Let's Not Do That Again

Chapter Four: Love Tangle

Hoseok and Jungkook were both on edge, irritable. They were worried about Jimin. Yoongi had called and said Jimin was sick, but didn't ask them to get medicine or anything. Jungkook had barely made it through the interview, trying to smile and look natural, but he knew his face showed he was upset.

They were both in favor of going home right away, but the other guys wanted to get some lunch first, and Namjoon wanted to pick up some rice porridge to take back. So, the time passed slowly, Hoseok and Jungkook sticking together in their misery, and throwing an arm over each other every now and then for support.

Finally, they were back home, porridge in hand. They found Yoongi and Jimin playing video games on their computers. Jungkook threw the porridge down next to Jimin. "You don't look sick," he accused.

Hoseok stood behind Jimin and rubbed his shoulders, then checked Jimin's temperature, running his hand softly around Jimin's face. Jimin shook him off, looking sullen and a little pale.

"I'm okay," he said roughly. "I'm fine. I just needed to rest."

Yoongi shouted as he conquered some part of his game, and Jimin pushed his chair away from the console, disgusted. "I'm done," he said.

"Yoongi, you want to share my porridge?" Jimin asked. Yoongi didn't look up. "Naw," he said, "that's for you. I touch that and Jungkook will probably cut off my balls."

Jungkook nodded solemnly. "Probably," he agreed.

Jimin picked up the bag and fished around for a spoon. Jungkook grabbed the bag. "You should eat at the table," he ordered, and Hoseok grabbed Jimin by the elbow, pushing him into a chair at the table.

"Guys, really, I'm okay. Can't you see I'm fine?" Hoseok put the bowl in front of Jimin, and Jungkook placed a napkin next to it.

"Really?" Jimin asked. Hoseok and Jungkook sat in other chairs at the table, facing Jimin, expectantly waiting for him to take a bite. Hoseok grew impatient and grabbed the spoon from Jimin, dipping it into the steaming bowl, and blowing on the spoon before putting it up to Jimin's lips. Jimin gave him a dirty look and grabbed the spoon back, putting it into his mouth.

"Mmmmm," he said. "See? It's good. I can eat by myself, now." Hoseok and Jungkook relaxed a little, but were obviously not going to leave until Jimin had eaten it all. Jimin looked angrily at the wall, then shoveled bite after bite into his mouth. When he'd scraped the bowl clean, Hoseok and Jungkook relaxed, and Jungkook scooted his chair closer to Jimin.

He spoke quietly in Jimin's ear. "Wanna take a walk with me?" Jimin face paled even more, and he glanced quickly over to Yoongi, who looked up from his game and nodded.

Jimin pushed his chair away from the table with a scrape. He looked at the floor for a moment, then squared his shoulders and headed for the door. Hoseok watched him closely, a worried frown creasing his brow, but didn't say anything as he watched Jimin and Jungkook put their shoes on and go out the door.

Yoongi threw down the controller with a growl, tension coiled in his body. He shook with the effort of not following Jimin out the door, wondering if when he came back, there would still be any place for him. He went to get a drink of water, but ended up standing at the sink, gripping the stainless steel until his knuckles were white.

Hoseok moved quietly and stood behind him, gripping his shoulder, but not saying a word.

Jimin and Jungkook were walking down the street, collars up and beanies on, their breath steaming the air. They were quiet, neither knowing what to say.