Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 27

Jimin's getting ready to go to his classes and Jeongguk watches warily, draped across the bed with a frown settling on his lips. To say he doesn't want Jimin to leave is an understatement. They're in the sanctuary of their home, where everything feels serene and feels pleasant.
Outside of these four walls, there's a rumour waiting to unleash and drama waiting to unravel.

It seems like Jimin recognises that as well because he's reluctant as he dresses himself, hiding behind the wardrobe door as he does so. He emerges dressed, fiddling with his hair with a sigh.

"You don't have to go," Jeongguk reminds him.

Only yesterday, Jimin received some of the roughest news of his life. He was humiliated and physically harmed by his mother. He was told by his parents that they didn't want to see him anymore, that their home wasn't his anymore. It's an event that leaves people reeling for months and yet, Jimin's trying to get himself together the morning after.

It's uncalled for. It's unnecessary.

Jimin exhales and seems annoyed at Jeongguk's reminder, ignoring him as he walks to the mirror. He stares at his reflection for a long moment, scowling at his own appearance.

"Do you have a hairbrush?" He asks instead.

"Dresser, top drawer."

Jimin moves away without a sound and grabs the brush, smoothing out the strands of his hair. He moves to grab his backpack on the floor before stopping. His eyes linger over to where Jeongguk lays, still smothered by the blankets.

"I'm being a dick, aren't I?" He questions out loud.

Jeongguk snorts and settles to sit upwards, the blankets pooling around his body. He beckons Jimin forward and the boy follows. Jimin stands before the bed, his knees hitting the edges and looking longingly at Jeongguk.

"You're not being a dick," Jeongguk promises sincerely. He reaches out so he can cup Jimin's cheek, swallowing. He hates how right this feels. "You're worried, and—"

"I'm not worried."

"Jimin," he sighs. "I thought we were beyond that point now, lying and hiding around each other. Just admit how you feel."

Jimin takes a moment before he responds, eyes darting in the other direction. It seems like he wants to stall and not say anything, divert the topic elsewhere. But he takes a deep breath and in a rush, starts to speak.

"I'm terrified of what people will say."

"Jimin..."

"I don't want them to look at me weird. I know I act like I don't care and all, but I do, okay?"

Jeongguk pouts a little, grateful for another window into Jimin's life. Yesterday night, he learnt more than he had ever imagined he'd have the privilege to do so. The information is still processing within him. Jimin's slowly, but surely, beginning to open up and let him know the little, dwelling secrets that reside within him.

"It'll be bad for a while," Jeongguk admits lowly, his thumb stroking Jimin's cheekbones. "But we'll get through it. We did nothing wrong. We did what we had to do to survive."

Jimin nods after a moment of contemplation, relaxation settling into features. He takes a step back from the hold, smiling.

"You gonna go classes?"

"Nah," Jeongguk shrugs. "Need to go dance practice with Hoseok hyung, though. Unfortunately."

Jimin winces. "Rough. Good luck with that."

"Thanks, sweetheart."

Jeongguk's saying the pet name of endearment without even thinking twice, naturally filtering out of him. His eyes widen but Jimin seems unconcerned, barely even noticing it as he hums and offers a wave. He saunters out of the room and after some shuffling in the kitchen, the front door slams shut and Jeongguk's alone with his thoughts.