ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʟᴀss ᴡɪɴᴅᴏᴡ ☑

Nightcap

Jimin was worried sick when he returned home last night and that too quite late. He dialed Jungkook's number many times, but his phone was off. He kept looking out his window to catch one glimpse of the boy, thinking to go and knock on his door, but he had seen Jin inside the house, and he didn't want to complicate things. 

As he sat in the afternoon, he received a text from Jungkook.

I am sorry I couldn't take your calls, Hyung. I was tired and I slept. My phone was dead. But I am okay now and I am at work. Jin Hyung is moving out today.

Knowing that Jungkook was fine and alive, Jimin felt relief wash over him. He texted him back. 

Don't be sorry. I understand. Call me once you return from work. 

**

Jimin returned home early and was since waiting for the text or call from Jungkook. 

Meanwhile, Jungkook entered the society gate and didn't look around, also ignoring Jimin, who was standing by the gate. The man remained silent too, following Jungkook into the elevator. Their eyes met in the reflection of the metal, but they both remained silent. 

Jimin wanted to be with Jungkook not only as a friend but also as a committee member of the society, just in case Jin brought people or if anything got messy.

Without uttering a peep, Jimin stood outside as Jungkook entered the apartment first. 

The boy walked inside to find that the fridge and bed were gone. His jaw trembled, but he couldn't speak. He sat down on the edge of the mattress and registered Jin's scent behind him. The man walked around and sat in front of him. "I've sold the furniture and all the big items. This is the money I got," he opened an envelope and started counting the cash. "This is your half." 

Jungkook kept his stare at the mattress. "I left the utensils and kitchen stuff in there. I am assuming you'll also move from here," Jin's voice was calm and soft. Junglook didn't say anything and continued to gaze at the mattress. "I am so sorry for whatever you've had to go through because of me. I knew we weren't compatible and we shouldn't have taken the decision to live together. This is a lesson we both are taking away from this relationship. I hope you can forgive me and we stay in touch, for old times' sake."

When Jungkook didn't even blink, Jin stood up and picked up his last two bags that were remaining in the eerily silent house. "The apartment keys are on the table. You can call me if there's anything. See you someday, Jungkook. Let's heal and maybe we can start fresh again. Let's give each other time."

Jungkook still didn't say anything or look at Jin when he started walking away. Slowly, the fresh scent of his shower also faded and the boy looked around the empty house. It didn't look livable anymore. 

In a few seconds, Jimin appeared in front of him, also taking notice of the empty room and kitchen. "Jungkook," he crouched in front of the boy. "Let's go to my place. Take your clothes and we can have a boy's night out."

Jungkook, who hadn't said a word, looked up now, gazing at Jimin half-heartedly. "Why would you want that? Do you want to have a miserable night like me? I'll only bring the energy down. Why are you doing this?"

Jimin sucked on his teeth before he chuckled out some air. "Don't get my intentions wrong."

"Why shouldn't I? Why are you being so kind? Why are you so hell-bent on helping the little broken boy?"

The man now decided to sit beside Jungkook on the mattress. He took a long inhale. "When I moved to Seoul, I lived with my relatives. They were my extended family, but they treated me worse than strangers."

Jungkook bit his lips together and looked away. 

"I didn't have any friends either, but then I met someone too and we moved in together." Just as the man confessed, Jungkook's head whipped around to look at him. But within the next second, he looked away again. "We lived. We went through something like this. And I ended up trying to end my life."

The boy's eyes faltered now. "I- I am sorry to hear."

"Don't be... I know exactly how you are feeling. Right now, you are thinking about the day when you moved in here together with Jin. And all the things you did here, including the fights. I wasn't as strong as you are, Jungkook. But I can guarantee you that it gets better. Competence can be gauged from distance, but a character can only be observed up close. You had something at the end of all this — a lesson. I had a friend who helped me through my tough time, and I want to be that friend for you if you allow it."

Jungkook knew that he desperately needed someone to keep an eye on him because he wasn't sure what would he do if he were to live inside these walls alone. 

**

While Jungkook took shower, Jimin invited Taehyung over again and made a few cocktails. 

When the younger returned, they all sat in the living room, playing games and trying to do anything that would make Jungkook laugh and keep his mind off of things. The boy was far from laughing, but he smiled when Jimin bumped his head at Taehyung's knee.

The good sign was, Jungkook ate a lot of food that they had ordered and so they had to order again. 

A few minutes past twelve, Jungkook passed out on the couch and Jimin's eyes found him, doting on his face, taking in the gentle rising and dipping of his chest. "Do I have to stay to keep an eye on you too?" Taehyung quipped. However, knowing it could backfire, he stepped away from Jimin.

"I deserve it," Jimin grumbled in acknowledgment, petting Jungkook's hair gently "But no. As far as I am concerned, you don't have to worry about me. I made a mistake once. If anything happens between us, it will be with consent."

"Well then," Taehyung stood up with a wary groan and he swayed a little. "I'll be on my way."

Jimin walked up to the door as Taehyung wore his shoes. Before he could close it, Taehyung turned to him from outside the apartment. "Are you sure you don't have any feelings for him, aside from sexual attraction?"

"You are drunk, Tae. Go home."

Jimin slammed the door shut and leaned against it with his back. He could hear his heart through his chest. He shook his head.