Chapter Text
“Our couch is already filled with your snot.” Yoongi's voice is both teasing and worried. He shrugs off his jacket, placing it on the head of the couch. “Jimin.”
Jimin sobs, sniffling while clutching on a ball of tissue and hugging the tissue box to his chest. “W-what?”
The elder sighs. He does hate seeing Jimin this way. It's understandable. Breaking up with your boyfriend of four years, the first and only boyfriend in your life, has to be one of the most painful shit to happen in your life. “Hey, this has been going on for a month now. This cannot be your way to cope.” Yoongi twists his head toward the tv, “I bet you have memorized Jenny's poem for Nate.”
The younger one nods, hiding his face a little. “It's a good poem.”
Yoongi chuckles, reaching out for Jimin's head, giving it a soft pat. “Okay. Get up now. I'm sure you haven't eaten anything yet. Do you want me to cook?”
With a groan and a back stretch, Jimin rolls over the couch, using his foot to support himself. He fixes the blanket, covering himself properly. “I just want ramyeon.”
“You can only have the mild one. Boy, don't pout at me.” The elder raises a finger to Jimin, “If only you had eaten something today, I would've given you the spicy one.”
“You're such a meanie sometimes.” Jimin whispers to himself. He sighs, standing from the carpet, turning the tv off. “I should move out.”
Yoongi is already in the kitchen, laughing at Jimin's pettiness. They have been best friends for fifteen years now and somehow they haven't seen everything in each other. It's like every year they are subjected to change. One thing is guaranteed though, Yoongi and Jimin are solid. No matter what.
“Hey, there's this event thing in our school. Should I go?” Jimin asks as Yoongi places down a bowl of ramyeon in front of him. “I mean, there's gonna be a lot of people.”
“What makes you comfortable?” Yoongi sits across from him, pulling closer his own bowl toward himself. “I mean, if you really ask me, I'd say you should go.”
Jimin sighs, “If we're talking about comfortability, I'd really say I wouldn't be thrilled to go out with lots of people. But I don’t know… I feel like it's right to go. I'm just not sure if I'm ready.”
Yoongi shrugs, “You wouldn't really know unless you try. Going out of your comfort zone isn't always a bad thing, Min-ah.”
“You're right.” The younger one lets out a soft giggle, “I'll still think about it though. Oh, by the way,”
“Hm?” The elder one hums, lifting his brows instead of his head.
“Remember that sweater you gave me on my 20th birthday?” He starts, trying to avoid Yoongi's gaze. He is scratching his throat, a sign that he's nervous. Yoongi just knows that too well already.
Yoongi places his chopsticks down, leaning forward with his forearm resting on the table. He tilts his head, waiting for Jimin to talk. Even so, his face is gentle, always so gentle for Jimin.
The blonde haired guy, Jimin, bites his lip, closing his eyes as he sighs. It only takes him seconds before saying, “I left it at his place. I just realized I have so much stuff left at his place. That's one of them.”
His best friend nods, and doesn't give a reaction other than a calm hum. He takes his chopsticks again, “Give me the list. I'll get them for you.”
“But hyung,” He stops himself, knowing deep down Yoongi will not allow him to go back to his ex's place again.
It's just far more complicated than this.
“Make a list and I'll get them for you, Min-ah.” He presses, not giving Jimin much choice left. The elder raises a brow, “I'll get them this weekend.”
Jimin sighs, pouting as he nods, “Alright. I'll give you the list later. But hyung,”
“Yeah?”
The younger one tries to smile, “Can you please not make a scene? I mean, if he provokes you or whatever… just don't. Don't engage.”
The sheer displease in Jimin's best friend's face makes Jimin's chest tighten. Yoongi, ever since they were little, has been Jimin's protector. He's just two years older than Jimin but he acts so much like an adult even when they were both just teenagers. It's in Yoongi's nature to take care of Jimin. Always. Even when they're now in their twenties.
Yoongi licks his lips, “Yeah, I won't.”
“Promise?” Jimin lowers his head, trying to meet Yoongi's eyes.
Yoongi clenches his jaw, nodding. “Promise.”
***
Jimin always hated how far he needed to walk from one class to another. Always! But maybe heart breaks tend to change things in a person.
[from: hyungie :)]
I'll be home late tonight, Minnie.
I cooked before I went out. Just heat them up if you're hungry.
And text me when you're home.
He stops walking, checking the messages his best friend sent him. He sighs, knowing how much Yoongi does taking care of him.
[to: hyungie :)]
I have one more class and I'm done for the day.
Bring me some pizza when you come back hehe.
Take care, hyungieee
It's 5:00 pm, and the sun is starting to go down. The rays are brighter as it comes closer to the horizon. The campus is suddenly too quiet than usual, Jimin thinks. Some students are on the grass with their picnic mats, some are by the fountain.
Couples. There's a lot of couples, making Jimin smile bitterly.
“Oppa~” A girl whines, pouting as she moves closer to her boyfriend. “Let's do it once. Just once. Pretty please?”
The boyfriend sighs, chuckling while stroking the girl's hair. “Fine. We'll do it. Just once, okay?”
The girl giggles, throwing herself at him for an embrace. “Okay, okay! I love you so much.”
“Mhm, I love you too, babe.”
Bullshit. Love? That's bullshit.
“Jiminie!” Jimin blinks, finally waking up to his senses. He feels his forehead ache a little for frowning too much. Before he forgets, he turns to the voice and finally sees a familiar face running towards him.
“Taehyungie,” He greets with a smile, “How's your class?”
The other gives him a quick side hug before answering his question, “Quite boring. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep with my eyes wide open. How ‘bout yours?”
“Quiz, lecture, quiz, lecture, quiz… just the usual deadly cycle.” Jimin replies with an exasperated sigh.
“Sounds like Mr. Hwang's class.” The taller one mumbles, side eying. He then hooks his arm over Jimin's and leads their way, “Do you wanna grab something to eat before we head to class? I heard there's free ice cream today.”
Jimin vividly perks up, “Really? That's non-negotiable. Come on.”
It was a bloodbath just to get a cup of free ice cream. They stood in line for minutes with people around them ranting about how they're going to be late for class and they haven't gotten their ice cream yet—yada, yada. It pissed Jimin and Taehyung off obviously.
“I've been meaning to ask… how are you holding up?” Taehyung suddenly asks as they settle into their seats in the lecture hall. He scoots closer to Jimin, pulling his chair with him. His tone is not prying but rather, it is concerned.
Jimin glances at him before chuckling. It's a real one that honestly surprised Jimin himself. It hasn't been that long since the breakup. Heck, it hasn't been a week since he cried about it on Yoongi's couch. “I'm okay…” He says, “I actually feel relieved.”
“Really?” The other frowns, “Like… you're okay?”
With a light hum, Jimin nods, “I don't know. It's weird, you know? Last week, I was just crying about him and I kept thinking I miss him. Two days ago I was mad at him for ending things then today… I just feel nothing— but not in a way that's bad, you get it? It's hard to explain. I just feel like there's nothing heavy in my chest.”
Taehyung offers a small, tight smile. “I'm glad you're getting by okay. How's Yoongi hyung, by the way?”
Yes, Taehyung knows Yoongi and Yoongi knows Taehyung. Kim Taehyung is Jimin's university bestie for four years and sometimes the two besties overlap. That's a story for another time. Bottomline is, they aren't really strangers to each other.
“He's busy with work. If you're asking about our living situation, it's definitely chaotic because of the endless nagging and worrying but I get it. I think he's also aware I fucking hate the nagging.” Jimin just shrugs, wiping his hand with a tissue.
Taehyung runs his fingers through his blonde hair as he leans back on his chair, “You don't exactly hate the nagging. If you actually hate it, you wouldn’t bear to live with him.”
A soft snort comes out of Jimin's mouth as he nods continuously to show how much he agrees with Taehyung. “I would've been dead if he weren’t nagging me 24/7.”
“Yoongi hyung is really good for you, you know? I mean, you've so adamant that everything between the both of you is platonic—before you even lift a hand to punch me, just listen.” Taehyung instinctively moves away as quickly as he can when Jimin lifts his hand to obviously hit Taehyung. He's done that so many times that Taehyung has already developed muscle memory… if that's the right term. “What I'm trying to say is, Yoongi hyung just gets you in a very uncanny way. And if the two of you were gonna end up with each other, it would either be chaos or just perfect. I personally believe it's gonna be the latter one.”
Jimin grimaces, “I can't even imagine it!”
The blonde one just laughs, slowly letting go of the topic.
***
At this point, it's already past 8PM when Jimin enters the apartment. It's dark, clearly, Yoongi is still out. The elder one messaged him an hour ago telling him he'll be home on or before 9PM and not to wait for him for dinner.
Jimin drops his bag on the couch as well as his lilac cardigan when suddenly he mentally hears Yoongi's “The couch is for human butts to sit in.” which, apparently, is his favorite line since the moment Jimin moved in. So the younger one, tired of the endless nagging, takes his bag and cardigan and throws them inside his room—the only place Yoongi cannot nag him about.
He hums on his way to the kitchen to get himself an instant ramyeon when he notices a pot on the table with a note— “No instant ramyeon for you tonight. Eat this instead. With care, Hyungie.”
On usual days Jimin would get pissed and send in different curse words to Yoongi but today, he surprisingly finds it endearing. He's been eating unhealthy food for the past few weeks and it's actually time to be kind to his body. He then brings the pot over to the stove to heat it up and pop some instant rice in the microwave.
Just when Jimin is already seated on his seat, the front door opens. From where he is sitting, he cannot see who is coming in. Call him weird but he already knows it's Yoongi and it's not because he's the only one—other than Jimin who lives in the unit but the footsteps. Yoongi's footsteps have always been distinct. He carries himself, making his steps more muffled than anyone can. They are always calculated that sometimes Jimin finds it amusing.
“Hyungie?” He softly calls out and not long after, Yoongi peeks his head out the kitchen.
“Hey,” Yoongi smiles, revealing the rest of him.
Jimin frowns at the different paper bags in his hand. “What are those?”
The elder one sighs quietly, placing all the bags on the floor while making sure they are lined up accordingly by the wall. “Uhm, some of your things.”
“You went there?!” High-pitched, Jimin asks, almost jumping from his seat.
Yoongi nods, walking over to the dining table, the corners of his lips lifting up into a smile. “Eat plenty, Min-ah.”
Jimin ignores his statement, letting go of his cutlery, “Why didn't you tell me you're going to him?”
“Because I don't want you to think more about it. And we agreed that I'll get all of your stuff back. I happened to have a meeting near his place so I figured I should just go and get things over with.” Yoongi explains while getting himself a clean bowl and heating up another pack of rice. As he settles himself across from Jimin, he breathes out, “Are you mad?”
The younger one scratches his neck, just a moment of thinking what to say. He is not sure whether he's pissed by the idea of Yoongi going to his ex's place without his knowledge or just be grateful that it's finally over. “I don't know.” He mumbles,
Yoongi straightens his back, his eyes focused on the table which is just his own way of avoiding Jimin's gaze. He nods, “I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was intruding.”
“No, no.” Jimin picks up his spoon again before shrugging, “I'm sure you just did what you thought was right. At least I got my favorite sweater back.”
“Yeah, that was the first thing I looked for.” Yoongi says, laughing softly. After a quiet pause, he clears his throat, “Well, let's eat. The soup isn't gonna get any warmer.”
Jimin nods, stuffing his mouth with another spoonful of rice followed by the soup. “So good, hyungie. Thank you.”
Their night ends shortly after, chatting for a little while until Jimin yawns quite dramatically. “Go to bed, Min-ah.”
The younger one wipes away the tears in his eyes after yawning, “How ‘bout you?”
“I just have to finish something for work then I'll call it a night.” Yoongi pulls out his laptop from his bag as well as his glasses, putting it on effortlessly. He turns his head towards Jimin's direction, the younger one not making any move to walk away. “Good night, Jimin.” He says in a pressing tone.
Jimin rolls his eyes, “Good night, appa.”
Jimin heads to his room while Yoongi watches him with pure adoration in his eyes. His best friend walks like a penguin, barefooted waddling on his way to his room.
Yoongi smiles, “Cute.”
***
“Do you have an extra pen?” Taehyung asks, his voice laced with panic as he rummages through his bag. His fingers sift through loose papers and a small sketchbook. “Shit. Why now?!”
Jimin, sitting beside him, silently chews on his sandwich, watching the spectacle unfold. With a small sigh, he reaches into his bag. Jimin has a habit of carrying an unnecessary number of pens; it’s a quiet little addiction he’s never bothered to address. “Calm down. I have the same one as what you usually use.”
Taehyung pauses, relief washing over him as he glances at Jimin. “You’re a lifesaver. I really need to finish this today.”
“I wouldn’t even ask anymore.” Jimin rolls his eyes good-naturedly as he pulls out his trusty pouch, unzips it, and begins sifting through the colorful array. “Here,” he finally says, handing over the exact pen Taehyung favors.
“Thankies, soulmie!” Taehyung chirps, flashing a wide grin before immediately returning to his task. His pen scratches against the paper as he immerses himself in his activity.
Jimin, meanwhile, starts to put the pouch back into his bag when something catches his eye. A small envelope, neatly tucked underneath his alcohol spray bottle, seems out of place. He frowns, picking it up. It’s unfamiliar, and Jimin knows he didn’t put it there—he’s meticulous about cleaning out his bag. The envelope is plain white, but his name is written in delicate, slanted handwriting across the front: Jimin
“What’s that?” Taehyung’s curiosity is piqued as he glances up, noticing Jimin’s furrowed brows.
“I don’t know,” Jimin replies, flipping the envelope over and running his thumb along the seal. He hesitates for a moment before opening it. Inside is a single folded piece of paper. His eyes scan the neat handwriting, and his expression shifts from confusion to surprise.
“Well?” Taehyung prods, leaning closer. “What is it?”
Jimin exhales slowly, feeling heat creep up his neck. “It’s… It’s from Hajun. He’s in my elective class. He’s asking me out on a date.”
Taehyung gasps, his grin widening. “Oh my god! Yeah, I know Hajun. Gosh, Jimin, you have a secret admirer!” He reaches out to grab the note, but Jimin pulls it away.
“Stop, it’s not like that,” Jimin mutters, folding the letter and tucking it back into the envelope. His mind whirls with thoughts.
Taehyung smirks, clearly enjoying this far more than he should. “So? Are you going? Hajun’s cute, you know. And he’s nice.”
Jimin shrugs, unsure. “I don’t know. I just got out of a relationship, and—”
“I totally understand that but,” Taehyung interrupts, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It wouldn’t kill you to try. Who knows? This could be good for you.”
Jimin doesn’t reply, his thoughts drifting to Yoongi. He has always valued Yoongi's opinions whenever he needs to decide on something—from what color of shirt he should buy to things as serious as this. That evening, when he gets home, the envelope is still tucked safely in his bag. He sets it on the table and flops onto the couch, his phone in hand.
“Min-ah, the bags aren't supposed to be there.” Yoongi is in the kitchen, humming lightly as he pours himself a glass of water. Noticing Jimin’s unusually pensive expression, he raises an eyebrow. “What’s with the long face?”
Jimin bites his lip, debating whether to bring it up. Finally, he blurts out, “Someone asked me out today.”
Yoongi freezes, the glass halfway to his lips. He turns to face Jimin fully, his expression unreadable. “Oh? Who?”
“Jang Hajun. A guy from my elective class. He left a letter in my bag.” Jimin avoids Yoongi’s gaze, fiddling with the edge of a throw pillow. There's silence before he says, “Taehyung thinks I should go.”
Yoongi leans against the counter, crossing his arms. He’s quiet for a moment, and Jimin can’t tell what he’s thinking. “Four months.” Yoongi says finally, his voice steady but cautious. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
“I don’t know,” Jimin admits softly. “But… it wouldn’t hurt to try, right?” His eyes finally meet Yoongi’s, searching for reassurance.
Yoongi exhales, his features softening. “If you think it’s worth exploring, go for it. You deserve to be happy, Jimin.”
“You're not against it?” Jimin asks quietly, lowkey hoping Yoongi will say yes. Yes, he is against it.
His best friend looks around, sighing as he says, “I'm not exactly supportive of it. I just want you to do whatever you want to do.”
There’s a pause before Yoongi adds, almost hesitantly, “Just… be careful, okay?”
Jimin nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Of course, hyung. You don't really have to worry about me.”
The elder one walks closer to him, ruffling his hair. “It's my job to worry about you, Min-ah.”
The other one laughs lightly as he jokes out, “I can't pay you for that, hyung.”
“I would've been a billionaire if you paid me every time I worry.” Yoongi then offers his hand to the younger, “Let's eat.”
***
[to: hyungie :)]
i'm here😬
[from: hyungie :)]
Are you okay?
Is he there yet?
Text me if you need me to pick you up, okay?
I'm just somewhere around the block
[to: hyungie :)]
yup on both, hyung
thanksss!
also, i'm kinda nervous
[from: hyungie :)]
Do you want me to pick you up?
[to: hyungie :)]
i'm okay! just nervous
byeeeeereee! won't be using my phone unless i need to
Jimin clicks his phone off before keeping it deep inside his pocket. Hajun is seated on a table by the corner, just where the sun doesn't hit the table much. The guy hasn't seen him yet, he supposes and hopes. Jimin has been standing beside the big plant pot for the past three minutes, texting Yoongi and giving himself a pep talk both at once.
Jimin takes a deep breath, smoothing down his shirt as he finally steps away from the giant plant pot he’s been using as cover. His heart pounds as he walks towards the table where Hajun sits, his back to Jimin. Hajun looks up just as Jimin approaches, and his face lights up in a warm, genuine smile.
“Hey, Jimin! You made it,” Hajun says, standing up and pulling out a chair for him.
“Hi,” Jimin replies, his voice a little shaky as he sits down. He fiddles with the strap of his bag, feeling a bit awkward under Hajun’s gaze.
“I was starting to think you’d gotten lost,” Hajun teases, his tone light and friendly.
Jimin laughs nervously. “No, I was just, uh, taking a moment outside.”
Hajun chuckles. “Fair enough. First dates can be nerve-wracking. But don’t worry—I don’t bite.”
Jimin relaxes slightly. The waiter comes by, and they order coffee and light snacks. The initial conversation is a little stilted, filled with the usual questions about their classes and interests. But Hajun, with his easygoing nature, quickly steers the conversation into more comfortable territory.
“So, you’re into dancing, right? I saw that performance you did at the school festival last year. You were incredible,” Hajun says, leaning forward slightly.
Jimin blinks, surprised. “You were there?”
“Of course. I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage,” Hajun says with a smile that makes Jimin’s cheeks warm.
As the date progresses, the awkwardness melts away. Hajun shares funny stories about his childhood, even imitating his mom’s scolding voice, which makes Jimin laugh so hard he has to cover his mouth. In return, Jimin tells a few stories of his own, finding it surprisingly easy to open up.
By the time they finish their drinks, Jimin is genuinely enjoying himself. Hajun’s kindness and humor have completely disarmed him.
“Thanks for coming today,” Hajun says as they stand up to leave. “I know I kind of sprung this on you, but I had a great time.”
“Me too,” Jimin admits, a shy smile tugging at his lips.
“Can I walk you home?” Hajun asks, his eyes hopeful.
Jimin hesitates for a second before nodding. “Sure.”
They walk side by side, the conversation continuing easily. When they reach Jimin’s front gate, Hajun stops and turns to him.
“So… can I see you again? Maybe next week?”
Jimin bites his lip, nodding. “I’d like that.”
Hajun’s face lights up. “Great. I’ll text you, then.”
With a final wave, Hajun walks away, and Jimin watches him go, feeling a warm flutter in his chest.
As he steps inside, Jimin is greeted by the sight of Yoongi sitting on the couch, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.
“You’re late,” Yoongi says, his voice calm but carrying an edge.
Jimin blinks, surprised. Then he says while laughing, “It’s not that late, hyung.”
Yoongi sighs, standing up. “How was it?”
“It was good,” Jimin replies, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Hajun’s really nice. We’re going out again next week.”
Yoongi’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, but he forces a small nod. “That’s great. I’m glad you had fun.”
“Thanks, hyung,” Jimin says, missing the flicker of unease in Yoongi’s eyes.
As Jimin heads to his room, humming lightly, Yoongi sinks back onto the couch. He runs a hand through his hair, his mind swirling.
“He deserves to be happy,” Yoongi reminds himself, but the tightness in his chest refuses to loosen.