As the clock struck 7, heavy yet dominating footsteps dragged themselves inside the quiet mansion. As winters were approaching the days became shorter, and the nights longer. Jeongguk wished to forget all his worries for a moment and just eat and sleep. He wasn't able to do anything productive today because of a certain boy clouding his mind.

"Call everyone to join for dinner" He ordered one of the maid passing by, who obediently bowed her head before replying.

"They're already seated and waiting for your arrival master"

Jeongguk gave her a nod before passing his suitcase to her, as he made his way towards the dining area.

The moment he walked inside the room, that was usually supposed to be filled with small chitter chatter or bickering, was now awfully silent. But what he noticed above all was the familiar figure of the same person who had invaded his mind. Usually a smile would have greeted his face but not today.

Jimin kept his head bowed down, with his bangs shadowing over his eyes, that were swollen and red, looking dull and lifeless as they fixed themselves on the brown sweater he is wearing. To say Jeongguk wasn't disappointed to not be greeted by Jimin's enduring smile and the cute wave he used to do, would have been a lie.

"Oh welcome back, we were just about to start dinner' Jin welcomed him, breaking the awkward silence twirling around them.

The rest hummed in agreement but Jimin still didn't look up. He wasn't being a brat, no. Jimin was actually scared to look up and meet eyes of the person who's upset with him, who he disappointed and feared if Jeongguk would look at him and remember what happened a few hours ago, he might kick him out.

"Today was-" Jeongguk spoke as he looked at the quiet figure besides him, "...very hectic"

"let's just eat and retire back to our rooms" Jin replied back before sitting next to Jimin and gave him his plate.

Jimin nervously glared at the spoon before bringing his shaky hand forward to grasp it between his chubby fingers. He could clearly hear the small ticks of the spoon hitting against the plate as the rest began to eat their meal.

Jimin knew he had to brave up and eat using that spoon to show Jeongguk he would behave, to show him he wouldn't get his hands dirty, to assure him he won't be a trouble for him. But with his trembling fingers the rice kept on slipping from the spoon. Just like before, when he was learning with Hoseok, he tried and tried again, his heart beat had started to increase due to frustration, his hands were trembling more and more now and to top it off tears had already brimmed his swollen eyes.

From the corner of his eyes, Jeongguk was confused to see Jimin trying to use a spoon, especially when he had told the younger that he can eat however he wants to but then why was he putting himself through this torturous way. He could see how Jimin was trembling along with his fingers, he could see small crystal drops damp the blue table cloth and he could clearly notice how the younger was internally battling with himself.

And that's when it struck him...Jimin was behaving this way because of him. How he had pushed Jimin off of him because of his dirty hands, how he had yelled at him and barged off, this was all because of him. Jeongguk couldn't explain or name the emotion building up inside him, but he could feel his heart crush into millions of pieces, making his throat suffocate by the disturbance building up inside him as he looked at the hopeless boy, torture himself to just eat using a spoon just because Jeongguk couldn't control his anger?

He just couldn't watch the younger look so miserable over something this small... he just couldn't. As soon Jeongguk heard a small sob escape Jimins mouth he couldn't control himself. He immediately grabbed his spoon and harshly threw it against the wall. The loud clanking sound echoing in the silent room, leaving everyone shocked. Jimin immediately looked up, making Jeongguk drown in guilt when he saw Jimins face. He couldn't see the optimistic boy.

"gguk-"

"We will all eat using our hands today... if anyone has a problem with that can kindly escort themselves out" He ordered surprising everyone, even Jimin.

Ignoring all eyes, Jeongguk pulled up his cuffs and started to eat the remaining of his rice, using his hands. He didn't care if his hands were getting messy, he didn't care if this was against his ethics, all what matters to him was Jimin. He didn't miss how Jimin's eyes light up once he saw the rest using their hands as well to eat.

With red tinted cheeks, Jimin began eating comfortably with his fingers, now enjoying the meal. Every person present could see the evident change in the younger. He wasn't sulking or trembling, he was calmly eating his meal without a care in the world...like he used to eat before.

♣️

Jeongguk was the first one to leave the table and retire back to his room. He wanted to be there before Jimin so he could talk to the younger and apologize to him. His behavior was completely out of line and harsh. Jimin didn't deserve to be treated especially when he's trying to adjust in this new world.

However Jimin had other plans in his mind.

"Plwese- min slweep.. with- chu" Jimin begged as he clutched his small figure around Jins leg, shaking his head furiously, not allowing the said male to even move an inch.

"Jimin! Get off!" Jin tried to pull his leg but the younger was too stubborn, he glued himself around Jins leg and refused to let go, shaking his head no.

"No! No! Plweese!" Jimin dramatically begged his hyung to let him sleep with him because he thought Jeongguk might still be angry at him.

Jin had no problem allowing the younger the sleep with him, but he knew Jeongguk wanted to sort this out with Jimin.

"I wish I could but there is a lizard in my room!" Jin lied knowing how scared Jimin was by that little creature.

Jimin's eyes popped out of his sockets in horror as he detached himself from Jin's leg and crawled back.

"Min slweep with guk" Jimin replied as he dragged himself slowly towards his and Jeongguks room.

Before Jimin could make a run for it, the door opened and Jeongguk softly grabbed Jimin's hands between his as he guided him inside. Jimin still had his head bowed down much to Jeongguks dismay. He made Jimin sit at the edge of the bed as he kneeled down in front of Jimin, still caressing his soft hands.

"M-min... Sworry, no eat frwuit." Jimin started to sob lightly as he tried to tell the older he will not eat fruits from now because that's what made him angry. Guilt flashed through Jeongguks eyes as he saw Jimin cry softly, trying to control his whimpers.

"No! Look at Guk" Jeongguk said quickly grabbing Jimin's attention and making him look at his worried face. For the first time Jeongguk allowed someone to see when he was vulnerable. He allowed Jimin to see his raw emotion to assure him how guilty he felt.

"Guk is sorry okay, not min. It's my fault. I was being a meany and I'm sorry." Jeongguk made sure to calmly speak every word so Jimin could understand. And the younger did.

"You can eat using your hands okay? No one will ever stop you. I want you to be comfortable here...with me. If something is bothering you, you need to tell Guk okay?" Jeongguk said, softly caressing Jimin's hand making the younger blush and nod.

"You can also eat fruits. I was being stupid-"

"No! Guk no stwupid" Jimin corrected him, making Jeongguk laugh.

"But Guk was a meany, and he's sorry okay. I promise to take care of you and treat you like a prince, so please stop crying, I can never stand seeing you cry. I want to see you happy and spoiled" Jeongguk smiled caging Jimin's face between his warm palms as he caressed his soft chubby cheeks, wiping away the stray tears left behind.

Jeongguk might not know but his words made Jimin calm down and assure him he won't leave him ever. He realized it was both of their faults and it's always better to apologise and clear it out.

"Guk won't lweve min?" Jimin asked.

"Never! Min lives with Guk, always" Jeongguk assured him with a soft smile, making the younger cheer happily.

"You're too precious to me, I may not know why but I don't think I can ever let you go" Jeongguk said, staring deeply into Jimin's eyes, as he slowly leaned forward, landing a small kiss on Jimin's forehead.

Both stayed still, with Jeongguks lips still attached to Jimin's soft warm skin as he caressed his cheeks, enjoying the warmth radiating out of him. Jimin tried to control his deep blush but he was too happy by the affection he received to bother about it. And Jeongguk was too satisfied and content to bother about those 5 fucking heads peaking from the window, spying on him from the past 10 minutes.