Sojourn ♣ JiKook|VMin

"First Snow"

-Edited 2026-

Chapter Thirty-Four

"First Snow"

♣

Jungkook was nervous as hell as he walked to the end of the hallway. He ran a hand through his long black curls, then adjusted his rolled-up sleeves. Namjoon had informed him that Jimin would be going to Taehyung's exhibit, so he made sure he looked his best.

And now, Jimin was standing an arm's length away from him. Jungkook's heart felt too big for his chest, like it might burst at any second. He focused on Jimin alone, the rest of the world fading as a smile tugged at his lips.

"Remember when you told me you'd miss me every day?" Jimin said. His lips curved into a smile, though his eyes shimmered. "Well... I did too. But as the years went by, I kind of wanted to write I miss you on a rock and throw it at your face—just so you'd know how much it hurts."

He tilted his head back slightly, forcing the tears to stay where they were. He couldn't fall apart yet.

Jungkook swallowed hard, biting the inside of his cheek to keep himself steady. Every instinct screamed to pull Jimin into his arms—but he didn't. Not yet. Not until Jimin said he wanted him. Jungkook had waited years; he could wait a little longer.

Jimin exhaled shakily and looked back at him. "I tried so hard not to miss you. But in the end, I still did." His voice wavered. "I miss you so much, Jungkook. I think about you all the time. I keep replaying the short time we had together, and it just... hurts."

He let out a soft, humorless laugh, wiping at the corner of his eyes. "I didn't want to regret leaving, but I did. So many times. Because what if I stayed, right?" His shoulders sagged. "But then again, I wouldn't be who I am now. I wouldn't be here." He looked at Jungkook, searching. "Please tell me I made the right choice."

Jungkook shook his head gently, a fond smile forming. "You didn't make a mistake. Look at you—look at everything you've achieved. You chased your dreams, and you caught them." His voice softened. "Even when I wasn't beside you."

He stepped a fraction closer. "Don't regret any of it. It's all part of you. And now..." His breath hitched. "I want to be there. From this moment on. If you'll let me." He hesitated, then said quietly, "Will you share your life with me this time? The good, the bad—everything. I don't think I can survive being apart from you again."

Jimin's lips trembled as tears pooled in his eyes. "I'm overwhelmed," he admitted, scrubbing at his face before the tears could fall. "I really thought you forgot about me." A broken laugh slipped out. "I pretended I was confident—just in case you didn't love me anymore. So I wouldn't look pathetic." He sniffed. "God, listen to me. This is so cliché."

Tears spilled anyway.

"I can't stop crying—" His voice cracked, a sob tearing free. "Jeon Jungkook, I want to be with you." The moment he said it, he broke. His face crumpled, breath hitching as he covered his face with his hands. His gloves did nothing to absorb the tears, and he cursed them silently.

Jungkook moved instantly.

He pulled Jimin into his arms, firm and sure. Jimin gasped, then melted into him, arms winding around Jungkook's neck as he buried his face against the taller man's shoulder. They stayed that way, breathing each other in, hearts pounding in unison.

"Jimin," Jungkook whispered, lips brushing his ear. "I love you."

That was enough to make Jimin cry harder. Jungkook let him, one hand threading gently through Jimin's hair as he pressed a soft kiss to the crown of his head.