Chapter Text
"And all done.", Jimin smiled, eyeing the result proudly. He was truly getting better at this.
"Thank you Mr. Jimin.", the old Mr. Choi hummed. He turned his bandaged arm, appreciating the careful but tight layers of white fabric.
"Be careful, please, you're the best baker in town. I won't survive without your delicious bread."
Jimin waved with a smile before closing the door. The little office of the town's physician suddenly turned quiet.
Jimin didn't mind though, he enjoyed putting back the bottles and utensils, throwing away dirty cotton pads.
Being the son of a gentry, he wasn't supposed to be here, at least not as a learning physician.
His father, Mr. Park, was a good man though, who also despised rules and being told what to do and allowed his children to act upon their wishes, even much to the distaste of the whole society.
When Jimin announced he wished to become a physician and help people in instead of joining the military and kill them, his father laughed out loudly, patting Jimin's shoulder with a proud expression on his face.
Which leads us back to the little physician's office, where Jimin is training to become a real physician one day.
The creaky door swung open slowly and Jimin turned around to greet a new patient.
The words, however, died on his lips as he took in the sight of the man in front of him.
He wasn't ill, not physically at least. The deep frown and pained line of his lips showed symptoms Jimin wasn't sure he would be able to heal.
"Namjoon? What happened?"
He rushed to his friend and teacher as the man slumped on the nearest chair, his arms falling lifelessly to his sides.
Jimin crouched next to him, taking in the pale skin and red rimmed eyes.
Clenching his jaw, Namjoon shook his head, still staring ahead of himself. His right hand raised slowly, offering Jimin a letter.
Frowning, Jimin took the crunched piece of paper, flattening it out.
A beautiful handwriting graced the yellowish material, stating the following:
Dear Mr. Kim Namjoon,
I dare not imagine the reaction to such a letter. Still, I am writing to you in a hurry and utmost desperation.
Mr. Seokjin is of weak health and while we fought with every accessible remedy, the weakness is only getting stronger.
While my betrayal must have left a deep wound in your heart and I accept the consequences, I cannot see my husband struggling without getting to the strongest remedy in existence. I am begging for your professional help, ready and willing to pay every price you state.
You are my only hope.
Best regard,
Min Yoongi
Jimin breathed out, the desperation in these words making his heart ache. Looking back up to his friend and his empty eyes, Jimin skipped over the letter again and this time, his attention fell on the names.
"Seokjin? As the one you told me about?" A nod. "And the Min Yoongi you told me about then." Another nod.
The weight in his heart doubling, Jimin took Namjoon's hand squeezing it tightly.
"You have to go."
"I don't think I can save him."
The silence in the room stretched, only the heavy clock in the corner indicating that time wasn't standing still.
Jimin pressed his lips together, scared of saying the wrong words.
"Will you be able to forgive yourself if you stay?"
Namjoon's shaky breath turned in a sob. Hiding his face behind his fingers, the physician let out the tears he wasn't able to hold back anymore.
Slowly stroking the man's back, Jimin waited, giving his time. He couldn't imagine what his friend was feeling, but he felt himself hurting at his tears.
"Jimin...", Namjoon cleared his throat, wiping the last escaping tears away. "Could.... Can I ask you to join me?"
Jimin's eyes widened at the request, but he already found himself nodding.
"Dear friend.", Jimin took Namjoon's hand in both hands. "I'll be by your side as long as you need."
"Thank you. Thank you Jimin.", Namjoon's smile watered as Jimin's did too.
There were wounds Jimin would never find remedy for, but it did not mean he wouldn't try.
(((
The bags and carriage were packed in a hurry but with a focused mind. Mr. Park agreed quickly, not that Jimin doubted him. His sisters hung at his clothes, whining for presents when he would come back, while Mrs. Park instructed his son on basic mannerism which Jimin forgot all too often in her opinion.
And hours later, he was waving them goodbye, his arm tired but unwavering until the road took a sharp turn and his family couldn't be seen anymore.
"I apologize.", Namjoon mumbled. " It's not the best occasion for leaving the town."
"Don't worry about it.", Jimin sat back in his seat, watching the autumn leaves dance in a mysterious rhythm only they knew.
"Despite the circumstances, I'm rather excited."
"That's good. East Witpat is beautiful this time of year."
(((
At some point, Jimin must have dozen off. When he stirred awake, the sky was painted in hues of pink. The sun would soon be setting down.
Blinking around, Jimin shivered as a cold wind picked him up.
"We're almost there.", Namjoon sighed, his posture tense.
Jimin hummed. There was nothing around them. Wide fields to both sides splayed freely over the hill.
It took them half an hour to reach the peak from where Jimin could finally see the mansion.
A garden filled with thousand and thousands of flowers welcomed them before guiding to the impressive house with columns and huge windows.
It wasn't the biggest or richest place Jimin has ever seen, but despite coming into years, it was cared for and loved. A home.
The carriage halted at the porch and an older man greeted them with a respectful bow.
"Mr. Min was hoping for your arrival."
He answered Namjoon's silent question while urging them inside. With the speed the two men set, Jimin had trouble following and appreciating the furniture and decorating, so he opted for rushing after them instead.
Big doors at the end of the hall opened, the warmth of a fireplace streaming over to them before they even stepped in.
When Namjoon stopped, Jimin almost bumped into him, catching himself last minute. Stepping next to his friend, Jimin noticed two figures sitting on the couches next to the fireplace.
One man had a book between his long fingers. A blanket hugged him tightly despite sitting in proximity to the fire. His glinting eyes stared at Namjoon, plump lips shaking with unspoken words. Even in this state, the man was mesmerizingly handsome.
Based on the look he sent Namjoon, it must be Kim Seokjin.
Jimin's eyes glid to the right, meeting with a pair of dark ones. The second man's stare was on him, before it skipped to Namjoon as well. Jimin bit his lip to stop a gasp. The man that must be Min Yoongi looked ethreal. In the light of the fire, his skin glowed, his dark hair not able to hide the fierce eyes and no hardness of his jaw could keep the softness of his lips hidden.
Min Yoongi was smaller than Kim Seokjin or Namjoon, but his presence filled out the room.
Together, they created a picture every painter would love to paint and cry at failing to capture the otherworldly feeling in this room which refused to be defined by paintbrushes.
For a second, Jimin was reminded of the children's book his mother read him, about princes, or magical beings and Jimin allowed himself to wonder whether he accidentally stepped into the pages of one of these stories.
The silence soon turned uncomfortable though and Jimin threw nervous glances at the other men but nobody seemed to notice his presence.
Usually, Jimin dealt gracefully with solving such situations. Since he wasn't introduced yet, all he could do was waiting for one of them to speak up.
"Mr. Kim, I'm glad you arrived so quickly.", Min Yoongi finally stood up.
"The letter I received spoke of great urgency, my Lord."
"Letter?", Kim Seokjin frowned, putting the book aside. "Mr. Yoongi, what does it mean?"
"Mr. Kim is the best physician I know, so-"
"Oh, Mr. Yoongi...", Kim Seokjin sighed, sending him a glance which Jimin couldn't interpret, didn't dare to.
"This is my apprentice, Park Jimin."
Jimin almost jumped at suddenly being visible again.
"Glad to make acquaintance." Jimin bowed, which the other two returned.
"You two must be tired from the long road.", Mr. Kim Seokjin called for the butler. "Have two guest rooms prepared."
(((
With a groan, Jimin let himself fall on the mattress that caught him with a hug. From the ceiling little angels waved at him from behind lilies and Jimin smiled back at them.
Sudden fatigue crippled through his body.
Dinner would be ready in an hour... Maybe he could let his eyes rest for some minutes.
With a start, Jimin opened his eyes. His dream already forgotten, but heart racing.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Jimin sat up, frowning in the dark room. How long did he sleep?
Biting his lip, Jimin stepped out his room to see the hall being as dark as his room. The moon offered some assistance through the windows. Jimin should go back to sleep and apologize tomorrow.
His rumbling stomach disagreed with this plan though.
Knowing himself, Jimin wouldn't be able to fall asleep again on an empty stomach.
As silent as possible, Jimin walked into the general direction of the kitchen. It couldn't be too hard to find.
As he stepped down the broad stairs, Jimin noticed a light downstairs. What if a maid was still cleaning the kitchen? That was his chance to get food!
Adding speed, Jimin reached the lit room, coming to a halt at the door frame.
"Mr. Park?", Mr. Kim Seokjin cocked his head.
The man was wearing a warm robe with a scarf loosely around his neck and a glass of water in his hands.
"I'm so sorry for missing dinner. It's unfor-"
"It's alright.", Kim Seokjin waved him off with a smile, which slipped from his face as he started coughing. His whole body trembled as he leaned on the counter to steady himself.
Within seconds, Jimin was by his side, his arms flailing helplessly around the man.
"What can I do for you?", he whined more to himself than to the coughing man.
Kim Seokjin shook his head. Slowly, his coughing calmed down. For a minute, the man focused on breathing, before straightening up again.
"Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it. I just wanted to grab some water. I hate waking Mr. Yoongi up because of it."
"I'm sure he doesn't mind.", Jimin reassured the other, frowning slightly. Considering himself a burden while being sick only slowed down the recovery progress.
"May I prepare you warm milk with honey? It might work better than the water."
"I would appreciate it.", Kim Seokjin smiled softly, sliding into the chair at the table.
Having no idea where the pots or the ingredients were, Jimin followed the other man's directions, until the smell of boiling milk filled the room.
"Usually, I like to add some dried flowers, but I guess we'll complete my secret recipe a next time."
Jimin put a cup of milk in front of the Lord, taking a seat next to him.
"Thank you, Mr. Park.", Kim Seokjin sipped carefully as to not get burnt.
"Can I ask you something?", he asked when the cup was empty. Jimin nodded.
"Tell me about yourself? How did you meet Mr. Kim?"
Jimin hummed. Based on the little knowledge he had, Mr. Kim Seokjin was rather interested in the second question than the first.
"When I was younger, I always ended up hurting myself when playing around with my friends or sisters. Usually, my mother would fix the cuts and scratches. But one day, I fell from a tree and hurt my leg badly. This was just in time for a young physician to settle in our town.", Jimin chuckled at the memory. "I thought he was so fascinating while treating my wounds. I decided to be just like him when I grow up."
Jimin looked up from his hands to find Mr. Kim Seokjin smiling fondly. "When it was time for me to choose a path, I insisted on learning from Mr. Kim. It was such a scandal in our neighbourhood. An heir of a gentry being a physician? The aunties had so much fun and all because of me."
Jimin chuckled. "Mr. Kim agreed right away. He is kind and patient with me. I make mistakes, lots of them, but he always fixes them. The people in our town love him too."
"And you? You love him too?", the Lord asked tentatively.
"He is the best teacher and friend one could have."
"Ah...", Kim Seokjin covered his mouth with his hand. "Forgive me such inappropriate questions. I have no right to ask them."
Jimin hummed, tilting his head. While not being a part of this story, Jimin felt like this man had all the rights for such musings. At least in the middle of the night, with just the two of them.
"It's late, we should go to sleep.", the Lord stood up, halting when Jimin's stomach grumbled loudly.
"There should be some food in the right cabinet. Please, help yourself, Mr. Park."
"Thank you, Mr. Kim."
(((
Despite being the physician's apprentice, Jimin was kindly offered to take a walk, while Namjoon stayed to examine the patient.
A quick glance on Mr. Kim Seokjin at the breakfast which the man left earlier, was all Jimin got. Jimin kicked a little stone on the way through the rose garden. He wanted to help. A nagging inkling in the back of his mind told him that nobody could do that. Still, Jimin needed to do something, anything.
Finding a bench next to a little pond, Jimin sat down, huffing.
At least he provided moral support for his friend... although, did he really?
The sun shone brightly, so unusual for an autumn day and Jimin raised his chin to enjoy the sunlight on his face. Despite all the light, the warmth could barely be felt.
Sound of hurried steps came closer and begrudgingly Jimin opened his eyes. A young maid bowed to him. "Mr. Kim is asking for you."
Jumping up, Jimin followed the woman inside and up the stairs, his nerves playing tricks on him with every step. There must be a diagnosis and a plan of action and if Namjoon needed him, it meant it would be difficult.
The door was opened and Jimin entered a poorly lit room. He expected Namjoon to be here. As it turned out, it was the other Mr. Kim that called for him.
Mr. Kim Seokjin sat in his bed under covers despite the advanced time. His nightgown revealed a protruding collarbone and his face seemed paler than yesterday.
"Thank you for coming.", Jimin nodded rushing to take the hand that was stretched out for him. "I find your presence truly comforting, Mr. Park."
Mr. Kim Seokjin squeezed Jimin's hand, but there was scaringly little strength in his body
"I'll gladly stay by your side then, my Lord."
"Please, let's skip formalities. I don't think I have time for them. Mr. Seokjin is more than fine."
"Of course, Mr. Seokjin.", Jimin smiled. Truly, he felt slightly awkward to sit on a stranger's bed at first and hold his cold hand, but the lights in Seokjin's eyes and the little crinkles at their sides showed Jimin, that he was just helping a new dear friend.
"How are you feeling today?", Jimin asked, biting his lip. A foolish question.
Seokjin chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know anymore."
There was no humour in his tone and Jimin noticed some indifference in it. "Mr. Seokjin, allow me to invite you for a walk. The weather is lovely today."
Not actually waiting for an answer, Jimin stood up pacing around the room to search for suitable clothes. Even in the darkness, he could make out delicate furniture and soft colours. It must be a magical room when the sun is allowed to enter.
(((
Taking the same route as before, Jimin lead Seokjin slowly between the pompous bushes of red and white roses.
"They are beautiful.", Seokjin agreed, sounding already out of breath.
Jimin held his arm tighter, motioning them to the bench he discovered before.
The carps in the pond already gathered opening their mouths expectantly over the water surface.
Seokjin's eyes widened when Jimin suddenly pulled a piece of bread out of his pocket. He noticed the older piece on Seokjin's table, most likely forgotten and too dried out right now.
It took some effort to break up not too big pieces, so Jimin took over the job. Handing Seokjin the pieces, Jimin mirrored Seokjin's smile, when his weak hand let the pieces fall into the water. The fishes eagerly reached for the treat, crawling over each other, raising their tails into the air.
The two men didn't speak, only sharing chuckles at some overzealous carps.
Once the bread was gone, they watched the fish swim away one by one. "Thank you, Mr. Jimin."
Jimin looked up at Seokjin, who despite the smile had watering eyes.
Fondness took over Jimin and he took his friend's hand in his. It was cold and bony, Jimin rubbed it to provide some warmth.
"Mr. Seokjin-", Jimin gulped, his own throat clenching and tears gathering in his eyes. The sight of such a warm person silent suffering tore Jimin's heart apart. "Should we go back? How about some tea?"
Seokjin nodded and Jimin helped him up, guiding the shivering man inside the house.
(((
Weeks passed by unnoticed. Jimin's mind was working tirelessly on how to make Seokjin smile, how to pull at least a little smile on his face. It became a rule to take a small walk in the garden although their routes became shorter. On Tuesday they made a cake which completely failed as they mixed up sugar and salt. The horrified expressions on Namjoon's and Mr. Min's face served Jimin and Seokjin as a good reason for laughter for multiple days.
It turned out, Seokjin was an amazing singer. His voice sounding soothing and mesmerizing. When his voice began to waver, Jimin would take on to continue the song. And although he's not as confident with his voice, Seokjin reassured him that it was the sweetest lullaby in the world.
Sometimes, it would rain. The curtains would stay closed, as also the door.
Jimin would lean on the opposite wall, waiting for the affirmation that he could come in. It could take hours or not appear at all.
On such nights, Jimin would go to bed exhausted with the dooming feeling of absolute uselessness.
(((
"Jimin, oh Jimin, look!", Seokjin gasped, pointing at the newspaper in his hand. "The autumn festival is starting!"
"Do you want to go?", Jimin asked before thinking, wincing at his rudeness.
"No, no.", Seokjin waved him off, his good mood strong enough today to ignore it. "But I love the pumpkin pies and the colourful kites... Could you get me those?"
With Seokjin's hopeful expecting eyes, there was no way Jimin could refuse.
"Great! Oh, you don't know the town, right? Mr. Min, you'll join Jimin tonight."
Jimin perked up, not having noticed the man standing by the door of the living room.
His expression was unreadable, void of any excitement for sure. "As you wish, my dear."
He nodded, leaving the room right away.
"He might seem a bit grumpy at times, don't take this personal."
Seokjin rolled his eyes, proceeding with a detailed description on which pumpkin pie stand was to find.
(((
The autumn festival turned out to be a big event in the town. By the time the sun set, a crowd formed so big, it looked like one snake flowing through the street.
Jimin bit his lip, carefully avoiding people. Especially Mr. Min. It wasn't that he didn't like the man. The impulse came from Mr. Min himself. On their way to town, he kept a more than respectful distance. His answers stayed limited to yes or no and with such evident hint of dismissal, Jimin gave up trying to be a nice company.
"Whoa...", Jimin whispered as they finally turned on the main street, where the stalls stood.
In the darkness, thousands of little lights battled the stars themselves. Laughter and delicious scents filled the air. A tingling sense of excitement rushed through Jimin and he rushed ahead into the crowd, completely forgetting about his companion.
“Young man, try our waffles!”
“A little doll for such a pretty boy!”
“Don`t fret, go ahead and win a box of pears!”
In the whirr of activities and calls, somehow, Jimin got lost. As he wandered deeper and deeper into the festival, his arms getting filled with more and more things he acquired, at some point, his giddy mood paused. Glancing around Jimin only found unfamiliar faces. Which direction the mansion laid; he wasn't sure anymore.
Worrying his lip, a slow kind of panic creeped up, his hands gripping tighter around all the stuff he bought. What if he wouldn`t find his way back? What if Mr. Min simply left, leaving Jimin here to spend the night alone on the streets?
Then. "Mr. Park."
Relief flushed over Jimin in waves as he turned towards this low soothing voice. "Mr. Min!", he exclaimed, never having been so delighted to see this man before.
"Ah, I see you have been quite productive.", Mr. Min's eyes scanned the contents in Jimin's arms. Jimin's eyes widened as a little smile formed on the other man's face. An expression Jimin didn't consider possible.
"Yes, it's a wonderful place.", Jimin rambled, feeling his cheeks heating.
"I guess we should return then. It looks heavy."
"Oh, but...", Jimin winced apologetically. "I still have to buy the things Mr. Seokjin asked for."
After a second of silence, where Mr. Min stared at him with raised brows, the man let out a laugh, immediately clapping a hand over his mouth. "Ah, apologies, Mr. Park. It is... as surprising as it is expected. We should go back to the main street, that's where he usually got the cake and the kites."
Mr. Min was talking, but Jimin didn't seem to catch the meaning of his words, his mind replaying the prior sound again. Lovely. So lovely, Jimin craved to hear it again.
As they walked back to the mansion, Jimin stole glances at the man, biting his lip. It wouldn't work. Jimin frowned, staring ahead. No jokes or anecdotes in Jimin's head seemed good enough to cause another real laughter.
Jimin should be grateful he witnessed it once, for Mr. Min turned back to his cold indifference all too quickly and seemingly forever.
(((
Leaning on the window, Jimin watched a light green kite flying in the air. On the ground, Seokjin sat huddled in fluffy blankets while Mr. Min guided the kite with a focused frown on his face.
They looked so peaceful together. A bittersweet ache made Jimin tear his eyes away. He should give them some privacy.
"Do you need help?", Jimin wondered as Namjoon packed and unpacked his instruments and bottles. The actions appeared chaotic and shaky, so different from Namjoon's usual collected state.
The physician scoffed, shaking his head. So unlike him, again.
"I thought..." His movements halted. Placing his hands on the table to support his weight, Namjoon dropped his head, breathing heavily.
Jimin bit his lip, stepping forward, only to stop again.
"I thought he just left me for a title, a status.", A heavy sigh. "I accepted that and lived on, but he told me..."
In the deep frown and clenched jaw Jimin could see how his friend put all the effort to stop himself from crying.
"He got sick all those years back. Needing expensive treatment... we wouldn't be able to... so he..."
Namjoon shook his head, cutting himself off. There wouldn't be any further explanation, but it was enough to understand.
Living with betrayal is easier than with guilt.
Reaching out, Jimin patted Namjoon's back in soothing circles. He opened his mouth and closed it again. What could possibly be said?
What could possibly be done to make things right?
"Mr. Kim, a letter for you.", a maid walked in, her eyes widening briefly at the scene, before returning to impassive politeness.
Tearing the paper open, one emotion after another was displayed on Namjoon's face and Jimin had trouble following.
"What happened?"
"Youngjae, he's gotten worse again."
Choi Youngjae was a little boy in their town, whom Namjoon treated for years. His sickness seemed seasonal, but never completely gone.
He was such a lovely, sweet child.
Jimin gasped for air, his world stilling for a second.
"We- we need to go! We- Let's hurry!", Jimin fumbled with Namjoon's bag, throwing inside everything in his radius.
"Jimin, Jimin, wait.", Namjoon carefully pulled him away, gripping by his shoulders.
"I will go, right away. Jimin, you need to stay with Seokjin. Can- can you do that, please?"
"But I-"
"Jimin, please.", It was barely a whisper. Blinking through the cloudiness in his mind, Jimin nodded.
Outside, raindrops rushed people inside the house. It suddenly felt cold. A shiver ran down Jimin's body. He hoped it was due to the sudden change in weather.
(((
As Namjoon's carriage disappeared behind trees, Jimin feared to feel alone in this big place. This loneliness only lasted one second though.
As if on cue, Seokjin's condition got worse. He lost his appetite, getting too weak to walk, too tired to talk or care and Jimin used attempt after attempt to break Seokjin out of the darkness he was succumbing in.
At the end of the third day of fruitless efforts Jimin felt his head pulsating in pain, threatening to explode.
With a tray of barely eaten food, he leaned on the wall next to Seokjin's room, sliding to the floor. Closing his eyes hurt, thinking hurt. Knowing where this sickness was leading hurt.
How did Mr. Min manage to remain stoic and positive (well, as positive as this person could be)?
"This won't do.", Jimin put the tray down, getting to his feet. With only one knock as a warning, he entered Seokjin's room.
It was dark since the man ordered to keep the curtains closed.
Seokjin himself laid in bed, hugging a pillow, unmoving. Only his eyes followed Jimin's steps.
"Dear friend, allow me the frivolousness of hugging you.", Jimin sighed, climbing on the bed, over the sheets. Draping an arm over Seokjin's body, Jimin pressed him against himself as tightly as he could. The other man lost so much weight, it seemed he would shatter like glass if Jimin pressed too hard. Finding Seokjin's hand, Jimin took it, pressing their clasped hands to Seokjin's chest, where his heart was still beating in his chest.
It was silent at first. Jimin wasn't pushed away or yelled at. In fact, there was no reaction at all and Jimin's couldn't even see Seokjin's face.
Soon after, Jimin felt the body shaking against his, little sobs breaking the silence in the room.
Jimin's eyes widened as he contemplated whether to hold tighter or let go.
Seokjin's hand turned, taking Jimin's, pressing it so tight, it hurt.
They weren't talking, not by using words anyway, but for the first time Jimin felt like he did something right, like he could help, even if only for a fleeting second.
(((
Jimin couldn't remember himself falling asleep. He was never supposed to fall asleep in Seokjin's bed in first place. But as his thought broke into his dreams of meadows and cold rivers, Jimin realised he might have done just that.
"... still inappropriate."
He heard a voice and his heart lunged down his body. Ordering his eyes to stay shut, Jimin waited for a better moment to announce that he was awake.
"He's a good boy and I needed a hug from a friend."
"You could have waited for your husband and friend to come home."
Jimin's heartbeat so loud, he was afraid everyone could hear it.
"We don't do that."
"I- you could have asked."
"I didn't know I needed it myself. How could I have asked?", Seokjin chuckled.
"How did he know then?"
Luckily, there was no malice in Mr. Min's words, only wondering.
"He's special.", Seokjin hummed and Jimin felt long fingers carding through his hair.
"Seokjin, the maids will talk..."
Mr. Min almost hissed, only tiredness keeping his tone in bay.
"They talk since the festival... You're just jealous."
A deafening silence settled and Jimin wasn't sure there actually was a moment to open his eyes. He might have to wait till they leave. But Seokjin barely left his bed anymore, so how-
"I will not continue this conversation."
The scraping of a chair against the wooden floor was heard and steps, the clicking of the door.
"Yoongi, it's not a bad thing. I-"
Seokjin sighed as the door was slammed close with too much force.
"My little sunshine.", Seokjin hummed as he continued patting Jimin's head. "Is there any hope you'd feel the same?"
Jimin froze, not knowing whether his pretense was discovered. Was this vague question directed at him? Or was Seokjin talking about his husband?
Seokjin sighed. "Let's wake you up, sunshine. I'm getting hungry, I guess you will be too."
(((
For the first time in days Seokjin was seated at the dining table and the sight alone made Jimin so happy and giddy he couldn't stop himself from squirming in his chair.
What could make him freeze was the ice-cold stare Mr. Min was sending his way every time Jimin dared a tentative glance in his direction.
Jimin shouldn't be surprised. He crossed so many lines, broke so many rules, his dear mother would get a heart attack if she ever heard about it.
Still, Jimin preferred the prior complete indifference to the current animosity.
Seokjin didn't feel the temperature dropping or decided not to notice it, as he kept complimenting the cook for such a delicious dinner, making the poor old woman all red and flustered.
"Mr. Jimin, I was thinking...", Seokjin smiled softly, something akin to cheekiness glinting in his eyes. "Do you play any instrument?"
Gulping down his piece of bread, which suddenly seemed too dry, Jimin cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I'm not. There is a piano back home, but it's my younger sister who entertains us with sweet melodies."
"Oh, well I'm sure you're just being shy. But you know, Mr. Yoongi here is an excellent pianist."
Jimin's eyes flew to Mr. Min before he could stop himself. Their glances only met for a second thought, before Mr. Min directed a warning glance at his husband.
"Mr. Seokjin I don't-"
"I haven't heard you playing in a while. Could you honour us with a piece tonight?"
Seokjin tilted his head in question.
"Of course.", Mr. Min agreed, picking on his food, not raising his head.
Jimin blinked, the conversation had some subtext which was outside of Jimin's understanding.
He didn't have the time to worry though as Seokjin put his fork down, still talking cheerfully. Jimin gulped, looking dreadfully at the full plate in front of his friend.
(((
The fire lazily played in the fireplace, trying to match the soft melody that spread in the room.
Seokjin let out a contented sigh, snuggling deeper into the blanket.
All this flew by Jimin unnoticed as he couldn`t stop himself from staring.
Upon Seokjin's request Mr. Min sat at the black piano, his fingers gently flying over the tiles, creating a magical sound.
Never before has Jimin been so entranced by an instrument. Time stood still, place fading away, only Jimin and the musician on the other side of the room. Too afraid to blink, to turn away as to not miss a second of this beautiful scene, Jimin watched with baited breath how those hands pressed on the black and white tiles.
A creeping fear rose to his chest as Jimin glanced further up, his gaze landing on Mr. Min's focused features. The slight frown and closed eyes, a slight pout.
Jimin's troubling didn't source in the sweet melody alone, deep inside, he was aware of it. But as Seokjin shuffled closer to throw a piece of his blanket over Jimin's legs, he quickly hushed the thoughts away. It couldn't be.
"Beautiful, right?", Seokjin hummed and Jimin nodded. He wasn't sure whenever his friend meant the music or the man playing it, but it didn't make any difference anyway.
"He didn't play for a while."
"Why?", Jimin whispered, scared of breaking the magic with his voice.
"I got headaches and every sound would worsen the pain. He played less and less until stopping altogether."
Jimin tore his eyes from Mr. Min to look at Seokjin. His pale skin contrasting with the blanket, the fallen in eyes and purple circles under them more prominent than even a week ago.
"He compromised so much for the last 15 years. For me.", Seokjin sighed. "But there is one thing I won't let him give up on."
Tilting his head, Jimin watched all the care and softness in his friend's eyes. How wonderful it must have been to spend such a long time by his side.
"Jimin, there is a favor I dare to ask from you."
"Everything.", Jimin nodded even before Seokjin finished the sentence. In the short time the man next to him fell into Jimin's heart as a dearest friend and he would do everything to make him happy.
"Could you make sure he's fine, when I... when I...", Seokjin frowned, pressing his lips together.
"I will.", Jimin whispered, his voice shaking.
He glanced at Mr. Min, who looked up as the melody ended. Their eyes met, sending an invisible punch to Jimin's chest. It couldn`t be.
He didn't know much about this man and how he would heal the inevitable wound that was about to appear on his heart. But Jimin promised himself long ago to become a person who heals and helps. Jimin wouldn't let him suffer alone.
(((
The rain knocked loudly against the window glass, not letting Jimin fall asleep. The usually so soothing sound close to a lullaby sounded dangerous in his ears. After hours of wringing in his bed Jimin huffed, sitting up. Throwing a robe over his sleepwear, he raked a hand through his messy hair.
As quiet as possible, he walked down the already familiar route to the kitchen. This time it was dark and Jimin hummed as he put on all the candles and putting a pot of water to boil. A nice hot tea might help.
Namjoon used to try and convince Jimin that tea had an energizing effect which would be contra productive, but he gave up by now and Jimin still enjoyed a cup in the middle of the night once in a while.
Humming to himself, Jimin searched for some sugar. Perhaps it was left on the table?
"Oh!", Jimin gripped his chest, where his heart lunged in surprise as he turned around. Mr. Min stood at the door with a sleepy appearance but equal surprise on his face.
His black hair was ruffled, eyes puffy and the robe couldn't hide enough skin to be considered appropriate.
Scolding himself, Jimin forced his eyes up. Unfortunately, looking into Mr. Min's eyes was just as challenging. So beautiful and scary at the same time.
Like the rain at night, Jimin thought.
Scolding himself again, he cleared his throat.
"Is there something you need, Mr. Min?"
The man shook himself too, stepping into the room fully
.
"Seokjin asked for hot milk.", he rubbed his eyes tiredly searching for a pot.
"Allow me.", Jimin pulled out a little pot from a completely different cabinet than Mr. Min was looking in. "With honey?"
"Huh? Oh... I don't know... I...", Mr. Min mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.
Jimin smiled at the adorable scene in front of him, so unusual from the man's usual appearance. Like a little fairy that was woken up by the sudden storm.
"I take the liberty to add one spoon.", Pulling his pot aside, Jimin put the new one in its place. This should reduce the time to heat up the milk. "How is Mr. Seokjin?"
Jimin asked while starring at the honey glass held tightly in his hands.
Maybe it was the night, perhaps the rain, but an unsettling feeling in his stomach refused to leave him alone.
"Tired.", was Mr. Min's only answer and still Jimin understood.
They were quiet until the milk was steaming and poured in a cup.
"Thank you, Mr. Park.", Mr. Min waited for Jimin to place the cup on the table, instead of taking it from his outstretched hands. The perhaps invisible wall between them pushed Jimin further away, its sharp stones scraping at Jimin`s skin painfully.
Jimin only nodded as Mr. Min was already out of the room.
Leaning on the table, he frowned. So many thoughts running through his mind, one scarier than the other.
The pot with water was left forgotten as Jimin slowly climbed the stairs.
Back in the safety of his still warm bedsheets, Jimin gripped his blanket tighter, listening to the rain that mercilessly hit against the windows.
(((
The rain didn't stop, not for a second. Three days have passed. Not that Jimin noticed. Time blurred into one heavy clump which rested on his shoulders.
Seokjin got worse. No remedies known to Jimin or Namjoon or any doctor in England could truly save him. Still, Jimin rushed around the room, changing the cold wipes on Seokjin's forehead when the man ran a fever, adding another blanket when his body shivered. The mint oitment was running out just like Jimin's energy.
"Mr. Park.", Jimin jerked awake. Without noticing he must have spaced out in the middle of the stairs. He looked up; Mr. Min's pale face next to him. It was paler than usual, his lower lip trembling and Jimin gripped tighter on the railing, fearing the man's following words.
"Mr. Seokjin wants to speak to you. Hurry."
With a gasp, Jimin ran, stumbled over the carpet and ran again. The door flew open as he rushed into Seokjin's room, landing on the floor at the head of the bed.
Seokjin smiled softly, blinking softly. "Thank you, Jimin.", his voice was so quiet, Jimin had to lean closer, taking his hand. "For everything."
"Of course, of course", Jimin rambled, wiping furiously at tears, which escaped without his permission. "Seokjin, Mr. Seokjin-", he sobbed as the man's eyes fell closed, his hand going slack in Jimin's.
Shaking his head, Jimin cried, holding the hand to his forehead. He tried to prepare himself for this moment, but nothing ever hurt and tore his heart apart this way before.
Air, his lungs clenching, not able to receive enough air.
Looking up, Jimin gasped at the peaceful expression on Seokjin`s face. One could mistake it for a deep slumber, one the man missed for so long.
Trying to calm down his sobs, Jimin turned his head.
Mr. Min stood at the end of the bed, staring on the now lifeless body of his husband.
His expression was stoic beside the tears that streamed down his face.
Gulping heavily, Jimin stood up, carefully placing Seokjin's hand down on the blanket.
He took one step back then another. The strength it took was more than his body could handle.
He needed to give Mr. Min space to say goodbye.
Jimin opened his mouth, closing it then.
Seokjin's skin was so pale, almost translucent. Like an angel.
We`ll meet again, dear friend.
Gathering all his willpower, Jimin stepped out the room, his legs about to give up. Step after step after step, until cold raindrops landed on his heated face. Mingling with the tears they helped, somehow.
The sky was grey, mourning with them.
When Jimin looked ahead, he narrowed his eyes as a black figure appeared on the road. It was a man on a horse. With for this weather dangerous speed, they sprinted closer.
Jimin's already breaking heart sprang once again as he recognized the rider.
Namjoon jumped off the horse, gripping Jimin's shoulders.
"Jimin, why are you crying? What's wrong?"
Namjoon's eyes so full of worry widened as Jimin shook his head.
Glancing towards the door, was all the message Jimin could deliver.
It must have worked as Namjoon dropped his hands, running inside.
As Jimin cried with the sky, it felt like even with sunshine, his life would never be the same again.