You Never Know [JIKOOK]

21. Lo(st)ve

Jimin's heart clenched with a mixture of emotions as he stared at his mother, his appetite suddenly lost. The mention of Jungkook's name brought back painful memories of their failed marriage. It had been a tumultuous relationship, filled with love and betrayal.

His mother took a sip of water, her eyes filled with concern. "You should visit Jungkook in the hospital," she gently suggested, she knew that it wasn't easy for her son, but hopefully...

Jimin let out a deep sigh, his gaze fixed on his untouched plate. He couldn't ignore the hurt and anger that still lingered from their past. Visiting Jungkook felt like reopening old wounds, wounds that had never fully healed.

Taehyung, sensing the heaviness in the room, remained silent. He continued to eat his breakfast, trying to create a sense of normalcy amidst the tension. His playful antics with Minju were a deliberate attempt to shield her from the weight of the conversation, and Jimin couldn't help but feel grateful for his friend's support.

Mrs. Park's eyes never left her son's face, filled with a mix of understanding and longing. "Son, just visit him for a minute," she pleaded, her voice tinged with sadness.

Jimin's hand trembled as he dropped his spoonful of rice, the clatter echoing in the room. "Medicine is what he needs, not me," he muttered bitterly, his voice laced with unresolved pain.

His mother's voice wavered as she spoke, her own emotions evident. "I didn't want to force you, honey," she confessed, her own meal forgotten. "But Mr. Jeon reached out to me last night. He said that Jungkook's only need was you."

"Dad?" Jimin's voice trembled, his eyes searching for answers in his mother's tired gaze.

Mrs. Park nodded wearily, her shoulders slumping. "I will let them know that even I can't force you, Jimin. I understand, my son," she said, her smile forced but filled with unconditional love.

Jimin nibbled on his bottom lip, torn between his past and the present. He glanced at Taehyung, who was now engaged in a playful game with Minju, using spoonfuls of kimchi rice as makeshift airplanes. It was a deliberate distraction, an act of love and protection, and Jimin felt a surge of gratitude towards his friend.

***

Jimin stood in front of the mirror, meticulously fixing his hair as he prepared for the day.

Taehyung entered the room, closing the door behind him, and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Was the baggage of Minju ready?"

Taehyung hummed. He glanced at Jimin's reflection in the mirror and asked. "So what's the change of decision?"

With a casual glance back at Taehyung, Jimin replied, "Nothing much, just going to visit because Dad (Mr. Jeon) told me to." He continued to fuss over his hair, a hint of determination in his eyes.

Taehyung smirked and playfully teased, "Ah, following Dad's wish, huh? What if he told you not to divorce Jungkook then?" He stretched out on the bed, waiting for Jimin's response.

Jimin turned to face Taehyung, his eyes narrowing with a mischievous glint. "Nothing can stop me from doing that, darling," he retorted with a sassy tone, asserting his independence.

Taehyung burst into laughter, amused by Jimin's unwavering determination. Their banter was interrupted by a knock on the door, catching both of their attention.

"Come in!" Jimin called out, his voice filled with curiosity.

Mrs. Park entered the room, dressed in a stunning blue outfit. "You ready? Minju was looking for you downstairs."

"Wow"

As Jimin and his mother exchanged glances, their eyes then turned to Taehyung, who was still sitting on the bed. A mischievous smile formed on Jimin's face.

"You look younger in that dress, Mom," Taehyung complimented Mrs. Park, causing her to blush and giggle at the unexpected praise.

"Oh, gosh," she giggled, her smile radiating warmth. "Hurry up, boys. It's already 10 am." She reminded them of the time, urging them to move faster.

Jimin had made a condition that he would only visit Jungkook in Soul's hospital if his mother accompanied them, and Mrs. Park had agreed. With everyone ready to go, they embarked on their journey to the hospital, filled with anticipation and hope.