Black Rose | Jikook Fanfic [ON HOLD]

Chapter 11: Trials And Errors

The next time Jimin woke up, he was nestled deep inside the blue duvet that he was draped over the first time. His head was spinning and his eyelids felt heavy. Yet he sat up, groaning at the sharp pain shooting through his head. He buried his head in his hands, resisting the urge to sob and just give up. He asked himself, what did he ever do to deserve this? He was leading a peaceful life, just why did he have to go and look at a scene that he wasn't supposed to see?

Just as he was about to drag his weak body out of the bed, the doors of the room softly creaked open as a familiar head peeked inside, eyes widening at the young man getting out of bed.

"Seokjin hyung!" The mentioned man rushed towards Jimin, pushing him back onto the bed with his free arm while dangling a tray of mouth watering dishes. He hastily put the tray down on the nightstand and proceeded to grab Jimin's wrist, pressing his thumb over his pulse, then pushed the back of his palm over Jimin's warm forehead.

"You seem normal, now, that's good." Seokjin sighed and grabbed the tray, delicately placing in onto Jimin's lap. "Eat."

Jimin instead stared at him. "So when can I go home?" Seokjin closed his eyes in exasperation, massaging the spot between his eyebrows. Jimin stayed silent, waiting for the older to say something, anything about him going home. God knows how Jisoo would be worried about him. Knowing her, Jimin assumed she already called the police, claiming that someone kidnapped him which was exactly what happened. And Jaemin. His dear little brother. What would happen to him? What about the hospital fees? What about his parents' dream of visiting Paris? All will be ruined; his hardwork, his family, his noona.

"Hyung..." Seokjin, with his head bowed, flitted his eyes over to Jimin who was still staring with a a wary expression that made his heart ache. He was supposed to trust Seokjin. But how could he after today? Seokjin decided not to dwell too much on it. "When can I go home?" Jimin pressed on, voice going a little deeper and harsher.

"Jimin... I know this isn't easy, but we cannot let you go." Jimin made a disbelieving noise, thus Seokjin had to take a calming breath to deal with this. "Even if we did, those men whom you saw might come after you, thinking you bear precious information."

"I don't care about that. I have an injured brother I have to work for. My noona back at my apartment. My parents. My work. Do I just sit around here doing nothing while I could be earning money to cure my brother?" Jimin demanded, voice rising but not quite. Seokjin casted his gaze downwards, guilt overtaking his handsome features, lips curling unpleasantly.

If Seokjin could, he would have let Jimin go in a heartbeat. Although they did not know each other for long, Seokjin knew deep down that Jimin wasn't someone with ill intentions. He was someone so soft hearted and kind that anyone would take advantage of. Seokjin felt his protective nature as an older brother take over him. He found himself wanting to pamper Jimin like he was his own little brother.

However, not letting Jimin go was Jeongguk's decision, and going against the Leader's decision was akin to treachery against the gang.

"If money is a prob-"

"No, I don't want your money. I just want to go home. Let me go home, hyung. I'll pretend this never happened. I'll even quit and move out. I won't come back here ever again. Just, please." Jimin clutched at Seokjin's sleeve with trembling hands, shoulders wracking with quiet sobs and hiccups. Seokjin sighed for the hundredth time this day, combing his fingers through Jimin's soft locks before he ruffled them, then spoke up in a soft tone,

"I can't do much, Jimin, but I'll talk to Leader about this." Seokjin could have sworn he saw sparkles around Jimin and his brightened up eyes. He chuckled, then using his sleeves, he wiped at Jimin's damp puffed up cheeks. "For now, eat. You'll need energy to go home later on."