Small (Yoongi's Sister BTS Fanfic)

53.1 Interim

      Waiting is painful—especially when Jimin can see Byeol sitting on the other side of the hall the whole time. Her group's extremely odd outfits make them stick out like a sore thumb; the other girl groups around them having chosen much more elegant or cute concepts. Byeol herself is very nearly out of sight—her head just barely high enough for Jimin to see from behind the group sitting in front of them.

      Jimin's glad he chose to sit on the very end of the group—no one's beside him but Yoongi—so he can blatantly stare across the room without anyone questioning him. He can see Yoongi is struggling to hide his staring too—his head faced firmly forward even as his eyes veer to the side.

      The rest of the award show feels extremely boring in light of the "B revelation". Normally Jimin would be vibing along to all the current hits just like the rest of his members, but the only things bouncing around in his head is a cacophony of awe (he knew she could sing like an angel, but she can rap like Yoongi hyung too? How is that fair?) and dread.

      Everything makes so much sense now; the dieting and self-deprecation, the inaction of her coworkers who are probably experiencing the exact same thing (or are the ones encouraging it), the busy schedule and lack of rest. Jimin's experienced all those things, just to a much lesser degree. And to be honest, even with all the amazing things he's gotten to experience, he wouldn't wish this career on anyone. The stakes are just too high for the risk to be worth it. Unfortunately, though:

      Angel thinks it's worth it.

      As much as he knows it's not his hyung's fault, Jimin can't help glancing over at Yoongi and lambasting the siblings for being so alike. So similarly frighteningly self-sacrificial and destructive. So willing to starve and suffer in return for the chance to show their music to the world. It makes Jimin sick to his stomach thinking of how easy he had it in comparison to the things the two have been through to be where they are now.

      Agonizing over the past won't change anything. Jimin reminds himself, relaxing his clenched fists and taking a deep breath. No one can help the circumstances they were born in, and it's no use berating them for the choices they thought they had to make. If I want to be the person Angel comes to when she needs help, comfort, or advice, I need to act like it. I need to show that I can be that person. Freaking out over the bad choices she's made is gonna show her nothing but immaturity. Pull yourself together, Park Jimin.

      As selfish as it is, knowing he isn't struggling with this alone calms Jimin's nerves. Yoongi is right beside him, his breathing just as carefully controlled as Jimin's. His hyung is just as conflicted as he is, and they will confront this together, as a team. Byeol's support team.

      The time passes much faster when Jimin isn't devoured in anxious thoughts, the young man finally relaxing in his seat (as much as is possible in his uncomfortably tight jeans). But he never fully takes his attention off where Byeol is sitting, unable to allow himself to risk missing even the slightest disturbance. It's a relief to everyone present when the show finally comes to a close, all the groups gratefully standing from their seats after such a prolonged time sitting.

      "My knees." Yoongi grumbles, joints cracking as he stands.

      "You're only 21—how are you so old?" Hobi questions, wincing in incredulity as Yoongi twists and a dozen more joints pop in his back.

      "I'm not old." Yoongi protests, blinking sleepily. Jimin snorts.

      "Old." Taehyung pipes in, grinning.

      "Grandpa." Jungkook joins in, doe eyes wide and deceivingly innocent.

      "Hey, grandpa, you heard from mini-Min yet?" Jin intercedes before Yoongi can get properly riled up. The two maknaes pout—Jin is very no fun—and Yoongi checks his phone again.