Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

23

Jungkook's heart raced as he frantically searched for Jimin, who had disappeared from his workplace. He had gone there to pick Jimin up, only to find out that his coworker mentioned Jimin had asked to leave early. But hours had passed, and Jimin still hadn’t come home.

Worry gnawed at Jungkook. He knew Jimin would never just leave without saying something, especially now, when everything in their lives felt so fragile. With increasing desperation, Jungkook contacted Tae and Hobi, Jimin’s closest friends. He was grasping at any hope that they might know something. But neither of them had seen or heard from Jimin.

"I don’t know," Hobi said, sounding just as concerned. "He never tells us where he goes."

Tae added, "We’ve searched everywhere Jimin usually goes with Jae, but... there’s no sign of him."

They spent hours looking for Jimin, retracing his steps, visiting all the familiar places Jimin would go to with Jae—the park, the bakery, the quiet corners of the neighborhood. Nothing. Jimin had vanished without a trace. As the sun set, Jungkook was on the verge of calling the police when he noticed a familiar figure in the distance.

A man staggered along the street, barely managing to stay on his feet. He was swaying, his steps unsteady, but there was something unmistakable about him—the height, the clothes. Jungkook's eyes widened.

"Jimin?" he muttered, quickening his pace.

Sure enough, it was Jimin, but he wasn’t himself. The moment Jimin saw Jungkook approaching, he started giggling uncontrollably, acting strange. He looked at his neighbors and began meowing like a cat.

"Hyyyyuunggg..." Jimin called out in a singsong voice, his giggles spilling over. "Meow... meow..."

Jungkook stared in disbelief. What on earth...? Jimin wasn’t the type to drink. He had never gone clubbing or indulged in alcohol. Being a father to Jae, Jimin had always been responsible, putting his son’s well-being first.

"H-hyung," Jimin slurred, grinning, "I-I like cccat. Cat issss cuuuuuteeee!"

Jungkook’s face hardened. "You’re drunk."

Jimin’s speech was slurred, his balance all over the place, and he was behaving completely out of character. There was no doubt about it—Jimin was intoxicated. Jungkook’s concern grew.

"Oppps, sorry!" Jimin hiccuped, giggling again. But just as suddenly as his giggles came, his mood shifted. Tears welled up in his eyes, and without warning, Jimin started to cry, his body shaking with sobs.

Between hiccups and sobs, Jimin mumbled incoherently, but there was one word Jungkook caught clearly: "Hurt..."

Jungkook stepped closer, his heart breaking at the sight of Jimin in such a vulnerable state. Jimin tried to walk away, but his legs gave out. He nearly collapsed to the ground, but Jungkook was quick, catching him by the waist and steadying him.

"M-my head... hhurt," Jimin whimpered, his tears unstoppable.

"Come here," Jungkook said softly, bending down. He gently positioned himself so Jimin could climb onto his back. "I’ve got you."

Jimin clung to Jungkook’s neck, his tear-stained face pressed against Jungkook’s shoulder. As they walked, Jimin’s quiet sobs filled the air.

"I miss Jae," Jimin whispered, his voice filled with pain.

Jungkook closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of Jimin’s grief and desperation. It had been three days since child services had taken Jae, and it was clear that Jimin’s heart was breaking more and more with each passing hour.

"I know you do," Jungkook replied gently. "But getting drunk isn’t the answer."

"B-but... no one’s at home," Jimin sobbed. "Jae... not home..."

Jungkook tightened his grip on Jimin, his own emotions swirling inside him. The absence of Jae was tearing them both apart.

---

Once home, Jungkook helped Jimin into their bedroom, easing him onto the bed. Jimin was barely coherent, emotionally and physically drained. Jungkook removed Jimin’s shoes and changed him into something more comfortable. He wasn’t angry—not at Jimin, at least. He understood why Jimin was in this state. Anyone in Jimin’s position would be devastated. What infuriated Jungkook was the role his own family had played in this nightmare. If it weren’t for their interference, none of this would be happening.

Jungkook sat beside Jimin, brushing his fingers through his hair gently, hoping to calm him. "Can you sleep with me?" Jimin asked, his voice small and shaky.

Jungkook didn’t hesitate. "Of course," he whispered. He couldn’t leave Jimin alone in this condition, not when his emotional state was so fragile. Jimin needed him now more than ever.

When Jungkook lay down beside him, Jimin immediately scooted closer, wrapping his arms tightly around Jungkook’s body. It was as if Jimin was afraid that Jungkook would disappear too. The grip Jimin had on him was desperate, clinging to him like a lifeline.

Jungkook held him, pulling him into a secure embrace. He could feel the slight tremors from Jimin’s silent sobs, the overwhelming sadness that had consumed him. Jungkook pressed a soft kiss to Jimin’s forehead, his heart aching.

"I’m going to help you, Jimin," Jungkook whispered into the quiet night. "We’ll get through this. I’ll find the best lawyer, do whatever it takes. I’ll bring Jae back to you. I promise."

Jimin’s breathing steadied as he fell asleep in Jungkook’s arms, but the pain in the room lingered, heavy and suffocating. Even in sleep, Jimin’s face remained etched with sorrow, and Jungkook knew that until Jae was back in their arms, nothing would ever feel right again.