Chapter Text
This.
Is a true story.
You won’t find it in books, urban legends, or folklore. It’s not written in any old coven scroll, or spoken in a tale amongst those who practice the arts.
This story is whispered. Echoing through millennia. It travels over space, trickles over years; and finds itself only remembered by the lonely entity known as time.
Because time is flowing, always in motion— carrying this story far and beyond.
But you … do you still not believe it?
No matter. It has finally reached you, no? So it did happen. Again, and again, and again.
Here goes…
November 15. Tuesday. 9:00AM (day zero)
Even as the car drives by with the heater on under the crisp winter air, Jimin can’t stop twisting in his seat. It’s probably driving Jungkook crazy. And he looks like he wants to say he’s had enough of Jimin’s antics but, he's too sweet for that.
Although.. it’s not technically Jimin’s fault, the heater is basically non-existent.
“Hey come on seriously, it can’t be that cold hyung” Jungkook lets out a little chuckle, his eyes still fixed on the path up ahead. The large pine trees haunt the narrow road, as they loom over to cast an everlasting shadow.
It’s early November, and it feels sickeningly cold already, even with the sun already up. Jungkook slowly moves his hands away from the steering wheel, as he tries changing the radio channel into something more cheerful - likely to take Jimin’s mind off things.
He stares into the road with an annoyed glare as the radio decides to abruptly glitch in the middle of the song playing, Jimin is huffing a laugh next to him.
“How promising. First the heater, now the radio decided to opt out too huh”
“Hyung I’m sorry for being broke but I promise you the radio was doing just fine yesterday” Jungkook’s eyes look full of concern Jimin almost coos, he really cares too much about the simplest details.
“Forget the radio, I am legit freezing my ass off in this chair Jungkook. How many times did I tell you to get the heater fixed” Jimin slowly pouts as he bundles up his hoodie against himself for extra warmth, he slouches in his seat as he leans his head up against the car window. The little puffs of air condensing on the glass create a comical relief of distraction from the bittering and cold blaze they’re in.
“We’re almost there, just a couple more miles”
The pair were on their annual ‘cabin meteor hunt— as Jimin likes to call it. Every year, around the same time in November, the two would go out in hunt for a secluded cabin. And amidst the creaking of the abandoned walls, and the warm hot chocolate drinks under the crackling of the fire, they’d hunker under the bright stars.
Then, they’d watch the meteor showers.
And even though it's silly, to them— it's an unavoidable routine.
Ever since they graduated high school, and until the age of 24, they find themselves drawn into the concept of dark tourism and haunt roaming. Jungkook really lives off the thrill of it, something about stepping foot into creaking wooden floor boards, as the night soaks the wilderness outside truly gets his heart thumping, in pure excitement.
And Jimin had always indulged him, ever so caring and kind, he never once made fun of him for it.
Well, mostly because Jimin would actually step foot into a muddy sauna wearing a crocodile costume if Jungkook even asked but that's not the point.
He doesn’t really want to admit the whole ordeal gives him the shivers but… he’s okay with it, since he can use that as an excuse to hug Jungkook closer. He doesn’t need to—
The sudden loud screech of the radio cutting and glitching out has Jimin whip his head away from the window, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the confusing monologue playing:
"T-the looming. Ever present. Cut out- Looming fate present rite of . Rite of ti - ti- time. Space… remi - reminder of wonder ma- a- . And lo- lo- lo- lovely weather this morning welcome back to channel 1 here today! where time is flowing always in motion and ready for the forecast, today’s cold seems-’’
What even.
“Uh.. What the heck was that?” Jimin casts a worried glance to Jungkook, as the other continues pressing bits and pieces of the radio to hopefully straighten it the hell up.
“Don’t know, probably some signal interference or something… flowing” Jungkook mumbles to himself quietly, eyes still laser focused on the road ahead. He looks deep in thought, like he’s having second thoughts inside his head and the thoughts are all jumbled up in there.
Jungkook quickly casts a worried gaze back to the radio, as if he can feel it materialistically suffer or something.
“Jungkook relax, I'm sure Mr poor little radio is fine” Jimin softly snorts, as he rests his head back onto the window.
The pine trees still look as tall and abandoned, with no one driving around the desolated road apart from them. And the wind would probably offer a dangerous hiss if he opened the window. The scene should feel oddly creepy yet… Jimin feels safe somehow.
Maybe because Jungkook is right next to him, very much poised and calm. As peaceful as ever.
And as handsome as—
No wait. Nevermind.
“Man why did the radio have to play up today out of all days”
“Why? You still feeling a tad bit worried for Mr poor little radio?’’ Jimin does his best impression of pure mockery, yet Jungkook still huffs out an endeared laugh at him, his lip piercings glinting beautifully.
“No I… ah forget it’’ Jungkook’s smile looks slightly shy, as he quickly tries to hide it away.
“What no go on, what is it! Spill the beans Jeon Jungkook’’
“No it's nothing I just.. figured you could listen to some nice tunes on the road and now… the stupid radio decided to betray me’’
Oh.
Jimin’s eyebrows furrow in endearment, as he sneakily pinches Jungkook's cheeks. “Aw you’re embarrassed because the radio ruined Jungkookie’s car date?”
Jungkook’s eyes turn wide for a split second, as a flush begins to creep up his neck. Jimin wants to smother him with cheek-squeezes just to see him blush more.
“Yeah well, I only want the best for you Jimin-ah” His hand is suddenly on Jimin’s thigh, as it rubs soothing circles on top of the fabric of his tight jeans. The breath Jimin did not know he was holding comes out shakily, as he begins to feel his own flush creep up behind his ears.
How ironic.
“Ew you’re such a sap, quit it” Jimin starts punching him away playfully, as Jungkook tries (not really) to dodge the hits that are probably doing zero damage with how weak they are.
“Oooo did hyung melt from my immense romantic anthologies?” Jungkook’s eyebrows are wiggling suggestively, laughter still erupting out of his lips. Jimin can’t stop staring at his beautiful piercings, damnit.
“This is why you’ll stay single forever you jerk” Jimin delivers the final blow in the form of a heavy (not exactly) very quick (Jungkook saw it coming already) and deadly (actually quite adorable) punch (more like a tickle) to Jungkook’s side.
“Owww that hurt you moron” Jungkook’s hands are slowly rubbing over his own right flank to mockingly soothe the hit, chuckling lightheartedly. Jimin thinks he deserves to be punched in the face right about now.
“Jerk’’ Jimin snickers.
“Moron’’ Jungkook smiles.
November 15. Tuesday. 10AM (day zero)
The car door snaps closed as Jimin steps his sneakers outside into the muddy ground, some of the pebbles poking at him below. He snaps his head to the cabin in front, this is the one they have chosen this year round. They passed by a small town a couple of miles before and the maps suggested some cabins might be here.
This one looks… very familiar.
It’s an odd feeling Jimin can’t describe, given he’d never stepped foot in this part of town before, let alone this cabin.
It looks normal from outside, with large trees surrounding the area, as if hugging the cabin away in a little corner. The vegetation had overgrown along the walls, some of it climbing up one pine tree that lays close to one of the side windows of the house.
Overgrown plants reach along the hard wooden planes of the walls, as it climbs up, up, up - until it reaches the roof. Jimin squints his eyes, as he clearly notices a little climbing ladder hooked against the roof. It lays between two windows, just the opposite side of where the overgrown vegetation climbs upon the other wall.
Jimin walks slowly past the walkway, the sunshine above illuminating his vision. He’s glad they made the journey just before sunrise, that way they could arrive bright and early.
Well, that and because Jimin had practically begged Jungkook to do so since he loathes spending their first night arriving at dark, it’s scary stuff okay?
“Hey look! There’s a ladder and it reaches up the roof!’’
“Huh? Sorry hyung, some of us are actually trying to do some work” Jungkook yells from where he’s hunkered down in the car's boot, his face shoved so far deep inside it looks kind of funny from this angle.
“Well you’re the big guy here so don't go complaining’’ Jimin shouts back as he continues walking slowly, the light breeze making the hair at the back of his neck stand up.
Why does this place feel so… damn familiar…
Jimin stops at the foot of the ladder, it's lodged securely into the muddy ground, and looks nothing short of unsafe. His eyes light up as he climbs it, step by step— until he reaches the roof.
It’s perfect.
The raggedy wooden planks of the roof’s cabin look sturdy enough, and when Jimin lays on them, the view at the sky above looks just magnificent.
It’s almost as if this cabin was purposefully built here for this reason. So that when he and Jungkook drive past, and stumble upon it during their annual hunt, it would be there. Silent and still. With a ladder that leads to its roof, so they can both lay on it and meteor gaze.
Jimin lets out a happy shriek, as he sits up, heart always thrumming away in joy at the prospect of nightfall, where he’s sure the meteors will await for them.
“Jimin get down from there you’re gonna hurt yourself!’’ Jungkook’s face pops up from the edge of the top of the ladder, his eyes full of worry.
“Jungkook do you see! This place is just— perfect! Look i mean, the ladder was there and we can chill on the roof its like this cabin was made for us look!’’ Jimin knows he must look silly right about now but, he’s sure Jungkook won’t tease this childish side of him because he knows he’s right.
This cabin is wonderful.
“Seriously, do you not think for a sec that the roof will crumble and fall below and you’ll hurt your back? We don't know if it’s sturdy enough y’know’’ Jungkook grumbles as he steps a tentative foot on the roof, his eyes trailing from its edge all the way to the top.
Slowly, he kneels down as he takes off his gloves, his hands resting on the wooden surface.
Jimin eyes him up with a quizzed look as he glides his fingertips across the wooden roof, as if he’s performing an actual site inspection. His lips part lightly and it might be Jimin’s imagination but it looks like he’s… mumbling something.
“Well? Is it to your liking good sir?’’
“Huh?’’ Jungkook snaps his head up, his dark wavy hair bouncing in tandem as it gently settles down to frame his prominent eyebrows.
He looks so damn charming.
“I said is the rooftop to your liking, your majesty?’’ Jimin smirks as he plops back down, slinging his leg across his knee and crossing his arms behind his head.
“Come on now, it's not too nice to make make fun of the friend that planned this entire thing. Because god forbid I am the responsible one, even though I’m younger’’ Jungkook throws his backpack on the roof as he whispers the last part, his back colliding against the wooden planks as he lays right next to Jimin.
“Did I just hear some complaining?’’ Jimin snaps as he purses his lips and throws an annoyed glare.
Jungkook huffs out an airy laugh as he stares at the cloudy sky above. “Yeah. Hello, my name is Jungkook and I drove here. Your name is Jimin. My name is Jungkook and I prepared all the kit. My name is Jungkook and I found the cabin. My name is Jungkook and I checked if the roof is safe enough to lay on. My name is-’’
“Alright alright gosh we get it you wear the pants here’’ Jimin rolls his eyes as he hugs his hoodie closer to his body. Why is it so chilly at eight in the morning…
Jungkook side eyes him for a split second before Jimin feels a massive weight on his body.
“Owchh that's heavy - hey’’ Jimin throws a light punch at his arm, as Jungkook suddenly decides to impale his entire weight on him for this particular side hug.
“Hyung, you should be thanking me not punching me, I’m keeping you warm’’ His warm breath is tickling Jimin’s ear, and he could almost laugh if not for the sweet gesture Jungkook has pulled.
“I can hardly breathe by the way’’
“Oh my bad’’ Jungkook pulls away slightly, face sheepish as he puts some space between them. “You smell so nice I almost inhaled all of you’’
Jimin is laughing now, his giggles echoing in the empty forest clearing. "That so? I’m going to take this one as a compliment, not as an insult to my size’’
Jungkook suddenly invites his presence close to Jimin again, this time— his face is impossibly close near Jimin’s neck. Jimin feels the cold metal of his lip piercing poke his sensitive skin, and it causes him to violently shiver.
He hears Jungkook’s deep chuckle, and his breathing slow and steady as he quietly presses his nose against the crook of Jimin’s neck, breathing him in. It has him holding his own breath, the tips of his toes clenching inside his shoes.
“Hmn.. good. I like knowing I am capable of taking your breath away’’ Jungkook whispers the letters in a way that has Jimin physically transcend into a different dimension, from how good it tickles his brain. His lips brushing against Jimin’s soft skin after each syllable, as he slowly pulls his face back. His eyes are hooded, and his wavy hair looks dishevelled like he’d just done something very… not appropriate.
“You- you smell like pizza!’’ Jimin spits out all of a sudden, eyes wide as he sits up abruptly.
“We had dumplings by the way’’ Jungkook snickers as he follows suit, throwing a stray rock onto the ground as he slowly begins getting down the ladder.
Damn him.
Is it hot in here…? or is he going through some form of sepsis breakout...
“Jerk..’’
November 15. Tuesday. 2:45PM (day zero)
“Hyung, I got your drink ready. One teaspoon of sugar and coffee, and a shit load of milk… yikes’’ Jungkook walks over to the tiny couch Jimin is slouched on, as he gingerly hands him his mug.
“Why are you so anti-jimin right now, thats not so nice’’ He pouts as he grabs the mug from Jungkook’s warm hands. Jimin almost doesn’t want to let go as their fingers brush, the warmth of Jungkook’s fingertips sending tingles over his spine, as a sense of relief washes over him.
“No but.. How can you drink this monstrosity, it’s basically 99% milk with a splash of flavour’’ Jungkook mutters as he forcefully grabs Jimin’s palm, peeling his sweaterpaws off. Jimin’s mouth opens in disbelief as Jungkook begins to massage his small palms between his large, warm ones.
“I…that feels nice’’
“I know. You feel nice’’ Jungkook sends a lazy smirk as Jimin feels heat rise up his neck. For like.. the 100th time today.
“Oh shoot I forgot to turn off the stove, hold on’’ Jungkook suddenly disappears into the hallway, as Jimin mourns the loss of his warmth. The small living room feels impossibly colder now, with its bare walls and dimly lit fireplace.
It should feel cozy to some but, Jimin would rather… cozy up with someone… else.
Like Jungkook’s warm body, pressed against his. It’s really cold.
Why does it feel so chilly again…
“How indecent. Your thoughts are swaying in irrepressible directions”
Who the fu-
Jimin jumps off his seat at the strange voice. It sounded like it came from inside the room, his heart is loudly beating at his chest.
He gasps out heaving loud breaths as he tries to make sense of his surroundings. He’s sure he heard someone just right now. And it did not sound like Jungkook. And even if it was— like Jungkook somehow ended up changing his voice box to sound just like this person, he wouldn’t have heard it so close.
Jungkook is supposed to be in the kitchen.
This sounded like someone was right behind his ear…
“Am I fucking crazy right now…’’
“What? finally agreed that your choice of drinks are horrid?’’ Jungkook’s voice sings from behind as he approaches the living room, holding his own coffee mug in his hands.
Yeah maybe he was just… hallucinating..
“No I was just.. nevermind’’ Jimin smiles up nicely as he drags Jungkook into the tiny couch, forcefully shoving him down to sit as he squeezes himself close to his side. Jimin grabs the stray blanket laying on the armrest as he lays it atop their bodies, effectively force-snuggling Jungkook.
“You know you could just ask and I’d say yes.. right…?’’
“What?’’
Jungkook smiles lightly, arms wrapping around Jimin’s mid-section. “I said, if you just asked me nicely instead of grabbing at me like a toy I would have said yes to everything and cuddled you up in th-’’
“Just shut up and hold me Jungkook’’ Jimin lifts his head from where it rested against Jungkook’s sturdy chest, as he stares at Jungkook’s sincere eyes.
“Hyung… c’mere’’ The warmth of Jungkook’s frame hugs him close, as he wraps his comforting weight around him. His large biceps squeeze his head a little too tight but Jimin doesn’t care. It feels so warm. And safe. Like home.
Like all the other times they used to hang around each other's houses and sleepover under the covers. And perhaps this could be his own lullaby, as he slowly drifts off to sleep.
Whatever he heard was probably just his tired mind playing tricks on him.
November 15. Tuesday. 8:58PM (day zero)
The warm bath Jimin has run has created a calm atmosphere inside the little bathroom, it feels humid and sticky yet.. Jimin has never felt warmer. He dips his toes into the still water to check its the correct temperature, before fully submerging himself inside.
The water feels absolutely marvellous against his skin, and the bubbles formed from the washing liquid he’d just used creates a heavenly smell. He feels totally relaxed, and so warm.
Jimin opens his eyes lazily as he sinks a little lower, so the only thing visible from the bathtub is his little head poking out. He leans back slowly as he fully lets go of all the tension in his muscles, the back of his head gently hitting the tiled bathtub.
Although the bathroom in this cabin is impossibly small, it serves to make the mood feel very cozy. The light coming from the incandescent light-bulb above is barely even illuminating the room, but Jimin has to make do. He could probably find some candles laying around if power decides to shut off…
For now, he’ll just enjoy th-
Jimin opens his eyes at the crackling, buzzing sound from above.
Great.
The stupid light had gone out.
“Talk about a jinx..’’ He mutters to himself as he slowly rises from the tub, water sloshing around as it tips and pours outside. He gingerly lifts his legs as he tip toes out, and steps his bare feet onto the floor.
The old wooden planks make an audible creaking noise as he moves around, trying desperately to find the little sink in the corner where he’s sure he spotted some extra candles. Just as he is about to open the drawers to rummage, he feels it.
It's that chill in the air again.
The same one he’d been feeling ever since he arrived here, but his mind kept telling him it's probably just the low temperature from outside seeping through the cracks in the walls. Well, it's been practically a humid sauna here— so how come..
“Heed my warning, little human’’
Jimin jumps out from where he was kneeling near the sink, turning around to desperately try and make out if there’s a fucking burglar behind him right now.
“J-jungkook is that you?’’ Jimin’s heart is beating loud again, his chest rising and falling with each word he slips out. He feels sweat starting to accumulate at the back of his neck, one singular droplet sliding down his spine.
“Huh? Hyung hurry you've been in there for too long, my toothbrush needs to be charged’’ Jungkook’s muffled voice rings in his ears from outside the bathroom, as the light suddenly flickers back to life.
Jimin furrows his eyebrows as he realises he’s all alone. Again.
He grabs his towel and wraps it around his waist, then pulls open the door. The sight of Jungkook’s face standing impossibly close greets him. He’s clutching his electric toothbrush and towel with his left hand, as his right hand was held frozen in the air— presumably about to knock.
“Oh crap you scared me. Didn't think you’d actually come out this qui- hey what on earth- you’re still dripping wet’’ Jungkook throws his toothbrush to the side as he throws his own towel onto Jimin’s dripping hair. With gentle movements, he begins drying it for him. His fingertips massaging his scalp with ease.
Jimin thinks he should just go to sleep right about now as he lets Jungkook massage his scalp.
“Uh, you okay?’’
“Huh?’’
“You’re spacing out on me. And you just came outside with water dripping everywhere without even properly drying’’ Jungkook lets a tiny chuckle out, as he stops drying for a second to grab Jimin’s face with both hands— the towel still draped over his head. "You’re like a puppy right now’’
Jimin deadpans a glare at him for that, face scrunching up in mild annoyance. "Am not’’
“You are. Look you’re pouting too, does Jiminie want a treat?’’ Jungkook leans down a little with a playful smirk, as Jimin huffs an annoyed sigh over their prominent height difference.
“No… I .. I don't want anything stop making fun of me’’.
“Aww not even a little taste of my special treat?’’
Jimin grabs the towel out of Jungkook’s grasp, as he forcefully dries his own hair. The droplets of water are sprinkling wildly in the air as his moves become more agitated. He’s totally not in the mood to tease Jungkook right now, the back of his mind still replaying the un-nerving scene he witnessed in the bathroom a couple of minutes ago.
As if noticing his inner turmoil, Jungkook gently grabs a hold of his chin, his thumb softly stroking his skin. Jimin’s hands freeze where they’re still holding onto the towel, eyes blinking up at Jungkook.
He looks… very adorable right now. His eyebrows are furrowed and his eyes look so full of concern, as if Jimin had narrated some unimaginable assault (well in hindsight it probably was). And Jimin almost feels bad.
Almost.
“What’s wrong? Is the bathroom okay? Did you not get enough hot water? I can go grab other towels or make some hot soup and-’’
“No. Everything’s perfect’’ Jimin gets on his tip toes as his arms wrap around Jungkook’s middle, the towel making a light noise as it thuds to the ground.
Well, he feels bad now.
Jungkook had planned this entire trip, looked over their route the night before, studied the map, visited the internet for hiker reviews, prepared their entire kit, and studied the meteor times. He had done it all, from preparing their food, to loading all their stuff into the car, to driving long hours as Jimin naps on the passenger seat.
And Jimin.. Won’t sit here and ruin it because he’s got the creeps.
It’s just his tired mind, they’ve had a god awful long day and all they need to do is sleep. And hopefully if their prediction is correct, this spot will be perfect for watching the meteor showers tomorrow night. And then, everything will be even more perfect.
“Looks like Jiminie did want his special treat after all’’
“Vv-hwat’’ Jimin’s reply is muffled as his face is still shoved right into Jungkook’s chest, arms loosening their hold over his midsection. He could hear Jungkook’s dark chuckle as the vibrations travel from his firm chest right into Jimin’s ear.
“Hmm? Do you want me to spell it out? I am your special treat ofcourse’’
He’s so going to punch him right now.
“Urgh jerk’’ Jimin throws the last punch as he leans away to grab his forgotten towel, going to get ready for bed.
“Moron~~’’
November 16. Wednesday 9:09AM (day 1)
Something feels heavy. Like there’s a stone statue placed right on top of Jimin’s forehead, pressing deeper and deeper as it digs into his skin. He wants to move it out of the way but his arms feel frozen, or maybe they’re not.
A dull thumping sound jolts Jimin out of his slumber, as his eyes slowly adjust to the stray sunlight peeking in through the open blinds. He lets out a prolonged sigh as he rubs his temples, the headache he was having slowly easing away.
It sounded as if the thumping sound came from the window, so he squints his eyes to peep in through the horizontal slats in the blinds. Just as he was about to give up, he noticed the stray feathers of some bird as it quickly flew away before he had a chance to properly look at it.
“Rise and shine hyung! I made your favourite breakfast in bed, as previously requested I present to you.. Dun dun duh dunn!’’ Jimin almost had whiplash as Jungkook came waltzing into their shared little room, a tray of breakfast clutched securely in his arms.
“Pancakes! And would you look here, this one is particularly bigger than the rest’’ Jungkook chirps happily as he opens the metal cloche previously covering the glass plate, the smell of pancakes wafting into the early morning air.
Jimin is so not normal about this right now.
“Jungkook you…’’
“Ah ah. Before you say anything look how big this serving is, mine is smaller but I made this specially for you because you're special to me aren't you’’ Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows playfully as he carefully sets the tray on top of Jimin’s legs, folding the blanket to the side.
Jimin hadn’t really noticed but Jungkook looks absolutely… unreal right now. He’s wearing a black fitted shirt which hugs his body in the right places, his pecs look very firm and Jimin swears he can count a fucking 8 pack.
Sedate me.
Jimin casts his eyes downwards as he begins eyeing his pants. He’s sporting some dark grey sweatpants that hang loosely around his waist, he vaguely remembers they’d gotten it at the rest stop yesterday. And if Jimin zeroed in on his groin area then no one has to bloody know.
It really is big.
“What?’’
Fuck did he say that out loud.
“Oh haha I mean the- the pancake! It is big isn’t it! haha you.. you didn't lie..’’ Jimin mentally face palms his stupid face that’s probably as red as a tomato right now. He decides to ignore the elephant (wow. Innuendo. really now?) in the room as he all but grabs his fork and shoves a giant piece of the pancake in his awaiting mouth.
“Calm down it's all yours alright’’ Jungkook laughs lightly as he moves to grab the orange juice packet that was placed on the tray. Right as he opens the lid to begin to pour it into Jimin’s cup, it accidentally spills into Jimin’s sweater.
“Shoot I’m sorry fuck that’s embarrasing let me-’’
Jimin almost snorts because of the 180 Jungkook just did but he holds it in to show some sympathy.”Hey hey, don't worry about it. It’s just some juice’’ He grabs a spare tissue as he dabs at the remnants of the spill, shoving more of the pancakes into his lips. “Okay but these are sherioushly sho good, what shyrup did’you use?’’
Jungkook stares at him from where he was wiping the spill, eyes wide. His lips slowly tilt upwards as he tries to hold his laugh.”Not telling. It’s a shecret’’
November 16. Wednesday. 2:24PM (day 1)
The fireplace is crackling, its flames slowly rising into the chilly air as the smoke drifts upwards into the chimney. It feels significantly warmer in the living room now, having closed the wooden door connecting the kitchen and living space together.
Jimin glances across the tiny room, as he makes note of the bare furniture. Whoever lived here clearly did not enjoy it as much, as not even nail indents on the walls are present - indicating that no picture frames were ever hung up.
He looks over onto the big window on his left side, the sight of the tall pine trees greeting him. They look like specks of green paint the further he glances, clearly covering a vast range of the forest.
His mind wonders how far they go.
Hugging the blanket, he squeezes it closer to his chest, nibbling his sweater-covered fingers.
“Oh my.. It's a squirrel!’’ Jimin cheerfully gasps as he jumps out of the cramped little sofa, socked feet padding closer to the window.
Slowly kneeling down so as to not scare the little squirrel perched on the window sill outside, his palms rest at the window gently.
The squirrel looks nothing short of adorable, with its wide giant eyes starting right back at Jimin. Its frozen and unmoving, body probably held in fear. Jimin quietly taps a tentative finger against the glass to greet it, and the squirrel immediately flinches.
“Hey little guy, I just came to say hi’’ The squirrel tilted its head, as if contemplating. Its eyes are staring right into Jimin’s, they look so round and full. Jimin almost laughs because it reminds him of Jungkook’s.
But just as quickly, the squirrel scurries away. It slides down the wooden walls, away from the window and onto the cold hard ground - disappearing into the dark woods.
“Aw man why’d you leave’’ Jimin grumbles to himself as he hugs his knees, blowing warm air into the glass. He totally thought the squirrel would warm up to him, given all the kitties and puppies do.
“What have you got there? Is hyung bird-watching again?’’ Jungkook slides open the door as he steps into the living room, carrying a bowl of popcorn in one hand. He slips off his slippers, throwing himself bottom first into the tiny couch.
“Urgh Jungkook you probably scared it away didn't you’’
“Huuuuuh what's this gotta do with me? Jiminie hyung is glued to his cat-TV but he's blaming me his birds were a no show. Rude.’’
“No stop it with that! First of all I am not a cat, second of all it was a squirrel.. Now its gone..I was gonna feed it some nuts’’ Jimin pouts sadly, sulking as he drags his feet back to the couch and plops down.
Jungkook pops a corn into his mouth as he chuckles, arms looming over Jimin’s shoulder to drag him close. "Don't you worry, you can feed me your nuts’’
This fucker.
“Wait.. That sounded wrong. I didn't mean those nuts. Wait not like I wouldn’t - Well anyway. I can totally eat your nu-’’
“Oh god just shut your trap’’ Jimin smacks Jungkook’s pecs as he steals the bowl from his grasp, snuggling in closer.
November 16. Wednesday. 11:11PM (day 1)
The forest at night isn't as desolate and bare, instead, the stars above illuminate the clearing. Just as they expected, this location is the perfect vantage point. The night shines brightly from here as it glitters with asteroids and orbs, uninterrupted from the clouds and people - beautiful in its simplicity.
Jimin’s feet were planted on the last step of the ladder, as his head gazed up in awe. From this angle, the night sky feels closer. As if it hugs him whole.
“Jungkook, hurry! It looks beautiful you must come!’’
“I’m here I’m here’’ The endearing chuckle Jungkook lets out sends a pleasant shiver up Jimin’s spine in excitement. He lays down their blanket on the roof, ensuring it pads them well. Jimin then grabs the spare blanket from his little backpack as he folds it neatly, so they could cover up if it gets cold.
They’ve dressed warm enough as is, but Jimin nagged Jungkook to bring an extra blanket since he really can’t put up with him getting sick.
Jungkook pulls out his own handwritten journal from the backpack, as he begins to skim through the pages with a slight frown. Jimin had asked him about the little book years ago, when they first started their little tradition.
Apparently, he had written it a while back - when he was still a teen. Since then, he had always been interested in the ‘unknown’, as Jungkook liked to call it. The little book contained notes from star astral books, old journals, and memories left by various other individuals with similar hobbies.
Jimin had always joked that Jungkook was totally old school, as they could easily open one of many phone apps to easily track down meteors and constellations as they go.
But Jungkook is Jungkook, and he insists on following his old little tradition. And Jimin doesn’t mind, really. After all, he’d wear a crocodile costume and do anything Jungkook would ask.
And if this could get them to watch the meteors then so be it. He can allow Jungkook’s little childhood side to show for a bit.
Well.
That saying, they clearly weren’t getting anywhere with the little notebook tonight.
“Come onnnn how long is it going to take?’’ Jimin is dragging out the syllables like a spoiled child, already having had enough of waiting. They have been sitting here for the past ten minutes with Jungkook’s face still deep down into the book.
“Sorry, just a few minutes hold on’’ He teases out quietly, flipping between the pages in complete concentration.
“You said that like hours ago’’
“Just give me a sec I promise I got it right here, it should start close to ten maybe.. No wait - ah here… no hold on not there I think.. here..’’
Jimin sits up with a pout, as he crosses his legs and tucks his hands between his lap. He ponders for a second, before swiftly peeping his head into Jungkook’s book. “Just what are you even reading’’ Jimin’s eyebrows furrow in confusion as he gives the page a quick glance, the writing makes absolutely no sense to him.
From what he can tell, it's just strange symbols with even stranger images. Some of them include pictures of canines, teeth, and extinct herbs - if he had to guess. The longer he looks the stranger it seems, some of the sentences describe astral sightings but others just form odd symbols.
“Oh uh, hold on’’ Jungkook quickly shoves the book away from Jimin’s sight, as he brings it closer to his own face, essentially blocking Jimin from seeing anything.
“Oh wow. Is Jungkook hiding secrets in his little childhood book?’’ Jimin wiggles his eyebrows as he throws a playful leg towards Jungkook's thigh, the other completely ignoring his attempt at teasing. "Hey now’’
“Wha- sorry did you say something?’’ Jungkook tilts his head to the side, only his eyes visible from this angle as the book covers everything else.
“I need you to hurry up Jungkook, we have been sitting here waiting for ages! What if we missed the meteor showers? Maybe they start in 3 hours?’’
Jungkook blinks once, before he goes back to shoving his face in the damn book. “Curious oh time… learn from more’’ He whispers slowly, as his hands continue flipping even more pages. Jimin was almost going to ask what the heck that meant before he remembers, he has a phone.
“You know what, I let you have fun long enough, let's just use the app. Here look there's this new one I downloaded before and it shows you th-’’
“No’’ Jungkook swiftly puts the book down, as he all but yanks the phone out of Jimin’s hands in a split second.
It has Jimin’s mouth part in disbelief, the action was so quick and sudden he almost certainly would have missed it if he blinked.
How the hell were his reflexes so quick.
“Sorry I mean.. Can we not use the phone? Please? It kind of.. ruins the mood. I promise you I have it written here’’ The pleading puppy eyes get thrown at him in an instant, and Jimin is nothing if not a weak man for those eyes.
“Ugh fine. But know this, if you don't come up with an answer in 5 minutes, I am throwing you off this roof’’
“Yes boss’’
The meteor shower has begun.
After allowing Jungkook’s little tantrum and finding out the showers start in exactly 37 minutes, they find themselves under the canopy of lonely stars - shooting one after the other. The fiery trail they leave behind leaves no room for astonishment, because just as quickly, another star follows suit. Falling just as its brethren.
“Woah! Look how many shooting starts there are tonight! This feels like the biggest catch out of all the years right?’’ Jimin can’t contain his smile, his cheeks might even be hurting but he’s too preoccupied with the beautiful scene above to notice.
“You do know they’re not actual stars right?’’ Jungkook chuckles absentmindedly, as he softly spares him a glance.
“Course I do. They’re just stone shaped thingies that leave light streaks in their wake as they enter here.. but still. The term shooting star sounds perfect, no? It's a pretty rare sight so I think giving it a rare entity like a star is totally fitting.’’
Jungkook hums out an answer at that, as he looks back up at the sky— one meteor slowly emerging in the distance. “Well, it is not rare per se. Tons of them fall every night but they easily get burnt in the atmosphere. So, seeing a shower of them would be the best time to view the rest who made it out alive’’
Jimin smiles, cheeks bunching up as another star falls through. “Well, I think it is rare. I mean, we managed to catch some right’’ The chilly wind has Jimin shiver slightly, as he hugs the blanket draped over them closer for comfort.
All around, the pine trees perform a dance as their leaves flutter due to the unforgiving winds.
Jungkook turns his head to the side as he stares at Jimin’s face, eyes barely blinking. He thinks Jimin looks breathtaking like this - with his blonde hair swaying in the wind, eyes big and reflecting a shine only the glittered sky could rival.
His small button nose looks pink from the cold, cheeks blushing with a similar colour. Jungkook wants to smother him with kisses to warm him up. "Yeah.. It is rare…’’ He whispers to himself, only the lonely shooting star in the distance catching his tune.
Jimin whips his head to the side as he offers him a confused look, lips pouty in pure ignorance of his own beauty. “Huh?’’ He mutters slowly, blonde fringe falling across his delicate features.
Jungkook smiles gently, as he turns his head towards the sky again. “Did you know.. there's probably like 70 of them falling a minute’’
“Woah for real? That’s a lot of freakin wishes’’
“I know’’ Jungkook smiles devilishly, eyebrows wiggling in preparation as he elbows Jimin’s side. “Wanna begin? Whoever counts to ten first, gets to make one big wish’’
Jimin crosses his arms behind his head, as he closes his eyes with a smirk tugging at his plush lips. “Sure. And I’ll not let you win this time’’ Jimin is cocksure in the way he starts counting the shooting stars as they descend, eyes blazing with excitement as Jungkook slowly begins to falter in his own count.
"Eight!’’ He yells excitedly, as he sends a smug glance in Jungkook’s direction— hoping to tick him off by showing him how self-assured he is at easily winning this time. To his surprise, he finds Jungkook already staring at him.
Smiling.
“The heck are you looking at me for? The sky is up there’’ He mutters as he feels heat creep up his cheeks, something he did not know would be possible amidst the harsh cold winds.
“What's the matter? I am just admiring you’’
“Well quit it and start counting. I told you I won’t let you win this time, and you better grant my one big final wish’’ Jimin hurries in one long breath, already hating himself for being so damn affected. Jungkook is just staring at him, it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
He always does that.
And even if it makes Jimin’s heart beat a little faster, his breathing a little quicker, and his pulse ring in his ears then.. then Jungkook doesn’t have to know. Jimin just has to hold it in.
“Can't I stare at you a little longer? I want to remember you in my dreams’’
Okay now he can’t hold shit in.
“Jungkook wha-’’
“Oh look! Here’s nine and ten. Would you look at that, its twin meteors. Sorry hyung I won, try harder next time’’ Jungkook exclaims with a relaxed triumph, as he leans more into his arms crossed neatly behind his head.
“That’s so not fair you distracted me!’’
Jungkook lets out a laugh that lacks surprise, as if he expected Jimin would counter back the way he did. “You mean, my charming face is the cause of your distractions? I actually feel like I won double champion just about now’’
“Shut up.. jerk’’ Jimin tries not to feel too disappointed at his loss. Technically, Jungkook basically admitted he considers Jimin being distracted by him a big win. That means.. Something. Right?
"So..’’ Jimin sits up, crossing his legs as he tucks his palms under his thighs for warmth. "What do you wish for?’’
The wind blows lightly around them, causing the pine trees to rustle around one another— twigs rubbing in tandem. Jungkook closes his eyes for a split second, as he ponders. Then, he smiles ever so beautifully, the mole under his lips glinting.
“What I always wish for’’
Jimin tilts his head to the side in confusion, eyebrows furrowed as he awaits for more. But Jungkook seems to.. not have anything else to add. Jimin blinks from the perplexity of his statement, and just as he was about to ask what he meant— he feels it.
That chill in the air.
Again.
“Beware little human, for your final hour has ultimately come to pass”
Jimin shrieks as he turns abruptly to the side, where he’s sure the whisper has come from. Instead, he spots a lone owl. Standing on the pine tree, its claws gripping the perch of the tree in a force that looks like it could pierce the withered wood.
Its appearance is as white as snow, with yellow bright eyes staring daggers into Jimin’s own. Right when he was about to arrange his muddled thoughts , the owl screeches loudly - letting out a noise that carries darkly through the ominous air.
Hoot.
Wednesday. November 16. 9:09AM (day 2)
It feels.. heavy. Like a block of steel has been placed on top of his forehead. Jimin tries desperately to move his arms, hands squeezing in their place as they aim to reach to his head.
But to no avail, he feels frozen.
Like his body is made out of lead, it’s no good— no matter how hard he tries.
A loud thumping sound pulls him out of his sleep-paralysis misery, as he sits up on the bed all at once. Jimin feels dew droplets of sweat slowly sliding down his back, but he tries evening out his sharp heaving breaths nonetheless.
His head suddenly turns to the window, ever so slowly, the blinding white catching his eyes.
It’s.. a bird..?
Well, Jimin can’t possibly make out what type of bird it is but, its stark white feathers are obvious even between the open blinds. They gleam under the sun, as if almost begging to be stared at. Jimin makes a move for his slippers, so he could tip toe closer and possibly inspect the little thing - well not so little. It definitely is a big bird.
This feels very deja-vu-esque right now.
And how the hell did he end up falling asleep? The last thing Jimin’s fuzzy brain remembers was him and Jungkook counting down shooting stars yesterday. He must have totally passed out.
“Rise and shine hyung! I made your favourite breakfast in bed, as previously requested I present to you.. Dun duh duh dunn!’’
Jimin jolts on his bed as he grabs the blanket up to his nose, the sight of Jungkook’s abrupt entrance scaring the daylights out of him. “God what the hell, learn how to knock’’ He rolls his eyes as he gingerly brings the blanket back down, slowly rubbing over his temples where a headache is about to make itself known.
Jungkook stops dead in his tracks, the tray of breakfast he is holding clutched mid-manouvre, as he prepares to don off the metal cloche. “Oh sorry hyung, figured you’d be hungry’’
Jimin closes his eyes for a second, as he absentmindedly waves his sympathies “Yeah yeah no worries. Hey, what happened last night? Did I pass out or something?’’
“Huh? What do you mean?’’ Jungkook puts down his little breakfast tray, the orange juice carton catching Jimin’s eyes.
“I mean, how did I fall asleep so quick? How did you carry me even..’’ Jimin trails slowly, hands fidgeting with the hem of his sweater.
Jungkook grabs the metal cloche and opens the lid with ease, the smell of freshly baked…
Pancakes? What the hell.
“What, you worried I would drop you down and let you fall? You do know I can bench press four of you right’’ Jungkook smirks lazily, setting down the lid right next to the glass plate.
Jimin’s heart is suddenly doing crazy flips, and it’s not because of what Jungkook just said. He’s breathing out slowly, his mind telling him to quiet down— this is just normal deja vu.
“Pancakes! And would you look here, this one is particularly bigger than the rest’’ The clinking of the glass can be heard in the otherwise quiet room, as Jungkook aims to grab the little glass cup he has set aside.
Jimin is frozen in his seat.
What the fuck is happening.
Why does this feel exactly like what happened yesterday? There’s no damn way Jungkook just ups and decides to make pancakes two days in a row, specifically with one single pancake being bigger than the rest. Because..
“Ah ah. Before you say anything, look how big this serving is, mine is smaller but I made this specially for you because you're special to me aren't you’’ Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows as he opens the orange juice carton, a gentle smile slowly forming on his lips.
“What the hell’’ Jimin whispers as his body does a sudden jolt of unease, the entire situation making him so overwhelmingly confused.
This can’t be your average deja vu, it's been going on for long enough already. Actually, ever since he has woken up. And why is it not stopping?
Jimin’s mind races with various thoughts, his legs shaking in their spot where they lay against the smooth comforter. Jungkook’s soft gasp snaps him out of his trance, as he glances towards him.
“Shoot I’m sorry fuck that’s embarrasing let me-’’
Jimin casts his eyes downwards, where the remnants of orange juice spill streaks his sweater— likely from all the shaking he’d been doing.
Jimin stills…
It spilled at exactly the same spot as before. He whips his head up so fast, and it bumps right into Jungkook’s forehead, where he’s hastily dabbing some tissue to clean up. “Owch’’ Jungkook winces, hands still working away at the spill.
“Jungkook stop’’ Jimin’s hands grab at Jungkook’s, calmly stopping him. He gets a mildly confused look in return, and Jimin would coo at the adorable action if not for the situation they are in.
“What is it?’’
Jimin holds his breath for a moment, contemplating how to best word— whatever this is. “Listen to me I… do you not feel like.. like we’ve done this before? You and I?’’
He feels a gentle squeeze on his palm, as Jungkook sends a charming smile his way, his eyes glinting playfully. “You mean you and I all alone in a cabin every year? Yeah we have, its starting to feel a little romantic now that its repetitive, yeah?’’
Jimin almost has the urge to smack his handsome face right now, heat slowly creeping up his neck. He manoeuvres himself so his legs move away from Jungkook’s awaiting hands, as they were desperately aiming to dab some more tissue.
The heat loss from Jungkook’s warm palms feels prominent, but Jimin hugs his knees close to his chest. “No you dork I mean.. I feel weird. Like yesterday was today’’ Jimin quietly mumbles each word, as his head leans lower and lower— until his forehead touches his knees.
Jungkook is.. well thoroughly confused. He shows it by the nervous chuckle he lets out, palms slowly smoothing over Jimin’s short-clad thighs. “Hey, what's the matter?’’ His thumbs create soothing circles as they rub over his knees, the friction grounding Jimin a little bit.
And perhaps, it makes him feel seen. For even if he came down with the plague, he knows Jungkook won’t admonish him for it, blaming him for ruining their trip.
So he tells him.
Everything.
“Wait so..you’re saying.. Some weird guy has been whispering in your ears ever since yesterday. And now, you're stuck in.. some time loop?’’ Jungkook’s large palms are spread over Jimin’s thighs, his knees bracketing Jimin’s own.
“Yeah… essentially’’
“So… like deja vu..?’’
“No! Not like deja vu okay? It’s like yesterday’s events merged into today's and it literally feels like yesterday is happening all over again’’ Jimin’s tone takes on an annoyed lilt as he desperately tries to make Jungkook understand.
“Isn’t that basically.. deja vu..?’’
“Oh my gosh it's not! Stop saying deja vu— it's like … it's different! My mind is feeling so fuzzy and I swear all the little things that happened yesterday morning just repeated themselves, it’s like I’m living Wednesday all over again’’
“So.. like mystery-spot from Super Natural?’’
Jimin gives him a dead-pan stare, eyes glaring in annoyance. "Yes Jungkook, like Super fucking Natural’’ Its beyond him how even at times like these, Jungkook still tries to lift up the mood, ever so posed.
Jungkook gives him a gentle smile, as his hands grab Jimin closer, his face inches away. “Are you sure you’re not just tired? Maybe we could chill today before the meteor showers begin’’
Jimin’s neck snaps up, eyes wide in confusion. “Wait— there's another shower tonight?’’ His hazy eyes focus back into Jungkook’s own, and he notices his cheeks tinging a little with a pink hue at their close proximity.
“Uh.. y-yeah..? Well it's not uncommon to have a barrage of meteor showers..’’ His fingers gingerly drag over from Jimin’s inner thighs, until they reach the hem of his sweater, playing with a loose thread.
“Oh.. okay..’’
“I’ll go find us snacks for later, you finish up here’’ Jungkook gives him a chaste kiss on the cheek, knocking Jimin’s senses back into him.
What the hell was that for…
“Adorable. It has already begun and yet— what unseemly thoughts you possess. You mortals surely never cease to impress me’’
Jimin jumps out of his bed, the breakfast plate clattering inside the trey. His head darts everywhere around the room, trying desperately to find the source of this nagging stranger that has been pestering him for the past 2 fucking days.
He stops in his tracks, eyes locking in on the window.
The blinds are closed, but he can clearly see it.
Him.
An unknown stranger, sitting perched against the window ledge. The blinds are covering most of his body and face, creating an unforgiving illusion. He’s clad in white and grey looking robes, with a sheer white veil that starts from his head— trailing to his legs. His attire is flowing gracefully in the air, the open window casting a chill breeze.
“Salve, foolish lad’’ The strange man whispers mockingly, head turning eerily in Jimin’s direction.
His face is covered by an uncanny mask, the bones protruding into a beak-sharp edge, the shadow of it creating a haunting aura on the man.
Jimin flinches, the sight making him insanely uncomfortable. "W-who the hell are you’’. His steps falter away from the bed ever so slowly, while the masked man rests his elbow against his drawn up knee ever so lazily— like this was his throne and Jimin was intruding.
“My my... What's the matter little human? We have already met, no need to act with such hostility’’
“I don't give a shit. Y-you need to leave or I am calling the police’’ Jimin doesn’t know why he just said that. He knows they’re in the middle of bum fuck no where, but could anyone blame him? He’s scared of his wits and this masked stranger is in his room ta-
“Oh? So you do know what you just uttered is preposterously irrational. And yet.. you chose to voice it nonetheless. I wonder why that is…’’ The masked man hums inquisitively, his head tilting in an unknowing look— as if purely drawn in by his own questions.
Jimin gulps audibly, heart hammering in his throat. How the fuck did this guy know exactly what he was thinking in his head. "Wonder what…?’’ Jimin decides to ask tentatively, hoping the man does not notice him inching further and further away, so he could escape through the door.
“I wonder, why do humans act with such irritability in intense circumstances? Is it to fuel their own adrenaline? Or perhaps, an act of self motivation. For if you vocalise your unfearfulness, you could possibly convert it into a reality— even though both parties know you are still plainly frightened’’
Is this guy fucking serious right now.
“Listen here geezer, I don't know what the hell you are on about but, I’m gonna need you to at least tell me who you are. If you think you know what's going on inside my head, then I’m sure you have guessed that’s what im itching to know’’
The masked man lets out a quiet dark chuckle, it curled with something unnerving and wicked. “Feisty little human…I go by many names, shapes and forms. My pure power knows no bounds, as it continues to hunger for more. You can call me masked man, demon, spirit, hunter— or whatever you desire.’’ The masked man- demon?, starts strutting closer, a chill resounding within the quiet walls in his wake.
His sheer veil drags over the wool carpet, robes elegantly fluttering in the morning air. "But as for you… you can call me Eishin, you foolish lad’’
Jimin’s back suddenly thuds with the door, as his hands hurriedly aim for the handle to unlock it open. He twists and pulls, while Eishin floats closer, the cold air he carries hovering away with him. It has Jimin grounded— in fear, or pure frozen horror; he doesn’t really know.
What he does know and realise though, is that his surroundings seem very unrealistic.
Everything looks like it has stopped in time, as if floating around with Eishin, awaiting his instructions. The room looks monotonous, bare, cold, and covered in a light blue hue.
The only coloured objects were just him and Eishin. Like a random speckle of colour in the otherwise empty canvass.
It must be that guy’s doing, Jimin thinks to himself.
“You were warned little human… it has already begun. Beware as you roam the plane of time, for your time is already starting to run out’’ Eishin rasps in a warning tone, his robes flying in the air as he fades away— leaving nothing but coldness in his stead.
Jimin lets out a deep breath, hands clutching his chest, the thumping of his own heart beat rings in his ear. He looks up into the window, where the room is back to how it used to.
He needs a fucking drink.
November 16. Wednesday. 2:24PM (day 2)
The fireplace is crackling, its flames slowly rising into the chilly air as the smoke drifts upwards into the chimney. Jimin is lounging on the sofa as he nurses a beer, the memories of what just happened to him in the room still echoing in his muddled brain.
He doesn’t know if he’s going fucking crazy but, for as far as he knows - illusions are not a normal everyday scenario. So yes, he probably is going crazy. Jimin’s hands swirl the beer can nonchalantly, as his temple throbs in annoyance, he goes for a chug when something in the corner of his eyes catches his attention.
It’s… a squirrel.
What the fuck.
It's that same squirrel again.
Jimin jumps out of his seat as he sets the beer can on a random table, feet scurrying towards the window ledge. He lets out an unnerving breath, as he kneels down to properly stare at it.
It's frozen in its place, eyes wide and blinking at Jimin. And this scene would be memorably adorable, if not for the obvious fact that… that it's happened before? Jimin had totally thought this deja vu business was a coincidence. But now, it seems like it really is a ti—
“What have you got there? Is hyung bird-watching again?” Jungkook slides open the door as he steps into the living room, a bowl of popcorn held securely in his hand.
Yes.
He’s still in a fucking time loop.
And even after he sits Jungkook down to explain for the second time today, it seems like no one is aware of the situation except Jimin himself— and it's driving him mad.
“Alright so.. You mean you knew this squirrel was going to show up?’’ Jungkook asks with a raised eyebrow, as he munches on some more popcorn. The buttered smell wafts through Jimin’s senses, and he has half a mind to burn the entire bowl right now. Popcorns be damned and all.
“Yes for the millionth time.. I told you. I’ve seen this happen before- and dont you dare say its deja vu’’
Jungkook lets out a disgruntled grunt at that, as he sets the bowl down on the nearby coffee table. “Okay.. I believe you. You think the stuff from the morning are still dragging on and we're still in a loop. So.. what happens after this now?’’
Jimin should be letting out a sigh of relief that Jungkook just believed him so casually but - he kind of has a feeling he still doesn’t. Like he still thinks Jimin is just being tired and out of it due to their long journey. “Well… we go and catch the meteor showers like we discussed and— nevermind’’
“Okay so we can go see them, and that’ll hopefully take your pretty little mind off of things’’
Jimin didn't say it before because.. well. He doesn’t want Jungkook to think he’s crazy. Because he is, in a way.. right?
It's best if the entire Eishin business he just experienced in his room goes unmentioned for now, because who knows— maybe Jungkook is right. Maybe once they watch the meteors again, everything's going to be fine. And this whole time loop could…
“Hey right! Maybe if we catch the meteors again, this silly time loop gets broken right?” Jimin holds Jungkook’s large palms in his, as he desperately seeks validation for his stupid thoughts.
“How foolish. Such utter absurdity would never work”
What the— Eishin damnit.
Jungkook’s abrupt cough pulls Jimin out of his haze, as he holds his stomach in what seems like agony. “Fuck my stomach suddenly feels sick” He steps out of the little couch, as he pads slowly out of the living room. “Sorry hyung, nature’s calling”
Jimin is left all alone.
Or so he thinks.
November 16. Wednesday. 11:11PM (day 2)
Jimin is laying on the rooftop, with the blanket below offering some much needed security and warmth. Although he would much prefer a different source of security and warmth, he'll take what he’s given.
Because currently, said source is busy fidgeting over that damned notebook. Again.
Jimin offers Jungkook a tentative glance, as warmth begins blooming inside his chest. No matter how much he’d like to deny it, seeing Jungkook with child-like fascination over simple matters like following his little notebook traditions has him cheesing hard.
Because Jungkook just looks adorable, even though he desperately tries not to. Jimin doesn’t know why it's difficult to understand that you can both be adorable and cool simultaneously.
“How much longer Jungkook’’
“Just give me a sec I promise I got it right here, it should start close to ten maybe.. No wait - ah here… no hold on not there I think.. here..’’
Jimin arches a brow as he lays his head back against his crossed arms, mind racing with thoughts again. He closes his eyes for a second, hoping to at least relax his mind a little before they start watching the shooting stars. It’d be pretty silly to do an action so sacred while you’re basically crazy in the head.. Right?
He did expect he would at least calm down by the time the meteor shower started, but it's just not happening. No matter how painfully hard he tries.
He’s seven stars in, when the slight breeze has him face the other way. And he finds Jungkook staring at him in that adorable, melancholic way again.
For a moment, his heart stutters. “What is it now.. Just keep counting’’ Jimin mutters as he turns his head back up, facing the glittering sky.
“What's the matter? I am just admiring you’’
Jimin’s heart flutters again. This time, out of unease.
He snaps his head back in Jungkook’s direction, breathing slowly. “Wha- what did you just say?’’
The chuckle Jungkook lets out sounds full of endearment, the corners of his lips turning into a gentle smile. “I’m saying, can't I stare at you a little longer? I want to remember you in my dreams’’
This can’t be happening.
Not again.
Jimin must have dazed for quite a while, because all of a sudden Jungkook announced his tenth shooting star— successfully caught in the deck. “Oh look! Here’s nine and ten. Would you look at that, its twin meteors. Sorry hyung I won, try harder next time’’ Jungkook exclaims with a relaxed triumph, as he leans more into his arms crossed neatly behind his head.
Badum.
“What.. what’s your wish..?’’
Badum.
The trees are dancing in the wind, a sudden chill beginning to form in the air. Jimin sits up on the blanket, eyes never leaving Jungkook’s hopeful ones.
“What I always wish for’’
No…
The rustling of the leaves ensues, and Jimin whips his head in the direction of a large pine tree. Lo and behold, just as he expected. It’s there.
The owl.
“Defigere et Gelare’’ Eishin’s voice comes as a monotonous chill in the back of his ear, sending shivers up his spine.
Hoot.
Wednesday. November 16. 9:09AM (day 3)
The weight of a load of concrete must be what Jimin’s feeling right about now. His head is pounding, and his arms are frozen. He aims, hopes, and struggles to move his limbs in an effort to remove the heavy load.
But to no avail, again. He can’t.
And just about now, he’ll be saved by the—
Thump.
The thumping sound, well of course. Jimin opens his eyes in a split second, his head automatically turning in the direction of the window. And he finally sees it.
The damn bird that always got away.
Naturally, it's the owl.
With its snow white feathers, bright yellow eyes, and immobile nature peeking behind the barely open blinds. Jimin all but jumps out of his bed, reaching for the window ledge. And when his hands move to open the slits in the blinds, he finds the owl already departing.
“Not a very accommodating way to greet a delicate specimen is it…little human?’’
The cold air seeped into the room just as quick as the blue hue covered it. Jimin drops his hands to his sides, as he slowly turns— coming face to face with Eishin.
"Salve again, foolish lad’’
He ought to smack the shit out of that stupid grin probably hiding underneath that hideous mask.
“You son of a bitch…Eishin” Jimin grits his teeth in pure anger, already fed up from this entire situation.
If Eishin’s just going to play games, then Jimin will use these opportunities to drag information out of him. That's the least he could do to save his own sanity right now. “Listen here you free loader, you better explain what it is you have put me under or I’ll just end my life and your fun will be over’’
“Put you.. under..?’’ Eishin pulls an old looking book out from under his sleeves, like it just materialised out of thin air. It's deep red in colour and quite worn-out. He slowly peels open the pages, some of them fluttering in the air— staying unmovable in place.
The low humming noise he lets out fills the silent damp air, and Jimin is thoroughly confused. “Uh.. what are you doing?’’
Eishin’s gloved hands come to a stop where they rested on the old scrolls, he raises his head slightly and lets out a deep sigh. “That must be what you had meant right here. ‘Put you under’, in layman's terms; serves to mean that you believe I had conjured up an unearthly spell to cast upon you. Is that right?’’ He reads out the words carefully from the worn book, then gingerly closes it up— it vanishes into the still air.
Did he just..
“The hell? did you just use a book to understand my sentence?’’
“Well, it was an intriguing phrase I had never come across before’’
Jimin wants to crack a lame joke at his poor attempt at socialising when he remembers, this guy is not his friend. “So it's true? You cast some sort of spell in this place?’’ He leans back against the window ledge, crossing his ankles as he awaits a response.
It's strange but he feels no animosity from this guy. His pure interest in humans might be the cause of it but, Jimin knows he shouldn’t let his guard down. But for now, he’ll tease bits of information out of him slowly.
“Little human, you already know the answer to your own doubts’’
“Alright. What kind of a … demon.. spirit.. thing are you? The kind that puts time loop spells into random strangers for a tad bit of fun?’’
Eishin lets out another one of his amused, dark chuckles. “My forms have no profound bounds. You could say I am a spirit, or even a demon, but then again— I could also simply become the little owl on the perch’’
Wait.
“You’re the owl?’’
“Wrong you foolish face. I am no flesh, and no animal. I was never born into a specified entity, for my calling was risen— stitched into the will of my creator. A vessel is what I am, familiar to his blood. My presence roams the planes of time, in search for those who dare trespass it’’ Eishin slowly floats in the air, his one-toothed sandals hovering with elegance - the sheer veil that adorns his head glides over his back in thick waves.
“And you, foolish lad, have drifted a ways from your time’’ His whispers send shivers up Jimin’s spine, the sight of him dissolving ever so slowly into thin particles of air makes Jimin gasp.
He’s gone. Again.
“Rise and shine hyung! I made your favourite breakfast in bed, as previously requested I present to you.. Dun duh duh dunn!’’
Jimin looks up at the entrance, where Jungkook seems to have stopped in his spot. “Oh! You’re awake! Well come sit and look at this-’’ Jungkook sets the tray on the bed. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what's behind that metal cloche.
“Pancakes! And would you look here, this one is particularly bigger than the rest’’ He exclaims with excitement, eyes darting towards Jimin’s unmoving figure. "Uh.. Hyung?’’
Of course, he doesn’t remember a thing.
Jimin drags his bare feet across the wool carpet, his headache slowly beginning to form again. He wants to shove his face inside Jungkook’s warm chest, hug him until the next fucking Wednesday, and then perhaps kiss him.
But he can’t.
Because Jungkook doesn’t feel this way about him, right? And he’s stuck inside a time loop, and Jungkook has no clue. So what would he think when he listens to him utter such nonsense?
He’d probably think he’s crazy. And definitely not go for that … kiss.
“Jungkook, do you remember what happened yesterday?’’
“Yeah. You came out of the shower looking like a puppy but you were so convinced you did not look like one’’ He giggles adorably as he goes to grab the orange juice carton, and Jimin doesn’t even flinch when it spills into the comforter. “Shoot I’m sorry fuck that’s embarrasing let me-’’
Man. This is going to be a long ass day.
November 16. Wednesday. 2:24PM (day 3)
“Wait so..you’re saying.. some weird guy has been whispering in your ears ever since yesterday. And now, you're stuck in.. some time loop?’’ Jungkook asks again as they find themselves sitting down on the cramped little sofa, the crackling fire creating a buzzing sound inside Jimin’s ears.
“Yes’’
“So… like deja vu..?’’ Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow, popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth. Jimin follows the movement with his eyes lazily, wondering how many more popcorns will it take for him to get out of this loop.
“No. It’s not deja vu, it's a time loop’’ Jimin’s voice becomes a little quiet, mind reeling with thoughts.
“So.. like mystery sp-’’
“-Spot from Super Natural?’’ Jimin finishes his sentence with a sluggish look, his own hands grabbing a singular popcorn to examine it— almost uninterestingly so.
“Wait, how did you know I was going to say that?’’
“Because I’ve seen it happen before’’ He replies back in a flash, eyes glaring back at Jungkook’s own confused ones. “Because the previous day, you said the exact same thing. And the day before, I watched you serve me pancakes. With a large one.. again. And right about now..’’ He trails slowly, head turning in the direction of the window— “A squirrel will pop up on the window ledge’’
Jungkook looks past him, and sure enough, there it is. In all its little glory, the said squirrel. “Woah.. thats .. dude thats kinda creepy’’
The popcorn gets set on the floor, as Jungkook grabs at Jimin’s cheek with a gentle palm. “Hyung, I believe you. But, if what you’re saying is true, and the loop always ends with us counting meteors… then why don’t we just not watch them tonight?’’
A hopeful spark ignites inside his heart, his head hangs low no more. “Hold on.. you’re onto something’’ Jimin’s lips tug at a wide smile. “If we don't watch them then- then the loop will cut! And— ’’
Jungkook lets out a painful cough as he holds his stomach in agony, his teeth hissing in disagreement. “Oof damn, I think I ate too much popcorn’’ Jimin eyes him with concern, as he vividly remembers the Jungkook from the other loops also suffering some sort of.. tummy ache.
Huh.
“You doing okay?’’
“Y-yeah sorry. Ignore me, so tonight yeah? No meteor shower watching, we can just sit here and chill and then everything will be okay’’ He scoots closer, forearms wrapping snuggly into Jimin. The scent of Jungkook’s washing detergent creeps into Jimin senses, dulling them lightly. He feels so..
Warm. And calm.
And very tired, suddenly. As if he hasn’t slept in ages.
Jimin’s eyes slowly flutter open, the lullaby of the crackling fire disturbing his beauty sleep. He lets out a big yawn, stretching his legs in the cramped sofa, before he notices the strong muscles under him. “Oh look who’s finally up’’
Jimin turns around in his position— on Jungkook’s lap that is. He feels a little silly for falling asleep in his arms but he's secretly giddy about it. “How long was I napping for?’’ Jimin asks with a little giggle, eyes trailing into the window, where the sun has long set, night taking over.
“Mmmh like a couple of hours, it's already past ten’’ Jungkook mumbles, and the flickering sound of a page has Jimin look up from where his head rests at Jungkook’s thighs. He’s reading again, one of those heavy old books he always has his nose shoved in.
“What you reading’’ Jimin makes a playful grab for the book, but Jungkook’s reflexes are quicker— of course, and he immediately shoves it higher.
“Not tellin’~’’
His chest feels warm, and for a moment, for a slight moment, he almost forgot the whole notion of this whole time loop fiasco.
Almost.
Because just now, with the fire crackling nearby, and the warmth of Jungkook’s thighs… he’s here.
Eishin.
Like a haunted spirit in the corner of the room, a cloud of misty blue smoke covering his figure. His bizarre and eerie chuckle resonates in the quietness of the room, a monotonous blue hue blooming ever so slowly in the dimly lit space. Shrouding it in even more darkness.
“Salve again, foolish lad’’ Jimin barely blinked once, before a light thwack followed through near the window. It's that damned owl.
No…
“Very adorable of you to think this sort of meddling might be enough to cease such an intricate time loop. No matter, this shall eventually show you… that time will flow, and always be in motion’’ Eishin snaps his slim gloved fingers once, before the owl whistles away.
Hoot.
Wednesday. November 16. 9:09AM (day 24)
Jimin is tired.
For the past 24 days, he has lived the same Wednesday continuously. Over… and over.. And over again.
He wakes up with a heavy weight on his head, then proceeds to stare out the window at the owl. Gets greeted by a huge pancake from Jungkook, where the same spill of orange juice finds itself on his sweater. And after which, he explains to Jungkook his entire predicament, with the lone squirrel watching in the distance.
And lastly, and only lastly— does the loop end when they count the shooting stars together.
And every time, Jungkook wins.
And Jimin never gets to hear his wish, as the owl steals it all away.
It feels like it has been months already, and no matter what he tries to do to change the timeline, he always finds himself waking up to another unfortunate Wednesday.
It makes no difference if they never counted the stars, it makes no difference if he begged Jungkook to make something else other than pancakes, and it sure as hell makes no difference if the orange juice did not fucking spill.
So what is it?
What is it exactly with this timeline that has it repeating? Jimin has been asking himself all of these questions, going through multiple scenarios to desperately try and figure out a way to help himself and Jungkook.
Jungkook, who somehow has no memory of the days ever repeating.
Jimin has questioned this before— obviously. But for some odd reason.. Jungkook just doesn’t seem to be affected by the time loop.
He figures it has something to do with the fact that Eishin appears to him only, thus the memory of the time loop affects nobody but him. But it doesn’t matter, because even if Jungkook has no memory of time resetting, he still will be stuck here.
With Jimin. Whether they like it or not.
And if it's just going to be Jimin alone to figure out a way for them both to escape after every repeating day then so be it. He’ll do anything to keep him and Jungkook safe.
“Isn’t that.. deja vu..?’’ Jungkook inquires ever so tentatively, as they huddle over the little fireplace. It's twelve something in the afternoon, and Jimin has run out of ideas. “No.. It's not. Because I’ve seen these events multiple times already. Didn't I just tell you that…’’
Jungkook hums for a while, as he gives a look which resembles the imagery of a little light bulb flickering beside his temple. “So.. like— ’’
“Like mystery-spot from Super Natural. Yeah, it's like that’’ Jimin finishes his sentence in a blink, already having guessed what he was about to say. Naturally. Since he’s said the same exact bloody remark for the past 24 days.
Seriously.. talk about monster of the week filler episodes, except its monster of the day over and over again.
Jungkook's face turns serious for a hot second, as his eyebrows furrow. "Wow uh.. that was- so okay. That's crazy if it's real.. Which it probably is…’’
Jimin’s head tilts up slightly, eyes already lost the spark they once gleamed the first day he got here.
This was supposed to be their trip, their moment to enjoy. Not for some loser bastard to use as a plaything, to torture them for no aparent reason.
That freeloader.
His chest tightens in dismay, all feelings resembling expectation suddenly thwarted. Because that’s what hope is, a double edged sword.
No matter how much he hopes and wishes this loop comes to an end, it won’t. And Jimin has to live the next day again, filled with newfound hope that perhaps today— will be the day. He’s quite frankly had enough.
Jungkook looks at him with a determined look, having already caught up to the whirlwind of emotions colouring his face. He’s not just going to sit here and let Jimin sulk the day out… there’s definitely one last thing they haven’t done.
Jimin snaps his head up at the feeling of the dip in the sofa cushions easing out, as Jungkook lifts his weight off. He stares in wonder at the sight, Jungkook all of a sudden is looking around the living room in detail.
He’s inspecting all nooks and crannies, lifting off tables, empty photo frames, and even dusting off the bookshelves. “Uh.. what are you doing?’’ Jimin asks, quite puzzled.
“Looking around… there must be something in here that could make sense of all of this’’ He answers back in a purposeful tone, his hands not leaving a stone unturned. “If we’ve been stuck here in a time loop, and it starts over no matter what we do in terms of timeline changes, then.. the key must lie within the environment itself. Something is in this cabin that makes it act this way, or something is in here that will offer some sort of explanation’’
Jimin blinks once, then twice.
He’s right.
Eishin had always mentioned something to do with planes of time and roaming around it, as if this is some sort of time plane itself. A construction.
“You’re right… how did I not ..’’
Jungkook snorts, head tilting from where he’s kneeled down over a dusty book shelf. “You’re telling me you had 24 Wednesday’s and not once did you think to look around the place?’’ His eyes are glinting with something… mysterious, wavy hair fluttering gracefully from the ajar window.
He looks smug and Jimin wants to smack him. In the lips.
Wait no that's.
“Shut up, jerk’’
“Moron’’ Jungkook grins.
The bookshelf Jungkook was kneeling to has been partially cleared out of several books, the dust dancing around the still air— creating a cloud of hazy fog. Jungkook gets up, eyes squinting at the middle shelf, almost as if in trance.
His eyes are dark, and unblinking as they duel a stare off against the lonely blue book sitting on the shelf. He moves his hands ever so slowly, lips muttering a quiet symphony of jumbled words under his breath “Volare’’.
The bookshelf is suddenly squeaking, just as Jungkook grazed his thumbs on the book’s edge— pushing it into a hidden compartment.
Jimin feels the ground miraculously tremble under his socked feet, the bookshelf falling back as a concealed entrance emerges into view. “No fucking way, its a secret door’’ He whispers, small hands holding onto the nearest wall for support, the floor looks like it’ll collapse anyminute now.
Or maybe it’s just Jimin being a scaredy cat. Again.
Jungkook’s head whips back at that, rushing to hold his waist. Jimin feels his warm, big palms grasp at his midsection— the heat of Jungkook’s left hand holding onto his small back has him biting his lips.
“Woah easy, you good?’’
No the fuck I’m not.
Jimin tilts his head up, all but realising Jungkook’s face is extremely close, now that he’s basically glued to his waist. “Yeah just… the ground scared me’’ He breathed out with a nervous chuckle, eyes blinking up adorably at Jungkook’s furrowed eyebrows, then down to his lips— where they’re discreetly muttering..
“Defigo.. as you are’’
Jimin almost asks if Jungkook could repeat that before he felt the ground come to a sudden halt, the trembling ceasing while the bookshelf stops moving. He blinks up at Jungkook’s face again, catching him staring earnestly at the floor. As if … scolding it.
“You look kind of funny right now’’ Jimin’s voice breaks the silence, Jungkook looking down at him.
“Th- what?’’
“You looked like you were giving the poor floor a mouthful’’ Jimin snorts, hands grabbing at Jungkook’s own to remove them from his own waist.
“Oh sorry I was just— uh yeah. That was some odd trembling and uh! Glad it stopped. Anyways the door..’’ Jungkook quickly changes the subject, eyes hastily averting to the hidden entrance. Maybe he’s embarrassed they were in close proximity now, and Jimin wished he could have teased him more about it.
But damn if it didn't look like the floor just listened to Jungkook there for a second.
The air hissed as a cold breeze sweeps into the living room through the open hidden room behind the shelf, Jungkook covering his face with his forearms. He steps his boots past the entrance, where the floor turns from dusty wooden planks into natural ashen stone bricks.
Jimin didn't really realise when Jungkook had managed to slip his footwear on, as he stepped his own little socked feet gently onto the almost ancient looking floor below. “Ow it’s cold’’ He whispers gingerly, head gazing ahead at the massive underground basement they have just uncovered.
It looks huge.
Which is an understatement, to say the least.
There are sooty stairs made out of old stone bricks leading down, down, down below. It almost looks like an endless descent, with the way the stairs keep materialising— as if out of thin air.
The walls are rugged, stone bricks misplaced in odd directions, creating a haunting and eerie feeling within the area. There’s barely any light in here, as the only object illuminating their view is the natural light from the living room just behind them. So, the further Jimin looks down, he realises the light can’t touch down there.
He’s snapped out of his thoughts when he suddenly feels himself floating up in the air, feet hovering midground. “H-hey what the heck let me down damnit!’’
Jungkook just up and decided to carry him. Just like that. Out of fucking no where.
And why’s he carrying him bridal-style… Jimin feels like he wants to be swallowed by the darkness below right now.
“You said it's cold, don’t want those feet getting frosty now do we?’’ Jungkook replies back with an almost confused tone, as if this is a completely normal response and action.
His large arms lock Jimin in place, one arm placed just below his knees, as the other rests delicately on the small of his back. His hands feel big and warm as they press Jimin’s own forearms in, pushing him even further into the canopy of Jungkook’s warmth.
“Um well.. It's not a big deal, it's just some cold’’ Jimin tucks his head down further, his cheeks pressing against Jungkook’s firm pecks.
How come they are so hard and firm…
“Just let me..’’ He gingerly grabs Jimin’s socked feet with care, thumbs pressing into his heels. “Let me keep you warm? Kinda unfair the cold has a chance to touch these before I do.. hmm?’’
What the fuck.
Jimin thinks his heart ricocheated into a different planet. Jungkook had always been a cheesy sap but this.. this felt so strangely intimate.
It has Jimin’s toes curling slowly under his socks. “W-well I can.. I can still walk with shoes y’know and I don't want you- ah!’’ He let out a startled gasp as Jungkook tumbled slightly down the steps, arms tightly clutching around his neck.
“Whoops sorry’’ He lets out a fake chuckle, as he straightens Jimin up in his hold— jostling him slightly.
This fucker totally tripped on purpose.
“Yeah but this is easier. Won’t let you out of my sight this way’’ He winked cheekily, already starting to step down the stairs. “Besides, you’re totally scared of heights. I think we would have ended up like this in any case’’ the corners of his lips tug in a smirk, as his eyes wander over Jimin’s frame.
“Like … like what? And I am no scaredy cat by the way’’ Jimin’s hold tightens around his neck, his frame inching closer and closer— right into the territory Jungkook had marked.
Falling straight into his trap, and loving every second of it.
Jungkook’s hands move from where they were placed against Jimin’s forearms, as they sneakily glide into the dip in his waist. They rest there, with a heavy weight that carries emotions Jimin could almost visualise in the dimly lit staircase.
Something charged, potent with electricity and heavy want. He holds his breath as Jungkook brings his head down ever so slowly, like a predator warning its prey before it pounces— eyes hooded and smoldering.
“Like this..’’ He whispers in that way he does again, like the syllables are made of honey. His lips caressing Jimin’s ear, calm breaths tingling his spine, and deep voice melting his heart.
Jimin’s shaky breaths come out extremely audibly, thanks to the empty staircase echoing his demise. And just as he is about to collect his bearings, the sudden shift in their positions has him shriek in fear.
Jungkook had suddenly shifted his position, so that Jimin’s chest is facing the spiraling deadly drop below, the view made worse as there is practically no railing to protect them.
“Jungkook what the fuck stop it!’’ He yells in pure horror, arms automatically locking themselves around Jungkook’s entire body. Over his neck, then down to his torso, then across his chest. His legs are spasming and flailing everywhere, whines slipping out of his lips as he begs Jungkook to quit playing around.
“Okayyy okayyy sorry, you’re okay now hush’’ Jungkook thankfully tugs him away, arms properly locked around his back and knees again. There's a playful glint in his eyes, his adorable smile lighting up the dullness around them. “Thought you’re no scaredy cat’’, he brags.
Jimin wants to make a comeback but Jungkook’s huge biceps carrying him around like it’s nothing makes for new focal point of distraction.
“Hmm yeah.. you’re probably just a cat. A cute little cat that gets mad when his cat-tv time gets interrupted’’
“Can you get us down already, you jerk’’ Jimin huffs away, arms crossing over his chest now. Screw this, he won’t let Jungkook have his fun by having Jimin cling around him like some damsel in distress or a… gutless freakin rabbit.
Or cat.
Whatever.
Well, Jimin lied.
The further they go down the distant, cold stairs, the more pitch black it becomes. Jimin’s fingers are holding on for dear life onto Jungkook’s hoodie, they’re virtually walking in blind now. Screw not being a scaredy cat.
“Jungkookie seriously, we should have brought a candle or something… it’s too dark here h-how are you walking so calmly’’
Jungkook’s steps never once falter, his hold on Jimin tightening as he comforts him with a charming smile. “No worries hyung, I can see just fine. I’m not going to drop you so relax’’.
The little pebbles create a far-away sound in their wake as they fall down the spiral staircase, the sound delaying in impact— indicating how high up they currently are. It’s pitch black and Jimin has no clue how Jungkook can even differentiate between the air, and the stoney steps, but he trusts him.
“I know but..’’ Jimin clenches his eyes shut as his hands tense where they’re clenching on the fabric of Jungkook’s hoodie, the scene too much for him to bear. “Please hurry… it feels too high up here a-and dark’’
Jungkook’s eyes widen for a second, as he glances down at Jimin’s contoured features. He looks mildly uncomfortable, from fear perhaps? But his breathing is still calm and serene.
Jungkook lets out a big deep sigh, as he focuses his own breathing. It evens out almost perfectly in tandem with Jimin’s, his feet still descending down the steps. And just as his foot hovers to touch the next, he mumbles something faintly. “Spatium.. O bend..”
Jimin opens his eyes with a confused look, full lips parted as they prepare to ask what that meant. But, Jungkook’s feet have at last touched the ground, the walls gleaming in an orange hue.
For a brief moment, Jimin wondered how in the world they managed to get down in such a short span of time. Because just a couple of seconds ago, Jimin’s sure they still had more than 20 feet of stairs left until they touched ground. Nonetheless, the scene in front of him steals his worries away, and seals them in a box in the back of his mind for later.
They stand in the middle of the spacious underground hidden basement, staring in awe at the view. The place looks massive, and it strangely resembles some sort of… dungeon slash cellar, the longer Jimin looks at it.
The walls are made of limestone cobbles, stacked on top of each other in disarray. They reach heights that have Jimin’s entire neck muscles cramp from how high he tilts his neck, making him feel entirely small. Like a speckle of dust amongst the other particles frolicking in the air.
Looming archways line the surroundings, placed a couple of feet apart from each other. In between them, lies flickering torches held together by iron brackets. The flames dance around in different hues of orange, illuminating the dungeon with a haunting shadow.
Despite the torches littering around, the place still has a dark and unsettling aura to it. Jimin clings closer to Jungkook, as he takes a quick sniff.
Moldy, and earthy. With a hint of ash.
“This place sure gives one the creeps alright’’ Jungkook chuckles absentmindedly, as his feet take him closer to the stone covered walls. His warm arms leave Jimin’s small back to gently inspect the slimy stone, and the heat loss is absolutely earth shattering.
Okay, in Jimin’s defence, it's colder than a witch’s tittie out here.
“Man, to think we have been hanging around up there when this whole place existed down below is crazy, right?’’ He swipes his thumb and forefinger together, as the wetness clings to his skin.
“Ew why’s it so slippery and disgusting’’ Jimin retorts with a disgruntled expression, the place already giving him bad vibes.
“Mmm don't know. Could be mouldy condensation or… exhaled droppings…creates a slight mist that condenses into slimy consistency”
Whatever that means…
Jimin gives Jungkook a confused as hell stare, then he realises they’re basically still walking around like a married couple.
Bridal-style carry and all. And there’s certainly no more stairs.
“Erm... you can let me down now’’ He lets out almost hesitantly, internally wishing Jungkook would just.. carry him around everywhere like a doll. Because why the hell not.. who doesn’t like princess treatment?
Jungkook stares down at Jimin’s face with his adorably perplexed face again, his inner monologue probably saying something along the lines of: “but hyung, i’m strong enough to carry you everywhere’’— like that would help Jimin’s case.
“Why though? I’m not tired. Also, the floor is still probably cold here, I don’t want those feet frozen.. look, they're so small they’ll get frostbitten in no time’’ He tickles Jimin’s socked feet with a mischievous look that undoubtedly does not fit the current situation they’re in. I mean this place seriously looks spooky.
“Jungkooooook stop it already, I’m not a baby’’ Jimin pouts his lips with a light blush on his cheeks as he fights his way out of Jungkook’s strong arms, already missing the warmth and closeness of his rock hard body.
“Aw man. You’re no fun’’ Jungkook pouts back in return, having already crossed his arms behind his head as he pretends to be petulant.
Well, it surely is cold.
And as Jimin looks around in more detail, he realises the walls in this dungeon react vividly once you look at them from a different angle. As Jungkook previously demonstrated, there’s an odd slimy substance decorating the stone cobbles. But what Jimin finds very amusing is that said substance paints some odd pictures when you stand behind, and take a step back.
“Hey, is it just me or does it look like something’s painted over the walls?’’
Jungkook hums in confusion, as he goes by to stand next to Jimin’s smaller frame— eyes squinting as he tries to mimic what Jimin had seen. “Hmm.. must be that slime, although I can’t really tell. Doesn’t it just look like a normal wall?’’
“No seriously! Look harder, it totally looks like the substance is painted in a way to resemble some sort of odd object— symbol thingy’’
Jungkook turns his head at that, his face full of scepticism. “Huuuuh. I totally don’t see it, hyung you watch a lot of movies’’
“You jerk, we're literally in an abandoned cellar-dungeon-creepy-underground basement under a freakin cabin in the middle of nowhere! ofcourse i’m trying to grab hints from horror movies’’
The chuckle he gets in return resounds in the hollow dungeon, echoing Jungkook’s totally unconvinced reply. “Okay fine. But what does it say though?’’
“Don’t know…’’
“Seeeee I told you so-’’
Jimin pouts as he smacks Jungkook in the arms, turning away to further explore the place. He notices some minor ran through stone steps that lead to a big archway entrance, a medium sized owl head hangs on the top of the archway— held by wooden pegs.
Not a fuckass owl again.
The air seems to change the closer he pads his feet, closer and closer towards the big archway. “Hey, check it out.. there’s more past that entrance’’. He feels Jungkook’s looming presence before he hears his understanding hum, his body suddenly hovering above his.
“Oh yeah.. wonder what's in there. C’mon, let's check it out!’’ Jungkook replies back with pure enthusiasm, definitely not grasping the current situation they’re in.
Jimin continues walking, the moldy air churning his stomach, while the ashy dust sweeps below his feet. He stops once he’s walking past the entrance, huge bookcases casting a daunting shadow over their features.
“Wow.. now we’re talkin’’ Jungkook remarks from behind, his feet automatically dragging him into the endless array of probably century old books— if jimin had to guess. “This is totally up my ally hyung, I’m glad we came here!’’ Jungkook hurries over to a random aisle, as he excitedly flips over a worn out scroll and starts freakin reading.
Jimin almost imagines some nerdy thick rimmed looking glasses perched on his nose right now. Almost.
“You jerk, don’t get too excited and forget why we came down here in the first place’’ Jimin mumbles, as he warily eyes the vast library at their disposal. It’s lined up with dusty old wooden bookshelves that host a variety of old tattered looking books. They range from worn out and rough, to ancient scrolls, to leathered bindings, and even flimsy journals.
It’s like a book haven for nerds.
For Jungkook.
And now he’s totally distracted and thinks this is just some fun adventure they stumbled upon, basically ignoring the fact that they’re here to figure out if this has anything to do with the cursed time loop.
Well.
Jimin can’t really blame him, after all… this affects no one but him. And Jungkook hasn’t experienced 24 agonising Wednesdays …
“I’ll punch your junk if you get side tracked! find something about time loops and shit okay?’’ Jimin pouts as he admonishes him, his hands wandering over the neatly stacked books. They graze the different surfaces and textures, distributing the little dust particles in the damp air.
“Yes boss’’
The books seem endless, and whenever Jimin sets his eyes on a title and begins flipping through, he realises it offers nothing of value. Most of the topics of discussion in this particular aisle revolve around ancient myths, collecting dire herbs, and how to make a secret potion that can reveal the truth about your wife cheating on you with your sister.
Jimin wants to gouge his eyeballs.
The ashy particles in the air dance around, as if pushing Jimin’s tired body into the new aisle in the corner. They take on a glimmering hue, likely due to the fire stemming from the torches above. He walks further, until the cold prevents him so.
“The codex of tennebris and.. time?” Jimin whispers, fingers delicately tracing the binding of the book he had just spotted. It’s as if the heavens decreed for him to move this way, and stumble upon this lonely book. Hugged by irrelevant others, and shrouded by the chilly air.
Right… It's getting awfully cold in here.
Jimin gingerly slides the book off the shelf, his palms wiping away the dust that had collected on its cover. It’s rough in texture, maroon in colour, and smells of damp wood. Upon further inspecting it, he realises the writing is illegible. Must be from eons ago, with intricate symbols and rushed over ink, some of it dribbling onto the bottom of pages— dried.
As if whoever scribbled it was in a hurry. There’s some images scattered about, but a particular page catches Jimin's undivided attention.
-Defigere et Gelare : The reversal
Jimin lets out a big breath, his eyes squinting as they reread the title once more.
Yes, there’s no mistake.
It's the same phrase he’s heard from before.
He wasn’t sure about it until he read this, the memory completely slipping away from his mind, lost in the remnants of the previous endless Wednesdays. But now, standing here, holding this old book, Jimin remembers.
It’s the same phrase Eishin had said before starting the time loop for that very first time. He’s sure of it.
This has to be it, this has to link to what has got them stuck in here, and it clearly says there’s a reversal to it.
Jimin closes the book and clutches it close to his chest, he hurries quickly, rounding the corner of the book case as he spots Jungkook. He’s huddled over an array of books as usual, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he nibbles his lips. “Hey Jungkook look! I think I found something!”
He opens the book excitedly, shoving it into Jungkook’s face. “Look here, you see that? That title says there’s a reversal and I’ve heard that phrase before. Basically Eishin— that creepy dude, he’s said it before okay! and I think it's a key phrase that links to this loop a-”.
Jungkook looks at him with a confused face, eyes darting between the book and Jimin’s pleading eyes. “Um… that’s all good but uh… I don’t see anything in the book hyung” Jungkook replies back with an almost sad tone, his eyes resembling slight concern as he looks over the open book that Jimin shoved in his face.
“What are you talking about its right-“ Jimin flips the book over so the open page faces him, and he’s greeted with the sight of a totally blank canvas.
Absolutely nothing written. It's so clean you can’t even find random specks of ink.
What the fuck?
Jimin grunts in pure astonishment, his hands flipping over the rest of the pages where the ink lay untouched. Its as if this particular page just fucking… disappeared?
“I dont- I dont understand it was right here I.. it was there and I read it”
“Maybe it's the wrong page? Are you sure it's supposed to be here ma-“
“No Jungkook I’m telling you! It was right fucking here before I ran over to show you!” Jimin heaves, eyes wavering in their place as they beg for Jungkook to see him.
He’s not lying. It was..there. He knows it. “Please… believe me…”
The warm fingers lifting his chin up come as a surprise, Jungkook’s eyes full of sincerity as he calmly strokes his chin. “Hyung, I believe you. I never once doubted you”
“Really…?” Jimin’s voice comes out meek and small, unsure of his own actions.
“Yes. You will always have me by your side” Jungkook's thumbs move over to his cheek, stroking it gently. “Even if you don't see it… me” Jimin feels his spine tingling, Jungkook’s fingers inching closer and closer to his nape.
He slowly leans into the touch, eyes closed— trusting. “Thank you, Jungkookie”
The touch is gone too soon. And Jimin misses the warmth. “We should keep looking, I’m .. I’m sure there’s s-something else here huh? Look at all these books~” Jungkook’s 180 personality is almost laughable, he doesn’t understand how he can go from a very forward and frisky individual into a complete shy dork.
“Yeah, we’ll find something together hmm?”
“Course. Anything for Jiminie” Jungkook smiles back, bright and loving— his eyes shining playfully.
Jimin splutters, face puffing in embarrassment as he feels heat creep up his neck. “Y-you fucking jerk! That was a one time thing and I’m never calling you that again just watch it!”
“Sure sure whatever you say Jiminie”
This idiot.
They have been at it for the past 2 hours now, rummaging through endless old books and scrolls, doing everything in their power to find something. Anything that will help.
Jimin guesses it's probably half past five in the afternoon or something, the sun barely starting to set— as the stars prepare to shine. He leans against some near bookcase, his temple already swelling from an incoming headache.
At this rate, the day will pass by with no progress, which leads to the loop restarting, and Jungkook losing memory of whatever happened today.
Which means, Jimin has to suffer through another Wedensday explaining this isn’t deja fucking vu.
If only he had the help of ….
No.
Jimin can’t even believe he just thought of that. Why’s he thinking about him right now.
Eishin, that bastard.
In all honesty, Jimin has been feeling quite anxious. And it's not because of Eishin’s looming presence, quite the contrary. The man has not appeared once ever since the day he and Jungkook decided to not watch the stars on a random Wednesday thinking that it might break the loop.
Eishin has made no contact, not meddling once, his voice never even speaking to him… in that telepathic odd way he usually does.
And yeah, Jimin finds it weird. And perhaps, he’s anxious to see him. And not because he misses the whacko himself, but because he purely thinks his presence would be… somewhat helpful right now.
“I mean seriously, bailing out on me for so long when you’ve been creeping ever since we got here..’’ Jimin mumbles to himself, his pout immediately forming as he skims through the endless books. None of them are even remotely useful, he’s just wasting time at this point.
Maybe they should just go back up? Jimin thinks they’ve been here quite an awful lot, and Jungkook hasn’t made a peep for the past couple of hours. He’s likely glued to some book again, Jimin thinks if he left right now Jungkook wouldn’t even notice the lack of his presence.
He turns around, his feet feeling suddenly way too cold as he digs his hands into the pockets of his sweater.
“What the FUCK oh my god’’ Jimin gasps aloud, his back colliding against the bookshelf, palms pressed firmly on the wood to ground himself from the jump scare of his life.
Eishin is sitting there, perched on the top of the old bookcase, arms lazily slung again over his drawn up leg. He looks mildly surprised over Jimin’s own astounded expression. His robes are flying in the air, as the specks of golden dust colour the blue hued room in a mesmerising visual.
“Greetings again, foolish lad”
“Damn you… Eishin’’ Jimin grits his teeth, his anger slowly simmering over seeing this guy’s stupid mug once more. The sight of him irks Jimin to no end, given he’s the cause of his dismay.
Eishin chuckles, a smirk probably forming under his pristine porcelain mask. “You loathed us parting so, to the extent that you’re actually here making contact all on your own accord? Fascinating’’
“I didin’t fucking make contact you freeloader, I was just.. thinking that you’ve been gone for a long while thats all, since you were practically all over me before’’ Jimin fights back, arms crossing over his chest as he taps his foot in annoyance.
He’s not going to sit here and let this idiot make fun of him and what? Put words in his mouth? To hell with that, Jimin did not miss their parting— he simply thinks Eishin’s intel can be of importance okay?
Eishin’s sheer veil catches in the light, head tilting in pure wonder. “Oh is that so? I think this fits a new term I have recently learnt. It’s called… yearning.. hmm’’
This motherfucker.
“You fucking shit faced freeloader you wish I’m yearning for your.. creepy ass’’ Jimin averts his eyes, suddenly feeling self conscious. Eishin looks like he’s staring daggers into him, even with the mask covering every inch of his face.
“Strangely, that hurts my feelings’’ He confesses very seriously, then proceeds to pull out that raggedy old book out of his sleeve, slowly opening up a page— likely to fix up his terminology knowledge. Or lack of, if you ask Jimin. “I think what I meant to say was, you wish to receive my aid although you never once asked for it, nor deemed it necessary"
“Okay so? you coming out here to talk after hibernating for so long means you’re also up for chatter. And if you dont have anything useful to say then learn this new term: fuck off”
Jimin blinks for a second, and finds Eishin’s tall broad figure inches away on the next.
He gasps as his back further pushes into the shelves, an indent probably forming on the small of his back from how forceful he’s being. Eishin looks massive from this angle— intimidatingly so.
His large figure menacingly stares down at Jimin’s own trembling one, a slow hum slipping past his uncanny mask. “You are correct, I did come for a chat. Although, I myself do not know the rationale behind it.. never mind that’’ His robes flutter as his arm raises ever so slowly, time seeming to stop in its axis once more.
The rough texture of his gloved fingers intertwine with Jimin’s soft strands of hair, as he casually examines him.
“Th-the hell is your problem’’
“You are looking for that particular page that wonderfully slipped away from your tiny fingers, vanishing into the depths of space.. Isn’t that so?’’ Eishin murmurs the words, his thoughtless tone rings in Jimin’s ears, and he should ideally reply back— if not for the bastard’s distracting hand wandering over his hair like it's some new human discovery. “Hmm.. It is as soft as he said indeed…’’
“The fuck are you saying’’ Jimin swats his gloved hands away, as he takes a step to the right, successfully avoiding Eishin’s lilting gaze. “I am looking for the page, and I assume you know where it is, since you’ve been spying like a creep’’ Jimin expected nothing less, of course Eishin knows about that reversal page he had seen, and the fact that he witnessed it disappearing proves it existed. And that Jimin was not imagining it.
“Little human, I am not sure you fully realise the consequences your actions would bring upon the charter of time. Constitution is not something you carelessly play with, you should always have faith in the prearranged’’
Jimin clenches his fists, his temple throbbing from this asshole blabbing his mouth away with nothing of particular use even coming out. “I am sick of you talking around in riddles. Tell me, didn't you previously say that you ruled the plane of time here or some shit, and that you would punish people who trespass?’’ He steps his feet closer, inching into the personal space he had previously created between them.
Jimin doesn’t know where the sudden burst of confidence came from but, he’s about had it with this fucker. “In other words, you and I actually share the same fucking goal huh? I want to leave this loop, and you disapprove of anyone roaming here.. I see two problems, and one glaringly obvious solution’’
Eishin seems to have stuttered in his movements, his hands not moving an inch from where it was swatted away. It’s strange, the man who controlled time and allowed matter to freeze in his wake, is now the one frozen in his own spot. Almost brazenly so.
“What is it? Did I drop a bomb shell of an idea?” Jimin laughs in surprise.
He hears Eishin let out one big sigh, and it carries hints of annoyance within it. “Why… why must denial come to be such a pestering emotion to deal with? For humans, and for beings like me?” Eishin’s calm voice rings, the room getting impossibly colder.
“Hah? Just what on earth are you talking about…listen I’m in a real bind here. And I think it would truly benefit us both if you .. y’know…” Jimin glances around the room, eyes darting beyond Eishin’s wide shoulders. “Help me out…?”
Screw it. He sounds like he’s totally begging but he doesn’t care.
He feels Eishin’s gaze before he sees it. The power behind his stare is menacing, but interestingly so— it comes without malice nor hostility. Granted, the intense way he does it though, has Jimin’s mind reel with thoughts.
Why is it that this guy never once even harmed him.
He goes on and on about punishment, overstepping the bounds of time, being here where he doesn’t belong, foolishly and stupidly. And yet… and yet he hasn’t once harmed Jimin.
At all.
What kind of being is he anyway…. he’s becoming more and more useless as days go by. He’s just here for no reason, I mean it practically looks like he’s slacking on his job like?
“A bind you say…” Eishin whispers, his usual cold and detached voice suddenly changing into a tone laced with fascination. “Humans are for sure.. Interesting.. Yes.. these feelings and revelations are real. I must continue this search, for the end product must be compellingly riveting’’ He mumbles away, the thrill in his voice sounds eerily unpleasant in Jimin’s ear.
Why is this bastard so obsessed with humans anyway…
“Why are you so invested in us’’
Eishin lets out an inquisitive hum, his arms crossing over his chest. “Because knowledge is power, the more I learn about you— the more I come to understand..’’
Jimin faintly hears Jungkook’s muffled voice ring away, across the room, probably calling for him. But his attention is quickly brought back to Eishin again, upon seeing him turn his head in the direction of Jungkook’s voice with an audible tongue-click of disapproval.
Oddly enough, he seems to be annoyed at the interruption, if the sharp tut of his mouth is anything to go by. “Tread carefully little human, for if you ever find yourself in a hole-’’ Eishin’s robes are slowly fluttering in the icy air, as his one toothed sandals lift off the floor, his body floating in the frozen abyss. “Then keep digging’’ And with a final ghastly whisper, he disappears into the unknown.
“There you are! Wow I was calling on you for ages— here check this out’’ Jungkook hurries as he carefully unrolls an old looking scroll, his breaths slowly starting to even out. He must have ran here hastily, although Jimin felt like him and Eishin’s interaction did not last but a few minutes.
“What’s that?’’
“I found a scroll talking about reversing time loops, and all we need are a few ingredients. How about it? You think all the reading I was doing was pointless now?’’ Jungkook exclaims proudly, his eyes shining with excitement— in a way that makes it look like he had just uncovered a hidden vault. Cute.
“Really? Are you s-sure it talks about time loops? Give me-’’ Jimin snatches the paper, eyes wide as they skim over the detailed writing.
He can’t believe it, but it surely is there.
Even with illegible paragraphs, he could clearly read the main point that states this is a reversing spell that links to ending time loops.
Upon looking further down, he finds a poorly drawn diamond that is circled, and branching from it lays several other images— presumably the ingredients required to perform the spell.
There’s a frog leg, a wolf skull, and some red herring powder. Well, it kind of looks like gochujang, if not for the scribbled note next to it indicating that it is actually red herring powder.
Jimin hums as his thumbs graze over the pictures, he should be happy, really. But for some reason, this feels oddly anticlimactic. The page has just materialized here, and all they need to do is gather a few measly ingredients and what? The spell will break?
Is that really all that it takes?
“What’s the matter? I thought you’d be way more excited than this’’ Jungkook nervously chuckles as he rolls the scroll away, securely pocketing it in his hoodie.
“Nah its.. Nothing. Don’t worry I just - thought it looks a bit easy y’know..’’
Jungkook's eyes turn downcast for a second, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. His warm palm encompasses Jimin’s own, heat steadily seeping into his skin once more. “Hey come on now, as long as we found something, we can make it work together right? It’s better than nothing’’ His smile is affectionate and not sympathetic at all, and Jimin is thankful for that.
Having Jungkook by his side like this, believing in him no matter what… he truly wouldn’t have lasted this long if it weren’t for him.
“Mhm, and it’s all thanks to you Jungkook. Looks like your nerdy skills finally came in clutch’’ Jimin teases playfully, his arms hugging himself tighter for warmth.
“Moron, It was always useful. You're just too full of yourself to admit it’’ He sticks his tongue out banteringly, aiming for a laugh out of Jimin which he definitely received. “By the way, it said that once the ingredients are gathered, the casters shall use owl blood to seal everything in. By arranging the items in a circle like the picture showed us, we’d have to pour the owl blood in the middle’’
Huh. Owl blood. Figures.
Jimin nods along, suddenly remembering another important piece of information. “Didn't it also say something about performing the ritual thingy at the same time the loop always cuts off? That basically means the same time we go up to count the meteors right?’’
It feels queerly ritualistic to swap the meteor counting tradition with this reversal spell but hey, Jimin’s not complaining. After all, it actually all makes sense and perfectly aligns with what he’s been facing.
Not to mention, the owl blood being the one item that seals the spell is nothing short of surprising, so it strengthens their overall chances of success.
“Basically, yeah’’
Jimin claps his hands together, his face resembling pure excitement and certainty. “Alright! Let’s get to work and fine those ingredients, we’re going to screw up this time loop once and for all!’’
Jungkook coughs out loud, clutching his stomach with barely audible winces, “Hell y-yeah! I’ll show you I can gather them first!’’ He hisses a response, feet steadying again as he starts walking backwards towards the antique cupboard he saw lying around in the corner. “Hey, let’s check it out there first, I'm sure I saw some jars filled with stuff’’ Jungkook tries changing the subject, because he knows Jimin cast a worried glance towards him at that painful cough, but he doesn’t want him to worry.
They’re so close to finding an end to this, and he won’t drag them down.
They inspect the worn out cupboard, going through every single jar in order. They’re made out of glass, almost twice the size of one’s head. And the glass isn’t particularly seethrough, it's shabby and dirty from all the years being left down here. Still, Jimin can easily tell what’s inside if he brings his head closer, the sight is not as pretty as one would imagine. “Ew, is that a rat tail’’ He grimaces, feeling today's breakfast churning in his stomach.
“Eh, looks more like a vole tail to me’’ Jungkook chuckles, having opened the metal jar lid and taken a whiff out of the compartment. Jimin wants to gag.
“That’s fucking disgusting Jungkook put that down, and what the hell is a … vole?’’
“It's like a rat’s twin, they’re very small and easily distinguishable by their short tail. Like this little fella here’’ He closes the lid up, and shoves the jar up high where it sat. Jimin doesn’t even want to ask how Jungkook knows rat— or uh vole trivia or whatever. He frankly just wants to find these ingredients and get the hell out of dodge.
“So… we’ve found the frog leg, the wolf skull, and the herring powder. All’s left is the owl blood’’ Jungkook implies calmly, eyes scanning the row of jars in search of ones they did not open. Except, well— they opened them all. And there was no owl blood to be found.
“Maybe it’s placed somewhere else since it's the one that binds all the other ingredients together?’’ Jimin throws in an idea, hoping Jungkook would back him up.
“Hmmm’’ Jungkook turns around, sparing him a quirky and playful glance with a stupidly handsome smirk— his lip piercing glinting vividly. “Wow! That’s true, outstanding deduction skills!’’
Did he seriously just mock me.
“Urgh you jerk, when will you stop making fun of your hyung’’ Jimin throws a dangerous pout his way, feet dragging to the other side of the room in hopes of finding the last ingredient.
Jungkook is laughing behind him, going for one of the aisles on the left side of the room as he yells loudly, “Aww that almost worked on me, my poor heart just trembled in agony’’
Just where in the hell is this owl blood.
Jimin has thrown all the books on his side of the room away, searched every crevice, dusted all the shelves, and even climbed up the shelving units in case something was hidden up top.
And nothing, still. Despite his best efforts given.
He wants to give up, as he sits there on the floor, knees drawn up and eyes staring absentmindedly over at the once filled bookshelf. It now lays bare and empty, echoes of decades of writing wiped off its base.
And as he was about to doze off, from the lack of rest his body was desperately in need of— when he felt the hushed whisper in his ear. Cold and forbidding, the voice murmuring ever so close to him.
“Mortals sure do give up straightforwardly”
Eishin, damn him with that startling habit of his.
Jimin stays rooted in his spot, noticing the room hasn’t changed into that blue hue this time, which means Eishin did not invite his presence in. He simply spoke to him again, just like those other times.
This is good, he wants to test something.
“Hey freeloader, can you hear me?’’ Jimin conjures up the thought in his mind, essentially voicing out his question inside his head.
“Hah? foolish lad, is that any way to address those who have stepped down way below worldly levels in order to help you?’’ Eishin replies— his annoyance vocalised ever so clearly. Jimin chuckles upon realising he still did not invite his presence over.
“Is this also one of your powers? speaking to me in my head without showing yourself? kinda cowardly, dont’cha think?’’ Jimin tenses up at the close proximity of Eishin’s chuckle, it almost sounds like he’s shoved his face so close to his ears he’s practically inside his fucking canal.
“Well, you could say so. Only occasionally, my thoughts start leaking into your consciousness— think nothing of it if you will. Or use it to your advantage, assuredly; it doesn’t matter to me either way’’
So it is as Jimin expected, he could communicate within his consciousness, which likely means the reality happening during their conversation does not freeze in time.
A sudden memory also flashes before Jimin's eyes, where Eishin effortlessly figured what he was thinking in his own head when he decided to blurt out calling the cops. Meaning, his power seems to infiltrate the mind too.
Jimin thinks back to other moments he and Eishin faced each other, whenever he manifested, the room seemed to freeze in a blue hue— as if commanded to do so by him. However, this telepathic communication ordeal does nothing of the sort, since Jimin could still hear Jungkook rummaging on the other side; as well as the room looking ordinary, without that eerie blue look.
“Interesting, do you also know why it is that your pointless and infuriating thoughts start leaking into my brain? Or are you too unbothered to control them?’’
Eishin is quiet for a moment, and Jimin almost thought he had scurried away. “I can’t seem to control them. It is also beyond me, but it’s quite astonishing really— how is it that I am unable to learn anything about this affair…?’’ He hums in pure interest, and Jimin is bored now.
“Knowledge is power, and I pride myself in having mastered the art of pedantry. After all, humans carry such tangled and deep details that require intense studying, right? But still, this problem has made me come to the realisation that— even for someone like I, it takes years to master such knowledge.’’
This guy… is this all he thinks about?
It feels like his entire persona just revolves around his not so mild obsession with.. humans.
No matter how much Jimin twists and racks his brain to figure out his true purpose and aim, it all seems to get shoved down by his fascination for human knowledge. Because sure, he rules this time plane, and Jimin is trapped here; yet Eishin is doing practically nothing but being infatuated by his actions.
And this isn’t the first time had mentioned this desire for knowledge, seemingly always linking it to power.
Jimin doesn’t know where this obsession stems from, but he’s beginning to realise Eishin might just be… lingering around Jimin to further expand said knowledge, which in turn grants him more power.
His spine tingles uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like a small lab rat stuck in this time abyss— some cruel fucking experiment that went wrong. With the scientist definitely not following ethical obligations by terminating the trial, instead— he’s letting it drag on as he watches from the sidelines.
Creeping in ever so slowly, until his presence goes from a spectator outside the skinner box, into a participant inside the experiment chamber.
He glances towards the empty bookshelf again, wondering if there's some place he missed out— somewhere he didn't thoroughly search.
He needs the owl blood now.
Enough time has been wasted already. But Eishin’s piercing cold voice rings in his ear once more, distracting him yet again. “If you look long enough in the dark, you can perceive things there that no one else could see’’
“What did you just say?’’
Quiet.
Jimin is met with absolute silence, and accepting the guy has gone away; he gets up looking for Jungkook. Perhaps he found something of importance while Jimin rotted away in despair… with a creep stuck in his ear.
Definition of ick. Literally.
“Hyung so get this, I think I found the jar for the owl blood— it was laying so obviously on top of one of the bookcases. We totally walked right past it for sure’’ Jungkook is rushing over, his hair bouncing around resembling that of puppy ears. Jimin looks at the miniscule bottle, it’s a tiny thing, with a cork screw on top to keep the blood in.
“Hmm sounds about right, shall we go up?’’
“What's the matter?’’ Jungkook slips the bottle into his hoodie, as he carefully holds Jimin’s shoulders. He looks very anxious after seeing the bottle, and Jungkook guesses it has to do with the fact that it's blood.
Maybe Jimin finds blood disgusting? Well then again, Jimin thinks a lot of things give him the jitters. Jungkook thinks it's very endearing.
“No n-nothing I uh, don’t you feel cold? We should head up right?’’ Jimin glances around the room, eyes seeming to avoid Jungkook’s own— and Jungkook can’t have that.
“Hey hey now, c’mere’’ Jungkook wraps his arms around his small frame, noticing how it shivers slightly. “Hyung… seriously’’
Jimin gasps as his surroundings turn upside down in a fleeting minute, Jungkook grabbing him up like a potato sack to sling him over his shoulders. “Hey let me down damn it! What are you doing!’’ Jimin is huffing and puffing, to say the least. His cheeks are probably red from being flipped like that so dramatically, blood pooling in his skull. And his arms are loosely throwing little punches at Jungkook’s back, head swivelling away as he tries to kick and flail.
Wait a minute.
There’s an odd looking shape, drawn on the bookcase, just behind one of the books that had been pushed to the side. And Jimin would have totally missed it, if not for the angle he currently found himself in.
“Jungkook hey- hey look, hold on a sec, there’s a weird picture here’’. He gasps as he all but gets whiplash, Jungkook cluelessly turning just as Jimin had instructed. Jimin almost bumps his head into the freaking bookcase. “You idiot pull me up!’’
“Oh my bad sorry’’ There it is, that deep smug chuckle of his again. And Jimin would ideally punch him in the junk, but he doesn’t want to fall ass first onto the cold freezing floor.
Yes he’d rather just say bridal carried by Jungkook 247 a-
Wait, bridal carried..
Ah yes. Jungkook has resorted to shifting Jimin’s position from being hung upside down like a potato sack, into cozying up on Jungkook’s muscular arms as he gets bridal carried for the second time today. Very predictable. “I’m not some random rag doll you know…’’
“Correct, you are my doll’’ Jungkook’s annoyingly very much sarcastic eye smile should definitely not look this adorable right now. But Jimin shoves those thoughts deep into his aching heart again, aiming to change the direction of conversation and his mind by focussing on the drawing he spotted.
“Do you see that?’’ He points at the strange drawing he previously caught, one arm still wrapped around Jungkook’s neck for support. They crouch down slightly, so Jungkook is eyelevel with the book shelf Jimin was pointing at— courtesy of his long height.
Jungkook is staring at the weird drawing, eyes suddenly turning grim. His face is pensive and a complete turnaround from the playful mood he had previously shown. Jimin studies his face with concern as he notices his eyebrows have started to furrow, annoyance slowly seeping into his once charmingly calm features.
“That brat… when will he stop meddling..’’ Jungkook mumbles quietly to himself, eyes still throwing a death stare towards the drawing with a scowl on his handsome face.
“Um, what- what are you talking about?’’
Jungkook glances down, pupils suddenly wide— realising Jimin heard him mumble. “Oh ah- nothing. I was just saying these look like some meddlesome … meddlesome sigils!’’ The bright light in his big brown eyes is shining once more, a genuine smile plastered on his face while his glinting lip ring steals Jimin’s breath away.
Who was he talking about…
Jimin swears he did not mishear it this time, but the mention of a sigil takes his brain back to reality. “What kind of sigil is it? Do you recognise it from one of your books?’’
“Hmm nah, nothing of importance, don’t worry. It’s probably some old folktale shit or whatever. Besides, we already found the ingredients and that’s all we need’’
“Oh…’’ Jimin stares down at his own hands, thumbing away at some loose thread on his hoodie. He caresses the spilled orange juice stain on the fabric, all but reminded of the reality of the situation they’re in.
There’s a quiet silence around them, and Jungkook had already straightened up his position— steadying Jimin’s frame with both arms as he hugs him close to his chest. He stares at him in an almost wistfully melancholic way, stealing the chance to do so since Jimin is totally unaware.
His grip tightens with resolute, as he starts walking to carry him towards the staircase once more.
“Hey! Where are you going!’’
The force of the cold biting wind hitting Jimin’s face has him grip Jungkook’s hoodie to steady himself, the fast climbing pace he had set throws Jimin off guard for a bit— until he glances up when he hears a giggle.
“Why are you seriously so happy right now’’ Jimin can’t help but also let out a giggle, the sight of Jungkook smiling so wide, running up the dark steps of the stairs as his hair gets pushed back by his forceful movement… he looks so beautiful.
And maybe it’s because his forehead is exposed, prominent dark eyebrows on full show, the feeling of his safe muscular arms caging him in— skipping through the stairs like they’re teenagers again.
Except they’re not.
They’re 24 now, and they’ll likely always be… if Jimin doesn’t find a way to get them out of this frozen time loop.
“I’m rushing away so you don’t freeze to death, but it looks like I was creating a hurricane in my wake’’ Jungkook laughs mid sentence, gasping for breath as he finally reaches the top of the stairs. The light that was previously seeping in through the living room to illuminate the hidden entrance has vanished, replaced by the barley lit fireplace, and the dark blanket of the night sky outside.
Oh, It’s already evening.
“Yeah that’s right, you turned me into a popsicle now’’
“Mmmm’’ Jungkook lets out a fake sound of approval, as if savoring the taste of Jimin’s popsicle transformation in his weird ass mind. “You would be a tasty popsicle. But too bad I’m gonna melt you’’ His warm nose presses against Jimin’s cold shivering nape, the low inhale making Jimin hold his hanging breath— again.
He swears he almost feels the tip of a warm tongue slowly poke out to lick the underside of his jaw, but before that could even begin to happen, he shoves his fist into Jungkook’s ribs.
“Oww. Not nice, bad kitty’’
“Shut up you- you’re not .. nice. That tickled..’’ He averts his eyes slowly, suddenly finding the fireplace all too interesting.
“I only meant I was going to melt you by running you a nice cozy warm bath but now you just hurt my feelings. I might steal the bath for myself’’ The fake pout he gets from Jungkook tugs at his heart strings, because he looks like a spoiled big man baby right now.
Like literally— thick biceps with a sulky face and everything. Jimin faintly notices his sleeve tattoos peeking out under his long sleeved hoodie, but he quickly averts his eyes to the damn fireplace again.
Flames are sooo interesting, aren’t they?
“I want that bath, you thought of me getting in first so I don't care. I’m going in’’ Whatever. He still wins a bath.
“Hmmm. I agree, you deserve one. You’re still shivering, although your face looks pretty red. Do you feel warm now?’’ Jungkook’s palm gently finds itself on Jimin’s definitely burning cheeks, his eyes full of fake concern, a smug smirk knowingly tilting his mouth up.
“I.. don't! I am cold and need that bath’’ Jimin swats his hands away, jumping out of his grasp in a second.
He needs to escape this— whatever this situation is.
“Okayyy let’s go, I call dibs on lemon bathbomb’’ Jungkook sings in the quiet room, he’s crouching near his bag to pull out some spare clothes he had neatly folded in there.
Wait. ‘let’s’ ?
As in.. plural??
“You better be joking, I am not sharing that cramped ass tub with your- your big beefy buff gigantic b-body okay?’’
“I actually thought you were rapping there for a second, nice rhymes’’
Jimin stomps his foot as he waddles to their room angrily in order to collect his own clothes, face slowly becoming redder as each second passes by the longer he stays in close proximity to him. “Fine, suit yourself. If you get cramps don’t blame me’’
“Sweetheart, we’ll make it fit. Don't worry’’ Jungkook remarks while peeking from the door, elbows leaning against the frame with a cockiness Jimin definitely cannot stand right now (he needs to sit down or he’s going to faint).
“Make what f-fit ?! are you insane?’’
“Ummm?? us? in the tub?’’ Jungkook replies back as if he had just stated a rhetorical sentence that Jimin completely misunderstood all on his own. “What the hell else did you think I was talking about’’ He chuckles absentmindedly, heading in the direction of the bathroom Jimin is totally dreading on entering— likely to set up the water.
“Nothing just- just go make sure the water temperature is warm okay? Gosh he’s such a-’’ The sound of the water running in the tub can be faintly heard, Jungkook getting started right away while Jimin still contemplates his life decisions that led up to this moment.
“Such a handsome jerk..’’
Maybe if he closes his eyes, tomorrow’s Wednesday will come and he won’t have to suffer with the consequences of his actions.
The actions being him and Jungkook, naked, alone in the bathroom.
Jimin is so not surviving this.
7:05PM
The steam has risen high enough already, droplets of condensed water dripping down the walls ever so slowly— disturbing the foggy mirror. It smells citrusy and fruity, the lemon bath bomb Jungkook had thrown diffused almost immediately from the warm temperature.
Jimin can almost taste it on his tongue, scent wafting and permeating the air even as he stands far, far away from the tub, facing the fogging mirror on the sink. He stares at his own reflection some more, noticing how pink his cheeks have gotten.
But he blames it on the rising heat in here, anyways.
“I think we should just sleep in the bathroom tonight, fuckkk it’s so warm and we haven’t even got in yet’’ Jungkook exclaims from behind, Jimin catches the sight of his messy hair and back from the reflection in the mirror.
There’s a hoodie flying in the air, tossed by Jungkook into the floor messily. Jimin wants to throw it right back at his handsome face because who the hell does he think he is? Throwing his clothing around like a teenager. So, he turns angrily, embarrassment and fury already fuming, as it morphs into one expression while he prepares to give Jungkook a piece of his mind.
“Hey you! seriously, don’t throw your shit around what if we slip and— ’’
What the fuck.
There’s an owl.
Wait no. Not a real owl. It’s-
It’s a tattoo on Jungkook’s back. And it’s fucking huge. And what the fuck since uh..when?
Jimin thinks he must be standing there like a pleb, plastered to the ground for an hour or so— like some unmovable piece of furniture just vibing naturally in the room.
Because that tattoo is beautiful.
The owl is drawn perfectly on his sculpted back, its wings spread and reaching the curvature of his large biceps. The feathers are drawn so intricately and alluringly, it almost looks like the quills are realistically etched into his lightly tan skin. And when the muscles of his back flex and bend on every delicate movement, the feathers move ever so gracefully.
As if the owl is preparing to fly.
Its literal art on a greek god.
“It’s perfect’’
“You like it?’’ Jungkook’s reply comes earnestly, seeking Jimin’s validation so obviously but trying hard not to make it look that way.
Like it? I love it.
Love everything about y—
“Urgh Jungkook you- you fucking jerk! Why the hell did you not tell me you had a fresh new tat! I feel so fucking betrayed right now…’’ He slumps in his place, back leaning against the sink after folding his own hoodie up neatly to place it on the counter.
“Aww don’t get your panties in a bunch, I was planning on making it a surprise later’’ Jungkook replies casually, dropping his underwear off while he aimlessly fixes up his hair as it gets in his face. And if Jimin’s eyes wandered slightly lower than they should then no one fucking saw shit. Heck, even the eyes on Jungkook’s back couldn’t tell. Heh. “You like my package too or is that just you judging my peepee’’
P- what? Is he a fucking child…
“You’re fucking weird.’’
“Hahhh~ what the heck? You’re the creep staring at my dick and I’m the one catching strays getting called weird?’’ The water sloshes as Jungkook fully dips himself in, broad back leaning against the cool tub. He sighs with content, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere— as Jimin battles his billionth war inside his mind.
Does Jungkook truly have zero clue about how hot he actually is? It’s driving Jimin insane.
As if he already wasn’t to begin with.
For like, the past 24 days and counting.
“What are you doing moping over there with your pants still on? Come on, strip and get in already, this bath isn’t going to enjoy itself’’
Jimin ponders for a second, turning around to fix his hair up— pretending to be busy. Something catches his eyes, a glittering object just near the sink, where he had laid his clothes deftly. It’s covered by a pile of towels, so Jimin carefully pulls it out, the crystal that is.
It looks more like an old rune stone, bright red in colour, and very clear. It shines elegantly in the barley lit bathroom, beautifully mesmerising in its simplicity. “Hey Jungkook, is this yours?’’
Jungkook hums from where he sat, head turning in Jimin’s direction. His eyes turn wide from shock quickly, then a smile forms on his lips. “Oh yeah, found it at an antique shop when I was buying that vampire origins ancestry book I was talking to you about’’
Jimin nods in understanding, placing the stone back gently where he found it. “Nice find. Looks pretty.’’
“You’re prettier. Especially when you take your clothes off so you can finally get in the damn tub. It’s gonna grow cold at this rate’’
Jimin’s heart does a weird little flip flop. Fucker.
“Umm… could you— could you close your eyes?’’ Jimin replies back with a meek voice, hating himself for getting so bothered with this but it is what it is. They never really see each other naked much, apart from the odd shirtless cameos here and there. Mostly keeping themselves to themselves, and Jimin preferred it that way. He could admire what Jungkook’s muscles would look like if he ever took his shorts off in the peace of his own little mind, without anyone knowing.
So when you tell him he has to basically get naked right now in front of said man, he would rather go to a sauna in a crocodile costume.
Well, that and get naked.
Because he’d do anything Jungkook asks, remember? Haha…ha.
Jungkook snorts as he covers his mouth, biting his own lips as his eyes scan Jimin from head to toe. “Cute. Sure, but asking me so pleadingly like this only makes me want to peek more’’
The humid air feels sweltering on Jimin’s skin, and maybe it’s the flush that won’t stop creeping up his neck because of a certain somebody— he really feels like he’s running a fever when he’s supposed to be freezing cold. “Fuckin close your eyes already…’’ He whispers with his arms hugging his own torso tighter, like that would somehow evaporate his existence from Jungkook’s wandering eyes.
They look impossibly sinful and wicked from where he’s sitting at the tub, lingering around his bare upper half for a second too long— before they’re finally closed.
Yet somehow, Jimin can’t shake the feeling that they’re still open. Like someone is observing him…
Jimin lets out a sigh of relief, quickly undressing and laying his folded up sweatpants near his hoodie on the counter top. He pads his feet to the bubbling bathtub, the wooden floor creaking behind his every step. The tub looks entirely too small for both of them, but as Jimin stands there with a frown on his lips, he realises it can unfortunately fit, because he can just squeeze himself with no problem.
Damn Jungkook for taking up more than half of the space.
He dips his feet in, slowly manoeuvring around so he could sit oppositely from where Jungkook’s body lay near the water taps. His hold on the tub walls almost slips from how slippery the tiles felt, water sloshing around everywhere.
He’s a miniscule second away from sitting down when he feels Jungkook forcefully grab at his arms, tugging him close to his chest to sit down. Jimin blinks for a second, and finds himself sitting on Jungkook’s lap in the next.
What the hell.
“Where do you think you’re going?’’ Jungkook mutters, arms wrapped securely around Jimin’s trembling chest. His thighs spread a bit wider inside the slippery bathtub, to accommodate Jimin’s own in between them. “You can just sit here, more space that way’’ The dark whisper of his voice causes Jimin to tremble even more, and it’s definitely not because he’s feeling chilly.
He feels Jungkook’s warm, wet hands on his back— gingerly tracing his moon tattoos.
“The heck are you d-doing?! I could have just sat opposite you there’s enough space!’’ Jimin doesn’t even try wriggling away, the hold Jungkook possesses on him seems far too impossible to escape from.
“Enough space? What are you a little kitty contorting itself to fit in a box too small?’’ Jungkook laughs endearingly, Jimin could actually feel the rumble of his chest vibrating with each chuckle against his own back. They’re practically plastered to each other, back to chest, thighs to thighs, ass to cock—
Woah what the fuck. Let’s not go down there.
“Accepting defeat for once? What a docile little kitty you are’’ Jungkook pats Jimin’s fluffy blonde hair in mock sympathy, wetting the strands in warm water.
“I’m gonna kill you one day y’know..’’
Jungkook’s silence has Jimin turn his head to the side, eyebrows frowning at seeing him suddenly so non verbal. He looks to be deep in thought, a pensive and mournful gaze adorning his handsome features. Jimin sucks a deep breath, before remembering the tattoo he had just seen.
Right, he hasn’t forgotten Jungkook’s utter betrayal. Besides, the coincidence of the tattoo being an owl out of anything else has got Jimin intrigued.
“Say, how long ago did you get that tattoo done? looks like its been a while, given its healed as you take baths and all’’
Jungkook draws his knee up at that, water sloshing around noisily as it lands on the wooden floors with a mild splash. “Hmmm, like three and a half months ago I think. I got it done during my last solo trip to Hong Kong’’
“You … wow. Lying to me for so long, I ought to strangle you’’ Jimin tenses up, the position of Jungkook’s drawn up thigh a fucking impossible angle of distraction to avoid, the smooth thick muscle hypnotising him like he’s in some trance spell.
He clears his throat, eyes desperately trying to seem discreet as he averts them somewhere else. Like— the interesting ceiling or some shit. “Soooo.. why the owl? Never pegged you for a symbolism kinda guy’’
“Well, true that. You’re never pegging me that's for sure’’ Jungkook says in a deadpan stare, flicking Jimin’s forehead when he tries punching his chest. “To answer your question, I picked the owl not because of its symbolic meaning to me per se. Rather it's.. ah wait.’’ Jungkook stammers, cheeks suddenly flushing pink. His warm fingers tickle Jimin’s back, tracing the moon tattoos once more.
“What’s wrong? Was it a stupid dare Jungkookie?’’ Jimin teases him, eyebrows wiggling playfully as he tries to catch Jungkook’s averting eyes. He looks adorably shy, cheeks colouring red a little.
“Hyung it's just.. ah its so embarrassing. You’re gonna laugh at me’’
“Come on now you know hyung won’t do such a thing just tell meeee’’ Jimin feels his long, bony fingers still for a moment, and he tries bending and turning once more so he could face Jungkook properly. To look him in the eyes, conveying all the emotions he hides so deep.
The water sloshes, drops plopping onto the wooden floorboards one by one, like little tip-taps on glass.
Jungkook’s rough hands suddenly push Jimin’s nape away— forcefully making him face the front. His gentle fingers find themselves on Jimin’s lithe back once more, caressing, tracing, etching the moon tattoos into his fingertips.
“I chose the owl because it's always guarding the moon, as the moon light shines upon the owl— guiding me through the darkness. And even amidst the moon’s eternal beauty, the owl exists… bearing witness to all its ever changing phases. So the symbolic meaning was um.. for us both. Not just me…”
Oh.
Jimin’s breath shudders, palms squeezing onto Jungkook’s skin— wait, since when was he grabbing onto Jungkook’s thighs like this?
“Jungkook you…”
“I… the owl witnesses how the moon feels, how it changes its shape every month. It's— I’m there. Watching over you… and I see you for who you are Jimin. I’ll… I like every version of you— I m-mean I’ll guard and follow you. W-well not as follow you around like a creep I just mean y’know-”
Jimin turns around, face inches away from Jungkook’s own. Their breaths mingles between the millimetres of space in between them, the air feels extra hot and charged. And when Jimin slowly blinks, he sees the reflection of his own gaze— mirrored in Jungkook’s big blown pupils.
He sees himself vulnerable, exposed, exhausted and pitiful.
For all the time he has wasted here, ruining what could have been beautiful new moments for both of them. For all the poor effort he had demonstrated, going to waste the second another Wednesday is up the horizon. For all the pain he has caused Jungkook, without him even remembering any of it, as he wakes up the next day; a big smile adorning his face with the surprise of freshly cooked pancakes every single time.
Jungkook deserves better, but he’s stuck with no one else but Jimin— who’s letting them both rot in here for eternity.
“You’re really… such a sap huh?’’ Jimin whispers, head turning away, as he leans back against Jungkook’s broad chest.
“You love it’’ Jungkook is chuckling, thighs spreading wider as he adjusts his position to sit more comfortably.
I love you…
“Yeah, unfortunately’’ Jimin gets a splash of water in his face at that, their giggles mingling in the damp, cold air.
Did the water go cold already? Or is it just Jimin starting to feel oddly chilly in here…
They’ve been sitting in the tub for better time of 30 minutes now. Jungkook’s left arm still has Jimin in a choke-hold, clutched around his midsection like a vice. His big thighs are none the wiser, also bracketing Jimin in an infinite lifetime-tub sentence. And it doesn’t look like he’s going to let go anytime soon.
For better or for worse, Jimin doesn’t mind. Really, he’s got himself in a nice warm embrace, water bubbling beneath him, with the scent of fresh lemon trickling his senses.
It should all feel very lovely and relaxing indeed.
If not for the little—
Well, to rephrase: the big problem under Jimin’s ass.
It wasn’t obvious at first, Jimin was already tense from being in such close proximity to Jungkook that he wasn’t really paying attention to his surroundings much. He wasn’t truly attentive to all the different ways their damp skin was touching, the position they were in, and firmness he was surrounded with.
So now, after laying there for the past half hour, he started to collect his bearings.
The strong arms Jungkook has him caged with was what he noticed first, Jungkook manoeuvred them every now and then. Sometimes locking him with one arm as the other rests nonchalantly over the ledge of the tub. Other times he uses both arms to hold him close, chest pressing impossibly closer, their damp skin rubbing against one another.
Jimin had to hold back a gasp one time, the feeling of Jungkook’s nipples accidently rubbing against his back almost sent him into early psychosis.
His jacked thighs were what he noticed next. He’s got them spread either side as Jimin lays in between them, the heat of them surrounding Jimin’s own. Droplets of water travel down the toned muscle, in a tantalising race.
Jimin follows each drop earnestly.
And when each one of them reaches the corded muscles of Jungkook’s inner thighs, they sadly disappear beneath the bubbling bath water.
So naturally, the last thing he noticed was the growing heat under his bottom.
He didin’t want to acknowledge it at first, but it’s truly becoming an extremely difficult sport to try and fucking ignore the huge elephant in the room right now.
Jungkook’s member is pressed impossibly close to the cleft of Jimin’s ass, the heavy weight of it as clear as day. Jimin thinks it's probably not even hard, given how it's not really.. Twitching or anyth—
Ok. Why the heck is even thinking way too deep about this.
“Umm.. how long are we going to be in here for? don’t forget the meteor shower is at soon’’ Jimin mumbles, hoping Jungkook somehow doesn’t notice the redness that has been decorating his flushed cheeks for the past bloody hour.
Of course he has noticed. His face has been pressed insanely close to the nape of Jimin’s ear, he’s probably stopped laughing on the outside and has been doing so on the inside for the past hour.
“Just a little while longer, are you still cold?’’
“A little bit, but maybe its cuz the bath water’s gone cold no?’’ Jimin hugs himself tight, thighs squeezing together as a sudden chill brings shivers to his spine.
Don't tell me…
He snaps his head to the left, where Jungkook had suddenly dropped a weird looking bathbomb (is that a salt bag?)— seemingly out of thin air.
“Wha—’’
“Ignis.. and stir’’ Jungkook’s lips brush against the soft skin of Jimin’s nape, voice low and alluring.
Out of the blue, the bathwater starts getting warm again. Somehow even warmer than before, the pleasant feeling washing over Jimin’s skin. He relaxes his body, leaning back, until he collides with Jungkook’s chest. He feels Jungkook adjust his body once more, thighs spreading wider— inviting Jimin deeper.
And Jimin goes, willingly. He relaxes so deep into the throes of Jungkook’s muscular chest and thighs, until he feels his member poke at him again.
A sudden jolt takes over his feet, and he wants to slap himself for the obvious and embarrassing reaction.
“How enthralling. So the mortal instruments have such pronounced effect on you?’’
Holy fucking sh—
Jimin almost jumps out of the tub while elbowing Jungkook’s nose into next fucking Wednesday as Eishin’s riveted voice sings in his ear.
That mad freeloader son of a bitch. He needs to learn how to brain-knock before barging in. Jimin tries to keep his cool, breathing slow and steady so as to not let Jungkook catch on.
“Apologies, foolish lad. You do know knocking is impossible, for these thoughts leak into your own wits unconsciously. I’m afra— ‘’
“Shut your trap. What do you want from me? And w-what mortal instruments? The heck is that?’’ Jimin replies back in his head, quickly sparing Jungkook a glance to make sure he’s still acting normal. He leans back once he gets sent an adorable smile in return, his eyebrows furrow as he gets ready to question the nutcase in his brain.
“Really? Aren’t you all too familiar with it? I mean, it's practically begging for your attention down there, the way it pokes at you constantly’’
Wait.
Is this fucker implying that by ‘mortal instrument’ he means… a human.. penis.
As in, Jungkook’s dick which currently rests at the cleft of his ass.
Jimin wants to turn into an air particle so he can escape this room. This cabin. This planet. This entire universe.
“You need to genuinely learn how to talk like a normal human being, I’m getting sick of these stupid analogies’’ The cold Jimin had previously felt is slowly seeping away, the heat of his own embarrassment washing the frigid atmosphere quickly.
“Oh. I thought it was a clever analogy. The use of said bodily part proves to be a delicate yet tough art to master, almost like working around with an instrument. Don’t you think it's fascinating?’’ Eishin sounds excited again. His eerie tone not even beginning to phase Jimin at this point, he’s honestly just afraid Jungkook is going to notice something is amiss and get worried.
And Jimin knows Jungkook won’t let him off easy until he explains what's got him so distressed.
“No. I find it appalling. Can you leave now’’ The water sloshes quietly, while Jimin mourns what could have been a slightly romantic him and Jungkook alone time. He gasps softly, the warm feeling of Jungkook’s palms pressing against his thighs startling him.
“You smell good’’ Jungkook murmurs against his nape, the tip of his nose digging into the skin deeper— and deeper, lips lingering a moment too long against his pulse point.
He feels his own heart race quicker, the thrum sound of it pumping in tandem with Jungkook’s hard breathing, creating a symphony of sultry desire.
“It’s probably the lemon bath-bomb you used’’
Jungkook shakes his head from side to side, shoving his nose deeper into the crook of Jimin’s neck. His arms snake around the slippery skin of Jimin’s upper thigh, pulling it to the side ever so slowly, spreading him more.
“No its…’’ A tongue darts out to lick a thick stripe of the skin of Jimin’s neck, the flush captivating him— colouring the pretty moon tattoo in a beautiful hue. “It’s way sweeter than lemons. It’s just you’’
Jimin grasps Jungkook’s thighs, nails digging deep into the tough muscle to fully ground himself, the feeling of Jungkook’s slick tongue working him up is dangerous. But he doesn’t know why he hasn’t stopped anything yet.
“You love it don’t you, little human? His hot skin against yours, laying hold of you everywhere, leaving the echo of his handprints on places you could never reach on your lonesome’’ Eishin’s voice dances around in his ears, the sound reverberating with a hushed yet thrilled whisper.
Fuck this can’t be happening. Why’s Eishin still here?
Ignorant of his own desires and actions, Jimin somehow ends up finding himself fully spread over Jungkook’s lap. His thighs lay bare open, leaning against the cold ledge of the tub. He’s sprawled so far back up Jungkook’s chest, head tucked right under his jaw, that his ass presses insistently against the rough planes of Jungkook’s stomach.
He glances down, and flushes pink upon realising their cocks are practically aligned with each other now— skin wet and aroused.
“Hyung..’’ Jungkook is licking some more, tongue soothing the trail of red streaks that have likely bloomed from his persistent tongue rubbing on the sensitive skin.
“Stop licking me already’’
“I’m just, thirsty’’ Jungkook’s hands tighten their hold over Jimin’s inner thighs, indent marks already forming.
“I’m just— he’s just greedy, isn’t he?’’ Eishin laughs, the remark messing with Jimin’s head.
“Why the heck are you licking me if you’re thirsty go d-drink some water’’ The room feels too hot now, droplets of sweat sliding down Jimin’s jaw. He swings his neck back at a particularly tough lick, this one came with the surprise of a gentle suck. “Ah fuck..’’
“I am drinking, there’s water all over you’’ Jungkook’s warm hands slip ever so slightly from Jimin’s thighs, sneaking inwardly towards his stomach. He presses his palm down, fingers spanning the expanse of skin— and perhaps Jimin unconsciously clenched his muscles tighter.
Even so, the gentle yet grounding way Jungkook’s pressing on his lithe frame, has Jimin relax the muscles of his abs. He lets out a shaky breath, eyes still glancing downwards at their joint crotches. Jungkook’s fingers are moving tantalisingly slow, dancing around the increments of his skin, until they reach the underside of his cock.
“Can I…?’’ He whispers, breath hot as it fans over Jimin’s already flushed ear.
And Jimin.. Jimin is a weak man.
And when’s got himself wrapped around Jungkook’s entire body like this, thighs willingly spread, chest rising and falling, heart beating so loud it's probably audible— he couldn’t possibly say no.
“Yeah… please’’
“Aw and I get a please too? How adorable’’ There’s a mean chuckle near Jimin’s ear, but he feels awfully embarrassed to tease back. Because let's be real, Jimin can tell Jungkook is no better. The hardness of his member has increased considerably, it presses against the underside of Jimin’s own, and reaches down to his taint.
So yeah. Jimin could have sent a snarky reply back that Jungkook has no right to tease when he looks like he’s going to bust a load in the next five seconds but he really has no energy to do so. In all likelihood, his voice will definitely come out meek and shaky— further adding to his own embarrassment.
He’s brought to his senses once he feels the electric touch of Jungkook’s hands against his growing cock. His fingers glide slowly, caressing him from the tip, and down down, until he reaches his balls. He gives them a light squeeze, Jimin jolting at the sudden touch, eyes losing their focus.
“Just a small little touch has you squirming like this? didn't know you’re this sensitive hyung’’ The drag of Jungkook’s forefinger back up along the underside of his cock matches the drag of his husky lilting voice. He taps on Jimin’s cockhead once— then another time. Giggling at Jimin’s immediate reaction, at his thighs spreading wider, how his fingers dig deeper into Jungkook’s skin. “So sensitive, who taught you to be this naughty hmm?’’
Jimin doesn’t think he can take this anymore.
If Jungkook doesn’t get his stupid hand around his stupidly aching dick he’s seriously going to die from a contemporary blue-ball disease or something.
“Foolish lad, beg him.. call out to m— him . He’s just itching to lay his claim on your divine skin. You would relish that wouldn’t you?’’
Fuck this guy…
“Touch me now..’’ Jimin tilts his head up, eyes hooded as he tries to give Jungkook his most honest pleading look. The lip ring glints where it sits prettily on Jungkook’s inviting lips, and his eyes flash with something dark, beckoning Jimin further into their dark tawny depths. “Please…?’’ He adds the cherry on top, just to make sure.
“Good boy’’ Jungkook’s mellow moan comes in his right ear.
A beat later, Eishin’s haunting tone follows suit, whispering straight into his left ear. “Obedient little human’’
Shit…
This feels very… realistic. In a sense. It's as if Eishin and Jungkook merged ideas, their thoughts bouncing off one another.
But that's impossible. Beca—
“Are you getting too distracted on me? When my hand is wrapped around you like this?’’ Jungkook tugs once, and the sudden contact and pressure on his sensitive cock has Jimin moan aloud. The sound echoes in the sweltering bathroom, bouncing off the walls, the mirror, Jimin’s pitiful reflection greeting him once more.
Jungkook’s movements have increased in their speed, the loose hold on his cock tightening for a second— then loosening the next. Almost playing with him, rubbing the sensitive head, then circling around the base, only to tighten his hold again. The movements are erratic, and so is Jimin’s breathing. His chest is rising and falling, like a see saw, water sloshing around messily.
“You like that?’’ Jungkook tightens his hold on his cock, movements upping up in speed. His other hand coming to rub Jimin’s stiff peak nipple, the red colour bloomed prettily around his areola from just a couple of strokes.
“Y-yeah.. more please.. f-faster’’
“Fuck’’ Jungkook jerks him off quicker at that, the wet sounds of his precome mixing in with the splish-splash of the bathwater— it’s almost indistinguishable. He flicks his left nipple again, nails grazing the skin with intent.
Jungkook is breathing hard and fast down Jimin’s neck, the puffs of air sending shivers down his back. Before he knows it, Jimin’s bucking his own hips up, matching the unforgiving pace Jungkook has set as he continues stroking his cock, up and down.. up and down, then squeeze. “I’m so close please’’
“Hold your thighs open darling’’
Oh. Darling?
Jimin hurries in a flash, dutifully carrying out Jungkook’s request like his life depends on it. His small hands struggle in their grasp, the wetness of the water proving it to be difficult. “I c-cant. Help— wan’ please, don’t stop oh god’’ The pressure on his nipple is increasing, Jungkook’s left hand is relentless in its teasing.
Even so, he doesn’t stop flicking his wrist for one second, hands working up and down Jimin’s cock in a slick-smooth slide. Jimin mewls, struggling to catch his breath and hold his thighs all together. Everything is suddenly all too overwhelming.
Now playing:
“How precious. I’m craving a taste myself, it’s only fair after helping him reach this far correct? You look to be in desperate need of my aid, little human’’ Jimin opens his eyes, the lowly whispers of Eishin’s lips tickling his ears far too pleasantly than he would like to admit.
All of a sudden, a delicate caress can be felt against the inner skin of his thighs.
He freezes.
Jungkook’s right hand is working away on his cock, while his left one is still busy with his nipple. So.. how..
“How marvelously soft.. It’s truly as he had thought. Day and night, I came to wonder if the human touch is as addicting as one would imagine’’
It’s Eishin.
He’s touching him.
The touches feel light and airy, like it’s there but isn’t there at the same time. Like the stroke of a paint brush— delicately moving across the empty, white canvass of Jimin’s skin.
Jimin should feel repulsed.
He should flinch away in disgust.
But, he’s feeling none of that. On the contrary, he feels electrified.
Like a jolt of current waltzed inside of him at that very first touch, lighting up the hidden fire that lay dormant there for so long. And after that first touch, when the others swept in gently, brushing across the expanse of his skin— the fire lit brighter.
Warming him up on the inside. The outside. And on his cock.
Fuck, he’s so fucking hard.
“Scandelous. I should have expected someone like you would be delightfully ignited by this. Your arousal easily quenches my hunger and curiosity’’ Eishin’s riveting tone rings once more, a cruel giggle slipping in, while the lingering caress of his touch spreads Jimin’s own thighs wider.
“Fuck yeah— just like that darling’’ Jungkook rasps out, the hand on Jimin’s cock now joined with a new addition: Jungkook’s own arousal. He’s wrapped his large palm around the both of them, stroking in tandem.
Jimin feels his face burn hotter, the size difference insanely obvious. Jimin’s cock looks much smaller, although it’s thick and wide with his heavy need. Jungkook’s is… well it’s huge. The length of it is nothing short of impressive, with a slight curve that has Jimin’s mouth water on instinct.
“Jungkook, Jungkook please ah— need to c-come’’
The pace is increasing, Jimin watches with shaky eyes as precum beads out of Jungkook’s cockhead— in thick riveting drops. He’s leaking so much, and Jimin feels a sense of pride and joy that Jungkook is worked up just as he is.
“Hyung.. im so close” Jungkook clenches his grasp, holding both of their cocks together in one hand closely. His palm strokes up, and stays rooted at their heads. “Look, we’re kissing down here too” He squeezes both of their sensitive cockheads to prove his point, hissing at the wet and pleasant feeling. There’s light kisses to the nape of Jimin’s neck, but they disappear as quick as they come— replaced by Jungkook’s instantaneous sniffing. Again.
He’s acting like a dog, seriously.
Jimin is about to admonish him, when the lingering touch of Eishin’s fingers graze his perineum. He bites his tongue, nose flaring at the sudden action.
“It’s very smooth in your nether region, I am intrigued as to how it would feel inside you’’
Jimin can’t believe what Eishin had just uttered. The absurdity of it failing to click in his brain, due to the insane stimulation he’s feeling everywhere. Jungkook’s steady flicks on his sensitive nipples, the way he’s stroking both of their cocks simultaneously, fingertips massaging their frenulum on every out-stroke and now— Eishin’s fingers inching towards his hole.
“You know, he would presumably hang me once he comes to learn I have touched you here before him’’
To his utter humiliation and surprise, Jimin lets out a dangerously loud moan— the shriek so loud it must have scared the freakin night birds away. The feeling of Eishin’s airy yet delicate fingers prodding on his hole, thumb pressing intently on his rim, it has him gasping for breath.
“Fuck fuck y-yes please more, give it to m—’’
“Love it when you beg for me so sweetly darling’’ There’s a rough finger inside his mouth, hard and calloused as it jabs down his throat.
Eishin laughs. “Him? Oh please. You were begging for me weren’t you? little human..’’
Jungkook uses the leverage he has from his elbow leaning against the tub ledge, to forcefully insert three of his fingers down Jimin’s mouth now. “But you’re getting too loud, someone might hear us’’
Jimin is about to question what that even means— because they’re clearly in the backwoods and not one human being lives in their close vicinity, but the wet strokes on his cock upping in speed has him shut his frontal lobe for now.
He moans wantonly, most of it is gagging noise though, smothered by Jungkook’s unforgiving fingers. He thinks he might have shed a tear or two, pleasure building up, almost on the brink of an orgasm.
Eishin’s curious finger is still caressing his rim, until the pressure of it slipping inside painfully has him scream. It stays rooted there, unmoving and insanely wonderful.
He thinks he might have passed out, the pressure of it immense.
“It’s very tight. No wonder the mortal instruments indulge finding a space for themselves down here…’’
“Fucker you- you can’t just say something like t-this’’ Jimin can’t even formulate his thoughts in his brain for Eishin to understand anymore, and his finger isn’t even that far in. If he had to guess, it's possible he had only put the tip of his thumb. Fuck. And it feels so—
“I have no doubt you would certainly enjoy it if he rammed the whole thing down here, in one go. What do your people call it again…? ah yes..raw and rough’’
Jimin yells, Eishin’s finger slipping further into his hole he clenches around it so tight it stops moving before it reaches the knuckle.
Everything is buzzing, hot, and fast. Jimin hears the way Jungkook is gasping harshly for breath, hands working away at their cocks in a rush. The squelching noise of their precome resounds in the bathroom, the sound of it deafening in Jimin’s ears.
“Fuck darling, d-did you just come?’’
Oh.
Jimin glances down properly this time, thighs trembling as he grabs them open wider. There’s ropes of cum decorating his taught stomach, dribbling down his spent cock as it sloshes between their hips. Some of it reached all the way to his chest, decorating his abused nipple. “Im sorry I didn't mean to I—’’
“Shit Jimin, baby that’s so fucking hot, fuck I’m so close— ah’’
Jimin is incoherent as he’s all but manoeuvred, Jungkook’s fingers slipping out of his mouth as they dig deep into his thighs on either side, pushing them closed so his cock slots in between.
There’s cum everywhere, it’s slippery between his thighs, rubbed raw by Jungkook’s forceful thrusts. “Gonna fuck your thighs hyung, gonna fuck them all nice and sloppy— ‘till they’re painted all pretty with my cum”
Shit.
He feels like a rag doll, jostling around Jungkook’s lap for the mere purpose of helping him get off. And he loves it.
“Squeeze them tighter for me darling” Jungkook’s raspy breath is warm against his nape, hot puffs of air on every thrust. He barely uses any effort, Jimin’s body gliding up on the upstroke, before he’s thrust down on Jungkook’s heavy cock. “So fuckin’ good for me”
Jimin squeezes his thighs tighter, the pressure of Jungkook’s cock slipping in and out overwhelming him. His length is rubbing right against Jimin’s own, and he closes his eyes at the sight of his precome pathetically dribbling out. He feels so on edge, heightened with sensitivity from his previous orgasm, or maybe it’s the hot water around— or Eishin’s lingering presence.
“Jungkookie I wan-’’ He hisses, a particular thrust causing Jungkook’s cockhead to rub directly against his clenching rim.
“What’s that?”
Jimin whines, Jungkook insistently rubbing against the same spot over and over— abandoning his thighs.
“Speak up baby, use that pretty mouth well so I could help you”
“Wanna come again…” Jimin clenches his rim, eyelashes fluttering while Jungkook glances down at him. He raises one eyebrow in question, as if waiting for Jimin to say more.
“Please…?”
“That’s right… good boy” Jungkook smirks, lip ring glinting with the splashing water. His black fringe is wet from the water— or heat, Jimin couldn’t tell, but it looks absolutely sexy. He looks like he’d had 3 rounds of rough sex, and they haven’t even done much yet. He looks so beautifully undone.
Jungkook’s gaze darkens, pupils brown and sultry, looking down on Jimin like he owns him.
And he does. He literally does.
“That’s right foolish human, we own you” Eishin rumbles in his ear, the feeling of his sharp wicked tongue glides over his earlobe, tasting him.
At the same time, Jungkook had decided to punishingly insert his head into his tight, barely stretched hole. Jimin feels his rim ache from the large intrusion, having had only a silly increment of Eishin’s finger inside. “Ah f-fuck Jungkookie hurts, stop’’
There’s a hushed whisper to his ear, Jungkook leaning in to shush him with sweet murmurs as he desperately tries to insert his monstrous fucking cockhead inside.
Seriously, why is it so huge for.
“I’m so close baby, just gonna put the tip in and- fuck’’ The head breaches in painfully, Jimin’s rim stretching around it beautifully as they both moan aloud. Jimin feels his cock twitch, ropes of cum flying out as they land on the mess already decorating his stomach.
He feels Jungkook hastily take his tip out, plunging his cock into the mess of precome between Jimin’s thighs to thrust lazily as he comes undone, painting the insides of his thighs with pearly come— just as he promised.
“Fuck..that was..’’ Jungkook lets out a big content sigh, hands spreading Jimin’s thighs open as he eyes the mess in front of him. "Beautiful’’
The fact that Jimin has the audacity to blush at the sappy comment after doing all of this is beyond him. Truly. He has stepped down so low.
“By the way, you came just from the tip. I’m never letting you forget’’ Jungkook mocks him with that stupid grin of his, hands coming up to clean all the come away that found itself between Jimin’s inner thighs.
“Shut the fuck up! You did that…too..’’
“I know’’ He chuckles, finger gingerly stroking the smooth skin of Jimin’s sensitive inner thighs. “But you came undone so prettily without me even touching your cock. You’re a natural…it’s so hot im getting turned on again’’ Jungkook winks, grabbing a cloth in one hand to wipe the cum away from Jimin’s lower half, he drags it down his taint, and teasingly rubs his messy hole.
“Makes me wonder how you’re gonna act if I ram my whole cock up there, not just the tip…’’
Fucker.
“The hell are you talking about now’’
“I mean, will you come after I put the head? then again after I put only half of my cock in? Then once more as I shove almost all of it… then you’re gonna come one final time as I give you the base too, and the balls— hell you’re probably gonna take up my fingers too, won’t you?’’
Jimin flushes red at that, the imagery too much for him to handle. And since when was Jungkook’s mouth this damn filthy? “Stop saying such disgusting things and clean me up’’
“Bummer’’ Jungkook pouts, hands working away to clean Jimin’s thighs, chest, and back.
For a split second, he feels the gentle caress of Eishin’s palm against his cheek, the action way too tender for his liking. “I think I have decided you’re far too delectable for me to chase away, foolish lad. I blame you for all these muddled thoughts’’
“What are you saying?’’
The cloth wiping away at Jimin’s thighs comes to a halt, and when Jimin glances to the side, he catches Jungkook staring with an annoyed glare at the wall in front of them. His eyebrows are furrowed, irritation presenting so clearly on his handsome features.
The way he’s staring at the wall with no movement, eyes deadpan and aggression simmering, has Jimin thoroughly confused.
“Um.. you okay?’’
Jungkook tuts in annoyance “Meddlesome brat, always shoving his nose in where it doesn’t belong’’ he mutters in a hushed tone, voice shallow and way too low.
Who is.. he talking about..
“I’m tired hyunggg we should drink hot mocha while we wait for the meteor showers tonight kay?’’
There’s no way… right..?
Wednesday. November 16. 11:08PM (day 24)
After the whole bathtub fiasco, the hot mocha, and the major embarrassment Jimin was trying to avoid— they finally find themselves sitting on the rooftop. Where it all ends and starts, as Jimin likes to tell himself.
He wants to smack himself in the guts for being so distracted with Jungkook’s tub shenanigans to completely forget the reality they’re in. The whole time loop business slipped out of his mind, and now that they finally have the reversing spell, the nerves have gone up again. The relaxing bathtub worked its magic rather well for a bit, but now its efforts shall come to a close.
Because they’re here. 11 past midnight and counting, meteor showers starting any minute, and ingredients laid neatly in a circle. And there’s undoubtedly no room for relaxation.
"How do you wanna do this?’’ Jungkook arranges the wolf skull so it sits up nicely without falling, surrounded by the rest of the ingredients. Amongst the circle of the skull lies the frog leg, and the herring powder, dusted to connect the ingredients in a circle.
Jimin pours more of the red powder so it branches into the middle, where they shall drop the owl blood to fully seal all the ingredients in, and lock the spell. "We’ll wait just before the meteors start falling, just like the book said. It must be at the exact time where the loop originally cuts’’
The owl blood is placed on the fluffy blanket they had spread on the roof, Jungkook laying back down after doing so. He crosses his arms behind his head, wind softly sweeping the locks of his black hair in a lovely dance. Jimin feels the unforgiving wind bite him in the shoulders, shivering slightly as he realises his sweater isn’t being much of help.
"Come lay down with me’’ Jungkook opens his arm, the offer too tempting to resist as Jimin imagines the warm space between his pecs. "What? too shy to get close now that our dicks made out?’’
"You are such an vulgar jerk you know’’ Fuck it. He’s freezing.
Jungkook pouts, puppy eyes in full effect "But you love my warm chest, despite these horrific insults’’ So, Jimin snuggles in, arms wrapped around said chest. His cheeks are squished into the fabric of Jungkook’s hoodie, the calming detergent scent wafting into his nose.
"Yeah I do love it. It’s so warm and cozy, might live here forever’’ Jimin twists Jungkook’s nipple playfully, earning a surprised giggle in return.
The twinkling star above looks mesmerising, flecks of glitter shimmering in the vast night sky, while others twinkle near the cloudy shadow of the moon. It looks beautiful, breathtaking even— but despair plagues Jimin’s mind once more. Haunted by the what if’s.
What if their plan doesn’t work? What if these stars just end up appearing once again tomorrow? What if Jungkook doesn’t believe his story the next day?
What if the time loop just resets. And Jungkook wouldn’t remember … everything they had done today.
"Shut up for a sec’’
"The heck I didn't say anything?!’’ Jimin defends himself loudly, fists bumping into Jungkook’s biceps.
"You’re thinking, it’s too loud’’
I’m thinking about you.
Will you ever remember today if Thursday doesn’t come…? Jungkook?
"Aren’t you worried this plan- this reversing spell won’t work?’’ He gnaws his bottom lips, hands fidgeting with the drawstring of Jungkook’s hoodie.
"No’’ Jungkook squints his eyes, a lone star glittering in the distance as the glare of it reflects in his lovely brown orbs. "It will work this time. It has to, I’m sure of it’’. He then turns around, head leaning against his right arm as he faces Jimin, hair fanning prettily over his sharp features.
“If you.. if it doesn’t work and the loop starts again you-” Jimin takes a deep breath, eyes blinking rapidly and at the nervous flutter of his own heart. “You won’t have any memory of what happened today…of us”
“It doesn’t matter” The mellow breeze vibrates around them, Jungkook’s palm coming up to caress the curve of Jimin’s cheek. “Because being with you regardless will always be my favorite memory”
Jimin leans into the touch, eyes fluttering shut in hopes of locking this memory behind his eyelids.
"Okay, let’s pour the blood owl in so we can start counting and see if its helped anything yeah?’’ The caress of his touch leaves Jimin’s cheek feeling cold as it floats away, Jungkook sitting up to grab the bottle, eyes laser focused as he hovers it above the ritual circle. "Okay, you ready?’’
Jimin gulps loudly, following suit and sitting up. He clenches his fist tight, then nods his head affirmatively. "Yeah, lets do this’’
"Alright. Here goes..’’
Dark red flows sluggishly out of the bottle in thick rivulets, pace agonisingly slow due to its high viscosity. They both stare in wonder, as the blood begins forming a circle, moving on its own accord to connect the branches of ingredients together.
It flows from the frog leg, to the wolf skull, and across the red herring powder in full circle— coming in to a close at the middle, where the blood pools to shape a perfect diamond.
"I think I’ve said this before but, that's just creepy as hell’’ Jungkook laughs, somehow, in this serious situation.
"So that's it? Now its what… sealed the spell in and we hope it works?’’ Jimin glances over, catching his own worried reflection in Jungkook’s eyes.
"Yeah pretty much’’ Jungkook grabs a hold of his shoulders, dragging him back into the blanket with him as they gaze up at the sky. "Don’t worry, okay? let’s just… stay like this’’
Jimin’s heart is thundering out of his chest. Ofcourse he will fucking worry.
He doesn’t know what to do, how to feel, what to think. If this reversal spell had just done its magic and worked just like that then, it should be okay right? They could just carry on with the time line, the meteors shall fall any second, and then…
And then they’ll count to ten.
And Jungkook’s going to say his wish.
And then, and only at last, the owl will finally leave them be.
“Hey look, a meteor! 1-0 for Jeon Jungkook” Jimin blinks, the shuffle of Jungkook’ clothes breaking him out of his daze as he adjusts his position, head leaned back as he stares at the stars. “You better catch up hyung, I’m still competitive”
The sky rains, more meteors falling as they grace the earth’s atmosphere and leave a hollow red streak in their wake. The air burns bright and clear, glowing like a fire ball, racing to catch the meteor rock.
And before they know it, Jungkook has reached 8. As usual.
Jimin’s eyes stay rooted at the sky, desperate to prove they changed their fate.
Because around now, if he turns his head, he’ll find Jungkook staring at him…and he’ll say something cheesy like how he wants to admire him for a little longer to remember him in his—
"The sky is talking a lot today, hyung’’
Huh?
But. That’s not how the time line goes. Jungkook always used to say-
Wait. Is it because it worked?
Jimin’s eyes are frantic, he abruptly turns his face to the side, where Jungkook lies gazing at the sky above. "Wha- what?’’
There’s an airy chuckle, smile forming on his lips. "I said, the sky is talking a lot today’’ Jungkook’s pretty tawny eyes twinkle, the remnants of a meteor’s visible streak reflecting in them as they tears through the atmosphere.
"Whats… whats it saying?’’
"It’s saying-’’ Jungkook tears his eyes away from the sky, tilting his head in Jimin’s direction for a split second that feels like hours, staring into the depths of his soul. "It's saying it should let you win this time’’
Cold seeps into the soft skin of Jimin’s palm, as a smooth object is slid into his grasp. He glances down, noticing how Jungkook’s larger hands envelope his own, pushing the object further into his hold. "What is that?’’
Jungkook peels his hands away, smiling gently. “Open up”
Jimin stares down, carefully opening his palms, coming face to face with the beautifully red ruin stone he saw in the bathroom. “Isn’t it yours?” Jimin prods, quite confused why Jungkook suddenly decided to give him his crystal. Didn't he say he grabbed it at an antique shop a while back..?
"Yes, but it looks beautiful in your hands. You should hold on to it’’
Right as Jimin nods in confusion, a bright light catches his eyes, coming from behind Jungkook’s head. Jimin sits up, elated as he realises it's a shooting star falling, the beautiful orange streak it leaves behind looks wonderful in the ever-night sky.
"Nine! I caught it-” Jimin yells excitedly, breath lodged in his throat as he realises they’re twin meteors.
"Ten’’ Jungkook murmurs softly, face suddenly inches away from Jimin’s sensitive ears.
"Wha- I. You stole my star, what the heck! that was my ten not yours’’ Jimin laughs, captivated by the sight of Jungkook’s flowing onyx hair swaying away with the chilly wind.
Jungkook offers an endeared laugh, palm coming up to tug a strand of blond hair behind Jimin’s ear delicately "Yeah, you won. Look at that, the sky didn't lie did it?’’ A brief moment of silence, and Jungkook has scooted himself closer to Jimin’s criss-crossed legs. “I was merely assisting it in its mission tonight”
“Yeah right. You sooo wanted to win didn't you? Just giving me charity work” He should feel a sense of relief. Technically, this is the first time Jimin has won in 24 days.
After all, Jungkook always caught the twin meteors, allowing him to be the first to count to ten.. Which then prompts him to…
Oh yeah.
“What do you wish for?” Jimin asks excitedly, body fully turned to face Jungkook’s fidgety frame. He grabs both of his hands, palms relaxing at the warm and safe touch.
Jungkook furrows his eyebrows “What do you mean? I thought we agreed you won”
Jimin snickers, eyes rolling back slightly as he softly slaps Jungkook’s thighs. “Who’s we? I never agreed. Besides, I really.. want to hear your wish this time” The leaves sway in the distance, some of them flying in the air, away from the pine trees. “Can’t you grant me this one wish? I would love to hear it…”
Jungkook hums, clearly unconvinced, but a cute smile is plastered on his face nonetheless.
“Come onnn what do you wish for?” The breeze tickles Jimin’s feet, as he hopelessly urges Jungkook to spill it out already.
Stars twinkle above them, yet Jungkook’s twinkling eyes remain the only thing Jimin finds worth admiring. Jungkook closes his eyes for a second, hands squeezing Jimin’s own.
"What I always wished for, hyung”
It’s cold.
Jimin’s stomach turns upside down, head filling with the worst possible scenario. He was so close to hearing—
“I wish I had more time with you"
Wait. What?
The forceful impact of Jimin colliding himself with Jungkook’s chest knocks the breath out of both of them, probably. Jimin grabs his shoulders, fingers curling around the huge biceps as he catches Jungkook’s eyes with a wide stupid grin doubtlessly grazing his features.
"Oh my god Jungkook you said it!’’ He shakes Jungkook’s shoulders vigorously, seemingly in hysterics over the whole thing.
He can’t believe it.
Jungkook said his wish! He said it and the owl….
It didn't hoot.
“Jungkook we’re still here! It worked oh my- this is crazy! I knew something was going to happen but- but I didn't actually think it would literally work and end up cancelling the time loop like this is.. Oh gosh Jungkook, I'm so glad! aren’t you? I can’t believe I doubted it for one second the—”
Jimin stills, rambling cut off instantaneously as he feels the soft press of Jungkook’s soft lips against his. He forgets how to breathe for a second, frozen in spot, Jungkook’s quick and chaste kiss turning his brain to mush.
“I’ve wanted to do this for so damn long” Jungkook lets out a wistful laugh, the corners of his lips tilted in a … bittersweet smile?
“What— Jungkook I..” Jimin shivers slowly, goosebumps forming on the nape of his neck. “Wait, what do you mean so.. long..?”
“I mean these past 24 days.. and I wish I had done so sooner. I wish you and I could have spent more time together but..” Warm heat spreads through Jimin’s hands as Jungkook squeezes, covering the emerging cold with a protective film of comfort. “I love you Jimin, but you can’t stay here”
Jimin is utterly confused, what is happening.
Can’t stay? 24 days? But how.. doesn’t Jungkook not remember…?
Jungkook… loves him?
He blinks the haze away, face inching in closer to kiss him. To shut him up, of all these useless thoughts. It doesn’t matter because they’re free now.
They can spend all the upcoming time in the world together, live for Thursday, Friday, and all the weeks to come later.
But alas, all his hopes and dreams were crushed in an instant
Because suddenly, it’s blue. And cold.
The air, the rooftop, the sky, and the warm skin of Jungkook’s palms. It’s all covered in a blue hue.
Jimin is filled with dread, panic gripping his heart as he glances to the side ever so slowly.
Robes of fabric flutter in the crisp air, the brittle wind carrying it this way, and that way. Jimin feels like an insignificant ant, held in place by fear as he torturously lifts his neck up to fully view the owner of said flowy robes.
Even though he knows. Deep down, he knew this would happen.
Eishin.
Hovering mid-air, sheer veil glittering in the dark, his white attire a clear contrast in the now emerging blue environment. He looks angry, an ominous air washing around him, adding more to the dread Jimin already feels.
“You can't be here you- we did the spell it worked it was working, you—” Jimin stammers away, the sight of Jungkook frozen in his place with the blue hue causing his worries to intensify.
Eishin growls, mean and condescending, hands suddenly in possession of the red rune stone that was once in Jimin’s palm.
“Foolish mortal who begs to defy the laws of the time” He floats closer, presence inches away from Jungkook’s immobile body. “No matter. Watch closely, I'll show you how things are done in our coven”
The rune stone lifts off, floating mid-air against Eishin’s gloved palm, gleaming with a dangerously red light.
Jimin’s face pales. “What are you doing no- no please stop. Whatever it is, I'm sorry! I will fix it please leave Jungkook out of this he—”
The stone vibrates, a high pitched ringing noise filling the blue void. And in the next second, Eishin flicks a finger “Stone to dust, frangere”
It shatters.
Tiny crystals flying in every direction, the sharp edges hitting the wooden floor boards in a faint clink.
Jimin is gasping, grabbing Jungkook’s cheek to wake him up, make him move, anything to get the fuck out of whatever it is that Eishin is planning. Because it definitely doesn't bode well.
Nothing matters though, because the next thing he sees is the stark white owl staring at him from across the tree. Eyes yellow, unblinking, unaware of its power, holding the key to Jimin’s dismay.
No.
Plea—
Hoot.