"He lies there unconscious, a result of hours without a meal. As I mentioned, his body is weakened, and he must consume nutritious food. Starving himself for this duration is detrimental, not just for him but also for the baby," Namjoon spoke gently. "Rest assured, I'm prescribing him some vitamins. Ensure he takes them every night."
Taehyung was taken aback to learn that Jimin hadn't eaten for hours, implying he skipped dinner. Why? Was he waiting for Taehyung to return?
"Alright, I'll make sure he takes it," Taehyung replied, glancing at the bed where Jimin lay, still unconscious. "Thank you for coming at this hour, hyung."
"It's my pleasure, Taehyung," Namjoon smiled, grabbing his bag from the couch. "I'll take my leave now. See you soon, Taehyung."
Taehyung nodded. "See you, hyung."
Namjoon left, leaving only Taehyung and Jimin in the room. Taehyung regretted his earlier words to Jimin; he knew he didn't mean any of it. He didn't intend to lash out at Jimin, but something took over him. Taehyung cursed himself for his harsh words, now responsible for Jimin's current condition. Grateful that Jimin wasn't seriously harmed, Taehyung decided to focus on improving his health, taking responsibility for his actions.
Descending to the kitchen, Taehyung decided to prepare food for Jimin. At eleven in the night, he found himself in the kitchen, crafting a vegetable soup and arranging a plate of cut fruits, complemented by a glass of orange juice. A wholesome meal. Carrying the tray upstairs, he discovered Jimin still in a deep sleep. He debated waking him for a meal but couldn't bring himself to interrupt his peaceful rest. Jimin looked ethereal in his slumber, captivating Taehyung's gaze.
Gulping, Taehyung placed the tray on the nightstand, covering the soup to keep it warm until Jimin awoke. If he didn't stir soon, Taehyung resolved to reheat the soup. Sitting next to Jimin on the bed, he continued to observe. The room was softly lit by the moon through the balcony, the nightstand lamp doing little to brighten it. Taehyung turned off the lamp, settling back on the bed next to Jimin.
His gaze lingered.
A gentle breeze wafted through the windows, tousling Jimin's blond locks over his face. Taehyung's hand moved instinctively, brushing the strands away and tucking them behind Jimin's ear. Jimin shifted in his sleep, leaning towards Taehyung's side, revealing his serene expressions. Taehyung gulped, retracting his hand, a mix of guilt and admiration in his eyes.
Jimin's eyes slowly fluttered open.
Before Taehyung could make a move, Jimin was wide awake, and their gaze locked in a brief but meaningful moment.
Taehyung swallowed nervously, avoiding direct eye contact with Jimin. The Omega, Jimin, playfully rubbed his eyes before settling onto the bed. Only then did Taehyung shift his focus to him.
"Hey, A-Are you feeling okay now?" Taehyung's concern echoed in his voice.
Jimin silently nodded in response.
"I've prepared some food for you. Eat," Taehyung urged, delicately placing a tray on the bed. "Namjoon hyung mentioned you haven't eaten in hours. The soup is still warm."
Removing the plate covering the bowl, Taehyung expertly wielded a spoon, swirling the hot soup. Jimin observed the plate and Taehyung with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude.
"Namjoon hyung also prescribed some vitamins. Let's start with the soup, and then you can take the vitamins," Taehyung suggested, extending a spoonful toward Jimin's mouth.
Baffled by Taehyung's abrupt shift in demeanor, Jimin hesitated momentarily before relenting, the growl of his stomach reminding him of his need.
"Did you eat?" Jimin inquired while being fed.
Pausing to blow on the warm soup, Taehyung met Jimin's gaze. "Don't worry about me. You are more important," he whispered, their eyes locking once again.
As Jimin continued to eat, Taehyung's words lingered, creating a gentle, tingling sensation in the pit of his stomach.
"I asked you a question; I need an answer," Jimin pressed. "Did you eat or not?"
Taehyung let out a sigh before responding, "No, but you don't—"
Jimin swiftly cut him off, seizing the spoon from Taehyung's hand and surprising the beta. With practiced ease, he dipped the spoon into the soup, mimicking Taehyung's earlier gesture. Jimin then extended the spoon toward Taehyung.
"Jimin, you don't have to do this. I made this for you," Taehyung mumbled.
Insisting on his point, Jimin asserted, "I want you to share this meal with me." Taehyung couldn't refuse, so he opened his mouth, allowing Jimin to feed him soup. "You are important too," Jimin whispered, their eyes locked. Taehyung swallowed the soup, along with the lump in his throat.
They continued this exchange, feeding each other soup and later indulging in bites of fruit. Thus, they shared their dinner that night.
After carefully placing the tray back on the nightstand, Taehyung retrieved a vitamin pill from the drawer, handing it to Jimin along with a glass of juice. Jimin accepted the offerings without uttering a word.
"Why are you doing this?" Jimin finally questioned, confusion etched across his face. "First, you ignore me, and now you're taking care of me. It's confusing, Taehyung."
Trying to sidestep the question, Taehyung placed the glass and empty tray on the nightstand, sat back down on the bed, and looked away. Jimin scrutinized him, seeking answers.
"What do you mean?" Taehyung asked, seemingly oblivious to Jimin's frustration.
Sighing in exasperation, Jimin replied, "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Taehyung."
Meeting Jimin's eyes, Taehyung offered a hesitant apology. "Jimin, I'm sorry."
Puzzled by the unexpected apology, Jimin looked on.
"I shouldn't have shouted at you and said those rude things," Taehyung admitted, nervously fiddling with his fingers. "I'm sorry you had to go through this because of me."
"No need to apologize, Taehyung," Jimin reassured. "It wasn't because of your shouting. I just skipped lunch today. Nothing serious, really."
"Nothing serious?" Taehyung looked up, genuine concern etched on his face. "Jimin, you fainted, and you're pregnant. You have to take care of yourself and the baby. Namjoon hyung mentioned that these small things need prompt attention to prevent bigger issues. I don't want anything to happen to you, Jimin."
Jimin found himself at a loss for words, grappling with questions about why he hadn't eaten lunch and what was causing his stress. The answers were right in front of him.
A simple nod was all Jimin could manage.
"I'm sorry again," Taehyung apologized, leaving Jimin visibly confused. "Sorry for whatever happened that night. It shouldn't have happened. I'm truly sorry you have to go through something like this."
Taehyung's voice quivered, tears welling up as he continued, "I was drunk. I didn't know what I did or how it happened. I don't remember the whole thing, but I can see glimpses in my brain. I accept that I cheated on Jungkook, with you."
A sniffle escaped Taehyung. "Sorry I shouted at you previously and said, I don't remember anything and that I didn't cheat on him. I was just angry and frustrated with myself, and I didn't think before saying anything. I'm sorry, Jimin."
Surprised by Taehyung's candid confession, Jimin placed a reassuring hand on Taehyung's, gently caressing it. "Hey, don't—don't cry, Tae," Jimin whispered, his own eyes welling up as he observed Taehyung's emotional state.
Taehyung nodded but couldn't prevent his eyes from tearing up. "I'm sorry if I forced myself on you. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I didn't mean to," he confessed, a hint of hesitation in his words, acknowledging the complexity of his actions.
"You didn't make me uncomfortable, Taehyung," Jimin stammered out.
"I wasn't uncomfortable?" Taehyung asked, surprised and confused. If he hadn't made Jimin uncomfortable, did that mean he enjoyed the kiss? But why?
Jimin realized the implication of his words. "Uh, I—I mean I wasn't uncomfortable. I was just s-surprised."
"Oh," Taehyung said. "I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing, Tae," Jimin said. "You did it because you weren't in your senses. You didn't mean any of it," he paused, his last words murmured under his breath but audible enough for Taehyung to hear.
Taehyung's eyes widened at Jimin's words. He quickly responded, "W-what? Of course, I-I didn't mean any of it," avoiding eye contact.
Jimin hummed, and both sat in silence. The only audible sounds were the soft winds from the balcony door and windows, and the white curtains swaying in the breeze.
"I didn't think I would cheat on Jungkook," Taehyung interjected, breaking the silence and capturing Jimin's attention. Jimin looked up, studying Taehyung's profile illuminated by moonlight. The omega couldn't help but appreciate Taehyung's beauty — the deep, oceanic eyes, the thick black lashes, the cute mole on his nose, and the perfect lips forming a V-shaped chin. Taehyung looked ethereal in the moonlight.
At times, Jimin pondered what might have happened if he had met Taehyung before Jungkook. Yet, observing Taehyung's happiness with Jungkook, he couldn't bring himself to interfere with that joy. Could he?
"I loved him," Taehyung's voice trembled, revealing deep hurt. It cracked, and a sniffle followed. "I still love him. So much."
As Taehyung poured out his feelings for Jungkook, Jimin found himself in a state of confusion. Was it jealousy? No, that wasn't it. Jimin couldn't fathom why he didn't harbor jealousy towards Jungkook. With anyone else beside Taehyung, Jimin would have undoubtedly felt a surge of envy. But not with Jungkook. The reasons eluded him.
A solitary tear traced its path down Taehyung's cheek. "I didn't mean to cheat, Jimin. I didn't. I don't know how to face Jungkook now. He doesn't deserve me. He deserves someone who can love him wholeheartedly, someone more loyal. Not someone like me. I hate myself."
"Don't say that, Taehyung," Jimin couldn't bear to witness Taehyung's anguish. "I know you love him, and I can see it in your eyes. You two are perfect for each other. Don't doubt that you deserve him, Tae. You have to talk to him and explain everything. He will understand. If he doesn't, make him understand. Show him your love. Admit it was a mistake, and express your readiness to work through it."
Taehyung met Jimin's gaze again, his eyes pleading. "W-what if he breaks up with me?"
Jimin cupped Taehyung's cheeks, gently wiping away his tears with his thumb. "He won't. He loves you, Taehyung. Why would he break up with you?"
Taehyung sniffed, his eyes closed. "I-I don't know. I don't want to lose him," he sobbed. "I d-don't."
Jimin couldn't hold back his own tears. Taehyung rested his forehead on Jimin's shoulder, seeking solace. Jimin felt his heart race, uncertain of what to do, so he simply sat there, allowing Taehyung to cry on his shoulder. Jimin, too, was hurting and heartbroken. Taehyung loved Jungkook, and he regretted what happened that night. Taehyung didn't have feelings for him. That was the bitter truth. Jimin had to accept it, no matter how difficult.
Jimin moved his hand to the back of Taehyung's head, soothingly caressing his hair. "Shh. It's okay. Everything will be fine, Tae. Don't cry."
Taehyung lifted his head from Jimin's shoulder, making eye contact. Jimin continued to rub his shoulder, saying, "Taehyung, y-you... you should—I mean, we should tell this to Jungkook. He deserves to know."
"I mean, if you want to, of course. He is your boyfriend, and this decision of telling him or not should be yours too. It's okay if you're not ready yet."
"I-I'm," Taehyung stuttered. "I mean, I'm ready. But I just... I-I'm scared."
"I understand you, Taehyung," Jimin reassured. "And it's completely fine. Just take your time, okay? You don't have to pressure yourself. Think about it thoroughly before taking any step. I'll be here for you."
Both locked eyes, sharing a silent understanding.
Taehyung gulped, looking down, finding himself immersed in Jimin's gaze. He nodded and said, "Okay. I-I'll think about it. Thank you for being here for me, Jimin. I thought you might be hating me for—f-for—"
"I can never hate you, Taehyung," Jimin admitted, his heartache evident. Because I love you. "And hey, a friend always comes in handy when needed."
Friend.
"Thank you for being my friend, Jimin," Taehyung expressed, though the word seemed to cause a twinge of discomfort.
Both exchanged smiles.
Jimin sighed, "So, are we finally okay now?"
"Yeah, I guess," Taehyung nodded with a smile on his face. "So, best friends again?" Beta asked, lifting his pinky in front of the omega.
Jimin's heart ached upon hearing that word because he no longer felt like just a friend to Taehyung. However, he couldn't express those sentiments openly. "Best friends," Jimin said, nodding, as he lifted his pinky and interwove it with Taehyung's.
Taehyung smiled, his boxy grin lighting up his face as he observed their linked hands.
Finally, they were together.
As friends, of course.
*
"Oh, come on, Taehyung," Jimin whined like a child from the dining table as Taehyung placed the vegetable soup and bitter gourd juice in front of him. "I'm not drinking that freaking bitter green liquid. Get it away from my sight already. And I had the same vegetable soup yesterday. Why do I have to eat that again? Where are my pancakes?"
"Jimin, stop whining," Taehyung said as he took a seat next to the omega at the table. "It's healthy for you. And it's not just bitter green liquid; it's bitter gourd, very healthy for you. It's good for eyesight and contains various vitamins. I can't afford you getting sick again, so you have to eat these, Jimin. You'll get your pancakes tomorrow. For today, just eat this."
Jimin pouted.
Taehyung sighed. "Stop pouting already. And it's not even that bitter. Just try it once. I promise."
Taehyung took the glass with the bitter liquid, drank a sip, feeling bitterness all over his mouth but not showing it on his face. "Look, it's not even that bad. Come on, now try it."
Jimin took the glass, took a sip, face scrunching at the bitter taste. He pulled the glass away, gagged, pretending to retch. "Ewww, this is so—yuck! I hate this!"
Taehyung chuckled at the expected behavior.
"How can you drink this without making a weird face?"
"Because it wasn't that bitter."
"It was!"
Taehyung sighed.
Beta's eyes landed on alpha, walking down the stairs. Jungkook, dressed in a lemon overfit jacket over a black t-shirt and black silk track pants, settled himself on the chair across them.
"Hey," Jungkook greeted shortly. He came back from Japan this morning. He was about to come this evening but found himself free, so he decided to come home in the morning. After showering, he dressed and came downstairs for breakfast where beta and omega were already sitting.
"Kook," Taehyung called. "Look, Jimin isn't drinking the juice I made for him."
"Because it's more bitter than freaking alcohol!" Jimin whined.
"But it's heal—"
"Yeah, I know. It's healthy and contains all those vitamins and shit!" Jimin rolled his eyes. "Jungkook, you should try it and see."
"Why would he try? It's for you, so you should try it."
Jimin whined.
Jungkook saw both of them fighting over the juice. He looked a little surprised as both were seriously ignoring each other the other day, and now they seem fine. "You guys seem okay now? What happened in my absence that you both are back to being yourselves?" Alpha asked as he took bread from the table and applied butter on it.
Jimin and Taehyung exchanged glances with Jungkook before Taehyung gulped and spoke, "W-we talked things out, and now we're fine, I guess."
Jimin nodded. "Yeah, we're friends again."
"That's cool," Jungkook said, taking a bite of bread. "I thought you both might be starting World War III or something. I'm happy you sorted things out. But why were you both avoiding each other?"
Jimin and Taehyung shared a look. "I-It wasn't that serious, Jungkook. We were just—j-just—" Jimin stuttered, but Taehyung interrupted.
"Why revisit it now? We're okay now. Everything is fine. Let's just focus on the present." Taehyung nervously smiled.
Jungkook hummed.
Hyunjin approached the dining table, catching Jimin's attention. Hyunjin passed a smirk towards Jimin before grabbing an apple from the basket on the table and taking a bite. He winked at Omega before walking away. Jungkook and Taehyung ignored Hyunjin's actions, not even glancing at him when he winked at Omega.
Jimin's breath hitched when he remembered what that wink could mean. Shit! How could he forget that blackmailing thing? He didn't know what to do about it still. He can't tell this to Taehyung, nor to Jungkook. Taehyung clearly told him that he doesn't want to lose Jungkook, and Taehyung still wasn't ready to tell this to Jungkook himself. Jimin doesn't know what to do.
"Jimin," Taehyung called.
"Yeah?" Jimin snapped out of his thoughts.
"Are you okay? You spaced out."
"Ohh." Jimin gulped. "I-I was just thinking about something. Nothing serious."
Taehyung nodded.
They finished the rest of the breakfast discussing random topics. Most of the conversation was between Jimin and Taehyung. Jungkook felt like he wasn't even at the dining table when he saw Jimin and Taehyung talking to each other, laughing, and giggling together.
"I'll only eat the soup if you'll feed me like yesterday," Jimin pouted, crossing his arms. "It tasted better when you fed me."
Jungkook looked up from his plate.
"Jimin, seriously, stop being a child," Taehyung chuckled. "Okay, I'll feed you. Now, stop pouting."
Jimin chuckled, and Taehyung fed him soup like he did yesterday. "Mmm, it's good," Jimin moaned, a smile on his face as he gulped the soup down.
"I know," Taehyung smugly said, patting his own back.
"Wait, I'll do that for you," Jimin said, patting Beta's back. Both laughed out loud.
Jungkook observed the interaction, silent as he ate his food.
*
The day concluded smoothly.
As the night settled in, precisely at 9:30, they had already finished their dinner and retreated to their respective rooms. Jimin, on his way to his room, noticed the open door leading to the backyard. He approached it, finding solitude within its peaceful confines. The backyard, adorned with a pool in the center, surrounded by grass and bushes, held a tranquil ambiance. A lone coconut tree stood in one corner. Jimin made his way to the pool, where water flowed gently with the soft caress of the breeze. Glancing upward, he admired the full moon casting its luminous glow.
It was a beautiful sight.
A smile adorned Jimin's lips as he walked to the pool's edge. Taking off his shoes, he rolled up his pants to his knees and sat by the water, immersing his legs. The cool water induced a slight shiver, but it felt refreshing. Jimin relished the sensation.
Finally, Jimin found a semblance of happiness.
Not entirely, but a fragment. Taehyung had resumed talking to him, extending care as he had in the past. Jimin didn't mind if Taehyung didn't reciprocate his feelings. Content with their renewed friendship, he wished for Beta's happiness. Jimin was aware that Jungkook could offer Taehyung the utmost joy. Despite the pain, Jimin accepted the reality—he had fallen in love with Taehyung, and there was no turning back. His heart belonged to Taehyung.
But Jimin resolved to embrace life. Content with the proximity to Taehyung, receiving care, love, and attention, he acknowledged the temporality of it all. After the baby's birth, he would have to distance himself from Taehyung and... Jungkook.
It wasn't as if he had to sever ties with both of them. They could remain friends, hanging out as usual. However, could he be satisfied with mere friendship?
Jimin neither knew nor wanted to dwell on it.
For now, his focus shifted to dealing with Hyunjin. He needed a plan before Hyunjin could exploit him or share that compromising video. Jimin contemplated hiring strong individuals to confront Hyunjin—
No, that wasn't his thought.
Lost in contemplation, Jimin's gaze shifted to the sky. He became aware of approaching footsteps and turned to find Jungkook walking towards him, hands in pockets. Alpha, clad in only black silk track pants with slightly tousled hair, prompted a gulp from Jimin, who quickly averted his eyes, focusing on the water covering his feet.
As Jungkook reached Omega, silence enveloped them, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets. Jungkook stood next to Jimin. "Hey, what are you doing here so late at night?" Alpha asked, running his hand through his disheveled black hair.
Jimin looked at Jungkook before responding, "O-oh, I couldn't sleep. And it was peaceful here, so I just thought, why not enjoy it."
Alpha hummed, removing his slippers and joining Jimin at the pool's edge. He pulled up his pants a bit before dipping his legs into the water, sighing at the cold sensation against his skin.
"Where is Taehyung?" Jimin asked, creating splashing sounds as he played with the water with his foot.
"He is sleeping," Jungkook answered. "He didn't even say good night to me before sleeping. I was in the bathroom, and when I got out, there he was, sleeping like he hasn't slept for years."
Jimin chuckled.
Jungkook appreciated the sound, prompting him to turn his head to look at Omega.
Jimin gazed up at the sky, his eyes reflecting the beauty of the stars scattered across the dark blanket above. Jungkook's eyes followed Jimin's gaze, focusing on the night sky. Both silently admired the stars.
Noticing the full moon, Jungkook commented, "It's beautiful."
Jimin hummed in agreement, looking to his left. Simultaneously, Jungkook glanced at Jimin. Their eyes met, and Jimin blushed for reasons unknown, though he realized Jungkook referred to the stars.
"So," Jimin cleared his throat. "How's life?"
Jungkook took a moment before responding, "Good," he sighed, "or maybe not."
Jimin observed him closely. "Not? Why?"
Jungkook sighed again, reclining with his hands behind his head, using them as a makeshift pillow while keeping his legs in the water. His eyes remained fixed on the captivating night sky. Jimin mirrored his position.
Jungkook chuckled as he noticed Jimin doing the same.
Jimin turned his head toward Jungkook. "What's up with you? Everything okay?" he asked with concern.
"I don't know," Jungkook sounded tired and somewhat hurt. "It's just—something is changing."
"Who's changing?" Jimin inquired.
"Taehyung," Jungkook whispered.
"Taehyung?" Jimin sought clarification, furrowing his brows in confusion. "You mean Taehyung is changing? What do you mean?"
"I don't know. He just—just seems off," Jungkook whispered. "He doesn't kiss me as frequently as before. He doesn't wish me good morning or good night anymore. He doesn't call me every hour to check up on me. And we rarely talk nowadays. It doesn't even feel like we're in a relationship anymore."
"W-what are you saying?" Jimin was confused, unsure of where this was coming from.
"We haven't had sex for months, Jimin," Jungkook blurted out. "I know relationships are not only about that, but it's not just that. Since the day he started avoiding you, he started distancing himself from me too. I don't know what happened to him. He doesn't even share it with me. When we are together, in something intimate, for the first few minutes we're okay. He kisses me back, but then suddenly he just moves away. I don't know what's wrong with him or what I did wrong that he's running away from me."
Jimin gulped.
"I'm his boyfriend. He should at least share with me if something is bothering him. But he doesn't say anything. He just makes an excuse and gets away from me," Jungkook explained. "I'm tired of him. I'm tired of this relationship. I'm tired of everything. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know how to work this out."
Jimin's eyes widened upon hearing Jungkook's words. "What? Wh-what are you saying?"
Jungkook sighed as he got up from his lying position, now sitting at the edge of the pool, like before. Jimin followed his action. "I don't know, okay? I don't know what I'm saying. I just feel like he is not happy with me anymore. He wants someone who can make him happy and loved. I don't deserve him," Jungkook said in a low voice, looking down at his lap.
"Jungkook," Jimin whispered. "I don't know why you're saying this. You both are perfect for each other. And you are a perfect boyfriend, Jungkook. You always make Taehyung happy. You shouldn't think like that. Where is this even coming from?"
"I don't know," Jungkook whispered. "Just... the things that are happening nowadays are not right. And I don't know what to do about it."
Jimin looked confused. "What things? What are you talking about?"
Jungkook sighed as he tried to find the appropriate words but couldn't say it. Jimin observed Jungkook's face, seeing him struggle to express something he seemed to be hiding.
"Jungkook," Jimin placed his hand on Jungkook's knee. "What is happening? Everything is fine. We all are happy."
"We are not, Jimin!" Jungkook blurted out, surprising Jimin. But then Jungkook looked shocked at his own words, as if he didn't want to say that. "I-I should go and sleep. It's too late already," Alpha murmured as he got up and walked towards his slippers, putting them on.
"Jungkook," Jimin called, but Jungkook didn't listen. Instead, he walked away from there, leaving Jimin alone.
Jimin didn't know what happened to him. Why was he saying that?
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