Thankfully, it's the weekend. Jimin hasn't been able to stop thinking about what happened at the gas station a few nights ago.
He stares at his wrist, where the drunk had gripped him pretty tightly. And then the way the other man had grabbed him, pinned him up against the car so easily and tossed him as if he weighed next to nothing.
Jimin stares at his phone, debating on whether or not he wants to call Taehyung and let him know what happened. They've spoken since the incident, he's just never brought it up.
It was hard to make out any of the strange man's definitive features and for that, Jimin is troubled. Because he knows that if he ever sees him in public again, he'll have no idea that it's the man that presumably saved him.
"I just know this is going to eat away at me. I have to tell Taehyung," Jimin mumbles to himself while tracing his fingers over the bruising on his wrists. They usually tell each other everything.
While ogling the screen, his eyes catch the current time. It's only then that he's reminded of a small photoshoot he was booked for to help him practice for the big project at work.
It wasn't his idea, mostly because doing such would entail more embarrassment than he thinks he could endure. And frankly, the thought of having to pose in front of a camera on top of everything else that's going on in his mind almost seems impossible.
Although, it was Taehyung's idea and picturing a sad Taehyung is all that he needs to do what his best friend wants.
Jimin takes a quick shower, leaving his hair undone and dressing in something comfortable and easy to take off so the getting ready is easier. He finds a text from Taehyung, letting him know that he's outside. The blond grabs a coat and heads out the door and into the cold.
As soon as he pops into the warmth of Taehyung's car, buckling up, his brain pushes him to spill everything. His fingers tighten around the seatbelt and he sighs.
"Everything alright? The photoshoot is just for fun. You don't need to stress out about it," he promises while easing into the driving lane.
"Mhm," Jimin murmurs, staring at his hands. "There's something I need to tell you, maybe after we get to the building."
Taehyung looks over at Jimin and he can feel his friend's eyes on him. "What about?" he inquires.
"You're going to think I'm crazy. I want you to be parked so you don't take a different turn and bring me to a psychiatric ward," Jimin replies, looking out the window
"Yeah, okay. I wouldn't do that but if you want me to be parked when you tell me, I can. We're about ten minutes away, alright?" Taehyung says.
Jimin nods his head. He doesn't say anything for the remainder of the ride, eyes glued to the snow falling carefully from the grey sky.
-
The second Taehyung parks the car in the almost empty lot, he looks over at Jimin who seems to refuse eye contact.
"It can't be that bad, can it?" The man questions.
Jimin fiddles with his fingers, noticing that the bruising on one of his wrists is starting to show through the sad attempt at trying to hide it.
"That night after we ate out, I stopped by the gas station because I wanted some snacks for later. When I was inside, I noticed there was a strange man following me. At first I thought I was just overthinking things. But I listened to my gut and I put everything down and I walked out of the gas station and he followed me out," Jimin explains, noticing how stiff Taehyung has become.
"I almost made it into the car before he grabbed me and started talking about how I was playing hard to get. I tried to be strong, but he was just stronger and he didn't care if he was hurting me." Jimin pushes one of his sleeves back, showing some of the purple on his wrist.
"And then out of nowhere, this other guy showed up and protected me. I didn't get to see much of his face because it was dark and it was partially covered by his hair. But he was fast and he was strong. Stronger than the drunk guy. The way he tossed him onto the ground seemed like it was nothing. Like he was a feather. He told me to go straight home and not to make anymore stops. After that, he was just gone. I didn't even get to thank him."
Taehyung's eyes are furrowed and his lips are drawn into a straight line. "Holy shit. I'm sorry, Min. I noticed the next day I got a missed call from you and didn't think anything of it after you texted saying everything was okay. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asks.
Jimin shrugs. "It didn't seem important in the moment but I've been experiencing a lot of strange things lately that I feel are starting to correlate. I'd tell you now but we're going to be late. Can it wait until after? You spent money on this and I don't want it to go to waste."
It seems like it takes a moment for Taehyung to weigh Jimin's request. But ultimately, he gives in. "Okay, but you have to tell me after. I still can't understand why you think you're crazy."
"You'll see," Jimin mumbles while he unbuckles himself.
The both of them head into the building. Jimin's mouth gapes at the sight of the interior design. It isn't flashy by any means, but it's extremely neat and pleasing to the eyes. All of the staff look just as appealing and he wonders how Taehyung knows about such a nice organization and was able to book so readily.
He seems to know most of them as well, as he waves at almost each person that passes them. This is definitely a part of Taehyung that he didn't know existed.
Jimin is distracted enough by his surroundings that he doesn't realize they've reached their destination. Before him lies a large, open room with big windows that overlook the busy city. He feels a lot smaller than normal as he watches Taehyung greet who he can only assume to be the photographer.
And he's definitely good looking.
His hair is a dark red, swept back with only a single curl to rest against his forehead. The man is quite pale with aslant eyes, shining an airy depth of brown. The way they interact with one another makes Jimin feel as though they've known each other their whole lives. It almost makes him feel neglected.
"It's been awhile, Hyung," Taehyung states while they separate from a cordial embrace.
"It has, we've been missing you around here," the man agrees, smile bright and teeth perfectly aligned.
"Oh, Min! This is Dong-ha, Dong-ha Hyung, this is Jimin," Taehyung announces, grinning.
It's almost as if on queue that Dong-ha begins to wander over to Jimin. Every step of his feels calculated. The man seems put together but also incredibly vain.
"So this is the model, hm?" he questions, circling Jimin's body as though a hawk would it's prey.
Jimin nods his head, managing not to flinch when the man brushes some of his flat hair out of his eyes.
"Taehyung, you failed to tell me how pretty your friend is. You've been hiding him for this long?" he questions, sounding very closely on the realm of betrayal.
Taehyung shrugs. "Different circles. He doesn't do too well with meeting new people," he discloses.
Dong-ha hums and Jimin glares at Taehyung who doesn't seem too worried about exposing his friend. "I can see that indeed, he seems quite timid. No matter, today's shoot will go very well. His looks will do all of the work as far as I'm concerned," he alleges.
Jimin doesn't say anything, rather keeping his thoughts to himself. As far as he's concerned, he just wants to get this photoshoot over with. Work is the last thing on his mind and although that isn't exactly what today's exploit is for, it's tied directly to a big project coming up. Not to mention all of the energy that he has right now is currently being applied to curiosities involving the stranger who saved him earlier in the week.
"I suppose we should get started, shouldn't we? Maiev will take you to the back and have you prepared. You'll look like a completely different person once she's done." The man smiles.
Jimin turns around, finding a woman standing in front of a doorway that he can only assume leads to the dressing room. He still doesn't understand why he needs a makeover if it's being in front of the camera that bothers him. Nevertheless, he does as he's told and wanders over to Maiev.
She introduces herself and has him sit in the tall chair. From his peripheral, Jimin can see Dong-ha and Taehyung talking. The collective body language of their conversation alludes to a level of secrecy that he can't be privy to. He can't quite put his finger on it, but something about Taehyung's friend bothers him.
-
"Tilt your head to the left a little bit and smile just a bit wider. Yes, that's it! Lean a little bit further so we can see some more of your chest," Dong-ha encourages alongside the chronic shuttering of a camera lens.
This was supposed to help and now Jimin feels even more uncomfortable than he did initially. He can't wrap his head around the scarlet suit jacket without anything underneath and a pair of dress pants with sneakers. The air hitting his bare chest makes him feel vulnerable and insecure. Not even the sight of Taehyung gleaming from the side cures the cloud of distress looming over his stale hair.
"Stunning! Now how about we do one with you sitting? I want to see a serious look, the look you had when you walked into my studio. I need that kind of energy," Dong-ha urges, clearly passionate about his occupation.
Jimin nibbles on his lip, hunkering onto the ground. He isn't quite sure what to do, crossing his legs while leaning his chin in the palm of his hand. He glares at the camera, allowing himself to liberate his true feelings. Praise after praise and position change after position change, Dong-ha concludes the session.
Things certainly feel more awkward now that Taehyung isn't in the room. He had to take a work call and now that it's just the two of them, Jimin craves nothing more than to leave.
"You did a phenomenal job and you look extraordinary. I hadn't doubted you for a second. How are you feeling now? Does the camera still scare you?" The man questions while he walks in Jimin's direction, standing before him.
Jimin, unable to open his mouth, shakes his head. His fingers are curled into his palms and his eyes are focused on some random painting on the wall to his left. He's unsuspecting of the finger that lands beneath his chin, directing his attention to the man in front of him.
Why would Taehyung leave him alone when he knows he isn't good with new people? Jimin swallows, staring at Dong-ha's brown eyes. The man's finger moves from his chin, down his neck slowly until it's caught pushing some of the suit jacket to the side to reveal more of his neck.
"Ah yes... so beautiful," he murmurs, it seems mesmerized by the sight of Jimin's pale neck.
Jimin flinches in response. "I, um, I have to go," he splutters. "Thank you so much for your time today. It definitely helped. I'm going to feel a lot more confident during my work assignment."
Dong-ha frowns, hand dropping to his side. "Leaving so soon? Do you have no desire to see any of the photos of yourself? Not even one?" he questions, lips forming a soft pout.
This man is so strange... Jimin thinks to himself.
"I'm sure they look amazing, really I must go. I have to get to work," Jimin replies, forcing a smile to appease him.
And without looking back, Jimin hurries out of the room. He gets lost trying to leave the building and garners some questioning glances from the staff. His urgency lands him in the back, in some kind of alleyway. He doesn't look for Taehyung, doesn't feel the need for a ride. So he walks in the opposite direction with the current and pressing desire to be as far away from the studio as possible.
After Jimin is roughly a block away, he realizes that there's a looming presence. It almost feels like someone - or something - is watching him. Yet he looks around and he doesn't see anything. It isn't until he hears a rustling close by that he starts to move once again.
Everyone on the street is staring at him like he's lost his mind. And maybe he has. But when he looks behind him, he runs into something - rather someone - and stumbles onto the ground.
Jimin looks up, startled as he's grabbed by his still hurting wrist and tugged onto his feet, dragged into another back alley. He wriggles as he's being pulled while saying, "Let me go!"
It isn't long before he's released, standing still with heavy breaths. He's cradling his wrist, staring at the back of someone's head. "Who are you? Why did you bring me back here?" he asks.
"You fucking reek. You smell just like him," the stranger mumbles.
"What?" Jimin asks. "What are you talking about?"
"Why is it that you can't seem to stay out of trouble? Does it follow you everywhere or do you chase it?" he asks, clearly irritated.
Only then does Jimin finally start to clue in. He has slightly overgrown brown hair, just like the man from the gas station. And he sounds like him, too.
"Turn around," Jimin demands, ignoring the man's insensitive question.
"I don't think you're in any kind of position to be making demands," he claims.
Jimin sighs, unable to hide the state of his impatience. "This isn't the first time I've run into you. I want to see what you look like. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you," he blurts out.
The silence is loud, save for the typical city noises. After some time, the man finally turns around and Jimin is speechless.
His eyes are rounded and in spite of his unkind personality, the softness of his facial features - aside from his jaw - remind him of something gentle and friendly. A couple of rings adorn his fuller bottom lip, contributing to the cliche of his unpleasant demeanor. Dressed in a black hoodie to a baggy pair of distressed jeans and sneakers, Jimin can't deny the fact that he's incredibly good looking.
"Who are you? And why do I feel safe around you?" Jimin asks.
"You have so many questions and I have so little care to answer them," he replies, stuffing his hands into his hoodie pocket. "Be a good boy and go to work. You're exhausting."
Jimin huffs. "What's your problem?"
Said question stirs something inside of him. He begins to walk towards Jimin, an astonished smile on his face.
"My problem? My problem is that you have too many questions. You always seem to find yourself in situations where you need saving because you're too weak to save yourself. I feel like I'm babysitting a toddler. Just stay away from that studio. Don't go near it, don't even look at it," he quips, jabbing a finger into Jimin's chest.
Jimin stumbles backwards the slightest bit, catching himself before he falls. He has so many questions. Why does he seem to know where he is all the time? Why does he feel the need to protect him and why does he seem to know so many things about him?
And yet he can only manage to ask one question: "What happens if I do?"
"...I'll need to save you again."
(a/n): update!! things are starting to pick up from this point forward. (: