VOTE GOAL: 50
A/N: LET'S DO VOTE GOAL!!! AT 50 votes before I update my next chapter. Since there are about a hundred of you who reads in each chapter, can we please try this? I know you guys appreciate my book, but can you please show it by voting? I'm going to shamelessly asking you to vote since I've poured my heart on writing this, and I kinda deserve it. Thank you always. <3<3<3
Chapter 20: Apart
"Jimin-ah! Are you finally done?" Park Yuna shouts at the top of her lungs from downstairs. She knows Jimin doesn't like to be punctual. He will be exactly on time or a few minutes late. "Get your ass down here I'm telling you. Do you really want to miss the flight?"
"Almost done eomma! I'm coming in five minutes." Jimin shouts back from his bedroom closet. Checking one last time before locking up his two packages, Jimin is kneeling on his luggage in order to zip them up. Thanks to his eomma who didn't make it easy by packing all the Korean seasoning, instant noodles and Jimin's favorite snacks. Jimin claimed more than 10 times that he can always get them there in the US, but eomma has to be eomma-ing. Jimin chuckles thinking of how his dad also tried to pack all the coats he owns because just in case.
Instead, Jimin ends up packing only several of his coats and cardigans. He only brings his favorite pajamas, bathroom essentials, skincare, clothes and shoes which already take up two luggages. He looks around his room again to make sure he gets everything he really needs. There is some stuff he can get later when he reaches, and some can't really be replaced. Scanning through his bed,
security blanket, checked.
Pillow spray, checked.
Chargers, checked.
Power banks, checked.
Stationary, later.
Laptop, checked.
Jimin also scans through the bathroom one last time since he's very specific with his essentials. Jimin needs them.
Shower gel, checked.
Purple shampoo, checked.
Leave on conditioner, checked.
Towel, checked.
Skincare, checked.
Hair dryer, checked.
Now for flight essentials, Jimin steps into his walk-in closet, he looks around and reopens every drawer just to make sure he's got everything.
Travel size hand cream, checked.
Travel size skincare, checked.
Overnight face mask, checked.
Spare socks, checked.
Spare underwears, checked.
His favorite yellow shorts, ah... no.
Jungkook's shirt, what?
Jimin purses his lips into a line. The last two items are not even placed for his eyes to see easily. Jimin already made sure he kept it far away from him. As far as the guest room. Turns out it's not far enough. His mind still travels back to those two last pieces of his beautiful memories.
Inhaling deeply, Jimin tries to shake off his thoughts as he drags his two luggages from his walk-in closet pasting his bedroom. Jimin's tears are building up. He can only tell himself that he will be back in a couple of years, and it would feel like the blink of an eye just like Jungkook used to say. Jungkook? Again. Jimin thinks of him again.
It's ok that he's thinking about Jungkook right now. The next time Jimin is back into this room, all the memories will fade. Jimin won't see Jungkook kissing and fucking him in most of the corners of this room. He'll be alright.
Closing his room's door, Jimin walks past the guest bedroom, and automatically, Jimin stops, knowing that the yellow shorts and the shirt that belongs to Jungkook are in there. Should he go get it? If Jimin holds on to it, will he be able to let go?
"Jimin!! I'm calling you one last time, or we're going to have to book you another flight, and no, it's not going to be business class or even premium economy."
It's a sign. Jimin takes his mother's call as a sign. No then. Jimin will not take them with him. How hurt can it be to be far away from the only pieces of something that reminds him of Jungkook's presence. How hurt can it be to actually stay away from Jungkook? It will get better.
Hugging goodbye to the helps Jimin's close with, some of them are crying hard. Their only sweet baby is going to live on his own for the first time. Jimin refuses to look back at his house when their SUV car is being driven past the gate. Don't want to cry. Don't want to be emotional. His appa is driving him with his eomma on the passenger seat.
They talk like they usually do. His mother talks about how she will try her best to visit Jimin. She also talks about how to cook rice when he gets there. His dad is just chill, and expects that Jimin would learn everything from living there. Nothing to be worried about.
"You've got everything Jimin? Are you sure you didn't forget something?" Jimin's appa asks him. They're almost halfway to the airport.
"I've got everything. I guess." Jimin smiles while looking out the car window.
"You sure? I hope this won't be like the last time when you forgot your passport when we're about to reach the airport."
"Oh."
And that one small 'oh' from Jimin actually creates a panic attack for his parents. Not a good sign. Totally not a good sign.
"Jimin?" His appa mentally prays really hard that Jimin is just messing with them.
"Eomma. Appa. I forgot my passport." Silent takes over the car. Yuna is speechless as well as Seungho.
"and my student visa too."
-------------------------------------------
"Oh look. They're here." Yuna is walking furiously beside her husband towards Jeon, Park, Kim and Min. They're all here at the airport to send the children off. "Guys, we're here." Jimin's mom calls out to her best friend.
"Come on, the check-in counter is closing in a few minutes." Taehyung's mother informs, nervously. "It's good that you called. We told them you guys are coming, so they're opening a little longer. Only a little, so hurry."
"Thank you so much." Jimin's mom bows slightly. "Jimin, go to the check-in counter. Tell them you're here." Ordering without knowing, Park Yuna doesn't know his son hasn't been walking behind her.
"Uhm Yuna, where's Jimin?" Jeon Uee asks, but she's got the answer right away after giving a glare to his husband and Jimin's dad who are laughing at Jimin who's running towards them.
"Oh my god. What do I do with him... and them?" Yuna rolls her eyes at their husbands. She shakes his head before he signals Jimin to come quickly.
"You must be blind to not see how funny it is." Park Seung Ho still laughs as he says.
"You must be crazy for being able to laugh right now." Uee crosses her arms.
"You missed how he was turning to the wrong gate. That was even funnier." Jungkook's dad adds.
"Are you guys being serious? How can you guys be so chill? He's so close to missing the flight." Yuna says. "Jimin, go to that counter, and tell them you're here." She orders when Jimin is approaching her.
"Eomma, I can't reach him. My phone is dead. I was trying to find messenger hyung where he mentioned, but I didn't see him, so I waited a bit." Jimin says while panting. That explains a lot why Jimin was turning to the wrong gate.
"Jimin, what's happening to you today? I'll call him. You go to the counter. Let them know you're here." Yuna taps on his son's shoulder before she calls their private messenger who they assigned to get Jimin's passport and visa. The messenger said he will be at the 9th exit, and Jimin went there, but he didn't see anyone.
Jimin pushes the cart with his luggages to inform the ground attendant. It seems like he's the last person since there's no line anymore. "Hello, I'm here to check in. I apologize for being late."
"Your passport and student visa please." The lady says vaguely. Jimin can tell she's not happy with the situation.
"Ah. Uhm I don't have them with me now r-right now. They're on the way. I'm here to assure you that it will be here soon." Jimin tries to say it confidently, but he's sure he is sounding like a scared puppy in her eyes.
"Sir, I understand that, but we don't have time. You're supposed to have them with you right now."
"Can we wait for another 10 minutes? I'm sure it will arrive earlier than that. Please. Please help me." Jimin almost begs. The last thing he wants is to miss the flight with Tae and Yoongi hyung.
"Sir, I am sorry. I will be able to look for the next earliest flight for yo-"
"Here is his passport and visa. They both are here."
Jimin's eyes widened at the brown envelope right in front of him. The familiar voice is hitting his ears. No need to turn his head to see, he knows the owner of the voice is Jungkook.
"Thank you, sir." The lady smiles lightly. Jimin can see how she's relieved too. "Can you please write your address in the US for me?" She gives Jimin a piece of paper. "One second, I need to look for a pen."
"Here." Again, Jungkook once again gives him a pen. Stationary store Jungkook.
Jimin can even feel that Jungkook is still panting. Jungkook's smell mixing with sweat with a little bit of Jimin's anxiety, his heart can explode right now. Grabbing that pen without turning his head to meet eyes with Jungkook, Jimin tried his best to write down the address with his shaky hands, hoping Jungkook couldn't see it.
"Please put your luggages here." The same lady does her things.
Jimin then lifts his first luggage and puts it in place successfully. "No. Don't" Jimin utters without looking at Jungkook who's about to help him with the second one. The smaller of the two lifts his second luggage and puts them in place by himself just fine. He can still feel Jungkook standing behind him until the ground attendant gives him the ticket for his flight, directing the way to the gate.
"You're all set."
They both leave the check-in counter. Jimin doesn't forget to bow several times to show his appreciation.
There's only Jeon and Park's parents left around the counter area. The rest are informed that they will follow Taehyung to the restaurant on a different floor. Guess they need some quality family time too.
"Jungkook. My beloved Junkookie, how did you get those?" Jimin's mom asks as she hugs Jungkook. "Thank you my dear." She then turns to Jimin after she pulls back from the hug. "See Jimin? Jungkook is always your lifesaver." Yuna feels thankful for informing Jeon about Jimin forgetting the documents, and that their messenger was coming to hand it over.
"He didn't have to go get them. We'll be able to get them without Jungkook getting it." Jimin crosses his arms. "If he didn't go get it, I would have met messenger hyung. That's the reason I didn't find him." Uttering without looking at Jungkook, Jimin shifts his gaze
"Did messenger hyung mention which 9th exit he was talking about? Departure or arriving? Did you check both?" Jungkook asks Jimin who's not giving him a glance, knowing that he wouldn't get any replies. "I called messenger hyung's phone number. He was on the arriving floor, and that's why you didn't meet him." Young master Jeon is very familiar with Park's personal messenger hyung. Jimin gets stuff he forgot at school; sport pants, assignments, school backpack and many other things. That's how Jungkook has his number too since sometimes Park Jimin forgot his phone.
Memories flashing to Jimin's mind how Jungkook really has been taking care of him, helping him with stupid stuff. He also remembers Jungkook complained a lot too. Not anymore since he's leaving, and he has to take care of himself from now on.
"You did good, Jungkook." His dad pats on his shoulder, earning a light smile from Jungkook. "Well, we have about one hour left? Should we give them some quality family time?" Jeon Jungi looks at his wife and Jungkook. They nod.
"Oh no. You guys should be here too. We already had a crying session yesterday. If anything, it should be you guys who spend time with Jimin. Especially Jungkook." Jimin's mom mentions. "Why don't you guys go get coffee for us? That way you guys would have some privacy to say goodbye." She smiles.
"Coffee sounds good, and you're right. I don't see you guys spending that much time together these past two weeks." Jungkook's mom mentions.
"Ah ajumma, we don't need time alone." Jimin says without looking at Jungkook, still. "We can go to the VIP lounge. There's coffee there." Jimin can't really reject them directly since it would be suspicious for their parents. It's the day he's leaving, and Jimin wants to leave with good feelings. No drama today.
"I don't think we should waste time walking to the VIP lounge. That is on the other side of your gate. Actually, we can go sit there." Jimin's mom points at the empty seats close to the check-in counter.
"What are you two doing? Go and get us coffee. You guys know what we like, now go." Park Seung Ho pretends to be mad at Jungkook and Jimin, earning chuckles from the rest except Jimin who's still looking away, crossing his arms, and Jungkook who steals a glance at Jimin. "And hurry back because I need to give you a very long hug, little Park." Jimin's dad adds with a smile on his face.
"Fine." Not wanting to cause a scene, Jimin glances at Jungkook before he turns his back to their parents, without even signaling Jungkook to follow him.
"Ah, we'll be right back." Jungkook informs before he follows Jimin quickly.
The pair of big doe eyes looking at the small frame that's walking furiously. Jimin is fast, and Jungkook almost forgot about it. The smaller one is always the fastest when runs away from teachers.
Jimin can't bear it and doesn't want to bare his emotions toward Jungkook right now. It hit him. Hard, and Jimin knows why. Jungkook being his lifesaver again. Still being the same Jungkook who helps out and takes care of him. It was hitting Jimin hard. Two small actions of Jungkook helping him is only a reminder to himself that there's not going to be Jungkook who helps him with his luggages. Jimin has to be more careful and not reckless. He's mad. Mad that Jungkook's always been able to help him. Mad that Jungkook is right on how forgetful he is. Mad at himself for thinking that he will get it together without Jungkook. For still not over Jungkook. He's extremely mad that he can't even rely on Jungkook anymore.
Mad that they will be apart soon.
"That's not where the coffee place is. We have to go down the escalator." Jungkook informs Jimin who's walking toward the exit.
"You can go first." Jimin utters without turning his face to Jungkook. Who would do that when Jimin's tears are building up, one breath close to falling.
"Then where are you going?" Jungkook follows Jimin as they walk through the door on their way outside the building.
"I need some air. You go get them coffee, I'll follow you inside." Young Park boy utters as he keeps walking.
"Do you hate me so much that you can't look at me now?" Jungkook is now pissed. He's here to send Jimin off. To bid his goodbye. To ask for one more chance to still be Jimin's friend. He's a little irritated, although he knows he has no right to do that.
"Go away, Jungkook. Go get coffee."
"Jimin, can you stop walking? I'm not going anywhere." Jungkook calls for Jimin who wouldn't stop, so he speeds up to grab Jimin's arms. "We're going to get coffee togethe-" Jungkook's eyes widened. "Jimin-ah." He utters softly when he finally gets to see Jimin's face. Jimin's signature almost crying face.
Jimin looks to the side with a frown, knowing Jungkook sees how he's about to cry. The taller one lets go of his arm, and Jimin decides to walk past Jungkook right away, but he's stopped by that bigger frame.
"I'm sorry. If I've done anything wrong, I'm really sorry." Jungkook says. His eyes are still on Jimin.
"The last thing I wanted to do is create a scene right now. Can you just give me some time alone?" Jimin asks. This may also be the first time he looks at Jungkook today.
Looking at Jimin who's trying to inhale deeply. "No, can I please not give you that time alone?"
Trying to ignore how Jungkook is sounding so soft, Jimin looks up at the sky. Luckily enough, they're in an area where it's not too crowded since it's close to the smoking area.
It's not a good idea to ask the question of what's wrong with Jimin. Jungkook decides it's best to ignore Jimin almost crying. "You walk into that gate in less than an hour." Jungkook utters as he shifts his gaze on the floor. "Can you not ask me to go away? Can we please at least say goodbye properly? Do I deserve to do that?"
And that's it. Jimin's tears fell down. He wipes them away quickly, but the tears are not stopping. "N-No *hc* no." Jimin tries to speak as he shakes his head.
"Jimin. I am really sorry. I really don't deserve to be talking to you right now."
"Y-you don't. *hc*"
"I've got you this." Jungkook then takes out a blue box from his coat pocket. "I didn't know what I should get you, so maybe this pen is what I think is the most useful. Can you please take it?" Jungkook didn't know it was difficult to get one Lamy fountain pen in blue color. He was looking everywhere to find this one.
"No." Jimin tries to wipe all his tears. Taking the pen would mean he will take this piece of Jungkook with him. "I will lose it." In order to get over Jungkook completely, Jimin should be strong.
Jungkook looks down on the floor, trying to think of what else he should talk about. He didn't expect this to be easy. There are so many words he wanted to talk about, but they're completely gone when he's in front of Jimin. Crying painfully. "Tell me what I should do. What do I do to gain your trust again? What do I do for you to forgive me?"
"I don't know." Jimin utters. "I'm not angry at you, Jungkook, but it hurts. It still hurts, and I need time. I need to get over you."
"Ok." Jungkook inhales deeply. "Do you think we'll still be friends again in the future?"
"We were born like that because of our parents. We can't escape each other even if we try." Jimin chuckles. "But Jungkook, when I left, please do not text me. Don't like my social media. I will unfollow your social media, so please do the same. I need to live in the world without you. That way, I'll be able to get over my feelings for you, and we'll be friends again. I won't contact you until I can do so."
Jungkook feels a pang in his chest. A world without Jimin? Why is it making him so scared? Jungkook can't make himself ask Jimin how long he has to wait. He doesn't have the nerve to even ask about the approximate time. "Can I... Can I hug you?"
Jimin shifts his gaze away being hesitant for saying yes to something he's been craving for too. One last time, Jimin, and you'll work on getting over him. "Mhm" and Jimin is stunned by how quick Jungkook hugs him. It's almost like he's being jumped on. "Jungkook... I can't breathe." Jimin says while hugging back as tight. They're hugging each other so tightly. It doesn't seem that Jungkook is hugging him any less tight, not being affected by Jimin's words.
Inhaling Jimin's scent deeply, Jungkook is sure going to miss this scent. The touch is warm. Only now Jungkook realizes that Jimin is going to leave him without any ways to contact him. Without even knowing when he will get to talk to Jimin again. "Can you please not leave me forever? Jimin, please come back to me. I'm begging you."
Jimin can only nod against Jungkook's chest. Tears are gone. Jimin is not only focusing on trying to embrace everything Jungkook one last time. He doesn't want to get over Jungkook, but what else can he do to survive when his best friend is not feeling the same. "Ah Jungkook, please, I can't breathe."
Jungkook only loosened his hug a little bit. He's sure Jimin can feel he's sniffing on Jimin's hair. A little knock on his chest makes him finally pull back from their hug. Jungkook's still not letting go of that small waist he loves to grab whenever he has a chance. Not anymore. Looking at Jimin closely one last time, his heart almost stops beating. Realizing how much he has been missing the smaller best friend. Those eyes are so comforting to look at. Cute nose he always admires secretly. Those plump lips Jungkook wouldn't get enough no matter how many times they kissed. Stupid Jungkook for never realizes his feelings before. Wait? What feelings?
A pair of Jungkook's big doe eyes grow big looking at Jimin who's staring back at him confusingly, again. Jungkook is giving him hope again for giving Jimin those heart eyes.
"I really should go." Jimin says before he pushes Jungkook lightly.
"Ok." Jungkook stares at Jimin who shifts his gaze away. Not wanting to let go. The more Jimin is moving away from his embrace, the more Jungkook feels like he's falling down from the edge of the cliff, not knowing where he'd land. "Please keep warm. You get cold easily. Do you have enough jacket."
Jimin smiles. "Stop doing something like that. It will only give me hope, and it will get super hard getting over you." Jimin exhales. "I don't want to cry again seeing you sending me off the gate. Can you please not come? It would be so difficult for me if you do." Jimin asks with pain in his eyes.
"Ok. Tell my parents I'll wait at the parking lot. Tell Taehyung goodluck for me." Again, Jungkook looks down on the floor. "Goodbye, Jimin." He forces a smile. At least, he wants Jimin to remember him with a smile. Please come back to me.
"Goodbye, Jungkook." Jimin also smiles back, staring at Jungkook one last time before he turns his back slowly at Jungkook, and if Jimin is not wrong, he thinks he saw Jungkook's tear drop for the first time in years.
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End of chapter
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed.