Path Of Thorns| Vmin Historical AU

T h i r t y T w o

As Jimin and Taehyung continued their stroll through the bustling market, Jimin’s eyes wandered over to a small stall selling various types of liquor. His curiosity piqued, he tugged at Taehyung’s hand, pulling him towards the stand.

“Taehyung, look at all these bottles!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve never tried anything like this before.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, smiling at Jimin’s enthusiasm. “Are you sure you want to try it? Some of these might be pretty strong.”

But Jimin was already reaching for a bottle with a beautiful, intricate label. It was a deep, rich color that looked almost like liquid gold. Without hesitating, he uncorked it and brought it to his lips, taking a few sips. The taste was surprisingly sweet, with a subtle warmth that spread through his chest.

“Mmm, this is delicious!” Jimin declared, his eyes wide with surprise. He took another sip, and then another, until before he knew it, he had finished the entire bottle. The liquor was smooth and sweet, almost like drinking honey, but with a kick that made him feel lightheaded and warm all over.

Taehyung, who had been distracted by a nearby vendor, turned around just in time to see Jimin downing the last few drops. His eyes widened in surprise and concern. “Jimin, did you just drink that whole bottle?”

Jimin giggled, a playful smile spreading across his lips. “It was so tasty, Taehyung! I couldn’t stop!” He swayed slightly on his feet, his cheeks flushed with a rosy tint. “I feel so... floaty,” he murmured, his voice light and carefree.

Taehyung glanced at the stall owner, who was looking a bit confused and annoyed. Realizing that Jimin hadn’t paid for the liquor, Taehyung quickly stepped forward, pulling out some coins. “I’m so sorry, sir. Here, for the bottle,” he apologized, handing over the money with an apologetic smile.

The stall owner nodded, taking the payment, but Taehyung’s focus was already back on Jimin. He watched as Jimin stumbled away from the stall, humming a little tune to himself. His movements were exaggerated and unsteady, like he was dancing to a song only he could hear.

“Jimin, wait up!” Taehyung called, hurrying after him. Jimin turned around, his eyes half-closed in a dreamy expression.

“Taehyung! There you are!” Jimin giggled, his words slurring slightly. He reached out and tried to grab Taehyung’s hand but missed, his fingers brushing the air. He pouted, his brows furrowing in concentration. “Why are there so many of you?” he mumbled, squinting at Taehyung as if he were seeing double.

Taehyung chuckled, gently taking Jimin’s hand. “You’re drunk, Jimin,” he said softly, his voice full of affection. “That was aged wine, really strong. Let’s get you home.”

But Jimin just laughed, his head tipping back as he looked up at the sky. “No, no, I don’t want to go home yet, I always wanted to see the outside world because I grew up in a valley of dead” he declared, stumbling forward. “I want to see more! I love to see people, and there’s so much to look at!” He pointed at a random direction, his arm flailing. “Look, Taehyung, there’s a—” He paused, clearly having lost his train of thought, then burst into giggles again.

Taehyung couldn’t help but smile at how cute Jimin was acting. He rarely saw this playful, carefree side of him, and even though he was worried about Jimin getting too tipsy, he couldn’t deny how adorable he looked, all flushed and happy. “Okay, we’ll take a little walk, but stay close to me, alright?” he said, wrapping his arm around Jimin’s waist to steady him.

Jimin leaned into Taehyung’s side, his head resting on his shoulder. “Taehyung, you’re so warm,” he murmured, his voice almost a purr. He looked up at Taehyung with wide, innocent eyes. “You’re like... like a big, warm bear!” he said with a giggle, his words making no sense but sounding sweet nonetheless.

Taehyung laughed, feeling his heart melt at Jimin’s words. “Is that so? Well, I’m glad I can be your bear,” he teased, his voice soft and affectionate.

Jimin nodded eagerly, then suddenly straightened up, his eyes lighting up with a new idea. “Let’s dance!” he declared, grabbing Taehyung’s hands. Before Taehyung could protest, Jimin started twirling around, pulling Taehyung along with him. He moved clumsily, his steps uncoordinated, but his laughter was bright and carefree.

People around them stopped to watch, smiling at the sight of the two men dancing in the middle of the market. Jimin’s giggles echoed through the air, and Taehyung, despite feeling a bit embarrassed, couldn’t help but laugh along. He let Jimin lead the awkward dance, their movements a mix of stumbling and spinning.

“Jimin, you’re going to make us both fall,” Taehyung warned, though he couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

“Then we’ll fall together!” Jimin replied, his laughter bubbling up again. He stumbled, almost losing his balance, but Taehyung’s strong arms caught him, pulling him close.

They stood there for a moment, Jimin’s arms wrapped around Taehyung’s neck, his face inches away. “You’re always catching me,” Jimin whispered, his voice soft and filled with affection.

“And I always will,” Taehyung replied gently, his eyes locking onto Jimin’s. For a heartbeat, everything around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, lost in each other’s gaze.

Jimin’s eyes fluttered closed, and he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Taehyung’s cheek. “I’m so happy, Taehyung,” he murmured, his voice barely a breath. “Thank you for always being with me.”

Taehyung’s heart swelled with love as he held Jimin close. “I’m happy too, Jimin,” he whispered back, his voice filled with emotion. “As long as we’re together, that’s all that matters.”

With that, he led Jimin gently away from the market, holding him close as they made their way back to the castle. Jimin’s head rested on Taehyung’s shoulder, his eyes drifting closed as the alcohol began to make him drowsy. Despite his earlier silliness, there was a peaceful smile on his lips, his heart full and content. And Taehyung, looking down at him with all the love in the world, knew that this was just the beginning of many more happy days together.