Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

11

Jungkook felt an overwhelming sense of pride as he stood in the middle of his first art exhibition. The day had been a huge success—most of the guests had given him glowing feedback, and he had attracted several potential buyers and new fans. Yet, amidst all the excitement and praise, there was only one spot he truly wanted to visit: where Jae and Jimin had been spending their time while he was busy with the event.

As he walked toward the corner where Jae had been working on his painting, he found Jae still engrossed in his artwork, while Jimin sat slumped against the wall, fast asleep. The exhaustion was written all over Jimin’s face—he must have been watching over Jae all day, not once complaining. Jungkook knelt down in front of Jimin, gently brushing a few stray hairs away from his face. As his fingers lingered on Jimin’s cheek, Jungkook’s gaze softened. His heart ached as he realized just how much he admired and cared for him.

“You are the strongest person I’ve ever known,” Jungkook whispered to himself, his voice full of quiet affection. “I’ve fallen so deeply for you…”

The words were meant for Jimin, but they never reached his ears. Their relationship had blossomed into something deeper over the years—unspoken, but undeniably real. They spent almost every day together, whether it was with Jae or just the two of them. Their bond was obvious to everyone around them, but neither of them had the courage to admit what they truly felt.

“Kookie appa!”

Jungkook snapped out of his thoughts when Jae’s small voice called to him.

“Oh Jae, are you done?” Jungkook asked, smiling at the sight of the little boy. Jae was a mess—his clothes were covered in colorful splashes of paint, and his hands were sticky with a mix of colors.

“Yes! Give me money, juseyo,” Jae replied with a bright grin, extending his paint-smeared hand expectantly.

Jungkook chuckled as he reached for his wallet, pulling out some cash for Jae, who squealed in delight. “Shh,” Jungkook hushed him gently, pointing at the sleeping Jimin. “Appa is still asleep.”

“Sorry…” Jae whispered with an apologetic pout.

“Let’s get you cleaned up first, and then we’ll wake him, okay?”

Jae nodded eagerly, and Jungkook led him to the bathroom, helping him wash off the paint and change into clean clothes that Jimin had thoughtfully packed. Jungkook was patient and gentle, moving with the ease of someone who had spent countless hours caring for Jae as though he were his own child. Once Jae was cleaned up, the two of them returned to where Jimin was still dozing off against the wall.

Jungkook watched fondly as little Jae climbed into his father’s lap, snuggling into Jimin’s chest and rubbing his shoulder gently to wake him up.

“Appa… wake up,” Jae whispered, his small voice full of love and warmth.

Jimin stirred at the sound of his son’s voice, blinking groggily as his eyes adjusted to the room. When he saw Jae on his lap, a tired but content smile spread across his face. “Ah, my body…” Jimin groaned as he stretched, the discomfort from sleeping in such an awkward position for nearly two hours catching up to him. “Jae, what are you doing?”

Jae looked up at him with his usual innocent expression. “Appa, Jae is hungry.”

“What time is it?” Jimin asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Four p.m.,” Jungkook answered from nearby, leaning against the wall with a small smile.

Jimin's eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my God, Jae, I’m so sorry! I didn’t even buy you lunch.”

Before Jimin could start feeling guilty, Jungkook stepped in with a grin. “How about we make up for it with a late lunch and dinner? My treat.”

“Yay! Jae wants a hamburger!” Jae exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement.

“Jae…” Jimin warned gently, always cautious about his son asking others for things.

“It’s fine, Jimin,” Jungkook interrupted with a laugh. “It’s not like he asks for a hamburger every day. Let’s let him enjoy it.”

“But hyung—” Jimin began, but Jungkook was already ushering them out of the exhibition.

“No buts, let’s go!”

The three of them spent the evening together, sharing food, laughter, and warm moments. Jungkook spoiled Jae with whatever he wanted, buying him more than just a hamburger. As for Jimin, he was content just being with his little family. However, there was something more Jungkook had planned for Jimin—a small gift, something special. But he knew now wasn’t the time to give it. He would wait for the perfect moment.

Later, as they sat down after dinner, Jungkook handed Jimin a small envelope.

"Before you ask," Jungkook began, "I gave Jae some money."

Jimin looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Jungkook smiled mischievously. "I bought all of his paintings."

Jimin blinked in surprise, and before he could respond, Jae, who was snuggled in Jungkook’s arms, held up a small white shirt. “Appa, I promised to buy you a white shirt!” he said proudly.

Jimin’s eyes filled with tears as he took the shirt from Jae’s hands, overwhelmed by emotion. “Jae…” His voice cracked, and he knelt down to hug his son tightly, showering his tiny face with kisses. “I love it, Jae. I love it so much. Thank you.”

Jae giggled, hugging his father back. “Appa loves Jae?”

“Appa loves Jae more than anything,” Jimin whispered, his heart full.

Jungkook watched the tender scene unfold, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. This was his family, his happiness, and he wouldn’t trade it for the world.