Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 30

Jimin sits in an obscure part of the theatre hall, squeezed in the back out of direct people's view. Recently, he's been receiving more and more stares. He's not a fool. He knows exactly why people are staring, exactly what they're thinking when their eyes linger over his figure like they're trying to match it to the one they had seen in the videos.

He has a face mask pulled over his mouth, further concealing his identity as he hides in the dark corner.

The performance is about to start and he feels like he could be sick from nerves, himself. He hasn't seen Jeongguk properly in a week now and the void of the boy is beginning to leave a gaping hole in him. His heart feels empty, his chest feels hollow. Jimin's become too accustomed to Jeongguk and it should terrify him but he can't help but chase the feeling, instead.

From a distance, he can spot Yoongi, Taehyung, Seokjin and Namjoon sitting together. He has the urge to go and sit with them but he knows, deep down, he's not welcomed.

He remains devoted to his corner.

The lights dim and the music intensifies, causing the crowd to fall silent immediately as they patiently await the appearance of the anticipated performance of the year. The dance performance from Jeongguk and Hoseok has been advertised, mentioned and talked about for months now.

It's finally coming to life.

People are clearly eager to see the talents they've been informed about over and over if the crowded hall is any indicator, each seat is taken across the entire theatre hall. There's a group of men right in the front, adorned in three-piece suit attires and Jimin's sure they're from the entertainment companies.

The curtain is raised and Hoseok is revealed for his solo dance.

Jimin's never seen the man dance before so it's entrancing, drawn in from the very first second. Hoseok is a born performer and he owns the stage like he created it himself, prancing around with intricate tumbles and back flips that look way too graceful to be real.

Jimin's holding his breath through the entire routine and he's so mesmerised that he doesn't recognise Jeongguk entering the stage.

The crowd immediately starts cheering, some wolf-whistles can be heard. Jimin's heart jumps out of his chest when he notices Jeongguk, wearing his black blazer with the bedazzled jewels, making him sparkle under the spotlight.

But there's no spark in Jeongguk's face when he looks out to the crowd.

Jimin remembers distinctly how Jeongguk looks when he dances, can memorise each bump and curve on his face as the smile takes over when he assumes his position. Each step that the younger man takes, there's a shine of his true passion that's evident for everyone to see and recognise.

But right now, his expression remains blank.

His eyes are drained, a dark brown that look more annoyed than anything else.

Jimin bites his lips, distinctly knowing something is seriously wrong but he can't seem to piece together what's going on. He doesn't understand what could possibly go wrong. He also knows Jeongguk would never let anything affect his day.

Jeongguk takes centre stage as he dances, Hoseok following his lead but the lack of chemistry is prominent. Jimin's eyes dart quickly to the entertainment companies, their expression unimpressed and barely moving an inch.

His heart starts to hammer.

He feels panicked. A gut feeling settles into Jimin, knowing there's nothing he can do to help but desperate to do something. He digs his nails into the palm of his hands, taking a deep breath to calm the turmoil he feels for Jeongguk.