[ONGOING] ENDURING LOVE (JIKOOK)

06; Ghosts of Past

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The crisp autumn breeze carries a nostalgic air as Jimin, Hobi, and Jungkook find themselves in the heart of their old college town. The laughter and chatter of students envelop them, weaving memories of a time when responsibilities were lighter, and dreams seemed within arm's reach.

"Ah, those are the days, aren't they? Remember the late-night study sessions and the crazy parties?" Hobi's eyes light up with excitement as they stroll down familiar pathways.

Jimin chuckles, the corners of his lips curling into a fond smile. "How could I forget? And you, Hoba! Parties, my foot. You never join any of our weekend parties!"

"But hey, come on. No need to rub it on my face that I'm single right now," Hobi's tone is sassy as he playfully rolls his eyes back at Jimin and Jungkook who have been holding hands since they first arrived.

Jungkook, though an outsider to those college days, can't help but be drawn into the warmth of their shared history. He listens intently as Hobi and Jimin reminisce about their adventures, their stories painting vivid images of a time long gone.

"It sounds like a you-problem to me," Jimin retorts back with the same energy which gets them to burst into laughter instead.

"Must be nice to have a husband to stroll around hand in hand with." Hobi shrugs, though they actually can read between the lines of Hobi's words.

The palpable tension in their marriage still left unspoken...

Their journey through memory lane takes an unexpected turn when a familiar figure appears in the distance. Byeongnam, a friend they haven't seen in years, approaches with a wide grin on his face. He is slightly taller now, with a more refined air about him.

"Jimin! Hobi!" Byeongnam's voice rings out, a blend of excitement and genuine affection. "Is it really you guys?"

Jimin's eyes widen in surprise, a mix of emotions rushing through him. "Byeongnam! It's been ages! Look at you!"

Hobi pulls Byeongnam into a bear hug. "Man, it's great to see you! What brings you back to town?"

Byeongnam's eyes sparkle with nostalgia. "Can't resist the call of the alma mater. And I heard you guys were in town, so I had to join the party!"

The reunion feels like slipping into a well-worn pair of shoes – comforting, familiar, and a little bittersweet. Byeongnam seamlessly integrates into their group, his presence adding an extra layer to the tapestry of shared memories.

As the day unfolds, they visit their old haunts, share stories, and laugh until their sides ache. The worries and complexities of their current lives momentarily fade into the background, replaced by the simplicity of friendship.

"You guys won't believe the places I've been," Byeongnam exclaims, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've travelled all over the world, but there's something special about coming back here."

"There's no place like home, right?" Jimin nods, a wistful smile playing on his lips. 

Hobi chimes in, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Absolutely. This town holds so many memories for us."

Jungkook, intrigued by Byeongnam's stories, leans in closer. "Where's the most memorable place you've been?"

Byeongnam's grin widens, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, there was this one time in Barcelona..."

As Byeongnam launches into his tale, Jimin can't help but marvel at how effortlessly their friendship slips back into place. It's as if no time has passed at all, and they're still the carefree college students they once were.