Jikook Oneshots

83. Go Big or Go Home pt. 2

By: @serendipityswan

The sound of dramatic strings fill the empty rink as Jimin glides his way through his free program for the last practice before leaving for Pyeongchang. He is the sole person in the building so there should be no distractions, but Jimin's mind is definitely not on the ice.

"Shit," he mutters to himself as under rotates a jump and lands awkwardly. He resigns himself to the fact that practicing right now is futile with his mind not focused on skating and instead focused on a pair of innocent doe-eyes.

Fucking snowboarder.

Jimin skates his way to the exit, sliding his skate guards on before stepping off the ice and plopping down on a nearby bench.

This is not the time for distractions. Not with everything at stake.

Jimin sighs before leaning over to unlace his skates. He's had a lot on his mind as of late that in the end are nothing but distractions. First there is that unfairly attractive snowboarder who approached him at the athletes' dinner. Jimin can't decide if he admired him for trying or pitied his naivety. But much more impactful are the looming pressures of his first coachless Olympics and also the fact that this is likely his final Olympics. Winning gold isn't simply a want anymore; it is a requirement.

Jimin lets out a frustrated huff. He has thought through all of this numerous times already and it really should become a dull murmur in his mind. But instead it is a roar demanding attention at all times, as if the pressure of being a repeat Olympic athlete wasn't enough on its own. He feels like Atlas bearing the weight of the heavens, or in his case the weight of his entire legacy, on his shoulders.

His thoughts are interrupted with the muffled ringing of his phone. He grabs his bag and pulls out the device and answers immediately.

"Hi Tae."

"Oh wow you actually answered. I was expecting you to be practicing still," Taehyung replies.

"I should be. But my mind isn't in it," Jimin answers with another sigh.

"You're thinking about your legacy again aren't you?"

"At this point when am I not? That lives in my head rent free and took over a whole penthouse of space."

"Listen Min. You have had an incredible career thus far. You are easily lined up for a third Olympic gold. I know you don't like talking about retirement, but if this is your last season you have an incredible pair of programs to end on. You put heart and soul into this season, and you should have zero regrets about what you've accomplished."

Jimin bites down on his bottom lip, closing his eyes to try not to cry. He doesn't do emotions. He has long suppressed them. But Taehyung always got through his defenses. He knew every crack in the walls around Jimin's heart. He knew his weak spots. And he has only ever been supportive and trustworthy. He really is Jimin's closest friend.

"Thanks Tae," Jimin replies weakly, taking a deep breath to regain composure.

"Take a break Jiminie. You know this programs so well you could do them in reverse blindfolded. Plus we leave for Pyeongchang tomorrow so you really should rest."

"Okay mom," Jimin teases, getting a laugh from the other man.

"Someone has to take care of your stubborn ass," Taehyung teases back, getting a soft chuckle from the skater.

"Well I'm glad it is you."

"I'm glad it is me too," Taehyung laughs. "Anyway, go home. I'll come by later to finalize some things before we leave."