Sojourn ♣ JiKook|VMin

"Indefinite"

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Chapter Thirty-Five

"Indefinite"

♣

Past

Jimin was walking home, his mind drifting. He had been arguing with Taehyung a lot these days, and it was making him feel unbearably lonely. He didn't want to get used to the feeling—this constant confusion and hurt.

"Jimin?"

He looked up and found Namjoon standing awkwardly in front of his house. "Namjoon?"

The taller man raised his hand in greeting, smiling sheepishly. "Ah—yes. That's me."

Jimin tilted his head slightly. "Hmm... I know you're friends with Taehyung."

Namjoon nodded, still wearing that awkward smile. "Ah..."

"Are you waiting for him?" Jimin asked as he walked over to the gate and opened it. "You can wait inside if you want."

Namjoon scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. He had never really had a proper conversation with Taehyung's boyfriend before—only the occasional greeting when they passed each other at the university. Besides, he felt oddly uncomfortable around Jimin.

"Does your silence mean you're not coming in?" Jimin asked suddenly.

Namjoon's eyes widened for a second before he stepped inside. "No—sure. I can wait for him."

Jimin stared at him absentmindedly for a moment, then nodded and walked toward the front door. "You can join us for dinner. I don't mind," he said as he unlocked it.

Namjoon followed him in. Jimin pointed to a chair at the dining table. "You can sit there."

Namjoon nodded and muttered a quiet, "Thank you."

Jimin began preparing dinner in silence. He felt a little guilty for giving Namjoon the silent treatment, but that was exactly what Taehyung had been doing to him lately. He couldn't help but think it had something to do with Taehyung's friends. He hated himself for blaming them—but he still did.

Namjoon nearly held his breath as he glanced at Jimin from time to time. He was completely different from how Namjoon remembered him. Jimin used to smile often, carrying a light, friendly aura that Namjoon liked. Now, he seemed distant—his eyes tired, sad. And Namjoon knew why. He silently prayed for time to pass quickly, hoping this heavy silence would end.

Jimin placed a hot pot in the center of the table and sat across from him. He had already handed Namjoon the plates earlier, still without a word.

"Ah, Jimin... thank you," Namjoon said softly.

Jimin looked at him. "Yeah. Eat up. It won't taste good once it gets cold." His face brightened for a second. "Do you drink?"

Namjoon blinked, puzzled. "Uh... yeah, but—"

"Oh, I bought soju during the last grocery run, so—" Jimin cut him off, already heading to the fridge. He returned with a bottle of soju and a pair of shot glasses, placing them on the table with a small, satisfied grin.

Namjoon wanted to refuse, but seeing how miserable Jimin looked made it hard. Jimin lifted the bottle, and Namjoon raised his glass. The way Jimin carefully poured the drink struck Namjoon as oddly cute.