Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 49

High Altitudes and First Loves

Weeks had gone by until it was Jimin's turn to celebrate his birthday.

Yoongi and Aen had been busy with work but still managed to celebrate with Jimin for the day.

They celebrated it by touring Busan per Jimin's request; he couldn't have been happier sharing the day with them.

However, the surprise his brothers and Aen had given him by the end of the day in Busan had made him cry.

Knowing that Jimin already kept a Marimo Moss Ball and loved it, Aen had suggested a way to turn his hobby into a true piece of art.

Since she knew he struggled with animal fur allergies, she helped the boys pick out a professional, rimless designer aquarium setup that he could take back to his apartment in Hannam.

​Instead of setting it up beforehand, Aen excitedly showed him the individual components she had carefully selected.

She presented him with a beautiful piece of 'Bonsai driftwood,' explaining how his Marimo Moss Balls could be attached to the branches to look like a tiny, lush green tree.

"Namjoon-hyung helped me pick out the perfect wood," she added, knowing Jimin would appreciate RM’s eye for nature and 'Namjooning' aesthetics.

She then showed him the rare 'Blue Dragon' stones, explaining that she had shown the pictures to Jin for his help in picking the most handsome ones, while Yoongi had helped her ensure the stones would fit perfectly within the tank's dimensions.

Next, she pointed to a school of High-Fin White Cloud Minnows waiting in their transport bags—a choice she had made with the enthusiastic help of V and Jungkook, who both loved the idea of the fish having such elegant, flowing fins.

​"And Hoseok-hyung helped me pick out this specialized LED light," Aen explained with a bright smile.

"It can be set to a golden-orange glow, just like the sunset in 'Serendipity.' I wanted you to have all the best pieces so you could design your own little sanctuary exactly how you want it back at your place."

​Jimin started crying as soon as he realized the thought she had put into every detail and how she had involved all of his brothers in the process.

He wasn't just touched by the gift, but by the fact that she wanted him to be the one to create the final vision for his new home.

"Aen-noona... you remembered my Moss Ball. This is beautiful," he whispered, his eyes following the shimmering minnows.

"And no sneezing," he added with a wet laugh, looking at her with deep gratitude.

"Thank you, everyone. I'll make sure to take good care of them—and I can't wait to start building it."

​They all sighed in relief and cooed at how excited Jimin looked as he began planning where each stone would go once they returned to Seoul.

***

After Jimin's birthday, Yoongi had been counting the days.

Aen's birthday was coming soon, and he had already prepared his gift ahead of time, hoping she would like it.

He planned to give it to her the night before her big day.

Since it was his turn to lead their usual date night, he asked her to come over to his apartment in Gangnam at 7pm, telling her he wanted to cook dinner for her.

As soon as Aen arrived, he gave her a chaste kiss and helped her take off her coat.

"So, what's for dinner? Want me to help?"