Winter In My Heart (Jikook/Kookmin)

35

"I heard from your manager that you’re applying for a holiday this weekend. May I know why?"
Mingyu’s voice was calm but carried an undertone of curiosity as he leaned back in his chair. He had called Jimin into his office, and there was no mistaking the seriousness in his eyes. It wasn’t the first time Jimin had requested time off, and it had piqued Mingyu’s attention. Every month, without fail, Jimin applied for leave.

"I... it’s just... it’s a personal thing," Jimin stammered, avoiding eye contact as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His voice was soft, almost as if he was unsure of how to explain himself.

"It’s not personal anymore if you request leave every month," Mingyu pointed out, setting down the pen he had been holding. His focus shifted entirely to Jimin, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. "This is a pattern, not a one-off."

Jimin swallowed, his tension mounting. Mingyu’s presence always had a way of making him feel small, as if every word was a judgment, weighing down on him. "I have something to do," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Something to do," Mingyu repeated, his tone laced with disbelief. He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the desk in front of him. "Don’t mix your personal life with work, Jimin. It’s not good for anyone."

"I know," Jimin replied quietly, still refusing to meet Mingyu’s eyes. He could feel the tension thickening in the room, making it harder to breathe.

"I really don’t understand what’s going on with you, Park Jimin," Mingyu said, his voice softening just a little, but the frustration was still clear. Jimin could tell what Mingyu was getting at, even if he didn’t want to talk about it. Mingyu was referring to Jungkook, of course. And the situation with Yumi.

"It’s not about Kookie hyung," Jimin quickly interjected, his voice shaky but firm. He knew what everyone thought—that his relationship with Jungkook was distracting him from everything else, but that wasn’t true. He was happy. For the first time in years, he was happy.

Mingyu sighed heavily, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Think about what you’re doing, Jimin. Not just for Jungkook, but for your family. For your mom, your dad... and especially for Yumi. Do you ever stop to think about how this affects her?"

Jimin bit his lip, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "I know what I’m doing," he said, his voice quieter but steady.

"Do you?" Mingyu shot back, raising an eyebrow. "Because from where I’m standing, it doesn’t look like it."

Mingyu’s words stung more than Jimin wanted to admit. He knew what he was doing, and he knew what was at stake. But this—his relationship with Jungkook—was the one thing that made him feel alive. And no one understood that.

Mingyu sighed again, louder this time, leaning back in his chair. "Look, it’s up to you. I’ve said my piece. I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. If anything happens..."

Jimin, unable to hold back his irritation, cut him off. "Can I go now?"

Mingyu’s eyes widened slightly at Jimin’s sudden tone, catching the sharpness in his voice. It wasn’t like Jimin to be so blunt, so defensive. Before he could respond, though, something caught his attention—Jimin’s nose was bleeding.

"Your nose," Mingyu said quickly, pointing.

Jimin instinctively cupped his nose with both hands, panic flashing across his face. It wasn’t the first time this had happened, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. He stood abruptly, heading toward the door. His hand was already on the handle when he paused, turning back to face Mingyu.

"I love him, hyung," Jimin said, his voice soft but determined. "We love each other. I won’t apologize for that."

And with that, he left, closing the door quietly behind him.

---

Jimin’s words to Mingyu echoed in his mind as he made his way to the hospital. His monthly leaves had a purpose, and it wasn’t just to spend time with Jungkook. For the past three months, Jimin had been returning for regular check-ups. His nosebleeds had become more frequent, and there were times when he coughed so hard that blood would come up. It scared him—terrified him, actually—but he didn’t want to alarm anyone, especially not Jungkook.

Today, though, he was here for the results of his latest blood tests. His hands were clammy as he sat in the waiting room, his mind racing with all the possibilities. He had never been good at waiting, especially not for news like this.

When the doctor finally called him in, Jimin’s heart felt like it was pounding in his throat.

"We need additional tests," the doctor said, his expression unreadable as he studied the file in front of him.

Jimin’s stomach dropped. He had been hoping for reassurance, something to calm his fears, but instead, he was left with more uncertainty. More waiting.