THE DARKEST HOPE

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Jimin entered his bedroom with heavy steps. Jungkook was still awake, the moment Jimin entered he got up.

"Hey, Jimin, it took you long enough!" Jungkook smiled. "Come to bed, I've been waiting for you." He approached Jimin and pulled him close into a kiss while impatiently trying to unbutton his shirt.

Jimin reluctantly pulled away.

"Jungkookie, I'm sorry. I just don't feel that good right now..." Jimin said and tiredly rubbed his eyes.

Jungkook looked closer at his lover. Jimin surely didn't look well. His skin was paler than usual, his eyes were reddened and there was this disturbing expression on his face. It was sadness, but also something else. Some deep vibe of doom and despair. What could have happened? He seemed in a perfectly good mood just a few hours ago. Jungkook got really worried.

"Hey, what is wrong?" he took Jimin's hand and gently led him to the bed. "Come lie down, you look like you saw a ghost or something worse! Are you feeling ill?"

"No, Jungkookie, I am not ill, just tired." Jimin answered and heavily leaned down on the pillows. "Don't worry, everything is in order..." He lifted his gaze to meet Jungkook's intense stare and tried to twist his face into a smile. But the moment he met the warm eyes, looking at him, tears blurred his vision again. He turned away his head, trying to hide his anguish.

"What is wrong, tell me!" Jungkook held Jimin's hand and stroke it lovingly. "Come on, you can tell me, it will make you feel better."

"Sorry, I can't... It will pass, I just need some time..."

Jungkook was really concerned. He'd never seen Jimin this upset. What could have such an impact on that usually balanced man?

"Jiminie, just tell me that it has nothing to do with me..." Jungkook asked. He couldn't remember saying or doing something but still, he hoped he wasn't the reason for Jimin's anguish.

Jimin looked back at him, trying hard to hold back his desire to cry his heart out. He managed to form a tiny smile on his lips.

"Jungkookie, of course it has nothing to do with you!" The lie rolled out easily. Sounded almost like a truth even in Jimin's ears. "Why would you think such a thing? Don't worry, I'll be fine in a moment. I just need some rest, that's all." He squeezed reassuringly Jungkook's hand and rolled his arms around him, hugging him tightly. It felt soothing, Jungkook's warmth so close. Jimin closed his eyes, trying to feel it completely and remember it all. The gentle yet firm grip of Jungkook's strong arms around his back, the slowly rise and fall of his chest with every breath, his calming and familiar scent.

"Jungkookie, tomorrow all will be better, I am certain of it. Don't worry about anything."

Jungkook nodded, sure when Jimin said, he should listen.

"Come to me, Jiminie, I'll warm you up and you will forget all your worries just like that."

"Yes, Just like that." Jimin answered reassuringly.

But in his head his demons were eating him out. "Nothing is going to be all right, Jungkookie, never again." He thought with sadness. "You may be the key to discovering an actual cure for the vampire virus. The one thing I've been waiting for in my research for years. But in order to discover that cure I might have to sacrifice your life, I have to doom you to pain and suffering, to destruction. And it all might be for nothing in the end. That is why I don't know how it is going to be all right tomorrow, not even the day after that..."