Deal With The Pain | Namgi

Chapter 9

"How'd things go, hyung?" Jungkook asks lightly that evening while we're slow and don't have anyone in line for once. I smile a bit at the thought, leaning my back against the back counter.

"It went really well. It was nice to see them both. It's been a long time." I answer softly, wrapping my arms around my waist lightly. Him and Tae smile, leaning against the closed display cases carefully. Jimin's still here as well, hanging out at the front table.

"I'm glad everything went well and you got to spend some time with them, hyung. You always keep yourself so busy and never go home. It was long due for you to get to visit with your brother and father for a bit." Tae comments gently. I smile again at this, looking over to the oldest of the three.

"Yeah, well, it wouldn't have been possible if Jiminie hadn't covered for me. We were swamped when we switched out. He's a lifesaver." I reply with a small shrug. Jimin giggles softly at this, blushing lightly.

"It was no big deal, hyung. You pay us really well and you're our best friend. It's what friends are for." Jimin responds shyly, causing me to chuckle softly.

"Well I appreciate it, Jimin." I tell him with a small smile, nodding at him.

"The three of you can head home, if you'd like. We've hit the slow hours for the evening, and I can handle it. The three of you deserve to take the evening off. And don't bother coming in tomorrow either. I'm giving you all the day off, paid." I inform the younger boys. Jungkook and Tae's eyes widen at this in surprise, looking a little uncertain.

"Hyung, are you sure about that? You know we don't mind helping you out around here." Jungkook speaks up gently. I smile at this, nodding though.

"I know, Jungkook. I want to give you all the rest of the weekend off. I know you all still have homework to work on and you all should be resting up for the next week ahead anyways. We were really busy tonight and all three of you covered for me. It's the least I can do." I confirm gently. They all glance at each other before Jungkook and Tae are nodding.

"Go home, you three." I tell them with another smile before turning back around to grab the cleaning rag.

"Thank you, hyung." I hear Tae say from behind me before I soon hear the front door being opened and then gently shut again.

"Yoongi hyung?"

I turn back around curiously, finding Jimin stood on the other side of the counter nervously. I tilt my head in curiosity, setting the rag down and walking over to him so that I'm stood on the other side of the counter from him.

"What's up, Jiminie? Why aren't you heading home yet?" I ask lightly with a small smile. I watch as he rubs the back of his neck shyly, falling silent for a moment.

"There's something I wanted to ask you, I just... didn't want the others around." Jimin admits with a shy smile. I chuckle at this, reaching out and ruffling his hair gently.

"What do you want to ask me, Jiminie?" I respond softly, not wanting to overwhelm him. He falls silent again at this, gaze falling to the counter.

"I was wondering if you'd be interested in going on a date with me sometime this week?" Jimin finally speaks, nervously glancing up at me.

My eyes widen a bit at this, not at all having expected a question like this. I expected the question to give him some time off or something along those lines, but never anything like this.

"Jiminie..." I murmur gently, not really knowing how to respond.

"I-I know you still have feelings for Namjoon hyung, Yoongi. I'm okay with that though. I-I just thought maybe I could help you get over him. I could show you the way you deserve to be treated and try to make you happy, even though I'm not him. A-and you don't have to agree with this if you don't want to. I know it's a risk, because there's no guarantee that I can make you forget him, but I can try to change your mind. And, even if I can't, at least I tried." Jimin mumbles shyly, giving me a small smile.

I bite my lower lip gently at this, smiling softly at the younger as I reach up and place my hand on his cheek lightly. He instantly leans into the touch gently, making my heart warm.

"I don't want to hurt you, Jiminie." I whisper softly, worried for the outcome of all of this.

"You won't, Yoongi. I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm willing to take the risk and love you anyways."