The Vow

38

Hoseok was cooking in Jimin's apartment when the news flashed on television.

"Ms. KIM Y/N found dead, staff of Jeon agency found dead in her house. Police is yet to find the reason behind her death. So far there are no suspects."

Hoseok switched off the television, the sudden silence accentuating the internal chaos that had consumed his thoughts. Despite the mundane task of continuing with the cooking, his mind refused to stay anchored to the present. The question lingered, persistent and unspoken – Should he call Jungkook? Despite the bridge between them, he had an urge to check on him.

With a conflicted expression, Hoseok took his phone from his pocket. Jungkook's number stared back at him, he almost dialed, but he hesitated. He put the phone back in his pocket and tried to distract himself by focusing on the task at hand – cooking. The sizzle of ingredients in the pan and the aroma of food being prepared served as a backdrop to his internal struggle. Every clatter of utensils and sizzle of ingredients became a rhythmic reminder of the unresolved tension in his thoughts.

The silence was interrupted when Jimin walked into the apartment. "Hey Hobi."

"Hey..."

"Did you see the news?", Jimin asked trying to switch on the television.

"Yeah, I did."

"I can't believe this is happening. KIM Y/N was a simple girl. I never thought she would...." The conversation was ended with a loud thump on the door.

"Are we expecting someone?" Jimin asked and Hoseok nodded.

Jimin walked to the door and opened it. His eyes went wide at a face long forgotten. "Jackson?"

"Jimin."

"What are you doing here?", Jackson asked.

"I could ask you the same question. What are you doing here?", Jimin responded quickly.

"I want to meet Hoseok. This is the address we found."

"This is my apartment. Hoseok lives with me. Come on in." Jimin ushered Jackson and Yugyeom into his home.

"Oh..", Jackson said, his voice showing a surprise.

"Hobi, can you come here for a moment?", Jimin called Hoseok who walked in from the kitchen.

"Hobi, this is Jackson Wang. He is my friend when I was getting my degree in Arts & Design from Seoul University. One of the brainards, may I say? He always wanted to be a singer. Heyyy....speaking of which, why are you dressed like a police? Is that what K-pop idols are wearing nowadays?" Jimin tried to joke.

"I. Am. A. Police. Jimin."

Jimin's mouth fell open. "What?"

"Life changes us Jimin. Anyway, Mr. Hoseok, I need you to ask a few questions." Jackson said his voice solemn as he remembered something. He quickly cleared his throat and looked at Hoseok.

"About what?" Hoseok asked. All this information was brand new to him.

"Jackson what's this about?" Jimin asked Jackson.

"Well about him and Jungkook. I heard that they are separated. May I ask why?"

"That's personal", Hoseok said irritated by such a question.