The small town (jikook)

A Walk Through Town

After Taehyung and Minhyuk left, Jungkook suggested they go for a walk, hoping to introduce Jimin to a few hidden gems around town. They stepped out into the crisp morning air, the sounds of small-town life surrounding them—children playing, birds chirping, and the quiet hum of people starting their day.

They strolled side by side, passing by quaint shops with charming storefronts and cozy cafes that lined the cobblestone streets. Jungkook pointed out places he'd frequented growing up—the old bookstore he'd spent hours in, the park where he'd practiced his first speech, and even the tiny bakery where he claimed to have tasted the best croissants.

"Let's stop here," Jungkook said, steering Jimin toward a cozy café with outdoor seating. They ordered coffee and pastries, settling at a table tucked away from the bustling street.

Jimin took a bite of his pastry, savoring the flaky crust. "So, this is your hometown?" he asked, looking around with a small smile. "It's... warm. Quiet. I like it."

Jungkook nodded, his gaze softening. "Yeah. It's nothing fancy, but it has character. It reminds me of simpler times." He paused, his eyes distant for a moment. "Back then, I always thought I'd end up somewhere far from here. But sometimes, the things you try to escape are exactly what you need."

Jimin looked at him thoughtfully. "And now?"

"Now..." Jungkook glanced at him, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Now I realize that it doesn't matter where I am, as long as I have the right people around me."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble. Jungkook reached across the table, taking Jimin's hand in his, running his thumb over Jimin's knuckles.

Jimin's cheeks flushed, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he squeezed Jungkook's hand, grounding them in this shared moment. "You know," he began, "I never thought I'd find myself drawn to someone like you. I thought we were too different, from two completely separate worlds."

Jungkook chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving Jimin's. "Maybe that's why it works. We balance each other out in ways we didn't expect."

Just then, a few passersby caught sight of Jungkook and stopped to say hello, clearly recognizing him. Jimin couldn't help but notice the warmth and familiarity with which people greeted him, as if he wasn't just their CEO but someone they genuinely respected.

Once they were alone again, Jimin chuckled. "You're quite popular here, aren't you?"

Jungkook shrugged, a little embarrassed. "Small towns have a way of keeping track of everyone's business. But it's nice, knowing that people care, even if it means everyone knows everything about you."

As they continued their walk, Jimin found himself growing more attached to this town and to Jungkook's world. He saw beyond the polished businessman he'd initially met—the Jungkook who was thoughtful, attentive, and grounded in a way that made him feel secure.

They ended up at the edge of a small lake, its surface smooth and reflecting the early afternoon sun. Jungkook leaned against the railing, looking out over the water, and Jimin joined him, their shoulders brushing.

"Thank you for today," Jimin said softly, his gaze drifting over the lake. "For sharing all of this with me."

Jungkook looked at him, a warmth in his eyes that spoke louder than words. "Thank you for being here, Jimin. It's... different with you. Better."

They stood there, side by side, taking in the peaceful view. It was in these quiet moments that Jimin realized just how deeply he was beginning to feel for Jungkook—how, against all odds, he'd found someone who made him feel like he was finally home.