Invisible Affection | Taejin

38. Familiar Strangers

5 Years Later 

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Jimin lit up the moment he saw his friends walk through the front entrance of the estate. He rushed over without hesitation, the excitement in his steps matching the smile on his face. "You made it!" he exclaimed, pulling Seokjin into a hug before either of them could say a word. "How was the flight?"

Seokjin returned the hug with a small smile, his arms wrapping around Jimin briefly but warmly. "Not bad. Long, but manageable. You look amazing, by the way."

Jimin pulled back to look him over, his eyes softening at the sight of his friend. "So do you. You look really good." There was a pause, quiet but sincere, before Jimin turned toward Hoseok.

His eyes widened as he took in Hoseok's appearance, then he gasped, covering his mouth. "Wait. Don't tell me—are you pregnant?"

Hoseok's face broke into a grin, and he nodded. "Surprise."

Jimin squealed, grabbing him in a tight hug. "Oh my god, Hoseok. Congratulations!"

"Thank you," Hoseok said, laughing as he hugged him back.

Jimin stepped back, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Why didn't you let me know? I could have arranged for you to stay in a different room and have the kitchen make a special menu just for you—"

"I'm fine, Jimin," Hoseok said quickly, still smiling. "I'm only four months along, and everything's been smooth so far. Plus, I wanted to surprise you. You've been so busy with wedding planning. Yoongi and I thought it would be nice to share the news here."

Jimin looked like he was going to cry for a second, then nodded. "Well, we're definitely celebrating this tonight. I can't believe Yoongi didn't say a word to Jungkook. You two are dangerous when it comes to secrets. Speaking of—where is he?"

"Outside, still on a call. Probably work. Also, I really need to use the bathroom."

"Oh. Right!" Jimin turned and waved to one of the staff members nearby, quickly giving instructions to have Hoseok shown to his room.

Once Hoseok left, Jimin turned back to Seokjin, pulling him into another hug. "God, I missed you. I hate that it's been six months since I last saw you in person. FaceTime is not the same. If I could move to the U.S., I would. Just to be near you again."

"I've missed you too," Seokjin said. "You really do look beautiful, Jimin. I'm proud of you."

Jimin's smile softened. "Thank you," he said. Hearing Seokjin say those words meant a lot to him.

"And soon you'll have Hoseok living nearby again," Seokjin added as casually as he could.

Jimin blinked, then gasped. "Wait, he's moving back?"

Seokjin nodded, letting the moment settle. "He is. I'm sure he'll tell you himself later."

Jimin's excitement faltered for just a second, concern slipping in. "And you? Will you be okay with that? Being in there without him?"

"Yeah," Seokjin said without hesitation. "I will."

He didn't offer more than that, and Jimin didn't press. There were still unsaid things between them, but they were older now. They both understood that some answers didn't need to be explained right away.

"So, where's my room?" Seokjin asked.

"I'll take you there," Jimin said with a smile as he started walking. "I've placed you in one of the larger, quieter rooms. You'll also have a nice view of the fountain and the garden, which I think you will love. If you're not happy with it, just let me know, and I can find you another room."