Run into Sin | Jikook

Part 31

When Jimin wakes up the next morning, he decides to chase down Jeongguk.
Yesterday's dance performance had wretched his soul and he feels directly responsible, he needs to scavenge out Jeongguk's presence so he can apologise. There's so many things left unsaid between them that he needs to get out of his system. There's been enough time between them that now, he's ready to openly confess to how he feels.

It's terrifying to put yourself on the line, to bare open your deepest thoughts for others to implore at, to make yourself purposely vulnerable. It's terrifying, even more so, when you've been taught to do exactly the opposite of that and you're beginning to branch out of the norm.

But Jimin knows if he doesn't try now, the chance will slip right through his fingers. He'll never get the chance of redemption with Jeongguk. He's not sure if he deserves a second chance, to ask Jeongguk to come back to their share home but if he never tries—it'll eat him up, gnaw at his stomach.

By now, Jimin's figured out that Jeongguk's staying with Hoseok.

He takes his time getting ready, continously swallowing down the nerves that he feels invading him. He takes more time than usual when styling his hair, allowing his strands to curl at the ends. Once he's ready and checked his appearance twice over, he finally begins the bus journey over to Hoseok's apartment.

Jimin's never been inside Hoseok's apartment. He's stood outside once whilst waiting for Jeongguk back when they had just started to live together. He only vaguely remembers the route and nostalgia floods him as the bus takes him to his destination. Jimin wishes he could go back in time, when things were simpler and he and Jeongguk were still strangers.

Maybe, he wouldn't fall for him second time around and he wouldn't manage to make a mess of it all.

When the stop arrives, Jimin takes a deep breath before stepping out of the public transportation vehicle. He walks into the smaller roads, down to Hoseok's apartment block. It's the same as he remembers when he walks up to the front door, buzzing for Hoseok. He's granted entry minutes later.

When he walks up to the third floor and knocks for Hoseok, he almost hopes he'll be met with Jeongguk.

It is, indeed, Hoseok, though.

Hoseok looks weakened, signs of fatigue taking over his features. His eyes are red-rimmed like he's been lacking from sleep, barely able to keep them over as he leans onto the door He blinks lethargically at Jimin, scanning him all over.

"Hey..." he sounds hesitant as he speaks, furrowing his brows.

"Hi, hyung," Jimin greets, licking his lips. "How was the dance performance? I was there to see a bit. I loved your solo dance."

Hoseok's smile is barely manageable but it's there, running a hand through his hair.

"Thank you, Jimin-ah. Would you like to come in?"

"If you don't mind..."

He's a little surprised by Hoseok's hospitality, especially after how he had treated and talked down to Jeongguk. Jimin almost feels like he's overstepping a line with how tired Hoseok apparently is, in desperate need of a deep slumber but instead, willingly catering to Jimin.

Hoseok shakes his head patiently and steps back, opening the door all the way and allowing him through.

Jimin walks into the unfamiliar surroundings, doing the courtesy of sweeping a look around the entire apartment. It's a fairly small size, especially for a struggling student but it's lived in and cosy. There's vibes that resemble Hoseok with the personalised photo frames, the trophies showcased for his dancing.