always [bts pjm] COMPLETED

[ t w e l v e - t h e r e ]

he always wanted to be there for her.

The next day, Jimin went to school to see that Eunhee wasn't at her seat. Neither was Taehyung. During Communications class, because he didn't have a buddy, he was stuck asking himself questions. Where were Eunhee and Tae? Had something happened?

After class, he went to ask the teacher if she knew why they were absent. She said that Tae had called telling them about a very last minute absence, something about their parents, and he promised that they would stay after school one of these days to make up their work. Something about their parents?

Jimin called Eunhee, but she wouldn't pick up. She kept calling her and texted her as well but still no response. He tried calling Taehyung, as well, but to no avail; however, after a few tries, he heard a deep, familiar voice.

"Hello?" Taehyung asked out of breath.

"Tae! Why weren't you and Eunhee at school today? Is everything okay?" Jimin asked hurriedly in concern.

"Um, I wouldn't say okay," Tae chucked humorlessly. "Eunhee called me this morning sobbing saying that her mom was gone. I told her to stay put, and I'd be there as soon as I could. On the way there, I called the school, saying that we would be out for today. When I got there, it wasn't good, Jimin. I found her on the floor crying her eyes out. I looked around, and on the table I found a note and an envelope. I read the note, and it turns out it was from her mom, explaining that she was going to go away for awhile because she didn't think she was being any help to Eunhee, as a mother, told Eunhee to take care of herself, and not try and look for her. When I opened the envelope, there was a bundle of money. When I tried to talk to her Jimin, she wouldn't say anything, or even look at me. I told her that I was going to get her some soup, and I would be right back. But, when I got home, she was gone. I messed up, man. I should've never left her. Now, I'm running around the neighborhood, looking for her."

"Tae, where are you? I'll come help," Jimin suggested.

"Jimin, you don't need to do this. I can't ask you to miss school."

"Tae, she's my responsibility too now." Taehyung agreed, told Jimin her address, and asked him to start searching as soon as possible.

Jimin went to find his homeroom teacher and explained to her why he needed to leave school. He promised to make up the work later with Eunhee and Taehyung. As soon as the teacher agreed, Jimin rushed out of school with only one thing on his mind. Eunhee.

On his way to the neighborhood, Jimin thought of one place that Eunhee could be: the playground. As soon as he got there, he could see a petite figure, swinging on the swings, and brown hair covering her face. That has to be her.

He walked quietly over to the swings, afraid that he was going to startle her. Jimin bent down and looked up at her.

"Eunhee?" Jimin asked quietly. She moved her hair out of her face and looked down at him.

"Jimin? What are you doing here?" Eunhee asked startled. She immediately stood up and started to wipe her face.

He stood up as well and replied, "Tae told me what happened. I'm so sorry, Eunhee. How are you?"

"I don't know, Jimin. I thought finally everything was going to be okay. There's always something wrong in my life, and for once, everything was right. What am I going to do without her, Jimin? She's my mom. I need her," Eunhee answered.

"Eunhee, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure there's anything I could tell you that might make his better. But, I'll say this. Life isn't perfect. It has its ups and downs, but that's what makes the good things in life even better. Later, you might look back on them and think, 'This was the most beautiful moment in life.' Think of this as temporary because it is. Your mom just needs some time, and it has nothing to do with you. I think your mom would want you to be strong and try to carry on well without her. And you won't be alone. You won't ever be alone. You have me, Tae, and all of the guys, and we all care for you so much."

For a while, she just stared straight into Jimin's eyes, saying nothing. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her head in his chest, crying. Jimin, surprised, started to wrap his arms around her neck, comforting her. In that moment, everything around them disappeared, and they stood there. Together.

"Thank you, Jimin. You don't know how much this means to me," Eunhee muttered into his chest.

He leaned back a little and explained, "Eunhee, like I said yesterday, I'm here for you now. Whenever anything's wrong. Tell me. Please, don't try and keep it from me. I want to be there for you."

Eunhee grabbed Jimin's neck and closed the gap between them, crashing her lips on his. He kissed her back deeply, and there was something different from the first time they kissed. They were both desperate for each other.

Hand in hand, they walked back to Eunhee's house. Crap. I forgot to call Tae and tell him that I found her.

Jimin immediately reached for his phone and dialed Tae's number. Behind him, he heard a familiar ringtone.

"Looking for me?" the voice asked. They turned around to see Tae holding up his phone to his ear, looking at them suspiciously.

"Tae, I swear. I meant to call you, but-" Jimin started.

"It's okay. I understand; while I was looking for Eunhee, I passed by the playground and saw you guys. They both blushed immediately.

"Um, saw us doing what, Tae?" Eunhee asked shyly.

"Nothing I want to see again," Tae retorted. "But, all that matters is that you're okay, Eunhee." Tae went up to Eunhee and pulled her into a hug.

They headed to Eunhee's house in silence, with the same question on their mind. What do we do now?

Each of them grabbed a seat outside on the lawn, and Eunhee was the first to speak.

"Do you guys think it'll be okay if I live alone here?"

"Of course not!" they replied in unison. A little smile tugged at Eunhee's face.

"Well, what do you suppose we do?" Eunhee asked again.

They heard the crunch of the grass near them and footsteps approaching. Jimin looked up to see a boy, around their age, maybe older, standing in front of them, specifically Eunhee.

"You guys don't have to worry, now that I live right next door," the boy replied playfully.

Jimin and Tae both stood up to tell this guy to get lost, when Eunhee abruptly stood up and kept both of them back. She moved closer to the boy, and a sense of recognition appeared on her face.

"Sewoon-oppa?" Eunhee asked hesitantly. Oppa?!

Whoever he was, Jimin had a bad feeling about it.

a u t h o r ' s • n o t e
Hey readers! Also, as a reminder, a couple chapters ago, I introduced the character Kim Sewoon, as Eunhee's childhood best friend, and you'll be seeing more of him 😉. Thanks so much for supporting "always" and reading another chapter ❤️. So, this was kind of a sad turn, but like always, don't worry it gets happier! Though, I think this was a good step forward in their relationship. In the next chapters, you'll see Jimin be there for Eunhee, but some troubles lie up ahead. I'm really excited to see where this story goes. Lastly, I would really appreciate your vote! Thanks!