Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

15

A year had passed since Jungkook left, and Jimin and Jae were living their lives just as they had before he entered the picture. Though there were moments of heartache, Jimin had found peace in seeing Jae's happiness. For Jimin, Jae's well-being was everything. If Jae was happy, then he would be happy too.

"Appa, teacher sent my painting to a competition," Jae said, his eyes sparkling with pride.

"Oh, really Jae?" Jimin responded, his heart swelling at his son’s accomplishment.

"Yes. The teacher said my painting is beautiful," Jae beamed.

"I'm proud of you, little Jae," Jimin said, his words making Jae's face light up even more. For the young boy, hearing a compliment from his father meant the world.

Excited, Jae continued, "Teacher says I need to go to the event. They will announce the winner there."

Without hesitation, Jimin smiled and reassured him, "Of course we will go. I'm sure you will be the winner. No doubt."

Jae had taken up art classes a year ago and had since developed a true talent for painting and drawing. His passion for art was a constant source of pride for Jimin.

"Urm...what if Appa treats Jae to ice cream?" Jae suggested, a mischievous smile crossing his face.

Jimin couldn’t help but smile at his son's infectious happiness. The glimmer in Jae's eyes, the one emotion Jimin never wanted to lose, tugged at his heart.

"Hurm... Appa needs to think. Give me 5 hours, maybe..." Jimin teased, feigning indecision.

"Appa!" Jae protested, launching himself onto Jimin, who was lying on the bed. He began smothering his father’s face with playful, wet kisses, hoping to persuade him.

Jimin’s laughter filled the room as he joyfully accepted the affection, "Eeewww, Park Jaehun. Your saliva!"

But Jae didn’t stop, showering Jimin with more kisses, giggling all the while.

---

Later that day, Jae noticed something out of the ordinary. "Appa, who are they?" he asked, pointing to a couple who had just stepped out of a car and were walking toward the house next door.

Jimin glanced over, feeling a familiar pang in his chest as memories of Jungkook stirred. "Our new neighbors, Jae," he answered, though his voice held a touch of uncertainty. Since Jungkook had moved out, this was the first time someone new had moved in. The sight of the couple brought back a sense of heartache, but Jimin quickly pushed it aside.

"Can I meet them?" Jae asked innocently.

"Ummm, maybe later? I don't think this is the right time to do that," Jimin replied, having noticed the tension in the air and the raised voices coming from the couple.

"Okay," Jae agreed, though a small pout formed on his lips. But, in typical Jae fashion, the pout was soon replaced by a bright, mischievous smile. Without warning, he asked Jimin to crouch down. Confused but complying, Jimin knelt, only to feel something sticky land on his head.

"Park Jaehun!" Jimin shouted in mock horror.

Instead of running away, Jae stood his ground, clearly waiting for his father to retaliate. But Jimin wasn’t about to waste the moment. With a smirk, he swiftly lifted Jae into the air, twirling him around in a playful whirlwind.

"Woooooaaaaah, Appa more!" Jae laughed, his joy evident in his giggles.

"More?" Jimin teased.

"Yeah!" Jae squealed, his laughter growing even louder.

The two of them were lost in their own world, completely oblivious to the curious eyes watching them from next door. The new neighbor stood at his window, observing the scene with a soft smile.

"They're happy..." the neighbor murmured to himself. A part of him longed to be part of the joy he witnessed. Watching Jimin and Jae, he felt a warmth in his chest. Though he didn’t know them yet, he hoped to one day share in that happiness.