Mine

Chapter 19

He stepped inside, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. It had become a second home for him, did he have a first home even? The thought was left unanswered.

But today, even that wasn't enough to chase away the heavy exhaustion clinging to him like a second skin.

And still he couldn't stop himself from visiting the girl he had grown an unnamed bond with. He didn't know in what words to ink the feeling down, but all he could say was she made him forget about his demons for a few moments and that was enough of a reason for Jimin to keep chasing this dream of a sand castle.

His movements were slow as he dragged his feet in, his usually sharp eyes dulled by sleepless nights and gruelling tasks. Taehyung's sole attention focused on one plot of catching Raven had left him buried under the weight of supporting tasks. Jimin had taken it all on without complaint, driven by pride and an unspoken desire not to appear incapable in front of Namjoon or anyone else. Of all, he wanted Raven down on her knees as badly as any of them did. But it was wearing him down.

He barely had the energy to acknowledge the thin crowd and baristas behind the counter, his gaze scanning the room until it landed on her.

Maria.

She was at her usual spot near the corner, her hands moving deftly as she wiped down the table. The sight of her brought an unknown calm, even as his body threatened to give out beneath him.

Jimin shuffled closer, each step feeling heavier than the last. By the time he reached her, his breathing was shallow, his vision tunnelling. Still, he managed a small, strained smile.

"Hey" he said, his voice hoarse.

She looked up, startled, her eyes widening as she took in his appearance. "Jimin? You look—"

"Like I haven't slept in weeks?" he finished for her, swaying slightly. "Yeah, I know"

"Terrible to be accurate" She said, setting the cup she was holding aside. Her voice was soft, teasing, but laced with genuine concern.

Jimin let out a breathless chuckle, running a hand through his disheveled hair leaning against the counter. "Thanks for the confidence boost." His words were light, but his voice carried the weight of exhaustion.

The usual cold edge she gave him wasn't there now neither he tried to get on her nerves anymore but the humor and teasing never died. Jimin smirked, leaning more heavily against the counter. "Don't tell me you missed me" he teased, his tone a little too playful for someone who looked ready to pass out.

She crossed her arms, tilting her head as if considering his words. "Missed you? Hardly. I nearly threw a party celebrating the fact you were finally out of my hair."

"Celebrating?" he repeated, his lips quirking into a faint grin. "And here I was thinking I'd left this gaping void in your life."

"You did" she shot back without missing a beat, "but it was a void of peace and quiet. I was starting to enjoy it, actually."

He laughed, a low, raspy sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "You're cruel, Maria" he said, his voice softer now, almost fond.

"And you're ridiculous" she countered, though her tone lacked the sharpness it usually carried. "Seriously, Jimin. You look like you had been a lab rat. What's wrong with you? Did you even rest?"

He let out a dry chuckle, though it sounded more like a wheeze. "Does three hours of napping after every pair of days count as rest?"

It wasn't like she didn't know the feeling of that, she had that routine too, but obviously her job is different. Jimin mustn't be involved in shit she does so why would he struggle to have enough time for some shut eye. He's just another guy, right?