Crazily In Love With a Psychopath

20

The morning air was crisp, and Jimin relished the feeling of stretching his legs as he jogged. He hadn't taken time for himself since the move, and it felt good to be out, even if he did have to brush off his mom's constant nagging about his medication.

As he jogged down the quiet neighborhood streets, he noticed a small kitten darting across his path. He stopped abruptly and picked it up, contemplating his dark thoughts for a brief moment before shaking them off. Just then, Yoongi appeared, looking relieved.

"Nini! Ughhh, you went out again!" Yoongi scolded the cat gently. "Thanks, Jimin. Thought we were going to lose her again," he said, taking the kitten from Jimin's hands.

"No problem," Jimin replied, his tone casual.

They began to walk together, the morning sun casting long shadows on the pavement.

"That's your cat?" Jimin asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Yeah! I've had her since I was a baby," Yoongi said, smiling fondly at the kitten. "She's very close to me. I can't bear it if she gets lost, or worse, gets killed."

Jimin nodded, trying to hide the unsettling thoughts that had flashed through his mind earlier. "You should get yourself a pet, Jimin. To relieve stress, you know?" Yoongi suggested.

Jimin forced a slight smile. "Does that make you happy?" he asked.

"What? What are you talking about? I mean, pets make me happy! So maybe it will help you too," Yoongi replied, a bit puzzled by the question.

"Happy, huh?" Jimin mused. "I guess I've never really thought about it like that."

Yoongi glanced at him, curious. "You never had pets growing up?"

Jimin shook his head. "No, never really had the chance."

"They're great, you know? They give you companionship, comfort. Like, Nini here," Yoongi said, scratching the cat behind the ears, making it purr. "She's always there when I need a little pick-me-up."

Jimin looked down at the cat, her eyes half-closed in contentment. "I suppose. But don't they require a lot of attention?"

"Sure, but it's worth it. They become part of your family," Yoongi said earnestly. "And they love you unconditionally. It's a good feeling."

Jimin sighed, his thoughts drifting. "Unconditional love, huh? Sounds nice."

Yoongi smiled, sensing a deeper layer to Jimin's words. "Yeah, it is. Maybe you should try it sometime. It might help with... whatever it is you're dealing with."

Jimin looked at Yoongi, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "You think so?"

"I know so," Yoongi said confidently. "Everyone needs a little love in their life, Jimin."

They continued to walk in silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps the only noise in the peaceful neighborhood.

"You're really passionate about this, aren't you?" Jimin finally said, breaking the silence.

Yoongi chuckled. "I guess I am. I just think it's important to find things that bring you joy. Life can be tough, you know? We all need something to hold on to."

Jimin nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get that."

"Anyway," Yoongi said, stopping in front of his house, "thanks again for finding Nini. I owe you one."

"Don't mention it," Jimin replied, his expression softening.

Yoongi smiled warmly before heading inside, leaving Jimin standing on the sidewalk, deep in thought. He watched as the door closed behind Yoongi, the warmth of the morning sun beginning to chase away the lingering chill.