Little Space

corner store ramyeon

Jimin was outside in one of Yoongi's sweatshirts, walking down a dimly lit street. He was running down to the corner store to grab some ibuprofen for the elder. Yoongi had been working on music for a while and wasn't sleeping much so it was normal for him to get headaches. He didn't tell Yoongi he had left, just ran out the door. Jimin thought he could get Yoongi some of his favourite ramyeon and snacks while he was at it.

Jimin walked into the store and grabbed a basket. He roamed the aisles, searching for the food. Once he had found everything, he moved on to grabbing some ibuprofen. He paid for his things and exited the store, carrying a few bags.

It was really dark outside. He didn't remember the time he left. He should have checked. Jimin wasn't particularly fond of the dark; in fact, it terrified him. He started on his way home, hoping the street-lights would be enough to keep him from being scared. Jimin tugged his sleeves to cover his hands and protect them from the cold. His eyes darted back and forth as he walked down the street. A few cars passed by him every now and then.

Jimin was halfway home when the streetlights were starting to get farther apart. He cursed whoever's idea it was to spread them out. As he was looking around, the streetlight he was passing started blinking. He froze and looked up at it, fear burning through his chest.

The pitiful streetlight blinked out finally, leaving Jimin in the dark. His breathing quickened. That wasn't good. When he was scared, he slipped into his headspace fairly easily. He shakily sat down against the light pole, curling up on himself and shaking.

~

Yoongi stretched and stood up. He yawned as he made his way to the kitchen to grab a water. While he took a sip, he realized the apartment was unusually quiet.

"Jimin?" he called. There was no response. He went through the kitchen door into the living room, looking for the younger, hoping to find him asleep on the couch.

The couch was empty. The TV was off as well. Jimin also wasn't in their bedroom but Yoongi couldn't recall Jimin telling him about any plans. Yoongi pulled out his phone from his pocket and swiped past his lockscreen of Jimin and him. He clicked on a number and put the phone to his ear.

The phone rang a few times before the call was picked up. There wasn't an answer, just quick and shallow breathing.

"Jimin?" Yoongi asked quietly. The breathing made him nervous. He could easily recognize it as Jimin's.

"D-Daddy..." he heard. It was a shaky, quiet whisper.

"Hey, baby. Where are you?" Yoongi asked, trying to keep calm. He knew freaking out would make whatever was bothering Jimin worse.

"On... on the street, Daddy... I'm scared..." He heard Jimin sniffle.

"What street, baby? What's wrong? What happened? Why are you on the street?" Yoongi was running to grab his shoes and a jacket.

"I went out to... to get stuff for Daddy and it's dark and cold and I'm s-so scared... Daddy, I don't l-like it..."

"I know, baby, I know. Daddy's coming to get you. Just stay on the phone with Daddy, okay? What street are you on?" Yoongi grabbed his keys and ran out of the door, running to the elevator.

"I dunno, Daddy. I'm scared."

"It's okay, sweetheart. Where were you going?" Yoongi turned the corner of the building.

"The store on that corner..."

"Okay. It's okay, Jiminie baby. It's okay. What happened? Are you okay?" Yoongi picked up his pace once he figured out the direction he had to go in.

"It's really dark. It's really dark, really, really dark, and I should have t-told you where I was going, Daddy."

"That's okay, honey. It's okay. Just breathe, babe, okay? I'll be there soon." Yoongi started jogging.

"Okay, Daddy."

~

Yoongi rounded another corner on the street. He scanned the area, searching for Jimin. When his eyes landed on a burnt out streetlight, he began running.

"Jimin!" Yoongi yelled, getting closer to the pole. He ended the phone call with the younger.

The younger stood up at the voice, dropping his own phone and the bags. He ran to Yoongi.

Yoongi opened his arms and let Jimin run into them. Jimin clung to him, shaking and freezing. "I'm so sorry, Daddy. I wanna go home, please, I'm scared."

Yoongi pet his hair. "We'll go home, it's okay. It's okay. Jesus, baby. How long have you been out here? You're freezing cold." The elder rubbed his back, trying to warm him up.

Jimin shrugged, looking down. "I dunno. Daddy's sweatshirt kept me a little warm."

Yoongi smiled. "Alright, alright. Let's get your stuff and we can go home."

Jimin nodded and bent down to pick up his bag and phone. He handed his phone to Yoongi, who pocketed it.

The two linked their hands and started on the walk home.

"What'd you buy, Jiminie?" Yoongi asked, looking over at the bag.

"Stuff for Daddy. Like his favourite candy and chips."

Yoongi couldn't stop the smile. "Thank you, Jiminie. Tell Daddy where you're going next time, okay?"

Jimin looked up and smiled, nodding. "I will!"

~

Jimin was asleep on the couch, curled up in his onesie and a sippy cup lounging next to him. His hair was frizzy from his bath and a pacifier was secure in his mouth.

He had regressed further once they had gotten through the front door. He immediately asked to be carried around. Yoongi had obliged quickly.

He sat down next to the younger, pulling Jimin's head into his lap and playing with his hair absentmindedly. He turned on the TV, with the lowest volume possible, and let Jimin sleep peacefully on his lap.