MARRIAGE WITHOUT DATING - JIKOOK

8

avoid.

"He's not answering any of my phone calls," Jimin muttered, his voice heavy with frustration and worry.

He paced behind the counter, his phone clutched tightly in his hand as he stared at the screen like it might magically light up with a reply.

Park Jimin is currently working right now as a salesclerk at Paradise Mall, one of the renowned malls constructed at the center of Seoul, South Korea. He was assigned at Golden Closet Jewelry Store.

One thing that he loves working here the most was seeing and protecting the dozens of dazzling, shiny, and shimmering jewelries that he ought to own even one in the future.

He had promised himself before that he'd worked so hard and earn enough money to buy his mom and dad a piece of such rare adornments someday and repay all their hardworks.

Right now, he just had to stay focused on his job so he'll earn his monthly salary and not get yelled at by his manager for slacking off.

But that's really hard to do when, just like today, like any other boring day, with few customers to visit their luxurious jewelry shop, Jimin and Hoseok were left staring ahead blankly with boredom visible in their faces.

His best friend and co-worker, Jung Hoseok, leaned against the glass display, watching him with a mix of pity and exasperation.

"Jimin, if someone asks for a breakup, and then ghosts you, that’s their way of saying it’s over without having to say it twice."

Jimin stopped in his tracks, glaring at Hoseok. "That’s not true! Yoongi-hyung might be busy! Or maybe he’s just... thinking things through."

Hoseok snorted, crossing his arms. "Thinking things through? It’s been a week, Jimin-ah. How much thinking does he need? He can’t spend this long deciding whether he still wants to date you."

Jimin flinched at the words, his lower lip jutting out slightly. "You don’t know him like I do, Hobi. He’s been under a lot of pressure lately with his work. I just... I feel like I overwhelmed him."

"Overwhelmed him? Jimin, stop blaming yourself. The man asked for a breakup and then disappeared like some magician after his final act. That’s on him, not you." Hoseok shook his head and sighed.

Before Jimin could respond, the doorbell chimed, signaling a customer’s arrival. Both of them snapped into "professional mode," their conversation cut short as they plastered on their customer-service smiles.

"Welcome to Golden Closet Jewelry Store!" Jimin greeted, his voice bright and cheery despite the turmoil bubbling beneath the surface.

A young woman entered, glancing around shyly before offering a small smile. She began browsing the displays, giving the two salesclerks a brief reprieve to continue their conversation.

Jimin sighed, leaning against the counter next to Hoseok. "I just... I don’t get it. One minute, Yoongi-hyung’s talking about how much he loves me, and the next, he’s saying we should break up. No explanation, no warning—just, ‘I think we should take a break.’ And now he won’t even answer my calls?"

"Classic ghosting behavior," Hoseok replied. "Jimin, you’re better than this. You don’t deserve to be left hanging like some unanswered text message."

"But what if it’s my fault?" Jimin whispered, his voice trembling. "What if I pushed too hard? What if I wasn’t enough?"

Hoseok turned to face him fully, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Don’t you dare say that, Park Jimin. You’re one of the most thoughtful, caring, and—let’s be real—clingy people I’ve ever met. But that’s what makes you you. If Yoongi can’t handle that, then he’s the one who’s not enough, not you."

Jimin blinked, his eyes glassy. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Hoseok said firmly. "And you know what? If Yoongi doesn’t have the decency to talk to you like an adult, then maybe it’s time you stop waiting around for him."

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Jimin didn’t respond. Deep down, he knew Hoseok was right, but his heart wasn’t ready to let go just yet.

Jimin inhaled deeply and forced a smile. "Thanks, Hobi. You always know what to say."

"That’s because I’m right," Hoseok replied smugly. "Now, get your head back in the game. We’ve got a jewelry store to run."

Jimin laughed softly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Even as he turned his attention back to work, his thoughts lingered on Yoongi, wondering where he was and why he couldn’t just say something—anything.