Let Me Burn: (Jikook/Kookmin Texting Story)

Chapter One: Coffee Spill

Jimin was exhausted.

It felt like he had been going nonstop for an eternity. Every muscle in his body ached, even after a few hours of sleep. If he could afford to rest more, he would. The doctor would surely tell him too, but he couldn't. Each moment he wasn't in the practice room was a moment wasted. Jimin's craft had to constantly be upheld. He could never allow his body to become complacent and accept the current level it was at. Some might call him insane for it, but the only time Jimin felt alive was while he was captured within the thrall of the music. Moving his body with expert control and disappearing into the motions. It was his home. It was his safe place. It was all he had. Jimin gave up everything for his craft and he planned to make the most of that sacrifice. Thus, his usual morning routine was started. He woke up, worked out, went for a jog, showered and is heading to his usual café to get the fuel he would need to get his body through the lack of sleep and sixteen to eighteen hours of dance practice. Jimin opened the door to the café, hearing the familiar ding of the bell. Glancing up at it like always, he felt his muscles tremble at the delicious smell of coffee that always filled this place. Already feeling a little of his energy return, he couldn't help but smile. Jimin stepped into the line, rolling his neck as he raised his hands, placing one on each side of it and massaging it a little to hopefully calm the ache. In his head, he was going over what routines he needed to work on today. He had a performance coming up in a couple weeks, his biggest one yet, everything had to be perfect. Hearing someone clear their throat, he opened his eyes, not realizing he'd closed them and saw the line had moved. Jimin turned and did a quick bow of his head in apology before moving up. Once he reached the front, he was greeted by the young Beta that always seemed to be working when he came here. He offered a smile at her; she returned it and tilted her head.

"The usual?" The Beta asked.

Jimin glanced up at the menu, even though he shouldn't, he was kind of hungry this morning. He was very strict about his diet, but a little cheat day wouldn't hurt too much right? Jimin glanced back to her.

"Actually, could I get a lettuce wrap with egg white and a slice of tomato?" Jimin asked as he reached into his shoulder bag to pull out his wallet. "And my usual coffee please."

"Of course!" The Beta said, she seemed surprised at Jimin's addition but pleased.

Jimin paid for his items and then stepped off to the side to wait with the other customers. He folded his arms over his chest and closed his eyes, taking any moment he could to rest his eyes. In his mind, he was mentally planning out his day of practice. So lost in his own head, he wasn't aware of his surroundings until someone bumped into him. Jimin's eyes widened as they sprung open, and he let out a surprised gasp when he felt himself falling backwards. When had he been so easy to knock over? Before he could hit the floor though, someone grabbed onto him with a strong, but gentle grip. Jimin blinked the confusion out of his gaze as it cleared to reveal a very handsome face staring down at him, wide doe eyes and worry on full display. Jimin was so awe struck by this man's beauty that he forgot the situation.

"O – Oh shit! I'm sorry! Are you okay!?" The man asked.

Jimin gave a small nod, letting the man help him stand up straight. It wasn't until then that Jimin felt the sting of heat and looked down, realizing he was wearing whatever drink this man had been most likely carrying moments ago.

"Shit, it got all over you! I'm sorry, I should have been paying attention, I – "

"It's fine." Jimin said, taking the napkins the stranger offered and starting to wipe what he could from his shirt, luckily his dance tights were black.