Jimin sat on his kitchen island drinking some water. He felt extremely tired from all the activities of the day. They were doing some dance practices the previous day when Namjoon had been pulled out of the dance studio by their manager. A few minutes later, their strong group leader had walked back into the studio in literal tears. They were quick to go to him and embrace him as he mumbled that Jeon Ju-won was dead. The sudden news had sent them in shock.
Jimin shuddered as he remembered how he felt at that moment. Mr. Jeon was a kind man. They had met when he was auditioning to be an idol. Back then he had no idea he would even be able to pass but Mr. Jeon had asked him if he would like to train to be in a boyband. He had not thought twice about it. Looking back, that was the best decision he ever made. Mr. Jeon, his mentor, had introduced him to his second family.
His heart felt heavy for Namjoon and Jeongguk. He couldn't imagine losing his father with how close they were. He sighed and stood up from the high stool, ready to prepare some dinner when he heard his door keypad beeping. He walked over to the living room and waited for whoever was at the door. He leaned against the couch and faced the entryway as the door opened. His sister walked in carrying some groceries. She removed her shoes and wore some house sleepers.
"Hey," Minjee greeted as she headed to the kitchen. She placed the groceries on the kitchen island and walked back to him. She wrapped her hands around his neck and he breathed in her perfume. "Are you okay? It must have been a tough day," She whispered as she kissed his temple.
"I'm okay, just tired. I want to cook dinner, just in case."
"That's why I'm here. Let me cook for you. Eomma and appa said they'll come tomorrow, eomma was held up today."
"Thank you, Jiji."
Minjee headed back to the kitchen and began removing the ingredients while placing them on the counter. Jimin wanted to help but his yeodongsaeng was adamant when she wanted to do something so he opted to sit back at the high stool and talk to her. They were close since they were kids and looked out for each other. Minjee was especially protective of Jimin since his twin died as their parents were. She feared her only remaining brother getting hurt. When he had told his parents about his audition, they had all moved from Busan to Seoul so that they could keep an eye on him. He loved his family more than anything and was grateful to have them.
"What are you making Jiji?"
"Both your favorites," Minjee said already taking out pots and some pork from the fridge.
"You don't have to do this, you know."
"I want to oppa. This is the least I can do for you." Jimin sighed and decided to let it go.
"How was work?" Minjee worked as an operations manager at Swift Wings Air, a private jet company owned by their grandparents.
"Hectic as usual but I can manage. One of our pilots is on sick leave so I'm actively searching for his replacement."
"Isn't H.R. supposed to deal with that?"
"They are but you know how Grandpa is. He is one of the best pilots and the one who flies with Grandpa or you so he wants only the best to substitute." She cut some onions on the chopping board
"But-"
"I can handle it oppa, you don't need to worry. And don't call Grandpa to tell him about it." Minjee said as she put oil in a pan and began cooking.
"Fine. If he overworks you again tell me, and I will scold him for you." Jimin said with a cute pout which made Minjee laugh.
"You will scold Grandpa? You?"
"Of course. Why, do you think I cannot?" Minjee laughed again.
"All Grandpa has to do is promise to sponsor a trip for you and your band and you fold like a puppy. He spoiled you too much,"
"It's not like you don't do that either. You went to Santorini a few weeks ago on his dime." Jimin retorted.
"It's a good thing he loves us then."
They continued bickering as Minjee finished cooking the samgyeopsal, kimchi jjigae, and rice. She prepared all the condiments in small bowls and covered them with cling film then arranged them on the island.
"I am going to leave this here. Just cover it till you decide to eat." She said pointing to the samgyeopsal that was on the pan.
"I got it,"
"I should go now. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Aren't you staying for dinner? The food is way too much."
"It's not too much for both of you."
"I am not sure if he is coming. It is different this time."
"I'm not falling for that again. You are both crazy for each other to make the impossible possible." Minjee said as she removed her apron and then headed to the living room to pick up her sling bag. Jimin followed her closely. She turned and hugged Jimin tightly, "Give him a tight hug for me, okay?" He nodded as he nuzzled Minjee's neck. "If you both need anything, give me a call."
"I will. Thank you so much, Jiji." Jimin kissed her forehead and finally let go of her. Minjee waved as she put on her shoes and left the penthouse. Jimin waited for the door to lock before he headed upstairs to his bedroom to rest for a while. It was almost 8 pm, so his boyfriend was still busy. Dressed in black sweatpants and a light grey baggy t-shirt, he got in bed with his phone in hand. He would watch some videos online to exhaust his eyes. His eyes got droopy soon and he allowed sleep to take over.
Jimin felt like he was floating as he felt someone peppering his neck with kisses. That someone pulled him closer to his body making Jimin sigh due to how good it felt. He didn't want to wake up since the dream was too good. A strong arm wrapped around his waist then he heard the person sniff. That was definitely not a dream. Jimin opened his eyes forcefully becoming aware of his surroundings. He was still in his bed and there was someone indeed at his back who was sniffing softly. Jimin tried to turn and face him but was stopped by the arm on his waist.
"Give me a minute babe, please." His boyfriend whispered in a shaky voice which broke Jimin's heart. Jimin covered his mouth tightly with one hand to avoid his own cries from reaching his boyfriend.
"I'm here for you. Always." Jimin said after a while when he felt like he wouldn't sob loudly. His boyfriend cried at his back holding onto Jimin's shirt tightly. Jimin gave him a few more minutes before he turned. The younger dragged himself to Jimin's arms. Jimin wiped his tears and kissed his cheek softly. "I got you, jagiya." Jimin held him tightly. No words were spoken in what felt like forever apart from a few sniffles here and there. They basked in each other's presence letting the silence soothe them.
"Missed you so much." Jeongguk finally said. "Wanted you by my side today."
"I know. I missed you too." Jimin said with a sad smile, "I am really sorry for your loss jagiya. I know how much your dad meant to you,"
"I don't know what to do now, Hyungie."
"We are all here for you, yeah? You are going to be okay." Jeongguk nodded. "Have you eaten dinner yet? Jiji stopped by and made us some food."
"I haven't eaten anything. I couldn't even stay at the mansion, want to be here with you."
"This is your home as much as it is mine. Let us go eat. You need that strength more than ever." Jimin said as he got out of bed and pulled Jeongguk along. "Do you want to shower first?"
"I already did before getting in bed."
They headed downstairs and Jimin heated the food. he looked at the clock on the wall and realized two hours had gone by. They served themselves and ate in silence. When they finished, they cleaned the dishes and then took a bottle of whisky to drink in the living room. They sat side by side and Jeongguk turned on the television to play a random movie. He poured the whisky into their glasses and took a sip.
"Why didn't you ever tell me about your twin?" Jeongguk finally asked. Jimin turned to look at him.
"It is a sore subject and it never really came up. I thought that maybe Jiji had mentioned it in passing when you guys met."
"Noona gets fussy when she visits me. Even when we meet outside her priority is either to feed me or take me shopping. What's with her and feeding me, I always eat well." Jeongguk complained which made Jimin snort.
"You do know I'm mostly on a diet, right? She has nobody else to get fussy with so just go along with it. I don't get away from it sometimes. You love it, don't you?"
"I do. She brings goodies for me. She's so thoughtful." Jeongguk smiled dreamily. Jimin looked at him and smiled softly. Jeongguk deserved that distraction given the two hectic days he had. He would do anything to make sure Jeongguk kept that smile.