Voodoo Marionette *Jikook* [Hiatus]

20: Hushed Talks

Practice was anything but an easy workout. Today coach seemed to think it was a great idea to have the entire team focus on running and speed workouts, and let's just say not everyone in the team are running athletic - especially for the defenders and goal keepers. 

It's not like they cannot complete the task, they most definitely can, some better than others who plays as forward, but let's just say coach expected a better performance.

So, after the disappointment, coach pushed them harder on their cardio that even Jeongguk - football team captain - fucking died.

That's why walking to the locker room became a more difficult task then one would expect on a regular day. Teammates literally were dragging or carrying one another to get to their destination, so the soreness was anything but pleasant. 

Jeongguk preferred bearing the pain and walk on his own, even though he was practically limping to the unbearable pain on his shins and thighs. Fuck, this literally killed him.

And coach still had the audacity to promise a smoother practice tomorrow.

Walking - sorry limping - to the lockeroom finally became a mission completed but Jeongguk had to take a moment to lean against the wall to rest. At one point some teammates literally collapsed on the ground - not making it to their locker. Luckily some players from the cross-country team or volleyball were decent enough in helping the team out - since they obviously get it. 

Jeongguk refused the help despite being breathless and possibly near to passing out, but he managed to limp his way to his section after a bit of self-motivation. 

Yet he didn't make it all the way.

He stopped just as he was about to round the corner when he heard familiar voices.

Very familiar voices.

"I'm not asking for much, this is all I want from you and if you can't take it then I'll get involved."

Taehyung?

"You are so tense dude, chill! Your attitude is up here, bring it down here."

Jimin.

Hm.

Jeongguk remains hidden by the locker, listening.

"Jimin, I'm being serious. This is Jeongguk, my ex. I know him, and I'm telling you right now that if you have any bit of respect for me, you'll stop this now."

"This is not about you Tae," Tae? "Jeongguk is fully aware of what he was getting himself into when we decided on this. If he wants to do it, then let him!"

"You're not listening to me - "

"I think my ears are pretty clear."

"And when he finds out the truth? Hm? You do realize how fucked up he's going to think you are, and I'm trying to protect you both!"

A loud slam echoes them, startling Jeongguk with eyes wide.

What just -

"Jeongguk won't find out -"

"Yoongi did," Jeongguk heart is thudding faster, "Why do you think he can't let you go? Because he still believes he can help you! He's trying so hard to have Jeongguk get close to you because he believes he can help you out of this, but he doesn't know Jeongguk! I do!"

"Look, if I'm being real fucking honest with you, there has to come a time where you let Jeongguk do whatever he wants without you breathing down his neck," Jimin snaps annoyedly, "I get it, I do, but I'm not a babysitter. I'm going to live my life and enjoy it-"