Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

33

"Are you okay?" Tae’s voice was soft, but filled with concern. He could tell something was wrong with Jimin the moment they sat down for their lunch date. Normally, Jimin would be laughing and engaging in conversation, but today he barely touched his food, only stirring it absentmindedly with his fork.

"I'm okay. Why did you ask?" Jimin’s voice lacked its usual energy, and Tae wasn’t convinced.

"Anything you want to tell me?"

Jimin shook his head, avoiding Tae’s eyes. "Nothing."

"Jiminie..." Tae’s voice softened, trying to coax the truth out of him. He had known Jimin for too long to be fooled by his nonchalance.

Jimin sighed, his hand finally dropping the fork onto the plate. "Jungkook left."

Tae blinked in surprise. "Again?"

Jimin nodded slowly, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him. "It’s my fault. I’m the one who asked him to leave."

Tae frowned, concern deepening. "Are you sure your relationship can work?"

Now even Hobi, who had been quietly watching the exchange, felt the need to voice his thoughts. "It doesn’t sound healthy, Jimin. Communication is the foundation of any relationship. If one of you isn’t willing to talk, the relationship will fall apart."

"I don’t know," Jimin mumbled, his voice thick with uncertainty.

Suddenly, a small voice interrupted their conversation. "Kookie Appa said goodbye to me."

Jimin's head snapped up, startled. He looked at his son, Jae, sitting across the table, his innocent eyes filled with confusion. "When?" Jimin asked, the surprise evident in his tone.

Tae quickly picked up on Jimin’s shock, his gaze shifting between father and son. "When did you see him?"

"This morning," Jae said casually, pulling something from his pocket. It was a ring, shining softly under the restaurant’s lights. "Kookie appa gave me this and told me to give it to you. He said he’s sorry, but I don’t know why."

Jimin's heart clenched at the sight of the ring, the familiar ache of frustration and longing bubbling up inside him. He had no idea that Jungkook had come by earlier while he was in the bath, choosing to leave this final message with their son rather than facing him directly. He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to scream.

"He really loves to run away," Jimin muttered bitterly under his breath, stuffing the ring into his pocket. His emotions swirled—anger, regret, sadness—but above all, he felt an overwhelming urge to tell Jungkook to stop. Stop leaving. Stop running away.

Tae watched Jimin silently wrestle with his emotions before offering a solution. "Call him."

Jimin stiffened, his pride flaring up instantly. "Why should I?"

Tae let out a small sigh. He knew how stubborn Jimin could be, but this was different. "Because if no one makes an effort to fix this, you two will just drift apart. Is that what you want? Do you want him to leave for good?"

Jimin hesitated, his thoughts racing. "But...he doesn’t trust me, Tae. He doubts me, and then he says everything isn’t a big deal, as if what happened doesn’t matter. How am I supposed to deal with that? It makes me so mad."

Tae shook his head, understanding but firm. "I get it, Jimin. But holding onto your anger won’t solve anything. If you love him, you need to talk. This silence is going to break you both."

Just then, Jae tugged at Jimin’s sleeve, offering him a cup of watermelon juice with a bright smile. "Appa, drink this. It’ll make you smile."

Jimin couldn’t help but smile back at his son as he took a sip. The sweetness of the juice filled his mouth, easing some of the tension. He reached out to ruffle Jae’s hair, his heart swelling with affection. "Thanks, buddy."

Jae smiled widely, pleased with himself. But then his expression turned serious, and he added, "Appa, don’t be mad at Kookie appa."

Jimin blinked, surprised by Jae’s insight. "Why not?"

"Because Kookie appa said sorry," Jae explained, as if that alone made everything right. "Remember, forgiveness is love. Jae always forgives Appa."

Jimin’s heart softened even more. He had always taught Jae that love meant forgiveness. Every time Jimin came home late or broke a promise, Jae would pout or sulk, but in the end, he would always forgive him because of the love he had for his father. Now, it seemed Jae was gently reminding him of that lesson.

"Jae, you’re not a kid anymore," Tae teased, messing with Jae’s hair, though it was clear he was touched by the child’s wisdom. Jae giggled, his innocent laughter lifting the heavy mood that had settled over them.

And then, out of nowhere, Jae’s voice cut through the lightness. "Kookie appa is right behind you."

Jimin froze, his body tensing as he slowly turned around. His breath caught in his throat as he saw Jungkook standing there, looking as unsure and vulnerable as ever.

"H-hi..." Jungkook stammered, his voice barely audible.

Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. The anger that had been boiling inside him moments ago was now mixed with a rush of emotions—relief, sadness, longing. But above all, the sight of Jungkook standing there, willing to face him, made Jimin realize one thing: They weren’t done. Not yet.