The Last Boy Scout

13

Jihae was confused, Taehyung told her how Hoseok was boarding today, and for some reason or another, he thought it was also a good idea to introduce her to his other hyungs. She felt so out of place.

Jihae stood afar, watching the remaining five Bangtan members all huddle up and say goodbye to Hoseok. She wanted to cry, even if she just met everyone other than Tae today.

She watched closely as Taehyung slowly embraced his hyung. She could tell they've been through a lot together- they all have. She once was (and still is) a fan of Bangtan, and was familiar with their work. She never thought she would eventually be dating one of the members.

Taehyung stepped back and let Jimin say farewell to his friend. Jihae's vision became blurry.

"Are you alright?" Taehyung came over and wrapped his arm around her.

Jihae nodded. "Can I hug Jung Hoseok, too?"

Taehyung nodded. "Go ahead," he felt tears forming at the corner of his eyes.

Jihae slowly approached Hoseok. If she had a bias it would be him, but she didn't dare tell Taehyung that. Jihae wanted to cry and scream and combust: the sun himself was standing in front of her.

She somehow managed to remain calm.

Hoseok, otherwise known as J-Hope, gave her a bright smile. His face was damp from crying, but that didn't stop him from greeting his friend's girlfriend.

"You must be Han Jihae," he smiled again, sniffing.

Jihae felt like exploding with joy. She reminded herself she was supposed to feel sad. After all, Hoseok was leaving. She gave a small bow.

Jihae looked over at Tae and he nodded at her, telling her it was alright to hug J-Hope.

Jihae slowly wrapped her arms around him. He felt warm and fuzzy, like the sun would feel if you could touch it. Not to mention hot at the same time.

Hoseok patted her on the back. They let go of the embrace and she pecked him on the cheek.

"Sssh, don't tell Taehyung," she said.

Hoseok smiled back at Jihae, and nodded. "It was nice meeting you,"

"You too, stay safe, oppa." Jihae bowed again, and went back to Taehyung.

She laced her fingers with his. His hands felt cold compared to the vibe Hoseok gave off, but Jihae didn't care. Taehyung's hands were smooth and comforting. They both watched as Jungkook hugged Hoseok next.

Jihae felt a tear run down her cheek. She wasn't very emotional, but she felt like she was about to burst into tears. Taehyung wiped a tear away from her cheek.

"Ssssh, Jagiya, don't cry." He stroked her hair slowly. "Hoseok will be safe, he would want everyone to be happy."

Jihae nodded, unable to stop tearing up. "I know," she replied.

(Jungkook's POV)

Hoseok's warm embrace made me feel safer.

"Hyung," I began.

"No, Jungkook, it's alright." He cut me off calmly. "I will make this quick, since I need to board soon,"

I nodded slowly. I wanted to cry more, but I knew Hoseok wouldn't want to see me sad like this.

"Jungkook, protect Jimin for me, will you?"

I looked down at my shoes. "Yes, Hoseokkie, I will make sure of it."

"Seriously, Jungkook. If something bad happens to him..."

"Nothing bad will happen to Jiminnie, I promise,"

"Promise?"

"I promise,"

He looked hesitant. "Alright. Also, Jungkook, if there's something I want you to remember, it's this;"

I looked up at Hoseok. He had a soft and serious expression on his face which was rare, because he was usually smiling brightly or being goofy.

"Jungkook..." he continued. "Stay close to your hyungs, even if it seems they are avoiding you. Keep in touch with them, you never know if you will see them again or not."

My eyes began to sting again. I nodded my head, and Hoseok continued. More tears were running down his face.

"I would always try to keep everyone happy, even if I wasn't in the mood, I just tried to cheer my hyungs up and seeing them happy made me feel a little better."

"You didn't have to do that, hyung," I sniffed again. "Why did you continue making everyone happy even if you weren't?"

Hoseok smiled sincerely. "Jungkook," he explained. "Sometimes the only thing you can do is smile, move on with your day, and pretend everything is alright."

I hugged him tightly. The world needed more people like Hoseok. He tightly squeezed me back, and we let go, because he had to board now.

Everyone waved goodbye as Hoseok walked alone to board the plane. I wanted to walk with him and be with him, but I couldn't.

I watched him slowly walk away with his suitcase being dragged along beside him. He smiled a warm smile back at me, and turned the corner.

Stay safe, hyung.

---

(Author's POV)

Today felt like forever for Jimin. Jin Yung said she was "busy" when he called her this morning, and he was afraid to call her back. Taehyung introduced his Jihae to him, Jungkook and Namjoon, and she even hugged Hoseok goodbye.

It was the tenth minute of the tenth hour in the evening. Jimin stood on his balcony, breathing in the cool night air. It smelled of firewood burning, though he didn't see any fire happening. Crickets were chirping in the distance, and all was dark except for the twinkling city lights of Seoul.

Jimin leaned against the side of the glass railing. He peered down, though couldn't see anything. He wondered what would've happened if he jumped down. His pool was just underneath, though it was still dark.

He pushed the thought away and continued sipping his white wine. Jimin wished someone could be here with him. He suddenly felt very alone. He wanted the company of anyone, even his manager hyung, beside him and telling him everything was going to be alright.

Jimin dialed Jungkook.

"Kookie-ah," come over," he said after he picked up.

"Oh?" Jungkook sounded sleepy. "It's so late hyung... I'm busy sleeping..."

"Taehyung isn't here," Jimin replied quickly.

There was a pause.

"I'm on my way, hyung."