Off-Limits | Jinkook ✔️

Chapter Forty-Two

"Stay right here," Jungkook tells Jin as he walks away to meet someone, releasing his grip on him.

Jin's gaze followed Jungkook as he walked away, but he turned around in panic when he felt someone's arms around his waist from behind, but a grin instantly appeared on his lips when he realized it was Jimin.

"My goodness, you scared me."

Jimin laughed, "I figured I would-"

"All right, what the fuck is up with you and Jungkook? Are you two officially dating and keeping it a secret from us?" Hoseok questions cutting Jimin off, curious about what had happened with the artwork only seconds before.

Jin's cheeks flushed, and he shook his head, "I'm not sure what just occurred either, and no, there's no official relationship between us. At the very least, I don't know; I'm still trying to process all that has transpired since the evening." Jin answered honestly, still startled and surprised that Jungkook had painted a portrait of him, and he had a lot of questions.

"That was really spicy and sweet. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Jin, I think Jungkook could truly like you because there's no way in hell he'd do anything like that if he didn't." Jimin exclaims. "Furthermore, simply him inviting you here, fuck, I'm so confused. He's such a jerk, but this was something new. I haven't seen anything from him like this before. Did he mention it to you before you came? No, you would have informed us." When it came to Jin, Jimin was at a loss for words as he sought to figure out what his stepbrother was up to.

Jin merely smiled as he glanced at Jimin and Hoseok, unsure of what had occurred or how it had happened but glad that Jungkook had done something kind for him.

"Jungkook would not have done this if he didn't want to, implying that he meticulously planned this. That was very unexpected and great, especially with Tae and Yoongi involved. It wasn't even for myself, and I squealed." Hoseok expresses his real delight for what had occurred before with a smile.

As Jin was ready to speak, Taehyung appeared beside them, and Hoseok's face reddened, and he turned and went away without saying anything.

"When I arrive, he vanishes; did I do something?" Taehyung inquires as he embraces Jimin and Jin.

"Nope, he was going before you came here," Jimin said, shaking his head. "By the way, I need to speak with Yoongi, so I'll be back shortly."

"Of course, you should do that; he claims you've been avoiding him. Is that true?"

"Perhaps I have, but I'm going to speak with him. I'll be back, Jin." Jimin says this as he moves away to welcome Yoongi.

"And then there were two. How have you been?" Taehyung asks Jin, turning his whole attention to him. I haven't heard from you in quite some time."

Jin rolled his eyes, "I could say the same for you too."

Taehyung chuckled, "sorry, it's been a bit crazy on my side."

"Why? What happened?"

"I don't think we should talk here-"

"We can chat outside; it's so crowded in here," Jin says as he takes Taehyung's hand and leads him to one of the doors.

Once they were outdoors, Taehyung took the lead and led Jin around the back of the building to a more secluded location where they could talk.

"What's the matter with you, and what's wrong with your lip?" Jin considers taking a seat on a bench towards the rear of the building, in front of a water fountain.

"It's nothing, and no, I wasn't in a fight," Taehyung said, putting his finger to his lips and chuckling as he took a seat next to Jin. "I thought you already knew that I don't get into fights. Tell me what's been going on in your life. How is it going with you and Jungkook now that things appear to have changed?"

"I don't know; he's confusing," Jin sighs, taking a big breath. "You definitely know more than I do. You were a part of whatever transpired there, and at least all that money goes to charity, but I wasn't expecting that. Taehyung, he made a picture of me. That was very surprising; I had no idea he painted."

"I assumed you'd be shocked," Taehyung said as he listened to Jin. "He wasn't sure whether you'd like it, to be honest, but don't tell him I told you that."

"What?" Jin asks, his eyes widening. "How could he think that? I adore it. No one had ever drawn me before, and it was more unreal coming from him. That is something I would not have predicted even for a second."

"I know; I told him that as well, but wasn't it a lovely surprise?"

"It was, and it fills me with happiness. For a little moment, I felt special. It seemed as though he cares about me on a deeper level, but I don't know; he's so complicated, and I don't want to go back to where I was by making assumptions."

"You are incredible. Therefore you should feel special," Taehyung said, reaching out and grabbing Jin's hand in his. "I'm glad he was able to do something to let you know you're absolutely special."

"I have a confession, and before I tell you, I want to apologize; it slipped, I didn't want to." Jin glanced at Taehyung, their gazes locking.

"That's ok, don't worry about it; I already know, and I'm not angry; I just wish you had warned me."

"Wait, you know?"

Taehyung nodded, "yeah, I know."

"How do you know?"

"How do you think I got this busted lip?"

"Hoseok did that?" Jin inquired, perplexed.

It was Taehyung's turn to be perplexed, "what?" he said. "Hoseok did not do this. Are you not referring to the fact that you told Jungkook that we slept together?"

"W-wait what?" Jin's eyes widened. "NO! I was referring to informing Hoseok that you like him. Jungkook knows we slept together?"

"You told Hoseok I like him?"

"Sorry, that got away from me. Wait, I'm not sure how Jungkook knows about us. I never said anything to him."

"So he did figure it out on his own," Taehyung grinned as a notion entered his head. "Anyway, he's aware of it, but don't worry, he's not angry with you."

"Does he have a grudge against you? I mean, he can't possibly be angry that-"

"He isn't; we discussed it. He's now aware that we're close friends." Jin laughs as Taehyung says this to him with a wink. "Now tell me, when you told Hoseok I like him, what did he say? Did he seem to be interested? Or was he irritated and cursing me?"

"He seemed taken aback, and I got the impression he likes you a lot, too. Maybe more than I like Jungkook."

"Now you are toying with my head; he can't possibly like me more than you like Jungkook." Jin slaps his arm as Taehyung teases him.

"Shut up and take my words seriously; he likes you, and he knows it because of my loud mouth. However, I believe it's wonderful that he knows, and now that he does, you should tell him sooner rather than later."

"You are correct, and thank you," Taehyung said with a nod. "Before he departs here tonight, I should probably attempt to find him. Do you think that it is ok for me to ask him out on a date, or would it be too soon and awkward?"

"No way, dinner tomorrow would be wonderful, and he wouldn't expect it either."

"You think he will accept my invite?"

"He will; he really likes you Tae, I wouldn't lie to you."

"I'm sure you wouldn't. If I never told you this, I am glad you moved here," Taehyung says, leaning in and kissing Jin on the forehead.

"Why do you always say the right things? Thank you," Jin grinned as he drew Taehyung into a hug. "I'm glad I moved here as well. Now find Hoseok because I need to go check where my bipolar man is."

"Oh, you don't have to look for him; he's behind us arranging my funeral right now," Taehyung adds, pulling away and ruffling Jin's hair.

Jin looked around, his eyes wild as he saw Jungkook glaring at him.

*****

A/N: Next chapter is already written; I will update when the timing is right.