Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

20

Jimin was caught off guard by the familiar voice at the store's door.

"Hi!" Jungkook greeted with his usual ease.

Jimin nearly jumped, clutching his chest in shock. "Oh my God, Hyung! Did you wanna kill me?"

Jungkook smiled, seeing the startled look on Jimin’s face as he finished his shift and prepared to head home.

"I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just... wanted to say hi?" Jungkook offered with a half-apologetic grin.

"Not like this," Jimin responded, still catching his breath. "And you should really quit what you're doing right now. I don't want any trouble with your crazy girlfriend, the one who wears those red high heels every time she wants to annoy me."

Jungkook had been shadowing Jimin for the last three days straight, making sure he was never alone on his night shifts. Without fail, he would wait for Jimin and accompany him home.

Jungkook chuckled softly at Jimin's blunt description of Hana.

"Don’t laugh. I’m telling the truth!" Jimin said with a huff. "You shouldn’t sneak around like this. She’ll haunt you. Imagine her killing you with her red high heel. It’s terrifying!"

This was the most Jimin had said to Jungkook in days. Usually, their walks were silent, with Jimin staying just ahead of Jungkook, avoiding much conversation or closeness. But tonight, Jimin seemed more talkative, his guard slightly lowered.

"Let’s go," Jungkook said, reaching out his hand, a gesture he’d made before—one Jimin always declined.

"Hyung, why do you keep doing this?" Jimin asked, stopping in his tracks. He was genuinely curious. Jungkook’s persistence was wearing on him.

Jimin had warned Jungkook multiple times. He didn’t want or need anyone playing protector. He and Jae were doing fine, and Jungkook had a life—and a girlfriend—waiting for him.

"I won’t give up," Jungkook said firmly.

Jimin sighed in frustration. "And you want me to be the person who ruins your relationship? You have a girlfriend, Hyung. Think about her, about how she feels."

Jungkook’s gaze softened. "What about my feelings? And... what about yours?"

Jimin blinked. "What about me?"

Jungkook’s question left him confused. He didn’t see what there was to fight for. He was happy enough with his life, raising Jae and moving forward. What else could he possibly want?

"Forget it," Jungkook said, looking away for a moment.

"Hyung..." Jimin began, but Jungkook cut him off.

"Jimin, I will fight for what I want. I will try as hard as I can to make you mine. Whatever decision you make, I’ll be happy, because at least I fought for you. No regrets."

Jimin sighed again, feeling the weight of Jungkook's determination. He had seen how hard Jungkook had been trying to be close to him. The way Jungkook used Jae as an excuse to meet him, the late-night walks home where Jungkook never let him go alone—it was hard to ignore.

Then, as if he knew what Jimin was thinking, Jungkook added, "For your information, I sent Hana back to the U.S. I'm sure by now she’s already told my parents everything about me. And honestly, I’m happy to be single again. Now... I guess I’m an orphan."

Jimin looked at him, stunned. "What? An orphan?"

"Well, by now, my parents have probably removed me from the Jeon family registry," Jungkook explained with a slow smile creeping onto his face. There was a certain lightness in his voice, as though a burden had been lifted.

"And you're happy about that?" Jimin asked, incredulous.

"Yes," Jungkook replied, his smile broadening. "Because I fought for what I want. You should, too. You shouldn’t let the love of your life slip away again."

The words hit Jimin like a bolt. He had let Jungkook walk away once before, burying his feelings deep inside. But now... should he take a chance and let Jungkook in?

His mind raced, but one thing was clear: Jungkook wasn’t giving up on them. And that made Jimin wonder if maybe he shouldn't either.