Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 22

"Why am I coming along?" Jimin groans.
There's a party on campus today. A low-key gathering of students, surrounded by light liquor and the chance to rejuvenate in the school year thus far by interacting with new human beings. It's inevitable that Jeongguk and Taehyung wanted to go and they, somehow, managed to drag Jimin along too.

Jimin had grumbled and groaned, muttering profanities under his breath of how unjust this was. But he had tagged along eventually and now, as they walk to the small bar located on campus, he even seems a little excited, a perk in his step as he strides along.

"Because, you deserve to unwind and relax," Taehyung says. He's holding Yoongi's hand as the couple walk ahead. "You need some drinks, get it into your system. Have some fun. Party."

Jimin glares at him. "It's a campus party. There's only so much fun you can have."

A moment of silence spreads after his words and Jeongguk turns to face the boy better, arching a brow in question.

"So, you'd rather go to a proper party, then?" He asks, genuinely curious even with the hints of amusement lingering in his tone.

It seems Jimin doesn't hate partying as much as he makes it out. He does despise the scene, in general. But with groups of friends, he seems to adapt well and with time, he becomes comfortable. It's how they've managed to drag him to another bar, after all.

Jimin rolls his eyes and he reaches out to swat Jeongguk, successfully silencing him.

"No one said you can interrupt the conversation and speak."

"I'm wounded."

"Good." Jimin rolls his eyes though a glimmer of a smile spreads across his lips.

The campus party, as predicated, isn't as stimulating as had been advertised. Jeongguk has been expecting this so he doesn't feel disappointment, simply adapting to the quiet scene they're faced with today. It's a small bar but it's crowded, lights dimmed and surrounded by every corner with university students.

The drinks are majorly discounted but they're cheap, distasteful alcohol. Jeongguk finds beer the only appealing drink in the menu and he can't help but order it, even if he despises beer itself.

It's bitter and it's hard to swallow down, the thick liquid sloshing in his throat and making him wince. Regardless, they find an empty couch and gather around as they talk.

Seokjin's at the bar, too and he joins them. He squeezes into the couch besides Jeongguk and effortlessly strikes conversation, despite the fact they're not really accustomed to each other. Jimin supplies a few words here or there but mostly dedicates his time to sitting in the corner, comfortably so. He doesn't mind not talking. He seems more than fine with glancing around the packed bar and sipping at his beer every now and then.

Taehyung and Yoongi excuse themselves—once again—half way through but this time, they don't seem riddled with their sexual tension. Instead, they hold a joint between their hands and hazy eyed for the drugs.

"I'm going to get another drink," Jimin dismisses himself, raising his empty beer glass.

Seokjin nods discreetly to him before Jimin gets up, wandering off to the bartender. Jeongguk turns to Seokjin again and other students join them, some of which he recognises from his classes and others, new faces. It's effortless for him to interact though and he does so without a mishap, getting to know some new people.

Twenty minutes pass and Jeongguk's realisation hits him like a truck - Jimin isn't back yet.

For someone who doesn't immerse themselves into drinking for leisure and socialising, it's a little startling where Jimin would disappear off into a tiny bar. He glances around and he's met with a sea of people, undetectable upon the rumble.