Crystal & Pearl [On Hiatus]

Chapter 4 - Safe Zone

"Yah... Jimin-ah!" Taehyung nearly shouted.

Jimin snapped back to reality, seeing Taehyung and Jungkook staring at him from across the table. The three of them were sitting at a local outdoor café, catching up.

Taehyung flicked Jimin's forehead gently. "What's going on in that head of yours?" he asked. "Hyung, is everything okay?" Jungkook added with concern. Jimin smiled awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry," he mumbled softly.

"Jungkook-ah, do you see what I've been dealing with for the past three weeks?" Taehyung sighed. "He's always like this—zoned out, tired. What bothers me is that he won't tell me what's going on."

"Hyung, you can talk to us. We've been giving you space, but it seems like you've got too much on your plate. Please, let us know what's happening," Jungkook said, his voice filled with concern.

Jimin took a deep breath before replying, "I'm not working at Luminescence anymore."

"That's great!" Taehyung exclaimed, grinning. Jungkook quickly pinched him under the table, giving him a look to tone it down. Taehyung cleared his throat, continuing more calmly, "It wasn't the right fit for you anyway, Jimin. I always thought you were too good for that job. But what happened? Did you get something better?"

Jimin's voice dropped. "It's not that I quit—they didn't renew my contract."

"What?" they both exclaimed in shock.

Taehyung's face turned serious. "I mean, I didn't think that job was right for you, but who do they think they are? What could they possibly expect from you that you don't already have?"

"They said I've been doing the prime slot for too long and suggested I take a break. They also want to move away from the masked or painted look I use when dancing. They're aiming for more of a 'wax doll' aesthetic." Jimin said, his voice tinged with guilt.

Taehyung immediately launched into full drama mode. "A wax doll? If anyone in this world looks like a wax doll, it's you, Park Jimin! Have they seen your flawless skin? Your perfect lips? No one has a waist as tiny as yours! You're a treasure, Jimin-ah. Don't let them make you feel any less."

Jungkook, trying to shift the conversation, asked, "When did you stop working there, Hyung?"

"About three weeks ago," Jimin answered.

"Are you financially okay? We know why you took that job in the first place. Do you have something else lined up?"

"I'm looking for something. For now, I'm working part-time as a receptionist at an aromatherapy parlor, but the pay isn't enough. If things don't change, I'm not sure I'll be able to manage next month," Jimin admitted.

Taehyung was quick to jump in. "Jimin-ah, I have some money saved up. Let me help you."

"Hyung, I can ask my family for help. They've always liked you. I'll talk to them about it," Jungkook added, his voice filled with support.

Jimin was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply. "You guys... I'm really grateful to have you in my life. I'm not ready to take money from you yet. I can still manage. I just need your emotional support. Thank you for treating me like family—and for your family doing the same."

Taehyung, still unconvinced, persisted. "Jimin, if we're family, let us help. You know I saved that money to open our café, but let me use it to help you now. Why are you being so stubborn?"

"If we start involving money, it will ruin everything. I don't want to risk our friendship for anything, and you shouldn't risk our café dreams for this. Even if I'm not part of it, I want you to own that café," Jimin said, his tone firm.

"Jimin-ah..." Taehyung began, clearly unwilling to give up so easily.

"Hyung, let's not pressure Jimin," Jungkook interjected gently. "Jimin-hyung, we'll always be here for you. Don't forget that."

Jimin noticed that Taehyung was still upset, avoiding his gaze and scrunching up his nose. With a small smile, Jimin pulled Taehyung into a half-hug. "You're enough in my life, Taehyung. I promise, when I can't handle things anymore, you'll be the first person I come to."

He hugged Taehyung tightly, squeezing him until it seemed like some of the tension dissolved. Finally, Taehyung relented, hugging him back.

As they pulled away from the hug, they saw Jungkook grinning at them. Taehyung wiped his eyes and sniffled. "Are you jealous, Jungkook? You can't be. Jimin's my soulmate."

Jungkook laughed. "Why would I be jealous of Jimin? I just wish I could've been part of that hug."

Both Jimin and Taehyung opened their arms to include Jungkook in the embrace. At that moment, nothing mattered more than the warmth and love between them. Jimin felt truly safe in their arms.

Little did he know what was waiting for him. If he had, would he have ever dared to leave their embrace?

~ After a month

"Mr. Min, I accept your offer, but on one condition. Please protect my dignity," Jimin said, his voice trembling, eyes brimming with tears.

"Agreed," Yoongi replied with a wicked smirk. "But I have one rule: when I'm at it, I want my voice to be the only sound in the room. If you make a noise, the consequences won't be in your favor."