♡ Part ~ 18 ♡

Taehyung and Jungkook stood outside Jimin's room, their knuckles gently tapping against the wooden door. A faint rustling sound came from within before the door creaked open, revealing a petite yet striking young man. Jimin’s eyes, sharp and observant, widened slightly as they landed on the unfamiliar face beside Taehyung.

"Hey, Jimin," Taehyung greeted warmly, stepping forward with a grin. "How are you?"

Jimin leaned against the doorframe, tilting his head slightly. "I'm fine," he replied, his gaze flickering to Jungkook. "And who's this?"

Taehyung gestured toward Jungkook. "Oh, this is Jungkook."

Jimin's lips pressed into a thin line, his arms crossing over his chest. "And...?"

Taehyung blinked. "And... he's my friend?" There was an odd hesitation in his voice as he glanced at Jungkook.

Jimin hummed, a teasing glint dancing in his eyes. "Mmm-hmm... A friend, you say? Are you sure?"

Taehyung groaned, rolling his eyes. "Yes, Chim, he’s my friend. Can you not?"

Jimin let out a soft chuckle before turning to Jungkook. "And what do you say?"

Jungkook, who had been silently observing their playful interaction, smiled. "Yeah, we're friends," he confirmed with a nod, his tone easygoing.

Taehyung let out a relieved sigh before sending Jungkook an appreciative look.

Jimin eyed the younger for a moment before finally extending a hand. "Well then, hello. I'm Jimin, Park Jimin."

Jungkook shook his hand firmly, offering a genuine smile. "Nice to meet you, jimin-   shi."

Jimin’s lips curled up at the polite address, and with that, the initial awkwardness dissipated.

Stepping aside, Jimin gestured for them to enter. "Come in, then. Since Tae dragged you all the way here, you might as well sit and talk."

As they settled into the cozy room, the conversation flowed naturally. Taehyung, as always, led the conversation, animatedly narrating childhood stories about Jimin—how he used to be the quietest yet the smartest boy in childhood, how he always used to play with Taehyung from in the park.

Jungkook listened intently, his admiration for Jimin growing with every story. He could see why Taehyung held him in such high regard. Jimin, in turn, seemed pleasantly surprised by Jungkook’s interest, slowly warming up to him as the conversation deepened.

"So, Jungkook," Jimin mused, his chin resting on his palm, "you're some bigshot in the industry, huh?"

Jungkook scratched the back of his head, slightly flustered. "I wouldn’t say bigshot, but yeah, I’ve made a name for myself."

Jimin smiled. "Modest, huh? I like that."

Just as Jungkook was about to reply, a voice interrupted from the doorway.

"If you're done chatting, the food is ready. Come on, boys."

They turned to see Jin standing there, arms crossed with an amused smile.

"Coming!" Taehyung called out before standing up and pulling Jimin and Jungkook along.

Jimin huffed. "Yah, stop dragging me like a kid."

Jungkook chuckled, following behind them as they all made their way downstairs, a new bond quietly forming between him and Jimin.

Late-Night Confessions

By the time Namjoon arrived home, the atmosphere in the dining room was lively. The table was filled with delicious food, and laughter echoed through the space as the group enjoyed their meal. Taehyung formally introduced Jungkook to their parents, and it didn’t take long for them to warm up to him. Jungkook's polite demeanor and charming personality had won them over almost instantly.

After dinner, Jungkook bid his farewell for the night, thanking them for their hospitality. With that, Jin and Namjoon retired to their bedroom, leaving Taehyung and Jimin to retreat to their own space.

Jimin found himself drawn to the balcony, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he leaned against the railing, eyes lost in the starlit sky. His thoughts wandered aimlessly, but deep down, he knew there was one thing weighing on his mind.

Unbeknownst to him, Taehyung had entered the room, silently making his way toward him. Without a word, he took his place beside Jimin, mirroring his stance as they both gazed up at the vast sky.

"What's occupying your mind, Chim?" Taehyung's voice was soft, filled with warmth.

Jimin flinched slightly, not realizing he had company. Turning his head, he blinked. "Oh? When did you come?"

A small chuckle escaped Taehyung's lips. "During a moment when you were deeply engrossed in your thoughts, staring at something beyond," he mused.

Jimin exhaled, looking back up at the sky. "I was contemplating getting a job," he admitted, his voice carrying a sense of purpose.

Taehyung frowned slightly. "Chim, you should focus on completing your studies first. Once you graduate, I’ll help you find a great job with an excellent salary." His hand found Jimin’s, squeezing it gently. "Besides, you don’t have to work. This house, this company… everything is yours now."

Jimin shook his head with a smile, squeezing Taehyung’s hand in return. "Tae, you're incredibly kind. Thank you for everything. But I can't just sit idle at home. I want to be independent. I need to do something for myself."

Taehyung sighed but smiled at Jimin’s determination. "Alright, but promise me you’ll finish your studies first. After that, you're free to pursue whatever you want."

Jimin chuckled. "Okay, my dear soulmate, you win." He motioned for them to sit on the couch in the balcony lounge. "By the way, there's something I’ve been meaning to ask you."

Taehyung raised a brow. "What is it?"

Jimin turned to him, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Tell me honestly… is Jungkook just your friend?"

Taehyung immediately stiffened before scoffing. "Of course, he is! What else would he be?"

Jimin smirked. "You tell me."

A soft blush dusted Taehyung’s cheeks as he looked away, suddenly finding the moon very interesting. "I like him a lot," he admitted, his voice quieter. "He's kind and handsome. I’ve never met anyone quite like him before. He’s generous, down-to-earth, and has a good heart."

Jimin’s teasing expression softened. "And does he know that you like him?"

Taehyung pursed his lips. "No, he doesn’t." His voice held a hint of disappointment.

Jimin leaned forward slightly, serious now. "You should tell him soon before it's too late."

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I want to, but I haven't decided when. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?"

Jimin rolled his eyes. "And what if he does? What if he's just waiting for you to say something?"

Taehyung let out a humorless chuckle. "You really think so?"

"Trust me, your charm is irresistible," Jimin said confidently. "The way he looks at you, the way he smiles at you… he's interested too, Tae. I can see it."

Taehyung bit his lip, a small, hopeful smile creeping onto his face. "If you say so... I'll talk to him about my feelings soon."

Jimin patted his shoulder. "Good. Just don’t wait too long."

Taehyung let out a breath before standing up. "Anyway, I should go. I need to wake up early tomorrow."

Jimin nodded. "Alright. Goodnight, Tae."

Taehyung leaned down and pressed a fond kiss to Jimin’s forehead. "Goodnight, Chim."

"I love you," Jimin whispered softly.

Taehyung grinned. "I love you too, Jiminaahhh," he sang playfully before walking off, leaving Jimin smiling to himself under the moonlit sky.

♡♤♡

The next morning, Jungkook made his way to his brother's office, determined to check on him. He had noticed Yoongi’s odd behavior for the past few days—his silence at home, his cold demeanor, and his lack of interest in even the smallest conversations with their family. Something was definitely wrong.

Without bothering to knock, Jungkook pushed open the door and entered Yoongi's office. His brother was seated behind his desk, his eyes glued to the stack of paperwork in front of him. He didn’t even acknowledge Jungkook’s presence.

"Morning, hyung. How are you?" Jungkook greeted, taking a seat in front of him.

"Fine." Yoongi’s reply was curt, his focus never wavering from the documents he was working on.

Jungkook frowned. "Doesn't seem like it."

That got Yoongi’s attention. He finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"

Jungkook leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "I mean, why are you behaving like this?"

"Like what?" Yoongi asked, feigning ignorance.

Jungkook let out a frustrated sigh. "You hardly eat at home, you barely talk to Mom, Dad, or me. It's like you're shutting us out for some unknown reason. Mom's really worried about you, hyung. Is there something wrong? Are you facing any issues? Maybe I can help."

Yoongi, however, remained silent, his gaze returning to his papers as if the conversation didn’t matter.

Jungkook narrowed his eyes. "I'm asking you something, hyung." His voice was firm yet gentle.

Yoongi exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Nothing. I'm fine… Now, please leave me alone."

Jungkook wasn’t convinced. "Hyung..."

"I told you to leave me alone, Jungkook," Yoongi interrupted sharply. His tone was final, his eyes dark with frustration. "I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. I'm fine, so stop worrying about me."

Jungkook’s lips parted as if to argue, but he knew it was pointless when Yoongi was in this state. His shoulders slumped slightly, and he offered a small, concerned smile. "Okay, hyung… Just take care of yourself."

Without another word, Jungkook stood up and left the office, a heavy weight settling in his chest. He knew something was bothering Yoongi—something deep enough to consume him. And if Yoongi wouldn’t talk to him about it, then Jungkook would have to find another way to help his brother.

A Heart Caught Between Love and Regret

After Jungkook left, silence settled in Yoongi’s office, but inside his mind, there was chaos. His fingers pressed against his temples, trying to ease the dull ache that had taken permanent residence in his head.

"What’s gotten into me?" he muttered, voice heavy with frustration. "I’m acting like a jerk to my family."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dark locks, his thoughts drifting to the one person who refused to leave his mind—Jimin.

"Doll… what have you done to me?" His voice cracked slightly, barely above a whisper. "It’s starting to feel like I can’t live without you."

The words came from the depths of his soul, raw and unfiltered. He leaned back in his chair, eyes closing as a wave of memories crashed over him. Jimin’s soft smile, the way his eyes sparkled with mischief, the warmth of his touch—all of it haunted him like a bittersweet ghost.

"I love you, Jimin… but you slipped away from me."

A heavy sigh escaped him, filled with longing and regret. He opened his eyes, staring blankly at the stack of documents on his desk. The numbers and words blurred together, meaningless against the storm raging within him.

Then, Jungkook’s words echoed in his head.

"You hardly eat at home. You barely talk to Mom, Dad, or me. It's like you're shutting us out for some unknown reason. Mom's really worried about you."

Yoongi clenched his fists, guilt creeping into his heart. His pain had not only stolen Jimin from him—it had also pushed away the people who loved him. His mother, who waited for him at the dining table. His father, who observed his silence with concern. Jungkook, who had been brave enough to voice what the others couldn’t.

Had he truly become so consumed by his obsession with Jimin that he had isolated himself completely?

He scoffed bitterly, shaking his head. He had been a fool.

With newfound determination, Yoongi straightened up. He couldn’t change the past, but he could fix the damage he had caused. He could make amends with his family. And Jimin…

"I will find you," he whispered, his eyes dark with resolve. "And when I do, I won’t let you go again."

Standing up, he rolled his shoulders back and turned his attention to the work in front of him. There was a long road ahead, one filled with obstacles he wasn’t sure he could overcome.

But if it meant bringing Jimin back into his life, if it meant regaining control of himself and reconnecting with his family…

Then he would face it all.

Because in the end, love—whether it was the love of a family or the love of a soulmate—was the only thing worth fighting for.

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