Behind the curtain

The first time Jungkook had approached Jimin, it had been late at night after a concert in Seoul. The venue was empty, the lights dim, and the crew had long gone. Jungkook, still high on the adrenaline of the performance, had felt an inexplicable pull to see Jimin, to talk to him without the barrier of cameras or screaming fans. And so, he found himself standing in front of Jimin, nervous but determined.

“I’ve seen you at our concerts before,” Jungkook had said, his voice low and almost hesitant. “You’re always there… supporting us.”

Jimin had blinked in surprise, his heart racing. “I… I’m just a fan,” he stammered, not quite believing that Jungkook was talking to him.

“But you’re different,” Jungkook had continued, his gaze unwavering. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel like I know you.”

From that moment on, their relationship blossomed in secret. It was filled with stolen moments, late-night texts, and secret rendezvous. Jungkook would often disguise himself to meet Jimin in public, wearing a hat and mask to avoid being recognized. They would walk through the city together, hand in hand, sharing laughter and quiet conversations about their hopes and dreams.

Despite the challenges of their relationship—Jungkook’s hectic schedule, the constant threat of being discovered, and the need to keep their love hidden—they found solace in each other. Jimin became Jungkook’s safe haven, the person he could turn to when the pressures of fame became too much to bear. And in return, Jungkook became Jimin’s world, the person who made him believe in love that transcended all barriers.

But as the months passed, the weight of their secret began to take its toll. Jungkook’s career was at its peak, and the constant scrutiny from the media and fans made it increasingly difficult for them to be together. There were nights when Jungkook would lay in his hotel room, staring at his phone, longing to call Jimin but knowing that even a single slip-up could expose their relationship and ruin everything.

One night, after a particularly grueling day of filming and interviews, Jungkook found himself feeling more exhausted than usual. He missed Jimin terribly, and the thought of not being able to see him for weeks due to his busy schedule was almost unbearable.

Unable to take it any longer, Jungkook decided to risk it. He grabbed his phone and sent a text to Jimin.

**Jungkook:** *I miss you.*

The reply was almost immediate.

**Jimin:** *I miss you too, Kook.*

**Jungkook:** *I wish we could just be together without all this… secrecy. Without all the hiding.*

**Jimin:** *Me too. But we’ll get through this. I believe in us.*

**Jungkook:** *Do you trust me?*

**Jimin:** *Always.*

That was all Jungkook needed. The next day, he made a decision. He didn’t care about the consequences anymore—he just wanted to be with Jimin. So, he called his manager and arranged for a short break, something that was almost unheard of in their industry, but something he was determined to do.

He flew back to Seoul, keeping his arrival a secret from everyone except for Jimin. When Jimin saw him standing outside his apartment, dressed in casual clothes with a shy smile on his face, he felt his heart swell with emotion. Without a word, Jimin rushed into Jungkook’s arms, holding him tight as if afraid to let go.

“I’m here,” Jungkook whispered, his voice filled with love. “I’m here with you.”

For the next few days, they spent every moment together, free from the eyes of the world. They cooked meals, watched movies, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. It was a taste of the normal life they both craved, a life where they could be themselves without the constant pressure of fame or the need to hide their love.

But as much as they cherished those moments, reality soon came knocking. Jungkook’s break was short-lived, and he had to return to his duties as an idol. The goodbye was bittersweet, filled with promises of a future where they could be together without fear.

---

Months passed, and their relationship continued to flourish, despite the challenges. Jungkook became more adept at balancing his career and his love life, and Jimin remained his steadfast support, always there when Jungkook needed him the most.

Then, one day, Jungkook made a decision that would change everything. During a live broadcast with his fans, Jungkook was asked a question that caught him off guard.

“If you weren’t an idol, what kind of life would you want?”

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, his thoughts immediately drifting to Jimin. He knew he couldn’t reveal the truth—not yet—but he wanted to send a message, a silent promise to the person he loved.

“I think,” Jungkook began, his voice soft but steady, “I would want a life where I can be with the person I love. A simple life, away from the cameras, where I can just be myself and be happy.”

The response was met with a wave of comments from fans, but Jungkook didn’t care. He knew that Jimin was watching, and that was all that mattered.

After the broadcast, Jungkook received a text from Jimin.

**Jimin:** *I saw your broadcast… Thank you, Kook. I know that was for me.*

**Jungkook:** *I meant every word.*

It was then that Jungkook knew it was time. He couldn’t keep living a double life, hiding his love for Jimin from the world. He wanted to be with Jimin, truly and fully, without any secrets.

A few weeks later, during a press conference, Jungkook took a deep breath and made the announcement that would shake the world.

“I have something important to say,” Jungkook began, his voice steady despite the nervousness that gnawed at him. “I’m in a relationship. It’s been a secret for a long time, but I don’t want to hide it anymore. The person I’m with… means the world to me, and I want to be honest with all of you.”

The room fell silent, the reporters stunned into silence by the unexpected revelation.

“I ask for your understanding and support,” Jungkook continued, his gaze unwavering. “This person is my happiness, and I hope you can be happy for us.”

The news spread like wildfire, with fans and the media speculating about the identity of Jungkook’s partner. But Jungkook didn’t care about the rumors or the backlash. He had done what he needed to do—he had claimed his love for Jimin, and nothing else mattered.

When Jungkook returned home that night, Jimin was waiting for him. The moment Jungkook walked through the door, Jimin rushed to him, tears in his eyes.

“You did it,” Jimin whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “You really did it.”

Jungkook pulled Jimin into his arms, holding him close. “I don’t wanna lie no more, I don't wanna hide no more what I found in you is so real” he murmured. “I want to be with you, Jimin, openly and freely.”

Jimin smiled through his tears, his heart overflowing with love. “I want that too, Kook. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Jungkook replied, his voice filled with conviction. “More than anything.”

---

As time passed, the world gradually came to accept their relationship. There were still challenges, of course—being in a public relationship wasn’t easy, especially when one partner was a global superstar. But they faced those challenges together, their love growing stronger with each passing day.

Jungkook and Jimin had found their happiness, and they held onto it with everything they had. Their love was no longer a secret, and while it wasn’t always easy, it was worth it. Because in the end, they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

And so, Jungkook and Jimin lived their lives together, side by side, their love a beacon of hope and happiness, not just for themselves, but for everyone who believed in the power of love that transcends all boundaries.