel content and truly happy. I’m going to miss these two beautiful souls deeply, terribly, and I hope they’ve left a piece of them in your heart too. Thank you for being part of this journey and making it all the more special and unforgettable. Sending you all my love💋
Miki... signing off🫡
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