all i want for christmas (is you)

by idazzle

Summary:

Jungkook shrugs. “Whatever,” he says. Then he shoots Jimin a wink. “You’re the one who’ll come begging for more, anyway.”

Jimin scoffs. “Please. You're the one who's going to beg.”

“Wanna bet?” Jungkook challenges.

Jimin narrows his eyes. “Why don’t we start right now?” he says. “Let’s see who can hold out longer. Whoever, you, gives in first, loses."

or

Fuck buddies Jimin and Jungkook make a bet not to have sex during their Christmas vacation at Seokjin's cabin. Chaos ensues.

There’s a small present in Jimin’s office bag. 

Wrapped up in golden cat paper, tied with a beautiful red bow, it fits snugly inside Jimin’s palm. He stares at the little present he’s just pulled out of his bag, wondering how and when it had ended up there. 

He tries to check for whom the gift is for, but there’s no name. The card just reads: I hope you’ll have a good day at work today.  

Jimin hums. “That’s very sweet. Who do you belong to, little present?” 

The present doesn’t answer, it just glimmers under the overbearing fluorescent lights, keeping its secrets to itself. 

The rest of the day brings no answers about the present. No one comes by to look for it and none of Jimin’s friends seem to be missing it, so Jimin finally opens it, figuring it must be from one of his coworkers. Inside are two huge cookies and another note: Fighting!  Jimin has no time to eat lunch, so he’s very grateful for the cookies, munching on them as he types up his reports in record time. 

It’s the last day until Christmas break and everyone’s a little antsy about meeting their deadlines. Stress and anxiety float in the air as unwanted visitors, spreading their curse everywhere. Their department head is not helping: he walks around asking people whether they are done yet, glimpsing in a very obvious way at the clock. Jimin joins him in his glancing, counting down the minutes until he can leave. 

The only thing keeping him going is knowing that once he’s done with work, his friends will pick him up for a long weekend in the mountains.  

One of his best friends, Kim Seokjin, invited their entire friend group to spend Christmas together at his family’s cabin. Seokjin’s parents are very wealthy, so their estate will most likely resemble a mansion more than a cabin, but Jimin’s not complaining. If anything, he’s excited. He has barely seen his friends after taking an internship on top of studying in a university. 

The day doesn’t get better as it ages. One of their biggest clients announce that they are moving to another firm, Jimin’s nemesis gets the promotion they had both been striving for, and right at the end of his day, Jimin gets blamed for a mistake that he didn’t make. 

But all bad days end, and so does his. The clock finally strikes five, releasing Jimin from his personal hell of drab decor, insane workload, his sleazy boss, and his snake coworkers who like to blame Jimin the intern for their mistakes. Jimin packs his things in record time, earning some snide comment from his boss about how he seems to be in a hurry to leave, but nothing can get to him anymore: he’s about to see his friends. 

He fights the urge to run out of the building, settling for power-walking. As he walks, his eyes scan the parking lot, looking for Taehyung’s familiar bright orange Lexus, but nothing comes up. He’s not worried: Taehyung’s like Jimin, always late. 

There is someone he recognizes in the parking lot, though, leaning against a dark blue Sedan, smoking a cigarette. Why is Jeon Jungkook there? 

Jimin walks up to him, perplexed. Feeling eyes on him, Jungkook looks up and quickly puts out his cigarette. Usually Jimin would scold him for smoking, telling him that it’s bad for his health, but he’s too worn out from the gruesome day to even start. 

His bad day must be written on his face since Jungkook’s expression changes to one resembling concern. “Mini,” he says, his voice gentle. “How was work?” 

It’s the first kind words Jimin’s heard all day, and he’s already ready to cry. Shaking his head, he wraps his arms around Jungkook without saying a word, pulling him into a hug. He might be in a bit of a weird place in his relationship with Jungkook at the moment, but Jungkook’s always been a good friend before anything else. 

And Jimin really needs a friend at that moment. 

Jungkook’s arm wraps around him after a second of surprise, hugging him back. “That bad, huh?”

“And then some. Why are you smoking? What’s wrong?” Jimin’s come to notice a pattern: Jungkook only smokes when there’s something on his mind, especially when he’s feeling nervous or stressed out. “Why are you here? Where’s Taehyung? Whose car is this?” 

Jungkook blows warm air out of his lungs, creating a little cloud. “So many questions.”

“So few answers.” 

“Taehyung hyung’s car broke down, he can’t pick you up. Hoseok hyung stuffed him into his mom’s minivan, but since he’s bringing the groceries, there’s no more room, so you’re stuck with me." Jungkook's tone changes, dropping lower. "We should talk, hyung. The text—”

“No need,” Jimin hurries to reply. He knows exactly what Jungkook wants to talk about and he's Nowhere Near Ready to have that conversation. “Just tell him you can’t go.” 

Jungkook raises a brow. “Mini—”he starts, but that's as far as he gets. 

“Hey guys!” chimes in another voice. Kim Namjoon jogs up to them, holding a backpack. He stops and pants for a while.

Jimin’s smile is a little strained, hiding the nervous thumping of his heartbeat. “Hyung, you made it.” 

Namjoon shakes his head. “I almost didn’t. My boss tried to cut my vacation five days shorter. Apparently I’m an essential worker despite being scheduled, like, ten hours a week.” 

“What a douche. Are you all ready to go?” 

“Yeah, just give me a sec.” 

Namjoon goes to put his backpack in the trunk, and Jungkook tries again once he's alone with Jimin. “But he asked for me specifically, don’t you think—”

“It’s nothing, honestly. Don’t worry about it. Hey, I found the perfect road trip playlist for us, it’s going to be epic.” 

Jungkook raises a brow. “You can pick all the distractions you want, but we’re still going to talk about the text.” 

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Jimin claims, voice dropping lower as Namjoon starts to approach the car. “You’re just going to tell him no.” 

“Make me,” Jungkook challenges just before Namjoon opens the car door and slides into the back seat. Jimin arches a brow, seemingly accepting the challenge. 

 

 

❄️ ☃️ ❄️

 

Namjoon’s tried a lot of hair styles in his years of living. His hair’s been pink, blond, black, brown, violet—he’s had a lot of fun letting his hairdresser friend practice with his hair. He, however, never thought his hair would turn permanently grey from one road trip. 

His tips are already turning silver from the moment they speed off from Jimin’s office’s parking lot. Jimin reaches over to change the playlist, punching in Jungkook’s passcode, bored of the ballads playing. Jungkook lets him, but changes it back as soon as Jimin leans back to his seat. This results in Jimin trying again and Jungkook shutting him down again. 

In the sixth round, Namjoon intervenes. “Stop it,” he begs in a strained voice. Jimin and Jungkook comply, but next they start bickering about the direction they’re going. 

“Seokjin hyung said to take a left here,” Jimin reminds, following their route on his phone. 

Jungkook shakes his head. “That’s a slower route.” 

“It’s his cabin, I kind of think he knows the routes better than you.”

“You’d think that, wouldn’t you.”

“Jungkook. Turn,” Jimin demands in that terrifying voice that has everyone at his work as well as on the university campus rushing to oblige. 

But not Jeon Jungkook. In fact, he just smiles. “Mini. No.” 

Namjoon decides to change the topic. “Jimin, how’s school going?” 

“Oof, hyung,” Jungkook mutters, “Wrong question.”

Jimin flicks a peanut at him (that bounces off his chest) and grumbles, “It’s fine.” 

“Is something wrong?” Namjoon asks, alarmed. Jimin’s known to get stuck inside his mind, super focused on achieving perfection, be it a dance recital or an especially challenging course. 

Jimin shakes his head, forcing a smile. “No, hyung, everything’s fine.” 

“Jimin, you can tell me if there’s something you’re worried about.” 

“Hyung, I swear, it’s fine. I just need to study harder.”

Jungkook scoffs. “You already live at the library when you’re not at your internship. The librarian literally calls you by name. Any more time there, and you’ll become part of the furniture.” 

“At least she doesn’t call me Noisy Boy,” Jimin snipes.  

“I sneezed, once!" Jungkook gasps, offended. "I couldn’t help it, those old books you read are so freaking dusty. Mrs. Oh is way too harsh. I was just keeping her favorite nerd company.”

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but most people don’t need to be kept company when they’re studying.”

“I agree. Most people don’t.” Jungkook smiles. “But you do.” 

Namjoon stares out of the window and pretends that he’s not there. Maybe he’d go to Acapulco, swim and dive and play in the ocean. Find a crab or two, read a book in the warmth… 

“Mrs. Oh said that you’re officially banned from the library after last time.” 

“She can’t ban me from the library. All I did was study next to you.”

“That’s all you did? Are you sure?” Jimin's voice gives out a lot more information than he meant to. Namjoon hides his face in his hands, bravely resisting the urge to scream. 

Meanwhile, Jimin and Jungkook have continued their fight. "... Not to mention, he wouldn't have texted you if it weren't for that morning. I told you, we need to stop hanging out overnight. It's clearly starting to affect my school work, too." 

"Hyung, come on, you got a B. B is not bad. Respectable, even."

"In my favorite class! I've been too distracted to study enough, and that's all your fault!" 

“Jiminie hyung got one slightly worse grade, and now he thinks he’s going to fail out of uni,” Jungkook tattles to Namjoon whose eyes widen in surprise. Jimin's known in their friend group for his almost religious studying. 

Jimin breathes in, trying to control his temper. “Jeon Jungkook, I’m not above throttling you.”

“Do it,” Jungkook dares him, winking playfully when Jimin glances at him.  

Namjoon’s had enough. “Okay, what is going on? You’re bickering even more than usual. What are you really fighting about?” 

“The Daddy Situation,” Jungkook says before receiving a hefty pinch on his thigh. “Ouch, babe, I’m going to crash us if you keep this up." 

“What’s the… Daddy Situation?” Namjoon reluctantly asks, although it’s clear that he’d rather not know. 

“Nothing,” Jimin corrects, shooting Jungkook a look. “There’s nothing to fight about.” 

“Jimin’s ashamed of me," Jungkook relays happily to Namjoon despite Jimin’s death glare. 

“What?” 

Jimin sighs. "That’s not true." 

“His dad texted me. He wants to go golfing with me. He seems to think I’m Jimin’s boyfriend, and he wants to officially meet me,” Jungkook explains with a wide grin on his face. “Papa Park has hated everyone Jiminie’s ever dated and never asked any of them to go anywhere with him, so Jimin's having a meltdown that I’m the first person to get his approval.” 

“I’m not having a meltdown. And he hasn’t hated everyone I’ve ever dated.”

“Name one person you’ve dated that your dad liked.”

Jimin’s quiet for a moment, racking his brain before he exclaims: “Kang Dani!” 

Who the hell is Kang Dani , Namjoon's about to ask, but Jungkook beats him to it. “Your kindergarten crush? Come on, babe. At least try a little.” 

Namjoon has never been as confused. “How do you know who Jimin's crush in kindergarten was? You met him in uni. I don’t even know, and I’ve known Jimin since he was six. And Jimin, you’re mad because Jungkookie charmed your dad?” 

Jimin makes a nonsensical noise while Jungkook shrugs. “Parents love me. I’m only, like, five percent worried that Mr. Park wants me there alone, so he can murder me on the golf course. Ooh, do you think he’ll offer me a sack of cash to stay away from Mini?”

Jimin rolls his eyes. “With what money? My dad owns a tiny cat cafe.” 

“Fair enough. I guess he just loves me and wants to give me his blessing to court you,” Jungkook agrees, provoking Jimin on purpose. 

“I definitely think he’ll murder you on the course. In fact,” Jimin leans in closer, whispering into Jungkook’s neck, “I’m hoping he will.” 

Jimin’s hot breath makes goosebumps run up Jungkook’s neck, but his teasing tone remains unchanged. “Should I tell him that his son calls me Sir, too?” 

Namjoon chokes on the water he was sipping. 

 

 

❄️ ☃️ ❄️ 

 

The drive up to the mountain is gorgeous: snow in its brightest dress spreads out as far as the eye could see. Beautiful blue sky hangs over them, cold crisp air fogging up the windows of the car. The view has even ended Jimin and Jungkook’s bickering; they’re now both breathless, gaping at the incredible scenery. 

The road to the cabin turns smaller and smaller after the intimidating PRIVATE DRIVEWAY sign. The Kim estate is huge: acres upon acres of land that include a private ski center. 

The little clock on the dashboard of Jungkook’s brand new car reads 16:08 as they finally pull up to the cabin. 

Namjoon emerges from the car first, throwing himself at Seokjin. “I am so happy to see you.” 

Seokjin snickers. “Did they drive you insane?” he teases, but he hugs his fiance tightly, caressing his back with soothing strokes. 

Namjoon shudders. “I heard things I can never unhear. First thing next year, I'm learning how to drive. I cannot be dependent on other people giving me rides, especially those two.” 

Taehyung nods. “Now you know how it felt to drive home with them from Busan.” 

“Did you decide on the rooms yet?” Namjoon asks, glancing over to where Jimin and Jungkook are parking the car. “Because I don’t want to sleep anywhere near them.” 

Hoseok shakes his head. “Not yet. We were waiting for you.” 

“Good. Let's separate them. Can't be gross together if you're on the opposite sides of the place.”

Taehyung scoffs. “Oh, my sweet summer child. We tried that last time, remember? Didn’t go too well.” 

In their quest of buying their youngest son’s love after ignoring him for most of his childhood, Seokjin’s parents pay for Seokjin and his friends’ Christmas vacation each year. Seokjin still doesn’t want to inherit their company, but he accepts the trips because that’s one of the few times of the year they can all get together.

Last time Hoseok had been the unlucky roommate for Jimin whom had gotten unceremoniously kicked out of his own hotel room after Jungkook came over. 

“I am never going through that again,” Hoseok confirms, shivering at the memory. “I wasn’t even out of the room yet, and Jungkook was already shirtless and halfway out of his shorts.”

“The way I remember it, you didn’t exactly sprint out of there after seeing that. If memory serves, one might have even described you as ‘ogling’," Taehyung reminds. Hoseok scoops up snow from the porch and throws a snowball at him, but Taehyung dodges just in time, smirking as he meets Hoseok's eyes. 

“Cheer up, amigos,” Seokjin says good-naturedly, putting an arm around Hoseok to keep him from killing Taehyung. “It’s a big house, we’ll all fit in here. Yes, they’re super gross and we all wish they’d just fucking mate already and end this torture, but they are our friends and we love them. Live and let live. Come, come, come, I want to show you the cabin. Besides, my nipples are so cold I could probably cut glass.” 

Namjoon puffs out a laugh. “Ever the charmer, my fiance.”

Taehyung’s sizing up Seokjin’s chest area. “Like what kind of glass?” 

“Rock-paper-scissors on who has to go help Dork One and Dork Two with their bags?” Hoseok suggests, looking down the stairs to the driveway where Jimin and Jungkook are just getting out of the parking garage built inside the mountain and underneath the cabin.   

“Jungkook’s there, he could carry all their bags plus Jimin with one hand," Yoongi says. "He’s got it covered.” 

 

 

❄️ ☃️ ❄

“Mini."

Jimin picks up his suitcase and two bags from the trunk. 

Jungkook follows his movements with his eyes, hand reaching forward to steady him when Jimin stumbles slightly under the weight of the heavy gift bags. They were tasked with bringing the presents since Jimin was the one who started the tradition of giving Christmas gifts in their friend group. 

Jimin quickly balances himself, though, dragging his suitcase towards the stairs leading up to the cabin. 

“Are you really going to give me the silent treatment?” Jungkook asks, amused. 

Jimin starts walking up the stairs to the house, suitcase banging against each stone step. “No. I just don’t have anything to say to you.”

“Really? Because it kind of feels like there’s a lot you’d like to say to me.”

"Nope."

Jungkook steps into his path, pulling Jimin in with a hand on his waist. "Jimiiiinnnn… come on, it's not that big of a deal,” he coaxes. “So he wants to meet me. I don't mind. I’ll just meet with him, get it out of the way.”

“I don’t care that he wants to meet with you,” Jimin claims although he’s avoiding Jungkook’s eyes which doesn’t go unnoticed. “We should cool it when you do meet him, though. I can’t have you walking up to him, smelling like me, he’s going to misunderstand even further.” 

Jungkook shrugs. “Whatever,” he says. Then he shoots Jimin a wink. “You’re the one who’ll come begging for more, anyway.” 

Jimin scoffs. “Please. You're the one who's going to beg.”  

“Wanna bet?” Jungkook challenges. 

Jimin narrows his eyes. “Why don’t we start right now?” he says. “Let’s see who can hold out longer. Whoever, you , gives in first, loses. If I win, you’re going to throw out Bugsy.”

Jungkook and Taehyung had found an old, used bean bag chair on their way home from a bar one night. They had dragged it home, placed it in the corner of their gaming room and there it had stayed for years. Jimin was vehemently grossed out by the chair and actively campaigned for its eradication. 

Jungkook pales. “What?! No!” 

There’s something evil in Jimin’s usually kind eyes. “Oh, yeah. It's all coming together now. If you want to meet my dad, then you're first going to destroy Bugsy."

“You know her name is Beansy.” 

Jimin crinkles his nose. “You found it on the street. What I know is that there are definitely bugs living inside.” 

“We washed it!” 

Jimin rolls his eyes. “The only way to clean that chair is to burn it. When I win, I will torch it right in front of you, make you watch as Hell reclaims its ownership of that abomination.” 

Jungkook clutches his heart at the imagery. “You’re a heartless monster,” he whines. Suddenly his expression changes completely, the horrified look in his eyes replaced with smug calculation. 

Jimin feels a chill running down his spine that has nothing to do with winter. 

Jungkook straightens his back, the most worrisome smirk taking over his face. Oh no , Jimin thinks, scrambling for the words to cancel the bet, but he’s too little, too late. 

“Sure, Mini,” Jungkook says, voice low and dangerously sweet, “I’ll take that bet. Just know that if I win, which I will, Beansy’s new home… will be your bedroom.”  

“No,” Jimin whispers, horrified. “Not Bugsy.” 

“I wasn’t done.” Jungkook looks far too impressed with himself. “When I win, you’ll also have to go golfing with me and your dad. And be nice.”  

Jimin gasps. “You son of a bitch.”

“Oh, is it too much? Want to give up already? It’s okay, baby, you tried your best,” Jungkook taunts. 

Jimin shoots him a look. “No. I’ll take the bet. I know I will win. Pity you’ve never been able to keep up with me.” 

Jungkook steps closer to him. “That’s what you think.” 

Jimin leans in even closer, breathing his air. “That’s what I know.” 

“Is that right?” 

The intensity of the moment shatters as a shrill scream pierces through the cold air. “JIMIN! JUNGKOOK! GET INSIDE, IT’S FUCKING FREEZING!” Hoseok screeches at the top of his lungs as he descends the stairs. 

“Rock-paper-scissors? Loser carries both bags.”

“Deal.” They shake their hands and mutter the words before revealing their hands: Jimin has paper, Jungkook a rock. 

Upon seeing Jungkook curl his fingers up to a fist, Jimin’s eyes widen, and he lets out a victorious hoot. “I won!” he cheers. “I never win, holy fuck, I should get the lottery going or something!” 

He hangs the bags off of Jungkook’s arms and guides Jungkook’s hand to the suitcase handle, even smacking a quick peck on his cheek as he waltzes past him. 

“You so lost on purpose,” Hoseok comments as they both watch Jimin dance up the stairs with the airy steps of a snow fairy, joining their friends at the top of the stairs.

“Why would I do that?” 

“Because according to Namjoon, Jimin’s been giving you the cold shoulder and you wanted to make him happy.”

Jungkook snorts. “That’s ridiculous.”

Hoseok shrugs. “I agree. That doesn’t erase the fact that you lost on purpose, though. As if Jimin Unlucky Hands would ever win at rock-paper-scissors, come on. I’ve known the dude for fifteen years and he has never won—unless you’ve let him win.”

“Vicious lies,” Jungkook claims, "I've never let Jimin hyung win anything." But the tiniest hint of a smile on his lips says otherwise. 

"Yeah, right. There's a reason you and Jimin end up in the same team every time we play something, you know. You always help him either way, so it's just easier if you're in the same team." 

"Hyung, that's not true." Jungkook fastens the straps of his backpack before picking up Jimin’s suitcase and the huge gift sacks they brought with them. 

Hoseok glances at him, questioning, "Still think losing on purpose was such a good idea, Romeo?"

“I didn’t lose on purpose.” 

Hoseok ruffles his hair. “You’re a terrible liar, Jungkook. It’s what I love about you.” 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

After rowdy hugs and welcoming highfives, Seokjin gives them a tour of the house. Namjoon’s been at the cabin with Seokjin before, so he goes to unpack his things in the master bedroom. The rest of them are visiting for the first time, so they follow Seokjin around, taking in the exquisite decor.

“There’s three floors in this cabin,” Seokjin starts. 

“How can you even call this a cabin,” Jimin snorts to himself. The exterior of the highest floor does look like a cabin, but that's where the quaint, rustic feeling ends. The house extends underground into two more floors that include a small movie theater as well as a spa with a swimming pool. 

Once the tour ends, they are impressed and a little envious. 

“Now that you’ve seen all the rooms, we’ll be deciding who’s bunking with whom.” 

“I brought Uno for this purpose only and I intend on annihilating all of you for the pleasure of that room with the balcony," Taehyung threatens.  

Yoongi sighs. “Tae, it’s the middle of winter. What the hell are you going to do with a balcony in December?”

“Oh, didn’t Jin hyung tell you? It’s a glazed balcony, baby. I will be spending most of my vacation there, doing my podcast and enjoying the view.” 

"It's still going to be cold, genius," Yoongi points out, but Taehyung pretends not to have heard him. 

“Seokjin and I are out since we have already settled into the master bedroom," Namjoon tries.  

“You just got here, you haven’t settled into shit,” Hoseok scoffs. “Get in here, you’re playing.”

“Yeah, you’re not the only one who wants to fall asleep cuddling with Jin hyung,” Taehyung adds, making kissy faces at Seokjin whom rolls his eyes. 

“The master bedroom has a huge bed. If need be, we can all sleep there.”  

“Don’t tempt them,” Yoongi mutters. “Last time Jimin and Taehyung nearly smothered me to death in my sleep.” 

Jimin gasps, indignant. “You liked that, hyung.”

“Yeah, you’re the one who snuggled closer,” Taehyung adds, hugging reluctant yet blushing Yoongi to his side. Yoongi’s saving grace ends up being Hoseok who finishes giving them the cards and orders them to stop talking and start playing. 

As per usual, the game is total chaos. Taehyung argues away every +4 card he gets thrown at him, Hoseok screeches when he keeps having to pull more and more cards and Yoongi cheats by checking the cards while claiming to have supernatural powers.

Originally, Jungkook wins, but he forgets to say Uno which Seokjin immediately notices and calls out. In the middle of their ensuing argument, Yoongi quietly wins the game. 

“So, who do you wanna sleep with, hyung?” Taehyung asks, batting his eyelashes at Yoongi. 

Yoongi regards him quietly before remarking in a gruff voice, “Alone. In the room farthest away from all of you.” 

Taehyung gasps. “That’s cold, hyung. I demand a recount and a divorce.” 

“Tae, we’re not married.”

Taehyung pouts, waving his ringless ring finger in Yoongi’s face. “And whose fault is that?” 

Namjoon pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to make sense of the chaos. “Jungkook, you came in second. Which room do you want?”  

“The one with the giant bathroom.”

“No way, that’s right next to us!” Seokjin exclaims. 

Jungkook raises a brow. “So?”

“It’s nothing, I just… Jimin snores too loud,” Seokjin hurriedly says. 

Jimin gasps. “I don’t snore!” 

Jungkook chuckles. “Sure you don’t, babe.” Jimin throws him a look, betrayal in his eyes. 

Namjoon steps in, adding, “But because of the renovations on the master bathroom, we’d have to share a bathroom with you two and Jimin takes forever in the shower.” 

“I’d very much like to be excluded from this narrative,” Jimin mutters with a sour look on his face, leaning back on his chair and crossing his arms. 

“Jungkook,” Jungkook pronounces overly carefully. “My name is Jung -kook. We’ve known each other for a few years now, I’m the hot one in the black hoodie, guys. Jimin’s the short, pretty one next to me.” 

Jimin’s about to protest to the ‘short’ part and remind everyone that 173,6 centimeters is a perfectly acceptable height and that he would have been considered tall, had they lived a hundred years prior, but he gets rudely interrupted. 

“I know that, you goblin!" Seokjin argues. "It’s just, you two always share the room.”  

“Well, not this time,” Jimin says.  

Their friends all laugh in his face. “Yeah, right.” 

“I’m serious! We agreed to cool things off,” Jimin insists. 

Hoseok’s jaw drops. “What? Did you guys have a fight or something?” he worries. 

“No, fighting only fuels them,” Namjoon reminds, and the rest of the gang nod, agreeing. “This is because of the Daddy Situation.”

“Oh, great, that name’s catching on,” Jimin grumbles. “Perfect.” 

Taehyung’s face lights up. “Daddy Situation? Are you guys into roleplay, too? Yoongi hyung and I always—” 

“Taehyung,” Yoongi wheezes, “One more word and you will never procreate.” Taehyung immediately closes his mouth and sits back down with an audible gulp. 

“What’s the Daddy Situation?” Seokjin asks, trying to calm things down. 

Jimin sighs and explains, “My dad wants to meet Jungkook.”

Yoongi waits for him to continue, but once it becomes obvious that that’s the entire story, he scoffs loudly. “So what? All parents love Jungkook. My dad who's never had a nickname for anyone calls him Soondoongie. Seokjin’s parents offered to buy him a house for Christmas. Tae’s grandma sent him an entire Chuseok dinner last year. ” 

Jungkook shoots Jimin a victorious look that he’s pretending not to see. 

“Just let him meet Jungkook, it’s fine.” 

Jimin vehemently shakes his head. “No way. My dad still hasn’t recovered from the shock that Tae and I are not mating each other. I can’t bring another alpha home and then just rip that away from him again, it’d kill him.” 

“I get it, honestly,” Hoseok defends him. “After Jungkook visited us one summer, I’m still the second best son at my house even though I’m their only son. My parents tried so hard to get my sister to marry Jungkookie. It broke their hearts the day they realized noona was into girls.” 

“Look, back to the original point. You two are nauseating to be around, so no one wants the room next to you when we all know you’re going to spend your holiday humping like bunnies. If you ask me, you two should take Yoongi’s Fortress of Solitude and shack it up in there,” Taehyung recaps bluntly.   

Yoongi shakes his head. “No way in hell. I already hang out way too much with you people. I need my space.”

Jimin holds his head, feeling a headache coming in. “Okay, this has taken a weird turn, but I’m sure you’re all thrilled to hear that Jungkook and I will not be ‘humping like bunnies’. There’ll be no humping, period. We’ve agreed to not have sex at all during this holiday.”

Jungkook smirks. “At least until hyung loses.” 

“I’m not going to lose,” Jimin swears. “You are.”

"We’ll see about that.” 

Taehyung rolls his eyes at them. "Let the humping begin."

"Okay, I’m officially banning the word ‘hump'," Namjoon grumbles. 

“For how long?” Hoseok wants to know. 

Namjoon takes one look at the excited look on his face and decides, “Forever. Jimin, you came in third. Which room do you want?" 

"The one on the top floor, next to the kitchen." Everyone takes notice that his room of choice is significantly far away from Jungkook's. 

And then they take notice that they are running out of rooms that are far enough away from the two. Someone will have to be their next door neighbor—or even worse, share with either Jimin or Jungkook. 

“Yoongi hyung, I’m staying with you in the Fortress of Solitude,” Taehyung and Hoseok state in unison. 

Yoongi glares at them. “No.”

“It wasn’t a question.” 

Jimin goes to take a shower while Yoongi tries his hardest to keep Taehyung and Hoseok out of his Fortress of Solitude but with very little success.

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Meanwhile in the living room, six whispering voices pipe up. “What did he think about the present you sent him?” one of them asks. 

“How should I know?” another one answers. 

“You did write Jimin’s name on the card, right?” a third person asks. “So he’ll know it’s for him?” 

There’s a pause. “Did I what now?” 

There’s the sound of smacking. “Idiot! How’s he supposed to know it’s for him if there’s no name?” 

“Because it was in his bag?” 

“He probably thinks it was from someone at work!” 

The third voice sighs deeply. “Dude, I love you, but you’re going to need some sort of divine intervention to get with him.” 

Someone giggles with an almost evil note to the sound. “Then let’s arrange a little divine intervention for him, right guys?” 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Jimin gets out of the shower, only to find all his belongings gone. 

"What the hell? Where's all my stuff?" he wonders to himself. 

Then a realization hits him. Still in his towel, he marches to the patio where Taehyung’s doing his art podcast with guest star of the week, Namjoon with Hoseok checking the recording. 

Jimin throws a pillow at Taehyung to get his attention. When Taehyung doesn’t react at first, he throws another and then another. Finally, Taehyung stops the recording, annoyed. “What?” he hisses. “I was just getting to the good part. Namjoon hyung knows a ton of Korean independent artists, we were vibing so hard.” 

“Where’s all my stuff?” Jimin asks, voice accusatory. If his things are missing, either Jungkook or Taehyung, his closest friends, are the culprits. 

"We moved them to Jungkook's room. You're welcome."

Jimin’s jaw drops. "What? Why?"

"Namjoon hyung filled us in on what happened during the road trip, so Hoseokie hyung and I decided we didn't want the live version next door."

Jimin blushes all the way to his hairline . Had it really been that bad? "That was just… We're not going to…"

Hoseok hums. "Yeah, that's what you said the last time, too."

"It’s my room! I won it, fair and square! You can't just kick me out!" Jimin protests. “Hyung,” he hurriedly adds when Hoseok raises a brow. 

"The Lord yeeteth and the Lord yoinketh away," Taehyung advises sagely. 

"Sashay away, little butterfly," Hoseok adds. 

 

❄️ ☃️ ❄

 

Jungkook's just started to unpack when the door opens. “Knocking is advised or I’m not responsible for what you might see upon entering,” he reminds without turning around. 

"I'm not going to knock in my own damn room," comes Jimin's aggravated voice. 

Jungkook looks up, a smile spreading to his lips. "Mini," he says, "Back so soon?"

"They kicked me out of my room," Jimin reluctantly explains. "We're apparently roommates after all." 

Jungkook looks like Christmas has come early. "Is that right?" 

Jimin decidedly ignores him and looks around the room. Jungkook's (and his, apparently) room maintains a soothing color scheme of creamy white and light blue throughout. The room is bigger than Jimin and Hoseok's room was, and it's very clear to Jimin why Jungkook chose it. 

There’s one remarkable difference, though—

"Only one bed?" Jimin wonders out loud. The room lacks the couch that was in each of the other rooms. 

Faux innocence shines in Jungkook's eyes like a sky full of stars. "Can't we share, hyung?" 

It's a trap, a devious, delicious trap that Jimin knows he'll fall right into. And yet, he can't say no because then Jungkook would get the satisfaction of being right. "Of course we can," he agrees, saccharine sweet. 

His eyes continue their search around the room, but there’s no sight of his suitcase. "They said they brought my stuff here."

"Oh, it's here," Jungkook promises. Jimin really doesn't like the victorious glint in his eyes. "I put it somewhere safe."

During the tour of the cabin, Seokjin mentioned that it was designed by a world-famous architect — each room entailed a beautiful sculpture on its ceiling. In Jungkook’s room, the sculpture is a pirate ship painted blue, sailing over their heads. There, in the middle of the rafter holding the ship up, is an awfully familiar looking suitcase.

Jimin gawks at the bag and then turns his eyes to Jungkook. "When the hell did you have the time to put my stuff up there?"

Jungkook shrugs. "If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” He looks at Jimin’s hopeless face and grins. “Did you just want to give up now? Admit your defeat? I’ll get it for hyung as soon as you surrender."

Jimin glares at him. "Never." 

“Never’s an awfully long time, Mini."

“I need my things,” Jimin demands. “My jammies are up there.” 

If possible, Jungkook’s smirk turns even more smug. “Is that right?” he says, letting his eyes slowly slide down Jimin’s bare upper body, not missing how Jimin's nipples harden in response to his scrutiny. “Bummer. Guess you’ll have to sleep without your jammies then.”

"Fine," Jimin states, worryingly calm. Hanging the towel out to dry, Jimin picks up one of the neatly folded shirts from Jungkook's luggage and puts it on. Jungkook's pupils widen, and his scent gets a rich addition of desire. 

Jimin smirks at him. "You'll lose this bet so fast, babe," he says, and as much as Jungkook hates losing, he's a little worried that Jimin's right. He has a huge thing for his partners wearing his clothes, wrapping themselves in his scent. 

Jimin raises a brow, looking at him expectantly. Jungkook has to dig his nails into his thigh to snap out of it, to keep himself from devouring Jimin right then and there. 

"I'm gonna… gym," Jungkook announces and sprints out of the room. 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Bored Jimin wanders out of the room and into the movie theater. His friends are hanging out, shoving popcorn into their mouths, eyes glued to the giant screen. 

“What are you watching?” Jimin asks, plopping down into an armchair. 

“Bridgerton,” Yoongi and Seokjin announce in unison, not looking away for a second. “The greatest series ever written.” 

Namjoon looks up from his phone to greet them. “Or at the least, very entertaining for now.” 

Jimin joins them, nodding off in the armchair while his friends excitedly discuss their theories on what will happen and on the mystery person's identity. 

He only startles when a round of wolf whistles wake him up. The main characters are having passionate sex on the giant screen, so Jimin offers to get a refill for the popcorn and escapes the temptation of imagining himself and Jungkook doing the same. 

When he returns, the man of the hour has returned from the gym and has taken over Jimin's armchair. Jimin puts the popcorn bowl into Seokjin's awaiting hands and makes a shooing motion at Jungkook. "That's my seat."

Jungkook hums pensively. "I don't know, looks like I'm sitting here, though." 

"So, move away."

"Or what?" Jungkook challenges. Pursing his lips, Jimin plants his ass down right there in his lap. 

“Have it your way then. We'll both sit here. See how you like that.” 

But all Jungkook does is slightly adjust Jimin, so he can rest his head on the backrest of the chair. Consequently, that makes Jimin’s head move down to his chest. 

Jimin quickly nods off again, lulled to sleep by the steady thump of Jungkook's heart. He barely stirs as he’s carried to his bed, instantly comforted by the familiar scent of pine trees. 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

There it sits. Staring at him. Mocking him. 

First thing Jimin thinks about when he wakes up is that gaudy pirate ship in the ceiling, with his suitcase still in the middle. He glares up, mouthing Just you wait. 

Second thing he thinks about is that someone carried him to bed from the couch he fell asleep on which is kind of sweet.

Third thing is the sound of Jungkook’s snoring softly in his ear, arm wrapped around Jimin’s middle. It makes Jimin smile to himself, a strange memory from long ago echoing in his mind. 

“Jungkook’s such a dork,” Jimin had said, watching as furiously blushing Jungkook turned down some hopeful guy from his pottery class, the third Valentine’s Day confession that day. “How is he so popular?” 

Hoseok made an approving sound, chuckling quietly when the guy walked away, disappointed, and Jungkook finally allowed himself to blush. 

Jimin continued, “It’s so funny to me that he acts like he’s some bad boy when he’s the most soft-hearted romantic out there.” 

Hoseok frowned. “What do you mean?” 

“I mean that Saint Valentine might be out of a job soon.” Hoseok still looked confused. Jimin poked his cheek, reminding, “Come on, hyung, this isn’t news. Jungkook’s a huge softy. His favorite movie is Titanic, and he cries every damn time we watch it, it’s so cute.” 

Hoseok’s eyes only grew wider. Jimin was starting to feel self-conscious. “You know, how he loves slow love songs and cuddling and stuff. The guy was made to be someone’s better half. I mean, for crying out loud, he’ll fight to be the little spoon.” 

“That’s a lot of information to get in thirty seconds,” Hoseok mutters to himself, rubbing his temple. Then, he speaks up, “He cuddles you when you sleep together?”

“Yeah, why?” Jimin asked, a funny sinking feeling in his stomach. 

Hoseok tried his best to act nonchalant when he replied, “No reason why. Just… he didn’t used to like that, I guess. Like, at all. Like, in a very would-gnaw-your-hand-off-if-you-tried type of way.” 

That conversation from long ago floats around in Jimin’s head, crashing into the edges of his brain, making noise out of itself. At the time, Jimin had sort of just shrugged at it and forgotten about it, but lately it keeps coming back to him, haunting him in these silences when he’s the first one awake and Jungkook’s still being his cute cuddly self. Sometimes, he wonders what it means, but then he tells himself to forget it. 

To not get his hopes up. 

After taking a shower, Jimin looks for his suitcase for a change of clothes until he remembers again. He glares up at the ceiling, hating how high it is, despite the beautiful natural light that it allows in. 

“It’s not even that high,” Jimin grumbles to himself. Lightbulb binging on his head, Jimin carefully stands up on the bed in the soft robe Seokjin’s family had an entire closet for their guests for. 

What the hell. 

Jimin jumps, and against all odds, gets a grip of the sturdy sculpture. Jimin hangs off of the sculpture, desperately trying to pull himself up, but his hold is slipping. His knuckles turn white, fingers straining to keep himself upright. 

But it’s all in vain in the end: his hand slips. 

“Fuck,” is all Jimin has time to say before he falls back down. 

He lands on something solid. Knowing what he’ll find, Jimin keeps his eyes closed for as long as he dares. 

When he finally opens his eyes, Jungkook’s grinning at him, far too chipper for a person who’s just been woken up by someone dropping on top of him. “Morning, hyung. Whatcha doing?” 

Jimin bats his eyelashes, the epitome of innocence. “Nothing?” 

“You know what to do if you want my help.”

"I'm not gonna run away, and I never go back on my word,” Jimin swears. “That is my nindo, my ninja way. Believe it!” 

“Suit yourself.” Jungkook closes his eyes again, planning on falling back to sleep, tattooed arm falling back around Jimin.  

Jimin leans in closer, feigning defeat. “Fine,” he says, “I’ll just go commando.” 

Jungkook’s smirk freezes. “What.” 

Jimin taps his shoulder, pecking his cheek. “Sleep well, Jungoo,” he croons as he leaves the room, knowing full well that Jungkook’s not going to sleep after that mental picture. 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

“We should go to town today, I wanna show you guys around since it's your first time here,” Seokjin suggests. “The locals have put together some Christmas events, they’re pretty fun.”

Namjoon nods. “Sounds fun, I’m in. Who else wants to come?“

Jimin, Hoseok and Taehyung all decline. Jungkook and Yoongi are still at the gym, so Seokjin goes to find out their answers. Jimin retreats to napping on the couch, enjoying the beautiful view from the large windows that meets him each time he opens his eyes. 

Suddenly, there’s a warm weight on top of him, smelling like familiar pine trees. Jimin groans without opening his eyes. “You're crushing me,” he complains, making a halfhearted move with his hand to swat Jungkook away. “Get off.” 

“I need your help, Mini,” Jungkook starts as if Jimin hadn’t said anything. He moves to a more comfortable position, placing his chin on Jimin's chest and casts a pleading look up at Jimin. “I need to buy a present and you love buying presents.”

Jimin’s eyes fly open. “Wait, what? You haven’t bought all of your presents yet? Are you insane? Do you think there will be good present options here? Sure, there’s a town near-by, but it’s a tiny tourist town.” 

“Which is perfect because tourists love buying needless crap and there are bound to be a lot of stores just full of Christmas junk. Come on, Mini, you know you want to.” 

Jimin takes a hold of his chin, making their eyes meet. “Sure,” he says, voice just a tad too sweet, making Jungkook’s hair rise, “As soon as you admit defeat on the bet, I’ll do whatever you want.” His thighs part, inviting Jungkook to lie between them.  

Jungkook’s having a hard time concentrating. “Uh…” he mumbles, trying to stay calm although his heartbeat’s picking up, hammering against his throat. His brain is coming up blank, thoughts fleeing like a school of neon tetras at the sight of a shark. 

“What do you say? Wanna end this silly bet?” Jimin whispers, his hands slipping under Jungkook’s shirt, sliding down his chest, thumbing his hips. He pulls Jungkook even closer, his warm breath enticing. “Come on, baby. Just give in.” 

Jungkook’s head is a hazy mess of desire and need, his throat dry. “Yeah, okay,” he hears himself answer. “Whatever you want.” 

Jimin smirks, eyes half-lidded. “Good boy.” 

BANG! 

There’s a sudden loud crash and Seokjin’s reproachful Namjoon! followed by muffled laughter. The sound pulls Jungkook out of his horny thoughts and up to his feet, untangling himself from the tantalizing web of Jimin’s legs. 

He smacks himself on the forehead. “Bad Kook! I can’t believe I almost gave up on Beansy.” 

“Mark my words, I will torch that chair. Bye bye, Bugsy,” Jimin whispers threateningly, mimicking an explosion with his hands. 

“Never,” Jungkook hisses as he leaves the room.  

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Jimin still ends up coming along for the town trip because his phone charger mysteriously disappears. He’d just borrow someone else’s charger, but no one else has the kind of phone Jimin does—except for Jungkook since they ordered them together. Jimin has his suspicions on the culprit for the missing charger, so he doesn’t bother asking Jungkook and instead decides that owning a second one wouldn’t be a bad idea. 

His suspicions are confirmed by the satisfied smirk on Jungkook’s face when Jimin climbs into the car with them. I hate you, Jimin mouths at him.

Jungkook responds by blowing him a kiss. 

“So, we should divide and conquer. Jungkook, you go buy your present for Hobi, and Joon and I will go to our couples massage. Jiminie, wanna come with?” Seokjin offers. 

Jimin looks disgusted. “To your couples massage?”

“I’m sure there are single massages, too.” 

“And yet somehow I’m still going to pass on that boatload of fun. I’ll just go buy my charger and then hang out until you guys are done.” 

Seokjin nods. “Okay, well, let’s meet up at the townsquare at noon for lunch.” 

“Deal. See you there.” 

Namjoon and Seokjin get going, leaving Jimin and Jungkook alone for the first time since they got to the cabin. "See you," Jimin starts, but Jungkook just rolls his eyes. 

"We go together, hyung," he says, putting an arm around him. It's kind of nice, Jimin thinks, leaning closer and enjoying the extra warmth against the cold wind.  

"So, where's that electronics shop?" Jimin mutters to himself, looking at his phone where he has the location app open. 

"You know what would really warm you up?"

"The thought of Bugsy burning for all eternity?"

Jungkook pouts. “How can you be so mean?” he complains. “What has that poor bean bag chair ever done to you?”

Jimin’s not giving in an inch. “Exist,” he deadpans. 

Jungkook still hasn’t stopped pouting when they get to the electronics store nor when he picks out a polaroid camera for Hoseok’s gift, so Jimin has to resort to desperate means. 

“Smile for the camera,” Jimin says because it’s usually the easiest way to make Jungkook laugh. Well, that and seeing Jimin do something dumb. Jungkook always seems to notice when Jimin is doing something stupid. He’s the first one to laugh at any lame joke Jimin tells, every funny face he pulls, every time he falls on his butt. 

(It’s almost like he notices everything Jimin does.) 

“Baby,” Jimin tries to entice him. The corners of Jungkook’s lips twitch, but not enough to bring out a smile. Jimin’s committed now, willing to go to the end of the earth just to make him smile. “Kookoo, smile for hyung, come on.” 

Jungkook looks away from him, browsing the different camera lenses to his right. 

“Oppa,” Jimin taunts next, “Jungkookie oppa.” 

Jungkook flushes red, nearly shaking out of his skin. “Shut up.” 

“Or what? Will oppa get embarrassed? But I wuv yuu, oppa,” Jimin coos in a horrible high-pitched voice that makes Jungkook hold his hands to his ears, groaning in apparent pain. “Not a fan of the oppa? How about ‘hyung’?” 

Jungkook’s entire body goes rigid, like his heart just stopped. Color drains from his face, as if blood was rushing south… 

Jimin grins, enjoying his reaction. “Is this a newly discovered kink I detect?” Jungkook doesn’t take the bait, he’s quiet and avoids his gaze. Jimin’s eyes widen. “Wait, is it really?” 

“No,” Jungkook declines in the least believable voice. “Not at all.” 

Jimin stares at his flushed face and tries again. “Hyung,” he calls out in a low, breathy voice, gauging his reaction. 

Jungkook swallows, hard, avoiding his eyes. Jimin’s pulse picks up, blood pounding in his ears. “Jungkook—” 

“You need to pay for that charger,” Jungkook cuts him off, pushing Jimin to the counter. “Hurry up.”  

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

They barely make it to the town square on time. Jungkook walks out of the shop with long, decisive strides. Jimin’s forced to a half-jog to keep up with him, head still spinning from what he’s just learned. 

Their friends are already at the town square, waving at them. They are whittling little wooden elves while they wait. Jimin and Jungkook sit down, too, picking carving knives of their own. 

Seokjin is brimming with excitement. “Guess what,” he starts, and Jimin can already guess he’s not going to like the next part, “There’s a competition for couples starting in ten minutes and we're going to participate!”

“Would you look at that, I was right,” Jimin mutters under his breath. 

“The winner gets a barrel of free stuff,” Seokjin says, and that explains his excitement: Seokjin loves finding bargains and getting good deals. But most of all, he loves getting things for free. He had once been seen fishing for seven hours to win a bucket. 

There’s a sly look in Namjoon’s eyes. “Bummer you guys can’t participate since you’re not a couple, but you can sit here for a few hours and whittle little wooden elves while you wait for us.” 

“We’ll meet up with you for dinner, our single friends,” Seokjin calls out over his shoulder. 

“Whittle, whittle, whittle,” Namjoon sings and Seokjin hums the melody of ‘Wiggle' by Jason Derulo as they walk up to the signing up booth. Jimin stares after them, fuming as he whittles a face for the little elf. Jungkook takes the knife from him when he notices that Jimin just whittled the elf’s head off. 

“This is so unfair,” Jimin grumbles. “Just because we’re not dating, that means that there’s nothing for us to do? How do they even decide what a couple is? People can be super miserable and still in a relationship together. Why can’t we race as a friendship couple? Who are they to decide which couple is couple-y enough?” 

Next to him, Jungkook’s face lights up like a ray of sun hitting a crystal. “Mini,” he starts, “you’re absolutely right. How do they decide who’s a couple and who’s not? All you have to do upon signing is state your name and claim that you’re part of a couple. We could do that, too!” 

Jimin beams. “Let’s win this thing. Follow my lead, I have a plan.” 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

“Yes, hello, my name is Jeon Jimin and this is my mate, Jungkook,” Jimin starts as soon as they approach the booth, gripping Jungkook’s hand tightly. 

“Nice,” Jungkook murmurs before stating in a louder voice, “We have been together for thirteen years and have two kids, Jieun and Jungmin, whom unfortunately couldn’t come on this vacation with us because Jieun is at a riding camp and Jungmin went skiing with his school friends, but we FaceTime them every night and catch up.” 

The names Jungkook mentioned bring up another memory for Jimin. Jieun and Jungmin were baby names they came up with one rainy day laying together with nothing to do. They were supposed to go jogging together, but lost their nerve after the first thunder strike. Instead, they curled up under one blanket by the fireplace and argued about what the best names for kids would be. 

“Jungmin,” Jungkook said. “It’s like a combination of our names, it’d be perfect for our kid.”

“I love it. I’ve always liked Haneul, too. I keep waiting to meet a handsome, kind alpha whose name has one of those characters, so I could pass it on.”

“Haneul’s beautiful. I think Jieun would be nice for a girl, too.” 

Jimin laughed softly. “Because of I.U.?” 

Jungkook’s eyes widened in horror. “WHO TOLD YOU?” 

“Oh, nobody.” Jimin’s eyes danced with mischief. “I just happened to notice once at your place that you were logged onto a meticulously run fan account for I.U.” 

It’s been so long, Jimin’s kind of surprised that Jungkook still remembers the names they agreed on. 

“Jieun is such a jokester, incredibly smart little prodigy and Jungmin is just the sweetest little kid, so polite and precious with adorable chubby cheeks,” Jimin brags like he’s heard a lot of parents do.  

The booth handler looks baffled. “All I needed were your names.” 

“Perfect,” Jungkook says and starts again, “My name is Jeon Jungkook and this is my mate, Jimin. We’ve been together for thirteen years and have two children—”

“Here are your participation badges, a map of the inn, and your first clue. Good luck!” the clerk hurriedly interrupts and shoves them the badges and two papers. 

Once outside, Jungkook marvels, “You were right. This grossly in love stuff repels people.” 

Jimin grins. “I told you.” He glances at the first clue. “Okay, let’s do this.”

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

The competition is rather straightforward: there are three missions inside a small bed and breakfast that they need to finish before being crowned winners and getting their barrel of free stuff. 

“I love places like this,” Jimin confesses, looking excitedly around the cozy inn. “Do you think this place is haunted?” 

Jungkook eyes the old-fashioned decor, and remarks dryly, “I mean, someone had to die for this wallpaper to be put up.”

“I like it,” Jimin defends. “It’s got that rustic vibe going on, and I’m all for it. I bet a cat lives in this inn, too, turning my dream of napping and eating for a living into reality.”  

Jungkook shakes his head. “You have the taste of my great-grandmother Junghee who had thirty cats and knitted them sweaters for a living.” 

“Okay, one, that sounds awesome and two, I hate you.” 

“Um, excuse me, is that any way to talk to your mate?” 

“I don’t know, haven’t met him yet.” 

Jungkook dramatically grasps his chest. “How can you say that!” he exclaims. “What about Jieun and Jungmin?” 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Their first mission is to disguise themselves to look like one of the old oil paintings that hang around the inn, using only the ingredients of the inn’s famous raspberry tart. Jimin loses the draw and has to be the one to be turned into a food painting. 

He takes off his glasses, cursing that he didn’t have enough time to put on contacts like usual before their abrupt departure from the cabin, so now he’s stuck wearing his glasses. 

While Jimin’s whipped cream slash raspberry mask hardens, Jungkook picks up Jimin’s glasses, trying them on. "Wow, you're like blind-blind," he says, blinking rapidly as the volume in the lenses make his eyes water. 

Jimin rolls his eyes. "Shut up, and put my glasses down."

"Okay, but first tell me if I would look cute with specs."

Jimin laughs. "You always look cute."

Jungkook’s still playing around with his glasses. "Yeah, but is it, like, too cute to be taken seriously or do I look like I know what financial reports mean?" 

Jimin raises a brow, sensing that there’s more to the question than the simple optics. "What's up, Kook?" 

Jungkook's gnawing on his bottom lip. "What should I wear when we meet your dad? Does he like office types? Three of your boyfriends that I've met all looked like they read the Wall Street Journal and laughed at the pain of the poor. Did he appreciate that look?" 

Jimin has indeed dated three people since they met. First one was Nam Donghyun, a financial banker whom Jimin had a crush on and after whom Jimin cried the hardest. Then it was Kim Sungwoon, but that never really took off because Sungwoon was too into his own portfolio to pay attention to Jimin. Final contestant was Do Kyunghyun who was great in theory, terrible in bed. 

Jimin shrugs. "You yourself said that my dad has never liked any of my boyfriends, so why would you take pointers from any of them?"

"I don't know. It's your type, right? Serious guys with serious jobs?" Jungkook asks, this time picking at his nails. 

Jimin takes his hand, stopping him from spiraling any further. “Why are you concerning yourself with what my type is or isn’t? My dad already loves you, the meeting will be a breeze. For you, I mean. For me, it will be utter hell followed by never-ending questions about why I won’t mate you.” He checks his watch. “We should hurry up, our time is almost up.” 

Jungkook’s eyes fly open. “Your dad wants you to mate me?” 

“Yes, now can we focus? I wanna win.”

“He’s actually said to you the words ‘you should mate with Jungkook’?” Jungkook insists, and Jimin lets out a long sigh. 

“Yeah, multiple times. Now, can you please take my picture, so I can wipe my face?” 

“Your dad thinks you should spend the rest of your life with me?”

“Jungkook! Not the time to discuss this!” Jimin hisses when whipped cream starts melting off his warm skin, dripping down to his eyes.  

“Right, sorry.” Jungkook takes a quick picture and sends it over to the competition’s judges before they head off to their next task. 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

The next task turns out to be a haunted basement. 

“Look at all those chickens,” Jungkook snorts, eyeing their competition whom all walk out of the basement with trembling legs. “How scary can it be?”

Jimin agrees, but he’s a little worried inside. Why is everyone so scared? 

The answer becomes all too clear once it’s their turn to enter: the basement is horrifying. There are far too real looking body parts hanging from the ceiling, mechanic machines set to go off every minute, manic laughter and cold drafts filling the air around them. 

Jimin doesn’t think of himself as a person who scares easily, but he spends most of the mission clinging to Jungkook for dear life. Jungkook who finds the basement hilarious, poking at the grotesque props and giggling at the volunteers coming by to scare them. 

Their mission is to find a key from the basement while avoiding the monsters, but Jungkook does the mission mostly by himself. He’s humming happily along to the soundtrack of blood-curdling screams blasting from the hidden speakers, searching for the key while Jimin hides behind him. 

“I’m sorry I froze,” Jimin tells him after the mission, but Jungkook just laughs. 

“It was cute. You’re always so fearless and strong, it was kind of hilarious that what you find scary, probably wouldn’t scare even a four-year-old.” 

“Shut up.” 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

The last mission is rather anti-climatic. The inn owners must have used all the cash on the haunted basement and ran out of money for the rest of the competition. 

Jungkook looks at the instructions and lets out a loud cheer. “Yes! It’s a sing-off, we could win this in our sleep! Which song should we do?” Jungkook asks, browsing the song selection. 

Jimin grins at him. “Sweetheart, it’s time to pay our respects to the founder of Christmas, Miss Mariah Carey.” 

“Excellent choice, baby. We’ll be piping out the most heartwarming cover of All I Want For Christmas Is You that you’ve ever heard,” Jungkook informs Seokjin and Namjoon, who are just getting off stage. 

“Yeah, well, we sang Last Christmas where I sang and Joon freestyle rapped. The judges freaking swooned over us. Try and top that,” Seokjin taunts. 

“Try and top that, title of your sextape. Anyway, we gotta go and win this thing, no time for idle chit chat.” Jungkook holds out his hand for Jimin who graciously accepts, letting himself be whisked onstage.  

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

“That. Was. Glorious,” Jimin cheers as soon as they come off the stage. 

Jungkook claps his hands, bouncing off on his feet. “I saw people cry. Like, real actual tears, it was amazing.”

Namjoon shakes his head. “You two are psychopaths.”

“Psychopaths whom have just taken the lead at this stupid couples-only game,” Jimin refutes and highfives equally excited Jungkook. “Bet you regret saying we couldn’t do this now, huh?”

“We never said that,” Seokjin sighs. 

“All we said was that you’re not a couple. As you yourself have told us many times,” Namjoon reminds them. 

“They’re not really a couple?” one of the contestants nearby, an annoying lady with a ‘Can I Speak To a Manager’ attitude,  pipes up. Her eyes widen in excitement. She starts waving at the inn owner to come over. “Excuse me, judge! Judge!” 

Jimin and Jungkook turn to look at Seokjin. “Thanks a lot, hyung.”

“Mini, the judge is coming,” Jungkook whispers panickedly. “What do we do? I really want that barrel.” 

Jimin nods solemnly. “Me too! There’s a bottle of champagne in there and I want it. There’s no decent wine in this entire village.” 

Then his eyes sharpen. ”Desperate times call for desperate actions,” he declares and very dramatically grabs Jungkook by the waist, guiding him to lean back and kisses him like they are in a movie from the 1940s. 

“Ew,” Seokjin comments. “Looks like he’s eating Jungkook’s face.” 

“But it’s working,” Namjoon says, watching the Karen and the judge take one look at the couple very enthusiastically making out. The judge opens his arms in a clear surrender and Namjoon can just make out the words they sure look like a couple to me, ma’am. 

He grins, even though he knows that they’ve just lost the competition.

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Jimin and Jungkook win by a landslide, surprising absolutely no one. Upon the judge’s announcement, Jimin jumps up and screams as Jungkook spins him around. “We won, we won, we won!” he cheers. 

“Calm down, it’s not that cool,” very bitter Seokjin says, already missing the garlic bread he lost. 

“I can’t hear you over the sound of all the free stuff me and the hubster just won.” 

“We won’t help you carry the barrel to the car.” 

Jimin beams. “Don’t worry, my matey over here could bench-press all of you, a barrel is nothing.” Behind him, Jungkook swells with alpha pride at hearing an omega praise his strength. 

After the competition, they’re driving back to the cabin in silence. Jimin and Jungkook are sitting in the back, next to their humongous barrel that didn’t fit in the trunk. There isn’t enough room on the seat for two, so Jimin’s sitting on Jungkook’s lap. 

The ride is long and Jungkook’s getting bored. He’s afraid to move, so his thighs are going numb. Finally he can’t take it anymore and moves around under him, inadvertently brushing against Jimin’s ass. Suddenly hot under the collar, he moves again, but this time he ends up moving Jimin right onto his cock that stirs in interest. 

Fuck. 

“Stop it,” Jimin hisses into his ear under the pretense of looking out of the window, but if his intention was to stop the commotion, it did the opposite. 

“I'm not doing anything,” Jungkook claims because for once, he didn’t mean to. Jimin pinches his thigh, but that does nothing to hinder Jungkook’s excitement; if anything, it furthers it.  

"This is war,” Jimin whispers before he sprints out of the car, and by God, Jungkook sure hopes it is. 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

By evening, Jimin’s exhausted. Along with Jungkook nonstop teasing and their friends gauging Jimin’s reactions at every turn, so they can win the pool, he’s had barely any time to actually relax on their vacation. 

He lies down, but he’s too wired to sleep. 

An evil idea crosses his mind. He should relax more. Everybody’s always telling him that he worries too much, so why not focus fully on himself for a change?

His hand slides down his torso, brushing past his hip bones, slipping under the waistband of his boxers. His fingers wrap around his length, and just the feeling of skin on his hardening cock makes him leak precum onto his fingers. 

Darkness makes it hotter somehow, like he’s doing something he’s not supposed to do. Something in him is aching, looking for trouble. His breath catches in his throat, pulse picking up. A jolt of pleasure rushes through his body, setting his blood alight. In the dark, it’s easy to imagine Jungkook’s hand on him instead. He can almost hear him speak, murmuring praise.  

He’s barely begun and he’s already so sensitive. He bites his lip, trying to keep his moans down. He’s been so wound all day, he’s already fully hard, leaking precum onto his fingers. Thin layer of sweat forms on his skin as he starts to slowly pump his hand up and down. 

When he thumbs his slit, a small whine escapes his lips. 

“What are you doing?” 

Jimin startles at the sudden sound, losing his pace. Jungkook has woken up. His nostrils flare when he breathes in Jimin’s alluring scent, sweet and overwhelming. 

Jimin’s voice is strained, his breathing labored. “Go back to sleep.” 

But it’s not an option. Jungkook’s heartbeat hammers in his throat. He knows this scent, knows exactly what Jimin’s doing. His own cock twitches in interest, listening to the tell-tale sound of sheets rustling on the other side of the bed. 

He sits up, but the imagery of Jimin’s chest falling and rising in time with his short breaths, the look of bliss on his face is even worse. He lies back down, squeezing his eyes closed. “You're fucking evil,” he groans, trying and failing to not be affected. His alpha is roaring in his ears, begging to be released. 

“Am I?” Jimin’s voice sounds slightly strained. “What else am I?” 

“Fuck,” Jungkook curses as all of his blood rushes south. Jimin doesn’t play fair. 

“Tell me, baby,” Jimin hums, arching his back, abdominal muscles taut from the strain. His vision is blurry, blood pounding in his ears as he chases after a release. His other hand makes its way up, pinching his nipple. The breathy moan that follows has Jungkook slipping into insanity, wanting desperately to be the one to pull those noises out of Jimin. He clasps his fingers together to keep himself from reaching over, biting his teeth together. 

Jimin swallows thickly and Jungkook imagines him swallowing around his cock. His cock is so hard it aches, desire burning up in his veins. Unable to resist, he grips his own cock, listening to the little breathy moans spilling from Jimin’s lips, the debaucherous sound of Jimin fingering himself, whining when his stubby fingers can’t reach deep enough. 

Jimin’s often been told that he’s loud in bed, but everyone else made it sound like a bad thing, like he was bothering them somehow. But Jungkook likes the noises he makes, often pushing him to tell him how good he feels. Listening to Jimin’s broken moans and labored breathing has Jungkook leaking into his boxers like a teenager. He fists his cock, furiously chasing his orgasm. 

He makes the mistake of looking, and after that he can’t help but stare, captivated. Jimin’s so beautiful, so fucking hot with his other hand wrapped around his cock and the other pinching his nipple. Jungkook wants to reach out and bite his chest, leaving his mark everywhere on Jimin’s smooth skin, but he can’t, he can’t. 

Jimin licks up some of his slick from his fingers, tasting himself, and that’s what sends Jungkook over the edge. He comes with a groan, spilling into his own hand.

Jimin’s on the brink of euphoria, sososo close , when suddenly his hand is yanked off his cock. His eyes blink open, horny and confused. Jungkook’s standing on his side of the bed, staring at him, eyes dark and hungry like he wants to swallow him whole. That image of Jungkook watching him get off floods Jimin’s mind, and he feels himself coming. He shoots up in the air and to his horror, he hits Jungkook in the face. 

Jungkook raises a brow and wipes his face with his fingers. Then he brings his hand to Jimin’s mouth, making him lick his fingers clean. Jimin sucks on his fingers, eyes wide. Jungkook stares back, and if Jimin hadn’t just come, he’d be well into his second erection just from how he’s looking at him. 

After a tense silence, Jimin escapes into the bathroom, cleaning himself up. “Keep it together, buddy,” he mutters to himself as he splashes cold water onto his face. He’s starting to understand why Taehyung bet against him. 

He’s in the middle of brushing his teeth when Jungkook follows him in, stealing some of his face lotion. 

“Technically this doesn’t count,” Jimin finally breaks the silence after he’s brushed for so long he’s worried his teeth might erode.  

Jungkook raises a brow. “How do you figure?” 

“We didn’t fuck. Masturbation is just a healthy form of expressing your sexuality.” 

Jungkook rolls his eyes. “You would have made a damn good lawyer, baby. Don't even think about pulling this again or I'll tie your hands together.” Once had been enough; he doesn’t think he can last another round without begging Jimin to end the bet. 

Jimin hums. “Kinky.” 

“You're not going to win this, not with your usual tricks.” 

Jimin bats his eyelashes. “My usual tricks? What tricks might those be, pray tell?” 

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, and I’m telling you it's not going to work. I’ll do whatever it takes to win this bet.”

Jimin sighs. “Is keeping Beansy really that important to you?” 

There’s a strange look in Jungkook’s eyes before he replies, “Yeah. Beansy rocks.” Then Jimin remembers that there’s another part to Jungkook’s conditions if he wins. 

When I win, you’ll also have to go golfing with me and your dad.

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

The next morning when he wakes up, Jungkook’s already gone to the gym. Jimin’s relieved to get a breather from Jungkook’s overpowering alpha hormones. Their room reeks of sex even though they didn’t fuck, so Jimin opens up a window. 

As the room’s air airs out, so does Jimin’s mind. They went to sleep in tense silence and Jimin’s not sure what to make of it. But now he’s on his own and he decides to deal with his suitcase situation first. Against all odds, he manages to drop the suitcase with well-aimed book missiles. 

Needing something else to think about, Jimin makes his way to the pool. He jumps in, enjoying the slight chill of the water. He’s not the best swimmer in the world, but he enjoys swimming. He goes on for a few rounds before lying down in one of the beach chairs, enjoying the winter sun peeking inside through the wall of glass. He wraps into his towel, enjoying the silence. 

It lasts all of five minutes. 

“Thought I’d find you here,” Jungkook says as he spots Jimin in the beach chair next to the pool. 

“Bummer you can’t come in, though,” Jimin taunts. To ensure that he’d get to relax alone without any confusing hormones messing with his thoughts, Jimin hid Jungkook’s swimming trunks. 

Shame that he didn’t take into account one thing. 

Jungkook beams back at him. “Oh, that’s okay,” he says, takes off his clothes and dives in naked. 

Jimin’s mischievous laughter gets stuck in his throat. 

“Jesus,” Hoseok breathes in, following Jungkook's figure diving in with his eyes. “Someone’s been working on those glutes.” 

He turns to look at Jimin. “This must be killing you, right?” he guesses sympathetically. Jimin can’t hear him over his omega fucking panting in his ears. 

Jungkook rises from the pool like a Greek god, rivulets of water dripping down the well-defined chest, sliding teasingly right past his nipple, down to his abs before settling onto the V of his hips. He walks up to the springboard, getting ready to dive in again.  

Blood pounding in his ears, Jimin escapes into the jacuzzi, hoping that the bubbles will distract him enough to not beg Jungkook to take him right then and there. Taehyung’s there, too, marveling at the jet skis. Jimin sits down, enjoying the warm water enveloping him. 

“I can smell you thirsting from all the way there,” Taehyung says after a while. 

Jimin has no idea what he’s just said, head filled with horny thoughts about Jungkook's thighs. “What?”

“Dear diary, how can I make Jungkook fuck me again, but also have him feed me marshmallows and tell me how pretty I am?” Taehyung wonders. 

Jimin glares at him. “Shut up. I don't want any of that.” 

“Yeah, you do,” Taehyung scoffs. “You're used to being spoiled by Jungkook every moment of every day, and this bet is killing you. We all think you’re going to give in first. We even got a little pool going, and so far, I’m set to make a killing.” 

“Nice,” Jimin comments dryly. “I will make sure to hold out extra long just so I can enjoy your desperation as you lose more and more money.” 

Taehyung shrugs. “Whatever, I’m using the money you gave me for my birthday for this anyway. So in a way, you’re betting against yourself.” 

“I hate you deeply, Kim Taehyung."

Taehyung grins at the very clear frustration in his voice. “Get fucked, Park Jimin. Preferably before the 25th, please and thank you.” 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

"Hyung, I'm sorry, but that's a load of crap. Voldemort would absolutely lose to Molly Weasley in a duel, she has so much rage," Jimin says as he munches on one of the carrots he just peeled for Seokjin. 

He's sitting on a kitchen desk, chatting with Seokjin who's making dinner for them. Jimin offered to help, but he’s not really contributing much to anything but keeping Seokjin company which is actually what Seokjin prefers. He loves his friends, but most of them are god-awful cooks. 

"Voldemort literally killed hundreds of wizards and other magical beings." 

"Yeah, but Molly Weasley kept a nine-person family fed, clothed and mostly happy. She was a parent to Fred and George. The Fred and George, hyung." 

"Voldemort had Death Eaters,” Seokjin points out, adding a little salt to the meat he’s heating up.

"Doesn’t matter. Molly would wipe the floor with him. I think she'd just roast him until Voldemort exploded out of sheer embarrassment." 

"Okay, that's true. Hey JK, who'd win in a duel to the death, Voldemort or Molly Weasley?" Seokjin asks as tired looking Jungkook walks in. 

"Molly Weasley," Jungkook replies without any hesitation. Jimin flashes his Told you so smirk and Seokjin concedes. 

"Fine, fine. You two nerds win."

"Hyung, I've literally picked you up from over a dozen Harry Potter fan meetings,” Jungkook points out. 

"Picked me up? Is that what the kids are calling 'badgered me into attending said fan meetings with him' these days?"

Jimin laughs. "I get it, you're both huge nerds. No surprises there." Jungkook walks farther into the kitchen, and suddenly there is a very different kind of hunger in Jimin's eyes. 

Jungkook has spent his afternoon snowboarding with Taehyung and Yoongi. His hair has a little snow in it, and as it melts in the warm temperature of the kitchen, leaving his hair curly and a little messy. The snowboarding goggles have left a slightly red ring around his eyes and his cheeks are red from the cold. 

And yet, he looks hotter than ever, and Jimin hates himself for suggesting the stupid bet that keeps him from dragging Jungkook to a private corner and claiming him again and again. 

Jungkook feels his stare boring into himself and looks up. Jimin's not sure what expression he has on his face, but Jungkook's mouth curves up to a smirk. He walks determinately slowly over to Jimin, as if letting him devour him with his eyes a little longer. Jimin can't help but stare, unwilling but also unable to look away. Jungkook walks closer, closer and then he's right there, in Jimin's space, placing himself between Jimin's thighs as he reaches behind him. 

Seokjin finally notices the weird vibe and the fact that no one's replied to him in a while. "You guys are the worst," he sighs and throws a potato at Jimin, but Jungkook easily catches it without ever looking away from Jimin. He places the potato on the counter next to Jimin before reaching behind Jimin again, brushing against his shoulder with his arm, breathing his air. 

Jimin forgets how to breathe, heart beating faster and faster as Jungkook leans in closer. After a small eternity, Jungkook pulls out a water can and mugs from behind Jimin's head and steps back, winking at Jimin who feels like he's woken up from a spell. 

"You know you could have just asked, I'm sure Jimin would have moved," Seokjin points out tiredly. Jungkook doesn't comment, walking out of the kitchen with his water. 

Jimin's still staring after Jungkook. "No, I wouldn't have."

Seokjin groans. "I hated it when you fucked everywhere, but this might actually be worse." Jimin takes pity on his hyung and mends things by helping out more with cooking. 

"How long are you going to do this?" Seokjin asks after a minute. 

Jimin looks up from the pot he’s been tasked with watching over. "Until the onions are cooked, right?"

"Are you really that mad that your dad wants to go golfing with him?"

Jimin sighs. "I'm not mad. I'm confused. Why the hell does my dad want to hang out with Jungkook?" 

Seokjin raises a brow. "I mean… you guys are always together, you spend your heats with him, his scent is all over your place, you give him Christmas presents and you take him home with you on holidays. It sure is strange how your dad could have gotten the feeling like you might be dating." 

"Okay, whoa .” Jimin puts his hands up. “You do know that Jungkook’s family lives in Busan, same as mine, right? It’s not like I’m taking him to my family home, we just split gas and keep each other company during the trips. And we’re not ‘always together’, we just sometimes study together."

"At your apartment?"

"The library is always so full and I can't concentrate if there's a lot of noise."

"Have you tried the silent section? You know, the section specifically created for people like you who like to study in silence?" 

"That's too silent, my thoughts go wild and I get nothing done."

"You always complain that Jungkook never shuts up, though."

Jimin smirks. "He does. When I make him." 

Seokjin scoffs. "If you think you can out-embarrass me, you're very wrong. Hearing about your sex life does not gross me out enough to derail me from this conversation. Nice try, though."

"Fine." There's a pause. Jimin purses his lips and argues, "His scent is not all over my apartment." Seokjin turns around to give him a You're kidding, right? stare, and Jimin gives in. "Even if it is, it's just because of the heats I sometimes spend with him."

"All the times, but that's beside the point."

"Would you rather have me go through heats alone?" Jimin challenges. "Not everyone has a perfect mate who'll be there for us during heat. I'm just trying to stay safe." 

Seokjin shakes his head. "I want you to be happy and healthy, always. I'm just pointing out that you haven't spent even one heat alone this year." 

"Thank fuck," Jimin sighs, relieved. "Heats alone suck."

"Agreed."

"Besides, I return the favor," he points out. "I hang out with Jungkook during his ruts. It's not like it's just for me, we take care of each other. It’s just easier that way than always finding a new partner or stressing about who to spend it with. Besides, it’s only a few days a year, so who cares.” 

Seokjin cackles. "Oh, you 'hang out' with Jungkook during his ruts, okay." 

Jimin's ears burn. "Shut up."

"What about when your dad caught Jungkook at your place last month?" Seokjin reminds him. 

Jimin rolls his eyes. "He didn't 'catch' Jungkook at my place, we're not trying to hide. He knows that Jungkook sometimes sleeps over when he has an early lecture because my apartment is a lot closer to his faculty."  

“Right, right. Was this the same time Jungkookie was cooking you breakfast?”

“Nutrition isn’t something only mated people are privy to,” Jimin points out defensively, but he’s starting to wonder. It is kind of true, he and Jungkook hang out a lot. Like, a lot, a lot.  

“Speaking of nutrition, my friend invited us all to dinner tomorrow. You're going to love him, he's a dancer like you."

“Sounds fun.” 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

After dinner, Jimin, Seokjin, and Jungkook all head out to the hills, hoping to snowboard before the sun goes down. The frost is biting, the snow glistens on the untouched hill, but Jimin wouldn’t have it any other way. His eyes rest in the pure, white snow, undisturbed by cars, buses or any of the noise of the city. 

“This place is incredible, hyung.” Jungkook sighs. “Are you absolutely sure you want to become a doctor? If you took over your parents’ company, you could own a place like this, too.”

Seokjin huffs out a laugh that turns into a tiny cloud in the freezing air. “Nah,” he says, “I’d never have the time to enjoy having places like this if I took over. My dad has been here exactly twice and my mom only once. They buy these places, but they do it for their children, not themselves. I want to be able to enjoy life, not work through it.” 

“Fair enough,” Jimin sighs. “I’m going to miss these vacations, though.”

Seokjin sighs. “Yeah, once my parents figure out that I’m not going to take over their company after them and have, in fact, put myself through med school, these trips will for sure end.”

“Maybe they won’t,” Jungkook says, ever the optimist. “Maybe your parents will support your lifelong dream and continue paying for your school and stuff.”

Jimin and Seokjin exchange a knowing look. “You’re so cute,” Jimin says, pinching Jungkook’s cheek that’s already turning pink from the cold. 

Jungkook frowns. “What? Jin hyung’s parents love him, I’m sure they just want what’s best for him.”

Seokjin chuckles, but the sound is a little hollow. “Spoken like a true maknae.” 

“Hyung, you are the maknae of your family, too.” 

“Yeah, but it's different for me. Ever since they figured out that my hyung wasn’t going to be their successor, they’ve been preparing me for it. The sky is going to fall the day I tell them I’d rather be a lame doctor instead.” Seokjin shrugs. “Let’s not worry about this for now. As it stands, I’m still on a fast track of becoming a kick-ass pediatrician in record time and my parents don’t have a clue.” 

“You’re weird. Most people would brag to all hell that they are doing two degrees at once. At two different universities, no less.” 

Seokjin just smiles. Then he jumps onto his skis and yells, “Last one down is a loser!” 

Jimin and Jungkook immediately follow him, hurtling down the hill. 

“You’ll never catch me alive!” Seokjin roars, but just then his skis hit a bump and he lands in a big pile of powder snow with poof!  

Jimin and Jungkook laugh their way down. 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Jimin feels so alive, bursting with excitement as they snowboard and sleigh down the hills, leaving their trails in the otherwise untouched snow. Seokjin challenges Jimin to ski down right from the top, offering him the master bedroom if he’s down first. Jimin takes the bet, eager to prove his skills. 

Jungkook listens to them trash-talk one another with an amused look in his eyes. He offers to be the judge, but Seokjin just hmphs at him. "As if you'd let Jimin lose." 

Jimin giggles at his obvious bitterness and asks, "Jealous, hyung?"

Seokjin responds by holding up a finger before taking his position. Jimin follows suit, preparing himself. 

“Good luck, Mini,” Jungkook says, “Get us that big room.”

Jimin grins. “Damn right.” He pushes off, enjoying the cold wind on his face as he speeds up. He whooshes past Seokjin and he’s on his way to victory when one of his skis suddenly takes off, the locking mechanism having been broken. He balances on the other ski and it almost looks like he might make it. 

He never even sees the tree coming until it’s too late. 

He hears Jungkook’s panicked shout Jimin!, can almost feel the alpha’s hand reaching for him too little, too late. 

And then all he sees is black. 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

Jimin wakes up at the cabin. He opens his eyes, wincing. "Mothertrucker, dude, that hurt like a buttcheek on a stick." 

First thing he sees is Jungkook, sitting next to him on the bed. His other friends are in the room, too, staying a little farther back. 

Taehyung snorts. “He’s fine,” he says to Seokjin whom finally dares to smile. 

“Hey, Jimin,” he says, “You kind of scared us. How do you feel?” 

Jimin shrugs. “Like I ran into a tree.” 

Seokjin chuckles at that. “You got really lucky,” he says. “Your helmet protected your head and the snow was so soft to land on that you didn’t even get too many bruises. You twisted your ankle on your way down, but that too will heal if you don’t put too much strain on it.” Benefits of being an omega was definitely the quick healing. 

“Dope.” Jimin looks at the clock on the wall, noting how little time has passed. “How’d I get here so fast?” 

"Jungkookie carried you home."

Jimin turns to look at the man staying quiet. "You did?" he marvels. "But the mountain’s so steep, and I'm heavy."

“You’re not heavy," Jungkook argues immediately. His voice sounds strange. 

"And even if you were… He's an alpha, you know." Hoseok smiles. "You should have seen the way Jungkookie ran, he was so fast it looked like he was flying." 

“You should rest, hyung," Jungkook interrupts, changing the subject.  

“I feel fine,” Jimin says and makes a move to stand — only for a hand on his chest gently pushing him back down.  

“Rest,” Jungkook repeats sternly. He glances at their friends who all suddenly scramble to their feet. 

“Uh, I think I hear the washing machine,” Seokjin mumbles, hightailing it out of there. 

Hoseok nods. “I’ll help you put it in the dryer.” 

“I’ll come wait with you until the dryer’s done," Namjoon offers. 

“I’ll fold the clothes once they’re done," Yoongi promises. 

Taehyung's quiet, so focused on the strange vibe between Jimin and Jungkook that at first he doesn't notice that his friends are trying to give them some time and peace alone. 

Yoongi kicks him, and Taehyung hurriedly adds, “I’ll help you put them into the closet again.” 

And then suddenly, it’s just them two.

Jungkook’s not looking at Jimin, he’s staring at his hands clasped together. The silence is killing Jimin, he has to say something to break it. "The world just escaped having the most annoying ghost," he jokes.  

Jungkook looks up, eyes dark and deathly serious. "Not funny."

"Are you saying you wouldn't watch a show about a ghost comedian?" Jimin asks, trying to lighten up the heavy mood. “It would be called ‘Ghostly Giggles', and I’d have a dead musical guest every week.” 

Jungkook finally looks at him, and Jimin shivers at the blank stare in his eyes. 

“No, I’m saying that you scared the hell out of me when you didn’t respond to me for a while, and that if anything happened to you, I’d lose my mind,” Jungkook replies in a deep, deliberate voice. He's never sounded more like an alpha, and Jimin's not quite sure how to act anymore, squirming under Jungkook's piercing gaze. 

“Oh.” Jimin can’t think of anything to say, so the silence stretches on, every second turning the situation more and more awkward. Then Jimin clears his throat and adds, "I'm sorry I made you worry."

Jungkook shakes his head. "It's not your fault. Just… don't do it again. Please," he adds quietly. 

"No promises. I am the clumsiest person around,” Jimin says, and this time he gets a tiny smile from Jungkook who seems to be relaxing a little now that he hears Jimin talking and joking around. 

Jimin yawns and Jungkook immediately says, “You should sleep, hyung.” 

“I’m not sleepy,” Jimin claims, but thirty seconds of Jungkook humming some song under his breath, and Jimin’s out again. 

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

While he dreams, his ears pick out a conversation in hushed tones around him. 

“Jungkook, Seokjin said that he’d be fine with a few days rest. You can let go of the railing, I think it’s about to break.” 

“We should have taken Jimin to the hospital. Or at least checked more. What if hyung missed something?” Jungkook says, and Jimin's never heard him sound so… so… 

Protective. 

“Hey, I understand that you’re worried, but Seokjin hyung is a great doctor. He wouldn’t say that Jimin was fine if he weren’t 100 percent sure. Besides, if the bone was broken, you could tell.” 

“What?”

“You’re not mated, so you probably don’t know about this, but alphas can sense it if their pack members are hurt. Last winter, I knew Jin hyung had pneumonia before he did.” 

“But I’m not Jimin’s mate.”

“It doesn’t require being mated. You just need to be really close with the person which you and Jimin are. I’m telling you, if Jimin were seriously injured, you’d know it. Now, relax and breathe in. If you sense something wrong, tell me.” 

There's a moment of silence. Then Jungkook speaks up again. “His scent is the same as always.” 

“Then he’s fine. You did great, Jungkook. Seriously. I’ve never seen anyone move so quickly in my life. You got him home and to safety in record time. You did everything you could.” 

“Remember when Jimin did a flip off the roof of the auditorium and just stood back up? Your guy’s made of titanium, Kook. He’ll be fine.”

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

“Guys, we should get going if we want to make it on time. Jimin, are you sure you’ll be okay here on your own?” Namjoon asks. 

Jimin nods. “I’ll be fine, hyung. It’s just a sprained ankle, not the Black Death. Go, enjoy your dinner with Jin hyung’s friend.” 

His friends had offered to cancel the dinner with Seokjin's friend, but Jimin insisted that they go. He didn't want to bother them and he knew the ankle would heal by nightfall at the latest. 

Hoseok pats his head gently. “Feel better, baby.” Then he walks to the staircase and belts out, “JUNGKOOK, WE’RE LEAVING! IF YOU’RE NOT AT THE CAR IN FIVE MINUTES, WE’RE LEAVING WITHOUT YOU!” 

He blows Jimin a kiss. “Love you, feel better soon.”

Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi and Taehyung all come by to bid Jimin goodbye, hugging and joking around with him to make him feel better. Jimin laughs at their jokes and graciously accepts the smooches, but as soon as the door closes after his friends, the smile on his face drops. He bundles up in the blankets, propping himself better onto the pillows, frowning and pouting.

He didn’t want his friends to notice, but of course he feels bad about being left behind. “Heal,” he grumbles at his ankle. “What kind of omega can’t heal quickly?” 

“You look like a sad kitten,” Jungkook says as he hops up the stairs. 

Jimin pouts even harder. “I'm cold, sad, and my stupid ankle hurts. This vacation sucks.” 

Jungkook frowns. “It still hurts?”

Jimin’s too wrapped up in his own misery to notice. “Everything sucks. I can't ski, all my friends are going out and I'm stuck inside this boring cabin with nothing but Namjoon hyung's copy of War and Peace.” He throws a venomous look at the thick book on the coffee table. 

“Why not watch TV or something?” Jungkook suggests, fixing the pillow that’s about to fall off the couch, securing it better behind Jimin’s back. 

“All Jin hyung has are DVDs and I'd either have to plug one in every 120 minutes or watch the same movie, like, six times. No thanks.” 

Jungkook inspects the bookcase filled with movies. “Jin hyung has Die Hard?” he marvels, putting the disc inside the player and plopping down next to Jimin on the couch. 

Jimin stares at him. “What are you doing?”

“Watching Die Hard. What, did you want to watch something else, cripple?" Jungkook teases as he twirls the remote in his hand. Jimin tries to kick him with his healthy foot, but Jungkook takes a hold of his calf, placing both of his feet in his lap. 

Jimin waits a little longer for the punchline, but when nothing comes, he says, “Seriously. They're leaving. You'll miss your ride. Jin hyung said that his friend’s house has a great place for downhill skiing. ”

Jungkook shrugs. “Eh. The hills will be there another time, too. Besides, gotta give the hyungs a chance to shine, right?” he jokes, lying down, propping his head on one of Jimin’s many pillows. 

“Jungkook…” Jimin protests, but there’s such a fond look in his eyes that it’s not believable in the least. He’s happy to have company, he’s just worried Jungkook’s going to regret not going. 

“Shh. We're watching a movie.” 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

“Storm’s rising,” Jimin says, watching the horizon fill up with heavy snow clouds. 

“Winter is coming,” Jungkook agrees, watching as snow falls down faster and faster. His phone makes a sound and he checks it, relaying to Jimin. “Namjoon hyung just texted. They’re staying at Seokjin hyung’s friend’s house because of the storm.” He pauses. “Oh. So it'll be…” Jungkook trails off as their eyes meet. 

“Just us here tonight,” Jimin fills in for him.

The heavy implications of the words hang in the air between them like the many Christmas decorations Seokjin had spent his morning putting up. 

Jungkook swallows, hard. “Oh, yeah, right, cool. Cool-cool-cool-cool-cool-cool.” 

“No doubt, no doubt, no doubt, no doubt,” Jimin agrees.  

Just then the lights go out with a snap. “The power must be out.” 

“Let’s just light some candles. I’m sure rich people like Seokjin hyung’s parents have a spare generator that’s about to kick in.” Jimin makes a move to stand, but Jungkook signals for him to sit down and goes by himself. 

Jimin huffs in fond frustration, calling out after him, “My ankle is fine, it’s mostly healed already.”

“Mostly,” is all Jungkook says as he returns with a year's worth of candles. He lights them up and sits down next to Jimin on the couch, admiring the beautiful lights. 

Jimin speaks up, “Hey. Thanks.” 

“For what?” 

“You stayed behind to hang out with me. You're a good friend, Jeon.” 

“According to your dad, I'd be an even better mate.” 

Jimin groans. "You don't know that's why he wants to see you."

Jungkook raises a brow. "What other reason is there to want to go golfing with the guy your son is occasionally bumping behinds with?”

“Ewww." Jimin pushes him away with no real intention. In fact, he pulls him back only seconds later, cuddling into him. "Maybe he wants to tell you to stay away from me." 

Jungkook laughs, trying to imagine Jimin's sweet old dad intimidating anyone, but it only makes him laugh harder. “Yeah, right. Your dad who is like an older, gentler version of you. How would he tell anybody to leave you alone?” 

Jimin frowns at him. "He’s a what? Every single guy I've ever brought home has been terrified of him."

Jungkook snorts. "How? All he ever wants to talk about is you."

Jimin’s jaw drops. "What? You talked to my dad about me?" 

"Yeah, he came over to your apartment once while you were at uni and I told him about how you let me study over at your place and that I'm teaching you to drive. Oh, right, and I added some stuff about how the room lights up when you walk in and how your laugh sounds like little fairy bells. Stuff like that. He really loved to hear it." 

Jimin stares at him. "Are you insane? My dad is a huge romantic. He's probably expecting you to propose already!" 

"Really? I've only met the guy a couple of times and he wants a proposal already?" Jungkook wonders, expertly dodging Jimin's hand swatting at his chest. "Don't get me wrong, your dad's a goodlooking guy and all, but I usually need at least three dates before I get married. I'm old-fashioned like that." 

Jimin buries his head in Jungkook’s shoulder. "You did this on purpose, right? Now, whoever I bring home, they'll never be as good as you in my dad's eyes." 

Jungkook grins. "Damn, I guess you're going to have to marry me then."

Jimin's still in the middle of a meltdown. “I can’t believe you’d lie to my dad like that.” 

“Who says I was lying?” 

Jimin turns to look at him. “What?” 

“I meant everything I said," Jungkook says in a quiet yet steady voice. 

Their eyes meet, something electric filling the air between them. Then, Jimin leans in and kisses him. After a moment of surprise, Jungkook kisses him back, albeit a little confused. “What was that for?”

“No reason,” Jimin says between the kisses, climbing into his lap. 

“You do realize that you just lost the bet, right?” 

“I don’t care. Kiss me.” Jungkook doesn’t need to be told twice; he leans in and connects their lips again, covering Jimin’s mouth with his own, sucking on Jimin’s bottom lip. Jimin gasps, and Jungkook swallows the sound, kissing him harder. 

Jimin’s hands roam his body, tweaking his nipples, sliding down his chest before settling onto his hips. He rolls his hips experimentally, pressing his cock against the growing bulge in Jungkook's sweatpants. Jungkook makes a sound of approval, capturing Jimin's waist with his hands. Jimin kisses him again, grinding against him. 

“Take me, alpha,” Jimin breathes into Jungkook’s neck, watching goosebumps run down his neck. “I want you.”  

Jungkook nods without thinking, yesyesyes , pulling Jimin to his feet when suddenly the omega hisses in pain. Jungkook stops, laser eyes inspecting every inch of Jimin. “What’s wrong?”

Jimin shakes his head, waving off his worry. “Nothing. I just stood up a little crooked, made my ankle mad. It’s fine, continue.” Next thing he knows the floor has disappeared from under him. “Jungkook!” he giggles. “Put me down!” 

“I’m just following the doctor’s orders, he said not to let you walk too much.” 

“I hardly doubt that this is what he meant.” 

“I’m pretty sure it is,” Jungkook claims. Jimin’s still laughing when he kisses Jungkook again, making him falter in his steps. 

They fall down onto their bed, Jimin’s hands pulling Jungkook’s shirt off, making quick work of his zipper. “Off, off, take it all off.” 

“You too,” Jungkook murmurs back, helping Jimin out of his clothes. Once they’re both naked, his mouth returns to Jimin’s skin, sucking hickeys into his neck. Jimin already knows he’s going to look like a vampire attack victim the next day, but he couldn’t care less. Jungkook’s getting closer to his next rut which makes him more possessive than usual, and Jimin’s loving every second of it. 

Jimin cants his hips up, making their cocks brush against each other. Jungkook curses, blindly searching for the lube Seokjin made a big show of showing them during the house tour. His fingers wrap around the bottle, opening the lid on muscle memory alone. 

He flips Jimin onto his stomach, making the omega slightly arch his back, presenting himself. Jungkook groans, swearing under his breath as he dives into him, licking Jimin from his hole to his balls and back.

Jungkook can't help but touch, kneading the soft flesh. Jimin likes it, likes how Jungkook always makes him feel like the sexiest person in the world whenever they’re together like this. He moans, pulse going off in his ears as Jungkook lowers his mouth to Jimin’s hole, tasting him. Jimin slaps a hand to his mouth, biting his hand to keep the insistent noises bubbling in his throat down when Jungkook picks up his pace, fucking his tongue in deeper and faster.

“Please…” Jimin moans, and even though he’s not sure what it is he’s begging for, Jungkook gives it to him anyway. No one ever had ever eaten him out before Jungkook came around, and Jimin’s not sure how he’ll ever go back to a time without it, the pleasure Jungkook gives him is so addictive. 

“I’m ready, come on,” Jimin murmurs, blindly searching for Jungkook behind him. 

Jungkook takes his hand, turning Jimin onto his back. “I want to see you,” he says, and Jimin’s definitely not going to say no to that. Jungkook picks up Jimin’s legs, and Jimin complies by slightly lifting his butt, helping Jungkook place a pillow under him. “Hold your legs up for me, baby.” 

Jimin has temporarily lost the ability to speak, so he obeys without speaking.  He's even more frantic when Jungkook adds his lube-covered fingers in the mix. Jimin lets out a loud moan and pushes his ass back on Jungkook's fingers when he toys with the rim of his ass, teasing the hole. Next, he ventures a finger inside Jimin, slow and deep. Jimin pushes back on his hand, his breaths turning into pants once Jungkook adds another finger. He’s so hard it hurts, his hard cock bouncing uselessly against his stomach. 

Jimin’s quivering legs have long ago escaped from his grasp, but Jungkook doesn’t mind having them enveloping his head. Jimin’s fingers are in Jungkook’s hair, gripping tightly as he nears his orgasm. Realizing this, Jungkook takes Jimin into his mouth, sucking on the head of Jimin's cock. Jimin can’t hold back anymore, shooting his cum down Jungkook’s throat with a choked up cry of his name. 

Jungkook swallows easily, smirking at Jimin who’s staring down at him with a fucked out look on his face. "Doing okay?" he taunts, sucking a hickey into Jimin's thigh. 

“I have entered the sixth dimension, my guy," Jimin states, staring into the distance.  

“That good?” Jungkook jokes, but Jimin still nods. 

“That good.” 

Jungkook fucking blushes at that as if he hadn't just been four knuckles deep in Jimin's ass. "Cool," he mumbles, popping a mint into his mouth. His cock is fucking leaking against his stomach and yet, there he is, blushing. 

"You're unreal, baby," Jimin chuckles, reaching over to boop Jungkook's nose. 

Jungkook looks at him under his brows, frowning. His omega is being strangely playful. "Did you just… boop my nose?"

"God, you're cute," Jimin sighs, attempting to pinch his cheek, too, but this time Jungkook takes a hold of his hand. Instead of swatting his hand away like Jimin expected, he brings it to his lips, kissing Jimin's wrist. Jimin feels himself melt into the sheets, brattiness dissolving from his thoughts like a snowflake in a sauna. His heart swells, singing in his chest. 

"Come here," Jimin invites, and Jungkook immediately moves closer, laying down on top of Jimin, momentarily losing his train of thought upon feeling those thick thighs squeeze his waist. 

Jimin brings their lips together, kissing him, slow but so fucking hot. "Fuck me, please," he says against Jungkook's lips. 

Jungkook smiles at the polite tone despite the vulgar words. "Since you asked so nicely." They both moan at the tightness when Jungkook starts fitting himself inside of Jimin. He's careful as always, waiting for Jimin's permission to start moving, peppering Jimin’s neck with butterfly kisses.   

"Come on, baby," Jimin coaxes before correcting himself, "Please, hyung." 

He can feel how Jungkook's pulse picks up at that and he smiles. "You could have just told me you were into being called hyung in bed," he points out, meeting Jungkook's eyes. “I thought when we started this whole heat and rut partners thing we agreed, no kink-shaming.”

They really had sat down in the beginning of their arrangement, writing down rules and agreements before they started. Safety first, safety second, coolness third, Jungkook had stated very seriously while Jimin rolled his eyes, although he really appreciated how thorough and careful Jungkook treated the matter.

Jimin had been struggling to find someone to spend his heat with, growing more and more anxious by every day that passed by. His friends were all either mated or in serious relationships, and Jimin was running out of options. Spending heats alone was painful and made them last longer which Jimin couldn’t have, he was one week away from an important exam. Largely alpha- and beta-run universities were still not great with recognizing heats as an obstacle to attend classes, and as such, Jimin was worried he wouldn’t be able to retake the exam if he missed it due to his heat. 

That was where Jungkook had come in. 

"Didn't know I was."

"Hyung," Jimin hums shamelessly, enjoying how Jungkook's eyes darken. 

The alpha breathes in, trying to control himself. "Are you trying to make me come before I can even fuck you?" 

Jimin smiles. "Sorry, hyung." Jungkook kisses him, pulling his cock almost completely out before pushing back in. Despite the slow pace, Jimin sees stars, and he has to remind himself to breathe when Jungkook does it again. He starts building a languid rhythm, dragging his cock against Jimin's prostate which prompts another fit of moans. 

He pins Jimin's wrists down, trapping them against the mattress, just the way Jimin likes it. A particularly deep thrust makes Jimin moan, throwing his head back. Ducking his head, Jungkook kisses his way down to Jimin’s chest, flicking his tongue over Jimin's nipple. Jimin squirms at the sensation, prompting Jungkook to suck his nipple into his mouth while his right hand keeps Jimin's hands down. 

Jimin fucks himself back on Jungkook's throbbing cock, blindly searching for his orgasm. Jungkook meets his bounces with each snap of his hips while wrapping his free hand around Jimin’s leaking cock. Jimin moans, tilting his head back, but Jungkook chases after his lips. Jimin responds enthusiastically, biting and sucking on Jungkook’s lips until they swell.  

Jungkook fucks him nice and deep, just the way he knows Jimin likes. They’ve only spent two of Jimin’s heats together, but it feels like he’s burned every detail of Jimin’s desire into his brain, carefully filing away each bit of knowledge on what he likes and how to make him come. Jimin’s thighs shake from the strain of keeping Jungkook as close as possible and his throat is hoarse from the moaning, but he feels too good to care about anything other than the brink of euphoria steadily building in the pit of his stomach. 

His orgasm hits him out of the blue, coursing through his system like a lighting in the ocean, his cock spurting embarrassing amount of come onto his own stomach like he hasn’t come in months. Feeling Jimin tighten around his cock pushes Jungkook over the edge as well. He grunts as his thumbs dig into Jimin’s hips, holding him down as he releases inside of him. 

Deep satisfaction invades Jimin’s hazy mind, bliss spreading everywhere in his body. Jungkook rests his forehead against Jimin’s shoulder, closing his eyes. They stay like that until Jungkook deflates, so he can pull out. Jimin only winces a little when Jungkook’s cock drags against his swollen rim. 

The debaucherous feeling of cum dripping out of his hole wakes Jimin from his stupor. He nudges at Jungkook. “Hey,” he says, “We should get cleaned up.” 

“Mhmm,” Jungkook agrees, half-asleep, but he makes no move to stand up from the bed. 

“Alpha,” Jimin starts again, and now Jungkook’s eyes fly open, turning to look at him. “I am covered in cum and would very much like to shower before it dries.” 

Jungkook sprints to his feet, picking Jimin up and carrying him to the bathroom without another word. “Nice,” Jimin hums, “I’ll have to remember that.” 

Jungkook ends up drawing a bath for them, sheepishly helping limping Jimin into the tub. Jimin’s ankle has long since healed, but he thinks it might be best if he doesn’t mention it to his friends. If he’s still limping the next day, it might be better if they just think the snowboarding accident is still bothering him. 

“Was I too rough?” Jungkook asks, frowning when Jimin hisses as he sits down in the tub. 

Jimin looks up at him, smiling. “You were perfect,” he swears. It has never made sense to Jimin how Jungkook can hold him down and fuck him until he cries one minute and the next blush when Jimin smiles at him. 

He extends his hand to the alpha hesitatingly standing next to the tub, unsure if he’s welcome to join him. “Come here.” Jungkook takes his hand, letting the omega guide him into the tub with him. 

The warm water does wonders to Jimin’s worn muscles and he feels even better when Jungkook pulls him over to himself, back against his chest and starts massaging Jimin’s shoulders. 

“Tae’s right,” Jimin mumbles, letting his head fall down onto Jungkook’s shoulder. “You do spoil me.” 

Jungkook hums, pressing a soft kiss into Jimin’s hair. “How could I not?” 

Jimin smiles, but he’s fighting back tears. It’s such a Jungkook thing to say, like being cherished was to be expected, but Jimin knows it’s not. Before Jungkook came along, he never felt like this, never felt like his partners truly cared for him this much. 

He’s never felt loved like this. 

The thought bubbles in the pit of his stomach, making his heart beat faster. 

Jungkook’s thoughts are somewhere slightly different. “Long live Beansy,” he whispers against Jimin’s skin, making him recoil, but he doesn’t get too far, wrapped up in Jungkook’s arms. 

Jimin groans, wiping the corners of his eyes in secret. Last thing he needs is to freak Jungkook out by starting to sob out of the blue. “One of these days, I will find a way to burn that goddamn bean bag chair.”  

“You can’t. It’s eternal. After the apocalypse hits, there’ll be nothing left but Beansy and cockroaches.” 

Jimin laughs so hard it seems to be bouncing off the walls.

They’re quiet for a moment, listening to the grandfather clock in the hallway count to twelve. “Merry Christmas,” Jimin tells Jungkook, turning around, so he can kiss him. 

“Merry Christmas.” 

Something is nagging at Jimin in the back of his mind. “Oh, right. It’s past midnight. Do not tell Taehyung that we fucked before the 25th, I want him to lose money for betting against me," he swears, pointing at Jungkook who bursts out laughing. 

“Wasn’t planning on it."

“He’s going to be so smug about this,” Jimin grumbles. “They all are. Especially my dad. Maybe even more than when he gets to meet you.” 

He’s joking, but Jungkook frowns. "Will it really be that bad? Introducing me to your dad? I mean, we have already kind of met when he came to visit you in uni and he seemed to like me just fine. Is it really such a huge deal?"

"Yes." Jimin shivers at how overbearing his dad will be, fuzzing and fretting. He has probably already ordered Jungkook a Park family Christmas sweater. 

"Okay." Jungkook’s quiet. "I think I'll go look for more candles."

Jimin’s hand moves before he can even register a command, wrapping around Jungkook’s wrist. "Wait!" 

He pulls Jungkook back down into the tub. “Please look at me,” he says. Jungkook begrudgingly raises his eyes from his knees, indicating that Jimin has his attention. 

Jimin's gnawing on his lower lip. "It really is that bad because… because…" he starts, searching for the right words, but his heart’s beating so loudly he can’t seem to think. 

"I get it. You don't want him to get the wrong idea. You don't want him to think you're dating me," Jungkook repeats Jimin's own words, but they sound harsher somehow, coming from his lips. Jimin's starting to think that the little jokes Jungkook's been making might not be jokes at all.  

"No!” Jimin exclaims, shaking his head. “It’s because I want you to meet my dad. But I can't really introduce as my boyfriend although I'd like to because I know that this thing between us is just temporary and it's going to end and I—"

Jungkook frowns. "Then you know more than I do. Hyung, who says we're going to end? Why are you so quick to cast me aside?"

Jimin's silent for a long time. When he finally speaks up, there's a tremor in his voice. "Because I can't think of a reason for you to stay." 

"What? Hyung, that's ridiculous."

"Look at my history. I drive them all away. I work too much, I stress too much, I'm annoying and clingy sometimes and then distant and moody other times. Trust me, I've heard it all before." Jimin breathes in, breathes out, trying to push down the urge to cry. 

Jimin takes Jungkook’s hand. Something warm bubbles in his chest when Jungkook interlaces their fingers.

“No offense, hyung, but your exes were all losers," Jungkook says so bluntly that it makes Jimin smile. "I wouldn’t believe a word out of their mouths. Neither should you. Jimin, you're amazing.” 

He waits patiently as Jimin searches for words, squeezing his fingers for comfort. “It’s just… You’re so good to me, so kind and patient, and I’m always waiting for the day you realize you could find someone else.” 

The expression on Jungkook’s face changes. “I don’t want anyone else,” he gently reminds Jimin. “I want you."

Jimin's heart skips a beat. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"That's… that's nice," Jimin mumbles. There's something in his throat again, making his eyes water. 

Jungkook chuckles quietly, and it looks like there’s something glistening in his eyes, too. "Yeah, it's really nice.” He’s silent for a moment before continuing, "These past few months have been so incredible, and I’ve been trying to think of a way to tell you that I want you as more than a best friend."

"I love you," Jimin blurts out. 

Jungkook huffs. "Mini, I had like an entire speech planned out," he complains, but they both know he doesn't mean it. He kisses him, "I love you." 

Jimin smiles sheepishly. "I'm sorry for stealing your thunder. Tell me again." 

So he tells him again, in words and in the loving kisses he presses into Jimin's skin as they fall back into the bed.  

 

 

❄ ☃️ ❄

 

The next morning, the storm has passed, leaving behind a new layer of snow and a beautiful clear sky. Jimin and Jungkook walk into the kitchen hand in hand, talking in soft tones that belong in the morning. 

“They should be home,” Jungkook tells him, “Hyung’s car is back in the driveway.” 

Jimin frowns. “But it’s so quiet,” he wonders, and Jungkook knows exactly what he means. When their friends are around, there’s not much peace and quiet to be had. 

Unless they’re sleeping. 

Following his hunch, Jimin takes Jungkook’s hand, leading him to the master bedroom. There, in the respectably large bed, lie all of their friends, having passed out the minute they got in. Jimin chuckles softly, pulling the duvet better on Namjoon before they climb into Seokjin’s bed, joining their cuddling friends. 

“Are you guys a couple yet?” Seokjin mumbles sleepily. 

Jimin and Jungkook look at each other and smile. “Yeah.” Their friends exchange a round of uncoordinated high-fives that result in Hoseok being hit in the eye. 

“Finally,” Yoongi sighs. “We’re really happy for you.”

“Yeah, listening to Jungkook pine for you was getting hella old.” There’s a swift movement that makes Taehyung groan in pain. “Ouch, why are you kicking me? It’s not like Jimin doesn’t know how whipped you are by now.” 

“You pined for me?” Jimin repeats, delighted. Jungkook grumbles something incoherent into the pillow, blush creeping up his neck. Jimin laughs softly, placing a kiss into his hair. “Good because I pined for you, too.” 

“Awesome. Now, everybody, shut up and let me sleep.” 

Yoongi grins at Taehyung's misery. “How’s that hangover treating you, babe?” 

“I can’t believe I have to feel this bad just to get the privilege of Yoongi hyung calling me babe,” Taehyung whines. “I drank whiskey to impress you and you’re still laughing at me? How cruel, hyung, how cruel.” 

Yoongi chuckles, the sound low and warm. He crawls over his protesting friends to end up next to Taehyung and kisses him. Just like that, Taehyung’s grumpiness is waved away. 

Comfortable silence envelopes the room once again, and one by one, their friends fall back to sleep. Warm sunlight paints the room golden, dancing on their sleeping forms. 

“I love you,” Jimin whispers into Jungkook’s neck, sliding his arm around his waist.

Jungkook kisses his hand, mumbling back, “I love you more.”

“Not possible.”

“Must be.”