Different colors of flag || jikook

Chapter 37

The rhythmic hum of the airplane filled Jimin’s ears as he stared out of the window, watching the vast clouds beneath him. His fingers unconsciously tapped against his knee, a habit he had developed whenever he felt nervous. After five long years, he was returning to Seoul a city that held both his painful past and his hopeful future.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. This is for my dream. Nothing else matters. He reminded himself. His acceptance into Luminé entertainment which comes under Bangtan World was a dream come true, a milestone he had worked tirelessly for. Dance had always been his passion, but now, it was becoming his reality.

Jimin’s heart pounded as he stepped off the plane at Incheon Airport.

The moment the plane landed, his heart pounded against his chest. The familiar scent of Seoul’s air, the distant chatter of travelers, and the overwhelming nostalgia made his head spin. He quickly shook off the feeling. I’m not that person anymore. adjusting the strap of his bag, he exhaled deeply, his nerves on edge.

Waiting outside the airport were his two best friends, shizo and minhao, waving excitedly.

(Inside Jimin's mind--Although they have been with me for the past five years, they had to come to Seoul early to complete some academic formalities.)

Chimchim!” Shizo yelled, practically bouncing on her feet.

Minhao rushed forward, wrapping him in a tight hug. “You’re finally here!” he beamed. “And look at you, Seoul hasn’t even touched you yet, and you’re already glowing!”

Jimin chuckled, feeling warmth spread through him. It had been too long since he had seen them, and yet, it felt like no time had passed.

NIGHT ARRIVES ------

Jimin isn't the same anymore. There's a bit of anxiety, though but he giggled freely, cracked jokes, and even joined in the street performances, twirling and moving effortlessly to the beat of the drums.

But in the back of his mind, a lingering fear remained. The past. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face it.

(Though, the company had arranged a flat for him, one he’d be sharing with Shizo and Minhao, fellow members of Bangtan’s extended circle. It was supposed to be a fresh start, a place where he could breathe freely without the weight of his past chasing him down every alley, after settling into the apartment.)

Shizo proposed an idea that neither Jimin nor Minhao could resist a trip to the annual spring festival. It was the perfect distraction, an escape from the creeping anxiety that Seoul stirred within Jimin.

The fairground was bustling with energy. Brightly lit stalls stretched endlessly, the aroma of street food filling the air, blending with the sound of laughter and excited chatter. Jimin, dressed casually in a hoodie and cap, blended effortlessly into the crowd. He allowed himself to relax, indulging in the thrill of anonymity.

After wandering for a while, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, and his breath hitched. Mom.

His hands clenched around the device before he found a quiet, dimly lit alley beside the festival grounds to take the call.

“Hello?”

“Jimin-ah, how are you?” his mother’s voice carried warmth, but he could sense the underlying worry.

“I’m fine, Mom. Just out with some friends,” he replied, keeping his voice steady.

Before she could respond, a gruff voice from the alleyway startled him.

“Where the hell is that little rat? He tricked us again!”

Jimin stiffened, instinctively pressing against the brick wall as two large bodyguards stormed past, their faces twisted in frustration. One of them kicked a nearby crate before turning to the other. “Madam’s going to kill us if we lose him again!”