[✓] Solace | JAEMIN

⇝3.1

Jaemin waited for Ara as she tried on dresses. The curtains pulled away and she wore a navy dress reaching her feet.

Jaemin's eyes studied her in that particular dress for a couple of minutes. The way the dress draped her body was literally perfect.

Jaemin: Perfect.

Ara: Really?

Jaemin: Nothing can beat this. And you have tried at least fifteen dresses.

Ara: They were six but okay.

She said with a chuckle

Jaemin: I'm sure this is the best. But what do you think?

She turned to the mirror and ran a hand through the dress, a small smile ghosting her smile. Ara remembered how during Jaemin's past seven lives, she would imagine the things they would do if they were together.

But then it all came crashing down on her. They had maybe three days left at best. 

Jaemin: Ara?

She turned to him and saw him frown on eye contact. He stepped closer and cupped her cheeks.

Jaemin: Don't worry.

He whispered, already understanding her worry.

Ara: I'm sorry.

She whispered back. He shook his head in denial.

Jaemin: Its okay... we're okay.

He then pulled her into a hug.

Jaemin: Don't worry, okay?

Ara: Yeah...

It was a lie. How could she not? And she had a feeling that Jaemin saw right through her. He broke the hug and held her shoulders, a smile on his face.

Jaemin: So?

Ara forced a smile on her lips and nodded as well.

Ara: I like this dress.

He chuckled and pinched her cheek before facing the worker who was watching them in fascination. 

Jaemin: Can we rent this?

Worker: Of course, sir. Please come to the counter. Ma'am you can change out of it so that we can pack it right away.

Ara nodded and Jaemin squeezed her shoulder before following the worker. Ara watched Jaemin interacted with the worker and paid with his card for Ara's dress. Sighing, she walked back into the changing room and looked at the dress once more.

Ara: It is really pretty.

---

Ara was on his sofa while Jaemin restricted himself to his room, sitting on the bed with his back resting on the headboard.  

It was the night before Jeno's wedding and Jaemin could only think of Taeyong's warning. He felt uncomfortable and unsure. His train of thoughts was cut off when the door clicked open. He looked over and saw Ara peeking in.

Ara: hey...

Jaemin: hi. What's wrong?

Ara: Nothing.

lies.

Jaemin: Come here.

She immediately reached for him and quite literally jumped into his open arms, the two engaged in a long lasting, tight hug.

Ara: I can't help but feel like its all my fault.

Jaemin: ... its not.

Ara: It kind of is.

She sat up to come in level with his face, eyes meeting his. He moved her hair out of her eyes with a small smile.

Jaemin: I still stick to my word. I would be happy to die, because I am satisfied now.

Ara: Are you?

Jaemin: Yeah... now stop pondering over that. Sleep- Oh wait... you don't sleep.

She chuckled and reached for his lips, him immediately accepting it. They were cherishing this moment. They knew they didn't have time. So they must make the remaining time theirs.

---

A few hours passed and the two were just in each other's embraces in his bed.

Ara: I won't get fired...

Jaemin: Hm?

Ara: Once you are gone... i won't get fired. I'll get banished and any trace of me will get removed from this universe.

Jaemin suddenly broke their embrace and sat up.

Jaemin: What did you say?

Ara: Jaemin-

Jaemin: No... no no... Why didn't you tell me?! I thought... I thought maybe after i die we can still see each other wherever the fuck i end up but- What do you mean? Gone? No... no... Why didn't you tell me Ara!

He stumbled out of bed and opened the door, leaving the room, the shock clearly affecting him.

Ara: Jaemin-

She called out to him as she followed him but then suddenly there was this invisible push and she fell backwards. 

Ara: What the...

She stood up again, priority being Jaemin. But when she got the the living room, it was empty and the door was open with rain falling into the house.

Jaemin :(