ACCIDENTALLY YOURS//JIKOOKAU (REWRITTING)

4: TALKING.

The evening wore on as Jeongguk and Jimin continued their small talk in the kitchen, the atmosphere gradually shifting from tension to a more relaxed state. Jeongguk had sensed the tension within Jimin as soon as he saw him. He could admit that was all his doing. Since he had spoken to Jimin earlier, he couldn't help but feel guilty over leaving him all alone that morning. He had sent Hoseok to his room after leaving for his meeting to explain to Jimin why he was in that suite in case he woke up before Jeongguk returned. Jimin however had left quickly and Jeongguk had more pressing matters to deal with back home so he figured he would wait for Jimin's return. So his aim that evening was to ease Jimin's tension before he dove into their main conversation. As they cleared the dishes, Jeongguk asked Jimin to pour them some drinks. He headed to the living area and sat on the couch waiting for Jimin to bring their drinks. Jimin sat opposite him and placed two glasses of wine on the table.

"I need you to understand, Jimin, that this wasn't in my cards either. The situation just escalated and I had to make some quick decisions," Jeongguk explained, his eyes sincere as he looked at Jimin. He didn't miss the way Jimin's shoulders tensed.

Jimin nodded, a mix of emotions playing on his face. "I get that but why didn't you just call me to tell me you were leaving?"

"That was a mistake on my part sweetheart and I am truly sorry for that. Your security that night was lousy at best, it was weighing heavily on my mind so I had to return and take care of it. It is not an excuse, I just want you to know what I was doing." Jimin let out a pout. He still didn't understand how Jeongguk had taken care of it.

"My contract... I have a dating ban in my contract hyung. They'll sue me when they find out about this. I-I c-can't-" Jimin shivered as he felt Jeongguk sit next to him.

"Take a breath baby. Nobody is going to sue you."

"But-"
"Don't you trust me to take care of it? I'm already on it so don't worry, yeah?" He said as he massaged Jimin's neck.
"I don't know how not to worry. Hyung I have worked so hard to get here."
"I know Jimin. You may not believe me now but I know everything and I won't let anyone touch you." Jimin leaned back on Jeongguk and relaxed. Jeongguk smiled to himself. Jimin was seeking his comfort unconsciously just as he did that night. "But you should know, divorce is not in the cards either."
"It's not?" Jimin asked as he moved back to face him. He looked at Jeongguk in the eyes.
"No, though I wanted to court you first before we even walked down the aisle. I don't regret how we got married, it can be our own memory, I'll just have to court you as my husband and that gives me a lot of joy." He saw how Jimin's cheeks turned pink and the tips of his ears went red. "Is there anything that keeps on worrying you?"

"It's just the contract."
"Pd Nim is my uncle, that's why I'm telling you not to worry about it. He can't sue me for falling for you."
Jeongguk knew the moment all the worry left Jimin's body because he visibly relaxed and that's what he wanted.

Jimin gazed into Jeongguk's eyes, a mixture of relief and gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, hyungie. I just... I needed to hear that. It means a lot to me," he confessed, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on the rim of his wine glass.

Jeongguk smiled, his thumb brushing gently against Jimin's cheek. "I understand your concerns, Jimin, and I promise to navigate through this together with you. We'll find a way to handle the contract and ensure your career remains unscathed. Nobody will ever think of harming you."

From then on their conversations turned lighter as they drank their wine and shared stories about their lives. Jeongguk listened keenly as Jimin told him about his family as they would have to visit them soon. Jeongguk also told him about his own family. Jimin laughed heartily as Jeongguk told him about his dog and the pranks he had pulled on his hyungs when they were in school.

As the night deepened, Jeongguk and Jimin found solace in each other's company. The weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and the promise of a connection that was growing stronger. The future didn't seem so bleak anymore to Jimin.

With a contented sigh, Jimin leaned against Jeongguk, their fingers interlaced, creating an unspoken bond that surpassed the challenges they were yet to face. The warm light from the wall bulbs illuminated their intimate moments. Jimin didn't want the night to end, being with Jeongguk made him feel secure.

"Hyungie, what happened to the other rings?" Jimin suddenly asked remembering what had been nagging his mind. He saw Jeongguk had a similar ring as his.

"Ah. Those fake rings are not meant for your pretty fingers sweetheart. I bought new rings for us before I left. Do you not like it? We can go and choose another pair."

Jimin felt flustered. "No! I love this one. I was just wondering since I remember the fake ones we had."

Jeongguk took out his phone and played a song then stood up. He stretched his hand to Jimin, "Dance with me sweetheart." He wanted to make Jimin forget all about their impromptu marriage. He could still tell something was weighing on Jimin's mind which he had not shared yet. Jeongguk would wait though. He would move mountains just to make sure Jimin never faced any problems. Only his hyungs and uncle knew how much he had fought to make sure Jimin never had any more death threats sent directly to him. Jimin didn't need to know that at all.

Jimin took his hand and they swayed to the melody. Jeongguk kissed him all over his face as they stared at each other deep in the eyes. They let their eyes speak about what they couldn't voice yet.

As they wrapped up their dance, Jeongguk pressed a gentle kiss to Jimin's forehead. "We'll face everything together, Jimin. No matter what comes our way, we're a team and I'll always be in your corner."

Jimin smiled, a genuine expression of trust and affection. "I believe you, Gguk." Jeongguk checked his watch and saw it was already past eleven. Time had flown by.

"I have to go now, sweetheart." Jeongguk said softly as they embraced. He too didn't want the night to end but he had responsibilities and he felt it was too soon for Jimin to allow him to sleep over.

"Can I visit you at your office? I still have a few days off." Jimin asked shyly.

"Anytime you want. You can even drop by my house over the weekend and tell me if you'd like to live there one day or if I should buy another home for us."

Jimin's lips parted as he looked around his penthouse then finally his small safe space. He never thought he'd live here permanently but that safe space he'd created for himself made him feel at home. As if Jeongguk could sense his inner turmoil, he pulled him in his arms again.

"You can create your safe space in the house too. I promise it'll be your home as much as it is mine."

"Can I think about it first?"

"Take all the time you need Jimin. I'm willing to wait." Jimin nodded with a smile. "I'll be back to visit you soon. Oh, and the bodyguard who brought you home today will be your new shadow wherever you are in public. Your security is non-negotiable."

Before leaving, Jeongguk placed a lingering kiss on Jimin's lips, a promise that they'd see each other soon. Jimin escorted him to the door and felt a bit sad as he wore his shoes. They kissed once more before he walked out of the door telling Jimin to go to bed.

On the other hand, now alone in the quiet apartment, Jimin couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - uncertainty, excitement, and a growing sense of attachment to the man he had admired from afar. He trusted Jeongguk, but the unknowns of the future still blurred his thoughts. He sighed and headed to his bedroom. Tomorrow would worry about itself.