Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

GHOST

prologue
(adult content warning)

“Nng…” Jimin clenched his eyes shut, his breath rising sharply, “Ju-Jungkook…” He released a soft moan when his hands were caught by the wrists and pulled tightly to his side where he couldn’t move them.

“Shhh…”

“Pl-please st-stop…”

Jungkook tightened his grip on Jimin’s thin wrists, his other hand running behind Jimin’s bare thigh before roughly pulling his knees apart.

Jimin shook his head frantically, his eyes snapping open, “They’re gonna see us!”

Jungkook’s eyes darkened, his gaze trailing down Jimin’s lithe form spread before him, “Don’t worry, we’re alone here.” He caressed the inside of Jimin’s thigh, admiring its softness, “We’ll be done before they get back.”

Jimin’s next protests were halted, a strangled moan leaving his throat when Jungkook slid two slick fingers into him. Jimin’s harsh breathing fogged his glasses, having fallen from the bridge of his nose to lie sprawled across his lips, “I-I can’t believe this...”

Jungkook gently lifted the glasses from Jimin’s face, his ears focused on his boyfriend’s panting as he intimately touched his inner-walls, “Just relax.” He felt Jimin tense slightly when his fingers touched something soft. He smirked, adding a third finger, “Relax…” He ran his fingers over that soft area again, stroking it. Loving it.

“Ah!” Jimin’s knees clenched against Jungkook’s sides. Unable to close them, Jimin’s back arched, his moans raspy, “Ah! D-don’t keep touching it!” His back twisted, his hands struggling against Jungkook’s tight grip.

Jungkook released Jimin’s wrists, allowing Jimin to beat his chest uselessly as he used his newly freed hand to push Jimin’s shoulder down. He moved his body until he was flush against Jimin’s, deepening the penetration of his fingers, “Sorry, Jiminie…” Jungkook maneuvered his pants until they sat low on his hips, pulling his painfully hard member from its confines and carelessly pouring lube onto it. He threw the lube over his shoulder, leaning forward over Jimin’s trembling body before pulling his fingers out.

He gave Jimin a hard peck on the lips, “Not today.” He slid into Jimin in one long continuous stroke. The penetration was slow but unrelenting.

Jimin bit his bottom lip, struggling to keep his composure but losing it as Jungkook slid deeper and deeper into him. Jimin’s white-knuckled grip on the front of Jungkook’s shirt fell, his fists balled against the concrete floor of the school’s soccer team locker room, “Ahh…” It felt like an eternity before he felt Jungkook’s body touch the back of his thighs, the deep intimate stroke of Jungkook’s cock halting. He let his head fall down against the floor, his knees slowly relaxing and releasing it’s death grip on Jungkook’s sides.

Jungkook reached forward and ran a hand through Jimin’s wet hair, “See, that wasn’t too hard.” He lightly pulled his hips back and slowly slid himself back in, enjoying the heat and tightness of Jimin’s body. Jungkook groaned, his hands moving to situate themselves on Jimin’s hips, “Ready?”

To be honest, Jimin was never really ready. No matter how many times Jungkook invaded his body, Jimin could never truly get used to the way his body stretched to accommodate the breadth of Jungkook’s cock nor could he mentally fathom how snugly his body always wrapped around it.

Nevertheless, Jimin took a deep breath and moved onto his elbows, “Y-yeah…”

Jungkook dropped his patience, pulling his hips back quickly. He felt his own shoulders tense as Jimin’s walls caressed and squeezed him. Jungkook was tempted to thrust back in and never pull out, allowing the wet hot walls to massage him to his finish. But…

Not today.

He gathered up whatever remaining strength he had left after the afternoon’s intense soccer practice and pounded into his delicious boyfriend. The way his normally innocent companion was writhing against the concrete floor made him painfully hard and he wasn’t sure how long he’s going to have to ravish him in order to satiate his lust.

Jimin had long since abandoned his attempt to stay up on his elbows, his head digging painfully into the concrete as he moaned. Every hard thrust rubbed against his prostate, every pull tapped it. He was, quite frankly, going crazy. He struggled to open his eyes to keep his gaze on Jungkook. However, he remained only half-lidded, his energy allowing nothing more.

This was the only time Jimin is allowed to look at his boyfriend’s handsome features without having to hide his love for him. And he’d be damned if he let the opportunity run away from him.

Jungkook met Jimin’s heated gaze, leaning down to capture the other boy’s moist lips in a deep kiss. With every thrust he could feel Jimin release a puff of air against his lips and he smirked, “You want it harder, Chim-Chim?” Without waiting for an answer, he began a hard and fast pace, relishing in the sounds of their loud love-making.

Jimin moaned, his eyes rolling to the back of his head, “Ah-ah, Jungkook, I’m close…”

Jungkook’s hand met Jimin’s neglected member and pumped it, running his fingers against the slick head until he felt Jimin’s walls tighten around him. He slowed down his thrusts to concentrate on rubbing Jimin’s prostate a few times before returning to his hard pace.

Jimin clenched his teeth, bringing his hands up to cover his face as he came, his breathing hoarse. He could feel himself involuntarily squeezing Jungkook, his sensitive walls feeling every contour of his boyfriend’s cock before he felt Jungkook slam into him, wet heat coating him from the inside. Jungkook continued to pump until he released the last of his essence in Jimin’s body.

Jungkook collapsed, both of their chests heaving to catch their breath. He moved his head over to kiss Jimin, his hand stroking Jimin’s softening member until Jimin’s sensitivity made him ask him to stop.

Jungkook slowly pulled out, pushing himself into a seated position on the floor, “See? We didn’t get caught.” He smiled widely and pulled his pants up.

Jimin, naked and powerless, continued to stay sprawled on the floor, “You… you are gonna get us in trouble one of these days.”

“Hey, if you don’t want to get molested at school, then stop looking so damn cute and sexy. It’s hard to resist.” Jungkook reached out to pull Jimin up and pulled Jimin's shirt over his tousled head, “Besides, you aren’t allowed to look cute. It makes me feel like you’re trying to replace me.”

Jimin huffed, slapping Jungkook’s hands away to pull the shirt on himself, “As if I could replace you when no one in school acknowledges the fact that I even exist…”

Jungkook watched Jimin with a neutral expression, “Even if they did, you can’t talk to anyone. That was our deal.”

Jimin paused, his eyes shifting to look at Jungkook. He sighed when Jungkook narrowed his eyes, “I know, I know.” Feeling a familiar feeling rising in his chest, Jimin brought his knees up to his chin, “You said that we had to hide until you were officially scouted. Now that you are…”

Jungkook shook his head, standing to retrieve his own shirt, “Getting scouted is only the first step. I’ve gotta keep up appearances.”

“But for how much longer?”

Jungkook’s toned upper-body disappeared as Jungkook buttoned-up the school’s white collared shirt, “I dunno…” He shrugged, “I can lose the scholarship at any time until I actually enroll…”

“You mean I’ve gotta hide for another year?” Jimin’s eyes sharpened and he stood up, “That’s ridiculous, Jungkook, and you know it!”

Jungkook sighed, “Look… I know it’s hard for you…”

“Hard for me? Jungkook, I have no friends! I’m lonely. You’re always off doing something to ‘keep up appearances.’ If appearances are so important to you, maybe you shouldn’t be dating me!”

The look that crossed Jungkook’s face made Jimin take a step back. Jungkook roughly shrugged the school’s dark blue blazer onto his shoulders and buttoned it, his expression dark, “Don’t be stupid.”

Jimin gulped as the air changed, bending down to pull up his pants with shaky hands, “I was just thinking…”

Jungkook grabbed his school bag and slung in over his chest, “Don’t.” He walked up to Jimin and looked at him for a few seconds before leaning over to give him a chaste kiss.

Jimin opened his mouth and shut it again. All of the arguments he practiced stuck at his throat.

Jungkook pulled away and gave him another look, “Remember your promise to me.” Without waiting for Jimin’s reply, Jungkook placed the forgotten glasses back onto Jimin’s face and walked out of the locker room.

Jimin released an angry breath, his hand coming up to rip the glasses off of his face before wiping at his suddenly wet eyes. He finished dressing and grabbed his bag.

He didn't understand why someone as rich as Jungkook would need a scholarship anyways. But it was important to Jungkook and that's all that had been discussed. Feeling regret pooling in his chest, Jimin walked out of the locker room. 

The cool outside breeze will lighten his mood... even when he is starting to feel like he doesn't understand Jungkook anymore.

end prologue

Chapter Text

GHOST

chapter one:
fear

Fear is a daunting thing. It lessens as you gradually gain more footing, as you gain more courage. And then it grows and manifests into a monster that breathes down your neck once you’ve reached the top of the metaphorical staircase of so-called success. You’ve tipped the scale and your story changes... you realize now that you have much more to lose than ever before...

Jimin swallowed. He didn’t understand these two fears. He didn’t know if they are in fact two different types of fear or whether they were one and the same.

All he knows is that, right now, as he is standing in front of the bustling mansion, his fear could physically kill him. It’s grip unrelenting.

Perhaps it is because Jimin has never taken that first step up this "metaphorical staircase." Never sought to ascend it to lessen his fear of perpetual loneliness and dissatisfaction. He never stopped to understand it.

His hands trembled as he walked closer to the mansion. Laughter and loud music making his vision pound and his heart hammer.

He isn’t supposed to be here. He isn’t supposed to be here. He isn’t…

Jimin’s shoulders hunched when a beer can flew clear over his head and a girl squealed to his right. He quickly walked up the marble steps to the wide double doors and stopped.

Jungkook will be really angry.

Shaking his head, Jimin slowly moved to the doorframe and leaned against it. What are you doing, Jimin? What are you doing?! This isn’t going to change anything…

Jimin had watched Jungkook ascend the "metaphorical staircase." His footsteps had been so loud that they made Jimin shudder each time the sole of Jungkook’s shoes landed on the darkened step, marching further and further away until Jungkook was but a speck of light in the darkness.

He told you not to come. Why did you come?

The ascension had changed Jungkook. At first making him more confident and nonchalant. But the confidence didn't last long as the gravity associated with ascension became burdensome. The steps growing harder to take, heavier and less certain… fear spiking suddenly as the realization that he could “fall” materialized...

Jungkook’s words were proof… when he succumbed to that fear…

"The school can't know about us, okay? My father can't know about this, there's too much at stake right now... it’s just for a little while, Jiminie… trust me…”

Jimin’s hands came up to shield his eyes, his vision blurring. He took a deep breath before straightening his back and moving back to the wide intricately-carved doors.

He had to know.

It’s been two years since Jungkook asked him to keep their relationship a secret. Two long years of ridicule by his peers after Jungkook spread rumors to effectively cut Jimin off from any social circles and any modern dance opportunities… all to protect his secret. Two long years of being ignored, of being invisible…

I don’t know how much more I can take... being your secret…

Pushing his way into the mansion, Jimin shuddered. It was cold, the air smoky and dense from the fog machine and cigarettes. Strobe lights flickered and whirled. The music was so loud he felt his chest would burst from the strong beats.

He didn’t belong here. But he had to know.

Despite being ignored, Jimin heard the rumors. Though rumors were frequent, with Jungkook being such an all-around hot topic, this particular rumor made Jimin’s blood run cold. It involved a new girl named Sana and her relationship with Jungkook. She was apparently an up-and-coming actress, her role in the season’s most popular drama securing her place in the year-end award ceremonies.

She sounded like the perfect girl for Jungkook. After all, Jungkook was the star of the school’s championship soccer team and the sole heir to an internationally acclaimed hotel and resort chain. He had the third highest grade point average in the entire school and was accepted to the nation’s most prestigious college with a full soccer scholarship.

Jimin froze in the middle of what appears to be a makeshift dance floor. Who was Jimin compared to that? Shaking his head, Jimin took a step back.

What could Jungkook possibly see in a nobody like me when he’s got the world at his fingertips?

He felt like a rock just dropped into his stomach, its icy jagged surface piercing him from inside.

Who was Jimin to make any demands?

Feeling disoriented now, Jimin turned to face the doors again. The crowd danced undisturbed around his motionless body. I’m so stupid… I should be happy he’s even giving me the time of day…

But he loved Jungkook. He loved him so much it hurt.

“Hey! Watch ou-!”

Jimin yelped when ice-cold water drenched his entire body, the large container tumbling loudly to the floor somewhere off to his left. Shocked, Jimin stared wide-eyed at the apologetic boy bowing frantically in front of him.

“I’m so so so so so so sorry, man!” The boy walked up to him, bouncing from one foot to the other, his hands waving helplessly, “I’m sorry I don’t have a towel!”

Shivering, Jimin took a step back, the boy’s close proximity making him nervous, “It-it’s okay…”

A circle was forming around them after the commotion, looking at them with curious gazes mixed with amused ones.

Oh no, oh no, oh no… Jimin quickly moved towards the door.

“V, looks like you managed to catch Casper!” An amused voice thundered from somewhere in the crowd before another boy pushed his way out of the crowd, “The school’s friendly ghost!”

Jimin froze for a second time that night, his eyes squeezing shut. Jungkook is going to kill me…

The boy holding the large container pouted, “I didn’t mean to, Yoongi. I was minding my own business when some bitch bumps into me and…”

Yoongi slung an arm around "V’s" shoulder, halting the other boy’s report. Jimin’s eyes widened when he realized it was Suga. The Suga. The Captain of Jungkook’s soccer team. Could this day get any worse?

Yoongi reached out and took the large container from the other's hands before facing Jimin, “I didn’t know my house was haunted.”

The people surrounding them laughed. Jimin wished the ground would open up and end his misery.

“I’ve got a good family exorcist if you are interested, bro!” Offered a drunk boy.

"V" raised an eyebrow, “Huh?”

Yoongi rolled his eyes, “Don’t worry about it, Taehyung.”

“Oh…”

Yoongi kept his arm around the other’s shoulder, bending it to ruffle Taehyung’s hair affectionately, “Babo.”

He faced Jimin again, his eyes narrowing slightly, “What’re you still doing here?”

Jimin didn’t need to be told twice. He scrambled out of the door as quickly as his wet shoes would allow. His face beet red from fear and embarrassment. As he stumbled down the steps, he caught sight of something in the corner of his eye. He stopped and stared.

Jungkook?

Jimin shuddered as a cool breeze passed him, his teeth chattering. He wrapped his arms around his chest and turned resolutely away from the sight of Jungkook and some girl kissing.

So it’s true.

“Hey.”

Jimin jolted when a warm towel was draped around his shoulders. He turned his head and blinked at Taehyung who stood there sheepishly with his hand on the back of his head, “I’m sorry about… all that. Yoongi’s not usually like that…”

Jimin quickly shook his head, “No, it’s okay… I shouldn’t have come…”

“My name is Taehyung,” the boy said quickly, reaching his hand out, “I’m new here.”

Jimin looked at him, his fingers clutching the towel like a lifeline, “I’m sorry, Taehyung. But you shouldn’t talk to me…” Already Jimin could feel the gazes on them, he felt his throat constrict, “It’s better if you don’t.”

Taehyung stared at him, a frown marring his cheerful features, “If it’s about Yoongi-hyung… I don’t know why he’s changed, but he used to not be like that…”

“It’s not about Suga. It’s me.” Jimin reluctantly slid the towel from his shoulders and gave it back to Taehyung, “I’m sorry.” He turned and quickly walked away.

Taehyung stared at Jimin as he disappeared out of the mansion’s gates, his fingers numb against the large towel.

“You shouldn’t talk to that guy.”

Taehyung turned around and faced one of Yoongi’s friends, “Oh hey, Kookie.”

Jungkook looked at him with what could only be described as a cold expression, “You’re new here. So you must not have heard…”

Taehyung’s eyebrows clenched together, “Heard what?”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Yoongi busted out of the double doors, quickly descending the steps towards them, “Spare him the rumors, would ya? He’s not gonna understand.”

Jungkook stared at Yoongi, his eyes blank, “It’s best if we gave him a fair warning, hyung.”

Yoongi narrowed his eyes, his hand protectively finding Taehyung’s wrist, “He’ll be fine.”

Snorting, Jungkook turned away, “That’s all I’ll say.”

Taehyung blinked in confusion at the exchange before turning to his childhood best friend, “What was that all about?”

Yoongi shook his head, “Don’t worry about it.” He watched Jungkook return to his new girlfriend, his grip tightening on Taehyung’s wrist. Taehyung’s yelp of discomfort went unheeded as Yoongi observed the star player of his team laugh and sling an arm around Sana.

So that’s why Casper showed up today. Yoongi shook his head sadly and looked away from the disgusting display, “Come on, Taehyung. I’ll introduce you to some of the players.”

Taehyung, confused but not willing to continue to pursue the uncomfortable topic, smiled half-heartedly, “Um… ‘kay.”

Jungkook stared at himself in his full-length mirror. His eyes scanning himself for any imperfections before he straightened the school’s maroon tie.

Why did Jimin show up at Suga’s party last night?

He released a long tired sigh and ran a hand through his slightly unruly black hair. What did he see? Taking heavy steps backward, Jungkook let himself fall into his bed, his hands coming up to massage his eyes, “What am I going to do?”

It’s obvious Jimin saw Sana and he’d have to be delusional to think Jimin didn’t hear the rumors. Further, he’d have to an idiot to think Jimin was dumb enough to keep up with this charade. How fucked am I right now, seriously?

Jungkook sat up, his eyes finding its counterpart in the abandoned mirror. There was pain in the eyes that stared back at him… but… what could he do? I really need this scholarship. He closed his eyes and leaned forward until his elbows rested on his knees.

He knew he was being unfair to Jimin but he knew Jimin could live without him. He knew that. But he couldn’t live without Jimin. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing him to someone else. The very thought made him want to punch a hole through the wall.

Standing up resolutely, Jungkook grabbed his school bag.

I’ve got to keep this up. It’s the only way.

Jimin meant everything to him. More than anything that has ever touched Jungkook’s so-called “perfect” life.

But in order to keep him…

Jungkook’s lips formed a grim line.

end chapter one: fear

Chapter Text

GHOST

chapter two:

endurance

No matter how tough the road is, as long as the destination was worth the blood, sweat and tears... it could be conquered with the right amount of wit and endurance. As one ascends, each step feels heavier, each step becoming harder as the air around you grows thinner...

The four-tones of the bell brought Jimin out of his thoughts, his eyes widening when he realized class was over.

He’d been thinking a lot since last night. Everything had been okay. The acting, the secrets, and even the friendlessness… but… Jungkook and a girl? 

He turned to look at the front of the class as students started to make their way to the door. I need to talk to him. Just the thought of confronting Jungkook made Jimin's palms sweat.

Glancing around, he tried to catch a glimpse of where his tall boyfriend was and ignored the heat on his cheeks. No matter how long they have been together, Jimin's heart still fluttered when he was near Jungkook and it has become increasingly difficult to ignore the handsome soccer player when they shared every class together. And due to the stupid rumors that Jungkook spread, Jimin couldn't even participate in any of his dance activities to relieve his pent up frustrations.

Sighing, Jimin turned around fully in his seat to look at the back of the room and felt his heart drop when he realized that Jungkook had already left the classroom. 

No one paid any attention to Jimin as he quickly shuffled out of the classroom, his eyes automatically finding the floor.

"Oh look who it is, Sana," a voice suddenly chimed. 

Dread immediately filled the pit of Jimin's stomach when a strong hand grabbed his shoulder, "It's the ghost!”

Sana stepped up in front of him as her friend laughed, leaning down to look under Jimin's bangs, "Hey there, Casper,” she smirked as his eyes flickered behind his glasses, "Thanks for the recent publicity."

Jimin uncomfortably stepped away from her and turned to leave, "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about..." 

Sana's friend, Chanyeol, grabbed his shoulder again as Sana moved to stand beside him. She shrugged one of her shoulders, looking ahead, "With all these rumors about our school being haunted, it's really a shame that you aren't being compensated."

Jimin felt his heart hammer in his chest, his hands trembling as he pushed Chanyeol’s hand from his shoulder, "I've got to go, excuse me." Bowing his head slightly in their general direction, he darted away. 

Sana watched him, her does eyes narrowed.

"He's such a loser," Chanyeol muttered.

Sana flipped her long hair over her shoulder and began walking again, "I don't know what connections he has with Jungkook but I'll find out." 

"Why? He's practically invisible. I doubt Kookie even knows who he is." 

Sana stopped, turning to face him, "I've seen him before. At Jungkook's home."

"He lives in a freakin' mansion," Chanyeol shrugged, "Maybe the kid just works there." 

She grunted, her lips pursing, "Maybe." 

Taehyung walked beside Yoongi, stealing glances at the hugely popular boy as girls and boys alike greeted them enthusiastically, "Everyone seems to know you here, Yoongi-hyung."

Yoongi laughed, his hand coming to the back of his neck sheepishly, "Yeah, things have changed for me a little bit."

Taehyung nodded, his eyes shifting downward, "I see."

Yoongi faltered in his step at the other boy's unusually quiet reply, "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"

Taehyung shrugged, a slight frown marring his features, "I don't know..." 

A crash at the end of the hallway cut off the rest of Taehyung's reply. Taehyung's steps faltered as he squinted at the commotion.

Yoongi quickly took a hold of Taehyung's arm, pulling him back when Taehyung took a quick step forward, "Tae, don't."

Taehyung watched wide-eyed as the boy from the party scrambled up to his feet from the ground and gathered his belongings. It was strange. No one helped him, no one even acknowledged the poor boy's presence in the hallway. No one even pointed and laughed.

Nothing.

Taehyung shook free from Yoongi's hand and quickly made his way over to the shorter boy, helping him with his wayward pencils and erasers.

Jimin froze when he saw a second pair of hands invade his vision and Taehyung handed him his stuff with a smile, "Hey."

Jimin blinked, flipping his bangs out of his face in surprise, "Ah... hey...?"

A strong hand grabbed Taehyung by the shoulder and hauled him up, "Taehyung, let's go."

Taehyung's eyebrows scrunched at Yoongi, his frown returning to his face, "What's wrong with you, hyung?"

Yoongi met Taehyung's accusatory gaze with a stern look, "You're new here, there are things you don't know about it. And I'd rather it stay that way."

Taehyung looked back down at Jimin, who was awkwardly standing back up with his bangs obscuring his eyes again. 

Taehyung looked back at Yoongi with a helpless expression, "Whatever it is, I don't want any part of it." He jerked out of Yoongi's strong grip, "I don't know what the hell is going on with you. You're acting strange, I don't like it."

 Jimin stood there with his back hunched, he slowly stepped away from them, "Ah... t-thanks, but I gotta go..."

Taehyung allowed the dark-haired boy to make his exit before he faced Yoongi again. He shook his head, his eyes shining unnaturally with disappointment, "Why is everyone here acting like this? What did he do?"

Yoongi took Taehyung's shoulder in his hand, "It's a long story. One that makes no sense but one that can't be messed with."

Taehyung felt his chest tighten, "What do you mean?"

Yoongi pulled Taehyung closer and Taehyung couldn't understand why his gaze was so hard. When Yoongi finally spoke, Taehyung could feel his breath against his neck, "If you are worried for him, then you should keep your distance." 

Taehyung shook his head, "I don't understand. How is that helping him?"

"What you are messing with is dangerous." Yoongi pulled back, his hand tightening against Taehyung's collarbone, "I won't be able to watch you get hurt. So please, just mind your own business."

Taehyung turned wide eyes at Yoongi, his head shaking, "And if I don't?"

Yoongi looked at him, his expression softening, "Then I'd be forced to protect you."

Taehyung scoffed, "You act like I am going to get killed or something."

Yoongi's expression didn't change, "I wouldn't let that happen to you."

Taehyung stared at Yoongi for a second before shivering, "You are seriously starting to creep me out."

"Just promise me you'll keep your distance from him, please?"

Taehyung sighed, "Fine." He pulled his shoulder out from under Yoongi's hand and walked ahead.

Yoongi watched him leave the hallway, his jaw clenching.

Jimin watched the clouds drift slowly by, his back chilled by the stone of the school's rooftop floor. This was his normal spot during lunch time. No one here to bother him. Well... He rolled his eyes. Not like anyone would bother me, considering I don't exist...

He heard the doors click open before unhurried steps followed. 

Jimin quietly sat up and watched as Jungkook plopped down next to him, "You're late. Again."

Jungkook shook his head, dismissing it, "I was caught up with something."

Jimin looked away, his eyes downcast, "Like what?"

Jungkook gave him an exasperated sigh, "Nothing. Mr. Kim wanted me to stay after next week to make up for the class I missed for the game."

Jimin rolled his eyes, "Like I'm going to really believe that." He was annoyed but his heart started to pound when he realized that he was about to bring up something that'll make Jungkook angry, "... I know about her you know. I saw you."

Jungkook was quiet.

Jimin waited, his eyes tearing up involuntarily, "I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with that information." He shrugged one shoulder, "I mean, most people would get angry and break up, right?"

Jungkook looked down at his hands. When he realized they were shaking, he quickly tucked them into his blazer pockets, "I don't want us to break up." He sat up straight and turned a burning gaze at Jimin's face. He analyzed the boy's angelic features when the other didn't look at him, "That's the last thing I'd ever want."

Jimin gave a short laugh, wiping his wet eyes with the back of his hands with defeat, "You're really making this difficult for me, you know?" He closed his eyes when Jungkook's shadow fell on top of him, he felt Jungkook cradle his face in his palms, "You're hurting me. So much."

Jungkook looked down at Jimin's wet cheeks, fear keeping him immobilized, "I know..."

Jimin opened his eyes to look up at Jungkook's, his eyes convincing, "Maybe... for a little while..."

Jungkook shook his head stubbornly, pulling Jimin's face up to meet his in a frantic desperate kiss. He slowly got into a kneeling position in front of Jimin before pulling his lips away, "No." He looked into Jimin's eyes with another shake of his head, "Not even for a second."

Jimin tried to pull his face away from Jungkook's hands but they didn't relent, "Why? You have her, why would you even care about me anymore?"

Jungkook stared at Jimin, his face flushing with anger, "You are the only person I'll ever care about."

When Jimin refused to respond, Jungkook released a guttural sound, pushing Jimin roughly against the rooftop floor and took advantage of the smaller boy's shocked lips again. 

Jimin struggled to regain his composure, his hands coming up to push against Jungkook's chest. He turned his head to the side, successfully breaking their contact, "Jungkook! Stop it!"

"No!" Jungkook grabbed Jimin's hands, "Not until you realize how much you mean to me."

Jimin huffed, his eyes meeting Jungkook's, "If I meant so much to you, you would never have cheated on me!" Jimin's breath hitched. I said it. And just by saying it, Jimin felt a heavy weight lift from his shoulders. 

Jungkook looked upset and frustrated, his voice close to a growl, "You don't know what you are talking about."

And as soon as the weight left his shoulders, Jimin felt the weight tenfold on his chest as his heart squeezed tightly at Jungkook's dismissive words.

"Like hell I don't!" Jimin managed to push Jungkook off of him but couldn't get Jungkook to release his hands, "I can't take this anymore!" His chest felt heavy, he tried to catch his breath, "I... I love you so so much, Jungkook. I can take anything... but not this. I can't watch you do this to me."

Jungkook watched Jimin, "She doesn't mean anything to me."

"That doesn't matter and you know it." Jimin glared at him, "How would you feel if I started dating some guy and I told you he didn't mean anything to me?"

Jungkook's grip on Jimin's hands grew excruciatingly tight.

Jimin sighed at the reaction, "That was hypothetical." He wiggled his fingers, "Let go, I'm starting to lose blood in my hands." 

Jungkook reluctantly let go and rested his hands on Jimin's knees, "I need her."

Jimin massaged his hands with a pout, "For what? Appearances?"

"Yeah."

"I don't like it."

"I know."

Jimin didn't respond for a moment, his eyes glued to his hands. He finally spoke quietly, "Well, you know what my answer to that is."

Jungkook leaned closer, his hands coming up to hold Jimin's hands gently, "I'll break it off with her, so let's just forget about it."

Jimin finally met Jungkook's eyes, "Are you being serious?"

Jungkook smirked humorlessly, "Since when have I ever taken our relationship lightly?" He brought Jimin's hand up to his lips and gave it a soft kiss, "You can't leave me."

Jimin brought his hand up to caress Jungkook's hair, "I was only going to give you some time..."

Jungkook's shoulder suddenly shook, "Stop suggesting that. Stop... stop saying that." He controlled his trembling body and shut his eyes tightly, "Every time I hear you say it, I want to hit something."

Jimin bit his lip, his eyes trained on Jungkook's face, "Fine... I'll stop saying it..."

"Don't even think of leaving me again, got it?" Jungkook frowned, his expression dark when he opened his eyes, "You win this time, but don't forget your promise to me."

Jimin licked his lips nervously at the unwavering gaze, "... I won't."

"You'd better not."

They sat in silence for a minute, staring at each other. Finally, Jungkook gently placed his hand at the back of Jimin's neck and pulled him down to meet his lips for a long kiss. 

Even as the air around you grows thinner... as long as the road took you to Heaven... you would take it... wouldn't you?

end chapter two: endurance

Last update for today. Thank you very much for reading! 

Chapter Text

GHOST

chapter three:

learning

Teachers always tell you that there is a moral to the story. That there is some kind of life lesson in everything they assign you. They teach you to always find the punch line and appreciate it for what it is…

“Here, take this… and… this.”

Taehyung stared at the items in his hands with confusion, “What… is all this?”

“Just sit here and watch. It’ll be over before you know it.” Yoongi smiled widely at him before running down the bleachers two or three steps at a time to join his team on the soccer field, he hollered back over his shoulder, “Don’t go anywhere!”

Taehyung bit his lip, his face flushing in embarrassment when a few of the team members looked at him curiously. He gave out a weak “okay…” before putting the ice-cold water bottle and the large umbrella Yoongi had handed to him down beside him on the metal bleachers. The sun was beating down but Taehyung doubted he’d need the umbrella. Yoongi really does treat him like a kid.  

He stared at Yoongi thoughtfully as the boy directed a few players from outside the field and smiled when Yoongi ended up running in to scold someone for not having on the right shoes.

Yoongi hasn’t changed too much when it came to soccer. However, it seems Yoongi has definitely changed when it came to… other things.

Taehyung found his gaze shifting over to the ever stoic “Kookie” who currently had the ball. I wonder… how that other kid is doing? What did Yoongi call him? ‘Casper?’ Yeah…

A soft thud brought Taehyung out of his thoughts and he turned to see a tall looking guy ascend the bleachers. Taehyung might have just turned back to the soccer practice if it wasn’t for the guy’s sure steps resounding eerily in the open area… heading right towards him.

Taehyung’s eyes widened a little and he shifted uncomfortably when the guy sat close to him, a toothy smile on his face, “Hey, I’ve never seen you here before.”

Taehyung answered him with a nervous laugh, “Ah… yeah, I’m kind of new here.”

The guy held out his hand, “I’m Chanyeol.”

“T-Taehyung…”

“So you’re watching the soccer practice?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know someone on the team or…?” Chanyeol wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, “… or would you ‘like’ to know someone on the team?”

Taehyung blushed, “Eh… I… I know someone… on the team.”

Chanyeol nodded and Taehyung waited for Chanyeol to face the field. But Chanyeol’s eyes never strayed, his gaze locked on Taehyung’s face.

Taehyung cleared his throat, “So what about you? Do you know someone here?”

Chanyeol smiled, “Nope.”

“Oh…?”

Chanyeol shrugged, “I just happened to notice you in the halls and wanted to get to know you that’s all.”

Okay, that’s not creepy at all. Feeling extremely unnerved, Taehyung tried to inch away, “That’s… nice.”

Chanyeol didn’t take any notice of his discomfort and continued to smile, “So, I saw you talk to Jimin earlier. Do you know him?”

“Jimin?” Taehyung’s eyebrows scrunched, “Who’s that?”

Chanyeol’s hands moved around as he demonstrated how this person looked, “He’s that short guy no one ever talks to.”

It’s sad that that was all Chanyeol had to say for Taehyung to realize who it was.

Taehyung sighed and looked away. That poor guy…  He replied carefully, “I… I don’t know him. But…” The realization that Chanyeol might know more about 'Jimin' made Taehyung sit up straighter. His eyes found Chanyeol’s, “Do you know why everyone ignores him?”

Chanyeol’s eyes were unreadable when he answered, “Yeah… a little. Apparently Kookie caught him doing something, I never got the details." There was a quirk at the corner of Chanyeol's lips, "Whatever it was... must have been pretty bad. Everyone just started avoiding him like the plague."

Kookie again. Taehyung frowned, “That’s… so weird.”

Chanyeol nodded, “Yeah, totally.” Chanyeol finally looked at the soccer field, “I bet he needs… a friend, ya know?”

Taehyung nodded quickly, “I think so too.”

Chanyeol stood up, his smile back on his face, “You should try to talk to him and become friends. Maybe you’ll find out more about what happened.” Chanyeol started to walk away, “I’ll see you around, TaeTae.”

Feeling that the conversation was cut short rather abruptly, Taehyung blinked, “Ah… yeah… sure.”

Instead of watching Chanyeol leave, Taehyung reached for the water bottle Yoongi left him and unscrewed the cap. Is everyone at this school weird like this? Noticing Yoongi shooting him questioning looks, Taehyung forced a smile and waved.

Sometimes… the punch line doesn’t deserve all the hype that the teachers give it… and it’s that sharp disappointment you feel when you realize that you’ve wasted your time. It’s that loss of trust you once had for your teachers’ words that make you question anything and everything else…

Yoongi looked away at something with narrowed eyes and Taehyung followed his gaze to Chanyeol’s retreating back.

… you question and you distrust, you hear but you don't retain…

Swallowing, Taehyung met Yoongi’s almost accusatory gaze and could almost hear Yoongi warning him not to talk to strangers.

… it happens so much that, in the end, you begin to rebel… so that you can find out for yourself… what the punch line should be.

Taehyung sent him a reassuring smile and mouthed “thank you” as he held up the dripping water bottle. Yoongi didn’t look convinced but nodded anyways, returning his attention to the game without further communication.

Taehyung quickly capped the water bottle and set his lips into a determined line. He needed to figure out a way to approach Jimin without the guy running away from him... and, somehow, without Yoongi or Jungkook finding out.

Jungkook walked ahead of the team, his long legs taking him back to the locker room to shower. Practice had been grueling but didn’t last as long as it normally would have. He wiped away his sweat with a small towel and looked behind him at Yoongi. Again, the older boy was talking to that childhood friend of his who had just moved back from… from… well, wherever it was. Jungkook didn’t really care. The way Yoongi was so soft around the guy was pretty irritating.

Unable to watch the scene for much longer, Jungkook faced his locker with a scowl. 

As long as that guy doesn’t continue to approach Jimin, he didn’t matter anyways.

Jungkook pulled his clean clothes out from inside his duffel bag with a cold expression.

“Hey Kookie, you gonna join us at the party tonight?”

Jungkook zipped up his duffel bag and threw it back into the locker, “Not tonight, I’ve got something I’ve gotta do.”

His teammates laughed and catcalled, “Yeah… like that hot girlfriend of yours.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes and tightened his new towel against his waist, “Think what you want. I’m going to take a shower.” He brushed past Yoongi, who had just shuffled in, and made his way to the farthest stall.

Jungkook did have something to do with Sana but it definitely wasn’t what they were all thinking. One thing was for sure... she was not going to like what he had to say. With the rare ultimatum Jimin gave him yesterday, her happiness is the least of his worries.

He could feel Yoongi’s eyes following him but that was nothing new. When he entered the stall, he could hear Yoongi yelling for the team to hurry up and clean up after themselves.

It wasn't like Jungkook needed a girlfriend to get what he needed anyways. Stifling a sigh, he undid his towel and slung it over the stall door tiredly. He turned on the faucet and allowed the rough hot water to cascade down the bare expanse of his back and took a long deep breath. 

She’s completely expendable.

Jungkook closed his eyes, enjoying the therapeutic feeling of water spreading across his body. His taut muscles began to relax after the strenuous cardio that soccer entailed. For a moment, there was a piercing silence that took over as Jungkook mulled over his reasons for keeping Sana around and his hands came up to rub the back of his neck warily.

She ‘is’ expendable, isn't she?

Somehow the thought just didn’t sit right with him.The familiar muffled laughter of his teammates breached the perfect white noise and he was forced back to the present moment.

For the past two years, it is this same dull, over-scrubbed tiled wall that greeted him... one exhausting soccer practice after another. Two years ago, before that fateful day, he would already be with Jimin on the rooftop, talking about each other's day and planning their future.  

Jungkook smirked humorlessly. What I would do just to hear Jimin laugh like that again... 

Frustrated, he added more pressure to the water, the sound of it pounding against his skin echoing throughout the lonely stall.

Jimin is used to it by now. Jungkook would completely ignore his presence at school, aside from the rooftop (and occasionally the locker room), and then drag him to that gigantic mansion of his after.

The strong wind whipped his bangs as he leaned against the concrete wall of the bandshell.

Waiting.

Jungkook is late, again. And, now that he thought about it, he has been late a lot recently. They’ve been doing this for so long now that they’ve fallen into this hardened routine and neither of them were ever actually late. The fact that Jungkook seems to be veering away from his own demands is somewhat confusing.

Jimin straightened his blazer and looked at his watch. Five more minutes. I’ll give him five more. Jimin eyed the long pathway towards the locker rooms again.

What am I doing? I should just leave. Isn't this the perfect time to do that whole 'give him a taste of his own medicine' thing?

But then what? Send Jungkook an angry text about his lateness?

And for what? To let him know that he’s mad? That he felt lonely and underappreciated?

It’s ridiculous.

Jimin squeezed his eyes shut, his hands coming up to cover his face. Sometimes he hated how rational he was.

“You shouldn't cover your face, Casper. It makes you even less noticeable!”

Jimin couldn’t resist stomping his foot in annoyance. Why can't they just ignore me and leave me alone like they’re supposed to?

Jimin used to have a lot of friends. He used to be liked by many people in his class and he used to be, dare he say it, popular. He didn't miss most of it but, if he was completely honest with himself, he really really missed performing in front of an audience... dancing with the beat of a bass or a drum... or anything. Anything that would allow him to express his feelings that freely again.

Five minutes pass and there’s no sign of Jungkook anywhere.

Jimin has seen a couple of the school’s soccer players drive by so he knows practice is now over.

What are you trying to do, Jungkook?

Jimin sighed and looked down at his phone. Maybe I should just text him... and tell him I got a job?

Just the thought of it made Jimin grimace. He tapped his finger on the phone nervously and found himself staring at the photo of a smiling Jungkook on his background.

A rare sight nowadays. 

Shaking his head, Jimin's large eyes trailed to the SMS app on his phone and paused. 

You're going to kill me...

His finger hovered cautiously over the icon for a brief moment before he forced himself to tap it.

... but I need the money.

Chanyeol spun his basketball leisurely on the tip of his middle finger as Sana preened in front of her mirror. She threw him a satisfied smile, “I have a date with Jungkook tonight.”

Chanyeol smirked, “Of course.” He pushed away from the wall and threw the basketball over to the corner of her room, “He’s just your type. Rich, rich… and… rich.” He laughed at his own joke. He crossed his arms, “Though I can’t figure out why he’s so adamant about getting into college with a full scholarship…”

Sana twisted her hair into a side bun and secured it, “Leave him to me.” She stood up and smoothed down her dress, “I’ve got him wrapped around my finger.” She gave Chanyeol a look, her chin lifting, “I don’t know what that guy is to Jungkook but I know he’s in the way. I want him gone.”

Chanyeol opened the door for her as she walked closer, “I’m already on it.”

She paused and eyed him questioningly, “You are?”

He gave her a toothy grin.

"What are you two doing now?" 

Sana jumped, "Oppa!" Seeing her brother ascend the staircase, she smiled, "You're home early!" 

Chanyeol placed the basketball under his right arm and waved with his left, "Hey Hobi!"

Hoseok reached the top of the steps and returned their smiles brightly, "The instructor said practice was cancelled for the day so I figured I could hang out with my little sister for once."

Sana felt like her chest was going to burst, "Really?!" 

Hoseok smiled, "Of course!" 

Chanyeol sent her a weird look, "What about your date though?"

Hoseok raised an eyebrow when Sana's smile wavered, "Date?" Shrugging, he placed his bag at the edge of the steps, "That's fine, that gives me time to shower and relax. We can do something later." 

Sana walked up to Hoseok and grabbed his arm, giving him a cute expression, "You are the best!" 

Hoseok rolled his eyes when she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before bouncing down the stairs. Once the front door slammed shut, he immediately looked at Chanyeol with a raised eyebrow.

Smiling nervously, Chanyeol answered his question, "Jeon Jungkook."

Hoseok frowned, nodding, "I see." He picked his bag back up from the floor and walked towards his room, "Guess it could be worse."

Chanyeol laughed, "Yeah, I guess." His eyes followed Hoseok as the boy ambled further down the hallway, "Aren't you tired? We had basketball practice all afternoon and off you go to the dance studio after. I really don't know how you do it."

Hoseok shrugged again, "It's what I do." He opened his door and threw Chanyeol a light smile, "Dreams don't come true by themselves, ya know?" 

Chanyeol rolled his eyes, "Okay, Mr. Optimistic."

Hoseok grinned and waved, "I'll see you tomorrow." He entered his room and promptly shut the door.

Once he heard footsteps descending the stairs, Hoseok let his smile fall.

He stared at his stark white room, his bag hanging loosely from his fingers.

Another day down. 

end chapter three: learning

'Ghost' was only ever written up until this point, so everything here on out will be new material. ^_^

Mysteria: Myth of the Siren (JiKook/NamJin/TaeGi) - Fantasy AU 
Where Jin is a blind Siren seeking the One to cure his eyes with his Guardians Jimin and Yoongi who wield the Violin and Flute, respectively. Prince and General Kim Namjoon is wields the elemental power of Air while Captain Taehyung and Lieutenant Jungkook wield the powers of Water and Fire. 

Cinderella: Of Fear and Pain (JiKook/NamJin/TaeGi) - Mystery AU
Where Jimin is the step-son of an abusive man and is rescued by Pop Star Jungkook. Lawyer Namjoon and Surgeon Yoongi must protect Taehyung who lost his memories after being shoved out of a fourth-story window. 

LUXEVAR (JiKook/NamJin/TaeGi) - Vampire AU
Jimin, betrothed to the Master Vampire of the City, enrolls himself into a Boarding School under strict orders to find the Human who's been tracking cult-movements. His mission: Seduce and Kill. But can he do such a thing when his love for the Human becomes stronger than the love he has for his Master? 

Thank you very much for reading!

Chapter Text

GHOST

chapter four: 

Dream

Dreams... they were all at once vivid and elusive... visions from somewhere deep in your subconscious... seeking to tell a tale at your most vulnerable moment... finding you when you are unable to run away... forcing you to open your eyes... and face your inner demons...

It was odd how cold the beads of sweat felt against his skin... the feeling was distinctive and isolated like sharp prickles of electricity. Fading from his mind were remnants of his dream, two tall silhouettes against a white backdrop… hands outstretched and reaching…

Pulling himself up, he let his thin white blanket ripple and fall from his glistening chest, his abdomen trembling.

Reaching... but never reaching far enough... 

He slowly slid across the thin mattress until his feet descended onto the uncomfortably warm carpet beneath. The air around him was crisp and cool, enveloping his overheated body like a cold glove. Those people...

His previous encounter with them still plagued him, guilt gnawing at his gut.

His hand fumbled, reaching out to grab the thick glasses perched carefully on his dark wooden nightstand before his long legs pushed until he was towering above the furniture in his ornately decorated room. It's impossible to sit motionless when his thoughts gave him such unrest. 

Pulling on a pair of pressed slacks, he shoved his feet into a pair of beaten running shoes and pushed his hand tiredly through his light pink hair. Jogging has always helped him relax, always gave him some kind of familiar pattern to adjust his jumbled thoughts to.

He knew what he had to do at this point. No matter how much he has fought it over the years... he knew.

It was time to give them a visit.

School was the only place on Earth, it seemed, that was an actual alternate reality. It has an almost dream-like quality to it and even the smell of the classrooms were indelible, having the power to bring nostalgia years down the road. No matter what emotional state its occupants were in, the school remained unfazed… bustling with excitement as per usual. 

Taehyung sat rigidly on a stone bench in the courtyard, his bottom lip receiving brutal treatment as he continued to nibble at it anxiously. He hasn’t seen Yoongi all morning and he hasn't spoken to him at all since yesterday. The last he had seen of the boy was the back of his head as he drove away, his red backlights tauntingly bright in the darkness. Honestly, the other had disappeared off the face of the planet after dropping him off last night. That same irritatingly soft smile that has confused Taehyung since he was a child had been pulling at the older boy's lips before the tinted window rolled up nonchalantly. 

Ever since Taehyung moved back in town, Yoongi hasn't left him alone for even a second. This rather unceremonious disappearance was unnerving.

Taehyung forced himself to stay put, waiting. So when a familiar arm slid around his shoulder a few minutes later, Taehyung let out a relieved sigh. 

He felt himself smile, turning to look at the older's boy face. He faltered though when he noticed the soccer player's gaze was elsewhere. Despite the familiarity of the heat radiating from Yoongi’s embrace, the frown marring his features was alien and foreign. He poked him, “Hyung?”

Yoongi grumbled in half-answer, his shoulders lax from his lack of energy.

Taehyung's eyebrows furrowed, poking his senior harder, “Hey.”

Twitching, Yoongi sighed, looking over to give Taehyung a smile, “Sorry, just… out of it today.”

“No, really?” Taehyung elbowed Yoongi away and pulled the other’s arm from around him, “I’m not a teddy-bear, ya know.”

Noticing the return of some faraway look in Yoongi’s eyes, Taehyung nudged him harder with a pout.

Yoongi frowned again, his eyes trained at that same point in the distance. Crossing his arms, the dark-haired boy motioned to someone with his head, “What do you think of Chanyeol?”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his eyes following Yoongi's gaze until it landed on a tall boy laughing with a group of girls across the courtyard. He squinted, "... He's weird. Why?" 

Yoongi shrugged half-heartedly, “I dunno... just wondering.” 

Taehyung blinked, remembering that time from their childhood when Yoongi had acted like this way before. A mischievous smirk pulled at Taehyung's lips, “Ooooh, jealous?” When the other didn’t respond, he nudged Yoongi in the ribs with a more genuine smile, “Don’t worry, girls love you.”

Yoongi met his eyes, his Adam’s apple moving as he swallowed nervously, “Do… do you ever wonder if love is enough?”

Taehyung stared, the sudden serious turn in their conversation closing his throat, “Ah… well…”

“Of course love is enough.” 

They both jolted in surprise when Jungkook loudly made himself comfortable on the bench on the other side of Taehyung.

The unusual comment about love made Yoongi tilt his head at him. 

Taehyung frowned, looking at Jungkook’s shaking hands before inquiring, “Are you alright, Kookie?” The stoic boy's presence could be overwhelming sometimes but Taehyung couldn't bring himself to dislike him. 

Yoongi looked away from them, his face giving little away. His tone was guarded when he spoke, “Yeah. You seemed like you were in a hurry yesterday.”

Jungkook didn't answer. Instead, he buried his face into his folded arms with a muffled groan.

The two stared at the back of his head for what felt like an eternity before Yoongi pulled Taehyung from the stone table, "That was short-lived." He promptly placed the confused boy's backpack onto his shoulder, "Let's go."

Taehyung's mouth opened and closed before he struggled to keep up with Yoongi who briskly walked away. He glanced back at Jungkook's head, which remained buried as if he has already forgotten all about them. His heart hammered in his chest at the abrupt change in the air. 

He has no idea what kind of relationship Yoongi and Jungkook had but these interactions were mindboggling. To date, he wasn't even sure if they were even friends. Yoongi's warnings about Jimin and the connotation that Jungkook was the one to have seen something... leading to Jimin's ostracism... it's all driving Taehyung crazy. He stared at Yoongi's back as the boy bumped shoulders with a fellow player in the hallway.

Taehyung's mind can only take so much abuse. 

I can't take this anymore.

Suddenly decisive, he pivoted on his heel and marched down the hallway. 

Yoongi will get over it.

Jimin smiled widely at the tall boy eyeing him from behind the marble counter. He promptly waved the black apron in his hand and bowed, "My name is Jimin. I was told to come in today for training so please take care of me." He stood up straight and quickly glanced at the boy's name tag, Jin. His palms were sweaty but he was surprised by how easily the words flowed.

Jin's features were incredibly soft and gentle when he finally returned Jimin's smile, "Oh yeah..." He leaned down and grabbed something from underneath the counter, "Thank you for coming in, Jimin." He stood up and handed Jimin a heavy booklet, "Read through these employment terms and let me know if you have any questions."

Jimin nodded eagerly, taking the offered document with another bow, "Thank you!" 

Jin chuckled, his eyes crinkling, "Is this your first job?"

Jimin felt a blush creep up his neck, "Ah.... yes... it is. I'm sorry." 

"No worries, it's good to have so much enthusiasm! You're gonna need it!" With that eerie statement, Jin rubbed Jimin's head companionably and walked away. 

Slightly flustered, Jimin walked to one of the leather sofas that had low tables lined in front of them. The coffee shop wasn't large but it was a decent space. Despite being mid-afternoon, the establishment was kept dimly lit. The rich wooden walls were bare with simple golden accents and brassy light fixtures. The dark gray marble counter was gleaming from the light emitted from several glass cases filled fancy pastries, tarts, and petite cakes.

Feeling his mouth water, Jimin quickly looked down at the paperwork and closed his eyes. Get a hold of yourself, Jimin. You're going to embarrass yourself...

A loud chime of the door opening brought Jimin's attention back up. Sunlight streamed in briefly before the door clicked shut behind a tall masculine figure. The man was dressed in a sophisticated black coat, heavy and made of wool.

Jin suddenly appeared again, his smile bright, "Hello, welcome to the Golden Lights." 

The man shrugged off his coat, hanging it gently on a waiting golden arch protruding from the wall adjacent to the entrance, "Hello." His voice was deep and Jimin couldn't help but notice that the black turtleneck hugging his upper body accentuated his long neck. He walked over to where Jin was standing and looked around, "Are you by yourself?"

Jin glanced over to Jimin quickly before rubbing his neck sheepishly, "Right now, yes. Is there something I can get for you?" 

At closer inspection, Jimin realized, the 'man' is probably someone that was closer to Jin's age. The black-rimmed frames sitting heavily on the boy's nose had aged his handsome features slightly. 

The tall boy stared at Jin for a moment longer before pulling out his wallet, "Yes, a dopio over ice please."

A small vibration from Jimin's pocket interrupted his observation of the interaction and he felt his heart lurch to his throat.

It completely slipped his mind to tell Jungkook he wouldn't be able to meet him after soccer practice today.  

Jungkook hasn't responded to his text yesterday about the job. But Jimin couldn't really afford to let this opportunity pass him by so...

Another vibration followed before his pocket began to vibrate in earnest. Jimin stood up quickly, fumbling to pull his cell phone from his pants pocket before finding himself outside of the cafe with the phone pressed to his cold ear, "Hello?" 

"Where are you?"

Jimin swallowed hard, "At... at the cafe."

"What cafe?" Jimin couldn't distinguish the tone of Jungkook's voice. He didn't sound mad but he didn't sound all that patient either.

"Golden Lights... close to the dance studio."

"Stay there." 

Jimin pulled the phone away when the call ended. He turned around and almost bumped into the tall boy as he stepped through the door, a drink sitting loosely in his hand. Jimin bowed, keeping his eyes to the ground, "Sorry!" 

The boy held the door open for him, "No problem, go ahead." 

Jimin rushed through the door and bowed again, "Thank you!" 

He squeezed his eyes shut, knowing that he definitely had to work on his person skills. Two years of being invisible has taken an obvious toll on him. He waited until the door shut again before standing up straight. 

Jin called to him, his voice light with humor, "You need to loosen up, Jimin!" He looked passed Jimin for a second before frowning and pulling his apron off, "Aish, he forgot his coat."

Just as Jin came up to the heavy wool, the door opened again. The tall boy stepped in, his eyes immediately training on Jin who looked startled at the close proximity of their bodies. Jin carefully stepped back and gestured to the coat, "I was going to bring it to you." 

The boy didn't spare the coat a glance, his hand reaching to grab it confidently, "Thank you, Jin-ssi."

Jimin noticed the warmth that suddenly colored Jin's cheeks, "Y-you're welcome."

The tall boy smiled, impossibly deep dimples making their appearance, "I'll see you tomorrow." He slung his coat over his arm and stepped back out of the door without another word.

Jin stared at the door, his eyes wide. Jimin felt the urge to tease the older boy but was cut off when the door suddenly opened again. Jimin's own eyes widened when the long legs of an angry Jeon Jungkook stalked in.  

"Welcome to-" 

For the second time that day, Jin found himself staring at the cafe door with a dumbfounded expression as the newcomer snatched Jimin by the arm and disappeared before the door had the time to open and shut properly. 

He blinked, finding himself grumbling under his breath and returning to his spot behind the counter. At least the odd turn of events had effectively taken his mind off of the mysterious pink-haired God in the chic black ensemble. Well, kind of.

It is difficult to tell if a dream is your mind's way of communicating with you, a pleasant way to set the mood and get your creative juices flowing... or if is some form of premonition that should be heeded, your mind's way of warning you... that something unpleasant was in the works...

Jin tied his apron back on with trained hands, his lips quirking as his thoughts wondered back to the tall boy with the dimples. He leaned forward on the counter, his hand coming up to cradle his chin. See you tomorrow, huh?

end chapter four: dream

Sorry again for the wait! All the happy JiKook moments from these past few weeks made it so hard to get in the right headspace for this story! Thank you so much for reading and I appreciate all the comments and kudos you guys have left for this story ^_^!

I will be updating Mysteria: Myth of the Siren this week and will update Cinderella: Of Fear and Pain next week. Thank you again for your patience!

PLEASE READ -

Would you guys like it if I opened up a prompt suggestion for oneshots? Like, for the first three commenters for the next chapter, those commenters can give me a prompt and I will write a oneshot based off of it? Or maybe I can start a tweet hashtag and I will choose three people at random who tweet the hashtag? What do you think?