Serendipity

29

Jin made his way down the stairs and entered the dining area where he found Joon, Hoseok, and Jimin. Hoseok was engrossed in a conversation with the morning maids who were setting up the breakfast. Hoseok carried a few dishes around the table, and noticing him, Joon and Jimin started to assist him. The trio seemed to be enjoying themselves, chatting, and laughing at something.

Jin who was quietly observing the scene felt a wave of anger welling up inside him. This was supposed to be his moment with Joon, not Hoseok's. This space was meant to be his, and now Hoseok was seamlessly taking charge. He walked towards the dining table where Hoseok greeted him with a smile while placing some dishes on the table.

The conflicting emotions within Jin intensified as he tried to navigate the discomfort of witnessing the bond between Joon, Hoseok, and Jimin, a connection that seemed to have replaced the one he once shared with Joon.

"Good morning hyung."

"Good morning Hobi."

"Good morning Joon, Jimin." Jin smiled and Joon responded with a greeting. However, Jimin stared at Jin and looked away.

"Jimin, Jin greeted you.", Joon said to Jimin who looked at him with annoyance.

"Good morning, Seokjin." Jimin gave a fake smile.

"So, what's for breakfast?" Jin asked as he plonked himself beside Joon much to Jimin's annoyance. Hoseok felt a tinge of pain but he let it be.

But Jimin couldn't let it go. "That's where Hobi sits. After all, he is Joon's husband. You can sit in another chair or the floor is spacious if you are feeling adventurous." Jimin said his eyes shimmering with anger and mockery.

"Jimin...behave", Joon warned but Jimin scoffed and rolled his eyes. Jin clenched his fists and tried to get up but Joon stopped him. "It's okay Jin. You can sit. No big deal." But to Jin it was like a game he won against Jimin and Hoseok.

Hoseok smiled and sat at another chair. He felt his appetite disappearing away but he maintained a smile. Inside he felt a little pull towards sadness.

"So, Seokjin, I say we go to office together?" Jimin said giving a sly smile.

"Hyung, are you feeling better to go to office?" Hoseok asked sincerely.

Jin faked a fatigue. "Actually. I was thinking of..."

"Coming to office, right? That's a great idea Seokjin. After all you don't want to be sitting at your brother-in-law's house all by yourself...doing nothing, right? You have Jung Mansion for that...." Jimin chuckled at his own joke. Jin wanted to strangle Jimin but controlled himself.

"Mochii...don't", Hoseok nodded his head. There is no controlling Jimin.

"Jiminah, Don't force Jin. Let him rest...And Jinnie, you can stay as long as you want." Joon said as he placed his hand on Jin's making both Hoseok and Jimin uncomfortable. Jimin looked at Hoseok who looked at Jimin and gave a forced smile.

"Hyung, I am only saying for his own good. Uncle Jung told me to assist him so that he can know all about the business. And I am sure, Seokjin has a little bit of self-respect and integrity....left in him, right Jin?" Jimin gritted his teeth as he looked at Joon and then at Jin putting him in place.

"Jimin is right. I should be going back to home Hobi. This isn't right." Jin said his face filled with sadness while in his mind he wanted to strangle Jimin.