Hunger | A Jikook Hunger Games AU

̶̶̶̶ «̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ «̶ ̶̶̶ Chapter Twenty-Six ̶ ̶ ̶»̶ ̶̶̶ ̶ »̶ ̶̶̶

"But it wasn't, because here I am, and here you are," Tears dot Jimin's eyes. "Because Yoongi figured out you were trying to end your life. So I convinced them to let me see you, so I could help fake your death and take you with me."

"To The Capital?" Jungkook murmurs. He was still crying, even through Jimin's story. He wouldn't—no, he couldn't let go of Jimin, not for a second. He wouldn't allow him to believe this was real, that Jimin was alive. He knew he was incredibly mentally exhausted...for all he knew, he had hallucinated the whole thing.

"Yes, to the Capital," Jimin nods. "I was wary at first, Koo, but I'm really happy to be there...I'm so glad I was chosen to be a part of this. I...I think we can make a difference. I'll tell you all about it, all I've done in the last three months."

"You've been alive for three months," Jungkook breathes. "I-I just can't believe that."

"I'm so sorry, Koo," Jimin moves his hands to cup Jungkook's face. "I wanted to be here for you. I watched every clip of you until you went back to District 10. I saw how you looked...I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry you felt that pain because of me. There wasn't a day I didn't think about you. I know I didn't even remotely go through the same amount of pain you did...I'm just so sorry you hurt so much that you didn't want to live."

"How could you ever think that was your fault?" Jungkook shakes his head, voice coarse. "How could you think I would ever be angry at you? Mimmie, y-you're alive...how could I be anything but overjoyed when I look at you?"

"W-well, you just seem so shocked..." Jimin trails. "I didn't know how you would feel when I came to you. I-I had hoped happy, but...it feels like I abandoned you."

"But I know you'd never do that," Jungkook stares at the smaller. "Why would I ever be upset at you?"

"I don't know," He whispers, looking down. "I was just so scared. Scared you were hurting every day, and then scared I wouldn't make it in time when Yoongi notified Hoseok...but you're alive. Koo...you and I are both alive, and we're together! I never thought it would happen again in my life...at least not for a long time."

"Me neither," Jungkook chokes. "Never."

The two stare at one another for just a moment, before Jimin leans in. Immediately Jungkook responds, and their lips meet.

The lips...they were so familiar, so wonderful. Jungkook had never kissed Jimin's lips outside of the arena. They were so soft now, obviously cared for substantially better than the older probably ever could have before—far different than the chapped pair that he came to know back in July.

But the way they moved was still Jimin. The shape of the lips, and the feeling of Jimin's crooked tooth against his tongue. It was a feeling Jungkook thought he would never experience again. And he relished in it.

"Hey," A soft voice comes from behind the pair. Jungkook pulls away to see a head of red hair. "I'm so utterly delighted for you two. But we don't have a lot of time. I knew you guys would need a few minutes, but we can't get caught."

Hoseok spoke so gently, with eloquence Jungkook was unfamiliar with coming from the typically perky Capitalite. He was at a bit of a loss for words, if he were honest.

"W-will you come with me?" Jimin stares at him softly. "You're not supposed to know I'm alive...but here I am. You'd have to leave behind everything...including your family. I'm so sorry you have to choose. I wish you didn't."

"I would have been dead by now if I didn't see you," Jungkook points out. "I'd be leaving my family either way. At least now I have you."

"Okay..." Jimin takes a deep breath. "I'm so sorry."