/My Secret Crush / Jikook~

52

the next day, jimin was awakens to the gentle rays of the morning sun filtering through the window. With a soft yawn, he stretches his limbs and reaches for his phone, blinking away the remnants of sleep, realizing it's almost 10:00 a.m. After a moment of disorientation, he drags himself out of bed to take a shower before heading to the living room.

However, to his surprise, Jungkook is nowhere to be seen. Perplexed, Jimin checks his WeChat and discovers several messages from Jungkook around 7:00 a.m.

Jungkook: [I have something to do so I’ll go out for a while. There’s porridge in the kitchen, heat it up before you eat. Let me know if you're awake.]

Jimin responds: [I’m awake, where are you now?]

Jimin follows Jungkook's instructions, heats up the porridge, and sits down at the dining table to eat. When he checks his phone again, Jungkook has already replied.

Jungkook: [I’m almost home. Do you have any food preferences? I'll get it for you.]

Jimin considers and replies: [Chicken breast.]

Jungkook: [Okay.]

As he scrolls through his notifications, the familiar absence of Jungkook's presence dawns upon him. A sense of nostalgia washes over him as he recalls their yesterday's interactions, the warmth of their shared moment echoing through the tranquility of the morning.

As Jungkook said, Jimin heated the porridge and sat on the dining table to eat. He was looking through his phone when the door of the apartment opened and Jungkook came in. Dressed in a sleek black suit, Jungkook placed a plastic bag in front of Jimin, breaking the peaceful silence with a simple question, "Did you manage to get some good rest?"

Jimin, still engrossed in his half-finished porridge, acknowledged Jungkook with a nod, his eyes curiously drawn to the serious attire Jungkook sported. With a mouthful of porridge, Jimin inquired, "You're back early. Where did you disappear this morning?"

Seated across from Jimin, Jungkook's gaze softened as he shared, "Today holds significance for me—it's the anniversary of my Mom's passing. So I went to pay my respects at her grave."

A moment of quiet reflection passed between them, Jimin's heart stung by the revelation. "Ah," he whispered softly, grappling with the unexpected news.

Observing Jimin's reaction, Jungkook, with a gentle smile, questioned, "What's with the surprise?"

Setting down his spoon, Jimin's voice dropped to a murmur, "Why didn't you let me know? I could have joined you."

Jungkook's expression remained serene, his smile unwavering as he explained, "I was hesitant to disrupt your peace. I didn't want the visit to weigh heavy on your heart. It's the weekend, and... I wanted you to enjoy some extra rest."

In that moment of shared understanding, Jimin's cheeks flushed slightly, his response a soft, "Em," as he accepted Jungkook's thoughtful consideration.

As Jungkook carefully unraveled the contents of the plastic bag, revealing a simple paper bag, he cast a reassuring glance towards Jimin, his words laced with warmth, "Don't stress too much; we'll grab lunch later."

Jimin, engrossed in his porridge, merely responded with a soft, "Em," his thoughts seemingly elsewhere.

Noticing the faint shadows under Jimin's eyes, Jungkook's concern peaked, prompting him to ask, "Did you stay up late last night? You look tired."

Blushing slightly, Jimin shook his head and fibbed, "I was just watching a drama."

Jungkook, inquired further, "Would you like to catch up on sleep then?"