I deemed this song to be the most fitting for this chapter and I'm sorry
:(((
8.1K+ Words (Basically this is supposed to be 2 chapters but meh, I can't find it right to split this in half) ~ Enjoy, my lovely beans and raindrops!
ᴺᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ; [All We Know]
1:47 ─────o────── -3:14
⇄ ◃◃ Ⅱ ▹▹ ↻
ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮▯▯▯
☆☆Two Hearts Still Beating, On With Different Rhythms☆☆
"Jimin, could you stop doing that, please? I'm starting to have a headache from your constant leg-shaking." Taehyung groaned, massaging his temple with his fingers.
Jimin had been looking anxious ever since he arrived at the library where they promised each other to meet and even though Taehyung's starting to get worried, he's also feeling nauseous because the table keeps shaking along with Jimin's legs.
During the first three hours in the library, Jimin only seemed unfocused. After another two hours, Jimin looked like he was in deep thoughts. An hour after that, Jimin started shaking his legs and sure he doesn't mind it at first but now that almost an hour had passed Taehyung's already getting really distracted and bothered.
"What happened? You don't look great after sucking Mr. Je--" A hand swiftly shut Taehyung's mouth and now Jimin was paying attention to him again with a glare.
"Shut up, will you? And could you not just speak about what you saw like it's something you can casually talk about? What if someone hears you? You're so shameless." Jimin told him in a whisper-shout, his tiny hand disappearing from his mouth but he could only roll his eyes.
"Wow, you're talking to me like I'm the one sucking 'his' dick under that table like no one would walk in at any moment. Shouldn't you be thanking me instead? What if someone else walked in instead of me?" Taehyung talked with a blanked expression as he folded his arms, staring at his hypocrite best friend who seemed to finally realize that he was right so now Jimin's ears and cheeks were turning flushed.
Jimin sighs and gave in, biting his lower lip and looking apologetic since his best friend was right. "You're right, I'm sorry. It's just. . . I'm worried that someone might hear you talking about us."
"Ooh, so there's an us going on now, huh." Now Taehyung looks more interested, leaning on the table towards Jimin with a shit-eating grin. He was invested at how Jimin also looked aghast with his wide blinking eyes from what he blabbered unconsciously.
"No, I mean-it's. . . Ugh, Tae could you stop staring at me like that? I know that look!" Jimin responded with a groan, rolling his eyes because his best friend won't stop staring at him with weird-looking eyes.
"And how do I look like now, hm?" Taehyung teased although he knows exactly what Jimin meant.
"You're staring at me like you want me to admit that I'm having feelings with---with him," Jimin told, his voice turning silent at the end of his sentence. Even looking around to make sure if someone's around.
"Well, are you?" Taehyung asked accusatorily.
"No!" was Jimin's immediate answer with his eyes widening again looking panicked.
"You know I don't do. . . feelings. . . or whatever that is. You, of all people, know that, Tae. So can we please just--just drop this? I don't really want to talk about it." Jimin looked like he wasn't enjoying the topic so instead of prying more, Taehyung sighed in defeat and leaned back with his arms still crossed. He stares at Jimin with a silent apology for bringing up something his best friend doesn't feel comfortable with.
"Fine, I won't ask you anymore." Although he said that, he still looked worried for Jimin who was now avoiding his eyes, staring at their unfinished script with obvious disinterest. Now he feels even more sorry.
Taehyung reached out for Jimin's hands on the table, earning Jimin's attention. "I'm sorry, I know it's both a sensitive topic for both of us and I know it is even more for you. But you do know that I'd still be willing to listen to anything that's been going with you, right? Hoseok-hyung and I will always be here for you and I hope you don't forget that." He told sincerely without breaking eye contact with Jimin.
Jimin looked like he finally calmed down and sighed, interlocking his fingers with Taehyung's longer ones. They always feel comfortable that way, just leaning to each other like they are each other's shield and armor. He doesn't even know what he'll do without a Kim Taehyung in his life.
"I know that, Tae. I always know." Jimin responded with a squeeze in their interlocked fingers. Taehyung brought their intertwined hands and kissed the back of Jimin's hands, a peck on each. It was a silent way of telling his soulmate that he's there and he'll never leave even if Jimin forced him to. He will still cling to Jimin for eternity no matter what.
Taehyung might be always goofing around, looking unserious when it comes to a lot of things but when it comes to Jimin, he seemed to know everything. They've been together for almost all their life so it's no wonder. He's not an idiot not to know that something's changing with Jimin and he knows that it has something to do with Jeon Jungkook. He doesn't know if Jimin is aware but it just shows. There's like this shift in Jimin's behavior in the past days but he doesn't know still whether it's a good or a bad thing. As long as Jimin was fine then he won't do anything. If Jimin doesn't want to talk about it then they won't. At least not until Jimin's ready.
"Can't we just marry each other?" Jimin giggled at Taehyung's sudden proposal and Taehyung felt a little hurt that Jimin finds it a joke when he was being serious so he pouts, making Jimin giggle even more at his antics.
It was Jimin's turn to reach for Taehyung, squishing his soulmate's cheeks with a smile and causing Taehyung's lips to protrude. He finds Taehyung really adorable with those unharmful narrowed eyes directed at him that make the latter looked so tiny.
"You can't say that in front of Hobi-hyung, okay? What if he gets jealous?" Jimin asked with a chuckle, still squishing Taehyung's cheeks. Taehyung only responded with a tsk and a roll of his eyes, holding onto Jimin's hands but not removing it from his face. Instead, he only basked even more to the warmth of Jimin's palms.
"Like he would. He would be the first to congratulate us if we get married since he's been shipping us ever since we met each other. And who said I'm only marrying you anyway? We're having a threesome wedding with Hoseokie, you know? That's my fantasy." They both laughed at Taehyung's weird imagination. His best friend's really such an otherworldly one but he loves him even more because of that.
They both fell into a comfortable conversation once again, talking about random things like they do every time. And in the middle of it, Jimin remembered that he was supposed to have dinner with Jungkook's grandpa so it was brought up.
"What? Really? Will this be finally meeting the family situation?!" Taehyung gasped in surprise and excitement.
Jimin doesn't want to burst Taehyung's bubble because it wasn't exactly meeting the 'family'. Although he wanted to tell Taehyung that it was impossible to actually meet Jungkook's family because they're already gone, he didn't because he respects that it was a matter of Jungkook's personal life.
"Not really, we would have dinner with Jungkook's grandpa only. He got a text earlier and he said that his grandpa wanted me to meet someone. And um, Jungkook told me that his grandpa's been asking me for a while now. He said Mr. Jeon wanted to meet me badly so I couldn't really refuse, it would be rude of me." Jimin made sure that Taehyung would be the only one to hear what he's saying in case someone happened to eavesdrop.
"Wow, that was great, Chim! I hope he would be good to you though because what if he's some rich old man from those cliched films we watched! He could threaten you with a blank check so you would get away and then---"
"Tae, seriously? This isn't some drama you watch from tv." Jimin told with a sigh of exasperation.
"You'd never know. Professor Jeon looks rich, you know? Like, filthy rich. Who even wears different brands of high-class clothes to teach at school? He's even wearing different Rolex watches every other day like he has an endless collection of them. He drives a Mercedes car for fuck's sake. And if that penthouse wasn't already a clue then I don't know what more to add. I'm pretty sure he's not only earning those riches he spends from merely teaching here because if that's the case then I would change my profession and just be a professor." Taehyung rants, working his detective's brain and telling Jimin something he already knows.
But now that Taehyung mentions it, he gets even more curious about what Jungkook does in his office at home and why sometimes Jungkook had to attend sudden night business meetings. He doesn't really ask Jungkook personal things because he's worried that he would appear too nosy and it's not like he really cares. Okay, maybe a little but that's it.
"Help me choose a suit then, please?" Jimin pleads with his eyes, turning nervous because of Taehyung's blabbering. Now that he thinks about it, the scenario about receiving a blank check was a possibility. At least he would look presentable enough to not feel like a broke person when that happens. He could just not accept the check and walk out with class if ever.
Taehyung happily agreed, of course. He loves dolling Jimin up. He spends a few seconds searching for something on his phone and told Jimin what store he chose to buy a suit from, already having lovely ideas on what would look great for his best friend and discarding their plan to finally complete their overdue script for the day.
"Come on, love, get your things. Quick, quick," Taehyung demanding giddily whilst placing his notebooks and pen on his own bag and Jimin obliged. Taehyung looks like an excited puppy and he couldn't help but feel the same.
Taehyung grabs his wrist and they exit the library real quick, almost tripping on each other from how Taehyung was almost running just to get them out of school. When they reached Taehyung's car, Taehyung drove fast but not forgetting to remind him to put a seatbelt on.
"Tae, you can slow down. We still have," Jimin stated whilst looking at his watch. "At least 4 hours before dinner. We'll be there right on time." Taehyung completely ignored his comment and drove even faster Jimin turned afraid of getting into an accident. His best friend has this really wide smile on his lips so he can't really scold him properly.
"I will make you into the most beautiful creature that Professor Jeon and Granpa Jeon had ever seen! Although you're already that, I will make you prettier, Chim!" Taehyung declares and he could only roll his eyes although that actually made him smile.
☔️⛈☔️⛈☔️⛈
Dinner wouldn't be until 7 PM like what his Grandpa told him but he doesn't want to be late so he told Jimin that he'd be waiting at the lounge of the hotel for him at around 6:50. He initially offered to wait for Jimin after classes so they could get their suits at home or if Jimin doesn't have one then he could buy him one before going. But that plan was discarded when Jimin texted him that he was already with Taehyung who was helping him choose a suit for him.
At first, he huffed in annoyance once more, remembering Jimin leaving in the morning, and now he was again with that Taehyung kid. He almost asked for the address of the store but stopped and decided to be the bigger guy and replied with an okay instead and told Jimin that he would just be waiting for him then.
So now he was waiting for Jimin to arrive at the lounge, like he promised, anxiously staring at his watch that reads 6:40 already. He bites his lower lip, his right leg shaking from impatience. What was taking Jimin so long with that Taehyungie of his anyway?
He huffs for another time, annoyed at remembering that nickname once again.
It seems like he's been waiting for hours already although it wasn't even 10 minutes since he arrived himself. It wasn't even 6:50 yet so Jimin wasn't exactly late. Maybe he was just nervous too and having Jimin by his side would really help right now that's why he's getting impatient.
He was about to text Jimin after another two unbearable minutes passed when his phone chimed with a text message from the person he's been waiting for.
=========================
From: "My Feisty Wife ❣️"
6:43 PM - Where are you?
I'm already here.
=========================
Bringing his phone in his pocket after reading the message, he stood from his chair and started looking for Jimin.
And there he found him coming in from the entrance of the lounge beside the Taehyung kid but he couldn't seem to care at the moment, his eyes solely focused on Park Jimin and Park Jimin only.
And wow.
Just wow.
When they finally meet each other's eyes, Jimin waved at him and smiled faintly. He knew he should walk towards Jimin but fuck, how do you walk again? Do you start from your left foot or right foot? Or should you move with both? He was short-circuiting. All he could do was gulp a mouthful because wow, really.
How could Park Jimin look so fucking hot and beautiful all at once?
Jimin was wearing a black suit that screams luxurious by how it was tailored to perfection for him. Or maybe it was Jimin who made it look expensive. He was actually believing the latter.
Jimin was walking with such confidence and elegance, his strides and looks earning attention from the guests around them without him even asking for it. It was like the lounge was Park Jimin's own runway. He looks mesmerizing. And for a moment, Jungkook forgot that that was his husband. His Park Jimin and no one else's. He feels way too lucky.
"Uh. . . hey," Jimin greets him when he didn't even realize that Jimin was already in front of him beside Taehyung.
"Jungkook?" He just stared. Fucking stared. Like a total idiot.
He wasn't even aware until Jimin called his name again so as to not look even dumber, he cleared his throat to clear his head (which was even harder since now that Jimin was actually in front of him, he could take a closer look at Jimin's perfectly-styled and pushed back hair, could smell his alluring scent, could see those full lips with what looks like a cherry lip gloss, or was that strawberry? Never mind, he could just taste it later to know for himself---No, no, no, fuck! That wasn't the plan. He shouldn't do that. Because that would be rude. But if Jimin would allow it then he would gladly do it to get a taste. Just to know if that lip gloss is really cherry or strawberry, nothing else.)
"Hey, you're uh. . . finally here," As soon as he finished his greeting, he groaned and cursed himself internally. That was so dumb. And whilst he was wearing a Saint Laurent on, he feels underdressed.
He sees the Taehyung kid whispering something that made Jimin giggle and whilst he got distracted at those giggles, he also finally snaps back to reality when he realized how Taehyung and Jimin were standing too close for his liking.
"I think we need to go. Grandpa will be here any moment now." His tone was firm and a little condescending, his stance turning intimidating. He passes a glance at Taehyung and hopes that Taehyung would get that as a signal to finally fuck off.
It seemed to work because Taehyung looked uncomfortable. Taehyung looked like he got his message but when he thought that the latter was finally about to leave, he leaned again to whisper something to Jimin. He even cupped Jimin's ear for him not to read his lips at whatever shit he was possibly spouting and that made him even more irritated. It didn't help that Jimin produced another giggle that made him bitter because the Taehyung kid seemed like it's easy to make Jimin laugh like that.
After a few seconds of Jungkook glaring at Taehyung and gritting his teeth with a promise that he will give a load of tasks to the latter to make his school life a living hell, Taehyung finally faced him with an uncomfortable smile.
"I'll be going then, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung told him with a bow.
Jungkook only nods, relieved that Taehyung was finally leaving. Then Taehyung suddenly leaned in to give a peck at Jimin's left cheek with a sweet smile that finally made him clench his fists and scoff in disbelief.
"Take care, babe. I'll see you tomorrow." Taehyung didn't even break eye contact with Jimin, staring at Jimin with such loving eyes, and that made Jungkook finally snap.
Jungkook grabbed Jimin's wrist towards him which he earned a gasp from Jimin. He possessively slides his arm around Jimin's waist whilst waving a dismissive hand at Taehyung and faking a polite smile when it was far too murderous for it to look polite.
"Yeah. Thanks for driving my husband, you can go." That sounded too urgent and curt for someone really thankful but he doesn't care. And for a moment, he saw Taehyung exchanging a glance at Jimin like it was a code for only the two of them before he left. Fucking finally.
"Come on, we'd be late." He didn't want to release his hold on Jimin's waist but he's afraid that Jimin might be uncomfortable walking that way so he insisted on holding Jimin's hand as they walk towards the elevator to get to the floor where they would be having their dinner.
Jungkook cleared his throat when they were finally alone in the elevator. "What was he whispering to you earlier?" Not wanting to sound nosy, he said it like it was a passing comment, not even staring at Jimin's eyes.
He heard Jimin chuckled lightly.
"Oh, nothing important. He just told me you looked like you're about to snap his neck so he excused himself already not wanting to seem like a bother." Well, that was only one-third of the truth. But Jimin decided to lie to save his best friend's ass.
Taehyung said a lot more than that, actually. He said things like: My plan worked, Chim! He's eye-fucking you already and it's not even two minutes yet since we arrived. He's totally drooling at you, it's hilarious!
Or like: Oops, he's glaring at me. If he kills me because he looked way too jealous but doesn't want to admit it then please avenge me! Don't give him your ass and make his dick starve! And look at this to prove my point. And then Taehyung kissed his cheek which was normal for both of them. After that, he saw the look Jungkook was giving his best friend and it made him satisfied. When he stared back at his best friend, Taehyung's eyes were already screaming at him with an: See? I told you so!
But Jungkook doesn't need to know that. He wouldn't risk Taehyung getting murdered.
"Did I?" Jungkook told with a tsk. He was about to, actually. Thank God that Taehyung kid still has a functioning brain.
When the elevator finally opened on the right floor, an employee was already guiding them towards their table like he's been waiting for them all along. Passing a few tables, they were told that Mr. Jeon already arrived a few minutes ago so Jimin started feeling anxious, wondering if they were late because of him. He got even more nervous when he finally sees their table and someone he perceived to be Jungkook's grandpa but he couldn't tell since his back was turned against them and he hasn't really met him.
Sensing Jimin's discomfort, Jungkook squeezed Jimin's hand as they grew closer to their table. He leans close to Jimin's ear.
"Relax, Jimin. I'm pretty sure Grandpa would like you, there's nothing to worry about." Jungkook reassures him but Jimin still couldn't help but feel his nerves eating him whole. Instead, he gives Jungkook a small smile which Jungkook gave back with a more comforting one.
"You'll be fine. I'm here, aren't I?" Hearing Jungkook telling him that seems to ease him a little so inhales and exhales to make himself calm down.
"You look beautiful, by the way." And that was what made Jimin's heart tug for some reason, cheeks warming up at the compliment. It's not like he hadn't received such a compliment before, it's just the way Jungkook tells him that that made it different. Maybe a little special as well.
"Thank you," Jimin whispers softly, "You look beautiful too," he added as an afterthought, looking away and failing to notice the small smile that Jungkook had on his face as the latter stares at him in awe.
When they arrived at their table, Jungkook was the first one to bow politely to his grandfather as Jimin followed the gesture. Jungkook's grandfather gave a low chuckle and stood from his chair to give Jungkook a hug.
"It's been a while, grandson. I hope you're doing well, my boy," Unlike what Jimin expected, Jungkook's grandfather actually sounds caring and cheerful, really far from what he was ready to face. He almost feels guilty that he thought he would be someone he wouldn't like.
"I am Grandpa, no need to worry about me. It's you I should worry about, I'm sorry I haven't been visiting often." Jungkook sounds different, his tone a lot relaxed and comfortable. He seems like a different Jungkook, someone younger than his actual age.
"Is he Jimin?" Now that he was addressed, Jimin flinched for a second but composed himself.
"It's great to finally meet you, Mr. Jeon. I'm Park Jimin," he told as he bowed at Mr. Jeon and smiled politely after, hoping that it wouldn't look too nervous. When Mr. Jeon walked towards him, he was already reaching his hand out for a handshake but instead he was greeted with a hug. At first, he felt stoic he couldn't move but after a while, he also returned the hug with a soft and awkward pat on Mr. Jeon's back.
When Mr. Jeon pulled away to look at him, the old man had a smile on his face. "I'm glad to have finally met my grandson's husband. I've been meaning to meet you for a long time." Jimin hears the sincerity behind those words and it made him embarrassed.
"I apologize, I should've made it a priority, Mr. Jeon." Jimin shyly replied but Mr. Jeon only chuckled at his timidness.
"You can call me Grandpa like how Jungkook calls me, that would make me happy." Jimin's eyes widened for a moment before he blinked his eyes upon realizing what Mr. jeon just said.
"O-Of course, it would be a pleasure, Mr.--Uhm, I mean, Grandpa." It was still new to his tongue but it felt comfortable for some reason. He doesn't know why but he couldn't feel confident since he's not good at things such as this.
When they all settled to sit back again, Jungkook's hand that enveloped his own from his lap comforted him. Jungkook wasn't even looking at his way since he was having a conversation with his grandfather but he was thankful for the gesture. It was like Jungkook knows he's feeling uneasy so he was trying to reassure him and tell him that he was there. He stopped fiddling with his suit, Jungkook's warm hand enough to ease him. It was even better when he made an action to intertwine their fingers and Jungkook let him. Jungkook didn't shake his hand away but instead rubbed the back of his hand with his thumb. It was so soothing that he forgot why he was even nervous in the first place.
Only basking at the way Jungkook didn't stop rubbing the back of his hand and knuckles, he got lost in his own thoughts. Jimin didn't seem to hear the arrival of other guests that would be joining them for dinner.
And it was too late to ready himself for what happened next.
Jungkook's thumb stopped caressing his hand. Suddenly, the warmth from Jungkook's hand started turning cold and his grip got firmer. When he stared at Jungkook, the latter's gaze was on someone.
Jungkook suddenly had this expression on his face. But it wasn't a good look on him. Jungkook actually looks like he saw a ghost, his face contorted; from discomfort, from pain, from shock, from sadness, Jimin couldn't tell. Maybe a mix of all those.
When he looks up to see what got Jungkook's attention, he saw her.
She looks oddly familiar. Did he meet her before?
Although Jimin was sure he hadn't because really, he couldn't possibly forget an elegant-looking person like that if he had met her before. Why does he still think he saw her somewhere before though? Is she a model? An actress, maybe? She might've appeared on television.
Not wanting to look rude, he stood and also brought Jungkook's hand with him so they could both greet the new guests like what Mr. Jeon already did. He meets her gaze after she hugged Jungkook's grandpa and they both smiled at each other. For a moment, he saw her gaze fall on his intertwined hand with Jungkook. Feeling embarrassed, he tried to pull his hand away from Jungkook's hand but instead, Jungkook gripped his hand tighter for some reason.
Jungkook was back to his cool demeanor, reaching his hand out for the lady as they greeted each other curtly and shook hands which didn't last for even a few seconds because Jungkook pulled away immediately as if burnt. Jungkook also shook hands with the other guy who--wait, that guy he knows! But why the hell is that guy there?!
When they meet each other's gaze after shaking hands with Jungkook, it's like the guy also recognized him because the guy gasped with his eyes widening.
"Oh, it's you! The elevator guy," The guy pointed at him giddily, his impassive look earlier turning cheery as he addressed Jimin. But Jimin wasn't impressed but he hopes it doesn't show on his face because really? What was up with the 'elevator guy'?
"Did we meet before? I'm sorry but. . . I'm not really good at remembering faces." Jimin told with an awkward smile to look even more like he was unsure about the guy. Of course, he would remember that dude. How can't he when that guy was ogling at Jungkook before right in front of his face? But he doesn't really want to address him neither acknowledge his presence right now for some reason so he chose to act like he doesn't have a bit of memory of said guy.
"I-Is that so? Sorry, I must've sounded too casual then," the guy now looks sheepish, probably embarrassed of how he just addressed Jimin earlier. And so he straightened up himself and cleared his throat whilst he offered his hand towards Jimin with a slight but still unsure smile.
"I'm Kang Shinjun by the way, it's nice to meet you. I would love to say again but it seems you don't remember me so. . ."
Jimin stares at his outstretched arm and contemplates for a while before he grabs it and shook Shinjun's hand. He wouldn't really want to appear rude in front of Jungkook's grandpa and guest. He could feel Jungkook's stares on his peripheral vision but he chose to ignore it, not wanting to explain anything to Jungkook if ever he remembered the guy they once met at the parking lot.
After they finished each other's greetings, they fell into small conversations. At least that was how it is for Jungkook's grandpa and the guests on their table. Jungkook looks like he doesn't also feel like joining their conversation. In fact, he noticed that Jungkook has been acting strange ever since the guests arrived. He looked uncomfortable and he refused to look up from his plate ever since which was a bit odd because when they arrived, Jungkook looked relaxed around his grandfather.
Maybe Jungkook wasn't just good with having guests around.
He had second thoughts on what to do but in the end, Jimin slowly reached for Jungkook's hand that was on the latter's lap and held it. He offered a small smile that he somehow hopes would look a little comforting as Jungkook looked his way. He was thankful that it somehow worked by the way Jungkook's lips curled up even just a little.
"You okay?" Jimin asked in a whisper as he leans in so Jungkook could only hear it. Jungkook squeezed their now interlaced hand and offered him a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just--not really hungry," was Jungkook's response but the way Jungkook avoided his stares made him believe that it wasn't the sole reason why Jungkook was acting that way. Not wanting to pry and appear nosy, he just brushed his thumb against the back of Jungkook's hand, returning the gesture Jungkook did for him earlier.
When Jungkook looks at him again, his smile grew a little wider making his heart tug a little. He wasn't sure why but he felt a little proud for reaching out to Jungkook's hand.
"You worry too much," After Jungkook told him that with still that smile on his face, he leans in until his lips touched Jimin's temple. It was a brief kiss, Jungkook pulling away immediately after but it didn't fail to make Jimin flustered.
They still have guests and Jungkook's grandpa on the table and Jimin was just hoping that they didn't see it because that would be really embarrassing. Jungkook doesn't seem to bother though. Instead, Jungkook only smiles at him and he finally relaxed knowing that the expression on Jungkook's face earlier finally disappeared.
In the middle of dinner, Jimin excused himself to go to the restroom. Although he was having second thoughts because Jungkook never once let go of his hand as if he was the sole reason why Jungkook's still not fleeing from their table. He still doesn't know why Jungkook was behaving the way he was but he chose not to question it.
After freshening up a little, brushing back a few hair strands behind his ears from the mirror, and straightening his suit, he stepped out of the restroom but halted on his steps once his eyes met a familiar figure.
They seemed to both notice each other in surprise since the elegant lady also stopped in her tracks and gave Jimin a smile. She also seemed to have excused herself to the restroom since she came out of there which was only in front of the male's one.
"I think we haven't properly introduced ourselves yet," she might've noticed how awkward Jimin was behaving so she decided to start a conversation and Jimin was more than thankful, not really knowing what to say.
He still couldn't quite remember where she had seen her and yes he was sure that she was really familiar after staring at her for a few moments on their dinner table.
"I'm Lalisa, but I prefer people calling me Lisa instead. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Park." She reached out her hand with a still genuine smile adorning her facial features. From what Jimin sees, she looks like a sweet person, her round eyes making her look even more friendly so he relaxes and also reached for her hand for the second time that night.
"The pleasure's all mine. And you can just call me Jimin, Mr. Park is actually addressed for my dad." They shared a smile with each other as Lisa nods her head. It wasn't really the perfect time and the perfect place to actually introduce themselves to each other but somehow her presence makes Jimin feel at ease.
"You look really handsome and that suit looks like it's perfectly tailored just for you, no wonder Jungkook chose you as his husband. That lucky guy," She speaks her thoughts out like it was so natural for her to do and she pouts, actually pouts.
She was staring at Jimin like he was some fine specimen and Jimin feels a little embarrassed at being ogled by a pretty lady who was doing it really obviously like she doesn't care if he'd mind. Sure, Jimin was used to people staring at him but he felt like it has been so long since he actually paid attention to those kinds of attention.
And he badly wanted to correct her, tell her that Jungkook didn't exactly choose him and that they both had no choice. But telling her that would mean also telling her that their marriage was made out of a contract and that thought alone makes his heart tug ugly a little. He couldn't put words to explain what he's feeling at the moment so he brushed it off like he always does. It's not like it means anything anyway. Right?
And then Jimin sees her expression changed, her eyes widening a little as if she remembered something.
"Oh right, I couldn't ask Kookie about it in front of grandpa Jeon but is he doing great now? That jerk isn't really replying to my messages. . . although I'm not sure if he's actually receiving it." She contemplates for a while, her stares coming back to Jimin like she's waiting for him to answer.
But Jimin was lost. Why is she calling Jungkook 'Kookie'? Does that mean that they know each other even before this? But that can't be, they barely address each other earlier, or more like, Jungkook only answers her few questions with little to no words at all and would just settle with a shrug or a nod so he couldn't tell.
And what exactly does she mean by asking if Jungkook was doing great? Jungkook doesn't really look like he was having complications or anything serious that would get his attention.
Jimin might've also shown the obvious confusion on his expression, failing to hide it before she speaks of another question that made him realize what it was all about.
"Uhm, didn't Kookie tell you?"
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"Why didn't you tell me?" It was in their silence, the tension. . . the awkwardness, but it was in Jungkook's lack of explanation that Jimin felt most betrayed. He doesn't even understand why he felt that way but it's not like he could control his own emotions.
"Because it's not important," Jungkook uttered without even batting an eye in his direction, attention completely on the road as they passed by some cars.
After their dinner, they parted with Jungkook's grandpa. Jimin faked being okay throughout dinner for the sake of being polite, not wanting to be rude to Jungkook's grandpa who went out of his way to invite them to dinner.
Jungkook seemed to notice his foul mood though the moment he sat beside him and asked him what was wrong but he ignored his presence. Even if Jungkook tried to reach for his hand again, he withdrew it harshly even before their hands touched, ignoring the way Jungkook looked disappointed from his peripheral vision. But he's not really sure and he chose not to care.
The moment they entered the car though, Jimin told Jungkook what he knew from what Lisa told her.
The obvious shift in Jungkook's expression was instant, his expression hardening the moment Jimin asked him why he didn't tell him anything. Why he chose to possibly hide it for whatever reason he had. And maybe Jungkook just doesn't really think that it was his business, to begin with, so why would he tell him in the first place. The last idea that grew in his head got the best of him that's why he was even mad in the first place.
But instead of answering, Jungkook chose to drive away from the parking lot, not telling him anything so now they were arguing in the most dangerous way possible because Jungkook looked really pissed off about him knowing what he's not supposed to know so he was speeding up the car but Jimin doesn't give a fuck if Jungkook would bring them to their death right now.
"And who decides that exactly?" Jimin retorted, frustrations climbing up in his head. Jungkook didn't even bother to tell him.
"Jimin, could we please. . . just please. . . I don't really want to talk about it right now." There was already a hint of annoyance in the way Jungkook speaks but Jimin doesn't care. He doesn't really think that Jungkook's in the right to be mad at this situation.
"Oh, really?" Jimin told in a scoff, glancing at Jungkook's way. "But I want to. I'd actually love to hear what you have to say with what she said--"
"Shut the hell up, Jimin." Jungkook already looked like he's seething but it didn't really stop Jimin. Instead, he felt even more riled up to ask more questions so another scoff escaped from his lips.
"What? I thought it wasn't important? So why can't you tell me what exactly happened?" Jimin taunted, his gaze completely focused on Jungkook's side profile that he could even see the veins that are starting to pop on Jungkook's arms from how much Jungkook seemed to be gripping on the wheel.
"Because there's nothing to say, Jimin! Why can't you simply settle with that answer?!" Jungkook finally shouted, refusing to still glance at Jimin. Instead, he settled on speeding their car even faster as it roars on the road.
Jimin gritted his teeth, his hands clenching tight. Knowing that he won't get an answer from Jungkook, he also looked straight forward instead of on the latter.
"Stop the car." Jimin voiced out, his hands clenched tight on the seatbelt but he doesn't show any fear even though Jungkook straight out ignored him, their speed limit alarmingly starting to make him feel nauseous but he couldn't tell if it's really because of their speed or because of the tension forming between them that's making him feel breathless.
"I said stop the car, Jungkook." He looks at Jungkook with his furrowed eyebrows this time, his glares directed at Jungkook whose hands were only gripping on the wheel by the way Jimin sees it.
It makes Jimin even more furious because Jungkook wasn't listening. He was only thanking God that they were on a not-so-busy highway so if they're lucky they're not really going to die even if Jungkook passed by those few cars with their speed limit.
Knowing that Jungkook wouldn't really listen to him, he made an act of removing his seatbelt and planning to jump out of the car despite their speed. Because if that's the only way to escape the tension between them right now then so be it, he's ready to die. But when he was about to open the car door he heard it locked.
"Stop acting immature Jimin for fuck's sake we're in the middle of the road!" Jungkook shouts, gripping Jimin's left arm in a tight grip and putting him back to his place, their speed slowing even just for a little.
"That's why I told you to stop the fucking car, asshole!" Jimin seethes, pushing away Jungkook's grip away from his arm which started to hurt.
"No," Jungkook spoke with finality in his voice and Jimin was already seeing red from anger but instead, he chose to huff and didn't speak, not having a choice but to put his seatbelt back on.
The moment they arrived in their hotel, Jimin waited for Jungkook to unlock the car door and the moment he heard it, he removed his seatbelt and stormed out, slamming the car door harshly. He marched his way to the elevator, his card beeping on the access scanner to get him to the penthouse.
The elevator was about to close but like a life ruiner, Jungkok walks in without bated breath and now they had to be in the same space for another time in another tension-induced air that's making Jimin feel out of breath, sucking his oxygen out like it was replacing his system with unwanted poison.
When the elevator finally stopped on their floor, it was Jungkook who got out first this time to enter the code and go inside their so-called home. Yeah, more like just another space to kill each other with their own presence this time around.
It was when the door was about to close on him that Jimin finally lost the last string of his patience. He wanted answers and he will get them no matter what. Jungkook could tell him obvious lies and try to bullshit his way on his questions, just not this. Not the silence since he could never stand it.
"Are you really not going to talk to me about it? Why would you even hide something like that from me, Jungkook?" Jimin says as he trails behind Jungkook, who also stopped in his tracks.
The latter was balling his fists beside him now, not looking at Jimin but Jimin could sense Jungkook's agitation, his need to run away. Like Jungkook wasn't used to getting confronted. But he won't stop now that he finally get Jungkook to listen to what he has to say.
"You had to be hospitalized for days to recover, Jungkook. Is that. . ." Suddenly, Jimin's voice was starting to weaken, his vigor about knowing what caused Jungkook to be involved in an accident disappearing slowly.
More than wanting to know about what really happened and why Jungkook kept it from him, now Jimin wanted to know why Jungkook did it, if Jungkook was possibly having a problem he wasn't telling him. He wanted to help him if he could. If only Jungkook would tell him what's going on with him then maybe they could share Jungkook's burden.
Because what happened to Jungkook wasn't something someone would do just because they wanted to forget things momentarily. Jungkook must've been feeling far deeper pain and sorrow to do what he did. Fuck, Jungkook could've died.
Jimin feels like shit. He felt like a failure for not noticing anything if that's actually the case. He was with Jungkook all this time but he didn't once feel like Jungkook was dealing with something he should be concerned about and that's eating him alive now.
"Is that the reason why you didn't contact me for more than a week that time? Because you were in the hospital? But you could've. . ." could've just told me and I'll go to you, was what Jimin wanted to say but didn't. It felt wrong to say it. Why does it feel so wrong?
Lisa told him that she somehow met Jungkook on that business trip for work and then suddenly one day, she got a call from Jungkook's secretary telling her that Jungkook was found unconscious in front of his hotel room. Said that the doctor told her that it was actually alcohol poisoning that made Jungkook lose consciousness and that if they hadn't brought Jungkook on time then it could've been even more dangerous.
Thank God, that a hotel staff saw Jungkook's unconscious body and immediately called for help so Jungkook was brought to the hospital. Thankfully, it was only a wrist sprain that Jungkook got from falling suddenly on the floor which could be even worse but he had to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring.
Sure, what Lisa told him mortified Jimin, more so because all this time he didn't know. Jungkook had a lot of time to tell him but he didn't. And that's what made Jimin furious, hurt, more than anything. Because to him, that seemed like Jungkook doesn't trust him at all. Doesn't feel like he could lean on him. And that's what hurts the most.
"You could've died because of alcohol poisoning, Jungkook. If it weren't for the staff then something more might've happened to you worse than--"
"Why do I even have to tell you?" Jungkook cuts him off, finally staring at him with his cold gaze as if his very presence was irking Jungkook off.
"Who do you think you are, Jimin?" Jungkook hasn't looked at him like this before, with a stare so stoic he felt like he's not supposed to even be there. Jungkook's stares were making him feel insecure, bare, and broken. It was like Jungkook couldn't get why he was prying. Like he doesn't have a single right to even ask.
Jimin wasn't exactly sure if it was his pride that was hurting because Jungkook doesn't feel like he could rely on him for Jungkook not to tell him that. He's not sure if it's his pride or his own feelings that were getting stepped on at that moment. All he knows is that it pains him to even hear Jungkook asking him why he needs to tell him. Is he that unimportant to Jungkook?
That must be it.
"I'm your husband too, Jungkook! I'm not just your student!" Jimin yelled in anger, his eyes already turning teary. "I am asking because I worry for you! I fucking care that much to ask so why can't you get that?!"
Jimin didn't know if he said that to try and make sense to Jungkook that he has the right to question him or to defend himself from his own hurtful doubts about what Jungkook really thinks of him.
Jungkook only stared at him with a mocking scoff and a grin on his face as he starts untying his tie. And for the first time, Jimin didn't find the expression endearing or charming. Instead, he despised it, that look that Jungkook was using to address him right now. He suddenly felt pathetic.
Jungkook finally removed his tie around his neck and he stares at Jimin with a cold look in his eyes, expression still the same, and Jimin doesn't know why he felt like this wasn't the Jungkook he knows.
This isn't the Jungkook who could argue with him because of something stupid. This is not the Jungkook who would scold and mock him for writing shit. This is not the Jungkook who loves to tease him just because he said he wanted to see the annoyance on his face, claiming that Jimin looks cute with it. This is not the Jungkook who would secretly smile at something he does stupidly without really being discreet, not the Jungkook who loves to cuddle and sleep with him these days, who would cook for him because he sucks at it. This is not the Jungkook who kisses him with both passion and care, who hugs him because he said he feels so soft and squishy. This is not the Jungkook who held called him beautiful earlier, felt awed at him and held his hand dearly to comfort them both.
This isn't his Jungkookie.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Jimin," Jungkook told him with an unamused grin. And as if that wasn't enough, "We both know that this marriage is purely business," Jungkook added before he walked upstairs, leaving Jimin with the sudden realization that Jimin wished he didn't know that moment.
Just when he finally found his answer. . . Jungkook had to draw the line.
And he was the pathetic one who believed, hoped. . . that maybe he could give love another chance. But like the idiot that he was as if he never learned from his past experiences. . . there he goes again. . . giving his heart bare to those who wouldn't take responsibility for it.
Of course, Of fucking course it would turn out like this. It always does when it comes to him. Because maybe he was the problem. That must be it. There was no other reason he could find.
They leave him because he is undeserving.
He doesn't deserve to be loved, that is.
Why does he have to realize that he loves Jungkook now? Why now of all times? Why must it be this time when Jungkook made it obvious how that will end up?
And yes, he now knows that he fell in love with Jungkook, tragically.
And yes. . .
He also now knows that Jungkook would never feel the same. How could Jungkook love someone like him anyway?
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