Jimin's P.O.V

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[SUNDAY, EARLY OCTOBER]

Jungkook is about ten steps ahead of me while exiting.

No, it doesn't scare me that his obviously longer legs are faster, but it's a bit concerning when he hasn't told me his plans before leaving the diner. All I could see was the back of his black dress shirt, and swing of his arms as he unlocked the SUV doors with ease. The older male opened the driver's door quickly, snapping his head back at me with furrowed brows. His cheeks and neck were flush with a rouge; however, it wasn't from embarrassment. I knew that much.

I stop at the hood of the SUV, waiting Jungkook to say something.

The brunette nodded curtly toward the car. "Get in, please... Can't waste much time now--"

I glanced around while thinking. "Where are we heading? We know he can't be at work." I knew that when I emerged out of those glass doors, I was going to face a whole new world. Helping Tae wasn't going to be easy, but it couldn't be rushed.

Jungkook swiped his tongue on the inside of his cheek, tapping lightly on the hood of the vehicle. "Who knows where he is... I wouldn't be surprised if left the continent. Either way, it's still your birthday and we need to get this over with before it ends. I'm sick of playing games." Jungkook finished the task of getting in the SUV and settling down, and leaving me with no choice but to hurry onto the passenger side and sit with him.

Although it's hard to see through Jungkook's sternness at times, it's presented plain as day how truly emotional he was. He didn't wear his heart on his sleeve, but it definitely wasn't stone cold. With each day, I'm able to peel back a layer in his attitude and peek into his thought process. Which, I'll admit, is more structured than mine.

Sitting beside him in the car created an enclosed space fraught with tension and undeniable animosity. The silence was a brick on each of my shoulders and chest, compressing my lungs while we both stared forward. When he backed out of his parking space, I didn't need to see his entire expression to understand his feelings.

After letting off onto the road, we came to a red light just up the street. An opening I couldn't neglect.

"I think we should both calm down," I took a breath, "I'm sure when Taehyung knows about the robbery, and he was freaking out too. Bringing more of that frustration will just flare everything up again, and-and nothing will get fixed... Right?"

In that moment, I sent a small prayer to whatever God, asking for him to make sense of what I said.

Jungkook's fingers tighten on the steering wheel. "I get where you're coming from. But if I'm being honest, none of it matters." He exhaled, "we're heading to his house, and whatever happens... Will just remain as it is."

Just before the light switches from red to green, Jungkook matches his eyes with mine. A sincere pull kept out gazes in place. "We had this talk- reality is a thing, and we're not going to ignore it. I'm done with that and you should be too."

I blinked, clueless on how else to refute his statements. I was only hoping we could come to an agreement on how we'd approach Taehyung. But now, seeing the fire crackle wildly underneath his pupils in addition to the venomous tone he shot out as he discussed his brother, like every time before. It was time to choose my battles carefully.

At least not fully.

My voice wavered a bit before starting. "You know, so far, you've said nothing good about your brother... But I know you care for him deeply, don't you?"

Jungkook pressed the gas, teetering just past the speed limit on the open road. I swallowed, ready to hear his response no matter how brutal his wording spilled.

The question hung in the air like a leaf falling from a tree, only to land into a pond where it floats and is never touched.

This is, until it's spotted by a curious kid on the lake who digs his hand into the pond fiercely.

Not knowing the leaf would crumble in his grip.

"I'd mourn him if he passed, but as long he lives... Respect is earned, and he won't ever obtain that from me."

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Around 30 minutes flew by, and Jungkook and I were ending our ride to Taehyung's house in complete quietude. No slight static of the radio, or barely audible breeze of the wind interrupting the pace of Jungkook's movements. It felt like we were on some sort of side quest at the end of a game, and there was a clear option to leave and save what we'd seen for another day, but the sense of incompletion was far worse than losing the momentum.

It was a snowball.

Unstoppable and trailblazing once pushed down a hill, and it accumulates its surroundings until it reaches a plateau.

I kept wondering on our way here, when was the plateau going to come?

Just how tall was our snowy mountain of issues?

How large of a feat were we actually tackling?

Could we do this?

I leered at Taehyung's entrance like I would teleport there if I kept it up. Meanwhile, Jungkook was placing the car in park, and removing his key from the ignition. Suddenly, my stomach dropped and my seat was sticking to my back.

Jungkook placed his hand on the car door handle, readying himself to step out. He looked back at before he exited. "You don't have to go inside if you're not feeling up to it. I know how to deal with him and his antics."

I shook my head and gripped my door handle same. "No, that-I can't do that. I won't... I'm going in."

The older male's lips twitched, almost sporting a smirk of some sort.

Or maybe that was my imagination.

"Okay then... Right behind you, Jimin."

Jungkook opened his door and so did I. With the first step I took outside the vehicle, I felt like he and I were beginning to read the same page as we strolled our way toward Taehyung's front porch. Just before hopping onto the steps, I shut my eyes for a short while, inhaling through my nostrils the crips fall air. I had to clear my head of all past visits in order to give this one a fighting chance of being orderly.

I whispered to myself, hoping my heart and head won't disagree. "No matter what happens, you'll help him after."

My eyes fluttered open, and I was taking in the front porch for second time. I remembered what my halmoni would tell me whenever I was afraid, and it was just the simple phrase.

"Get going. The unknown needs you."

My lips cracked a faint smile as I walked up the steps, her words propelling and ascending me to the top where I could hear Jungkook trailing with me by the click of his dress shoes.

I peered down at the door knob only to see a that the door wasn't quite closed, revealing a sliver of the interior and letting out the small snips of music playing in the background.

Could he have known we were coming?

I froze, momentarily, and Jungkook spoke up to fill the gap. "Hey! I know you're home! Mind if we come in?" His voice was straightforward; swinging the bat in sure of a homerun-or in this case, an answer from beyond the front door. A few minutes went by and I almost started to doubt our unanouced arrival. However, I knew Jungkook would stand his ground since he's far more familiar with the severity of today's situation.

So, I stood in place.

Trustfully waiting.

Jungkook didn't move an inch or shout again, he kept still, listening in. Soon, the music died off and the shuffle of footsteps made their advance toward the door. I thought about this very moment a lot, over and over-what I would say, how I would move. That was, until I realized I didn't have a specific expectation of Taehyung's appearance. Whether he looked 'presentable ' or half-asleep. I simply just wanted him to be there. Neither did I picture the tables, the house, or walls.

But as time ticked away and the door was opened, Tae presented himself with barely an expression or invitation inside. My lips twitched, longing for a grin, but I couldn't quite snap it in place just yet.

Jungkook glanced at me, nodded forward to encourage my steps. His grit hadn't faded just yet, so I had to keep up. There was more work to be done.

Taehyung didn't give us the luxury of a greeting; instead, he turned from the doorway and lead us into the hosue with our silence tailing him. I immediately gazed around, locking onto the familiar furniture and quirky design. The sun on the outside lit up the room, but didn't alleviate the weight of the atmosphere. Taehyung made a right into a door the left-side of the small hallway.

I hadn't been inside of his room yet, as I chose to leave early and didn't get the chance.

I never thought I'd have to view in this manner.

Jungkook and I continued down the hall until we were met with the doorway of Taehyung's space, where he seemed to be in the middle of cleaning. The mahogany drawers beside his green bedding were pulled out, and along with a disarray laid a lamp with its shade missing and lightbulb shattered. Shards of glass fanned out on the floor and the same went for the right side. It had gotten worse as my eyes left with planks and scaled the wall, seeing an empty shelf that once was stacked with beer bottles were now fragmented and piled on the floor with a dustpan and broom next to the mess.

But those boken bottles weren't empty.

They were filled with life

A form that Taehyung cherished.

Flowers.

I leaned forward and analyzed the multicolored petals that littered the floor. Some rose, tulip, even lilac parts-partially brown and dead-were now mixed in with the glass, making it dangerous to pick them up and redeem what it once was. In way, when I saw Taehyung's blank face as he sat on the edge of his ruffled bed, I didn't think he wanted them to piece them together.

A part of me wanted to scan Jungkook and mimic his movements because he didn't have and hesitation on stepping up and speaking first despite the dreariness of scene.

His voice rode low, but audible. "Are you going to say anything to us?"

Taehyung's face buried in his hands as he talked. "You came here... I'm in the middle of-something."

I could feel Jungkook's quick and firm reply replenishing, but I had to intervene. All it takes it one wrong word, and our visit could easily become a mistake.

"It's-- hard to say. But... We know. A-about your shop, and we came to--" I paused when Taehyung's head lifted, and, his hooded eyes widened, matching mine. My brain started to forgoing the memory of speech and rhythm of breath, so I hurried though my explanation. "We wanted to talk, and say that-that we understand, and- and--"

Taehyung stood up and snatched the broom off the ground. "I can't believe- it's not about understanding- It's... It's my life! It's what I do, and how I survive! Understanding isn't fixing, it's just--" he swept up the glass on the floor, cutting himself off with each stroke bristling the wood. His swipes were vigorous and agitated, only adding to the compressed feeling he was bottling.

"Hey, we can't talk if you're not calm... I--" Jungkook started out with a smooth tone, but was interjected.

"Calm? According to you I'm never calm! I have nothing! Fucking- Nothing! You can't sit here and tell me to calm down, when I can't even-- " Taehyung fought, his voice catches in his throat, causing him to inhale and gulp while staring at the floor.

It was obvious he had opinions and beliefs that were begging to unclasped, an even now he was fastening the belt on them. I could tell from the sizzling red of his neck, and strain in his voice that we were close to loosening things. However, a larger step needed to be taken- more than just a view words spewed from his loved ones; no matter how caring in meant they were.

"-I can't even go to the place where feel appreciated! I'm... here!" Taehyung shouted, gesturing to the floor of glass while his voice crackled. "I'm just... Everything is gone. All- gone." He was losing his will to continue with his rant, and his so was throat when he hoarsely attempted more. It was as if he was trying to comprehend, accept and bargain all at once.

Instinctively I stepped forward, wanting to share the tug on my heart his words created. "That's why we're here... We're both here, because we want to do something-just something, Tae..." Leaving Jungkook at the door frame, I rushed forward, standing just a foot before him as he sank into the mattress beneath.

He refused to look up at me. "Yeah... How long did it take you convince him?" There was a deliberate break as he referenced Jungkook who was surprisingly patient enough to let him finish. I didn't expect that when he looked up, he would turn his attention to his brother who stewed afar, eyes fizzling with rage. "Did you make him get on his knees and plead first?"

He was being humorous, albeit there was a wicked undertone to his question. It was an obnoxious thread hanging from the fabric of our conversation, and Jungkook had no problem with ripping off as he replied.

"Fuck you." Jungkook sneered, emphasizing his profanity, and sending a tsunami of animosity across the room- enough to chill my spine and tense my muscles as I flinched. He looked to me, eyes softening for just a second. "I'll let myself out. Done wasting people's time."

The older male took his leave without any extra words, and Taehyung chuckled beside me. Almost sounding amused while I couldn't even move an inch to pull everything back together.

"Ya'know... I applaud you for trying to do the impossible, Min. Sadly, it just won't ever-"

"He wanted to help you." I cut him off, stilling eyeing the now vacant doorway. "I know that because is when he-told me. He-said he could've come in alone. He would've... He would've helped."

Taehyung scoffed, looking at his lap. "I know you like him a lot, sweetie, but-"

"Today's my birthday." I plainly stated, peering down at him finally. "He wanted to- he told me not to come, and to spend my day having fun, but I said no."

"I didn't-I didn't tell you to do that," he whispered.

"I know... But you told me to come here." My legs were beginning to tremble as I thought back on the incident a few days back; when Taehyung balled himself up, hardly able to speak when he told me to leave. "So I'm here for you, Tae. I'm here for my friend." My teeth clamped onto my bottom lip as I held back tears of my own.

Taehyung let out a sigh that seemed to store an assortment of emotions, some easy to define and some I may never know. The brunette lifted his head to connect out stares, his puffy crescent eyes glossing with tears while he shook his head.

Tae reached up to grasp my left wrist, gingerly tugging as he muttered. "I'm sorry... I'm-Jimin-I'm... So tired. I'm just so-" There wasn't much more Taehyung could say or do that would steer me from my path, even with it winding in unexpected directions, and the roads being dimmed, blocked, and destroyed, I was going to continue walking down whatever pavement.

I was going to continue pulling or dragging him along until our destination was found.

I was going to continue to try.

Every single time.

Without saying another word, I settled down next to Taehyung on the bed and circled my arm around his neck to pull him in for an embrace. Our heads knocked one another as he returned the favor with his own arms, and for a while it seemed like understanding was fixing. I closed my eyes as we just breathed together, syncing up our drawls.

When I opened them, looking forward and nowhere else, it was if Taehyung's voice kept me in place so after.

"Those flowers," he stared off breathy, "they were something my mother adored. It was- it was everything. That garden at the back of-of the house in the spring. When we planted them, it was-the best moment of my life, because I-I never knew what it was like to do something good, to-- to make something so small grow into something so- so fucking beautiful."

I didn't blink even once while he spoke. His soft voice was riddled with pounds of hurt that kneaded into his memories of him and his mother. There weren't many times he'd talk about her when we met online, but he'd always tell me of his love for his work and flowers he'd grow. I'd always think it was because of smell or calmness there is in nature that made him love it.

But it's far more complex-than just shattered beer bottles.

Far more meaningful-than rotting flower petals on the ground.

Just far more than I could've ever imagined.

I squeezed his shoulder, deciding to response as honest as I could and loud as I could.

"It might be my birthday, but I'll still make this promise." I wet my drying lips, "I'm staying in here until everything is okay. I'll stay for-- I'll stay even if things go horribly wrong. I don't have much to-to offer, but I'll stay and help you with-with anything. Just-just say anything."

Taehyung sucked in a shaky breath. "I was thinking... after noon tomorrow I could stop by the shop when everything is clear and-help clean up the mess. My employees are-they quit. So-"

"We can-we tag along. We'll-we'll put it back together." I nodded, already feeling my heartbeat pick back up at the new opportunity.

Taehyung's arm loosened on my shoulders. "Jimin-ah-when will you realize Jungkook doesn't want anything to do with me."

I jerked my head back. "That's-he wouldn't come if he didn't at least think he could figure something out. You-you've known him longer than me, so you know... There's a chance. We just have to-push through. We'll be okay."

It took him a few seconds too respond, but he let out a small snicker while he elbowed my side. "Yeah... yeah, I'm sure you'll drive him crazy enough to do it. I mean, you got this far, and he looks at you like he looks at his coffee in morning."

A rush of heat attacked my ears, as I listening to Taehyung' teasing. I couldn't hold back my small smile at the snips of Taehyung's personality slipping through the cracks of our conversation.

"Like what?"

He exhales, shaking his head as he turned to look at me. "Like you're the only thing keeping him going."

I elbow him back. "Hey, stop that. You're probably just seeing things."

Taehyung laughs, straight from the gut and nearly kills me because it felt like forever since I hear it last.

"Whatever you say, birthday boy."

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Exiting Taehyung's house was like leaving a kennel without a puppy in hand and wondering if the one you mentally picked out was going to be there when you left or if something was going to change the second you turned your back. It was nothing but 20 minutes and promise, and it completely boxed my brain up, leaving me to think of nothing but tomorrow.

I would've never guessed I'd be looking outside, without my halmoni there to guide me or give me suggestions, that I wouldn't be running free and screaming to top of my lungs. Instead, I was standing on the porch, feeling like a ton had been lifted my chest but there were still chains on my feet. The snowball was nearing the plateau and felt the rumbling slow up as I inched my way from the door and down the stairs to the SUV.

It was hard to visualized Jungkook though the tinted window, but as I neared the vehicle, I could make out his expression.

Or lack thereof, since he had his forehead planted on the steering wheel and his tattooed hands gripping the leather, one hand tapping and other still, like a cat hanging onto a tree branch. I almost didn't want to open the door, and just allow him to have his space. But at the same time, I knew he didn't want to be sitting in front of Tae's for much longer.

I gently pulling the car door, slinging my seat appropriately and waiting on Jungkook to start up the car when I closed the door.

But that wasn't how it went. Not at all.

Jungkook spoke first. "You get anything useful out of him?"

I sat back in my seat. "I-yeah, a few things. Mostly just... Crying. But we did talk. It was nice... Open."

Jungkook sucked in a breath, pulling his head up from the wheel and letting it rest on the seat behind him. His jaw tightened for a bit but was soon released when he hummed. "What are you thinking of doing? The clouds still bag of oranges?"

I nodded, his words tugging my lips into a faint smile. "It is, Officer. Always has been, you just have to keep looking up."

I guess that was all he needed to hear.

Jungkook turned the key forward in the ignition, leading into another question. "So... It's still your birthday. I had some ideas on what to do, but-I'm going to need your approval." The smooth roll of the SUV when we pulled off lulled me into a relaxed space that I didn't know I needed. Jungkook twisted the knob on the radio up a bit before continuing. "Cake, from a bakery close to the condo, and-maybe stop somewhere?"

I chewed the inside of my cheek, thinking of way to flesh out his ideas. "Uh, I guess we can like, eat outdoors... Like a picnic. I don't have a blanket, but-"

"Sure. We can pick up on from a store... It'll be fine." Jungkook agreed, keeping his eyes on the road as he drove us through his memorized lanes.

As much as I wanted to coast with the flow of the afternoon and fall victim into the addicting vibrations of the next pop song on the radio, I didn't have the brain capacity to keep my mouth shut for that long.

When Jungkook made his next left turned, and we were riding down a nearly empty streetway, I created a my own segway on the elephant in the room.

I cleared my throat. "Taehyung didn't mean what he said in there... He was just trying to distract himself. It's not an excuse, but he's sorry for it."

"Why're you speaking on his behalf? Couldn't he have said that?"

"It's not-he doesn't think you care about him... But I know that's not true."

Jungkook transitioned into the lane next to us, signaling the cars behind and so he could eventually turn into a Wal-greens parking lot. Jungkook checked his mirrors before making the turn and didn't reply until rolled into a park near the door.

He fished for his wallet. "You know... I have this email I need to send to my therapist, Seokjin. I was supposed to have sent to him two days ago, but with all this happening I haven't gotten around to it since my stepbrother is on drugs and mentally unstable," he sat back in his seat and focused on the windshield, "I've only typed eight words since I got it, and none of them are from today. Even though I could've made something up just to go the hell home. What does that say to you?"

I pressed my lips together, letting Jungkook's long-winded statement ring in my ears. I never once though Jungkook would lie to me, but some truths dig deeper than others. "I said that we could help him with the shop, and-we'll do it. That's what I told him. If you still want in, I'm staying. Are we on the same page?"

Jungkook matched my stare, tonguing the inside of his cheek. "Want me to be honest?"

I nodded, feeling hopeful.

"I don't know anymore."

A dome of silence trapped us as we stared at one another. The rumble of the SUV's engine faded out, and I couldn't pave a way to respond when my heart was plummeting into my stomach. Somehow, without me noticing, Jungkook was stepping out of the car and I wasn't going with him. The car's indoor lights began to dim, and I was left behind while he made his purchase in the store.

Jungkook, as I would expect, didn't waste any time doing anything other than buying a blanket. When he came back out a few minutes later, fingers carding through his dark hair, opaque bag swinging in his left hand, I started wondering where else the night could go after.

Also, if it would worse before getting better.

He handed me the bag once he entered, allowing me to peak at the thick, lilac fabric rolled and tied with a bow placed neatly inside.

"Thank you," I politely voiced, looking out of the window as he pulled off and responded with a soft 'you're welcome'.

Few minutes waned, and I tried to find a chill place Jungkook and I could stop at after picking up the cake. I could only keep track of a couple scenes on the drive; a bustling Latin restaurant with an open rooftop for dining, a grocery store with a name I couldn't pronounce, but nothing simple stood out for a long while. As we made another stop at a red light, and car settled at just the right time, I was able to pluck out the sight of a large lake where an empty doc was presented on the next turn.

My back detached from the seat as we rode past, causing Jungkook to speak up in concern.

"You saw something?" He questioned, slowing up the car when we came close to a bakery's sign that lit up a neon pink to attract customers.

My neck snapped over to Jungkook, excitement shocking my limbs into motion.

"There was lake!"

"And you wanna go there?"

"Yeah-yes! It looked pretty. You... you think there are ducks over there?"

Jungkook chortled. "Can't make any promises on that, but there will be cake. Hopefully that'll make up for it." The older male pulled into the bakery's parking lot and found a park slightly off to the side.

For some reason, Jungkook's movements seemed slower than before, and the adrenaline flowing though me wouldn't let it go.

"Hurry! I need know if there are ducks!" I demanding, trying to sound serious.

Jungkook shook his head with small laugh, placing the car in park. "I'm going. I'll be quick."

When he was about half out of the SUV, he turned to look at me once more. "Alright, so, I need to know-"

I filled in the blanks for him. "Strawberry vanilla with sprinkles. Go."

Jungkook nodded, "will do. Be right back."

Jungkook took off jogging once he closed the door. Luckily, the bakery's entrance had large glass windows for me to spectate as Jungkook ordered. His right leg nervously tapped on the marble floor, and he checked his watch more times than I could count. Although I wasn't inside, I practically hear anxiety cracking though his pores. It almost made me want to apologize for rushing him.

For fun, I pulled out my phone and swiped to the camera where I could record Jungkook's stance and gratitude once the lady returned with a smile and handed him a white box which held the cake, nearly completing the transaction.

When Jungkook paid and pivoted on his foot to exit, I stopped my recording with a giggle marking the end, and hid my phone as he emerged from the bakery.

Jungkook opened the backseat and carefully placed the cake before returning to his driver's seat and shutting the door once settled.

He dusted off his black dress shirt while huffing. "Was that speed to your liking?" Jungkook quipped, putting the car into reverse and drive soon after.

"Faster than I assumed." I admitted.

Jungkook rolls his eyes. "Are you trying to say I'm out of shape? I'm sure you'd tap out if we raced."

I slapped a hand over my mouth, astounded at Jungkook's coy attitude. "I'll have to check my schedule, officer. I might be too busy."

Jungkook clicked his tongue. "Tell me the day; I'll add it to my calendar."

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Jungkook had driven us around and back down the street we came until I recognized the scenery. The lake's open space and dock were already engrained, so when I pointed it out I nearly opened the car door-- which made Jungkook instinctively throw on the child lock-- while he drove down the dirt path that guided us to the lake up ahead.

When we came to a stop, and the SUV was nothing but a measly distance away from the body of water, I gripped the bag in my lap and exited as if the interior had been on fire. I charged forward to the small dock that was white paint chipping across its planks, but still displayed a great place to sit and forget about ones day. I peered out across the waters that were painted with warm golden sunrays and ripped with the pulls of gravity. The centering sound of its water washing on the pebbles and soil was fresh and captivating enough to for me to remove my shoes and socks to crisp autumn air.

This was something you couldn't experience by just searching it up on Pinterest.

My bare feet carried me to the edge of the dock where I rolled up my pants legs to my knees and crouched down until I was sitting. My toes dangling over the cool water. I wriggled my ankles as I dipped my feet into the lake, sighing at the heavy pressure of it as I leaned back on my palms for support and watched my calves disappear into the liquid.

So, when Jungkook's shouted from behind, my soul nearly left my body.

"You thinking of a birthday wish?" I heard him say, footsteps pattering closer.

I blew out a puff of air, trying to reduce the speed of my heartbeat. "Not really."

Jungkook's footsteps ceased and I turned to see him holding the cake box with the cuffs of his black dress shirt unbuttoned and rolled up along with his dress pants, revealing even more of the ink on his body that covered his arms and part of his thigh.

One date. One colored Flower.

9/01/97

A Yellow Rose.

"Mind if I sit?" Jungkook asked, gesturing the empty space beside me.

I shrugged while forcing my eyes to leave his skin and latch onto the water. "I don't know. I'm kind of on the fence~"

Nevertheless, Jungkook took my answer as an invitation.

While I wasn't complaining, the skin on my cheeks and back of my neck were scorching the second he plopped down, effortlessly leaving just a couple inches of space between our shoulders and legs. It absolutely did nothing to help my stomach from twisting up the way it did.

Jungkook began fondling the cake box while he looked through it and released the fragrant, fruity aroma that danced in my nostrils upon impact. He mentioned them packing only one spoon and plastic cutting knife with groan.

"You want to cut it now? We can put it on the blanket." Jungkook held out he plastic knife toward me with a quirked eyebrow.

I kicked my feet in the water to wake up my nerves, only for them to accidentally bump into jungkook's below.

The horrible part wasn't just clumsiness, or inability to function a random times, but it was the fact I wanted to talk, more than enjoy my birthday cake. A pang of guilt that seemed to be simmering had now been boiled over, making my gut the most unreliable thing at the moment.

I hissed, ready to be truthful. "I-really just want to wait for a sec. I just-I just have something I want to say before we start, and-"

Jungkook interrupted, his voice rasping out. "I already knew that. Not a problem, it is your day after all."

Oh right.

It's always funny how Jungkook never fails to show me that I'm practically an adult now, and I'm still not used to speaking my mind. Always making me wonder how I'm going to live when I get back home.

Thankfully, Jungkook was more observant than I, so he picked up where I had left off.

"I'm sorry for blowing up back at my brother's house... I didn't mean to ruin the effort. I'm sure you both talked about it, and I know me being apart of this thing is needed." The brunette sniffled, "I dropped the ball on that, and-god... Yeah. I apologize, Jimin."

I chuckled, glancing over at him with smile. "Well... I was just shocked at hearing how much of a dirty mouth you have, officer."

There was a lot I could've replied with, but stuck to being simple and lighthearted. It was better then yelling or crying; however, Jungkook's sincerity deserved more, and there was a full inventory of things to unload. I just had to be brave enough to take it there.

My lips pressed into a thin line as I road-mapped my way into starting off. "Tae and I didn't really talk about much, just FYI," I scooted back on the dock so I could readjust my posture, "but... When we hugged, he started talking about his eomma. She apparently liked to garden, and he told me how much it meant to him when-when he was planting flowers."

I turned my neck to look at Jungkook who was already staring back at me, face expressionless and eyes brimming with austerity.

"He said that it-it's some how made him 'good'," Jungkook's lips twitch, "That it was the only thing that made him feel important t-to someone. I didn't really know why he said it, but-"

Jungkook coldly interjected. "Taehyung and I do not share a drop of blood." There was a extended pause, and watched as he clenched his jaw, looking over the lake with a glare. "My eomma committed suicide when I was eight, mid summer... When my appa re-married, and Taehyung's eomma decided to take over her garden. I wasn't allowed to go, but he was there. Every single day... Digging and burying whenever she told him to," he returned my stare as he finished his statement, "until it became a habit."

Jungkook's stale tone didn't allow his heavy words to fly over head. My shoulders automatically slumped as I listened, and lips melted into a frown that felt semi-permanent. Hearing him relay his life in such a manner, chopped and raw, confirmed that he'd ruminated on this topic for some time and possibly tried to connect the sparse dots of his brother's ways together more than once.

My voice trickled down into a murmur. "A habit?"

Jungkook blinked up at the snake and sucked his teeth. "I saw it with my own eyes," he shook his head, "even after she abandoned us he would... Still go out there. Didn't really get it at the time, but... Doesn't seem too hard to put it together now."

The picture was developing, and for just gain of time I was able to see it with him.

"Do you think that the shop being robbed... That it- broke him?"

Jungkook casted a knowing look at me, chewing on his lips. "He was broken way before then," he exhaled, "it's about the only thing we have in common."

The water suddenly dropped in temperature, and a gust of wind that followed it insured my attention. The strange weight on my chest returned, and tightness was becoming unbearable. Jungkook's voice hadn't wavered for even a second as he spoke, despite the devastating divots they created in the atmosphere.

I swear my lungs were being punctured. "I'm sorry about your eomma... I'm sure she was lovely. I know it's horrible to lose someone."

Jungkook sucked in a batch of air, and let it all go. "Yeah... She-she was. I don't have anything to remember her by except the house I live in. I didn't think I could actually make it without-her, so..." Jungkook's shrugged, eyebrows furrowing as he looked at me with a firm gaze. "The time didn't heal me, but it did numb things for while."

I swallowed a dry lump my throat. "I-I used to have my necklace, but-you know what happened with that..." I took beat to catch my breath. I tried to keep my mind from wandering off into darker cave of memories when I wouldn't make it back from, "... It still haunts me when I think about it being stolen... It's like- it's like para-paralyzing."

My heartbeat were akin to horse's gallops, forcing my body heat to flare the more visualized on the hand that cut off one of the most valuable thing from my life. My hands patted around my sweater, pulling at collar so I could make a way for the cool air to brush my skin faster.

It took me a while to notice that Jungkook had been trying to get my attention, his leaned forward so I could hear him. "Jimin-ah... Don't let it consume you. Your eomma knows that you love her every day, every year, and every time you wake up and do something new." His hand lifted from the dock and onto my thigh where he squeezed for emphasis, "It's horrible, but the feeling will fade, and you'll know when it does."

His words echoed in my ear, and pinged off of whatever focus that was left over.

Jungkook's eyes illuminated in the setting sun's glow, highlighting the honey hue with grace.

I nodded, blinking back tears. "I hope it does... I hope all of this fades. For you too."

The older male's lip part, slowing commencing a lopsided smile.

"Thank you."

I looked up at the sky to relieve the tension in my shoulders and neck. I closed my eyes and let sounds of the lake, once again, infiltrate my system. Jungkook's hand fell way from my thigh.

"Sometimes I... I wish I had gotten to meet her." I squeezed my lids tighter. "And I wonder what her voice would sound like, and what it would be like to just talk to her. One time... You know, just once? Is that-is that normal?"

I didn't really know what I wanted Jungkook to say to that. All I did know was that I wanted him to listen at least. Normally, taking to him would be easy since he didn't give much feedback other than few sentences.

But this?

This was something in completely different category.

"I lost someone else... Just a month ago." Jungkook's admits, letting silence between us suspend for several seconds in the air. "He was my patrol partner in the force. He became-- a brother to me." My eyes slowly open as he went on, "then... There was a robbery at a gas station we stopped at and- he was shot... He was a good guy, had morals, had a son... God- when he passed, I couldn't handle being in the field without hearing his voice in my head... Took a break and now I'm here, still trying to fix things."

With my eyes fully open, I felt like I had been transported to another universe. One where Jungkook and I shared the mind.

"So trust me. You're normal, Jimin-ah... You're normal to me."

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

The night swiftly took over as we sat at the pier going back and forth about our lives, and how they began and nearly ended. Soon, what once was seemingly impossible to bring up, had now sucked us into a whirlwind of common fears and experiences. It had gone for so long, that we decided to save the wish-making and cake-eating for another day.

It didn't occur to me that it had been night time until we were arriving at the condo door, and Jungkook was reminding me about time and his nightly routine.

Jungkook unlocked the wooden door and held it open for me as he spoke. "So, I'll be showering and heading to bed. If you have any issues or if you get hungry, try and tell me before I fall asleep. If you can't-then just knock on the door, I'm not a hard sleeper."

I entered the condo and instantly yawned, nodding at him in the process. "Okie dokie... What time is it?"

Jungkook glanced at his watch. "A quarter to ten."

"The real time!" I fussed.

The brunette shook his head. "Uh-it's 9:45... Oh- no, it's 46 now."

I rubbed at my eyes while walking over to the couch, seeing my blanket and pillow neatly folded like I leave it every morning. My legs sunk into the couch cushions when flopped down on them, sprawling out while closing my eyes. My back needed a rest after sitting up for so long.

"Alrighty then... I'll be right back to check on you if you're not asleep by then." I faintly heard the older male say as the click of his dress shoes were drowned out by my brain shutting off momentarily.

With a wash of slumber overtaking me, it wasn't hard to accept the fact that was right about my stamina. Even though it felt like a blink, I was now waking up to entirely different layout of a motionless, pitch black condo; aside from the kitchen hallway light that filtered into the living room.

I winced at the light as sat up my slumped position, and combing the hair from my forehead. Wiping a hand across my face, I realized how oily my skin was from not washing my face after crying, overheating, and being outdoors. I couldn't help but cringe at the thought of falling asleep with same clothes on.

I fished for my phone in my pocket, struggling for a while since my brain hadn't really caught up with how fast I wanted to move. Squinting at the powerful, bright screen I saw the time currently sitting at 11:38, nearly the next day.

I thought about Jungkook's offer from earlier, and swiped to my messages where I saw there was an unread text from, wishing me a good night.

I snapped my head up to the hallway, wondering if he had thought ahead like always does.

My lips stretched into smile as I thought about Jungkook clicking my contact even in the middle of the night. My body flushed with warmth as I got up from my seat on the couch and found my suitcase where I had another pair of pajamas to throw on.

I picked out a large pink shirt with a black smiley face in the center, and pair of leggings that wouldn't make me sweat in my sleep. It felt strange thinking about going into Jungkook's room this late, but there wasn't another place I could shower in the meantime.

As walked toward the hallway, I tried my best to be quiet while coming close to Jungkook's door. Thankfully, I didn't have to knock since the door had been partially open, just enough that I could push it back and walk straight in.

The room was dark, just like the rest of place, making harder to see my walkway. I felt around on the wall so I could get into the bathroom safely, and ease by Jungkook who was lying still in the bed and facing the opposite of the door.

I clicked on the bathroom light and shut the door, feeling relieved as I was able to undress and unwind finally. I made sure that the shower water was hot enough to clean, but not enough to cause me discomfort. My heart, however, never stopped being loud. All it did was hammer away at my sanity as I finished up and dried off.

I toweled my hair and dressed myself to complete the process. I grabbed my dirty clothes before I passed the mirror on my way to the door.

I clang onto the handle before twisting it, and opening myself back up to the world where Jungkook's sleeping body was just right there. This time, when peeled out over the frame, I was able to make out Jungkook's sharp features since he had turned his body.

I froze, admiring his peaceful state maybe a bit too much.

When I tried to inch out of the bathroom in silence, that's when all my stealth had come to an end.

Jungkook's gravely voice grounded in place. " I feel you standing there. You don't have be quiet. I already knew you'd be coming in."

I knew it!

I brushed my damp hair away from my face once more. Jungkook's eyes were close, but I knew he was listening. "Uh- I know, I just didn't want to be rude. You had texted me goodnight, so I assumed you were sleeping, and you were so-"

Jungkook cut in. "You're not being straightforward... Is there something you need?"

My eyes darted around, as if it would help startled feeling leave my chest. I kept stumbling through my words. "No-not really... Just, I kind of wanted to ask you this before I fall asleep."

Jungkook hummed for me to continue.

My hands clasped together, and my fingers involuntarily fiddle with one another as I started out. "Well... When I talked to Tae earlier, I told him that you and I would-- that'd we'd show up to his flower shop to clean. I was sure I'd get you to agree, but if not... I don't know if he'd take it so easy."

I was certain Jungkook knew what I was trying to imply, but his response was immediate. Instead, I stood back as he turned his body to face away from me and scooted to the side, creating a new distance.

"Well, if we're going to be there I think we're going to need sleep, yeah?" Jungkook admits, his voice breathy and withering.

My spine was sparked with joy, causing me to pop up on my tiptoes with internal squeal. "Yeah, it's-I'll-"

I was stopped by Jungkook's hand slapping the empty side of mattress he had left beside him. I knew it was dark, and it was basically tomorrow, but I couldn't take step forward without some type of reassurance that I haven't imagined it.

This wasn't a dream, was it?

I'm so tempted to pinch--

"There's some room here... I won't push you off. Just don't hog the blankets." Jungkook husked, referring to the mattress.

My hands were clamming up, and so was the rest of my body.

So much for showering.

I shuffled over to the bed, hovering the vacant side of the mattress with desire but apprehension still tagged along as I slowly settled myself into the mattress, ignoring my erupting inner monologue, flaming ears, and heavy heart.

My back relaxed against the bedding, my head became flush with the pillow that smelled faintly of coconut shampoo, and fabric softener. Unfortunately, my brain didn't turn off like before.

"I know you're still awake," Jungkook commented, "We can stare at each other in the morning. For now, you need to sleep."

My legs curled up as I flopped onto my side with grin, and face stuffed into the pillow to hide my face.

"Goodnight, Jungkookie."

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

A/N: SOOO... HOW WAS IT?!

I'm sorry I haven't been active! I've had a few life issues with friends and my health, so I wanted to give myself time to feel better.

This is not the best chapter I've written, but I hope you like where things are going!

Q: OPINIONS ON TAE AND JIMIN'S TALK?

Q: THOUGHTS ON JIKOOK'S EMOTIONAL TALK AND THE MIDNIGHT MOMENT?

Q: PREDICTIONS ON THE NEXT DAY?

Well as you guys know...

You'll just have to wait and see for the next chapter!

Love you guys!

XxxS