Don't Call Me Angel || VMIN

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Proving the gentleman he was, Jeongguk offered Jimin a hand as he waltzed off the stage, aware that descending stairs, regardless of how many, in a pair of five-inch heels wasn't easy. The younger, having mastered even running in them over the years, didn't need the assistance and he walked past his bodyguard flawlessly. Although, he took the outstretched hand with a cheeky giggle anyway. His tiny fingers were engulfed, but it was only for a split second because the other pulled away and stood back. He knew the elder had to remain professional, for there was no way it would end well if their boss saw them holding hands, even if it was for the innocent reason of helping him.

Leaning against the wall, Jimin smirked at the formal air the elder maintained. He ran a hand through his hair, cringing at the few beads of sweat beneath his fringe, and shook his locks gently so that they bounced around his head. Dancing for fifty minutes straight was no mean feat and it had taken its toll on him. His thighs ached and the faint red mark of a handprint could be seen on his ass from when someone had reached out to him earlier. He was used to people touching him, feeling him up, and doing so much worse, but never had anyone actually slapped him during a performance. That would teach him never to go near the edge of the stage again.

In all honesty, with fatigue tugging at his body, the ravenette just wanted to slide on a pair of sweatpants and curl up on the sofa. Calling Hoseok or Jieun would have been nice too. Even though his best friend was working, he always managed to squeeze in time for him and his sister was sure to be free. If he was lucky, he might even get to speak to Joohyun.

Luck wasn't on his side, he shouldn't have been surprised, it never was. Sunwoo sauntered down the hall towards them, the shit-eating grin that was plastered on his face was definitely a result of the avalanche of money the dancer had just made him. The briefcase, secured in the hands of a worker behind him, could only have held a little portion of the total earnings of the evening. By the end of the show, the stage had been covered in cash. Jimin supposed expecting a 'thank you' was too much.

"Why don't you go and get yourself a drink, you must be thirsty?" 

It wasn't a question so much as an order and the hidden implication in the message made him tense. The elder wanted him to walk out into one of the busiest parts of the club, clad in what little clothing he was wearing, and buy himself a drink. Did he really think he was that stupid? Knowing full well he was about to expose himself to the unobstructed company of many drunk and horny people, the ravenette stiffened. He was scared to move and Sunwoo knew it, given he was practically gloating at him. However, he did it anyway, for it was clear there would be consequences if he disobeyed and he didn't want to find out what other atrocities this man was capable of.

By some miracle, Jimin made it to the bar almost unbothered. Almost. One person, he guessed they must have been in their late forties, had wrapped their calloused fingers around his waist and tried to draw him over. They had muttered something crude that he hadn't been able to discern over the music and smirked at him. Thankfully, Jeongguk had stopped anything from happening and now he was perched on a high stool, waiting for the bartender to serve him.

Much to the younger's comfort, his bodyguard remained a few feet away, staring down most people who tried to approach him. This didn't quite still the tremor in his hand or stop him from biting at his bottom lip out of nervousness, but it helped. It had been a while since he had sat at a bar. Hell, he hadn't ordered a drink of any description for several months. Back in Busan, he didn't stray from the stage and was only greeted by strangers in private rooms away from the bustle.

When the bartender finally pulled up in front of him, he was met by a beautiful dimpled smile.

"What can I get for you?" he asked politely, polishing off the glass in his hands before setting it down on the counter.