It's you

Promises

At long last, his first day at the cafe is over.

Jin throws himself onto the stool and hangs his head low, letting time pass him easily. Everyone else in the locker room are packing up to leave, chatting away and ignoring his existence. Jin is not bothered to interact at all. Exhaustion impedes him from doing so.

Jin has been reflecting about everything when he was doing the dishes, trying his best to sort his thoughts. He thinks of Hoseok, Jimin and the manager. He does not forget to recall Taehyung, because the younger lad is the light in his darkest moments. The urge to see Taehyung smile again is what makes him persevere in this trivial job.

He does not care about the bruise on his cheek or the pain in his shoulder.

He cannot be bothered with the devilish traits possessed by the manager.

He cannot be consumed by fear just because a junior is terrifyingly stronger than him.

Jin has to stand strong for himself. He can do it.

Taehyung believed him once, so why won't he?

Amidst his thoughts, he realises the room is empty. Even so, his body is reluctant to move. He wants to lie down in his bed so badly that he wishes his dormitory is just next door. He lifts his gaze up to glance at his belongings in the locker and sees a reflection of himself.

“Aigoo,” Jin gasps, touching his unkempt pink hair followed by his bandaged cheek. “How am I supposed to explain this to Yoongi?”

Knowing his roommate, Jin is going to get an earful of swears. Yoongi will definitely rub salt to Jin's wound by debating again as to why working in the cafe is the worst idea Jin can ever have. Jin sighs miserably, interlocking his fingers while he thinks of a good explanation.

Hoseok enters the staff room eventually and thanks the other colleagues as they make their way to leave for home. As soon as all of them are gone, Hoseok finds Jin still staggered sitting on the stool. Jimin also enters behind Hoseok, throwing smiles at the leaving crowd. He notices Hoseok is stood watching Jin from afar.

Irked at how Jin is unintentionally begging Hoseok's attention, Jimin slips an arm over Hoseok's shoulder. The older lad turns only to grin before looking back at Jin again.

“What's the matter, Hope Hyung?” Jimin asks, leaning some of his weight to remind Hoseok of his presence.

Hoseok folds his arms. “It seems Jin Hyung is facing a problem again. Poor hyung.”

“I guess so,” Jimin nods with a soft smile. “Why don't you ask him? Or maybe I'll ask him for you.”

“Could it be because of Manager-nim again?” Hoseok sounds worried.

“I doubt it, Hope Hyung. As I said before, they made up and called for peace between them. They would not fight again.”

“I'll just ask him,” Hoseok hurries his steps, instantly leaving Jimin's side.

Jimin blows a low exasperated sigh and slowly moves to his locker on the other side. He grabs his towel to wipe his sweat and starts untying his apron. He is trying to focus on the conversation behind him but their voices are softer than the rustling of his clothes as he changes into his black jumper. He is about to grab his bag and move to their side when Hoseok pops in front of him.

“Let's head to the 24-hour convenience store after this, Chimchim!”

Jimin looks confused. “Is there something you want to get?”

“Ne! We are having a small welcome party so we should get some ice-cream and frozen nuggets to fry!” Hoseok replies excitedly, opening his locker next to Jimin's.