Jeju Fever | #yoonmin

35

"Alright, that was the last course guys! Thank you so much for coming all the way here to taste our new menu. I'd really appreciate it if you tell us what you think. Please send me a message with your thoughts." Jin announces when the last plates are removed from the table. "Now, we can still stay here for a little while, but I suggest we finish our drinks and then head down the street to Eunmi's bar. Or go home." Jin sits back down.

The bottles of wine have all been replaced by empty bottles of soju. Jimin places his head back on his hand, while his other hand rests on the back of Yoongi's chair. His fingers are making thoughtless little circles on his back and he listens to the conversation starting again between Yoongi and his table neighbour on his other side. Jimin feels rosy from the alcohol and the good food, and Yoongi's hand on his leg multiplies the comfortable feeling.

He's at the point were he could easily go home and feel completely satisfied with the evening, or he could ask Yoongi if he wants to go to the bar and see how his energy changes after another drink. He's been to that bar plenty of times before as well. Eunmi used to work at this restaurant, but ended up owning the bar down the street. Jin and Jimin often went there when the restaurant was closing while the guys did not want the night to end yet. They'd hang at the bar and drink, talk, laugh, sometimes flirt with some girls. That is actually how he met his ex Minseo, she was a friend of Eunmi, and probably still is. Jimin and Minseo two started talking and she asked for his number at the end of the night. She texted him immediately that night and two weeks later they were dating. Jimin wonders if she still hangs out at that bar.

Jimin wakes up from his thoughts when some are standing up and convincing everyone to head to Eunmi's. Jimin moves his chin from his hand to Yoongi's warm shoulder.

"Want to go home?" He whispers.

"Whatever you want love, I wouldn't mind one more drink at the bar." Yoongi whispers back and rubs Jimin's leg.

"Hmm... I would actually like to see the bar, it's been a while since I've been there. Eunmi is really sweet as well, I'd love to show you off to her."

"Ha, alright, let's go then. Show me off."

——

The bar is exactly the same from last time Jimin came here. It's a decent sized bar, not too big and not too small. People are drinking soju or classic cocktails while eating bar snacks, to let the alcohol soak into the food in their stomachs before ending up in their bloodstreams. The tables are all full, so the group spreads across two standing tables after fighting for a spot to hang all the warm winter coats by the door.

Jimin rubs his hands together from the cold outside while letting the air of the bar fill his body with memories. He takes Yoongi to meet Eunmi, who squeals of joy upon hearing the news and she offers them a free drink to celebrate. Yoongi and Jimin return to the table with two small glasses of whiskey that Yoongi picked out for them. An hour passes by like it's nothing. More bottles of beer and soju collect on the tables and Jimin's cheeks turn pink. He feels a little jolt every time Yoongi finds an excuse to touch him. Jimin can't keep his hands off of his boyfriend either. It just feels so good to touch the body of the man that stole his heart like a hot fever in Jeju. A fever that came as a complete surprise and knocked him out completely.

Jimin's smile is quickly wiped from his face when a familiar figure appears before him.

"Minseo?"

"Hey Jimin."

"W-what are you doing here?"

"Eunmi told me Jin was bringing his friends here, and I was nearby, so..."

"Oh, okay. Ehm, good to see you." Jimin is confused by the familiarity of Minseo in front of him. The woman who he slept next to for so many nights. The woman who was upset because he was unable to tell her he loved her. The lips he used to kiss quickly. Did he love her? He never really knew. He intensely enjoyed her company, but... love? The word never quite suited the warm feeling she gave him. She was always very good at flirting and talking. She could wrap Jimin around her finger without him really having to put much effort in anything. Being with her was just... easy. Time would just pass without anything significant happening.

"Yeah, good to see you too..." Minseo looks up at Jimin with big eyes. She's still wearing her coat, but he can tell she's breathing heavier than normal. The two stare at each other for a moment. "Can we talk? Outside?" She then asks almost whispering.

"Oh, I'm not sure Minseo..." Jimin turns to Yoongi, who is talking with Bora. He wants to find some excuse to tell Minseo he should stay with Yoongi, but before he can open his mouth to start a sentence, Minseo is already dragging him by his arm to the exit of the bar.

The cold air hits him in the face like a cold shower. He wraps his cardigan around him tightly and frowns at Minseo who is trying to find her words. He's not even sure anymore if he's still annoyed by her earlier attempts to convince him to get back together. He just sees a woman he used to know, and he wants to go back inside.

"Jimin... I know you've told me plenty of times that you don't want to give this another try, but I just want to talk to you face to face."

"But... why? What is left to say?"

"Wouldn't it be nice if we can be friends at least?"

"I wouldn't mind being your friend Minseo, but last time you weren't asking to be friends."

"I just miss you Jimmie..." Her voice changes to a higher tone.

"Minnie..." Damn, that name rolled out there too effortlessly. "Don't you think it's better to have some distance for a bit longer?"

"Why? What's wrong with us hanging out?"

"Do you really just want to hang out? Be honest..." Jimin is started to feel frustrated by this conversation, he folds his arms and sighs. He knows it's not going to go anywhere and he won't be able to convince her of anything.

"Jimmie..." Minseo takes a step closer to him and places her hands on Jimin's arm that is tightly wrapped around his body. "Let's just meet some time, just the two of us together. Remember that place we used to have breakfast at? Let's order those pancakes and talk things through." She pouts, her ever convincing pout. Jimin purses his lips, he is tired of trying to find the words to reject her once again.

His body twitches as he suddenly feels a jacket being placed over his shoulders. Yoongi. Sweet Yoongi.

"I figured you must be cold." He says in his deep voice and steps beside Jimin while resting his hand on his back.

"Hyung, yeah... thanks... I ehh, this is Minseo." He nods at Minseo, who has retracted her hands into the pockets of her padded jacket. "Minseo, this is Yoongi." My boyfriend. Why can't I say it now? Am I trying to protect her feelings? She smiles and nods at Yoongi and purses her lips when she looks back at Jimin.

"Nice to meet you Minseo. Well, I'll go back inside." Yoongi turns to Jimin and steps a bit closer. "Everything alright love?" He almost whispers.

"Yeah, sorry, I'll be back soon." Jimin grabs Yoongi's hand and squeezes it quickly.

"Alright." Yoongi licks his lips and brushes Jimin's hair behind his ear. "Don't catch a cold out here." He winks and walks back into the bar. Jimin reluctantly turns back to Minseo while he feels the warmth of Yoongi translated in the weight of his jacket on his shoulders.

"You two seem... close..." She raises an eyebrow. "Anyway, we -"

"That's my boyfriend." Oh NOW I can say it...

"Ha, funny, anyway, how about we -"

"I'm not joking. I'm in a relationship with Yoongi."

"Jimmie, don't lie just to get rid of me."

"I'm not lying." Jimin has to restrain himself from adding 'I sucked his dick this morning'.

"Ugh, you'd really say anything just to make me leave you alone!" Minseo rolls her eyes.

"That's not... Whatever Minseo, I'm going back inside. This conversation is as useless as I thought it would be." Jimin turns around and enters the bar.