Chapter Text
☀
“Jimin, there’s something we need to talk about.”
“Okay, what is it?” Jimin looks up from his phone, frowning slightly at Jeongguk, the younger’s voice heavily laced in hesitation. “If it’s about using my toothbrush, I’ve told you before that I don’t mind.”
“No, it’s not that.” Jeongguk runs his tongue over his lips, the ones that Jimin knows are always slightly chapped, but still soft against his own. “I meant about us.”
“Us?” Jimin repeats, locking his phone to stare at Jeongguk who sits himself down on the sofa beside him. “What do you mean?”
The two had been dating for a few months now, and while Jimin wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth ride (after all, which relationship is perfect?), he hasn’t been happier. The two were friends before they tried their relationship, and though they’ve both been busy with college, it’s something that they’ve always made work. They always hang out and study together, sometimes cooped up in the corner of a café, hands often wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate – and if not, holding the other’s hands.
Jimin had earlier thought that today when Jeongguk invited himself over, as usual, would include one of their many and essential cuddle sessions, where Jimin would always try and fail to count the golden flecks in Jeongguk's eyes. But now, as he stares into those eyes that are cloudy with conflicting emotions, barely able to stare back at him as they dart around the room, Jimin finds himself instead counting the seconds that piercingly tick into the silence between him and his boyfriend.
Jeongguk takes a deep breath, and he’s close enough to Jimin for the older to hear the shaky exhalation. “I don’t think we can make us work anymore.”
“What?” Jimin whispers, hands reaching out to hold Jeongguk's. It’s like a reflex, reaching out for comfort. But Jimin realises that the comfort is what’s causing the pain, the confusion. Jeongguk's hands are cold in his.
“I know when we agreed, in the beginning, to try this and to try us, that it didn’t matter if we turn out not to be soulmates. But I’ve just kept thinking about it, and I don’t think it’s right for us to stay together. Not when there’s someone out their destined for you and someone for me too.”
Feeling Jeongguk's hands try to slip from his own, Jimin tightens his grip on them. “But, don’t you see that we’re destined to be together? You remember what you said, right? That ‘us’ is more important than some silly mark on our wrists. We promised that we’d let our feelings lead our lives rather than some silly concept of destiny.”
“I know, truly, I do. I’ve never lied about my feelings for you, at least knot that. But this isn’t your fault, it was just the wrong choice to make. I wish that we were soulmates, and I know you’ve always been there for me since we met, and I appreciate that so much.”
“Obviously you don’t, because you wouldn’t be doing this. If I make you happy, and you make me – God - you make me so fucking happy, why can’t you try and make us work? Your soulmark hasn’t even appeared yet, you’re only nineteen. How are you so sure that we’re not soulmates?”
“It’s not as easy as waiting for my birthday, Jimin. That’s not how this works. Only when both soulmates turn twenty, do their soulmarks appear. Your soulmark appeared a couple years ago, right? That means your soulmate is older than you and has already been waiting at least twenty years. Are you really going to keep them waiting any longer?”
“I’ve told you this a thousand times, and I’ll never stop telling you: I don’t care who my soulmate is. I only care about you, Jeongguk. You’re the person I want to be with.”
“I can’t keep feeling so guilty all the time, I’m sorry.” Jeongguk stands up, sighing quietly. “It’s not fair on them, so the answer is simple. We can’t be together, at least not as partners.”
“This isn’t right, Jeongguk!” Jimin jumps to feet, following after Jeongguk who goes to leave. No, no, no. “You’re not even bothering to listen to reason, you’re not giving me a chance to put up a fight.”
“I’ve already tried fighting it, I’m not going to force you into that battle too.” Jeongguk pauses by the front door, hand on the doorknob.
“Jeongguk, I—” Jimin grabs at Jeongguk's wrist, eyes drowning in the tears that pool there. “Please, don’t go. How can you expect me to be happy when you’re someone who’s so beautiful and kind?”
“You’ll find another, who will be able to provide you with the truest happiness you’ve never felt before. Please, stay safe and healthy for yourself.”
Before Jimin can retort, Jeongguk gently pulls Jimin’s hand from his wrist, pressing a kiss to the back of it. Jeongguk lets go, and as Jimin allows it to fall to his side, the younger opens the door and leaves without another word. The door shuts, and Jimin’s left in the silence of his room.
It isn’t like the movies, where Jimin can conjure the strength to open the door and chase after Jeongguk before the two of them makeup and kiss under the rain. Jeongguk doesn’t suddenly run back into the room, exclaiming apologies about how wrong he was, and again, the two makeup and kiss.
Instead, Jimin feels the tears soaking into his cheeks, but he ignores them, resting his hand on the door. He leans forward, hand clenching into a fist as he presses his forehead against the wood, willing and praying for something, someone, to hold onto.
His hands drop to his face, letting tears pool in his palms as he sinks down onto his knees. His phone vibrates, and he rushes to pull it out. He unlocked his phone to read the notification, high on the desperate hope that it's Jeongguk to apologise or explain himself. However, he sees the text had been sent from none other than his friend Taehyung, his text asking if they were still up for video games later. Oh, right, he had forgotten about that. They hadn’t talked in a while, much less about Jeongguk. Jimin can’t even recall if he’s ever told Taehyung his name.
Though only a few minutes had passed since Jeongguk had left, it felt like it had already been an eternity and a half, and it felt ever longer as he dials Taehyung’s number, listening to the mocking dial tone as it rings.
“Jimin,” Taehyung’s voice fills the room, “What’s up?”
“Uh, I’m sorry I just—” Why did Jimin think it would be a good idea to call Taehyung? He regrets it, but he can’t just hang up now – that would only invite more questions.
“Jimin? What happened? Are you okay?”
“My uh—” Jimin chokes on the shaky breath that he exhales. “I think my boyfriend’s just left me.”
There’s silence for a second before Jimin can hear shuffling on the other end as Taehyung speaks. “Shit, are you okay? Wait, of course, you’re not, why am I asking that? Jimin, I’m on my way over right now, don’t move.”
“No, I don’t want to bother you.” Jimin stands to his feet, albeit a little wobbly. “I’ll just take some time and space, it will be fine—”
“Where is he? I’ll give him a piece of my mind and maybe my fist, and I’ll then come and give you lots of cuddles.”
“It’s okay, don’t do something silly.” Jimin shakes his head, weakly smiling. “We both got hurt, we’re both upset. That’s nothing we can do about it anymore.”
Taehyung’s sigh comes crackled over the line. “Jimin, I’m sorry but—”
“Please, Taehyung,” Jimin says, trying to make his voice sound forceful but he knows he’s failing. “I just want to be alone, right now. Let me have that, at least.”
Silence follows, but Taehyung then speaks with a soft voice. “Alright, Jimin. I just want to make sure you’re not going to do something stupid, okay?”
“I won’t, don’t worry.”
“This isn’t your fault okay, I want you to know that. No matter how ‘mutual’ this might seem to you. You’re hurt, and that’s not your fault.”
“I know, thank you.”
“I have a spare key, remember? So, make sure you update me before I think you’ve died by choking on the ice cream you’ll most likely drown in otherwise. Promise me that at least.”
“I promise.” Jimin chuckles weakly. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
After they both say their replies, Jimin hangs up and places his phone on the bedside table. Throwing himself onto his bed, he lets his face be swallowed up by his pillow. But then he’s hit with the scent of Jeongguk's shampoo, mingled with his own. Cursing, he lifts his head and throws the pillow away, discarding it to the floor. He throws his duvet over himself, mentally remembering to do the laundry soon as he feels himself drift off, eyes tired and sore.
***
Over the next week, Jimin leaves his dorm only a few times to attend his classes, because breakups don’t include automatic time off college, and he knows he still needs to get his education – as pointless and as tiring as it sounds (and actually is). He remembers to do his laundry, to call the delivery service to cancel Jeongguk's birthday package. Jimin also makes sure, slightly begrudgingly, to give Taehyung updates, though the latter always said that they weren’t frequent enough and not the same, so he had insisted on coming over. Yet Jimin was grateful for the company, and also to Taehyung for respecting his wishes of wanting to be alone sometimes.
Now Friday, Jimin had just gotten from his last class of the week, settled in front of another romantic movie with his trusty bowl of ice cream when he receives a text notification from Taehyung.
Tae-tae
Hey, hope you haven’t drowned in ice cream yet
Not yet, but I’m pretty close
What’s up?
Well, I’ve had a thought
Oh no, this can’t be good
Always the comedian
What’s your amazing idea?
Well it includes you having to actually get up and shower
Already sounds exhausting
It also means you’re going to have let me dress you up even more pretty than you already, naturally are
Don’t tell me you want to take me out to a club again
I’m sorry, but I can’t sit here and watch you not go out and get some fresh air
I’m not saying you have to hook up with anyone or anything, I wouldn’t pressure you like that
But it might be fun, you and I can just have a few drinks together for surviving the week and forget about what’s happened for a few hours, how does that sound?
… I don’t know Tae
It's purely up to you, but I miss you :(
I can literally hear you doing puppy eyes from here
I mean…
Fine, but you better bring the good Anastasia kit™️
Or you don’t have to worry about coming over at all
An intellectual
It’s already in my bag don’t you worry
Now go have a shower you smelly baby, and I’ll see you soon
Okay, I’ll order pizza so we can eat once you’re here
You’re an angel, have I ever told you how much I love you?
Unfortunately, too often
Jimin :<
I love you, see you soon <3
<3
***
Jimin’s not sure how it happened, but his vision was now neon purple, lights pulsing in time with the trap music playing over the speakers at the busy club that Taehyung had dragged him too. Surprisingly on the quiet side for a Friday night, waiting outside in the queue didn’t take that long. Taehyung had spent the better half of an hour choosing the best outfit for Jimin who ended up in leather jeans that he’s not sure he’ll be able to take off at the end of the night. Taehyung had dressed him also in loose silk wrap shirt that joined at his waist, and the slinky, mulberry fabric laid gently open across his chest, matching the dark wine shimmer that had been dusted across his eyelids. The sleeves were long and ballooned, adorned in black crystals that were accentuated by the matching long chains around his neck and the rings that the neon lights danced off.
Jimin turns to Taehyung, who had dressed in a black turtleneck, tucked into burgundy velvet sweatpants that were tied around his waist. Below his maroon beret, earrings hang low, bouncing every time Taehyung turns his head.
“Taehyung, I don’t think this is a good idea.”
Taehyung smiles slightly but shakes his head. “Why don’t you at least get one drink in you, hm? I need to go to the toilet, but if you’re still feeling uncomfortable once I’m back, then we can leave.”
Jimin sighs, but nods. “Okay, right. I’ll see you in a moment then.”
After his eyes follow Taehyung across the dance floor in search of the toilets, he squeezes himself onto the few free seats at the bar. He hums to himself as he takes a look at the cocktail menu.
“The Screaming Orgasm is my favourite if you’re looking for recommendations.” A voice next to him says, and Jimin looks up to find the unfortunate slightly attractive man beside him. Their eyes meet, and the man’s eyes scrunch up as he cheeks fill out with a bright grin.
“I-I’m sorry?”
“The drink, I mean. However, I’m not a fussy person, and I wouldn’t mind the other either.”
Jimin’s gaze dances back to the drink’s menu. Fair play to the man beside him, the drink was on there. It did sound nice after all: vodka, amaretto, coffee liquor. And, it was topped with cream and chocolate shavings – a sure way to the heart of Jimin’s sweet tooth.
He smiles nervously back up at the man beside him. “Uh, I’m not looking for—”
“That’s alright,” The man snorts. “I wasn't completely serious, but I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable. The name’s Hoseok.” He reaches out his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” Jimin chuckles, outstretching his hand to meet Hoseok’s larger own. “You can call me Jimin.”
“Jimin,” Hoseok hums, almost as if contemplating the way it feels on his tongue. “Pretty name.”
Jimin smiles, then turns to call over a bartender, ignoring the way his cheeks slightly flush as he speaks. “One Screaming Orgasm, please.”
The bartender goes to make the drink, and he can see Hoseok grinning at him. “I’m surprised you went with that. My judgement could be really off, you know.”
“It’s okay,” Jimin tilts his head, smirking a little. “I feel like I could trust you, you know?”
Jimin takes a sip of the drink placed in front of him, happily humming as he runs his tongue across his lips to catch any stray cream.
“So,” Hoseok says, slightly turning his body towards Jimin, the latter doing the same. “What brings a pretty person with a pretty name like yours to a place like this all alone? Where’s your partner?”
“Ah, I’m just a single pretty thing now, my boyfriend broke up with me in search of his soulmate. Something about… the right thing to do.”
Hoseok’s eyes soften with sympathy, and his smile drops. “I’m sorry to hear that, Jimin.”
“It’s alright, don’t worry. I came here with my friend, he’s been insistent on dragging me out all week. But he’s disappeared somewhere on his way to the toilet.”
“Sounds far too similar. I’m with a friend for his twentieth birthday – his soulmark appeared this morning. He’s been down in the dumps the last or so, I don’t know why; so, I decided to force him out of his duvet cocoon for a few hours.”
Jimin giggles, raising his glass. “To friends that ditch. Though they keep leaving our asses, we wouldn’t know what we do without them.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Hoseok chuckles, lifting his drink to clink Jimin’s before taking a long sip.
There’s silence for a couple of minutes, and Jimin can feel his smile wavering. Hoseok notices, somehow. Maybe he had been staring, but Jimin doesn’t really care as the other speaks. “Hey, your ex doesn’t know what he’s missing out on. I’m sorry that happened to you, but I hope that you can have better experiences in the future.”
“I guess.” Jimin sighs, playing with his straw. “I don’t even care about soulmates, you know? I don’t want to find mine, never really gave too much thought to it ever since my twentieth either. I know what will happen, no matter how I end up with – soulmate or not. I’m going to find myself seeing his eyes when I look into theirs. I’ll be reminded of his arms when I’m wrapped in someone else’s. Their laugh probably won't even be as pretty as his laugh was.”
“You don’t know that, Jimin.”
Jimin shrugs, taking another sip. “I just wish there was a way to get rid of soulmarks, then I won’t have to have my life dictated by it anymore.”
“I’m sure it’s a pretty mark, perfect for someone like you.”
“Thanks,” Jimin says weakly, offering a small smile.
Hoseok reaches out, gently patting Jimin’s arm. He sighs, fingers resting over the fabric where Jimin’s soulmark lies. “Hey, Jimin. If there was a way to remove it, would you?”
“I’m sorry?” Jimin frowns, glancing down at his arm.
“If I told you I knew somebody, who was involved in stuff like that, and might be able to help you, would you be interested?”
“You mean, you know someone who’d be able to remove my mark for me? To put me out of my misery and stop this torment?”
“Yes,” Hoseok nods, taking a quiet sip of his drink as he moves his hand away. “If you want, then I can help you and tell you some more. But you’ll have to promise not to tell anyone, including your friend, okay? I’m sure you can imagine it’s not the most… legal activity that one can partake in.”
“It’s fine, “Jimin glances behind him, just to check that Taehyung hadn’t magically reappeared. “I can’t imagine him approving of this anyway, so there’s not a high chance I’ll tell him. It will probably come up years later, but for now, I’ll just decide to cross that bridge when I get to it.”
“Perfect, I’ll give you my number then.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a pen and grabbing one of the napkins on the bar to write on. “My friend, who’s involved in soulmark removal, he likes to sleep in but I’ll be up early so feel free to message me anytime tomorrow, and we can work something out, okay?”
Jimin nods his head earnestly, pocketing the napkin that Hoseok gives to him. “Thank you so, so much. I’m so glad I came here and was able to meet you.”
Hoseok smiles, nonchalantly waving his hand through the air as he downs his drink. “It’s no big deal, really. See you tomorrow then, pretty thing?”
Jimin nods, smiling as he watches Hoseok leave before swivelling around in his chair to try and find Taehyung amongst the sea of sweaty bopping heads. His eyes lock onto the familiar beret Taehyung had somehow managed to keep on all this time, and then on the guy, he was with. He can’t make out the other persons face, mostly because Taehyung’s while making out with it. Jimin snorts, rolling his eyes fondly.
Finishing his drink, Jimin pulls out his phone and sends a text to Taehyung that he knows the older won’t read for at least another couple more hours but will be grateful for all the same. He also saves in Hoseok’s number before he forgets.
***
Jimin’s morning has been uneventful so far. Now late morning, Jimin sits at the kitchen counter finishing his breakfast. He had been scrolling through his newsfeed for a good five or ten minutes when Taehyung sends him a text.
Tae-Tae
Glad to know you got home safe!
Sorry I hadn’t replied earlier, btw
It’s okay, I know you were preoccupied lol
Was it worth it?
Nothing’s worse abandoning my little Jiminie
But, ;)))))))))))
We’re going out for brunch in a few, he’s in the shower atm
I’m sure you already had breakfast in bed ;))
Maybe, maybe..
What the body wants the body gets
But yeah I’m probably gonna be busy today, so I won't see you till classes tomorrow
That’s alright, I’m actually going out tomorrow
You are??? That’s great Jimin
I'm glad to hear that!
<3 <3
Jimin pulls up Hoseok’s contact and sends a message before he can think about it.
Hoseok
Hey, this is Jimin from last night?
I was just wondering if your offer still stands.
Hey Jimin! Hope you’ve had a good morning
My friend’s still sleeping at the moment, so I was wondering if you wanna meet for lunch beforehand?
His apartment is close by, and we can head there afterwards
Jimin glances down at his clothes, dressed simply in jeans and a navy cardigan over a simple t-shirt. He thinks that Taehyung must have left the cardigan one time he was over recently, as it’s long and baggy on him, swallowing his hands.
Hoseok
Sounds good, I’ve had a small breakfast so we can meet whenever.
Okay, cool!
If you remember the club from yesterday, the closest station has a small café behind it
Oh yeah I know the one
Is there anything that I need to uh, bring with me?
Oops I almost forgot
Yeah you need to bring ID and 300,000 won with you
Okay
I’ll have to visit an atm on the way there and take some out
I’m your typical broke college student, straight from a ya novel
Ew lmao but relatable af
Ah but I'm glad you understand that as I'm sure you’re aware my friend doesn’t do the most acceptable… or legal of activities
The money just assures anonymity for both sides of the party, that no word of this will spread
And the ID is just to confirm your age
We literally met at a bar
Lmao ikr I did tell him that, but he still insisted. He’s very passionate about his work lol
Sounds like an interesting guy
He is! Tbh I can see you and him getting along
Who knows
So, see you in about an hour?
Sure
Cool! :D
***
“So how is your friend?” Hoseok asks.
Jimin looks up from his vanilla milkshake, smiling a little. “Oh, he’s doing pretty well. He hooked up with somebody last night, and they’re having brunch together.
“Ah, young love.” Hoseok grins. “Or rather, young one night stands. Who knows what will happen?”
Jimin nods, taking a sip of his shake. “Who knows? He’s a very spontaneous guy so I wouldn’t be surprised. What about your friend?”
“He literally became an adult, and he’s already out there getting laid.” Hoseok playfully rolls his eyes. “Oh, but you won't believe what he’s told me. He thinks the guy he hooked up with might have a matching soulmark to his.”
Jimin gasps, the straw dropping from between his lips. “That’s amazing, what luck!”
Hoseok hums, smiling sadly. “That’s right, I recall you hadn’t had much luck recently, right?”
“No, I think it’s safe to say I haven’t.” Jimin sighs, shaking his head as his gaze drops down again. “I haven’t really been interested in making sure I’m in a relationship, I’m comfortable being single. But then if the right person comes along, and, God, I believed he was. He’s so pretty, and he’s always got these flecks of gold swimming in his bright eyes and in the summer his face lights up with freckles.”
“He sounds nice.”
“He is—Or, rather, he was. Too nice, I guess. He wasn’t comfortable being with someone who isn’t his soulmate, and I hope that one day he finds someone who makes him happy. Even if they’re not his soulmate… maybe he’ll one day change his mind about all that.”
Hoseok nods, taking a sip of his juice with thought. “It’s an interesting philosophy, that’s for certain. Jimin… are you still sure about doing this? I don’t want you to feel like you’re being forced into this, or letting our emotions take over while everything is still hurting. You can step out at any time, okay?”
Jimin looks back up from his shake to Hoseok’s hard eyes, and he’s slightly taken aback by the empathetic sadness that lingers in them. “I’m not going to lie and say I’m not nervous. Removing it will just make me happy, I know it will. It means I won’t be tied down anymore.”
Hoseok sighs, reaching across the table to rest his hand over Jimin’s trembling one. “I’m sorry you feel like that Jimin, and that’s come to this. If you’re sure, we can start heading over. My friend woke up just before I left my place, but he said he needed a good hour or two and a coffee or three to wake up.”
“Okay, cool.” Jimin nods, gently pulling away his hand to finish off his shake. “So, 300,000 won. Is that deposit or full price?”
Reaching into his pocket, Hoseok takes out his phone. “It’s the deposit, the remaining price that you pay later varies from about 50,000 to 100,00 won. Today’s just more of a consultation so he can take a look and get an idea of what’s got to work with. If you think it’s too much, we can always postpone or discuss an alternative. You could probably buy some good makeup to cover it up anyway.”
“I already have good makeup,” Jimin smiles. “But it’s alright. I just don’t want to look at my arm anymore and be reminded of him.”
Hoseok nods, typing away a short message on his phone. “Alright, I’ve let him know we’re on our way.” He stands up, and Jimin follows suit. “Shall we go then?”
“Okay, let’s go.”
***
According to Hoseok, the apartment was in walking distance, but they had already been going for twenty minutes with no end in sight. Though surrounded by tall buildings, Jimin could see that the sun was already starting to lower in the sky. He had originally felt a little uneasy about the area, the backstreets and the alleyways, but with Hoseok here his uneasiness had subsided. When the two of them reach the end of a particularly winding alleyway that opened onto a small estate, Hoseok speaks up. “His apartment is just up here.”
They approach the nearby building, taking the stairs up a few flights. They walk down an open corridor that overlooked the grassy square below. Jimin could make out a couple of children playing down there on the swings. Hoseok suddenly stops, and Jimin narrowly misses crashing into his back. Hoseok knocks on the door that they had stopped at, and Jimin notes the number of the apartment door reading 305. There’s a heavy silence as they wait for someone to come to the door. All Jimin can hear is his own heavy breathing as his heart pounds, a few distant crickets and the sound of old rust as the swings groan and whine below.
He hears the door being unlocked from the inside before it slowly opens. Hoseok smiles from his place in front of the door, “Hey, I brought him.”
Jimin sees the shadow of the figure at the door disappear, and Hoseok gestures for Jimin to follow him inside. Stepping in, he’s surprised to see how dark it was, mostly because of the closed curtains. But it was a warm darkness, and somehow the sun still teased and seeped its way through the faded fabrics that hang in front of the windows.
It’s a seemingly ordinary apartment, but Jimin wasn’t even sure what he had been expecting anyway. It’s significantly bigger than his dorm room, and there was a small hallway leading to three other rooms. Jimin follows Hoseok over to the sofa, cautiously sitting down beside him as he finally gets a good look at the man who had let them in. He’s wearing a facemask, and his blonde hair only stuck out in tufts underneath the snapback he’s wearing. But he’s hard for Jimin to look at. Something about the eyes that seem to pierce right into his soul, as if reading every thought he’s ever had, and every beat of his heart. Jimin casts his eyes down to the carpet, which is notably cleaner than the old one he’s got in his dorm. Hm, maybe he should do a spring clean sometime.
Hoseok gently rests a hand on Jimin’s shoulder, addressing the man sitting in the armchair opposite. “This is Jimin, the one that I told you about. Have fun.” He stands up, and waves before disappearing in the closest room of the hallway.
The silence after Hoseok left was suffocating. The man opposite him says nothing, and Jimin forces himself to speak. “Nice to uh, meet you Mr…?”
“My name doesn’t matter, right? But, if you want, you can call me Suga I guess.” The man – Suga – reaches out to shake Jimin’s hand, and the younger is quick to reciprocate. “So, do you have ID?”
Jimin nods, reaching into his wallet to pass his ID over. Suga looks over it, humming as he glances up at Jimin. “So, you sure about this?” Suga says, handing it back over. “You can back out if you want. Don’t feel pressured just because Hoseok dragged you here.”
Instead of answering, Jimin reaches back into his wallet and takes out the money Hoseok had asked him to bring. “Here. 300,000 won.”
Suga quirks an eyebrow before taking the money. “Thanks.”
“Not going to check that it’s the right amount?”
“Feel like you’re not the type of guy to do that.”
“You could be very wrong about me, Suga.”
“I doubt that, Jimin.”
Jimin’s about to ask how Suga knows his name, but of course, he just gave his ID over to the man.
“Here, come on,” Suga says, and Jimin finds himself following the other down to the end of the hallway. Jimin can hear muffled music coming from the door on the right, but Suga leads them into the left room where there are a simple desk, chair and a cushioned bench. Suga gestures for Jimin to take a seat on the bench as he goes to open the blinds, letting more light into the otherwise dark room.
Suga sits down in the chair beside him and starts rummaging through the drawers. Jimin decides to break the silence. “So, Suga, why do you check for ID? It’s not like you’re running an official business here, is it?”
“Well,” Suga says, not looking up from his rummaging. “Even though this is technically illegal, I refuse to stoop so low to work on minors. I’d rather just get locked up for this, you know? Plus, there’s no point. They’re going to get their soulmark eventually, so there’s no point in them coming here to get one forged to fake their age.”
Jimin hums, and Suga continues. “So, as Hoseok may have told you, today isn’t the actual process. I’m just going to take a look at the mark and see what I have to work with. Removing a soulmark is a long and painful process, which damages the tissue of the skin. Most of my clients go under general anaesthetic due to the intensity of the pain. It’s not just going to hurt your arm, but also your heart – it’s like ripping away a part of your soul. Your soul is going to be confused, and it may also affect your soulmate’s own too. Though it’s not proven, it’s not like it can be researched without being called inhumane.”
“I don’t understand why people say it’s illegal, it’s not like we asked for these soulmarks. Fate screwed us over, that’s not our fault.”
Suga snorts. “Glad to hear we’re like-minded.”
“Have you had yours removed, Suga?”
Suga shakes his head, closing the drawer with his equipment laid out in front of him. “No, and I doubt that I will. While I find there is lots wrong with the ideology behind soulmates and soulmarks, I do believe there is someone out there for me who will be able to make the happiest. I know that one day I’ll find them, and I’m happy to wait.”
“Stop me if I’m crossing a line but—Why do you remove soulmarks then? If you still have yours.”
Suga looks up to meet Jimin’s curious eyes. “That, Jimin, is a story for another day. Besides, I don’t tell people how to live their lives, and I also get paid. It’s a win-win situation for us both, really. Anyway, let’s get started. Would you mind showing your mark?”
Jimin nods. “Sure,” and he slides off his cardigan. Suga pulls on gloves, with a mechanical ruler in one hand and a pencil in the other. On the desk, there’s a small notepad, open for use. Jimin reaches his arm out to Suga and watches intently.
Suga bends forward to take a look at the soulmark, but Jimin’s surprised as Suga’s eyes widen, his hands frozen over it. Jimin bites his lip, refraining the want to pull his arm away and hide. “I’m sorry, I know it’s ugly.”
Suga’s gaze shoots up to Jimin’s eyes, and there’s something in them that makes it hard for Jimin to breathe. “Ug—Did you say ugly?”
Jimin blushes, retracting his arm a little. “Yeah.” He whispers.
Suga speaks again, his voice just as hushed. “Jimin I—I think it’s beautiful.”
“W-what?”
“It’s a beautiful flower, I’ve only seen it once in my life.”
Jimin can’t help but snort. “What do you mean? I see them all the time at the park near my college.”
“O-Oh really?” Suga’s ears turn pink. “Maybe I just need to get out more, then.” He coughs nervously. “Is this okay? Should I continue, Jimin?”
Jimin shifts his arm forward back to Suga. “Sure, sorry.”
Jimin watches as Suga takes measurements with slightly trembling hands, scribbling them down in the notebook. He then takes a small bottle, smearing some odd smelling cream over Jimin’s soulmark. Taking a little pencil, Jimin watches as Suga gently rubs the tool against the mark creating a dark blue colour. Suga hums, noting something down in his book. He wipes it off after and sits back in his chair, gloves disposed of. “Alright, all done.”
Jimin smiles, putting his cardigan back on. “Thank you, Suga.”
“It’s no problem, don’t worry about it.” Suga shakes his head. “Oh, and Jimin?”
“Yeah?” Jimin asks, tilting his head.
“My name’s Yoongi if you want to call me that.”
Jimin’s smile widened as he nods enthusiastically. “Okay, cool! Thanks again, Yoongi.”
“Like I said, it’s not a big deal. I just want to make sure you’re still all cool with this. You can back out if you want, and you can get your money back too.”
“I appreciate the concern, but don’t worry. I’m a little nervous, of course, but that’s okay. I’m okay with this.”
“I just want you to be a hundred per cent comfortable with this. It’s a big decision that you can’t go back on once it’s over.”
“Knowing that you’re the one doing it, Yoongi, I feel very comfortable.” Jimin blushes as he processes what he had just said. “Ah, sorry—”
“I’m glad.” Yoongi smiles. “I want you to feel comfortable here, after all. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly.”
Jimin smiles but turns his gaze down to his lap.
“I want to make this process as easy for you as I can.” Yoongi continues. “If you want, we can always meet and make sure you’re comfortable and aware of everything before the actual appointment.”
“That—” Jimin swallows and looks back up to meet Yoongi’s eyes. “That sounds nice. Should we exchange numbers, then?”
“Sure,” Yoongi says, passing over his phone and taking Jimin’s. “You should message me sometime. I’ll let you know when your appointment will be. It will most likely be a couple of weeks just so I can get everything ready. In the meantime, we can always chat, and I’ll give you some updates on how it’s going. I’ll also let you know in a week or so how much I’d need from you for the process.”
“Sounds good.” Jimin takes his phone back, pocketing it. “Mind showing me out?”
“Of course.”
Yoongi rises from his chair, and Jimin follows him to the front door which Yoongi opens.
“Thanks again,” Jimin says, “for everything.”
“Stop saying thanks, I’m not really doing anything special here.”
Jimin smiles, and waves to Hoseok who’s spread out on the sofa. “Hoseok, see you later!”
Hoseok waves, returning the grin. “Bye, Jimin! Get home safely.”
Yoongi reaches out to shake Jimin’s hand again. “Nice to meet you, Jimin.”
“And you, Yoongi. I’ll let you know when I get home, okay?”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”
Jimin nods and takes his leave. He hears the door close softly behind him, but he smiles to himself as he makes his way back towards the station. The commute home is busy, but it doesn’t make Jimin’s smile falter. His thoughts keep going back to Yoongi’s soft hand in his and the feel of his fingers against his skin.
🌙
Yoongi, you told him your name?” Hoseok sits up where he’s lying on the sofa after the door closes on Jimin. “You never do that with clients.”
Yoongi whips around from the door. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hoseok.”
“What if the kid went and told all his friends about you? Your identity would be exposed.”
Yoongi ignores Hoseok, making his way down the hallway. Hoseok jumps off the sofa, gently reaching to grab Yoongi’s wrist. “Hey,” Hoseok says, voice softer than before. “What happened?”
“Nothing happened.” Yoongi pulls away from Hoseok, silently cursing the warmth on his cheeks. “He’s just a client, and that’s all. I’ve got stuff to do, Hoseok.”
“You—You know can talk to me whenever right? That’s never changed before, and it’s not going to now” Hoseok lingers in the hallway as Yoongi enters his room, refusing to respond.
☀
One Jimin’s back at his dorm, he checks his messages. Taehyung hadn’t messaged him since this morning, but he knows the boy was fine. He brings up Yoongi’s contact and sends a message.
Yoongi
Hey Yoongi, it’s Jimin~
Just letting you know I’m back at my dorm all safe and sound
Hey Jimin, glad to hear that its starting to get late
Trust me, ive been out a lot later than this lol
Oh, btw I was just uhm…
Mhm?
I was wondering if you would be able to keep my name to yourself
I don’t really give it out that freely to my clients, you know, for anonymity
Sure, of course! :)
Hehe, does that make me special then?
Yeah, I suppose it does
Jimin blushes, trying to think about what to respond with, but it seems Yoongi had beaten him to the chase.
Yoongi
I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?
Yeah sure!
I’m free sometime this week so just hmu and let me know what you think
Okay, cool
Night, Jimin
Goodnight! :)