Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

4

Jae stood before Jimin, his little face scrunched in an almost perfect pout, eyes wide with the kind of earnestness only a child could muster. “Please, Jiminie Appa,” he asked, voice soft and pleading. His request was simple, yet it struck Jimin as strange. Jae had never expressed interest in going to Jungkook's house before. In fact, Jae had barely spoken to Jungkook much in the past, so this sudden insistence seemed a bit unusual.

Jimin looked at him curiously, trying to understand his son’s sudden desire. “Give me one reason why I should let you go there?” Jimin asked, his tone gentle but firm.

Jae’s face fell slightly, and his eyes became downcast. “I want soup,” he mumbled.

At those words, Jimin’s heart sank. He knew exactly what Jae meant. It wasn’t just any soup Jae was asking for—it was the comforting chicken soup that Jungkook had made a few days ago. The one that had warmed Jae’s little belly and clearly left an impression. Jimin couldn’t blame him. But the real problem was that Jimin hadn’t been able to go grocery shopping like he’d planned. The paycheck he had received was already stretched too thin. He had to prioritize, and as much as he wanted to, buying extra groceries wasn’t an option right now. He was left trying to make do with what they had until the end of the month.

“How about I make you kimchi fried rice instead? I know you like it,” Jimin offered, hoping to cheer up his son.

Jae’s lip quivered as he shook his head. “No, I want chicken soup. Kookie Appa makes delicious chicken soup.” His eyes lit up at the memory. “I helped him stir the soup, and then he let me lick the bowl!”

Jimin couldn’t help but smile despite himself, though he was quick to scold gently, “Park Jaehun, I told you not to do that.”

Jae’s odd little habit of licking his dishes after finishing his food had become a regular occurrence. He would lick spoons, bowls, plates—anything that touched his meal. It wasn’t something Jimin particularly encouraged, but Jungkook had found it endearing and always let Jae indulge his quirky habit when they were together.

“But can I go there? I miss Kookie Appa,” Jae continued, his voice now taking on that familiar whiny, pleading tone. He seemed genuinely eager to see Jungkook, something that was starting to make Jimin wonder just how close the two had become. Jae wasn’t always the type to get attached easily, yet here he was, talking about Jungkook as if he was part of their family.

“Kookie Appa?” Jimin asked, arching an eyebrow in surprise. It seemed Jungkook had earned a new title from Jae without Jimin even realizing it.

Jae nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Please… Can I go, Jiminie Appa?”

Jimin sighed softly, feeling conflicted. On one hand, he didn’t want to deny his son the simple joy of spending time with Jungkook, especially when he seemed to enjoy it so much. But on the other hand, Jimin was still grappling with his own embarrassment from the previous day’s events. How could he let Jae go to Jungkook’s house when he, himself, felt so ashamed for crying in front of his neighbor and dragging him into his problems? Jungkook had already done so much, and Jimin didn’t want to impose on him anymore. He didn’t want to feel like a burden.

“Jae, no,” Jimin said quietly, trying to stand his ground.

But Jae wasn’t ready to give up. “Kookie Appa said I can come whenever I want!” he declared, his tone growing more insistent.

“Jae...” Jimin began, preparing to refuse once again, when suddenly there was a knock at the door. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw who it was.

Tae and Hobi stood there, grinning with excitement. “Surprise!” Hobi said cheerfully, holding up a small toy in his hand—a bright, colorful toy car that instantly caught Jae’s attention.