TATTOO

Chapter Four: The Right Thing?

Jimin stared down at his phone, his gaze half lidded and glossed over with the threat of tears.

This couldn't be happening. The thought of losing Taehyung made him physically ill. All this time, Jimin had no idea that Taehyung had feelings for him in that way. Sure, the two of them were closer than most best friends, but Jimin just chalked it up to all that the two of them had been through up until this point. Finding out that his best friend had romantic feelings for him this whole time, it hurt. If Jimin had known, maybe they could have – no. Jimin had made that rule for a reason, to protect those he cared about from the pain that came with losing a loved one, but now he felt like a hypocrite. How could he tell Taehyung that when he was in some kind of weird relationship with Jungkook? Jimin closed his eyes tightly, bringing his phone to his chest as he hunched forward. Why? Why did Taehyung have to tell him that? What was he supposed to do now? Should he continue on with Jungkook? Break up with Jungkook and try to date Taehyung? Jimin had no idea what the fuck to do. Jimin slightly opened his eyes as he stared down at the floor. Did he even have feelings like that for Taehyung? Jimin bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood as he shuddered. Jimin closed his eyes again, letting out a frustrated noise as he suddenly threw his phone across the room. Hearing it hit the wall and most likely break, Jimin placed his hands on his head as he tugged harshly at his hair. What was he supposed to do in this situation?! What was the right answer? Was there a right answer? No matter what, someone would end up hurt. Jimin fell back on the bed as he spread his arms out and stared up at the ceiling through blurred vision as he let out a soft breath that sounded more like a choked sob. 'I'm sorry Tae.' Was Jimin's last thought before his mind just blanked out on him. It was too much for him to handle right now both emotionally and mentally.

A week later.

Jimin hadn't spoken to Taehyung since that night. He'd tried to reach out the morning after, but his best friend or maybe former best friend left him on read. Jimin couldn't be upset with him, it was deserved. Jimin was actually a little grateful for the cold shoulder. It wasn't like he knew what to say to Taehyung to make things okay, let alone right. Jimin stepped out of the cancer center, feeling a little unsteady on his feet. He'd been feeling the side effects of his treatment especially hard these last few days. It probably was due to his lack of sleep or food, but he just couldn't bring himself to pretend he was okay when he wasn't. To top it off, he hadn't heard from Jungkook in the last week either. It honestly felt like everyone had just up and abandoned him. Maybe it was what he deserved. Jimin gave himself a moment before he thought it was safe to keep walking. Grabbing onto the metal rail for support, he slowly and carefully made his way down the concrete steps. Jimin swallowed, feeling the bile already rising up his throat, but it wasn't like he had anything in his stomach except for water. The nurse had asked him if he was okay to go home, probably not, but at this point he didn't care. Jimin forced a smile and told her that he was fine. Jimin's sneaker touched against the sidewalk and all his balance and strength seemed to disappear and before he knew it, he was falling forward. Jimin's eyes widened slightly behind the thick framed black glasses as he realized and prepared for pain, but instead he fell against someone. Fuck. Jimin was both embarrassed and grateful. Jimin stilled for a moment before he tried to find the strength to stand on his own.

"I – I'm sorry -!" Jimin started but was cut off by a familiar voice.

"Woah there Pretty, you should watch your step." Jungkook said, placing a hand on each of Jimin's shoulders.

Jimin's eyes widened as he quickly lifted his head and Jungkook's face came into his line of sight. He felt stuck as he stared up at the other. Was he dreaming? Jungkook blinked, looking a bit uncomfortable after a while of Jimin just silently staring at him.