Stranger | Jikook/Kookmin

40 | Last String of Fate

The difference in timezones did influence them a whole lot and Jungkook is sure they would have managed their time better if they were both in the same country but his commitment only worked to prove his family that he was truly in love with this man.

They showed positive reactions to Jungkook's declaration of his relationship, which Jungkook is really really really grateful for. He still didn't tell them Jimin had a son because Jimin asked him not to, for now, but Jungkook is sure they would okay that too once they got to meet Byeong. 

By the time Jungkook returned to Gidae, Jimin had changed. 

Jungkook teases him still, saying that maybe Jimin will be better off without him since he accomplished so much in the summer, but they both know it's only a joke. Everything had a time, and this summer was Jimin's to conquer. He sorted things out with Taehyung and his father, visited Busan with him for a week even. He holds an energy of life in his eyes, talks about his dreams and things he looks forward to. What makes Jungkook's heart stutter is that he is included in all of them. Jimin never leaves him out. Somehow, somewhere in his plans, Jungkook is always there. 

It makes him feel a little guilty about leaving Jimin in the summer, but he tries not to focus on that aspect, since his family needed him too. He learned from Jimin to not doubt himself as long as he is sure about doing his best, so he will try to be a better partner from today on. After all, they are both new to relationships and it's only natural that they stumble on their way to figuring out the art of balancing responsibilities and priorities in life.

What matters is that they don't dwell on each other's mistakes, but support each other's growth. Way easier said than done, for sure, but Jimin has taken a brave step in that direction this time so Jungkook will strive to do that all the next times.

The bus comes to a stop. 

Jimin turns off the engine and they all jump outside, Jungkook a little slower since he has to put on Byeong's coat. He has been getting better at dressing him but he still lacks at practice and speed when it comes to kid-handling-things. He is working on it. He finds joy in taking care of him like this, especially now that the little one seeks for him naturally.

They are at the burial ground. 

They first visit aunt Yumi's husband and then Jimin and Taehyung's grandparents. They place some fresh some flowers over their graves and talk to them. Jimin shows them Byeong and introduces Jungkook, which gets pretty emotional for Jungkook too, but he hides behind Jimin the whole time to not make it obvious.

From what Jungkook finds out, Jimin and Taehyung's families used to live together with their grandparents when they were young. Later on everybody built themselves a house in the village and they parted, but Jimin used to sleep over at his grandparents' quite often even then. He bears so much love for them that Jungkook wishes they were alive so that he could get to meet them too. 

After the cemetery, they drop aunt Yumi by her friend's house and head to Jimin's grandparents' cottage. It's an old little house resembling a cartoon drawing. There is even a windmill by the garden and an old tractor that hasn't been touched in years. Byeong's excitement peaks as Taehyung unlocks the door, the little boy squeezing Jimin's hand, tiptoeing like he can see past the wood if he grows a tiny bit taller. 

Jungkook and Jimin snicker when their eyes meet. Byeongie is too cute to handle.

"It worked!" 

The announcement causes them to pile up against the door impatiently, nearly falling when it swings open with a kreen. A cloud of dust hits them in the faces, the interior appearing behind the curtain of a fog of cold. Trying to survive the coughs they step inside one by one in the leadership of Taehyung, the bravest one among them all. Jungkook is creeped out by the antiquity of the structure while Jimin looks unprepared to face the memories.  Then there is a wary Byeong whose earlier enthusiasm has died down. He probably expected a cozy home with lots of treats and happiness.