Running In Circles // pjm.

Right Here

"Hi, Madame," Mia said, bowing lightly to me.

I giggled, placing my bag on the chair by the vanity.

"Hey."

"what's going on? You okay?" Mia questioned mildly, leaning in.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I shook my head and smiled before turning around and engaging in work.

I wasn't okay. It had been a week since the wordless conversation with Jimin had taken place. Ever since, the air surrounding us was thick with walls and distance. Despite his continued- but noticeably reduced- visits, neither of us tried to talk about it. And yet he was not didn't seem discouraged- that didn't stop him from using the key he practically stole from my bedside.

He'd sneak into the house and slide into bed with me- cuddling me if I was asleep or communicating physically, keeping me at a loss for words, if I wasn't. It had only been a couple of months since we began our tryst but the man had assimilated with my routine.

Leaning against the table, I sighed deeply. I like him.

I finally admitted to myself.

Maybe more than.

Guilt and regret ate at my gut. Maybe I should've waited a little longer, maybe I should have never allowed it in the first place. Either way, I was in too deep, and I didn't know what was to be done of it.

"BOO!" Taehyung yelled and I shook at the sudden noise.

"WHAT THE FU-"

"HEY! Shh!" he put his hand on my face, "Manager-nim is here! Don't be cussing around, girl," he laughed.

"Firstly, not cool," I hissed and then gestured to his hand, "ALSO, NOT COOL."

"Sorry," he giggled, "you looked so serious- I had to."

I scoffed, "you're annoying,"

"and you're almost as rude as Jimin hyung," he pouted, "I swear, his mystery woman is driving him crazy. The man is like a pendulum."

I sighed.

"Just leave it alone, then. Leave him and his mystery woman alone."

"You sound just like-" he started and then his eyes widened, "wait..."

"What?" I snapped. Just be cool, just be cool.

"Nothing," he narrowed his eyes at me, "nothing at all," he said and backed away as I continued calling out to him. Shit.

He really does deserve more credit.

The show began and everyone was excited. All the staff cheered loudly and so did the fans. We watched the boys closely on the monitor from backstage. The green room would light up in pandemonium every time they came to get changed and it happened four times before the show was nearing its end. Eventually, it was a success. As usual.

After all the running around and screaming, I strolled to the coffee machine outside humming along to the last track that played in the background. I leaned casually against the machine as it dispensed my life force into a frail white cup. My head snapped up and eyes wandered when I heard commotion on the far end of the passage, but my exhaustion made me dismiss it. It's a busy day.

I put the cup to my lips and began to walk into the lounge when Mia rushed up to me.

She said some inaudible words in between heavy breaths. I frowned.

"Whoa, hey, hold on. Breathe. What is it, what happened?" my eyes followed hers.

"Jimin- he- he fell," she breathed.

"Jimin is always falling. He's a klutz," I shook my head and shrugged.

"No, he collapsed. Like- he- he- he just- JUST COME. HE EVEN SAID YOUR NAME!" she grabbed my hand and started leading me toward the commotion.

He what?

"He said my name?" I muttered as my body started to tense and my feet began to pick up speed.

The commotion grew louder and louder as I approached a group of people crouched partially on the floor. I scrambled toward them and I pushed through to find Jungkook holding on to Jimin while he lay semi-conscious on the floor. I looked at Taehyung and he nonverbally urged me to be honest in the moment. I rushed on over to his side and crouched down beside him.
"He said your name three times," he began whispering, "only Jungkook, Mia and I heard..." he looked at me expectantly, "so, it's true then?"

I held his gaze and sighed heavily.

"Let's get him inside." I said aloud and Jungkook and Jin immediately lifted Jimin up, who muttered something incoherently.

I pleaded nonverbally with Taehyung to say nothing and he nodded curtly at me, staying flush by my side and protecting me, his own anger aside.

"Tara..." Jimin whispered and I almost instantly ran my hand along his slick hair to comfort him.

"I'm right here, babe," I whispered softly to him, "I'm right here."

Taehyung exhaled sharply behind me but I didn't care.

I'm here for you.