Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

9

After finishing his night shift, Jimin sprinted as fast as his tired legs would carry him. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from the run but from the excitement bubbling inside him. Today was the day. The day he and Jae had been looking forward to for weeks. Jungkook's art exhibition. Jae had talked about it nonstop, his small hands always busy with the drawing tools Jungkook had given him, practicing for the big day. Jimin couldn’t wait to see Jungkook’s work displayed for the world to admire.

As Jimin finally reached their doorstep, he was greeted by the sight of an impatient Jae, his little face scrunched up in a frown, arms crossed. "Appa, you're late," Jae huffed, his eyes narrowing at Jimin with the frustration only a child can muster. He was already dressed, holding his precious drawing tools in one hand.

“I’m sorry, Jae. Just give me ten minutes, okay? I’ll be quick,” Jimin pleaded, his voice soft but apologetic. He could feel the guilt gnawing at him, knowing how important this day was to Jae.

“No!” Jae whined, his pout deepening. He tugged at Jimin’s heartstrings, pleading with his eyes to leave right away. Jimin felt his guilt deepen. He hated disappointing his son, especially when Jae had been so excited for this day.

“Jae,” a gentle voice called from behind them. Tae, Jimin’s best friend, who had been watching the scene unfold, spoke up. “Let Jiminie appa take a bath first. Do you want to walk around with a smelly appa? Eeewww, I wouldn’t go anywhere with him if he smelled bad.”

Jae scrunched up his nose in disgust, immediately dropping his complaints. “Go, Appa. Hurry up!” he said, pinching his nose dramatically and pointing toward the bathroom.

Jimin smiled gratefully at Tae, mouthing a silent ‘thank you.’ Tae was always there to help handle Jae’s occasional temper. He had a way of calming the little boy with ease.

As Jimin rushed to get ready, Tae turned back to Jae. “Now, little Jae, you need to sit and wait.”

“No, I’ll wait by the door,” Jae said stubbornly, planting himself firmly near the entrance. Tae chuckled and shook his head. "Stubborn like his father," he muttered to himself.

---

Soon enough, Jimin emerged, fresh and ready. But before he could even gather his breath, Jae grabbed his hand and began pulling him out the door. “Appa, you need to walk fast!” Jae’s enthusiasm was contagious as he led the way, already seeming to know exactly where to go.

“Kookie appa!” Jae let go of Jimin’s hand as soon as they reached the venue, sprinting toward Jungkook with all his might. The smile on his face was pure joy as Jungkook bent down and scooped him into his arms, lifting him as if he weighed nothing.

“Sorry, we’re late,” Jimin started, his voice laced with guilt. They were supposed to be here an hour ago, but his night shift had run late, leaving him exhausted and behind schedule.

“It’s okay, better late than never,” Jungkook replied warmly, his smile reassuring Jimin that all was well.

“Appa came home late,” Jae complained to Jungkook, still in his arms.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, looking back at Jimin. “Night shift?”

Jimin nodded. “Yeah, Hyung. It’s been rough lately.”

Jungkook’s face softened. “Jimin, you need to rest. You can’t keep running on empty like this.”

That was one of the things Jimin appreciated about Jungkook—his constant concern, his unwavering kindness. It warmed Jimin’s heart to know that someone cared so much.

But Jimin shook his head, determined. “No, I wanted to be here. I want to see your paintings. I promised you and Jae that I would come.”

In truth, Jimin was utterly exhausted. His body begged for sleep, but he wasn’t going to miss this. He knew how important this event was to Jungkook, and it meant just as much to Jae.

“You can see them later. Your health is more important,” Jungkook insisted, his voice gentle but firm.

For a moment, Jimin smiled at Jungkook’s words, but then, an old memory resurfaced—his mother. His smile faltered. “Hyung, you sound like my…” Jimin's voice trailed off, the pain of the memory stopping him mid-sentence. His chest tightened, and before he could stop them, tears began to well up in his eyes. It hurt to remember. The one family he had, the one who abandoned him when they learned he was different.

“Jimin… are you okay?” Jungkook’s voice was laced with worry as he noticed the sudden change in Jimin’s demeanor.

“Appa…” Jae’s small voice cut through the moment. He had noticed the tears, and his own eyes began to brim with emotion. Even though he didn’t understand why his father was crying, it didn’t matter. Jae was sensitive to Jimin’s pain and cried whenever Jimin cried.

“Aish, why are you crying too?” Jimin asked softly, quickly wiping away his tears and pulling Jae into his arms. He hugged him tightly, trying to comfort the boy.

“Appa, don’t cry,” Jae whispered, sniffling as he wiped his own tears.

“I’m not crying, baby,” Jimin lied softly, forcing a smile. “I just had something in my eye.”

It was the same lie he always told whenever Jae caught him in moments of sadness. It was easier than explaining why.

Jungkook, standing nearby, watched with concern. “Jimin, are you sure you’re okay?” His voice was filled with warmth, the kind of warmth that always melted Jimin’s defenses.

Jimin gave a small, tired smile. “Yeah, I’m fine, Hyung. Don’t worry about me.” He quickly changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on his emotions any longer. “You should be inside. I’m sure a lot of people are waiting for you.”

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, knowing Jimin was deflecting, but he nodded. “Okay. But if you need anything, I’m here.” His words carried more meaning than he probably realized.

Jimin appreciated Jungkook’s friendship. There were things he kept hidden, parts of his life and past that even Jungkook didn’t know about. Some pains were too deep to share, not even with his closest friends like Hobi or Tae. But in this moment, surrounded by the warmth of their little family, Jimin felt a bit of that weight lift.

And as Jae’s laughter filled the air once more, Jimin realized that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.