FORGOTTEN

PROLOGUE

The Bangtan house was mostly empty once again. Only the soft sound of quiet sniffles could be heard. Most nights, that wouldn't have been the case. Most nights, six other men would have been in the home. Six men would have been in a cuddle pile on the living room floor watching a movie with many of their favorite snacks passed around. Six men would have been so caught up in each other that they would have ignored the one small figure seated on a loveseat farthest away from the pile. He thought of the five years of living with people he'd thought of as best friends who ultimately paired off, leaving him alone. While it didn't happen all at once, he became painfully aware he was an expendable part of the homegroup six months ago.

-----

"Date night!" Three couples cheered, not noticing the sadness in the seventh's eyes. No one noticed as he sighed and made his way back to his room. That's what his life had become. A series of days, weeks, and months of going unnoticed, forgotten. He was necessary only when it came to the business aspect of things. The sniffling man packed away the last of his belongings. One by one, items of clothing were neatly folded and packed away in a small suitcase. He looked around the room which was slowly being scrubbed clean of his existence. It was cathartic in a way. This way he would be the one removing himself. They didn't have to make it any more clear.

The death blow had come on his birthday three weeks earlier. He'd held out hope until that day. Each birthday before had been celebrated with a special dinner, cake, and a gift. Every birthday until his. That morning he woke up hoping to smell the special birthday breakfast Jin was so fastidious about making. But there was nothing in the kitchen. Jin hadn't even woken up yet. As they did wake up and emerge from their shared rooms there had been no birthday wishes, no cake, no gift.

Oh, Jimin had received birthday wishes from his close family via text and a phone call from his parents. As usual, ARMY had flooded fansites with their expressions of love toward him. People had celebrated his birthday with grand gestures and generous donations in his name all over the world. It was very overwhelming. But from the friends he'd been living with, nothing. His birthday fell on one of many date nights, and he'd been forgotten once again.

His heart couldn't take it anymore, and bright and early the next morning, he'd left to look for an apartment or room to rent. Finally, he found a suitable studio apartment just three hours into his search. It was perfectly situated, close enough to the office where he could walk to and from work should he wish, but far enough away from Bangtan house that he wouldn't have to run into the others if he didn't want to.

-----

His shoes were packed in a duffle bag. It was the last thing he needed. Five years of memories were packed and loaded in a small rental truck right outside Bangtan house. He took a final look around, ensuring there was no evidence of his existence except for the letter he left on the desk with his keys.

Tears began to flow as he walked out of the room. He took a deep breath before leaving the house for the last time.

-----

It was well past midnight when the couples returned from date night.

"Oh my gosh! I loved the movie, but I don't think I'm gonna be able to sleep tonight now!" Tae squealed. He hated being scared but loved clinging to his boyfriend.

"Don't worry, Taebear," Jin kissed his boyfriend's forehead and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I'll keep you safe." The others snickered as Tae grinned happily.

"We're going to bed." Namjoon pulled JK along with him. "We have to be up early for a photo shoot."

"Night all," Hobi called as he was pulled into his and Suga's room. No one checked on Jimin. No one even looked at his room at the end of the hall. If anyone had bothered or cared just a little bit, they would have seen it was empty.