Christmas lights were special, particularly to Yoongi.

Growing up in a family who struggled to make ends meet, the Christmas lights lighting up the parks were always an option during the holidays. Yoongi and his family often see them, fascinated endlessly by the various ways the lights were used on mundane objects. It was something that everyone could enjoy, and walking through the Christmas lights always brought Yoongi joy.

That joy, he helped give to Hoseok.

Admitting that he liked the simple walking around while looking at little lights had always worried Yoongi, especially when he first started dating Hoseok. Hoseok wasn't wealthy, but he lived a very comfortable life, and when Yoongi had first asked him about the Christmas lights, Hoseok had only looked at him in confusion.

Of course, Hoseok grew to love the Christmas lights as much as Yoongi did.

It became a yearly tradition for them to see the Christmas lights. It touched Hoseok's heart when Yoongi had first admitted how personal and special something so simplistic meant to him, and that openness was one of the many reasons as to why Hoseok had fallen for Yoongi all those years ago.

Now, Yoongi and Hoseok were preparing themselves to enjoy the lights once more., having missed the tradition the past few years.

Much to Yoongi's content and Hoseok's evident happiness, Jimin decided to tag along, having never experienced Christmas lights other than those he would oftentimes hang up for decorations when the holidays came around. He knew little about all the thought and effort that would come with pieces of electricity, but after Yoongi and his conversation yesterday, Jimin felt the only choice he had was to agree.

"They're still as amazing as ever," Yoongi sighed happily as Hoseok, and he walked arm in arm, pointing to the various decorations lighting the trees. Jimin made sure to stay a few steps back, not making it seem like he was third-wheeling. Instead, that he was here by himself, looking around and enjoying the scenery just as everyone else was.

Jimin had to admit; the Christmas lights were gorgeous.

The park had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Colorful lights were draped over and around trees. Next to them countless decorations: from small gingerbread houses combined with a gingerbread family to Santa in his snow sled, reindeer standing proud and tall. There was some solace in them walking around and able to look at these lights. It was almost as if this were an art museum exhibit, giving life to everything around, helping those reflect on themselves.

"Jimin, don't lag so far behind!"

Jimin smiled at Hoseok, who was waving at him to come closer. Reluctantly, Jimin jogged up to them, already mustering an excuse for his lagging behind. Before he could say a word, though, Hoseok linked Jimin's arm with his remaining one, smiling brightly.

"There, now you can't wander off."

Yoongi laughed at Hoseok's statement, muttering his agreeance while Jimin's cheeks flamed with slight embarrassment.

"You don't have to grab me, you know," Jimin mumbled, looking away. "I'm not the one in the relationship, you know. You two are."

"But we invited you," Yoong argued. "It doesn't make sense for you to be so far away from us."

"Yeah," Hoseok chimed in. "It's not fair to you. I promise we weren't trying to make you the third wheel."

That's exactly what it felt like.

Jimin forced a smile. "It feels like I'm intruding your sacred space, honestly."

"Jimin," Hoseok frowned, looking at him thoughtfully. "You aren't an intruder anywhere. We wanted to share this with you."

Gee that makes me feel so much better.

"You didn't have to," Jimin smiled wanly as they continued walking down the pathway of lights. Hoseok chuckled, pulling Jimin a bit closer.

"Of course, I did!" Hoseok beamed, sighing in contentment. "You're my best friend. It's only fair that I show you all my favorite places. I should have shown you sooner."

Now, why did this feel like a hint at goodbye?

Jimin couldn't trust the way that Hoseok was speaking to him, so cheerfully, so bold. Something about the way that Hoseok talked to Jimin sounded final— as if Hoseok was slowly easing Jimin into a life without him. Jimin shook his head at the thought. It wasn't the time for him to be making assumptions about what Hoseok was saying. Yet, that was all Jimin could think about as Hoseok continued to point and become mesmerized by the blinding, shining lights all around them.

It would make sense that Hoseok was showing him things that he had never once shared with Jimin. December thirty first was only a few days away— three days to be exact, which meant that Hoseok was burdened now more than ever to make a choice. So far, Yoongi had shown interest in pushing Hoseok to stay with Jimin, while Jimin had been pushing Hoseok towards Yoongi, feeling himself to be powerless in such dire situations.

He could see right through Hoseok's mask of happiness. There was a haunted look in Hoseok's eyes as he pointed to anything he could, an underlying tone behind the cheerful voice that encouraged them to take pictures and venture further out. Jimin knew that Hoseok knew his time was running out, and Jimin was willing to bet that Hoseok was just about ready to make his final decision.

Jimin didn't know why he thought he had a chance.

Even with what Yoongi told him, it didn't matter. There was no hope for Jimin's happy ending, no way when all he could see was Hoseok's gaze always lingering on Yoongi's, drifting back as if Yoongi was Hoseok's metal. In ways, Yoongi was, while Jimin was in the same polar traction as Hoseok.

And everyone knew that only opposites attracted to each other.

"I'll miss these," Yoongi sighed wistfully as they all sat on the nearest bench. "Christmas lights. Reminds me of my family. I wish I were still alive to experience this every year with them fully. I know it's not the same for them anymore."

"Nothing's the same, Yoongi," Jimin spoke, looking at him in sympathy. "Hoseok hadn't come to see the lights in years. I didn't even know these were a thing. I'm sure your family is enjoying them the best they can."

"I would have loved to visit them this time around," Yoongi murmured dully. "I know it's not possible, though. If only I had more time."

Time.

Something that everyone seemed to need, but too few to hoard. Every second that ticked by was another opportunity lost. There was only so much time that anyone had, and sometimes, life was unfair. Hell, life was always unfair— especially to those who deserved to be bathed in all the time in the world. People like Yoongi, whose lives were taken far too soon, only to be brought back by their loved ones for a limited time. Then you had people like Jimin, who spent their time slaving away at the things that didn't matter, not pursuing what their heart wants because they have all the time in the world.

So much to do, so little time.

"I want to see our friends before I go," Yoongi said, looking straight at Jimin. "Before I die again."

For the first time since he'd come back, Jimin noticed the worn out, tired, saddened look on his face. Yoongi was already starting to lose the color on his skin. The light in his eyes had gotten a bit duller; the eye bags under his eyes were more prominent. If Hoseok had noticed it too, he failed to say anything. Instead, he nodded, looking at Jimin for confirmation.

"Shouldn't you be the one doing it, Hoseok?" Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow. Hoseok pressed his lips together, motioning towards Yoongi. "Of course."

He'd rather spend as much time with Yoongi as possible than make phone calls to his friends about Yoongi.

Figures.

Jimin swallowed the lump in his throat, hating that Hoseok had placed the burden of calling to him. Finally, he nodded in agreeance, taking out his phone and dialing Taehyung's number. first, knowing that out of everyone, he would be the least likely to bite Jimin's head off as he'd be the calmest.

"Jimi!" Taehyung greeted enthusiastically. "Hey!"

"Hi, Tae," Jimin giggled softly. "How are you and Kook doing?"

"Oh, we're doing great. He's currently resting right now. Been out all day with his family," Taehyung sighed, clicking his tongue. "What did you need?"

"A favor."

There was a slight rustling on the opposite end. "What is it?"

"Yoongi wants to see you and Kook before he leaves."

Jimin was met with silence.

"Tae?"

"Yoongi's back?" Taehyung questioned, his voice becoming slightly cracked. "As in walking around? Alive."

"He only has a couple more days," Jimin said quietly. "Until the thirty first."

"Damn it, Jimin, now you tell me?" Taehyung nearly yelled. "Yoongi's our friend, damn it! If we would have known that Hoseok would bring him back, we wouldn't have left. Have you told Jin and Namjoon? They're going to be pissed."

"I know," Jimin mumbled, noting the way Taehyung knew that it was Hoseok who'd asked for Yoongi back. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Taehyung answered. "I'm just surprised. Kook and I will be there by tomorrow afternoon the latest. We're staying the rest of the time with you guys."

"I-" Jimin started, in disbelief. "You haven't even discussed it with him yet!"

Taehyung stifled a laugh. "Trust me, he'll agree. Send my regards to Yoongi. Tell him we missed him. We'll see him tomorrow. Now, call Seokjin. They're on the opposite side of the world during the holidays. If you don't call them, they won't come back in time."

"Noted. Bye, Tae."

"Bye, Jimi."

Jimin flashed a thumbs-up to Yoongi, who relaxed into Hoseok's hold. Hoseok ran his fingers through Yoongi's hair absentmindedly, his mind plagued in thought as Jimin began dialing Namjoon's number.

"What did I tell you about calling me on days that weren't Christmas and New Years'?"

Jimin sighed. "Hello to you too, Jin."

There was slight quarreling on the line, causing Jimin to wince and remove the phone from his ear. After he felt it silence, he took it as a sign to continue the conversation. This time, Namjoon answered him, sounding incredibly apologetic.

"Sorry, Jin and I were preparing to get some lunch," Namjoon laughed awkwardly. "What did you need?"

"Yoongi's back," Jimin said, "He wants to see you before he leaves in three days."

"Jimin, you do realize we're on the opposite side of the world, right?" Namjoon scoffed, tone full of disbelief. "Was this a spur of the moment decision? When did he come back?"

"The twenty-fourth," Jimin whispered, causing an even louder groan from Namjoon.

"I wish you two would have told us what you were planning on doing," Namjoon huffed. "You're lucky I sent Jin to the other room, or else he'd be screaming his head off. Scratch that, I'm going to have to suffer that, lucky you two. I can't make any promises, but we'll try to get the first flight out of here. Promise."

"Thank you, Namjoon," Jimin breathed, smiling softly. "That's all we ask."

"Tell Hoseok he owes me one," Namjoon paused. "And he owes you a million more. He should have been the one making the calls, not you, even if he's with Yoongi right now."

"I know."

But in the end, whatever Hoseok wanted from Jimin, Hoseok got, even if it was at the expense of Jimin's own happiness.

a/n: my life is waiting for you (yes you), her smiling at me in the mirror (hakuna matata), my heart is beating for you (yes you), no more fairy tale, the night goes tic tak tic tak ring my heart MAGO MAGO