Run into Sin | Jikook

Final part

Walking back into his apartment is refreshing.
He throws the bag on the floor and walks in further, collapsing onto the couch and burying his head into the leather seat. He inhales deeply, another bubble of emotions settling heavy on his chest.

Jimin walks in after him and sits down besides him, waiting for a beat before speaking.

"I don't know if you care, after everything I've done. But I applied for culinary school."

Jeongguk halts from where he's trying to memorise every bump in the couch before he looks up hastily, looking over to Jimin in surprise.

"You, what?"

It's the last news he had been expecting to hear but he readily welcomes in. His heart swells with pride though he doesn't voice it out loud yet, staring at Jimin intently.

Jimin flushes as he nods, running a hand through his mangled black hair. He looks sheepish about his news like he's trying to downplay this fact, not make a big deal out of it.

"I dropped out of school. Losing my parents made me realise I didn't need to keep doing that and that I should, myself, actively seek out what I like doing the most."

"Which is cooking."

"Yeah."

Jeongguk sits upright as the news processes. He remembers every single night Jimin stayed up till late to complete homework he never had desire in doing so, forcing himself to study every minute of his day so he could convince himself the subject was made for him.

He licks his lips as he waits for the right response to articulate.

"I'm proud of you, Jimin. Really proud."

Jimin's smile grows and his cheeks heat up as he looks away, not fighting the praise and seemingly to accept it. Another moment passes.

"Thank you, Jeongguk."

"You're welcome."

"Yoongi hyung wants to host a little get together at his apartment at the news tomorrow night, will you come?" He asks though there's uncertainty in his tone, pleading with Jeongguk.

He's nodding before Jimin even finishes.

"Of course."

They fall back into silence. Jeongguk sighs as he folds his legs underneath him, glancing around the apartment. It seems like Jimin's barely been around recently, not a single object moved out of its designated place. It doesn't feel lived in.

It takes another few minutes before Jimin's twisting his torso towards him, facing him. Seriousness takes over his features as he reaches out to hold Jeongguk's hand.

Jeongguk welcomes the contact instinctively, wrapping his fingers around Jimin's and holding onto him tightly.

Whilst their relationship remains up in the air, he could never deny Jimin a thing. It feels right, to be touching him and to be sitting near him. He has been deprived of Jimin's proximity and right now, he feels like he's finding inner peace after a week of constant and relentless turmoil. The voices in his heads are coming to a peaceful end.

"I'm sorry." Jimin's words are sincere and the apology is thick with remorse, proving with the expression Jimin wears. "I'm so fucking sorry, Jeongguk. For saying what I said, for doing what I did. I'm not even going to try and justify myself. I said something wrong and I'm really sorry. I hope you can find it within you to forgive me, Guk."

Jeongguk shakes his head patiently. Despite the hurt behind Jimin's words a week ago, he can recognise when someone's being honest.

He lifts their conjoined hands, placing a soft, lingering kiss on Jimin's knuckles.