ACATALEPSY I BTS AU

CHAPTER 8 - Whispers of Trust

**But now, let's rewind to about 3 hours ago...**

 "Yo, kid, what are you doing out here?" Adam turned to face the bewildered stranger. 

Jimin squatted down to the boy, observing him closely. Something about the kid felt familiar, but he couldn't quite place it yet. 

"I'm waiting for my sister," Adam answered, trying to cover his growling tummy with his tiny hands. 

*Oh... it's her little brother,* Jimin thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. 

"But you're all alone? When's Y/N coming?" Jimin asked, a touch of concern creeping into his voice. 

"I don't know..." Adam replied with a gloomy expression. Understanding the situation, Jimin offered, "How about we grab something to eat while you wait?"

"Big sis says not to trust strangers," Adam responded with a pout. 

Jimin chuckled softly. "I'm not a stranger, little one." He smiled warmly, locking eyes with Adam. 

The boy hesitated for a moment, but something about Jimin made him feel safe. *'He seems like a nice person,'* Adam thought, nodding in agreement.

Jimin picked up the boy's schoolbag and football rucksack, slinging them over his shoulder. 

*Damn, this bag's heavy for a primary school kid. Can't imagine when he reaches middle school,* he thought as they walked to his car. 

Once seated, Adam followed Jimin's instructions as he buckled the boy in. Adam felt better now that he wasn't alone, though he still wondered where you were and hoped everything was alright. 

Jimin, on the other hand, was debating whether to send someone to check on you at the Christie. Something had to have come up for you to leave your brother like this.

"What's your name, little guy?" Jimin asked, already knowing it but momentarily forgetting. 

"Adam," the boy replied, turning toward him. 

"And you?" 

"My name's Jimin. I'm a friend of your sister's." A loud growl erupted from Adam's stomach, causing him to blush. 

"You're really hungry, huh? What would you like to eat Adam?" Jimin asked with a kind smile as he drove away. 

**Back to the present...** 

"Adam, what do you want for dinner?" you asked, slipping off your shoes as you entered the apartment.

"I'm not hungry," he called from his bed, clutching the strange box in his hands. You frowned. 

Adam never turned down food. *Maybe he's mad at me for being late...* 

"I already had a yummy pizza," he added, smiling proudly. 

*What? How? Where?* you thought, eyes wide with worry. You rushed toward him. 

"I went with Big Brother," Adam revealed, grinning ear to ear. Your heart skipped a beat. 

"How many times have I told you not to talk to strangers?" you scolded, your voice sharp as your eyes narrowed. Adam usually followed your instructions, so you couldn't figure out what had gotten into him today. 

"But Big Brother's really nice, and he said he's your friend," Adam replied, trying to defend himself. 

"What's this 'Big Brother's' name?" you asked, crossing your arms and glaring at him. Adam swallowed nervously shaking his head. He did know Jimin's name but promised not to say it.