Strap yourselves, we're going down memory lane >:)

P.S. Whenever something is described between Jaegeun and Sope, can you guys not say things like "Jaegeun that's your dad's reincarnated boyfriend" or something. It was funny at first but If you really think about it, Jimin is 36 and TE Hoseok is only 17 (a MINOR) and TE Yoongi is only 18 (also a MINOR in South Korea). So it's pretty weird :/ (Remember OE Sope and TE Sope aren't the same people)

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Play this song while reading cuz it helps set the mood :)

It's up there too if this one doesn't work for you☝🏼

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Song: hostage (1 hour loop) by Billie Eilish

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20 Years Ago

"You're clumsy, you know that?" Yoongi teased, adjusting the male on his back.

"Yes, I'm aware." Jimin rolled his eyes, tummy pressed against his boyfriend's back and arms loosely hung around the mint-haired male's neck. He hoisted himself a little higher, using Yoongi's hands under his thighs for support as he peaked over his shoulder to take another look at his own bandaged foot. "I've been scolded multiple times for it."

"Oh, yeah? By who?" The older asked knowingly. He didn't smile much but Jimin knew by the tone of his voice that he was being playful like he usually would be with the smaller boy. It made Jimin feel special to know he was one of the only people who Yoongi felt comfortable around to be able to act like himself.

"You." The sixteen-year-old boy huffed, resting his tiny hands on top of Yoongi's mint locks.

The older high schooler laughed, turning his head to the side to take a quick glance at his pink-haired boyfriend. "How will you survive in the future if you can't even walk properly?"

"I can!"

"You tripped on your own foot and sprained your ankle. Next."

"You're mean."

"Am I?" Jimin could almost hear the grin Yoongi was sporting along with a tone full of mockery. "Too bad you're stuck with me for the rest of your life."

Jimin knew the other male intended for the statement to sound negative— implying that it's karma for even agreeing to be with the older boy in the first place— but he couldn't stop the giddy smile surfacing on his chubby face. Whether Yoongi intended it or not, his words gave Jimin a sense of comfort.

He never liked the thought of the future-- the unknown. Jimin had been forced to focus on the present instead of thinking ahead and scaring himself by the dread of untouched territory. His parents were very strict when it came to his education so you'd always find him studying every chance he could get. He didn't like the thought of living life the same way he had been living all these years.

The future sounded miserable.

But just thinking of spending it with Yoongi somehow set a hum in his eardrums and made his situation sound a little more pleasant.

Jimin was happy to know that Yoongi saw him in his future.

Hinted that they had a future.

"Mhm." Jimin hummed. "And by the time I have my life figured out, I would have already proven that my clumsiness isn't a problem."

"So you admit that you're clumsy." Yoongi laughed, watching his boyfriend's feet swing back and forth even while being in the older's hold.

"No!"

"Just admit it~"

"I'm not clumsy." The younger mumbled, well aware that his own sprained ankle could be used against his argument.

The mint-haired boy released a fond chuckle, turning his head to the side to leave a quick peck on the smaller male's cheek. "You're cute when you're lying to yourself."

Jimin grumbled, lightly pushing Yoongi's face away. "Fine, maybe I am clumsy but I'll survive. Once I have my clumsiness tamed, I won't be a danger around other people." He knew he was being a little dramatic but it was a good thing that his boyfriend was used to it.

"By then, I'll be able to raise my own kid."

"A kid?" Yoongi questioned with an arched brow.

"Yes, a kid." Jimin smiled, readjusting himself so he wouldn't fall off of the other's back while they walked around the neighboring park.

"I don't want kids."

"Why not?" The younger pouted. He didn't know what his future had in store but he did know that he had always wanted to raise his own little munchkin after getting his studies over with and finding a stable job.

"I'm not good with them." Yoongi admitted. "The only one I can stand is Yoonji. Other than her, I'd probably accidentally make other kids cry."

"But I wanted two." Jimin mumbled in a small voice, laying his head on his boyfriend's shoulder.

"Then we'll settle with one and a dog." The older spoke up.

The pinkett's eyes widened in surprise.

"Really?" He squeaked, tone hopeful. "You wouldn't mind taking care of a kid?"

"Of course, I would." Yoongi rolled his eyes. "But I'm sure I'll learn to get the hang of it for you. I know you'll be a great dad when the time comes."

"You think so?"

"I know so. And I want to be there to see it happen."

There it was.

That precious and irreplaceable eye smile.

It warmed Jimin's heart to hear that Yoongi was willing to raise a kid with him in the future.

Reaching forward, he tightened his arms around Yoongi's shoulders as he planted a sweet kiss on the corner of his lips. "One kid it is then."

"And a dog."

"Yes, and a dog." Jimin giggled.

A Year Later

"Hoseok!" Jimin called, running toward the brunet.

He would've nearly tackled the surprised boy to the ground if it weren't for Hoseok steadying them with an arm on the wall behind him.

The last bell finally rang and the two had just gotten out of their separate classes. For the past few months, it'd been a routine for Jimin to head straight to Hoseok at the end of the day after finishing a presentation or receiving a perfect score on his test. The taller male never failed to praise him even if it was only over a small assignment.

"Hey, Jimin." The brown-eyed boy smiled shyly, chocolate orbs looking down at the pinkett who had his arms snuggly wrapped around Hoseok's torso— slowly getting a hold of his own giggles. Jimin had always been a very touchy person so the other male eventually learned to get used to his constant need for skinship.

"Guess what."

"What?" Hoseok asked with a hand gently resting on the younger's shoulder.

"You're supposed to guess, silly!" Jimin laughed, finally pulling away from the warmth of Hoseok's body. He didn't want to let go but he knew he eventually had to. Hugging the brown-eyed boy gave him the same amount of comfort as Yoongi's embraces.

It was a dangerous game to play, Jimin knew that, but he was admittedly greedy when it came to the things he lacked. He craved warmth and only Yoongi and Hoseok were able to provide it for him.

"You passed the calculus test that you've been studying for?" Hoseok guessed and the shorter boy's heart fluttered at the thought of him remembering.

Jimin nodded happily.

"That's great, Jimin! I knew you were worrying for no reason." The brunet grinned.

It was a rare sight for anyone to see Hoseok smiling playfully when he usually displayed forced ones on a daily basis. But Jimin didn't feel like he was just anyone whenever he was able to put Hoseok in a genuinely relaxed state. Sometimes, when Hoseok would topple over due to his own giggles caused by the pinkett's terrible jokes, Jimin couldn't help himself. He would stare into those beautiful brown eyes and search for that momentary sparkle, forming an obsession over the distinct mosy tone of the irises.

"That's easy for you to say." The smaller male rolled his eyes, blue orbs reflecting an enticing imagery of calm waves traveling along a peaceful shore. "You have perfect grades."

Hoseok shrugged, letting the pinkett tow him through the nearly empty hallway. "That's because I don't have a lot of things to do with my days other than study."

The brown-eyed boy's statement caused a pang of sadness in Jimin's chest but he knew it wasn't a good idea to ruin the positive atmosphere they already had. "Well how about you spend some of that study time with me today? Let's go eat outside and celebrate my test score!"

"I don't know..." Hoseok nervously cupped the back of his own neck. "I forgot to bring my blue contacts this morning."

"Don't worry, we'll just go through the drive thru and eat in the car. But even if we dine in, you know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you when I'm around." Jimin assured, smiling warmly.

The taller boy relaxed his tense shoulders, ignoring the hesitation screaming in his head as he nodded.

"I didn't know you knew how to drive." Hoseok commented, sitting in the passenger's seat while Jimin sat in the driver's side.

The two high schoolers were situated in the pinkett's parked car with their takeout placed on their laps. Jimin found a nearby parking lot with little to no vehicles which served as a perfect spot for them to just talk.

"Yoongi-Hyung taught me last year." The younger smiled happily before taking a big bite out of the burger between his small fingers.

Hoseok nodded, heart racing just from the mention of that name. "Are you sure Yoongi-Hyung's fine with you hanging out with me? Are you fine with hanging out with me?"

There.

That lack of self-esteem.

It annoyed Jimin.

Annoyed him because Hoseok shouldn't have lacked confidence in himself-- shouldn't have felt like the whole world was against him from the day he was born.

It only strengthened Jimin's will to protect the boy from the world and his own self.

"He headed straight home after class because Doori-Eomma wanted to take him and Ji shopping. So he wouldn't mind." The pinkett assured. "And even if he did, he can't control who I can and can't hang out with."

"Are you sure you don't mind either?" Hoseok pushed, fingers anxiously fiddling with an extra sauce packet he got from the bag.

Jimin sighed, placing his food down. He reached out and cupped the other boy's hands with both of his own tiny ones to stop him. The size difference of their fists made the younger's heart skip a beat, giving him a hard time ignoring the butterflies dancing inside his stomach.

"Hoseok." He said slowly— careful yet firm. "You have to accept the fact that we're friends now. I'm your friend so why in the hell would I not want to spend time with you? If anything, I feel honored that you even agreed to go out and celebrate my test score with me. Now the real question— are you comfortable hanging out with me?"

The taller boy's chocolate eyes visibly softened, cheeks growing the prettiest shade of pink. "You're the only one I'm comfortable being around." He admitted, sealing his words with a short nod.

Jimin's eyes turned into crescents, sea blue orbs hidden behind his naturally puffy lids. He liked the warmth he was feeling— the feeling of it coursing through his veins and relaxing all the tension that was fogging the car's atmosphere.

"Then it's settled, we're friends and we can spend time together anytime we want to." The younger one declared.

Time suddenly wasn't any of a concern after that. They spend the next few hours eating and talking. Everything progressed smoothly, conversations flowed, and warmth lingered.

"What do you plan on doing after graduation?" Hoseok questioned, sipping some of his drink.

Jimin had to pause and think about it. His vision of the future had changed from a year ago. Back then, he wanted to finish his education and live with Yoongi. They would've adopted a kid and a dog. Maybe get married abroad but it wasn't a must. After all, marriage was only a piece of paper.

But that all changed. Aside from graduating college, everything else wasn't possible. Yoongi's future was Hoseok, not Jimin. They would get married after graduating high school and Jimin would have to watch them from the sidelines.

There would be no kid nor dog. No piece of paper that validates their love.

That thought hurt the boy but there was no way he'd admit it out loud.

"My parents want me to graduate college and run the family business but I want to major in psychology and be a psychologist in the future." Jimin smiled half-heartedly.

Hoseok hummed "That job does sound like it suits you. You love helping people so I'm not surprised."

"What about you? What are your plans?" Jimin asked, finishing the last bite of his burger.

Hoseok shrugged. "I don't really see a future for myself."

That stopped the pinkett midway of drinking his cup of soda. "Why do you say that?"

Sure, Hoseok had brown eyes. But with a good mindset and right people, the future shouldn't be impossible.

"I'm moving abroad and getting married to Yoongi." The older explained with his head down. Jimin already knew that but it still made Hoseok feel guilty.

"But don't you like Yoongi-Hyung?" The smaller boy tilted his head, genuinely confused. The circumstances of the situation didn't help the awkward atmosphere that the question brought.

Hoseok was Yoongi's fiancé but Yoongi chose Jimin as his boyfriend.

It should've caused tension between the two a long time ago but it only seemed to bring Jimin and Hoseok closer.

"Whether I like him or not, the marriage is arranged." The brunet reminded the other. "I don't want to live in the States. I may care about Yoongi but I'd have to watch him finish college with a degree while I'm stuck at home with only a high school diploma. I want to do more but I can't when I'm not meant to. Because of that, I don't even want to graduate from high school. Walking the stage is pointless."

The silence.

It was almost too loud.

Jimin didn't know how to respond.

Hoseok sighed. "You're supposed to be in my place, Jimin. I'm marrying Yoongi, your boyfriend. I don't understand how you could be so kind to me."

If only you knew. Jimin thought sadly, forcing himself to put his feelings for the male aside.

"I want to see you graduate." He finally spoke, ignoring Hoseok's last statement.

"What?"

"I know you don't see a future right now but I still want to see you graduate. I want to walk the stage with you and the rest of our friends."

Hoseok's eyes softened. "Jimin—"

"Please?" The younger's blue orbs refused to break away from the other's. "It's the only thing I ask from you, Hoseok. I want to see you and Yoongi graduate before you move away."

"Okay." The brunet averted his gaze outside of the car window.

"Really?"

"Really." Hoseok nodded.

The day Jimin found Hoseok laying motionless in the confines of his room— at peace and drained of life— was the day he knew the brown-eyed boy lied.

Present Day

As his body slowly recovered from the shock of the situation, it gave the man his needed time to finally process what was happening.

The sight of everyone crowding around the couch, worried expressions on their faces as they kept their eyes on Yoonji, formed a lump in his throat. He had to keep his fists balled to refrain himself from simply grabbing the nearest object and smashing it on the wooden flooring out of frustration.

Standing before him were exact replicas of the only two people he had ever loved and will ever love romantically.

Two people who were supposed to stick by his side after graduation and congratulate him the day he was promoted as a full-time psychologist.

Two people he couldn't save because his presence wasn't enough of a reason to make them stay.

"Jimin, what's going on?" Jaegeun questioned again and again, pulling Jimin out of his own head to look directly into his son's blue and brown orbs filled with concern. "Will Ji-Noona be okay?"

The thirty-six-year-old took a quick glance at the unconscious woman. It'd been almost half an hour since Yoonji passed out after seeing exact copies of her older brother and his fiancé. Her face was paler than her normal skin tone due to the sudden scare. The color of her naturally blushed cheeks were drained out of her.

"I can't— I can't explain right now, Jaegeun." Jimin responded, voice close to wavering. "Can you go take your friends up to your room and work on your project? I'll go get you three more snacks." He kept his tired eyes on the shattered pieces of ceramic circling the soles of his dress shoes.

The brunet didn't even wait for his son's answer, only lifelessly walking back into the kitchen. He refused to lift his gaze, afraid he'd burst into tears if he took another look at the two guests.

Once he was alone, he placed his shaky hands on the kitchen counter. Standing on two feet suddenly felt too difficult.

There Jimin was, crouched behind the cabinets with silent cries and angry tears as he immediately broke down.

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These were from OE's Epilogue (the first time Jimin visited Sope's graves after Yoongi's death) to refresh your minds:

Was memory lane fun? ☺️

This update was almost 3000 words 😳 We also reached 20 chapters AAAAHHH

Oh and I forgot to thank you guys for 20k reads last time so thank you! You know I L-word you all :) <3