Sojourn ♣ JiKook|VMin

"Absolution"

-Edited 2026-

Chapter Thirty-Three

"Absolution"

♣

The next day, Jimin lingered in front of the mirror longer than he intended.

The weather forecast warned of possible snowfall later that night, so he dressed carefully to stay warm. A black overcoat, a gray turtleneck beneath it. A black beret pulled snug over his hair, leather gloves slipped onto his hands. He nodded at his reflection, satisfied, though a flicker of anxiety lingered.

A soft knock sounded from the door. Jimin grabbed the small handbag slung over his shoulder and hurried toward it. "Coming!"

When he opened the door, Hoseok greeted him with a wide grin. "Hi, Chiminnie. You look beautiful."

Jimin laughed shyly. "You're dashing, hyung."

"Oh, not really," Hoseok waved it off, then eyed him up and down. "But seriously—is this your revenge look or something?"

"It's not because of Taehyung, okay?" Jimin pouted.

Hoseok tilted his head. "Wait—who?"

Jimin bit his lower lip before answering. "You remember the person who's been sending me flowers?"

Hoseok's mouth formed a perfect O.

Jimin's smile widened. "Maybe you'll meet him tonight too."

"Finally," Hoseok said dramatically. "The mysterious person who manages to put that huge smile on your face every year." He wiggled his brows, then softened. "And... I'm sorry for teasing you about Taehyung. I know you don't have feelings for him anymore."

Jimin's smile faded—not completely, but enough.

"Hyung... can you guys stop?" He met Hoseok's eyes, his tone steady but firm. "I cared about him. I loved him—deeply. He was the first man I ever loved." He paused, letting the weight of the words settle. "All those years, all the memories... even the painful ones, I still cherish them. They shaped me into who I am now." He shook his head slightly. "I know it's been five years, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to reconnect—or even be friends. It's too soon to act like nothing happened. I need time."

Hoseok nodded slowly, his expression softening. He reached out and gave Jimin's gloved hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry. Truly. I wasn't thinking. I just... I hoped that someday, we could all be friends again."

"Like I said last night," Jimin replied softly, "someday. I believe we can get there... just not yet." He paused, exhaling slowly, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "And... the secret admirer you've been teasing me about—it's Jeon Jungkook. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

Hoseok froze, his hand tightening slightly around Jimin's. "Jeon?" he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "As in... the Jeon Jungkook?"

Jimin nodded,"Yeah. That Jeon Jungkook. He's... done well for himself. Even in the entertainment industry, he's made a name. Back then, I thought we were worlds apart, but now..." He chuckled softly, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his tone. "Now, he almost seems untouchable."

Hoseok shook his head, blinking rapidly. "Wait, wait—are you serious? The guy everyone talks about online? And he... sent you flowers?" His jaw dropped in amazement.

Jimin smiled faintly, a little embarrassed. "He did. Every year. On my birthday."

Hoseok leaned back slightly, still processing, his mouth forming an 'O'. "You're telling me... the person who made you smile every year, who made those little gestures, who—basically kept you afloat without me knowing—is him?"