Sojourn ♣ JiKook|VMin

"Pretend"

-Edited 2026-

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Pretend"

♣

Jimin went back to the dressing room and was surprised when he saw a bouquet of white tulips resting on the table. He was still slightly trembling from the adrenaline rush; with shaky hands, he picked up the bouquet and held it in his arms.

"Jungkook?" he wondered, though he already knew it was from him. He smiled and brought the flowers close to his face. Hugging the bouquet to his chest, he felt warmth bloom inside him, as if he were being engulfed in a comforting embrace. Somehow, he felt a little more assured now.

He almost jumped when he heard someone clear their throat. Instantly, he whipped his head around. "Hi, Chiminie. Did I disturb you?"

Jimin's face lit up as he saw Hoseok. He walked over and hugged him carefully, making sure not to crush the bouquet. "Congratulations! I heard you were amazing."

Hoseok chuckled as he pulled away. "I didn't get to see your performance either. There was a bit of drama in our dressing room." His smile slowly faded.

Jimin tilted his head, curious. "What drama?"

Hoseok hummed, lips pouting. "Well, there were foreign critics in the audience. I guess no one told you?"

Jimin shook his head, dumbfounded. "What?"

"Yeah. I heard they're scouting elite performers—maybe offering scholarships," Hoseok shrugged. "And someone got mad at me because they said my dancing was over the top during the dance break. They said I was overdancing, that I was trying too hard to stand out."

"Huh? Who said that?" Jimin huffed with a small pout. "It's not your fault they can't keep up with you."

Hoseok shook his head sideways. "Forget about it. I'm fine." He pointed at the bouquet. "Wow, you got an admirer?"

"Ah—" Jimin blushed instantly. "Hmm... you've met him before," he said shyly, unsure how to explain that Hoseok thought he had been talking to Taehyung all this time—when it was actually Jeon Jungkook.

"Oh?" Hoseok perked up. "Who?" His eyes widened. "Oh, wait—that's tulips? So it's Taehyung?"

Jimin parted his lips, but no words came out. Instead, he shook his head in denial.

Hoseok hummed. "Then who?"

"Maybe you'll meet him. Maybe you won't," Jimin laughed softly. "They're beautiful, aren't they?"

"They look amazing on you too—dressed in all white with a bouquet of white tulips. Plus your smile! It's blinding me!" Hoseok cried dramatically, lifting his arms to shield his face.

"Eh! Hyung!" Jimin laughed out loud, playfully slapping Hoseok's chest.

"Guys!"

They turned to see Namjoon and Jin entering the room. "Congratulations to both of you!" Jin said cheerfully, holding two bouquets. He handed one to Hoseok and one to Jimin, who placed his on the table. "My God, I'm missing out on everything," Jin sulked, pulling a sad face.

Hoseok chuckled. "You've been busy with your girlfriend. It's understandable."

Jin snorts, "We broke up. I realized I was more good-looking."

Jimin and Hoseok exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. "Aish, this guy," Namjoon shook his head in disbelief at Jin's self-love.

"With performances that successful, this calls for a celebration!" Jin cheered as he tackled Hoseok, who stumbled back and nearly fell.