Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 51 - Jimin

After breakfast Namjoon, Jungkook, and Hoseok moved through their day as they had for the past few weeks, each becoming more integrated into the life of the city. Namjoon had spent the day handling organizational tasks and keeping the gang running smoothly, though he couldn’t help but notice that Yoongi had been absent.
Hoseok had spent more time on the farm, getting closer to Taehyung, while Jungkook continued to spend his time among the mechanics, learning more and more about the machines he was growing to love.

By the time evening came Namjoon stood with one of the higher-ups, discussing the latest logistics of supplies when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. Yoongi was walking toward them, and at his side, practically glued to him, was a slightly smaller man—undeniably the one Namjoon had watched this morning.

As Yoongi approached, the man’s presence went mostly unnoticed by the others around them. They started discussing some matters with Suga however Namjoon couldn't help but observe the man next to him. Afterall he was curious about who was able to pry himself into a cold heart like Yoongi's.

The man in the pink jacket had this quiet energy about him, a sort of nonchalance as though he didn’t care what anyone else thought of him. But while Yoongi was talking to some members, the stranger’s gaze lingered on Namjoon, and he finally spoke up.

"Who’s this?" the man asked, his voice laced with curiosity as he glanced up at Yoongi. His tone was light, playful even, as if this meeting wasn’t a serious one at all.

Yoongi didn’t miss a beat. “This is Namjoon,” he said, his arm around the other man’s waist tightening slightly in a possessive way. “An old friend of mine. We’ve got some things to sort out.”

Namjoon extended his hand, offering a small nod. “Namjoon. It’s nice to meet you.” he introduced himself casually, not sure about what to think of the smaller man yet.

The man, still half-draped over Yoongi, regarded Namjoon with an assessing look before taking his hand. "Jimin," he said with a smile that held a trace of mischief. His grip was firm but quick, as if shaking hands was just a formality. "So, you’re the old friend Yoongi’s been talking about..."

Namjoon didn’t miss the way Jimin’s tone implied something more, but he simply nodded, his eyes taking in the way Jimin stood so comfortably close to Yoongi. There was something about him—something Namjoon couldn’t quite put his finger on yet.

As the conversation returned to business matters, Namjoon’s attention flicked back and forth between Jimin and the discussion at hand. Yoongi’s partner, as Namjoon quickly realized, wasn’t someone who faded into the background. Despite how the others in the room seemed to barely acknowledge him, Jimin’s personality was hard to ignore.

He was sharp. Namjoon noticed how Jimin would make the occasional comment during the conversation, witty and biting, as if testing to see how much attention people were paying. He didn’t take everything seriously, that much was clear, but there was something undeniably clever about him. Namjoon caught on quickly that behind the playfulness, Jimin was smart—much more so than his carefree attitude might suggest.

Still, it was obvious that Jimin’s world revolved around himself, and more specifically, around Yoongi. He seemed to crave attention, basking in every glance and touch Yoongi gave him. Namjoon could tell that Jimin needed constant acknowledgment, as if validation was his lifeblood. It wasn’t surprising, then, that Jimin stuck so close to Yoongi. The way he leaned into Yoongi’s side, the way his hand occasionally brushed against Yoongi’s arm—it was all part of the same pattern. He needed to feel seen, adored.

Namjoon silently analyzed Jimin as the discussion continued, noting how effortlessly the man navigated between being part of the conversation and yet not fully engaged in it. Jimin’s sassy remarks lightened the mood, but Namjoon could tell it wasn’t just for fun. It was Jimin’s way of maintaining his position, of ensuring that no matter what, he was the center of attention.

It was odd and yet so interesting to Namjoon. He had never met a person like this before and he could totally tell why his old friend was so intrigued by this man.

As Yoongi finally shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand, Namjoon’s eyes lingered on Jimin once more. He couldn’t deny the man’s charm. Despite the way he seemed to live in his own world, Jimin was someone you couldn’t help but notice. There was more to him than met the eye, Namjoon was sure of it. He might not take everything seriously, but Namjoon knew better than to underestimate him.

He was smart, observant—and perhaps most importantly, Yoongi’s.