Stay With Me - A JiKook Love Story

9 - i'm moving out

The next days that followed still has Jungkook's mind in a turmoil. He knows why Jimin kissed him, but he wants Jimin to admit it himself. Inasmuch as Jungkook needs the confirmation, he also respects Jimin's feelings as the other seemed to be closing off again. Their interactions were still friendly but there is an underlying strain of the things that were left unresolved.

At the club, Jimin seemed more relaxed and cheerful. He always has a smile for the customers (to Jungkook's chagrin) and he gets along very well with the other guys especially Taehyung. Maybe because they are of the same age and not because Taehyung kept on hugging him for no reason at all.

Jimin also learned the favorite drinks of the guys. A beer for Namjoon-hyung, soju shot for Jin-hyung, a Sprite for Hoseok-hyung, an iced americano for Yoongi-hyung but always ginger brew with lemon for him and Taehyung. Reason being they sing and it's good for their throats.

Namjoon and Hoseok are all praises for Jimin's hardwork and skill. They taught him the drinks that they invented themselves for Beyond the Sound and the drinks that are a bit different from the way Jimin did it in LA to suit the local palate.  They also traded tips and tricks of the trade.

It was not only Jungkook who has a lot on his mind, Jimin was also troubled. He now acknowledges to himself that he likes Jungkook a lot. Jungkook is a genuine friend and was always ready to help his hyungs. He can be gentle and manly depending on the situation. He is an amazing singer and performer. Needless to say, Jungkook's talent combined with his handsome looks and amazing body will have anybody at his feet.  And what amuses Jimin is that there seemed to be two sides of Jungkook, one who oozes charisma onstage, full of confidence, cocky even. That was the one who hit on him. And the shy one who has a bunny smile and blushes when his hyungs tease him. That was the one who was sensitive enough to not pry when he isn't ready to talk yet. The thing is, he needs to fix his issues first before going further with Jungkook.

-------

"Welcome to the crew, man!" Namjoon shook Jimin's hand and gave him his week's pay.

"I can finally get some rest!" said Hoseok, "Namjoon does not really like being at the bar and we'll go bankrupt with him breaking glasses all the time!" he continued jovially.

Seokjin whispered to Jungkook, "Another security that he'll be within your radar for quite sometime, huh?"

"Any development?", asked Yoongi. They all know Jimin was staying with him and what happened earlier that week, thanks to Taehyung.

"I'm being patient." he answered.

-------

Jungkook woke up that Sunday and heard Jimin on the phone. He was in his room facing the window and the door was wide open so Jungkook can hear his side of the conversation.

Yes. Take care.

Do you need me to fetch you?

Okay. Call me as soon as you can.

I know. I miss you too.

Did you tell them already?

Yes, I did.

Mom is always understanding. She'll talk to Dad.

Everything will work out, don't worry.

I've always loved you and I always will.

Yes.

I'll see you then.

Bye.

Jungkook was overwhelmed by the myriad of his emotions. He is confused, jealous, angry and sad. His chest is tight and blood is pounding in his head.

He went back to his room and got dressed for the gym. He needs to let all this steam out.

-------

"Uhm, Taehyung and I will go out." Jimin announced Monday afternoon.

"Where are tou going?" Jungkook asked.

"He's helping me look for a studio apartment. I need a place to stay if I'm going to work here in Seoul." he answered.

Jungkook was confused. "What? Are you not... can't you... why did...???" he doesn't know what question to ask first.

"I can't keep on staying here." Jimin said.

"Why?" Jungkook's tone was heartbreaking. "Because of what happened?"

Jimin took a deep breath, "I can't take advantage of your kindness."

"You're not! I told you, the house is big. And there is no need to pay rent because this house was already paid for. Yes, I offered it to you because I'm attracted to you. But I clearly said no strings attached and I meant it " Jungkook was getting red in the face, breathless from the tirade and heightened emotion.

"It's also for me, I need to sort out my problems first." Jimin said flatly.

Seeing Jimin deflated made Jungkook calm down. "I'm sorry. I understand."

"Thanks." Jimin said.

"I can go with you. I know some places we can check out." offered Jungkook.

"Thank you, maybe next time. I already made plans with Taetae." Answered Jimin.

And as if on cue, the doorbell rang and before they started for the door, there was a beep-beep-beep of the doorlock.

Taehyung let himself in saying, "I rang the bell, so we won't surprise each other." a boxy smile on his lips.

Jimin looked down and walked over to Taehyung grabbing his arm. "Let's go." he said.

-------

Jungkook kept on messaging Taehyung while he was out with Jimin. But Taehyung rarely answered and most of his replies are useless to Jungkook.

They came back just before midnight. Turned out they had lunch, went house hunting, did a little shopping (well, Taehyung did), had dinner and grabbed coffee. Jungkook was a little jealous, he wanted to spend time with his Jimin.

"I'll ask Chelsea if her friends know of other places." Taehyung was saying.

"Yes, thanks." Jimin answered.

"I'll go then. Thanks for being patient, shopping with me, Jiminie." said Taehyung hugging him.

"No worries. My pleasure." Jimin hugged him back.

"I'll go down with you, Taehyung-ah. I need to buy something." Jungkook interjected.

When they were in the elevator, Jungkook accosted his friend, "Hey, can you please not help Jimin-hyung find another place? You know I like him here with me. But if he insists, I'll be the one to accompany him, okay?"

"Relax, dude. I showed him digs that are either horrible or way over his budget. I got you, man." he said with a wink.

Jungkook was so happy he gave Taehyung a bearhug.