Work Text:
Magic - Coldplay
✨
“Come on Jeongguk, cheer up. It’ll be fun!”
Jeongguk knows he’s doing a terrible job at concealing the displeasure on his face right now. But he can’t help himself. This is literally his worst nightmare.
All he wanted was a fun night out with his friends to de-stress and forget about his problems, and now here he is, being dragged into a fortune teller’s shop at 1am completely against his will.
“Oh, customers! Welcome to my Magic Shop! Come in, come in. You are very welcome! Very welcome!” A soft voice calls out as they walk through the door.
Jeongguk glares at the group of his so-called friends, specifically at Hoseok, who was the person that had suggested ending their boys night out with having their fortunes told. The thought of spending money just to have some con-artist make vague guesses about his future is not Jeongguk’s idea of a fun night. These so-called ‘magic folk’ are nothing but scammers in his eyes.
He had suggested karaoke.
Jeongguk glances around as they make their way inside the small shop, a strong smell of patchouli filling the air. If Hoseok hadn’t steered them to the inconspicuous front door tucked away between larger modern shops and cafes, Jeongguk wouldn’t have even seen it for how tiny it is. Now the six of them are squashed into the cramped space, having to duck their heads to avoid the ‘magical’ trinkets that hang from the ceiling like confetti. The walls are covered in them too. It reminds Jeongguk of magpies that collect any shiny things they can find to decorate their nests.
Jeongguk knocks his head against a wind chime which rings loudly next to his ear, his shoulder catching on a dreamcatcher the other side. He huffs in annoyance, batting them both away which gets him a chastising look from Jin. It’s not his fault that this is such an impractical space for receiving customers.
“Oh there’s so many of you! How lovely. I haven’t had this many customers in a while. How nice. How nice,” the owner of the shop claps happily from somewhere inside the room. “Please take a seat where you can.”
As his friends start to sit down in any awkward spaces they can find, Taehyung giving up finding a seat altogether and simply crouching next to Yoongi, Jeongguk’s eyes finally fall on the owner of the shop.
He’s a lot younger than Jeongguk had expected, and well, a lot prettier too. His dark hair is choppy and messy, framing his soft features and full lips. His clothing matches the aesthetic of the shop, with layers of patterned fabrics flowing around him as he moves excitedly around the small space. Numerous long earrings hang down past his hair, rows of necklaces around his neck hold different crystals, and the rings on his fingers are covered in sparkling gems.
“So, are you all here for your fortunes?” he asks excitedly.
“Do you do other stuff too?” Namjoon asks with a polite smile. Like Jeongguk, Namjoon had also been a bit sceptical, although he’s doing a much better job of hiding it.
The man nods excitedly. “Oh, yes! My strongest gift is Seeing. But I have studied hard, and I can make many spells. I also write talismans that help ward off evil.” He gestures around the room. “All of my creations here are for sale, and can also be personalised if needed.” He rests his hand against his cheek, his lips quirking up in a bashful smile. “I’m kind of an all-rounder in my field, you could say.”
Jeongguk rolls his eyes. These types of people have always existed in their society, though they were a lot more popular in the past. These days it’s a trade that is dying out with the advancement of science and modern technology. People like Jeongguk’s grandparents would swear by them, whereas Jeongguk’s generation are a lot more sceptical of people who claim to harbour magic in their blood. Jeongguk is especially sceptical.
He doesn’t believe in magic.
Hoseok seems to believe in it though, and it looks like the rest of his friends do too by the way they’re all nodding along, captivated by the enthusiasm of the shop owner.
“Anyway, my name is Jimin,” the man smiles, glancing around at them. “As I said before, welcome to my Magic Shop. I’m here to help you however I can. So, what can I do for you lovely gentlemen?” His eyes fall onto Jeongguk where they linger.
“Well,” Hoseok speaks first, “I’d like my fortune told. Anyone else?” He looks around at the rest of them expectantly.
Yoongi raises his hand, “me too.”
“Oh yes, with pleasure,” Jimin nods.
Taehyung points to the shelves lined with baskets of crystals. “Can I get a few of those funky looking crystals?”
Jimin nods excitedly. “I’ll help you pick out the perfect ones!”
“I’d like a palm reading,” Jin says, nudging Namjoon in the ribs subtly.
“Oh, y-yeah, me too,” Namjoon smiles at Jimin, who is practically bouncing.
“Wonderful, wonderful,” Jimin beams, then he turns to Jeongguk, who avoids making eye contact by staring at what he really hopes is a fake skull in some sort of glass case. “And for you? Sir?… Sir?” Jeongguk’s eyes move from the skull to a collection of taxidermy butterflies in a display case, and then suddenly Jimin’s face is popping up in front of his, their noses practically touching. “Sir?”
“His name is Jeongguk,” Taehyung says, and Jeongguk can tell by the entertained lilt in his voice that he’s enjoying this immensely.
“Jeongguk?” Jimin looks to Taehyung, and then back at Jeongguk. “Oh what a lovely name. What is it’s origin?”
“Uh… I’m not sure.”
“Oh- that wont do. I’ll research it’s meaning for you.”
“You really don’t have to-”
“So will it be a palm reading for you as well?” Jimin asks eagerly.
“Uh…” Jeongguk tries to avoid eye contact again, looking back at the skull in the case.
“Gerard isn’t for sale.”
Jeongguk looks back at Jimin in confusion.“…Who?”
“Gerard,” Jimin reaches to the side to tap on the glass case holding the skull. “He’s very special to me. I can’t sell him to you unfortunately.”
“Wha- I don’t want Gerard,” Jeongguk splutters, unable to conceal the look of horror that takes over his face, but it seems like Jimin doesn’t even notice, smiling back at him contentedly.
“So, just a palm reading?”
“No-”
Hoseok clears his throat loudly, shooting Jeongguk a look when their eyes meet which promises him an ear-full if he says no. When Jeongguk looks back at Jimin, he can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt as Jimin’s eyes flicker hopefully from one of Jeongguk’s to the other as he waits for confirmation. Even Namjoon has made an effort for this beautiful, albeit slightly unstable young man.
“Okay fine,” Jeongguk sighs in defeat.
“Oh!” Jimin squeaks, holding his hands to his cheeks, “what a wonderful night for me.” He scurries past them all to sit behind a purple velvet covered table which has a chair either side, and a variety of magical looking things piled haphazardly around it. He tucks his hair behind his ears and clears his throat. “Okay. Who’s first?”
-
Jimin takes his time telling the fortunes of the group. They all ask different questions about aspects of their lives, their academics, how they’ll do on their final exams at university. Some ask about their love lives, others about future prospects, health, and family. Jimin refers to a thick leather-bound book beside him occasionally, confirming his readings against the messy handwriting and drawings inside.
While getting his palm read, Jin jokingly asks about his life expectancy, asking for a specific end date to which Jimin recoils in response. “No no,” Jimin shakes his head firmly, “those things are not for me to see.” He then points in Jeongguk’s direction. “That’s up to Gerard, if he chooses to tell you.”
Jeongguk turns his head to the side, looking at the skull with wide eyes. The skull stares back at him eerily from behind it’s glass case, and Jeongguk quickly jumps to his feet, moving away to the other side of the room, as far away from ‘Gerard’ as he can get.
The group of friends seem to have a blast as Jimin tells their fortunes. Taehyung gets more involved as they go on, adding in an extra fortune telling session on top if his order of crystals, which are picked out meticulously by Jimin. Even Namjoon seems to come on board, his dimples showing as he smiles when Jimin predicts that the person he is destined to spend his future with is closer than he might think.
“Wow, we’ve been here for hours,” Jin exclaims after looking at one of the many clocks on the wall, double checking the time on his phone.
“I’ve got class in like 5 hours,” Taehyung whines.
“Me too. Who’s left to do?” Hoseok asks, glancing around.
“Jeongguk is the only one left,” Yoongi says, and the group all turn to look at Jeongguk, who has been sitting quietly in the corner, avoiding Gerard and watching videos on his phone to pass the time.
“Oh right, how long will it take?” Taehyung asks Jimin.
Jimin opens his mouth to speak, but Jeongguk quickly cuts him off. “It’s fine, I don’t need mine done. We can leave if you guys need to get back.”
“I mean, if you’re okay with that?” Hoseok asks as the group exchanges looks. “I feel bad that you won’t get a turn.”
“I really don’t mind-” Jeongguk starts, but is cut off by Jimin.
“You don’t want me to read your palm?”
The group all turn to Jimin, who is looking at Jeongguk with big, sad eyes. Great. Now he feels guilty, like he’s kicked a puppy or something.
“It’s not that… I just… it’s not really my thing…”
Jimin’s expression turns even more crestfallen, and Jeongguk’s friends all look at him with judgemental glares. “Jeongguk, how could you?” Jin whisper yells next to Jeongguk’s ear, “look how sad he is.”
Jeongguk approaches Jimin’s table slowly, holding his hands up placatingly. “Please don’t worry. Seriously, it’s nothing to get upset about. It would be a waste of your time anyway, I don’t even believe in all this old fashioned stuff.”
Jimin lets out a broken sound, his shoulders slumping.
“Jeongguk!” Hoseok hisses, whacking him around the back of the head, before smiling gently at Jimin in an attempt to reassure him. “He doesn’t mean that, Jimin. Do you Jeongguk?”
Jeongguk pouts, rubbing the back of his head. He absolutely meant it.
“I’ll tell you what,” Namjoon interjects, “how about those who need to leave, leave, and those who can stay longer, stay with Jeongguk. I know for a fact he doesn’t have an early class tomorrow, so he can definitely stay thirty minutes longer.”
“You can?” Jimin asks Jeongguk, his eyes big and hopeful.
“I…” Jeongguk hesitates, then sighs in defeat. “Sure. I can stay.”
Jimin brightens up instantly, smiling happily and clasping his hands together. “How wonderful!” He clears his little velvet covered table, piling books and old wooden boxes to the side haphazardly, before gesturing to the chair opposite him. “Have a seat, Jeongguk.”
Once Jeongguk sits down in the chair, he turns to see who else is staying. Thats when he discovers an empty shop with only Namjoon hovering awkwardly in the open doorway.
“Uh… so it turns out everyone needed to get back. You’ll be fine on your own, right?”
Jeongguk’s mouth drops open. “Are you serious?!”
“Okay then, see you later.” Namjoon waves goodbye, then the door is closing, the bells hanging above it ringing out in a musical chime.
“Oh, what lovely friends,” Jimin says with an adoring smile towards the door. “You’re lucky to have them.”
“So lucky,” Jeongguk replies sarcastically as he turns back towards Jimin. He cant believe they all just abandoned him like that. Maybe it’s a punishment for sulking in the corner this whole time and refusing to get involved. He wouldn’t put it past them.
Jimin holds out his hands, palms up, and Jeongguk realises how small his ring-clad fingers are. “Just a palm reading?”
Jeongguk looks down at Jimin’s hands, then cautiously places his own hand into Jimin’s. “I guess.”
Jimin smiles knowingly, looking down at the hand he now holds in his own. “I understand why you might be hesitant. Not a lot of people consult seers anymore.” He runs a finger gently over Jeongguk’s palm. “As the generations have gone on people have slowly lost interest, or forgotten about us all together. I myself don’t get this many customers often. It’s a real treat.” He runs his hand up to Jeongguk’s wrist, pushing the sleeve of his shirt up his forearm gently. It exposes Jeongguk’s tattoos, which catches Jimin’s interest. “Oh, how lovely,” he says as he leans in to look at them more closely.
Jeongguk isn’t sure why, but he lets Jimin explore his tattoos with gentle fingertips, noticing Jimin’s nails are also painted with little shapes and patterns as he runs them over his skin. “If people aren’t coming to see you anymore, then why are you still doing this?” Jeongguk asks as he watches Jimin turn his arm this way and that to look at the ink on his skin. “Why not choose a different career.”
Jimin lifts his head. He’s a lot closer now where he’s leaning over Jeongguk’s outstretched arm, and Jeongguk can make out a smattering of freckles across his cheeks.
“I didn’t choose this occupation. I was born with this gift. It’s a gift my grandmother also had, and she saw it in me from when I was only an infant. She taught me how to use it to help others. She was the most powerful mage of her day, you see.” Jimin gestures to the pile of books next to them. “These were her books. They are what she taught me from.”
“Oh.” Genuine curiosity stirs in Jeongguk from somewhere deep down, making him momentarily forget that he doesn’t believe in this stuff. “So what, you could just tell the future when you were a child?”
“Not exactly,” Jimin smiles, fingers slipping from Jeongguk’s arm to hold his hand once again. Jeongguk thinks he should feel uncomfortable with so much physical contact from a stranger. He usually does, but for some reason Jimin’s touch doesn’t bother him at all. “I used to curse people.”
Jeongguk’s jaw drops.
“You cursed people?”
Jimin nods. “Yeah. The other kids would take my toys, and I’d get upset and then- poof!”
“Poof?” Jeongguk repeats with wide eyes, “what the hell is poof?”
Jimin giggles to himself. “Well, that’s what I remember anyway. It was all so long ago, you see.” He looks up and smiles innocently, his eyes turning into little half moons. “Don’t worry, no one died. But my grandmother recognised my powers, and took me on as her apprentice. She also forbade me to curse anyone, so I never do that anymore,” Jimin says sternly, shaking his head at himself.
Jeongguk just stares at Jimin in shock. He honestly doesn’t know how to respond to that confession.
“You don’t have to worry,” Jimin giggles in that soft airy way, before looking back down at Jeongguk’s hand, “I wouldn’t have cursed you anyway. You’re far too pretty.”
“I’m… what?” Jeongguk blinks, wondering if he heard that correctly.
“Well, then,” Jimin carries on, “let’s see what we have here.” He runs a finger over Jeongguk’s palm. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to know?”
Jeongguk chews on his bottom lip as he contemplates. Jimin seems sweet, although he’s obviously got a few screws loose. Still, Jeongguk doesn’t want to hurt his feelings, so he resolves to play along. “How about my career?” he suggests.
It’s the first thing that comes into his head. To be honest, it’s the thing that occupies Jeongguk’s thoughts most of the time these days. The thing that keeps him awake at night.
Because Jeongguk’s whole future has already been set out in front of him. His older brother, Jihyun, will take over from their father, running the Jeon family business, and Jeongguk will follow the same path, helping to run the company alongside his brother. He’ll wear a suit, and sit in offices and boardrooms for the rest of his life. It’s what he’s been trained to do since he was a child, and Jeongguk hates that he doesn’t even have a choice.
“Career?” Jimin’s head lifts up, inquisitive eyes searching Jeongguk’s. “I didn’t expect that.”
Jeongguk quirks an eyebrow. “What did you expect?”
Jimin blinks. “Love.”
“Love?”
“Yes. Most people ask about love first. About a lover, or the prospect of one. Do you have one?”
“No.”
Jimin’s full lips pull into a satisfied smile. “How lovely.”
Jeongguk cant help but chuckle. “You find it ‘lovely’ that I have no romance in my life? Gee, thanks.”
“No, no. I find you quite lovely,” Jimin says matter-of-factly. “Now stop distracting me with that pretty face and those pretty tattoos.” He frowns and looks down at Jeongguk’s palm again in concentration, brushing his own palm across it to get Jeongguk to hold it open wider. “Hm… let’s see. Career. You have a lot of pressure on you right now concerning your career,” Jimin says, running a finger down one of the lines on Jeongguk’s palm. “There is a fork in the road ahead. A decision to make. You’ll have to choose one of two paths.”
Jeongguk nods along, trying his best to be polite but still not really taking Jimin’s vague guesses seriously.
“Your father will give you an ultimatum. That choice will change your life course completely, not just your career.”
That catches Jeongguk’s attention a little. His eyebrow twitches at the mention of his father. “Well, that does sound like something my father would do.”
Jimin’s fingers trail gently across Jeongguk’s palm, mumbling to himself under his breath. Then his finger comes to a sudden stop and he sucks in a sharp breath. His eyes widen as he looks closer at Jeongguk’s palm. Then, in a flurry, Jimin is grabbing one of the old books piled up beside them, pulling it out of the haphazard pile, causing the books to collapse across the table. He flips through the pages quickly. “Oh dear. Oh no… It can’t be.”
Jeongguk lifts his hand and looks at his palm in question. “What is it?”
Jimin reads the scribbles of old writing inside the book, and then grabs Jeongguk’s hand to look at it again. He gasps, dark brown irises meeting Jeongguk’s. “Calamity!”
Jeongguk frowns, leaning back a little. “What?”
“Calamity!” Jimin repeats.
“Okay… and what exactly does that mean?”
“Oh dear,” Jimin mumbles, “I’ve never encountered this before… my grandmother only taught me about it vaguely… Oh dear, oh dear.” Jimin stands up, knocking the table as he frantically searches the high shelves behind him. He returns to his seat with an old wooden box, opening it and pulling out some cards. “Must make sure. I could be wrong…” He spreads some ancient looking cards out in front of Jeongguk, intricate symbols etched into the backs. “Pick two.”
Jeongguk plays along. He points to two of the cards and Jimin turns the first, and gasps with wide eyes. Then he turns the second, and gasps even louder. “Calamity again!” Jimin grabs Jeongguk’s hand and tugs it closer to look at it again. “Oh- It’s very close! Too close to you!”
“Uh huh…” Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, his tongue poking the inside of his cheek. “Look I’m sorry, but your vague answers aren’t really convincing me that you know what you’re talking about.” He tugs his hand from Jimin’s, moving to stand. “If this is some kind of scam to get more money from me now that i’m alone-”
“Wait!” Jimin’s eyes widen when he sees Jeongguk stand up. He jumps up in a flurry of flowing fabrics, moving around the table and searching the walls of shelves with hurried movements. “You mustn’t take this lightly. Calamity can manifest in many different ways. It can be something which brings discomfort, a big change in your life which makes it difficult, but it can also be something that brings death!”
“Death?” Jeongguk raises an eyebrow incredulously. He backs away as Jimin approaches him with a bundle of smoking sage.
“Death!” Jimin nods frantically, waving the sage in Jeongguk’s face. “Quick, breathe this in. It will help cleanse you.”
“Fuck no,” Jeongguk coughs, dodging the smoking herbs.
“Oh dear,” Jimin turns and hurries back to his velvet table, turning the pages of the old leather bound book. He drops the burning sage onto the fabric surface, and Jeongguk quickly grabs it before it sets the table alight, placing it into an empty glass bowl at the side.
Jimin’s ring-clad fingers suddenly wrap around Jeongguk’s wrist, and he looks up at Jeongguk with a somber expression. “Maybe I should ask Gerard to check you over…”
Jeongguk watches with wide eyes as Jimin weaves his way through the shop towards the creepy skull in it’s glass case, and he’s suddenly remembering exactly why he didn’t want to come here in the first place. Earlier he had been a little bit endeared by Jimin’s theatrics, but now he’s come to the realisation that Jimin is very obviously insane.
“Well, I think that’s my cue to leave.” Jeongguk reaches into his pocket and takes out some money, putting it down on top of a glass cabinet beside him. “Thanks for your, uh… concern,” he says as he turns and walks out of the shop. The door closes behind him, the bell jingling with the movement. There’s a crash inside the shop, but Jeongguk doesn’t turn to check what madness Jimin is up to. Maybe he dropped his skull or something.
Jeongguk takes a deep breath, rolling out his shoulders, before setting off in the direction of his university campus. It’s a warm night, and there are people still walking the streets, going in and out of the bars and restaurants that Jimin’s little magic shop has slowly been lost amongst.
Jeongguk makes it about half way down the street when he hears Jimin’s voice calling out from behind him.
“Jeongguk, wait!”
Jeongguk turns to see Jimin running after him, a large leather bag slung across his body filled messily with books, and papers, and trinkets of all sorts. They threaten to spill onto the pavement with the way the bag bounces off Jimin’s leg as he runs.
Jeongguk lets out an exasperated sigh, stopping to let Jimin catch up to him. “Listen Jimin,” he says calmly when Jimin stops in front of him, rifling though his bag, “I appreciate that you're worried about my palm reading, but really, you don’t have to be. I can take care of myse-”
Jimin pulls a small jar out of his bag, dipping his fingers inside it, before flicking a mystery liquid at Jeongguk.
Flick flick flick.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Jeongguk groans, holding a hand up to shield himself.
“Don’t worry,” Jimin smiles reassuringly, “It wards away evil.”
Flick flick flick.
“Will it ward you away?”
Jimin giggles. “I’m not evil, silly. I work very hard on that.”
Flick flick flick.
“Can you stop-”
Flick flick flick.
“Jimin!” Jeongguk reaches forwards and stops Jimin by grabbing his wrist. Jimin’s eyes widen as Jeongguk steps into his space. “Listen, I don’t need your help, okay? Seriously, just let it go, and go home now while I’m still being nice.”
Jeongguk tries to sound as intimidating as possible. He isn’t known for being the most approachable person. Most of the time he can use his large stature and tattoos to keep the average person away from him when he wants to. It doesn’t seem to work this time though. Instead, Jimin’s deep brown eyes look up at him filled with worry. “But I don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” he says, and it’s so genuine that Jeongguk is momentarily taken aback.
“Oh…” Jeongguk clears his throat, letting Jimin’s wrist go and stepping back. How the fuck does he respond to that? He’s never had anyone say anything remotely like that to him before. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “Well... I appreciate that I guess.”
Jimin puts his little jar of whatever that liquid was away, and begins to rummage in his bag again, searching through his trinkets. Realising that he’s not going to rid himself of Jimin any time soon, Jeongguk gives in with a sigh, turning to continue his walk back to campus with Jimin in tow. Jimin falls into step beside him, looking around them cautiously as he palms some sort of crystal.
They stop at a crossing, and Jimin makes sure Jeongguk checks several times for any approaching cars before they finally cross. “A car accident could easily be your calamity. You need to always be cautious from now on,” he says matter-of-factly.
Jeongguk decides that the best thing to do in this situation is probably just to ignore Jimin. Maybe all the attention is encouraging him, so if he just pretends Jimin isn’t next to him waving a crystal around, Jimin will hopefully get the hint and leave him alone.
Unfortunately that theory doesn’t really play out, and Jimin follows Jeongguk all the way back to his campus.
“Okay, I’m home safe, you can leave now,” Jeongguk says, stopping just around the corner of his dorm building. “It’s after the student curfew, and I need to sneak in.”
Jimin nods in agreement, “Great, I’m brilliant at sneaking.”
Jeongguk holds up a finger in warning. “Go back home, Jimin. I mean it,” he says in a hushed voice as he maps out his usual route back to his dorm room in his head.
“But-”
“If I’m caught sneaking in after curfew, especially with a person who doesn’t attend this university, I will be in a lot of trouble, and I can’t afford to get in trouble again. Do you understand?”
Jimin nods solemnly. “I understand.”
“Then it was nice meeting you, and have a good life.” Jeongguk pats Jimin on the shoulder, before turning and slipping quietly around the corner, creeping along the shadowy path that runs adjacent to his dormitory. He glances around cautiously, but luckily the night security guard for his building is out on patrol, so Jeongguk is able to slip inside the building, and quietly make it to his dorm room without being caught.
He lets out a relieved breath when he gets inside, closing the door quietly behind him. It’s nearly 4:00am, but luckily he doesn’t have class until the afternoon, so he can still get a decent amount of sleep. Shrugging off his clothes, Jeongguk collapses onto his bed, groaning into his pillow.
What a weird night. That was definitely not how he expected his evening to pan out.
Images of Jimin flash through his mind, his dark eyes and freckles. Jeongguk can still smell the scent of bergamot that seemed to cling to the fabric of Jimin’s clothes as he walked beside him, can still feel the ghost of his touch on his palm. He falls asleep just like that, with the quirky magic shop owner running through in his mind.
✨
“Oh dear, oh dear. This isn’t good,” Jimin mutters to himself, biting at his nails nervously as he watches Jeongguk sneak away towards his dorm room.
This is the first time he has ever had such a negative reading from a customer, and such a nice customer at that. Jimin has had many people enter his store who have frankly been quite rude and disrespectful. Those people Jimin would have gladly accepted a reading of calamity for. But concerning Jeongguk, he simply can’t allow it.
Not only was Jeongguk one of the most handsome men to have ever set foot in Jimin’s magic shop, but he had a beautiful aura too. He was obviously a little apprehensive about fortune telling and magic, and Jimin doesn’t blame him. Many people are afraid of what they don’t know. Yet Jeongguk had still agreed to have his palm read even though he obviously had some reservations about it. He was never disrespectful or rude. And he seemed to love Gerard. He kept looking at Gerard with those big doe eyes throughout his entire visit to Jimin’s shop. If Gerard still had eyeballs, he would have fallen for Jeongguk too.
Jeongguk is a good person. Jimin can feel it. And he can see it. The goodness Jeongguk radiates paints his aura in the most beautiful colours.
Jimin refuses to let calamity befall Jeongguk. His grandmother taught him that he should use his powers to help as many people as possible. That his gifts can be used to protect those dear to him. That he isn’t a freak or an outcast, but instead a person who can change the course of peoples lives if he chooses to. That though has always brought Jimin a lot of comfort.
Jimin nods to himself, deciding there and then that he’s not going to give up so easily. He’s going to do everything in his power to change the course of Jeongguk’s future so that calamity will not befall him. Jimin grips his bag tightly to make sure he is as quiet as possible, and follows Jeongguk into the darkness towards his dormitory.
He ducks behind a bush, and watches as Jeongguk enters what must be his dormitory building. A few moments later a light flickers on inside a room on the first floor, and Jimin blows out a breath of relief that Jeongguk made it inside safely. He moves to step out from behind the bush, when he realises that it’s a holly bush. Gasping in delight, Jimin rummages in his bag for a small set of clippers, and clips off a few sprigs of holly, careful not to prick himself as he tucks them inside a worn leather pouch in his bag.
Brushing his hands together with a content smile, Jimin turns his concentration back onto Jeongguk. He can figure out his dorm room by simply counting the windows, which he does. He double checks just to be certain, and then makes his way quickly towards the entrance of the building.
Pressing his back against the external wall, Jimin checks to make sure there isn’t any sign of the security that Jeongguk had seemed so worried about. He won’t be able to protect Jeongguk if he gets kicked out of the university for trespassing.
Jimin reaches inside his shirt and pulls out the locket he wears around his neck, holding it in his palm. He closes his eyes and concentrates on the connection that still thrums under his skin, linking him to his grandmother even after all these years. “I’m going to make you proud,” he whispers against the tarnished silver locket, “I’ll use my gift to protect someone, like you always said I could.”
With a final squeeze of his necklace, Jimin makes his way inside.
✨
Jeongguk wakes up to a series of messages ringing through on his phone, one after another, so many that he can’t just ignore them and keep sleeping. Squinting his eyes open and fumbling for the phone on his bedside table, he looks at the time.
8:00am. Great. So his decent night sleep hasn’t happened.
He groans and opens the recent messages. They’re from the guy who lives in the dorm room next door. He and Jeongguk aren’t particularly close, but they exchanged numbers just to keep a good neighbourly relationship, and update each other on anything that would affect the other.
Hey, man.
There’s a weird guy sleeping outside your door.
Thought you’d wanna know.
He’s hung up a bunch of strange paintings. You might wanna sort that out before someone sees.
Also I don’t know what he’s been smoking, but the hallway smells really strong like herbs.
Anyway I’m off to class.
[photo]
Jeongguk sits bolt upright in his bed when he sees the photo of Jimin curled up asleep in front of his door. He looks like he’s been busy, sheets of paper surrounding him covered in symbols and scrawled in ink.
“Jimin what the fuck?!”
He flops back down on his bed with a groan, throwing an arm over his face.
It is way too early for this.
Dragging himself out of bed, Jeongguk throws on a t-shirt and sweatpants, and then walks over to the door, opening it to the sight of Jimin curled up on the floor at his feet, hugging his bag of magical trinkets and resting his face against it like a pillow as he sleeps peacefully. There are drawings of magical symbols placed in a semicircle around him like he’s guarding the door, and there’s even a large drawing stuck to the front of Jeongguk’s door. There’s also a strong smell of burned sage, so Jeongguk can only imagine Jimin had burned it in front of his door in the night.
“Jimin,” Jeongguk hisses, nudging him with his foot. Jimin stirs and blinks his eyes open, lifting his head to look up at Jeongguk.
“Good morning,” he says with a sleepy smile. “Did you sleep well? Did you have nice dreams?” He stretches in an almost feline way, before sitting up and reaching for one of the drawings. “I did this talisman especially to give you good dreams. I hope it worked.”
“Jimin, what the fuck are you doing here?” Jeongguk leans out of the doorway to look up and down the corridor. He’s lucky that no one apart from his neighbour has caught Jimin sleeping outside his door. He has no idea how he would even begin explaining this. He can’t afford to get in trouble with the university again. His father will have his head.
Jimin looks up at him with big eyes. “I’m here to protect you.”
Jeongguk lets out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his face with his hands. “You can’t be out here, Jimin,” Jeongguk gestures at all the talismans, “and you cant be doing all this. You need to leave.”
“But… but… calamity…” Jimin says, his face dropping, and Jeongguk yet again feels like he’s kicked a puppy. He can’t really be mad that Jimin wants to protect him. Especially since Jimin has literally slept on the floor outside his dorm room all night. Jimin might be a little crazy, but at least he’s sincere.
“Fine. Just- ” Jeongguk hears the sound of one of the doors down the hall opening. The students who have early classes will be starting to leave now. He can trust his neighbour to keep quiet about Jimin, but he can’t trust everyone on his floor to do the same. “Get inside, quickly.”
“Yessir,” Jimin nods and turns to carefully pick up his talismans. Jeongguk hears footsteps from down the hall, and quickly grabs Jimin, tugging him inside. Jimin squeaks as he quickly crawls into Jeongguk’s room, dragging his bag with him. Jeongguk quickly takes the large ‘talisman’ down from the front of his door, and closes it behind him as quietly as he can. He stands there for a moment, listening to the person walk past his door and out of the building.
When he turns around, Jimin is already busy flitting around his dorm room, placing the talismans on walls and surfaces, pausing occasionally to adjust their positions until he nods to himself with a satisfied smile. “The energy in here feels much better now.” Jeongguk walks up to him, and Jimin looks at him with a warm smile. “So, did you have nice dreams? You never told me.”
Jeongguk opens his mouth to reply with a snarky comment, but he stops himself when he realises that he didn’t have his usual anxiety-induced bad dreams. “They… well they weren’t bad actually.”
Jimin’s eyes turn into little half moons as he smiles up at him. “How lovely.” He walks over to the talisman that he has placed above the head of Jeongguk’s bed, brushing a fingertip over it. “I’ve practiced this one a lot. It helps with my own dreams. I’m glad it works for you too.” He turns to look at Jeongguk. “Dreams can be powerful tools. Some dreams can even allow us to pass over spiritual thresholds. My grandmother always said that dreams are magical gifts. They just lose their way inside our busy minds sometimes.”
“Right…” Jeongguk tries his best to mask his disinterest as he grabs his gym bag. He still has a few hours before his lecture in the afternoon, and he’s too awake to go back to sleep now, so he might as well go to the campus gym and work out for a bit. “How long are you planning on following me around, exactly? My finals are coming up, and I really need to concentrate.”
“I promise I wont get in the way,” Jimin says, picking up his bag, and making his way to the corner of the room where Jeongguk’s desk is. He pulls the chair out and sits down, unloading the contents of his bag onto the desk one by one, and arranging them across the surface. He looks over at Jeongguk once the entire desk looks like something from his magic shop, pulling his legs up comfortably under him. “So, where can I sleep?”
“Sleep?” Jeongguk’s eyes widen. “At your house, maybe?”
Jimin shakes his head. “No, no. That wont do.”
Jeongguk lets out a groan, turning and walking out of his dorm without saying another word. As he reaches the end of the corridor, and rounds the corner towards the building’s exit, he hears his door open and close, and the quick tap of footsteps chasing after him.
✨
Jimin has never been to a gym before. It’s all very interesting.
He has always been a very active person. He had spent most of his childhood outdoors, running through fields, and climbing trees, while being taught to forage by his grandmother. He’d even once built his own treehouse near his grandmothers old cottage. He supposes thats how he’s been able to keep fit all these years. Watching people use machinery to get fit instead is quite entertaining.
He giggles as he watches a man running in place on a machine. Why doesn’t the man just run outside? How silly. He looks at another man who is walking up some stairs, but not going anywhere. The stairs are simply rotating in the machine to imitate the motion. Jimin giggles again, bringing his hand to his mouth.
“Will you stop staring at strangers,” Jeongguk grunts through clenched teeth, “you’re making them uncomfortable.”
Jimin turns his head to look at Jeongguk, who is currently curling weights, the veins in his neck bulging out in a way that reminds Jimin of beautiful ivy curling up a tree. He wants to touch, but he doesn’t think Jeongguk would like that very much, so he resists.
He wobbles a bit where he sits cross legged atop a large exercise ball. Regaining his balance, he closes his eyes and concentrates on his own energy, and the energy of people close by, specifically Jeongguk.
Jeongguk’s aura seems rather dark right now. He’s stressed. Jimin frowns to himself. “I’ll make you some special tea to drink. For your stress,” he says as Jeongguk switches hands, curling the weights with his other arm.
“I’m not stressed,” Jeongguk says dismissively.
“Your energy says differently,” Jimin replies, opening his eyes to look up at Jeongguk. Jeongguk goes quiet. He places the weights down, breathing heavily as he rolls out his shoulders and neck. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Shouldn’t you be able to read my mind or something?” Jeongguk quips, dabbing his forehead with the back of his hand.
Jimin smiles, shaking his head. “That’s not how my gift works.”
Jeongguk snorts, taking a drink from his water bottle. He doesn’t say anything for a moment, but then he sighs. “It’s nothing. Just… pressure I guess.” He walks away, and Jimin quickly hops off the exercise ball, rolling it along the floor to follow Jeongguk through the machines.
Jeongguk sits down on a machine that imitates rowing a boat, and Jimin eyes it curiously as he balances back on top of the ball. He should take Jeongguk out to the river near his grandmother’s old cottage. Rowing on water is much nicer than a strange machine, with the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Jimin loves that river. A longing tugs at his heart, so he clears his head, and focuses back on Jeongguk’s aura instead. He has an important job to do right now. “What kind of pressure?”
“Just my father,” Jeongguk grunts as he starts to row back and forth.
Jimin nods in understanding. “He puts pressure on you to follow in his footsteps.”
Jeongguk scoffs. “Yeah. And he’s the one that pays all my bills. My tuition. Everything. So I can’t exactly say no.”
Jimin hums, closing his eyes again and placing his hands on his knees. So, Jeongguk feels trapped. How sad. No wonder he’s always frowning. It’s a shame, because Jimin thinks Jeongguk must have a beautiful smile. He hopes he gets to see it one day.
Jeongguk finishes on the rowing machine, a sheen of sweat covering his skin as he grabs his water bottle and drinks from it. He stands and walks away again, and Jimin quickly hops off his ball to follow. “Which machine now?”
“Now I’m going to shower,” Jeongguk says over his shoulder, “are you going to follow me there too?”
“Of course,” Jimin nods happily as he skips into the showers behind Jeongguk. However, he is turned and marched out of the showers as quickly as he entered. Jeongguk deposits him back on top of the exercise ball, pointing a finger at him in warning.
“Wait. Here. Don’t. Move.”
“But what if you slip in the shower?”
“How exactly are your crystals going to help me if I break my neck from slipping in the shower?” Jeongguk asks, raising an eyebrow.
“At least let me cleanse the shower room first,” Jimin says as he hops up, “bathrooms are the most evil room in most homes. I’m sure it’s the same for gyms. Wait here.”
Before Jeongguk can say anything, Jimin runs into the shower room. He rummages in his bag and pulls out his dried sage and a lighter, lighting it carefully, before blowing it a few times until it’s smoking. He hops around the shower area, waving the sage in patterns in the air to dispel any evil or negative energy.
“Jimin!” Jeongguk’s voice bellows in the space, and Jimin jumps, turning to see Jeongguk coming towards him at speed. “You can’t burn stuff in here! The smoke detector will-”
Jeongguk is cut off by the shrill sound of a fire alarm screeching through the building. The overhead sprinkler system bursts on, and the screams echoing from the main gym area tells Jimin that the whole building is getting a surprise shower.
Jeongguk groans, running a hand down his face.
“Oh…” Jimin says as water pours down onto them both, the smoking sage in his hand going out. “Oops.”
✨
Jimin follows Jeongguk around for the rest of the day.
He follows him to get lunch, and then to the library to grab a book, and then to his afternoon lecture, which draws more than one strange look from his classmates.
Jeongguk always sits in the same seat, to the side on his own. But this time he has Jimin sitting beside him, lining up crystals along the front of Jeongguk’s desk. Once he seems satisfied with his arrangement, Jimin pulls out a large leather bound book, and begins to carefully read the contents.
Jeongguk ignores the strange looks they’re getting from the other students in the room. He pulls out his laptop, pushing aside the crystals to place it on the desk in front of him. Jimin gasps and quickly rearranges the crystals around the laptop, nodding in satisfaction before getting back to his book.
The professor comes in and greets them, glancing at Jimin curiously, before shrugging and starting his lecture. After a few minutes Jeongguk finds himself glancing over Jimin’s shoulder at the book he’s reading. The page he is currently looking at is covered in sketches of different plants, with labels and descriptions surrounding each one in cursive handwriting.
“What are you doing?” Jeongguk asks in a hushed voice, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“I’m studying too,” Jimin replies, not taking his eyes off his book. “It’s important that I keep my knowledge refreshed. Especially right now when I don’t know what kind of calamity you’re going to face.” He looks serious, his brows furrowed as his eyes scan the page. “I need to be prepared.”
“I see…” Jeongguk nods, before turning back to his laptop. The rest of the lecture goes by pretty smoothly. Jeongguk adjusts pretty quickly to the presence of Jimin beside him, who has now removed his shoes and tucked his feet under himself as he reads his book quietly. The professor is also covering a subject that Jeongguk is pretty confident in, so he feels his stress ebb away a little.
Once the lecture ends, however, his stress returns.
“What do we have here then?”
Hwan’s voice instantly grates on Jeongguk, like it always does. Jeongguk looks up from his laptop to see the senior standing in front of him, condescending eyes flicking between him and Jimin. “Is the circus coming to town or something? Who’s this clown?”
Jimin looks up from his book in confusion. “I’m not a clown,” he shakes his head, “I’m a seer.”
Hwan’s eyes meet Jeongguk’s, and he scoffs. “Seriously? Do those kind of people still exist in this day and age?” He looks back at Jimin. “Everyone knows you’re just a bunch of crazy people.”
Jeongguk clenches his jaw. Hwan is always trying to get a rise out of him, and he obviously thinks he can use Jimin to do that. Jeongguk would usually just ignore him, but he sees the way Jimin deflates at the sharp words and it stirs something in him.
“Fuck off, Hwan,” he bites back. He fucking hates this guy. He’s a complete asshole, and ever since Jeongguk stood up to him and gave him back the same attitude he was putting out to everyone else, Hwan has had a hate-boner for him.
Hwan seems pleased that he’s gotten the response he was probing for. “What would daddy say if he knew you were playing around with some freak instead of concentrating on your studies he’s paid so much for, hm?”
Jeongguk scoffs. “Like you’re a top student yourself? Isn’t field hockey the only thing you’ve got going for you? Better prepare for that scout that’s coming instead of stalking me. Wouldn’t want all these years of pissing around and not graduating to go to waste.”
Hwan’s eyes narrow in irritation. “Fuck you.”
“Oh dear,” Jimin’s voice interrupts, and Jeongguk looks to the side to see Jimin kneeling on his chair, leaning over the desk closer to Hwan with a look of concern on his face. “You have a very troubled aura.” Jimin reaches out towards Hwan, and plucks at the air around him with his fingers. “I can help you, you know? You just need-”
“What the fuck?” Hwan hits Jimin’s hand away harshly, and Jimin jolts in surprise, falling back into his chair with wide eyes.
“Hey!” Jeongguk yells, his chair scraping on the floor as he jumps to his feet and rounds his desk to stand in front of Jimin.
“Is this guy on drugs or something?” Hwan says loudly, and at this point the students still left in the room are all staring at them. “I wonder what daddy would say if he found out you’re hanging around with a crackhead?”
“And I wonder how you’ll play hockey if I kick your ass?” Jeongguk growls. He usually doesn’t give Hwan the time of day, but Hwan just hit Jimin, and Jeongguk doesn’t know why that pisses him off so much, but it does.
Hwan scoffs in annoyance, looking around the room at the people watching. “Whatever, man. Just keep your freak on a leash next time,” he spits, before walking away. Jeongguk grits his teeth, fighting the urge to follow him and beat his ass. He blows out a breath, turning to look down at Jimin.
“Are you okay?”
Jimin nods, relaxing back into his chair now that Hwan has left. “Yes, I’m okay. Thank you.” He throws a glance towards the door that Hwan had exited through. “He’s holding a lot of anger inside him.“
Jeongguk snorts, walking back around the desk and leaning on it as he shuts down his laptop. “You can say that again.”
“I have a lavender balm which would help him.”
“I don’t think he would accept it.”
Jimin frowns. “I see. How sad.”
“Don’t try to pluck at his aura again.”
Jimin nods. “Okay.”
Jeongguk slides his laptop into his backpack and pulls the zip closed, swinging it up onto his shoulder. “Let’s go. Unless you’re planning on assessing more people’s auras?”
Jimin blinks at Jeongguk before quickly scrambling to put away his book, and slip on his shoes. “No no. You’re my number one priority!”
✨
“Jimin, you can’t be serious,” Jeongguk groans when he comes out of his bathroom and sees Jimin getting comfortable in the corner of the room with some spare blankets he’s found while Jeongguk was showering.
“Hm?” Jimin raises his eyebrows in question as he turns to look at Jeongguk. “Oh, I’m more than comfortable. Don’t mind me.” He shuffles and turns until he’s curled up on his side, using his bag as a pillow. He pulls the blanket up around his shoulders, eyes settling on Jeongguk.
Usually Jeongguk sleeps in his boxers, but with Jimin here he’s settled on a t-shirt and comfy shorts. He’s glad he’s made that choice now that he has a pair of large eyes staring at him from the corner of his room.
He’d thought Jimin had finally given up when he’d disappeared earlier that evening, but he’d appeared again just as quickly, having changed his clothes, and with an additional bag full of what Jeongguk can only assume is extra clothing. It seems that all of Jimin’s clothes are a little eclectic. Even his sleepwear looks like something out of a folk movie. Jeongguk can picture Jimin sleeping atop a giant toadstool in some fantasy woodland instead of tucked in the corner of his dorm room beside his desk.
“How long are you planning to stay, exactly?” Jeongguk asks as he drops onto his bed with a grunt of exhaustion, pulling the duvet up over himself.
“Until I can be certain that no calamity will befall you.”
“And how exactly can you tell that?”
“Hmm… good question. I’ll make sure to check you over every morning,” Jimin nods against his makeshift pillow.
“Wonderful,” Jeongguk grumbles, switching off his light, and turning away from Jimin to face the wall.
After a few moments of silence Jimin’s soft voice speaks in the darkness. “Thank you for letting me protect you, Jeongguk. I would have been awfully troubled if I had just let you leave the magic shop with that reading. I think… you would have never left my mind.”
Jeongguk sighs, turning onto his back and closing his eyes. This whole situation is probably the weirdest thing that has ever happened to him, and to be honest he has no idea why he’s even letting Jimin follow him around. It just sort of happened. He hasn’t even come to terms with it yet. But Jimin seems to mean well, and to be honest… it’s nice to have someone care.
“No problem.”
There’s a sound of movement, and then it goes quiet again. “Goodnight, Jeongguk. I hope my talisman brings you only good dreams.”
-
Jeongguk wakes up in the middle of the night needing to use the bathroom, but as he swings his legs off the bed his feet meet with a soft lump instead of the floor. Jeongguk’s eyes slowly adjust to the darkness, and he looks down to see that Jimin has migrated in his sleep, and is now laying in the middle of the room on his back without a pillow or blanket, his hands bunched into little fists either side of his head.
Jeongguk frowns, rubbing his eyes sleepily. There’s no way Jimin can be comfortable in that position. “Jimin,” he whispers as he stands up and looks down at him, nudging him gently with his foot, “Jimin.”
“Hmm?” Jimin groans in his sleep.
“Jimin how can you sleep like that? Aren’t you uncomfortable?”
Jimin mumbles something inaudible, but Jeongguk manages to make out the words ‘back’ and ‘aches’. He rolls his eyes in the darkness. He still has no clue how he’s gotten himself into this situation, but Jimin is still technically a guest of sorts, and seeing him sleeping on the hard floor doesn’t sit right with Jeongguk.
“Just… come here,” he sighs, reaching down to find Jimin’s hands in the darkness. He tugs Jimin to his feet, the smaller still half-asleep and mumbling as Jeongguk guides him to his bed. Jimin climbs onto the mattress without hesitation, curling up at the foot of Jeongguk’s bed, his breathing steadying out as he falls back asleep almost instantly.
Jeongguk grabs a pillow, and puts it next to Jimin for him to use if he needs. He stands there for a moment, taking in the situation and contemplating the choices he made that led to this point. Shaking his head, Jeongguk turns and goes to the bathroom.
When he returns Jimin has tugged the duvet up over his shoulders, and turned towards the wall at the end of Jeongguk’s bed so only a tuft of his hair is showing. Jeongguk is glad that he has a relatively large bed- a perk of being in one of the nicest dorms the university offers.
He climbs back into bed, and tugs a spare corner of the duvet over himself, throwing an arm over his eyes. He falls back asleep to the gentle sound of Jimin’s steady breathing.
✨
Jeongguk wakes up to the feeling of a gentle touch trailing across his forearm.
He squints open his eyes to find Jimin sitting up in bed next to him, legs crossed under himself as he examines Jeongguk’s tattoos in intrigue. His face is sleep swollen, and his hair is sticking up like he’s been electrocuted, but overall he looks like he has slept a lot better than he would have on the hard floor.
“What are you doing?” Jeongguk grumbles in question, voice raspy with sleep.
Jimin blinks at him. “Good morning. Did you have good dreams?”
Jeongguk thinks for a moment. “Um… yeah, I did actually.”
Jimin smiles, his swollen eyes turning into little crescents. “How lovely. Would you like me to interpret them for you?”
“No thanks, uh, not this time anyway.” Jeongguk stretches his arms above his head, before letting them drop back down. “Are you going to tell me why you have your nose practically pressed to my arm?”
“I read your palm while you slept,” Jimin says rather solemnly, a look of disappointment on his face. “Calamity is still nearby.” He sighs, then turns his attention back to Jeongguk’s tattoos. “Your tattoos are so beautiful in the daylight. What do they mean?”
Jeongguk sits up in his bed and holds out his arm, turning it to look at it himself. He first got his tattoos on a bit of a whim. It was an act of rebellion against his father mainly, but what started as only a few random tattoos turned into a whole sleeve that eventually spread up to his shoulder. It has become something full of meaning, carefully curated by Jeongguk.
“There’s a lot of different meanings, it’s hard to really explain each one,” Jeongguk replies, considering the patterns inked into his skin.
“You have a moon,” Jimin says as he slips the sleeve of Jeongguk’s t-shirt up to look at the tattoo of the moon he has on his shoulder.
“Oh… yeah. That was one of my later additions.”
“I have the moon too,” Jimin says, and then suddenly he’s hooking his arms under the hem of his sleep shirt, and slipping it up over his head. Jeongguk’s eyes widen in surprise at suddenly having a topless Jimin in front on him, but then he realises why when Jimin turns around to show a beautiful tattoo of the moon phases which run down the length of his spine. “See? We both have moons.”
Jeongguk is lost for words, eyes trailing down Jimin’s bare back. His muscles are more defined than Jeongguk would have imagined under all that flowing fabric that he wears. Theres a strength in his form, but also a delicate curve to his waist which has Jeongguk’s eyes lingering. He swallows thickly. “I didn’t expect you to have a tattoo…”
Jimin chuckles softly, turning back around to face Jeongguk again. “It is no ordinary tattoo. The moon plays an important part in magic, and I have always had a strong connection to it. My tattoo helps me to channel its energy. Now, tell me about yours,” Jimin says, pointing to the tiger lily on Jeongguk’s forearm.
“Huh?” Jeongguk replies not at all eloquently, because Jimin is still very much topless, and it takes Jeongguk’s brain a few moments to function again. “Oh right, uh, that one is my birth flower.”
Jimin hums. “Your birth flower is very beautiful. A Tiger Lily. Do you know it’s meaning?”
Jeongguk nods. “Yeah. It means ‘please love me’.”
Jimin smiles sadly. “An admonition of love. You have a heart full of love to give, and a wish to receive it in kind. You are a person who would love with their entire being.” Jimin sighs as he gently traces the flower on Jeongguk’s forearm. “How lovely it would be to be loved by you.”
His eyes flicker up to meet Jeongguk’s, and Jeongguk feels something twist in his gut. He swallows thickly, clearing his throat as he tugs his arm from Jimin’s hold and swings his legs off the bed to stand up. He runs his hands through his messy bed hair as he walks towards the bathroom, trying to shake off this weird feeling. “I’m meeting my friends for lunch today, and then I have to go to my part time job this afternoon. I’d say don’t come with me, but I’m guessing you’re not going to listen to me anyway.”
Jimin climbs off the bed, padding to the corner of the room to rummage through his bag. “I think it’s best that I remain by your side,” he says as he pulls out a little jar of god knows what and opens it to sniff it.
“Great,” Jeongguk replies as he walks into his bathroom to shower, “that’s just great.”
“I think so to,” Jimin says in agreement, and there’s such a genuineness to it that Jeongguk can’t even bring himself to bite back with any sarcasm. Instead he closes the door and strips off his clothes, climbing into the shower and letting the rush of water over his skin wash away the strange feelings he’s starting to feel whenever Jimin is near.
✨
Jeongguk braces himself for the inevitable fallout that will occur when he appears in front of his friends with Jimin next to him. He hasn’t told them anything about what happened after they all left the Magic Shop, hasn’t given them any warning that Jimin is here, so as they approach the group sitting at their usual spot in the corner of the student cafeteria he tries not to react to their obvious shock and confusion.
“Hello everyone!” Jimin says cheerfully from beside Jeongguk. “It is so lovely to see you all again. I trust your fortunes have been playing out how you hoped they would.”
“Oh wow… hi Jimin?” Hoseok says with a confused smile, before looking at Jeongguk questioningly. The others all turn to stare at Jeongguk too, as if waiting for an explanation. Which Jeongguk totally gets, because honestly why is the fortune teller they met on their night out standing in their student cafeteria about to have lunch with them all? There’s really no explaining it. So Jeongguk doesn’t bother. Instead he just shrugs and pulls up a chair for Jimin to sit down next to him. Jin shifts his chair over to make space, and Jimin settles next to Jeongguk, looking around the table with a smile.
“So… what exactly are you doing here, Jimin? Visiting?” Yoongi asks with a friendly tone.
“The last time we saw the both of you, you were about to read Jeongguk’s fortune,” Namjoon says, taking a bite of his food.
“And I did,” Jimin nods, tucking his bag behind him on his seat. “But you’ll never guess what i saw during his reading...”
“What did you see?” Jin asks from the other side of Jimin.
“Calamity!” Jimin slaps his hand on the table, making everyone jolt in surprise.
“Calamity?” Taehyung says, looking at Jeongguk with a quirked eyebrow.
Jeongguk sighs. “Yes, calamity is apparently going to befall me.”
“Well, of course I wont allow that to happen,” Jimin says matter-of-factly, “so I’m staying with Jeongguk to protect him until I can be sure whatever calamity is supposed to occur has passed.”
“So you’re following him around all day?” Taehyung asks with a smirk as he takes a sip from his bottle of water.
“And night too,” Jimin nods.
Taehyung chokes, spraying water over the table.
“Brilliant,” Jin chuckles.
“And you’re okay with this?” Yoongi asks Jeongguk, raising an eyebrow.
“Could you say no?” Jeongguk whines, gesturing at Jimin. Jimin smiles brightly as he makes eye contact with Yoongi, his eyes turning into little crescents.
“Fair enough,” Yoongi nods in understanding.
“So if you’re with Jeongguk all night, where exactly are you sleeping?” Hoseok mumbles, his mouth full of food.
“In Jeongguk’s bed.”
Taehyung chokes again.
“So, you’re sleeping with Jeongguk?” Jin wiggles his eyebrows, throwing his arm over the back of Jimin’s chair where he sits on the other side of him.
“Hey,” Jeongguk snaps in a warning tone, eyes shooting daggers across Jimin at Jin, “don’t make it weird.”
“Jeongguk’s bed is very comfy,” Jimin smiles, drawing patterns on the table with his finger. “He’s so kindhearted to let me stay.”
“I’ve heard Jeongguk be called a lot of things by people outside our friendship group,” Taehyung chuckles, “but kindhearted is a new one.”
Jimin frowns. “Jeongguk is very kind.”
“Yeah to the people he likes. But to others, let’s just say he isn’t the most sociable.” Taehyung’s mouth pulls into a cheeky grin when Jeongguk throws a rolled up tissue at him. “But we see the real softie he is, don’t we Jeonggukie?”
“I suppose so,” Jeongguk replies in a monotone voice.
“He’s a cutie,” Jin says to Jimin. “You should have seen him when we first met. He was all shy and timid with his little name card on his chest, and big ol’ eyes looking around for someone to talk to.”
“And that was the last time I went to any of those social events the university throws,” Jeongguk quickly adds.
“Well, it did it’s job because now we’re all the best of friends,” Taehyung says with a boxy smile. “Even if Jeongguk has become a bit more prickly over the last three years. He’s all soft inside anyway so we don’t hold it against him.”
“Such a lovely group of friends,” Jimin smiles. “Your energy is wonderful. Each person so different, and yet you blend perfectly.”
“You know, I really like you Jimin,” Hoseok says from the end of the table. “How much longer did you say you’d be sleeping with Jeongguk?”
“Stop,” Jeongguk says with a warning glare, but Hoseok finds it hilarious and his smile only grows in response.
“There isn’t an exact timeframe. I’ll just be here until I can be certain that the calamity I foretold has passed.”
“So you’re free to join us in any future late night adventures?”
“Oh!” Jimin claps his hands excitedly. “I love adventures.”
“Well then, I definitely think that our friendship group could stretch to seven for a while. What do you all think?”
The rest of the guys all readily agree.
“Do I have a say in this?” Jeongguk cuts in.
“Don’t try to pretend you’re answer wouldn’t be yes,” Jin nudges his shoulder, a sly smile on his lips, “you wouldn’t be fooling anyone.”
Jeongguk falls silent at that, because he’s right. And looking at how happy Jimin is, practically bouncing out of his chair while discussing what their nights out entail, he thinks maybe having Jimin around a little longer wouldn’t be the worst thing.
✨
If Jeongguk thought Jimin following him around university was hectic, having him follow him to his part time job is even more so.
Especially because Jeongguk works at a thrift store, and according to Jimin, there is evil energy everywhere.
Jeongguk is standing behind the counter, and Jimin is sitting atop the counter next to him, shoes removed and legs crossed under him. His eyes are closed as he apparently attempts to dispel some of the immediate negative energy.
A woman comes to the counter to pay, throwing Jimin a confused look before placing an old jacket onto the counter with a curt smile at Jeongguk. Jeongguk smiles back and tugs the jacket towards himself, taking out the price tag to scan.
Jimin’s eyes suddenly snap open, and he looks down at the jacket.
“Someone died in this jacket,” he says eerily.
The woman looks taken aback, eyes widening as she looks from Jimin, to Jeongguk, to the jacket. “Excuse me?”
Jimin sighs wistfully. “A tragic death. It could have been avoided. How sad.”
The woman steps back. “Uh… I don’t think I’ll buy that after all,” she says before turning and practically fleeing from the store.
“Jimin!” Jeongguk snaps, “stop telling the customers that someone died in their clothes!”
“But it’s true!” Jimin waves his hand around, gesturing to the entire store, “this whole place is full of death. The energy attached to these clothes is suffocating. And don’t even get me started on the furniture section at the back.” He points at Jeongguk like it’s his fault. “No wonder calamity has attached itself to you. This place is no better than a morgue.”
Jeongguk drags a hand down his face. “It’s just a thrift store, Jimin…”
Another customer approaches the counter cautiously and Jimin gasps loudly, pointing at the suit hung over his arm like it’s a bomb about to explode. “Death suit!”
The customer jolts in surprise, looking down with wide eyes at the suit before quickly placing it to the side and backing away slowly until he too is completely out of the store.
Jeongguk slumps over the counter with a groan, his cheek pressed to the wooden surface. “God, Jimin, at this point I’m not going to make any sales today.”
“I need to sage this place,” Jimin mutters as he jumps down off the counter and rummages through his bag, pulling out his bundle of dried sage.
Jeongguk stands up quickly and snatches the sage from Jimin, holding it above his head out of Jimin’s reach.“No sage,” he says pointedly, “you’ll set off the smoke detectors again.”
Jimin pouts, folding his arms over his chest. “Fine. I’ll just have to make do with crystals and talismans.”
Jeongguk watches from behind the counter as Jimin proceeds to do laps of the store, sticking talismans cautiously in certain areas, and placing crystals in others. He then flicks around some sort of liquid for good measure.
“Done?” Jeongguk asks when Jimin returns.
“It will have to do,” Jimin sighs, hopping back on the counter and going back into his meditative pose, closing his eyes. “I can’t believe you’ve been soaking in all this negative energy for so long.” He peeks open one eye. “How long has that writing desk been here?”
Jeongguk looks over at the furniture section. “The one in the back? Since I started working.”
Jimin hums, and then shakes his head, muttering to himself. “Just… don’t open the drawers.”
Jeongguk stares at the writing desk with wide eyes, and then shrugs, stepping out from behind the counter to hang the abandoned suit and jacket back in their places. Jimin grimaces when he sees Jeongguk touch them, and Jeongguk is certain he’s going to end up receiving a full ‘cleansing’ from Jimin after work.
“Oh my! Sir!” Jeongguk hears Jimin suddenly call out, turning to see him jumping off the desk and running barefoot towards the back of the store in panic, “sir, those crystals aren’t for sale!”
Jeongguk chuckles, shaking his head as he hangs the ‘death suit’ back on its rack. One thing’s for certain… having Jimin around is certainly never boring.
✨
“So I have this thing tonight,” Jeongguk says, glancing down at Jimin who is currently laying on his stomach on the floor of Jeongguk’s room, sheets of freshly painted talismans spread out around him, his hair tied up in a little half-bun.
Jimin stops painting to look up at Jeongguk. “Thing?”
“Yeah. So you can just stay here and, uh… cleanse the dorm.”
“Stay here?” Jimin sits up confused. “But I need to protect you.”
Jeongguk scratches at the back of his neck. “Listen Jimin. Tonight is going to be… awkward enough. I think it’s best if you aren’t there.”
“What are you doing?”
“I kind of have a date...”
Jimin’s face goes from surprise, to confusion, to sadness. “A date? A romantic date?”
Jeongguk snorts, shaking his head. “It’s not like that. It isn’t one I want to go on. My father arranged it... it’s with his business partner’s daughter, Jiha.”
Jimin tilts his head. “If it’s awkward and you don’t want to go, then why are you doing it?”
Jeongguk runs a hand through his hair. “To put it simply- I can’t say no to my father.” The words taste bitter in his mouth, because he hates to admit it out loud.
Jimin nods in contemplation. “I understand.” He then suddenly jumps to his feet, heading towards the bathroom. “I should go with you.”
“Jimin, you don’t need to come-”
“This is exactly the type of situation that could bring calamity,” Jimin calls out as the shower starts to run, “I should be there just in case.”
“It’s just a formality at this point to get my father off my back. You really don’t have to bother.”
“I’ll stay out of your way! Don’t worry, it will be like I’m invisible. You won’t even know I’m there.”
-
The restaurant they go to was picked out by Jiha. Some fancy Italian place with dim lighting, and overpriced pasta that Jeongguk could definitely make better himself.
They’re sat at a two-seater towards the back of the restaurant, their table illuminated by a candle in the centre next to a flower in a vase. The restaurant isn’t too busy yet, probably because it’s still early in the evening and the dinner rush hasn’t started.
Jeongguk tucks his chair further under the table, clearing his throat as he tries to think up some sort of conversation topic. Jiha looks very happy with herself, like the cat that got the cream. She’s been openly flirting with Jeongguk for years now, every time they meet, and finally she’s managed to get the date that she wanted. She’s incredibly beautiful, but she’s also someone who’s used to getting what they want.
She tucks her dark hair behind her ear, looking at Jeongguk through her lashes. “It’s so nice that our busy schedules finally line up, and we can go on a date.”
Jeongguk clears his throat. “Uh, yeah. How have you been?”
“Busy with my studies, you know how it is,” She rolls her eyes, “But my father just got me a new car for doing well in my exams, so that’s a positive.”
“Must be nice,” Jeongguk mumbles, scanning the menu. Damn these prices are ridiculous. He would much rather just go back to the dorms and have instant ramen with Jimin.
The thought of Jimin has Jeongguk glancing over Jiha’s shoulder to where Jimin sits alone a few tables away. He’s not so subtly hiding behind his menu, wide eyes peeking over the top every few seconds. When he sees Jeongguk looking, he quickly ducks behind the menu again.
Jeongguk tries not to laugh, turning his attention back to Jiha. Jiha likes to talk a lot, which is good because Jeongguk doesn’t really want to talk about himself. He just wants to get through the date so Jiha can tell her father, who will tell Jeongguk’s father, and everyone will be happy.
Well, everyone but Jeongguk.
The waiter comes over to take their order, and Jiha spends fifteen minutes discussing the wine recommendations and insisting on tasting some of the options before finally settling on the most expensive bottle on the list. Jeongguk hides his grimace, because he knows he will be expected to pay for the bill. His father might pay for his tuition, but Jeongguk’s daily spending money is earned solely from his part time job, and the moment the wine is uncorked he can practically feel his bank account crying.
Jeongguk hears some excited chatter and looks to see two of the waitresses sitting down at Jimin’s table with their palms held out in front of him. Jimin takes turns looking at each of their palms, running a gentle finger across the skin, and speaking enthusiastically, a smile on his face. The waitresses giggle, one of them even blushing as they bat at each others shoulders in response to Jimin’s words.
Jeongguk feels himself frown involuntarily. They look like they’re more interested in Jimin himself than the palm reading he’s doing. Jimin, however seems none the wiser.
“So, how is Jihyun doing?” Jiha asks, snapping Jeongguk’s attention back to her. Jeongguk schools his features at the mention of his older brother.
“He’s fine,” he replies nonchalantly. He gets along well enough with his brother, that’s not the issue. The issue is his parents constantly comparing him to his brother. “He’s integrating pretty well into the company. Father has given him some pretty big responsibilities already.”
“Are you excited to join him soon?” Jiha asks with a smile.
“Sure,” Jeongguk plasters on a fake smile back. He’s not. But theres no way he’s about to talk about it to Jiha of all people.
“Within the next few years we will be business partners, and who knows what else?” She giggles suggestively. Jeongguk isn’t really sure how to respond to that, but luckily he doesn’t have to. The food comes, and Jeongguk is able to steer the conversation onto something else.
“You will need to order something sir.”
Jeongguk looks over Jiha’s shoulder to see a waiter standing over Jimin with a frown.
“Would you like your fortune told?” Jimin smiles up at him.
“No. I’d like for you to order, or leave.”
“Ah…” Jimin opens the menu and scans down the page. “Could I just get breadsticks and water?” he asks hopefully.
“No.”
“Oh.” Jimin picks up his bag and places it on the table in front of him, digging around inside it. “Could I interest you in a spell?”
“Sir-”
“Jimin,” Jeongguk calls out, and Jiha jumps, looking at him in surprise. “I’ll pay for you, okay? Just order whatever you want.”
Jimin’s worried expression melts into a smile. “You have such a good heart,” he sighs, “but it’s okay. I’ll wait outside.”
“Do you know him?” Jiha asks, turning to look at Jimin and then back at Jeongguk in confusion.
“He’s… my temporary roommate,” Jeongguk lies, because how the hell is he supposed to explain their situation?
Jiha frowns. “Okay. But why is he here?”
Jimin pops up beside their table, and Jiha practically screams, holding her hand to her chest in fright. “I’m here to protect Jeongguk,” Jimin says like it’s the most normal thing in the world. He then leans in to whisper to Jeongguk. “Your aura keeps going dark, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Jimin.”
“I see…” Jimin nods, throwing a wary glance at Jiha.
“I’m so confused. Is he a bodyguard?” Jiha asks, eyeing Jimin suspiciously.
“I’m protecting Jeongguk from calamity,” Jimin replies, placing a small paper talisman on the table between their plates. “It’s best to keep this here while I’m outside,” he says to Jeongguk, frowning at the candle that flickers on the table, pointing at it with a wary finger. “Be careful of fire,” he warns, before turning and leaving the restaurant.
“Uh… what the hell was that all about?” Jiha asks once Jimin is gone.
“Sorry about that. He’s a bit eccentric.” Jeongguk tries to laugh it off, hoping she wont ask any more questions.
“Okay… but why is he following you on our date?” She says, eyeing the talisman on the table between them.
“It’s a long story-”
Jeongguk doesn’t get to finish the story, because suddenly a bright light flashes outside the front of the restaurant drawing everyone’s attention, followed by a series of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’ More colourful lights flash, and a loud whistle sounds out like a firework, followed by cheers and applause.
“Uh, I’ll just be a moment,” Jeongguk says, excusing himself from the table. But before he can even take another step he hears some shouting, and then Jimin is running past the window followed by two police officers chasing after him.
Jeongguk blows out a breath, nodding to himself in acceptance. “Seems about right.” He turns to Jiha. “I’m so sorry but I need to go.”
✨
Calamity is a strange thing to predict.
Jimin finds himself more and more confused each day he spends beside Jeongguk. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Jeongguk’s aura is mostly a peaceful and calm blue, although sometimes it flares with different colours when Jimin gets too close, or touches him without warning. When Jeongguk wakes up in the morning with Jimin sitting next to him on his bed, his aura becomes somewhat of a rainbow. Jimin thinks it’s beautiful that he can feel so many emotions at once.
Nothing has threatened Jeongguk’s safety in the past week that Jimin has been at his side. He doesn’t sense any evil lurking around him, yet Jeongguk’s palm still reads that a calamity is nearby.
Jimin frowns to himself in deep contemplation as he takes some cuttings from the bushes that line the campus road. He’s waiting for Jeongguk to finish a meeting with one of his professors. Jeongguk was firm with Jimin when he told him he could not join the meeting, and Jimin could sense how stressed Jeongguk was, so he didn’t argue.
There’s been a few times where Jeongguk hasn’t allowed Jimin to follow him, but Jimin has made sure to give him talismans, and wait nearby just in case. The same has happened today. Jimin decides to stay close by just in case a sudden disaster befalls the building Jeongguk is in. You never know with these things.
Jimin has never spent so long at a university campus before. It took him a while to adjust to living in the city alone. And mostly he is alone.
Having been raised in a small village surrounded by nature most of his life, being around so many people feels overwhelming at times. There are so many people that Jimin can sense are stressed and upset. He wishes he could help them all, but he knows not everyone would be receptive to him. That’s why he gets so excited when people come to his Magic Shop. They come to him willingly because they trust his gifts, and his ability to help them.
Jimin perks up when he sees Jeongguk exit the building, a frown on his face as he turns and walks in the opposite direction, seemingly lost in thought. Jimin quickly bundles up the clippings he’s taken and puts them in his pouch, before climbing out of the bushes and hurrying after Jeongguk.
“Is everything okay?” Jimin asks when he catches up, noticing dark colours bleeding into Jeongguk’s aura. Jimin frowns and quickly reaches out to pluck at the dark areas. “You’re sad.”
“I’m fine. My father just isn’t happy, as usual, and now he’s gotten my fucking professors involved.”
“Oh dear,” Jimin responds with concern, “your father seems to cause you a lot of stress. Here,” he rummages in his bag and pulls out a small jar, holding it in front of Jeongguk’s face, “inhale this.”
Jeongguk turns his face away with a grimace at the strong scent. “I just don’t get what his problem is. If don’t try hard, he’s pissed. I try hard, and he’s still pissed. I can never do anything right.” He sighs, tucking his hands into his pockets. “I’m not some academic mastermind like he is. You’d think he would have realised that by now. Why does he even want me to work at his company if he is so sure that I’m going to fuck it up anyway?”
Jimin nods. “It’s like footprints in the sand. We can try to follow someone else’s, but it will never be completely identical. We all leave our own marks in the universe.”
Jeongguk falls into contemplative silence. “I guess.”
“You just need to let your feet lead you.”
“And how am I supposed to do that exactly?”
Jimin starts to skip ahead of Jeongguk. “Just start walking,” he calls as he spins to skip backwards, the material of his outfit floating around him as he watches Jeongguk’s downturned expression soften.
He is so enchanted by Jeongguk’s almost-smile that he doesn’t concentrate on where he’s going and ends up colliding with someone. “Oof!” Jimin wheezes, stumbling backwards as his bag slips off his shoulder and hits the floor, the contents spilling out. “Pardon me,” he quickly apologises, turning to see Hwan standing over him. The very person Jeongguk told him to avoid. Oops.
“I- I’m terribly sorry,” Jimin bows in apology before crouching down to gather up his scattered things. He reaches for his favourite crystal, but Hwan’s foot kicks it away.
“I thought I warned you not to touch me, little freak,” Hwan sneers, purposefully stepping on one of Jimin’s talismans and grinding it into the concrete underfoot.
“Hey!” Jeongguk says as he marches over, “get off his stuff, Hwan.”
Hwan eyes Jeongguk, before pressing down on the paper harder and twisting his foot for good measure. Jimin quickly concentrates on packing away his jars instead before they get broken.
Jeongguk steps in front of Jimin, getting in Hwan’s face so he’s forced to take a step backwards, freeing Jimin’s talisman. Jimin quickly grabs it and shoves it into his bag, standing up behind Jeongguk. “I mean it,” Jeongguk snaps, stepping closer to Hwan, “I’m not in the mood today. Don’t piss me off.”
“Oh boo hoo. What happened? Fail another test?” Hwan smirks.
Both of their auras are dark with anger as they square up to each other. Jimin winces at the sight, knowing that this is his fault. Jeongguk was about to smile before, and now because of Jimin’s carelessness, his aura is darker than ever.
“Please don’t fight,” he pleads, “It was my fault for not paying attention. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologise again, Jimin. You already did. Any decent person would have accepted it, and walked away. Hwan just likes to try and alpha-male every other guy.”
Hwan snorts. “You’re always so vocal when it comes to this weirdo. Is he your little boyfriend or something? His head game that good?”
Jeongguk’s shoulders tense as he grabs the front of Hwan’s shirt and yanks him forwards so their chests are pressed together. Jimin panics, grabbing his trusty little jar from his bag, and dipping his fingers into the cool liquid inside. He steps up beside them both and starts to flick the concoction at them, trying to dispel the negative energy.
It works. They both flinch in surprise and step apart, rubbing at their faces with a grimace. Jimin quickly grabs Jeongguk’s sleeve and tugs him along, fleeing the scene as Hwan shouts obscenities. Once Jimin is sure Hwan isn’t following them he slows down, pulling Jeongguk around the side of a building.
“Oh my god- fuck- it stings, Jimin!” Jeongguk shouts as he rubs at his eyes.
“It will help cleanse you,” Jimin replies, out of breath, “but, you aren’t really supposed to get it in your eyes. I’m sorry about that.”
“Shit. It’s fine,” Jeongguk groans, leaning his back against the wall before sliding down to sit on the floor. Jimin sits down beside him with his knees tucked up. He watches with a worried frown as Jeongguk drops his head back against the wall with a sigh. He looks very tired.
“I’m sorry,” Jimin says, feeling incredibly guilty. He’s here to be help Jeongguk, not cause him more problems.
Jeongguk shrugs. “It’s wasn’t your fault. Hwan is just a dick. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Jimin’s heart flutters in his chest. “Thank you… for helping me,” he says, feeling his cheeks turning hot. “I’ve never had anyone stand up for me like that before.”
Jeongguk turns his head and looks at Jimin in silence for a moment, then without warning he lifts his hand and reaches out to tuck Jimin’s hair behind his ear. “You’re welcome,” he says softly, “You don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Butterflies explode in Jimin’s stomach. He ducks his head and starts twisting at his rings in an attempt to calm himself down. Jeongguk smells fresh and sweet, like the cotton detergent he uses on the sheets Jimin bundles himself in every night.
“Come on,” Jeongguk says, pushing against the wall behind him to stand up. He turns towards Jimin holding his hand out to help him stand up. “Let’s go get something to eat.”
✨
“So,” Yoongi says as he joins the table, placing his tray of food down and dropping into his seat. “Who’s up for The Moon tonight?”
Jimin’s ears perk up, and he looks up from his plate of food which Jeongguk snuck for him from the buffet. “Moon?”
“It’s a bar we go to a lot,” Jeongguk explains from beside him.
“We went there the night we came to see you actually,” Jin adds from where he’s sitting on Jimin’s other side, “It’s not too far away from your magic shop.”
“You can count me in,” Namjoon says, “My thesis has been kicking my ass. I need to blow off some steam.”
Me too, “ Hoseok says around a mouthful of food, “I love The Moon.”
“I love the moon too,” Jimin says enthusiastically.
“Awesome, so, Jimin is in,” Jin nods, “I’m also in if Jimin is. I can tell he’s going to be fun.”
“Well,” Jimin quickly interrupts, “I can only go if Jeongguk does. He is my priority of course.”
“Aww,” Hoseok coos, and Jeongguk clears his throat. Jimin looks over at him to see his aura turning all manner of pretty colours, though his face holds a deep frown.
“Jeongguk?” Yoongi’s eyes move from Jimin to Jeongguk, “how about it?”
“I kind of need to study,” Jeongguk grumbles, pushing the food around his plate. “My father will go mad if I’m caught going out to a bar, especially after the meeting earlier.” His aura turns dark again, and Jimin feels a jolt of panic when he sees the sadness take over. He reaches out to pluck the dark patches as best he can.
Suddenly Jin’s arm slips around Jimin’s shoulder and pulls him into his side. “Come on. How can you say no to this cutie?” Jin reaches up with his other hand and squeezes Jimin’s cheeks in a way that has his lips pout out like a beak. Jimin squeaks in surprise which draws chuckles from around the table.
Jeongguk seems even more taken aback than Jimin is. His brows draw down, and he quickly reaches out to push Jin’s hands away. “Hey, stop it, man. He doesn’t like it.”
Jimin’s eyes widen when he feels his chair scrape along the floor towards Jeongguk. He looks down between them to see that Jeongguk has hooked his hand under Jimin’s chair and pulled him away from Jin and closer to his side. Jimin looks up at Jeongguk, who avoids his eyes. Still, Jimin’s heart leaps in his chest at the thought of Jeongguk wanting him closer.
Jin holds his hands up in surrender. “I was just pointing out how adorable he is. Sorry Jimin.”
Jimin shakes his head. “I don’t mind.” He really doesn’t mind. He’s decided he likes Jeongguk’s friends very much. It’s nice to see a group of friends who are so fond of each other. It’s nice to be included. “You all seem very fun.”
“You should see us on a night out,” Hoseok says with a wink.
Jimin smiles, looking around the group. “I would like that.”
“See, Jeongguk? He’d like that,” Yoongi gestures across the table at Jimin.
“Unless you don’t want to share him?” Taehyung says, quirking an eyebrow at Jeongguk challengingly.
Jeongguk chews the inside of his cheek, aura swirling in a way that has Jimin plucking at it again. “Okay fine. I’ll come.”
“Hell yeah,” Taehyung says, pushing his chair back and standing up, slipping his bag into his shoulder. “I feel like this going to be a great night. You’ll love the cocktails they do there, Jimin.”
Jeongguk holds out a finger in warning. “I know that look, Tae. Do not try and get him drunk.”
Taehyung puts on an exaggerated innocent expression, pointing to himself in question. “Me? I wouldn’t dare.”
✨
Jeongguk knew that Taehyung wouldn’t listen, so it’s no surprise that the moment they enter The Moon, he takes Jimin over to the bar to get him a drink.
“Jeongguk! Look at how beautiful this is!” Jimin says as he returns from the bar with a cocktail in his hand. It’s glittery, and fades from blue into pink. Jimin places it on the table carefully before sliding into the booth next to Jeongguk. “I do wish the potions I make were this pretty and colourful.”
“They aren’t bright colours like in the movies?” Jin questions from opposite them. Luckily as it’s mid week they were able to get the large booth in the corner which allows all seven of them to sit comfortably around.
Jimin sighs, shaking his head. “Unfortunately they always end up some shade of brown.” Jimin grabs his cocktail and brings the straw to his lips, his eyes lighting up when he tastes the brightly-coloured drink. “Oh! This is delicious!”
“Go easy on that,” Jeongguk warns when he sees how quickly the liquid is going down inside the glass. “Do you drink a lot usually?”
Jimin shakes his head, thick lips still tightly sealed around the straw. When he finally comes up for air his chest is heaving. “Nope,” he hiccups, eyeing Jeongguk’s drink. “What are you drinking?”
“This is a highball,” Jeongguk replies, taking a sip from his glass.
“May I try some?”
“Uh, sure.” Jeongguk slides the highball in front of Jimin. Jimin sniffs it curiously before taking a sip. He grimaces, sticking his tongue out in disgust. “Ugh. That is quite bitter. I don’t like it.”
Jeongguk snorts, taking his drink back. “Gin is bitter, that’s kind of the point. Plus I’m betting the potions you make are just as bitter to drink.”
Jimin shakes his head. “Not at all! Not all my potions are to be taken orally, but for the ones that are, I mix them with sweet syrups and cordials. My grandmother taught me the recipes. She was famous for having the best tasting potions in our whole region!”
“Is that so?”
Jimin nods proudly, bringing his straw to his lips and draining the rest of the colourful drink in two gulps, squeezing his eyes shut against the sting of an obvious brain freeze. “Let’s get another,” he says tapping Jeongguk’s shoulder.
“How about you wait for a little bit?” Jeongguk suggests, surprised by how quickly the drink in Jimin’s glass has disappeared. “You should take it slow with those.”
Jimin pouts, but nods anyway.
“I’m heading to the bar,” Namjoon suddenly calls out as he slides out of the booth, “anyone want another drink?”
Jimin raises his empty glass instantly, “Oh, yes please!”
“Jimin, what did I just say?”
“I’ll drink this one slowly, I promise.”
Namjoon nods in confirmation that he’s heard Jimin, and then takes the other’s orders before turning to make his way to the bar.
“How generous your friends are. Generous people are usually the happiest,” Jimin sighs, pressing his body into Jeongguk’s side and laying his head on his shoulder. Instantly that tight feeling in Jeongguk’s stomach stirs again, and Jimin makes a happy sound, poking at the air around Jeongguk where he guesses his ‘aura’ is. “So pretty,” Jimin mumbles.
Jimin seems to have made an extra effort with how he looks this evening. His hair is swept back, he has extra jewellery on, his earrings so long they almost touch his shoulders. He looks extra pretty, and Jeongguk can’t help but notice.
He catches Jimin’s hand as it trails in the air in front of him, turning Jimin’s pliant fingers to look at his rows of rings. “You wear a lot of jewellery,” he says, stroking the back of Jimin’s hand with his thumb.
Jimin quietly watches him, his hair brushing Jeongguk’s jaw where his head lays on his shoulder. “Which one is your favourite?”
Jeongguk plays with Jimin’s fingers, examining his rings more closely. “This one,” he says, running his fingertip over an intricately carved ring with a unique looking gemstone.
Jimin hums. “My grandmother gave me that one.”
“It’s cool. Like something you’d find in an ancient tomb that would end up holding the souls of the dead or something.”
Jimin chuckles, slipping his hand from Jeongguk’s and holding it up in front of them, stretching his fingers out. “It’s a mood ring. It changes colour according to my mood.”
“What mood are you in?” Jeongguk asks softly, turning his head toward Jimin.
Jimin tilts his head up to look at him, their faces only a few inches apart. “A very good one,” he whispers.
“Ahem.” Someone clears their throat and Jeongguk snaps his head up to see that the others have all stopped talking and are now staring at him and Jimin, differing looks of amusement on their faces. Jeongguk feels his face heat up.
“I need another drink,” he mumbles as an excuse to extract himself from Jimin’s hold. He slips out of the booth and walks over to stand at the bar beside Namjoon, blowing out a breath.
“Having fun?” Namjoon gives him a knowing smile.
“Oh yeah.” Jeongguk snorts as he drops his elbows onto the bar.
“Jimin looks like he’s having fun.” Namjoon nods behind them, and Jeongguk turns to see Jimin giggling as he reads Yoongi’s palm across the table. Yoongi says something with an exasperated expression, and the group all laugh. Jeongguk can’t help but smile as he watches them.
“You know, I’m not sure if you realise how much you’ve been smiling. It’s nice to see.”
Jeongguk blinks in surprise. He didn’t realise. He shrugs nonchalantly. “Well, Jimin’s an entertaining guy. I mean look at him,” he gestures back at the group, “people can’t help but smile when he’s around.”
“You sure that’s all it is?” Namjoon asks. When Jeongguk doesn’t answer he continues, “It’s just nice to see you let your guard down once in a while, that’s all I’m saying. You deserve to be happy.”
Namjoon takes his tray of drinks over to the table and Jeongguk leans against the bar, watching him walk back to the booth in the corner. Jimin’s face lights up at the cocktail Namjoon places in front of him, and Jeongguk feels himself smile at the sight, that swooping feeling in his stomach returning. He shakes it off, grabbing his second highball and making his way back to the table.
-
Apparently Jimin likes to dance.
Even though this is more of a drinking bar than a dancing one, Jimin found the space he needed by the bar to start dancing to the music which filters through the speakers. He’s taken his shoes off, spinning on his tiptoes, and dancing in circles as his clothes billow out around him. For someone intoxicated he is incredibly graceful as he dances, extending his limbs out in elegant shapes.
Jeongguk watches him in awe. Jimin doesn’t care about the people giving him judgemental looks, or the fact he’s the only one dancing. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. Jimin wants to dance, so he’s dancing. Jeongguk wishes he could be like that. His life would be a lot easier if he didn’t care about what certain people thought about him.
Jimin catches Jeongguk watching him, and his eyes turn up in little half moons as he reaches his arms up and turns giddily. Hoseok runs over and joins in the dancing, and they spin together until they almost bump into several people and Hoseok brings Jimin back over to their booth. Jimin drops down next to him breathlessly, then grabs at his colourful drink and lifts it to his lips.
“Remember what I said. Go slow with those cocktails.”
Jimin smiles up at him. “Don’t worry. I can handle it.”
-
Jimin it seems can not handle it.
“Excuse me, sir. You can’t climb up there!”
Jeongguk’s stomach drops when he exits the restroom and returns to the bar area to find Jimin standing on top of the bar, hugging the large glowing fibreglass moon which hangs from the ceiling above it.
“Oh, how beautiful! It’s like I’m holding the moon itself,” Jimin says whimsically, pressing his cheek to the glowing sphere. “Hello my old friend. I’ve always wanted to meet you.”
“Sir!” The barman shouts again, “get down now, or security will get you down!”
“I left him with you for two minutes! Two minutes!” Jeongguk chastises the others as he approaches them at the bar. “How could you let him up there?”
Taehyung shrugs, scratching at his chin as he stares up at Jimin. “He was very determined to get up there.”
“Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I tried!” Taehyung says defensively.
“You did not. You gave him a boost up there,” Yoongi says, trying not to laugh.
Jeongguk glares angrily at Taehyung who just smiles sheepishly. “Well, I didn’t say I tried hard. But he’s so cute how, could I say no?”
“Well it’s not going to be cute when he’s dragged out by security,” Jeongguk shoots back. He pushes his way to the front of the crowd forming around the bar. “Jimin!” He calls up to him, and Jimin looks down instantly at the sound of Jeongguk’s voice. “Let go of the moon and come here,” he says holding his hands up towards Jimin.
“Jeongguk look!” Jimin giggles, “it’s the moon!”
“I know, it’s lovely but you need to get down.”
“But I like the moon…” Jimin pouts.
“Don’t you like me more?” Jeongguk asks, and he cringes slightly at the fact that everyone just heard him say that. But he knows it will work, and it does. Jimin is in his arms in an instant.
“Of course I do,” Jimin sighs, nuzzling into Jeongguk’s neck, his words slurring a little. Jeongguk can smell the sweet alcohol scent which clings to him after he ignored Jeongguk’s repeated warnings to slow down with the drinks.
Jimin wraps his legs around Jeongguk’s waist and Jeongguk walks him away from the bar to a quiet corner before placing his feet back on the floor. Jimin keeps his arms looped around Jeongguk’s neck, and when Jeongguk looks down he see’s Jimin’s eyes closed where he rests his head on his shoulder.
“I think I’m going to take Jimin home now,” Jeongguk says as Namjoon walks up to them, “are you guys coming now or later?”
The answer comes when Jeongguk sees the other four ordering another round of shots at the bar. “I’m guessing we’re staying a bit longer,” Namjoon says, looking down at Jimin. “You gonna be okay with him? Do you want me to come?”
Jeongguk adjusts his arm around Jimin’s waist and pulls him in closer. “No it’s fine, I’ve got him. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Jeongguk navigates them both through the crowd to the entrance of the bar and out onto the street, hoping the night air will wake Jimin up a bit. It does, and Jimin lifts his head to look around. “We’re leaving?”
Jeongguk nods. “Ive got a busy schedule tomorrow.”
“I see. Let’s go!” Jimin says with a finger pointed in the air. He breaks out of Jeongguk’s hold and immediately stumbles over his feet. He squeaks when Jeongguk catches him and pulls him upright again. “Oh, those pretty coloured drinks were strong.”
“I did warn you,” Jeongguk chuckles. “Here, get on my back.”
Jimin doesn’t put up a fight as Jeongguk crouches down in front of him and lifts him onto his back. Jimin hums happily, wrapping his arms around Jeongguk’s neck and resting his chin on his shoulder. “I don’t usually drink alcohol.”
“I can tell.” Jeongguk hitches Jimin higher up his back until he’s in a comfortable position before setting off down the street toward the university. There are bars and restaurants that bustle around them, the streets glowing with life.
Jimin hums happily. “It’s so very nice to go out with friends. I don’t usually go out much.”
“No?”
“No. Most of the time I stay in my shop. Sometimes being around so many people is overwhelming. But I like being around you.”
Jeongguk hums in reply, turning a corner and walking down a residential street that’s a little more quiet. They walk in silence for a while, then suddenly Jimin’s arms tighten a little around his shoulders and he whispers into Jeongguk’s ear.
“Jeongguk?”
“Yes?”
“Do you like me?”
Jeongguk is momentarily taken aback by the sudden question, and his heart does a little stutter in his chest. “Where’s that question coming from?”
“I like you...” Jimin lifts his head from Jeongguk’s shoulder and nuzzles at the back of Jeongguk’s head. “Am I someone you like too?”
“I…” Jeongguk blinks at the pavement in front of him as his mind turns over. Jimin is a little quirky, and is constantly getting him into trouble, but Jeongguk has felt happier the last week with Jimin by his side than he has in a long time. “Yeah… I like you.”
“You do?” Jimin turns his head and his nose bumps the shell of Jeongguk’s ear.
Jeongguk chuckles. “Jimin, I don’t just let anyone follow me around all day, let alone sleep in my fucking bed. You… well you have your quirks, but you’re a genuinely nice person. Why wouldn’t I like you?”
“You like me. How lovely,” Jimin sighs, his hand lifting to scratch lightly at Jeongguk’s hair. “I’m so happy we met.” Jimin’s words come out muffled from where he tucks his face into Jeongguk’s neck. “I’m so pleased I found you when I did and I can protect you from calamity.”
Jeongguk can’t help but chuckle at that considering Jimin has almost gotten him in trouble multiple times since he started following Jeongguk around, but he doesn’t have the heart to tell him that.
“Sure,” he says instead. “You’ve been a big help.”
✨
“There is going to be a super moon tonight,” Jimin says one evening the following week as Jeongguk closes his dorm room door behind them. Jimin walks over to Jeongguk’s desk and pulls out the chair, shifting it to face the window before sitting down onto it. He looks out of the window in anticipation at the sky that is sinking into a deep shade of purple. “I’m so excited to see it.”
Jeongguk shrugs off his bag, and drops it onto the floor beside his bed. “Are you going to be able to see it from there?”
Jimin leans forward, looking up at the sky. “I think so.”
Jeongguk pauses his movements as an idea comes to mind. “If you want to see it clearer, I know how to get up onto the roof. No one really goes up there, but it’s a good place to chill especially if you want to look at the sky.”
Jimin is up off his chair before Jeongguk can even finish his sentence. He runs over to Jeongguk and looks up at him with sparkling eyes. “Oh! Yes please! That would be wonderful. The moon is going to be so beautiful tonight, and it’s energy will be the strongest in a long time.”
Jeongguk nods down at him. “How about I order delivery food, and we eat it on the roof? Because I’m starving.”
Jimin smiles up at him, his eyes sparkling. “That sounds perfect.”
-
Jeongguk hasn’t been up to the roof of his dorm building since he first joined the university. Back then he was a bit more adventurous, and would sneak up here with the guys to drink during the warm summer nights. But that tradition slowly stopped as the years went by, and the stress and weight of expectation threatened to suffocate him more and more. These days all he does is work, eat, sleep, and study.
These days Jeongguk feels like he’s simply existing. Going through the motions.
“You really can see the moon perfectly from up here,” Jimin says with a mouth stuffed full of chicken, head tilted back as he looks at the clear night sky above them.
They’re sitting on a raised part of the roof atop a picnic mat that Jeongguk had stored at the back of his wardrobe. There isn’t much lighting, so he’s used his phone light and a water bottle as a makeshift lamp. It works well, illuminating the box of half and half chicken sitting on the mat between them.
“You really love the moon, don’t you?” Jeongguk asks, watching Jimin curiously.
Jimin grabs another piece and pops it into his mouth with a hum, then tilts his head back to stare at the moon again. “My grandmother used to say some people are more drawn to the moon’s energy than others. I feel more alive then ever when the moon is bright in the sky.” He runs a hand up and down the skin of his arm. “It’s like my body is humming. Can you feel it?”
“Feel the moon? No.”
“You didn’t even try,” Jimin huffs. “Come here.” He pushes aside the box of chicken which is basically empty now and lays down on his back across the picnic blanket. “Lay down with me.”
Jeongguk slides over and lays down beside Jimin, staring up at the moon directly above them. It doesn’t seem too much bigger than any other day, but he can see a difference. It looks brighter, bolder, with the craters clear and sharp in detail.
They lay in silence for a while. Occasionally Jimin’s hand comes into view, his fingers drawing patterns in the air, as if he’s painting the moon in the sky.
“When was the last time you looked at the moon like this?” Jimin asks from beside him.
Jeongguk shrugs. “I don’t remember. Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever looked at it like this.”
“How does it feel?”
“I don’t feel any kind of energy, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Not energy,” Jimin chuckles, “you. How do you feel right now?”
Jeongguk breathes in, and then out. “I suppose… calm? I’m pretty relaxed.”
“Lovely. Then the moon has done it’s job.”
Jeongguk can’t help but smile. “You really are something, Jimin.”
Jimin turns his head to look at him. “What am I?”
Jeongguk nibbles on his bottom lip, considering Jimin’s question. “You’re very- you’re always just yourself. You say what you think, and do what you want to do. You just seem so free. You don’t seem to care about what others think or expect of you.” Jeongguk sighs, turning his head to look at Jimin. “How do you do that?”
Jeongguk has been trying to live up to the expectations of his father since he was a child. Seeing Jimin living so care-free… it’s something so alien to him. He wishes he could be more like that… to be able to make his own choices, to do what he wants without caring what others expect of him.
Jimin turns his head back to stare at the moon again. He’s silent for a moment, then he speaks again. “I suppose I’m just living the life I want to live. I’ve always been different.” Jimin raises his arm and continues to trace the moon with his fingers. “I told you that I used to accidentally curse people when I was very young…”
“Yeah how could I forget?” Jeongguk chuckles, and Jimin smiles.
“A lot of people were wary of me. They didn’t like that I acted so strange compared to the other children in our village. Even my parents tried to make me fit in, told me to stop chasing after the moon and disappearing into the forest. Well, I did try, but it felt so wrong. I used to fail at conforming a lot. It was difficult. Then when I was five years old my parents passed away in an accident, and my grandmother took me in.”
“I’m sorry.”
Jimin turns onto his side, facing Jeongguk. His eyes sparkle in the dim light, even brighter than usual. Jeongguk wonders if it’s a result of the moon. “Thank you, but you don’t have to feel sad for me. Of course I missed my parents, but living with my grandmother was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was like a huge weight had been lifted. I was free to be myself. I could run in the forest again, and dance under the moon. She taught me that I didn’t need to please anyone else. She gave me space to just be me. So that’s what I am.”
Jeongguk smiles, but Jimin’s words leave a hollow feeling in his chest. Jimin makes it sound so easy. Jeongguk wishes it were that easy.
“You’re sad,” Jimin says with a frown, reaching across to pluck at his aura. “Did I make you sad?”
Jeongguk shakes his head, “No, it’s not you.” He sighs, turning his head to stare up at the moon again, thinking about how to put into words something he’s never said out load before. “I guess- I just wish I could be more like you… well, I wish I could be more like me actually.”
He feels Jimin shift a little closer next to him. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know… My life right now. This university. It feels like a kind of prison to me. Like I’m heading towards an inevitable end. I’ll be stuck in a job I’ll hate, probably working under my brother because I’m useless and need babysitting.” Jeongguk sighs.“I just… I wish I could just do what I want to do, live the life I want to live. I hate the path I’m heading down, but I can’t see a way off it.”
Jeongguk falls silent, the hollow feeling in his chest still there. He’s never spoken about this before to anyone. His friends know he’s been struggling a lot, especially in this final year, but he’s never put his feelings into words until now.
Jimin sits up suddenly, taking Jeongguk’s hand in his. He grabs Jeongguk’s phone from under the water bottle and shines the torch light at his palm, “Jeongguk… do you remember what I said to you when I first read your palm.”
Jeongguk snorts, “yeah, that calamity is going to befall me.”
Jimin shakes his head. “No before that. You asked me about your career, and I told you that your path forks off in two directions. See? It still says the same.” Jeongguk sits up and looks down at his hand, and Jimin points at his palm as if Jeongguk is supposed to understand what the skin on his hand says.
“You have a choice, Jeongguk,” Jimin says softly, looking up at him through his lashes. “There is another path. It’s right here,” he trails his finger gently across Jeongguk’s palm. “Do you believe me?”
“Are you just saying it to make me feel better?”
Jimin shakes his head. “No. But even if there wasn’t another path, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t make one anyway. The future is not set in stone. It changes constantly based on our decisions. If it didn’t then there would be no point in me trying to stop the calamity in your future. You can choose your path Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk feels a swell of hope in his chest at Jimin’s words. “Okay. I believe you.”
“How lovely,” Jimin smiles, and Jeongguk feels himself smile back, because how can he not when Jimin is looking at him like that? They look at each other in silence for a moment before Jimin speaks again. “So what is it you want to do with your future?”
Jeongguk looks down at where Jimin is still holding his hand, feeling that swoop in his stomach again. “I’m not really sure,” he admits, “I always had it drilled into me that this is the only path I’m allowed to take in life. Go to university, get my degree, join the family business once I graduate, and live out the rest of my life as some corporate drone. I’ve never really let myself consider doing anything else?”
“That’s okay,” Jimin says reassuringly, stroking his thumb over the back of Jeongguk’s hand. “You don’t need to know everything right now. Life is about learning. Maybe you need to take time to learn about yourself before you know which path you want to take.”
Jeongguk feels that tug of hope in his chest again. He’s been like a walking zombie for years now. Simply existing, not living. Maybe he should be allowed to live as well. To explore and find himself. He nods at Jimin’s words, lost in contemplation.
After sitting in silence for a while Jimin slips his hand away from Jeongguk’s and stands up, stepping off the mat. He reaches his arms up towards the night sky and starts to twirl, singing quietly under his breath as he dances under the moon.
Jeongguk watches him in awe. He looks so alive. Jimin is glowing, full of energy and life, and maybe for the first time in his life Jeongguk wants to feel alive too.
✨
Jimin has gradually migrated up Jeongguk’s bed, and Jeongguk hasn’t done anything to stop him.
Jimin looks so peaceful curled up next to him, his hair splayed out across the pillow, a pout on his lips as he breathes in and out steadily. His sleepwear, which looks like something an elf would wear, doesn’t do a very good job at staying done up, especially with the way that Jimin moves around in his sleep. Some of the buttons usually end up undone, leaving his shirt open and exposing his chest. This morning is no different. The fabric has twisted in a way that it’s completely pulled off one shoulder, and Jeongguk’s eyes linger on the exposed skin before he reaches out carefully and pulls the covers up over him.
Jimin stirs at the movement, stretching his hands out and uncurling his fists like blooming flowers. He blinks his sleep swollen eyes open, looking up at Jeongguk. “Good morning. Did you have good dreams?”
Jeongguk nods. “I did… thank you.”
Jimin smiles sleepily. “How lovely.”
“You’ve gotten pretty comfortable in my bed, haven’t you?” Jeongguk teases, quirking an eyebrow.
Jimin hums, nuzzling into his pillow. “Because of you. You’re warm, and you smell good.”
Before Jeongguk can respond to that Jimin’s hands sneak out of the covers to search for his hand. Jeongguk lets Jimin tug his hand until it’s in front of his face where he studies the palm with a sleepy frown. “This calamity really won’t leave you alone,” he huffs, letting Jeongguk’s hand go.
Jeongguk thinks it’s funny that Jimin is still so worried about this mysterious calamity that is yet to befall him. It’s been weeks, and nothing out of the ordinary has happened. Well, aside from Jimin himself… he’s certainly out of the ordinary.
Jeongguk thinks about telling Jimin that it was probably a false alarm, and that he doesn’t have to keep protecting him. But if he does that, then Jimin will probably leave, and Jeongguk doesn’t want him to. Because before Jimin, Jeongguk’s life was grey… but Jimin is a whole rainbow, and he paints Jeongguk’s world in the most beautiful colours… and Jeongguk isn’t ready to go back to grey just yet.
Jeongguk shakes his thoughts away and reaches for his bedside table, picking up his phone and checking his schedule. His final exams are coming up soon, so his week consists of cramming everything he can into his brain.
“Jeongguk…” Jimin says from beside him, and Jeongguk turns back to see Jimin sitting up in bed, looking at him with a concerned look.
“Is everything okay?” He asks.
Jimin nods, but then shakes his head. “It’s just… I need to go back to my hometown for a few days. It’s for personal reasons.”
“Oh, okay. That’s fine.” Jeongguk swings his legs off the side of the bed and stands up, stretching his arms above his head. He turns to see Jimin biting at his lip with a frown. “Is there a problem with that?”
Jimin nods. “I’m worried about leaving you here alone.” He climbs out of bed, walking to where his bag of magical things sits next to the desk. He crouches down and takes something out of it. It’s only when he turns and holds out his hand that Jeongguk sees what it is.
A necklace hangs from Jimin’s hand, a silver chain with a purple crystal hanging from the end. The crystal is encased in silver, twisted in an intricate pattern that holds the gemstone in place and connects it to the chain. “Is this for me?”
“Yes.”
“This is what you’ve been making?”
Jimin has been hunched over Jeongguk’s desk working on something for a few days now, but he would hide it away whenever Jeongguk came too close.
Jimin nods. “It’s for your protection. I’m sorry if it’s not exactly to your taste… but it’s the most powerful crystal I own.”
Jeongguk’s stomach does that swooping thing that only Jimin can make it do. He looks at how red Jimin’s cheeks are turning, and the way his eyes are shifting to avoid Jeongguk’s gaze. He can’t help but smile. “I love it. It’s really beautifully made. Thank you.”
Jimin’s face lights up, and his eyes soften into something that has Jeongguk feeling a little breathless. “I’m so glad. Now, you should make sure to wear it at all times,” Jimin says as he reaches up and slips it over Jeongguk’s head, “so it can always protect you, even when I’m not around.”
Jeongguk holds the crystal pendant in his palm and looks down at it. He nods, tucking it under his T-shirt against the skin of his chest. “Okay I will.”
“You mustn’t take it off,” Jimin says seriously.
Jeongguk nods. “I promise.”
Jimin reaches up and trails his fingers through the air around Jeongguk. “Your aura turns the prettiest colours, you know?”
Jeongguk suddenly feels embarrassed, like his aura is betraying him. He clears his throat, trying to control his feelings. “So, why are you going back to your hometown?”
“I’m going to visit my grandmother. It is the anniversary of her passing.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sad,” Jimin smiles softly, reaching up again to pluck at Jeongguk’s aura, “You don’t need to be sad for me. I’m okay. I would stay, but I go every year without fail. Her ashes are buried under the willow tree at the end of the garden at her cottage. I feel closest to her when I’m there.”
“You’ll be okay?” Jeongguk asks, “going on your own, I mean.”
Jimin tilts his head. “I’m on my own most of the time. I run my magic shop on my own, and I live on my own. I’ve been on my own ever since my grandmother passed. I’m used to it. It doesn’t bother me.”
Jeongguk’s heart sinks at that. He’s come to learn that Jimin is the type of person who thrives on the energy of the people around him. He blooms under the affection and care of others. Jimin isn’t someone who should be alone. Jeongguk wants to say something. He wants to offer to go with Jimin, but he has so much work to do to prepare for finals. So instead he says, “Okay. If you’re sure.”
“If there is any emergency, or you need to contact me, the address for my grandmother’s cottage is in the back of my magic book,” he says with a smile. “But don’t worry. I’ll make sure to leave extra protection before I go.”
✨
Jeongguk doesn’t think much about what Jimin could mean by ‘extra protection’ until an announcement blares out over the speakers in the middle of class the following day.
“This is a student announcement. Unfortunately due to vandals defacing the sports field, today’s field hockey finals will be cancelled and rescheduled at a later date. If anyone has any information on the persons responsible, please come forward and report to a member of staff.”
Jeongguk looks up from his laptop as the announcement filters through the lecture hall, turning to look at Jimin. “You didn’t…”
Jimin blinks at him innocently. “Didn’t what?”
Some students gather at the window, talking in hushed tones and pointing outside. Jeongguk, stands up and walks over to the window, Jimin following close behind. From their classroom they have a clear view of the sports field, and Jeongguk’s jaw drops when he sees the huge unmistakeable talisman painted across the field in white paint. He looks at Jimin with wide eyes.
Jimin looks a little bashful but overall proud of himself. “It took me a while,” he whispers, leaning in close to Jeongguk, “but a talisman that big will ward away evil from the entire campus!”
Jeongguk’s stomach drops. “Jimin you can’t— when did you even do that?!”
“Last night, when you were sleeping. I was worried about leaving you, so I quickly went to my shop to get a few things and when I came back I saw the paint machine they had left out and got the idea! Can’t you feel the energy? It is so much clearer today.” Jimin’s eyes flutter closed, and he sighs blissfully. “It’s wonderful.”
“Oh my god... okay, Jimin,” Jeongguk grabs Jimin’s forearm and tugs him to the side where he knows no one will be able to hear him. “I appreciate your hard work- I really do. But we could get in serious trouble for this!”
“Oh...” Jimin’s face drops. “But it will help everyone on the campus,” he says hopefully. “I’ve never done such a powerful talisman before.”
“It won’t help the field hockey team who were supposed to play their finals today. Shit- just, no one saw you, right?” Jeongguk runs a hand through his hair as his mind ticks over. What about security cameras? What happens if they track Jimin back to Jeongguk’s building, and figure out exactly who Jimin is? This could get them both in a shit load of trouble.
Jimin shakes his head. “No one saw me.” He deflates more with every passing second. “I just wanted to protect you… It was dark and I didn’t know it was a field they used for sports…”
Jeongguk sighs, reaching out to squeeze at Jimin’s shoulders reassuringly. “It’s okay. It’s pretty fucking amazing actually, I have no idea how you did something that big. Thank you for trying to protect me,” he smiles, and Jimin’s smiles back at him. “Just be careful not to let anyone find out.”
-
Jeongguk’s assumption that no one would figure out it was Jimin proves false later that afternoon.
He has yet another meeting with one of his professors, which had been arranged by his father in preparation for his exams, so as usual Jimin waits outside the building for him to finish. But today when Jeongguk finishes the meeting and steps outside to meet Jimin, he finds Jimin on the floor with Hwan towering over him.
“I knew it was you the second I saw that fucking symbol,” Hwan spits in rage. “It’s the same shit you draw when you’re with that dickhead Jeongguk. How fucking dare you mess with me and my big game?”
Jimin’s expression is panicked as he crawls forward and shoves at Hwan’s foot, attempting to pull at something Hwan is standing on. “I didn’t mean to! I didn’t know!” Jimin cries. “Get off my book! Please!”
Jeongguk sees then that Hwan is standing on Jimin’s grandmother’s book, the pages open and twisted under his boot.
“Hey!” Jeongguk shouts, running towards them. Jimin turns his head at the sound of Jeongguk’s voice, and that’s when Jeongguk sees Jimin’s bruised cheek, and the blood at the corner of his mouth.
Jeongguk sees red.
Before anyone can even blink Jeongguk is tackling Hwan to the ground, a satisfying grunt forced from his lungs as he hits the pavement and Jeongguk lands on top of him. “How dare you hurt him!” Jeongguk growls as he grabs Hwan by the scruff of his neck and lands a satisfying punch right on his cheekbone. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
Hwan groans, swinging a fist up at Jeongguk and catching him on the jaw. It knocks Jeongguk off balance, allowing Hwan to knock him onto his back and jump on top of him, caging him in with his knees. “Your freak boyfriend fucked up my final game with his little prank! He deserves more than just a punch! You can both eat shit for all I care!” Hwan spits, landing a punch on Jeongguk’s ribs as they tussle on the ground.
Jimin appears next to them, pulling at Hwan’s arm in desperation. Hwan shoves him away and swings at Jeongguk again, aiming for his face. Jeongguk raises his arms and blocks him, so Hwan aims for his chest and lands a punch right on top of the crystal necklace Jimin had made him which Jeongguk has on under his shirt.
“Ow fuck, shit!” Hwan pulls his fist back with a hiss, clasping it to his chest. Jeongguk uses the opportunity to twist his body so he can get out from under him. He’s pretty sure a crowd is forming now, people shouting, some filming, but Jeongguk is too pissed to care, and when he sees Jimin trying to help him it only makes him more mad.
How dare Hwan lay a hand on Jimin? How fucking dare he?
Another wave of anger rushes over Jeongguk and he’s launching himself at Hwan again, both of them tumbling back onto the concrete. This time he gets the upper hand, landing a punch right to Hwan’s nose that has the senior howling in pain, his hands coming up to cover his face.
Suddenly there are multiple pairs of arms circling around him, pulling him off Hwan and holding him back. “Break it up!” someone shouts as a few other people pull Hwan up, who looks like he’s come out of the fight a lot worse off than Jeongguk.
Jeongguk almost feels proud of himself for finally giving Hwan the beating he’s been asking for since first year. It’s what he deserves for daring to lay a hand on Jimin.
“Jimin,” Jeongguk says through the metallic taste in his mouth, glancing around the crowd. In an instant Jimin is in front of him, trembling hands worrying over his face, tears brimming in Jimin’s eyes as he touches a tender spot on Jeongguk’s jaw.
“Oh, Jeonggukie…”
“Jimin, are you okay?” Jeongguk asks as he pulls himself out of the hold of the guys who had broken up the fight. He reaches out and brushes his thumb over the bruise on Jimin’s swollen cheek.
“I should be asking you that,” Jimin replies, his voice trembling.
“I’m fine. Lets just get out of here.” Jeongguk takes Jimin’s hand and quickly pulls him out through the crowd. Jimin has his grandmother’s book cradled in his arms, the pages sticking out at odd angles where they had been torn by Hwan’s boot.
Jeongguk leads Jimin towards his dorm, but Jimin quickly tugs him past the entrance, pulling him in the direction of his Magic Shop. “I need to treat your wounds,” Jimin says adamantly, so Jeongguk follows Jimin’s lead. They walk in silence, their hands laced together.
To be honest, Jeongguk knows he’s in trouble. There were endless witnesses to the fight just now, and he knows that Hwan is going to cry victim as much as he can to make it seem like it was completely Jeongguk’s fault. But he doesn’t want to deal with that right now. Right now he needs to focus on Jimin who has gone uncharacteristically quiet.
They make it to Jimin’s shop, but instead of going through the front door Jimin leads them towards an unassuming door to the side of the building. Jimin unlocks the door, and opens it to reveal a set of wooden stairs that lead up above the Magic Shop.
“You live above your shop?” Jeongguk asks in realisation.
“Yes,” Jimin replies quietly, tugging Jeongguk inside and up the stairs.
Jimin’s apartment is almost identical to the shop below. The walls are covered in magical trinkets and ornaments, there are shelves stocked with books, jars, and baskets of herbs, and there are way more clocks than one person needs, each clock showing a different time for some reason.
It’s only a studio apartment, with a double bed in the corner surrounded by drapes of colourful material, and a dozen or so dream catchers hanging above the bed in a variety of sizes.
The kitchen is piled high with different colourful crockery and mismatched earthenware. The sink is a deep butler sink, the white porcelain stained with different colours. A small wooden desk under the window doubles as a dining table for one, and there’s a door which leads to what Jeongguk assumes is the bathroom.
There are constellations of stars painted on the ceiling in gold paint, and the smell of incense hangs in the air. This apartment could only belong to Jimin, and Jeongguk finds there’s something very comforting about that.
“You really are a maximalist, aren’t you?” Jeongguk jokes as Jimin tugs him over to the bed and sits him down on the edge of the soft mattress. Jimin places his grandmother’s book on the desk, then turns to take Jeongguk’s chin in his hand, tilting his head up as his eyes search over the injuries on his face.
Jeongguk isn’t used to Jimin not talking for this long. It’s unnerving. “You’re being unusually quiet... did I do something wrong? You know, like get into a fight or something?” he tries to joke again.
Jeongguk’s phone suddenly vibrates in his pocket, and he takes it out to see two missed calls from the university and an incoming call from his father which he doesn’t answer. Jimin sees it too and quickly turns away, walking over to a shelf piled with glass jars and bottles. He searches through them before grabbing a small jar from the end of the shelf. When he turns back around his eyes are red rimmed, and he’s biting down on his bottom lip.
Jeongguk’s heart sinks. “Jimin…”
Jimin sniffles, walking back over to him and sitting beside him on the bed. He unscrews the lid of the jar, and the strong smell of herbs tells Jeongguk that it’s some kind of medicinal balm. Jimin dips his finger in and brings it to Jeongguk’s jaw.
“Jimin… please don’t cry,” Jeongguk whispers as he reaches up and wipes away one of Jimin’s tears as it runs down his cheek.
“I should have cursed him.”
“Jimin…”
“I should have cursed him on that first day I met him.”
“You don’t curse people, Jimin,” Jeongguk reaches down to dip his own finger into the balm, and then applies it gently to Jimin’s bruised cheek. “You’re far too kind for that.”
Jimin takes Jeongguk’s hands into his own and sucks in a shuddering breath at the sight of his split knuckles, and the blood that has dried across the bruised skin. More tears spill down his cheeks as he carefully cleans them and applies more of the balm. Once he’s done Jimin turns one of Jeongguk’s hands over in his lap, looking down at Jeongguk’s open palm. He wipes at his eyes with his sleeve before he leans in to study the skin.
Jeongguk tugs his hand free, knowing exactly what Jimin is thinking. Instead he takes Jimin’s face in his hands, tilting it up to make Jimin focus on him. “Don’t worry about that now, okay? It doesn’t matter.”
Jimin’s face crumples and more tears spill over. “My protective crystal didn’t work.”
“That’s not what happened,” Jeongguk says, wiping Jimin’s tears away. “The shit between me and Hwan has been building up for years now. Ive been wanting to kick his ass for a long time, and it just happened to be that today was the day I finally did it.” Jeongguk strokes his thumb gently over Jimin’s bruised cheek. “I should have knocked him fully out for this.”
“You’re a lot worse off than me,” Jimin sniffles, pushing gently on Jeongguk’s chest. “Lie down and show me your ribs.”
Jeongguk does as Jimin asks, laying down on the bed with a wince and pulling up his t-shirt, exposing several bruises on his torso. Jimin sucks in a breath and starts to apply the balm in large circles across the sides of Jeongguk’s ribs and on his chest, hesitating occasionally when Jeongguk flinches. His face drops more with every hiss of pain that escapes through Jeongguk’s teeth.
“You should rest,” Jimin says once he has finished coating Jeongguk’s entire torso in the oily balm, his t-shirt sticking to his skin when he pulls it back down. Jimin takes a crocheted blanket from the end of the bed and places it over Jeongguk, hesitating for only a second before crawling onto the bed and curing up against his side.
“I’m so sorry,” Jimin whispers after a moment, “this is all my fault.”
“Hey don’t say that,” Jeongguk reaches down and cups Jimin’s cheek, tilting his head up to look at him. “You have no reason to be sorry, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I ruined the sports field,” Jimin sniffles, another tear rolling down his cheek, “I made Hwan angry.”
Jeongguk shakes his head, wiping Jimin’s tears away with his thumb. “Nothing you did deserved that kind of reaction from him, okay? He’s a dickhead and he deserves everything he got.”
“Okay,” Jimin whispers. He tucks himself into Jeongguk’s side and quickly falls asleep, probably emotionally exhausted after everything that’s happened. With a wince Jeongguk climbs off the bed careful to not wake Jimin, and walks into the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind himself.
In the bathroom there’s a clawfoot tub surrounded by piles of books and candles dripping wax down onto the tiles beneath. Plants hang in baskets from the ceiling, and various shells and coloured sea glass are stored in jars along shelves above the toilet. There’s a cobweb in the corner, but it looks like Jimin has left it there on purpose.
Jeongguk sits down on the side of the bathtub and takes a deep breath before taking his phone out of his pocket. He hesitates for a second before pressing his fathers number. It rings only twice before his father answers.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Jeongguk’s father barks instantly, barely concealed rage in his tone.
“Father—”
“Getting into a fight? A week before your finals? Do you know how many strings I’ve had to pull just to get your grade up to a passing mark? And now you’re getting into fights and throwing it all away?”
“Look, I’m sorry, I really am. But he started it—”
“That’s not what Choi Hwan is saying! He’s told the university board that you attacked him!”
“Well that’s a fucking lie. If anyone attacked anyone it was Hwan attacking Jimin!”
“Who the hell is Jimin?”
“He’s… no one— don’t worry,” Jeongguk backtracks.
“He was the one who got you into this fight?”
“What? No! He has nothing to do with it!”
“Choi Hwan says that you’re linked with the person who vandalised the school sports field. Is this true?”
“Father, listen—”
“No, you listen Jeongguk. Not only do you constantly waste my money with your poor effort at getting a basic education, but now you’re causing fights and actively associating with criminals. It is unacceptable behaviour, and I will not stand for it. I’ve arranged a meeting with your university this evening at 5pm. Be there.”
The line goes dead as his father hangs up before he can even reply. Jeongguk sighs, lowering his phone into his lap as he stares blankly at the jars of seashells on the shelf opposite him. Funnily enough he cares more about the fact that Jimin was just labelled a criminal by his father than anything else that was said.
Jeongguk knows that he’s done awfully at his studies. It’s no secret that he’s a constant disappointment to his father. But the funny thing is, these past few weeks with Jimin have put things into perspective for him.
When Jeongguk first met Jimin, he thought that Jimin was undeniably strange. Jimin is an anomaly in their modern society. He constantly stands out for all the wrong reasons. He draws strange looks, and sometimes makes people uncomfortable through no fault of his own. He’s like a person lost in a completely different world than he belongs. And yet, he is so genuine, and so happy in himself. He doesn’t care much about what anyone thinks of him, he is simply true to himself and tries to do what’s best for him, and for those around him.
Being around Jimin has taught Jeongguk many things about himself, about who he wants to be and about what he wants to do with his life. He doesn’t want to sit at a desk for the next fifty years, staring at four walls in a musky suit while trying to fit into a role that, lets be honest, will never come naturally to him. He doesn’t want to be a puppet for other people. He wants to make his own decisions about his future, to explore his hobbies, and feel the freedom of actually choosing his own path.
Jeongguk stands up and slips his phone back into his pocket, placing a hand against his sore ribs as he heads back out of the bathroom. Jimin is still sleeping on the bed. He’s moved a little since Jeongguk got up and is now holding his own hand, fingers clasped together in front of himself as he breathes gently through slightly parted lips.
Jeongguk can’t help but smile as he looks at him. He used to think that Jimin was simply crazy when he spoke about magic and calamity, but now Jeongguk thinks that if there truly is some sort of magic in this world, then it is undoubtedly Jimin.
Jeongguk tears his eyes away from Jimin and walks over to the desk where Jimin’s grandmother’s book is sitting. He carefully opens the book, wincing at the torn pages. He knows how much these books from Jimin’s grandmother mean to him.
He gently pulls out the chair and sits down at the desk, quietly searching through the drawers. There tucked in amongst jars and trinket boxes he finds some craft supplies- tape and pencils and pens in a small handmade pencil case.
Carefully, Jeongguk straightens the pages of the book, using tape to stick the ripped parts back together. He does his best to clean the dirt and scuff marks from Hwan’s boots, and he fills in any parts of the floral drawings with the pencils.
He’s not sure how long he spends hunched over the book, but when he’s finished he feels satisfied that he’s done the best job he can at restoring it. The pages are back where they belong, and Jimin’s grandmothers writing and sketches are back to how they should be.
Jeongguk pulls his phone out of his pocket to check the time, and sighs heavily. It’s time to go to the meeting with his father and the university. Time to bite the bullet. Strangely enough, he doesn’t feel the dread that he usually does whenever he has to face his father. In fact, he feels determined.
Jeongguk closes the magic book and pushes back the chair quietly. He stands and looks down once more at Jimin sleeping on the bed. Jimin already feels guilty about what happened, so waking him to tell him he’s about to go to a disciplinary meeting with his university is not something Jeongguk wants to do. Instead he decides to leave Jimin a written note which he places on the desk.
He takes one of Jimin’s spare keys from a hook on the wall, and after the noisiest ‘sneak out’ that Jeongguk has ever attempted due to how creaky Jimin’s floorboards and doors are, he finally steps out onto the street and takes a breath.
“Well, here goes nothing.”
✨
Hwan sneers at Jeongguk from across the large table that sits in the center of the meeting room, his father at his side. Beside Jeongguk sits his own father, and around the rest of the table sit a bunch of the university big shots. Jeongguk doesn’t even know who half of them are, but he supposes this is some kind of official disciplinary committee that the university has put together.
Jeongguk thinks it’s kind of overkill to do all of this for a fist fight that was over within two minutes, but the dark bruising under both of Hwan’s eyes suggests a broken nose, and although Jeongguk feels a little proud of himself for that, maybe that added to everyone’s outrage at the situation.
“So what are you suggesting?” The woman at the end of the table asks.
“I want a more severe punishment than what you’re proposing,” Hwan’s father says, looking at Jeongguk with disdain. “I suggest expulsion.”
“Now wait a minute!” Jeongguk’s father slams his hand on the table. “I wont allow it!”
Another man speaks up, an older member of the university board who wears a grey suit, and looks like his blood pressure is rising by the second with two angry, influential parents in one room. “U-unfortunately Mr Jeon, Jeongguk was also involved in the act of vandalism of the sports field. That could be classed as criminal damage. I’m sure you understand why we can’t take this lightly.”
“It wasn’t just him,” Hwan suddenly speaks, and the room falls silent and turns to look at him. Hwan glares at Jeongguk. “There’s another guy, a non-student who follows Jeongguk everywhere. They did it together. He’s the one who started the fight.”
It’s then that Jeongguk breaks his silence. “You mean the guy who you attacked first? Who you hit just because your little game got postponed? Doesn’t that count as criminal battery? Or assault?” Jeongguk asks, turning to look at the man in the grey suit with a questioning look.
The man adjusts his tie nervously. “Well… we don’t actually have any CCTV footage that captures the altercation, so we are going purely on witness and… uh… victim statements.”
“I don’t remember you taking my statement.”
“Jeongguk,” his father hisses, “just shut up and let me handle this.”
“If you need witnesses, I have plenty of people who have seen that freak following Jeongguk around for weeks,” Hwan says. “He acts like he’s on drugs most of the time. Jeongguk even lets him stay in his dorm room. I know because his neighbour told me.”
“Leave Jimin out of this,” Jeongguk warns in a low tone.
“Who the hell have you been associating with Jeongguk?” His father asks angrily.
“Mr Jeon,” Hwan puts on a fake apologetic expression as he speaks to Jeongguk’s father. “I tried to warn him that that Jimin guy was trouble. He thinks he has magic powers and tries to use them on the students. We’ve all been concerned about him, but Jeongguk insists on bringing him into all his classes. Then that Jimin guy had some sort of psychotic episode when I confronted him about the vandalism of the sports field, and he attacked me. I was just defending myself when Jeongguk joined in and beat me up.”
Jeongguk slams his hands on the table and stands up, his chair toppling back. “That’s a fucking lie!”
“Jeongguk!”
“No! He’s lying! Jimin wouldn’t hurt a fly! He’s the nicest person you’ll ever meet, and Hwan is just trying to use him and me as a scapegoat!”
“Are you saying this Jimin person hasn’t been staying in your dorms against university rules?” The woman at the head of the table asks.
“I…” Jeongguk’s eyes flicker around the people at the table. He falls silent, because what can he say? One search of the dorm’s CCTV and they would see Jimin entering his dorm room every night. “… No.”
“And he hasn’t been joining you in all your classes?”
“I mean… he has… but he’s not some violent weird person!”
“Oh, he’s weird alright,” Hwan scoffs, “he acts like he should be in a psych ward, and dresses like he’s some homeless street performer. What gutter did you even pick him up from, Jeongguk?”
“Don’t make me beat your ass again,” Jeongguk grits out, pointing a finger at Hwan. “I did it easily enough the first time.”
“Jeongguk sit down!” His father growls, but Jeongguk stays standing. “This is ridiculous! I can’t believe all this has happened because you’ve been associating with some sort of criminal.” He looks around at the board members sitting at the table. “You see? My son is innocent. He has been coerced and manipulated into behaving this way. The offender is obviously this Jimin person. He should be the one punished.”
“What?” Jeongguk is rendered momentarily speechless. He looks down at his father. “Are you even going to listen to my side of the story?”
His father glares up at him, lowering his voice and leaning closer so only Jeongguk can hear him. “I said sit down and shut up. Just be quiet so I can handle this mess you’ve caused.”
“I don’t need you to handle anything! Why can’t you just listen to me for once?”
“Because nothing you say is worth listening to! You’re a constant embarrassment to yourself and me, and you have no idea how to act like a responsible adult. I don’t know how I ended up with a son like you. If you were more like your brother we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
And there it is.
Sit down and shut up. Just smile and nod, and try not to embarrass the family. Be more like your brother. That’s what is expected of Jeongguk. That’s what will be expected of Jeongguk for his entire life.
“You know what? I’m done,” Jeongguk says and it almost comes out as a laugh.
“What?”
Jeongguk looks away from his father and addresses the whole table. “It was me who vandalised the field. And you’re right, I should and will take full responsibility for that, and receive the appropriate punishment.” He takes a deep breath, a feeling of calm washing over him. Because finally Jeongguk knows what path he wants to take. And it isn’t one that keeps him under his fathers thumb, and has him sitting at a desk from nine till five for the rest of his life.
It definitely isn’t one that keeps him in this room any longer.
“I’d like to voluntarily expel myself from this university.”
Jeongguk steps away from the table and away from his father. Everyone at the table is stunned by his sudden announcement, including Hwan who probably wanted to drag this out until Jeongguk was kicking and screaming. But now Jeongguk is smiling, like a weight has been lifted off him.
“What are you saying Jeongguk?” His father stands up. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t mean it.”
“No. I do mean it,” Jeongguk laughs. “I’m so done with all of this,” he gestures around himself. “I don’t want this— this life you have planned out for me that I obviously am not cut out for. So let me do us both a favour. I quit.” And with that Jeongguk turns and walks out of the room.
He takes a deep breath as he walks down the hall. Suddenly he feels so much lighter. He can feel himself smiling. How long has it been since he’s actually been happy about a decision he’s made? Is this the first time he’s actually put his own happiness first?
“Jeongguk stop right there!” His father barrels down the hall behind him, grabbing his shoulder and almost wrenching it from it’s socket as he turns Jeongguk back to face him. “What the hell has gotten into you? You can’t just quit!”
“Why not?” He counters.
His father sputters. “Well, for one I’ve put too much damn money into your education! That’s why!”
Jeongguk nods. “I understand, and I’m sorry you feel that you’ve wasted it. I’ll make sure to pay you back everything I owe you.”
His father scoffs. “And how do you intend to do that?”
“There are other job opportunities out there, father. I know it’s a wild thought to you, but I’ll be just fine finding my own career path. And hey, you already have one son who is more than happy and qualified to take over the family business, so you don’t have to worry about that either. You never needed me anyway. Really- it’s a win-win for both of us if I’m in charge of my own life from now on.”
Jeongguk’s father opens his mouth to speak, but it’s as if he is lost for words. “I… you… this is all because of that lunatic who thinks he’s magic, isn’t it?”
Jeongguk pulls his arm free from his father’s grip and turns away, walking towards the exit. His father is never going to agree with anything that Jeongguk is saying. He never has. “I’ve made my decision father. I’ll give you some time to come to terms with it.”
“Jeongguk!”
Jeongguk pushes the doors of the building open and walks out into the evening air, and his father barrels out of the door after him. “Stop right there, Jeongguk!” He shouts. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing right now? At this rate you won’t even graduate! You’ve ruined your life over what? A freak who thinks he has magical powers?”
“Hey! I explained to you my reasons. It has nothing to do with Jimin.”
The woman who had been sitting at the head of the table suddenly appears at the door behind his father. “If- if everyone could calm down, we can go back inside and discuss this.”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “There’s nothing to discuss, I said I’m done!”
“Oh dear…” the woman sighs, running a hand through her disheveled bangs, “what a calamity this has become.”
“Jeon Jeongguk,” his father snaps, “If you go through with this, I refuse to help you any longer. You’ll be cut off from the family’s finances, and will have no place at the company, not now or in the future.” His father probably means it to be a threat, an ultimatum that will make Jeongguk change his mind, but Jeongguk is grateful for it.
“I understand,” Jeongguk says, his voice coming out calm and clear. “From now on, I think I’d like to try walking my own path.”
With that he turns and walks away from his stunned father, who doesn’t chase after him this time. He lets Jeongguk walk away, and Jeongguk feels lighter than he has ever felt his whole life.
He goes straight back to Jimin’s apartment. It hasn’t been too long since he left, just over an hour maybe, so Jeongguk hopes that Jimin is still asleep and he can crawl back into the bed with him and take a long nap.
However, when he climbs the creaky stairs, Jeongguk finds an empty apartment. “Jimin?” He calls out, walking across the room to the bathroom to check that Jimin isn’t inside. But, no. The apartment sits empty.
Jeongguk walks over to the desk and sees that the note he left Jimin is gone. So Jimin has read his note. Something doesn’t sit right in his gut. He told Jimin in the note to wait for him here, that he would be right back.
So where has Jimin gone?
✨
Jimin wakes up to an empty bed and an empty apartment.
“Jeongguk?” Jimin calls out as he sits up and rubs his eyes. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but he had been up all night painting that huge protective talisman on the field. Jimin cringes with guilt when he thinks about all the trouble it caused. All the trouble he caused. He was just so worried about leaving Jeongguk alone in case something happened to him while he was gone.
Jeongguk’s scent still lingers, a fresh cotton smell which is so different from the smell of incense which fills Jimin’s home. He must have only just left. Jimin climbs off the bed and stretches, noticing a note on his desk. He picks it up and reads it.
Dear Jimin,
I’m just going back to the university to sort something out.
It’s nothing to worry about. I’ll come straight back here after.
P.s. I tried my best to fix your magic book. I hope I didn’t make it worse.
JK
Jimin sucks in a breath, reaching down to open his grandmother’s book where it sits on his desk. His hand comes up to cover his mouth when he sees the carefully reconstructed pages, the rips that have been taped back together, the carefully redrawn sections of his grandmother’s art. Jimin’s eyes fill with tears.
Most of Jimin’s life, it’s always just been him and his grandmother. Then his grandmother passed, and suddenly it was just Jimin. He’s held onto these books like a lifeline, the last connection to the woman who raised him and helped him to become the person he is. Seeing it under a persons boot, being trodden into the dirt— it had felt like Jimin’s heart had taken its place, being helplessly shredded to pieces in front of him.
But now here it is, put back together so lovingly. Mended by someone who stumbled into Jimin’s Magic Shop and took away all his loneliness. Maybe the book is even better now because it has Jeongguk’s penmanship in it as well.
Maybe Jimin’s life is better too.
Jimin reads over the handwritten letter again, and his mood drops. If Jeongguk is going back to the university, it must have something to do with the fight. Jimin brings his hand to his cheek, running his fingertips over the bruise that is still tender where Hwan had hit him. Jeongguk’s bruises looked even worse, and the idea of him turning up to his university injured and alone is something that makes a wave of protectiveness wash over Jimin.
He should be there to explain that it was all his fault. He was the one who painted the protective talisman on the sports field, he caused Hwan to lose his temper which started the fight. Jeongguk shouldn’t be there alone to take any kind of blame when it was all Jimin and his stupid spontaneous ideas.
Jimin folds the note and puts it in his pocket before quickly pulling on his cloak and slipping on his leather lace-up shoes. He runs down the stairs and pulls open his door, stepping out onto the street. He wastes no time, turning and setting off in the direction of the university.
Once he gets to the campus he takes a breath and closes his eyes, focusing on Jeongguk’s energy. Jimin follows his feet wherever they decide to lead him, and then he’s running through the campus again, up one path then turning down another until he stops before a large administration building.
At that very moment Jeongguk walks out of the front door of the building, a determined look on his face as he marches down the steps. A man follows him out of the door, a man that looks just like Jeongguk. They have a similar face, except the man has sharper eyes. They aren’t soft and round like Jeongguk’s. That’s how Jimin knows it must be Jeongguk’s father.
“Stop right there, Jeongguk!” Jeongguk’s father shouts. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing right now? At this rate you won’t even graduate! You’ve ruined your life over what? A freak who thinks he has magical powers?”
“Hey!” Jeongguk turns and barks defensively, “I explained to you my reasons. It has nothing to do with Jimin.”
Jimin’s breath hitches when he hears his name. Suddenly a woman in a skirt suit walks out of the door looking flustered. “If- if everyone could calm down we can go back inside and discuss this.”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “There’s nothing to discuss, I said I’m done!”
The woman looks between the two men and runs a hand through her dishevelled bangs. “Oh dear…” she sighs, “what a calamity this has become.”
Jimin’s heart drops into his stomach. He stumbles backwards, his breath quickening as the ice cold feeling of dread washes over him.
Calamity.
Jimin hasn’t been able to stop it. In fact, he brought it about.
Everything slots together in his head at that moment. If Jimin hadn’t been here, if he hadn’t been trying to protect Jeongguk, then Jeongguk wouldn’t have gotten into a fight with Hwan, and he wouldn’t have gotten into trouble with the university. Now Jeongguk won’t graduate, and his life has been ruined. And it’s all Jimin’s fault.
He was the calamity in Jeongguk’s future. It has always been him.
The realisation hits him like train, and he can’t stop the sob that rips from his throat. He’s hurt the person that he cares about most in the whole world. The one person he wanted to protect. How can he ever face Jeongguk after what he’s done? The guilt and panic feels so suffocating that Jimin turns and runs away.
There’s a slight chill in the evening air, and it feels cold against the hot tears which stream down his face as he runs. He’s not sure what to do, but he knows that he can’t stay around Jeongguk anymore. He’ll just end up doing him more harm.
So instead of returning to his apartment where he knows Jeongguk will go, he turns and runs in the direction of Jeongguk’s dorm room. Once there, he gets his bag and shoves in the items of clothing he had brought to Jeongguk’s over the weeks he’s been here, as well as his crystals and other magical items. Then, tugging the bag over his shoulder, Jimin wipes at his damp cheeks, pulls the hood of his cloak up, and leaves.
Keeping his head down, he quietly walks towards the bus stop which will take him out of the city.
He’s better far away from Jeongguk.
And, right now, he has an overwhelming need to see his grandmother.
✨
Jeongguk stares at the empty bed in Jimin’s apartment, deep in thought.
He’s just realised that the whole time Jimin was with him, he never asked him for his phone number. Hell, he isn’t even sure if Jimin has a phone, or if he sends messages via carrier pigeon or something. It’s just that Jimin hasn’t left his side since they met, so Jeongguk never needed his number. He wishes he had it now though.
He waits at Jimin’s apartment a little while longer, but when Jimin doesn’t return Jeongguk decides to head back to his dorm. He makes sure to search the roads around the campus as he walks, and calls each of his friends while he’s walking to check if any of them have seen Jimin on campus, but none of them have.
Jeongguk’s dorm room is as empty as Jimin’s apartment, but looking around it Jeongguk notices that Jimin has taken his bag and all of his magical trinkets. So he’s been here, but he’s long gone by the looks of it.
Jeongguk sits down on the edge of his bed and drops his head into his hands, his mind ticking over. It’s quiet in his room without Jimin here. He’s become so used to having Jimin constantly around him these past weeks that suddenly it’s like theres a void without him. The room feels too cold. Too quiet. Too grey.
Jeongguk pulls the necklace Jimin made him out from under his shirt and holds it in his palm, the stone warm where it has been laying against the skin of his chest. “Jimin, where the hell have you gone?” He says out loud, his hand wrapping tightly around the crystal.
Suddenly a thought hits him like an epiphany. Jimin’s grandmother. That’s where Jimin has gone. Jeongguk looks down at the crystal in wonder. There really is something to all this magic shit.
He jumps up off of bed, and then he’s grabbing his jacket and running back out into the evening air towards Jimin’s apartment. When he gets there he goes straight to Jimin’s grandmother’s book which lies on the desk where he left it. He opens it to the back page and finds the address of Jimin’s grandmother’s cottage, exactly where Jimin said it would be.
Jeongguk types the address into his phone and pulls up the route. It’s just over 1 hour on the bus. Well, there’s no question that Jeongguk is going after Jimin, so without a second thought he walks back out of Jimin’s apartment and towards the bus stop.
✨
“I miss you,” Jimin says to his grandmother’s small gravestone, his voice cracking as he speaks.
It’s dark now, a lantern flickering beside Jimin where he sits on the grass under the old willow tree at the end of the garden, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. When he reached the cottage he’d come straight to his grandmother, and he’s been sitting here for what must be an hour now.
His grandmother’s cottage has sat empty ever since she passed away. Jimin was the only person in her will, so all her possessions went to him. He tried to stay at the cottage, but with her gone it felt too quiet, and Jimin had felt the crushing weight of loneliness for the first time in a place that had always been theirs. That’s when he decided to leave. To move to the city and use his gifts to help people like his grandmother had taught him to. He’d used the money she had left for him to purchase the little building where he set up his magic shop, and moved into the loft.
Now when he visits here, the loneliness is less crushing. Now he can appreciate the memories the old house holds while feeling connected to his grandmother’s presence. He can feel her everywhere, in the flowers, in the little fish pond, in the ivy that grows from the base of the willow tree, and all over the house, her energy covering it completely like she’s claiming her home as still hers.
Even now Jimin feels like her arms are wrapped around him, and she’s running her fingers through his hair like she always did when he was sad.
The sun has almost completely set, the sky above a deep purple blending into red as it touches the horizon. The candle in the lantern flickers beside Jimin, casting shadows onto the trees and ivy around him as he cries to his grandmother.
“I wish you were here to give me advice,” Jimin says, drawing his knees up and resting his chin on them. “You taught me to use my gifts to help people, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. But I wasn’t able to help Jeongguk no matter how hard I tried. I ended up being the calamity I had warned him against.” He sniffs, wiping at his puffy eyes. “I hurt the person I care for most in the world. How am I even supposed to go near him again?” His voice wobbles and his throat burns. “What am I supposed to do now?” He lowers his head and presses his eyes onto his knees to try and stop the tears. “I ruined his life…”
“That’s a little bit of an exaggeration, Jimin.”
Jimin jolts with a gasp, lifting his head and turning to see Jeongguk standing behind him. “J-Jeongguk? What… w-what are you doing here?”
Jeongguk smiles, the shadows from the lamp flickering across his beautiful features as he steps towards Jimin. “Do you know how hard it is to find this cottage from the main road? I swear I passed the gate about twenty times before I managed to ask a local guy who was passing by with his dog.” He gestures behind himself towards the gate, before sitting down beside Jimin with a grunt, crossing his legs under him. He faces Jimin’s grandmothers grave and bows deeply in greeting. “It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Jeongguk, Jimin’s friend.” He says politely before turning to look at Jimin who can’t stop staring at him.
“How did you find me here?” Jimin asks, voice raw and full of disbelief.
Jeongguk’s lips quirk into a cheeky smile as he reaches inside the collar of his shirt and pulls out the crystal necklace Jimin made him. “I followed this,” he says, and Jimin’s eyes lock onto the gemstone that sways between them in surprise. Then Jeongguk pulls out his phone and holds it up, “but mostly I used google maps,” he grins, “you wrote the address in the back of your grandmothers book, remember?”
“Oh…” Jimin’s mouth forms a little circle in realisation before he deflates, shaking his head. “You shouldn’t be here. You need to stay away from me.” He stands up, brushing off his cloak and turning to walk back towards the cottage.
Jeongguk is up in a second, capturing Jimin’s wrist in his hand and pulling him back to face him.“Why? Jimin what’s wrong? Why did you run away?”
Jimin feels the tears threaten to fall again. He’s cried so much today. More than he has in years.
“Because I’m your calamity,” he says bluntly, and saying it out loud feels like a dagger to his own heart. “I’m the very thing I was trying to protect you against.”
Jeongguk watches him for a second, his eyes flickering across Jimin’s face. “Jimin… did you ever stop to think for a moment that being my calamity isn’t a bad thing?”
Jimin’s throat bobs as he tries to settle his emotions, but now confusion is thrown into the mix. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you said it yourself when we first met. Calamity can mean disaster or death or other horrible things, but it can also mean something else… remember? It can mean a big change in my life.”
Jimin’s heart thunders in his chest because he’s so confused, but Jeongguk is right. Calamity can mean change in someone’s life. “C-change?”
Jeongguk chuckles, stepping closer to him and letting go of his wrist to take his face in his hands so Jimin is looking straight into Jeongguk’s eyes. “Yes. Change, Jimin. And you might have been the catalyst that brought it about, but who says that the change is a bad thing?”
“It’s not?”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “No, it’s not. I was miserable, Jimin. I felt trapped in my own life. But now I can finally live my life the way I want. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. So please understand me when I say that you’re the best fucking calamity that could have happened to me.”
Jimin reaches up and clings to the front of Jeongguk’s shirt. “R-really? I didn’t ruin your life?”
Jeongguk runs a thumb over Jimin’s cheek, his smile bright in the lamp light. “No, Jimin. You made it so much better. Watching the way you live your life with so much freedom… it made me crave that feeling too. So I finally stood up to my father, I quit university, and I already feel more in control of my own life now then I’ve ever felt before. I even got to beat up a guy who I’ve wanted to beat up for years. So, no, you’ve had zero negative effects on my life.”
Jimin’s hands move up to brush against Jeongguk’s cheeks, like he’s testing that he’s really here and really saying all of these beautiful words. Jeongguk’s eyes soften at the touch, nose scrunching up in that bunny smile. It makes Jimin’s chest fill with warmth.
“What about your career?”
“Jimin, I feel like I remember more about your damn palm reading then you do,” Jeongguk chuckles. “Remember the fork in the road? The two paths? My father gave me an ultimatum just like you said he would, and I made a decision to go my own way.” Jeongguk shrugs. “I’m not a hundred percent sure what I’m going to do with my life right now, but isn’t that the fun of it? I actually get to be the one to decide.”
So, Jimin really didn’t ruin the life of the only person he’s cared for as deeply as his grandmother? He searches Jeongguk’s eyes like he can find the answers there, and he sees a steadfast Jeongguk looking back with determination and confidence.
Jimin starts to cry again, but this time out of sheer relief and joy. He didn’t ruin anything, and he didn’t lose Jeongguk.
Jimin must look as overwhelmed as he feels because Jeongguk pulls him into a tight hug, tucking him under his chin tightly and swaying him back and forth. “God- Jimin, you had me so fucking worried. I thought I wouldn’t be able to find you. Don’t ever run off like that again.”
Jimin melts in Jeongguk’s arms, and Jeongguk holds him tight until Jimin’s tears have dried against the apples of his cheeks. They stay there for a while simply holding each other before Jeongguk speaks again. “So, this is where you grew up?”
Jimin nods. “It is.”
“Do I get a tour?”
Jimin lifts his head. “Oh, it’s been so long since there’s been a visitor. How wonderful. Come, come.”
Jimin breaks free from Jeongguk’s hold and takes his hand in his own, leading him down the little cobble path towards the cottage.
✨
The cottage is quaint, with small windows and a carved wooden door that Jeongguk has to duck his head down to get through. They enter into the kitchen, which is lined with old wooden cabinets and a wooden island in the centre. It reminds Jeongguk a lot of what Jimin’s apartment’s kitchen looks like, but it’s a lot less chaotic.
“This is the kitchen,” Jimin says, gesturing around. “There’s a pantry in the corner,” he points to a door tucked between the cabinets, “and over here is where we would mark my height each year.” Jimin tugs Jeongguk over to the door leading to the next room, pointing out the markings etched into the doorframe.
“Huh,” Jeongguk leans in to look closer, “so you haven’t grown much since you were 18 then?”
He meant it in a teasing way, but Jimin simply smiles and nods. “I think it’s really worked in my favour. People might be scared to approach me for help if I towered over them.”
Jeongguk feels like melting on the spot at those words, because how can Jimin even be selfless about his own height? He’s really such a sweet soul and Jeongguk feels very blessed to have Jimin in his life.
“This is the living room,” Jimin says as he leads Jeongguk into the next room. Wooden beams line the ceiling and a large fireplace sits in the center. “It’s really cozy when the fire is on. Under the window over there is where I use to study with my grandmother.”
He tugs Jeongguk to a set of narrow stairs which take them upstairs. “My grandmothers room,” he says as they stand outside the door of the main bedroom. He sounds melancholy, and doesn’t step into the room. Jeongguk simply peers inside, observing how the bed is neatly made, a book still open on the bedside table.
“You’ve kept it made for her.”
Jimin nods. “I try. Although I can’t visit as much recently. I wish I could stay here, but at the same time it’s so lonely now.” He smiles sadly. Jeongguk knows that Jimin misses his grandmother, but since arriving and seeing Jimin curled up under the willow tree speaking to her, and seeing how his usual bright energy has dulled, he’s realised that Jimin is still actively mourning her loss.
“She would be proud that you moved to the city to help more people.”
Jimin smiles. “I hope she is.”
“Can I see your room?”
“Of course!” Jimin brightens up and turns to tug Jeongguk down the hall to the door at the end.
Jimin’s room looks very similar to his apartment in the city, with shelves holding jars and books and magical trinkets. But it’s a little more empty, and Jeongguk guesses that’s because Jimin has taken most of his favourite items with him to the city, leaving only a few behind. There’s a cozy looking bed in the corner, the wooden bed frame hand painted with leaves and flowers.
“This is where I honed most of my skills,” Jimin points to a little nook in the corner where there’s a desk and more shelves. “I learned a lot here. Although there’s always a lot more things to learn. So, yeah, that’s pretty much everything.”
“It’s a really lovely place,” Jeongguk hums, looking around the room before dropping down onto the edge of Jimin’s bed.
Jimin sits down next to him, twisting at his rings. “So… what are you going to do now?”
Jeongguk nibbles on his bottom lip. “I don’t know… It’s been a long day. I haven’t actually thought about what I’m going to do next. I mean, I guess for starters I’ll have to move out of my dorm, and find a new place to live…”
Jimin hums quietly to himself before turning to Jeongguk. “If you’d like, you can stay here for a little while? You don’t need to worry about finding somewhere right now. You can just take some time to get your head together and figure out what you want to do next. And… I could stay here with you too… if you’d like,” Jimin adds quietly, and Jeongguk doesn’t miss the pretty blush that blooms on Jimin’s cheeks.
Jeongguk can’t help but smile as any leftover tension and anxiety that he was holding onto dissipates, and he silently thanks the universe for bringing Jimin into his life.
“I would love to stay with you Jimin. Thank you.”
✨
Jeongguk is in love with Jimin.
He knows that his feelings have been steadily growing ever since he had met Jimin, but after living at the cottage with Jimin for a couple of weeks now, it’s like they’re overflowing.
Every day he wakes up next to Jimin he falls even more. Every little giggle Jimin lets out, every strange look they get in public when Jimin starts foraging at the side of the road, every time Jimin makes them watch ‘FernGully’ on the old tv next to the fire and cries when the trees are in pain, Jeongguk falls more in love with him.
He falls for him every time Jimin lets out that little sigh when Jeongguk curls around him in the night. When he sits up in the morning with his eyes swollen shut and hair sticking up on all sides. When he disappears into the forest and returns covered in so much mud that he has to rinse himself off in the garden. When he sits for hours making new potions from his books in hopes that he can help more people in the city.
But most of all he falls for Jimin every time he laughs. It’s a beautiful sound, and the way Jimin always collapses against him like he’s lost all control has Jeongguk certain that he want’s to be the one to make Jimin laugh for the rest of his life.
So yes, Jeongguk is in love with Jimin.
Now he just has to figure out what to do about it.
✨
Jimin is in love with Jeongguk.
He doesn’t even think he’s hiding it well anymore. Maybe he has been far too obvious these past weeks. But he can’t help it. Every time Jeongguk smiles and laughs he can barely hold his emotions in.
He practically melts into a puddle when Jeongguk slips under the covers beside him at the end of the day. Sometimes in the night, Jeongguk holds him in his sleep. He’s not sure if he does it on purpose, but Jimin hopes he does, because when Jimin presses back against Jeongguk in the dark, it’s a feeling he never wants to let go of for the rest of his life.
Jimin feels like he blushes every second he’s with Jeongguk. Sometimes Jeongguk tucks his hair behind his ears and it gives him goosebumps. Sometimes Jeongguk hugs him for no reason, and it makes him shiver in the best way. He’s decided that he loves being beside Jeongguk every day and he definitely doesn’t want it to end.
Every day that passes, Jimin wants to tell Jeongguk how he feels more and more, but he isn’t sure how to tell him. He knows that Jeongguk likes him a lot, but he doesn’t know if it’s in the same way that Jimin likes him. Jimin has never been in any kind of romantic relationship before, and he isn’t even sure if this is the right way to go about it.
Jimin sits in his magic shop, with Gerard out of his case and on the table in front of him. He sighs and strokes at Gerard’s eye sockets. “Oh, Gerard. What shall I say to him?”
Gerard gives him that look that he always does.
“I know, I know,” Jimin sighs, propping his chin in his hand as he looks towards the front window, watching the people outside passing by. “You don’t specialise in love. This is something I have to figure out myself. I’m just scared that I might do something wrong, and end up all alone again. I would be so sad without Jeongguk beside me.”
Jimin looks down at Gerard, who stares back at him, and then nods.
“You’re right. I can’t stay silent about it forever. I wont know unless I try. Thank you, Gerard. You always know what to say.”
The bell rings and a pair of customers enter. Jimin smiles brightly at them, tucking Gerard under his arm as he steps out from behind his table to greet them.
“Welcome! Welcome to my magic shop. Please make yourselves at home.”
✨
“Hypothetically… how does one go about telling someone that they… have feelings for them?” Jeongguk asks as he runs his finger around the rim of his coffee cup.
Taehyung and Yoongi sit opposite him at their favourite table in their go-to cafe. It’s tucked away in the corner, but also near a window so Taehyung can people-watch.
”Ooohh…” Taehyung quirks an eyebrow knowingly. “I wondered why you so suddenly wanted to meet for coffee.”
“So you have feelings for Jimin,” Yoongi says, not beating around the bush at all.
“Like we didn’t see that coming,” Taehyung snorts, and Jeongguk scowls at him. “Hey, I don’t blame you he is a cutie,” Taehyung nods, sipping his drink.
“Okay, fine, yes, I like Jimin, ” Jeongguk admits, running a hand through his already messy hair. “But I don’t know how to tell him. We have a really nice thing going right now, and I’m pretty sure he likes me too… I just- I haven’t really done this before so I wanted advice from someone who has.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right person,” Yoongi leans back in his chair. “Me. Not him,” he says, pointing a thumb at Taehyung, “he’s been dumped more times than he’s asked someone out.”
“Hey!” Taehyung hits him playfully on the shoulder, and Yoongi hits him back before the pair settle down to focus on Jeongguk again. “So, you’re going to tell him your feelings?”
“Yes. But I don’t know how to do it. What if I do it wrong?”
“How could you confess wrong?”
“Well, what if Jimin has already foreseen it?”
Taehyung and Yoongi both look at him blankly. “Come again?”
“Well Jimin can tell the future right? What if he already knows I’m going to confess? Like, what if he’s had a vision of what I’m going to do or say, but I don’t know what that is right? So what if I do it wrong?”
Taehyung and Yoongi are both looking at him like he’s grown an extra head. “He doesn’t have super powers, Jeongguk.”
“But he knows things! And he has Gerard…”
Yoongi shakes his head, placing his coffee cup down on the table. “Listen, Jeongguk. Jimin likes you, right?”
Jeongguk nods. “Yeah. Well, I’m pretty sure what we have is way past platonic at this point.”
“The guy has been giving you heart eyes since the night you met,” Taehyung says, “he likes you a lot, trust me.”
“So, why don’t you just ask him on a date?” Yoongi suggests. “Or just tell him when you’re together and the moment feels right. Even if he has ‘foreseen it, which I don’t think that’s how it works but whatever, even if he has, then what he’s seen will be whatever you end up doing anyway. So, don’t overthink it.”
Jeongguk mulls over his friends words, his finger working overtime around the rim of his coffee cup as he listens.
“Okay… Yeah. You’re right. I’m gonna tell him.”
✨
“Do you think I could learn how to do this stuff?” Jeongguk asks later that evening, picking up a funky looking crystal from one of the shelves in Jimin’s bedroom.
Jimin perks up, his eyes sparkling. “You want to hone your spiritual energy and open your third eye, giving you insight into the spiritual realm and all the wonders it possesses?”
Jeongguk shrugs. “Sure.”
“Oh!” Jimin claps his hands together excitedly, “How lovely! You would make a marvellous seer! You’ll let me teach you?”
“I mean, why not? Go ahead, whip out all your rocks and cards and magic shit,” he holds a finger up in warning as Jimin bounds towards him excitedly, “but no human skulls please.”
“Ah, Gerard,” Jimin sighs wistfully, “we have the nicest conversations, him and I.”
“I’m sure you do…” Jeongguk nods in acceptance. “How about the cursing thing. Can you teach me that?”
Jimin shakes his head quickly, looking up at Jeongguk with a serious expression. “No no. I wont curse people, and I wont allow you to either.”
Jeongguk jokingly sighs in disappointment. “Damn. I really wanted to turn people into frogs.”
Jimin narrows his eyes suspiciously. “Hmm… maybe I shouldn’t help you learn after all.”
Jeongguk laughs. “I was kidding! I will be on my best behaviour, I promise. So, how about it?”
Jimin nods excitedly. “Okay, let’s go to the living room.”
Jeongguk heads downstairs first, carrying some books and a leather case that Jimin had given him, setting them down on the coffee table. Shortly after Jimin comes into the room cradling a crystal ball in his arms. “I’m sure this one will work,” he says hopefully as he walks over and sets it up on its gilded stand on the coffee table. “It takes a long time to connect with your spiritual side. I am naturally gifted, but you can still do it if you try hard enough. I’m sure of it.”
They try a few different exercises that Jimin says are supposed to get Jeongguk’s spiritual juices flowing. Jeongguk can’t help himself from giggling a few times, and Jimin giggles too before batting his arm and reminding him to concentrate. Jeongguk isn’t really able to pick up on anything, but it’s fun anyway, and Jimin seems incredibly happy just having the chance to teach Jeongguk.
“Let’s try the crystal ball next,” Jimin suggests.
Jeongguk claps his hands together determinedly. “Okay! Let’s do this.” He scoots forwards until his knees are tucked under the coffee table, looking at the clear glass ball in front of him. He studies it for a second then looks at Jimin over the top. “What do I do?”
“Well, you need to concentrate,” Jimin explains, scooting closer to the table where he sits opposite Jeongguk. “Close your eyes and try to pull up your spiritual energy. Like this.” Jimin closes his eyes, then a moment later he opens them, “See?”
“I see nothing.”
“Oh dear. Maybe if I try to give you some of mine.” Jimin reaches around the crystal ball and takes Jeongguk’s hands into his own, his brows furrowing in concentration.
Jeongguk feels nothing except the warmth of Jimin’s soft hands, but that warmth does feel like a type of energy to Jeongguk. “You know, I think I do feel something…”
Jimin’s eyes brighten, “How marvellous! Now look into the crystal, and search for your future. Tell me what you see.”
Jeongguk looks into the crystal ball. “Hmm… I’m not sure…” he mumbles.
Jimin quickly shoots to his feet and walks around the table, kneeling down behind Jeongguk on the floor. Suddenly his hands are pressed to Jeongguk’s temples like a clamp around his head. “Here. Have more,” he says, hooking his chin over Jeongguk’s shoulder to look down at the crystal ball.
Jeongguk genuinely concentrates because at this point he does believe there is something special about Jimin. But when he looks at they crystal ball, the only thing he sees is his and Jimin’s reflections on the glass looking back at him. “Well… I think I see something to do with my future.”
Jimin’s hands squeeze around his head in excitement. “What do you see?”
Jeongguk stares at the reflection of himself and Jimin, and decides that that is exactly what he wants to see. That is what he wants his future to look like. “I see me and you, together. I’m studying something I actually want to study. You’re helping all the people that you want to help. We’re both happy and free to do anything we want.”
“Really?” Jimin’s voice comes out softer than before. “You see that?”
“Well, I’m not one hundred percent certain, but I’m pretty sure that’s what the crystal ball says about my future, yeah.”
Jimin’s hands slip from Jeongguk’s temples and wrap around his shoulders instead as he hugs him from behind. “That sounds perfect.”
“Do you want to double check?” Jeongguk jokes.
“No. There’s no need,” Jimin replies shaking his head, “what you saw was perfect. Shall we try palm reading next? Maybe you’ll be good at that too. It’s my speciality after all.”
Jimin stokes the fire which crackles in the fireplace before dropping down beside Jeongguk again, their backs resting against the base of the sofa. Jimin rests his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder and Jeongguk takes Jimin’s palm in his hand, looking down at it and referring occasionally to an open book on the floor beside him.
“So, Is there anything particular you’d like to know?” Jeongguk asks with a teasing lilt, echoing the same words Jimin asked him when he had first read his palm.
Jimin smiles, a blush rising on his cheeks. “How about love?”
Jeongguk hums. “Love? I’ve heard that most people ask about that.”
“Yes,” Jimin nods, “They usually do.”
Jeongguk looks down at the soft lines on Jimin’s palm. This is it. This is his moment. “Hmm…” he runs his index finger along the skin. “I think there’s someone who loves you very much,” he whispers, “someone who is very close to you. I think you’ll find… that person wants to spend the rest of their life together with you.”
Jimin lifts his head and Jeongguk looks up to meet Jimin’s wide eyes, blinking back at him. “It… really says that?”
Jeongguk nods, his stomach twisting with nervous excitement. “It does.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Who… who is it? The person that… loves me?”
Jeongguk smiles, slipping his fingers between Jimin’s, linking their hands together. “I think you know, Jimin.”
“I… maybe I do, yes… but… I need to double check in the book…” Jimin moves to lean across Jeongguk to reach for the open book with his free hand, but the movement lines his face up directly with Jeongguk’s. Jimin sucks in a small breath of surprise when Jeongguk gently takes hold of his chin and presses their lips together in a tender kiss.
“You don’t need to check,” Jeongguk whispers against Jimin’s lips when he pulls back, “because I’m telling you that I love you, Jimin.”
Jimin is stunned for a moment, but then he quickly recovers and practically throws himself at Jeongguk, his arms slipping around Jeongguk’s neck as he kisses Jeongguk back. “Me too,” Jimin whispers into the kiss, “I love you too. So much.”
Jeongguk gathers Jimin up, slipping his arms around his waist and tugging him until he is settled in his lap. They kiss gently in the warm light of the fire, Jimin’s excited and uncoordinated kisses setting of fireworks in Jeongguk’s stomach. He can’t believe he’s kissing Jimin right now. He can’t believe that Jimin loves him back. That they’re both in love with each other and want to stay together from now on.
All this because he was dragged into a little magic shop one night, and met a strange, sweet, beautiful person who ended up being his calamity.
The calamity that ended up being everything Jeongguk needed.
Jeongguk sighs against Jimin’s lips, brushing their noses together and looking into Jimin’s hazy eyes. Jimin curls up against him, his head resting in the crook of Jeongguk’s neck as they watch the fire dance in the fireplace.
Jeongguk lifts up his own hand, opening his palm in front of Jimin. “How about me then? You haven’t read my palm for a while.”
Jimin looks at his palm, running his finger across the skin in the center. “It might be a bit of a bumpy journey, but your path smooths out into something strong and successful.” Jimin smiles up at him, “looks like you’ll be okay.”
“No more calamity?”
Jimin shakes his head. “No. Well, unless I still count.”
Jeongguk chuckles as the embers crackle quietly, dancing in the glowing coals. “Oh Jimin. Of course you do. My little calamity.”
They sit there and watch the fire for a little longer before making their way upstairs to bed. They kiss some more, and then lie there wrapped up in each other’s arms in the warm glow of the fairy lights draped around the room.
“What are all these potions for?” Jeongguk asks, his fingers running through Jimin’s hair as he looks up at the shelves full of colourful bottles above their heads.
“Oh, I haven’t shown you my potions yet!” Jimin squeaks, wiggling out of Jeongguk’s hold and kneeling on his bed to search along the shelves above it. “Of course, most of my potions and mixes are at my magic shop now. But there are some that I left here for one reason or another.”
He seems excited to show Jeongguk his collection, and Jeongguk wonders if anyone besides his grandmother has ever showed interest in it.
“So, I’m most skilled at making potions that will protect. Ones that repel evil for example, as you know,” he says as he picks up bottles and jars to squint at the labels in the low lighting. “But I do enjoy making others too. For example, this one will help the wearer find true love, this one will help with academic success. Ohh- this one will help you find your spirit creature, though I think it’s past it’s prime now… I really should make some more. Hmm, this one… ah-” Jimin’s words cut off, “never mind about that one.”
Jeongguk’s curiosity flairs as Jimin quickly hides a bottle away at the back of the shelf, moving some jars in front of it. “Wait- wait,” he sits up, “What’s that one? Why are you hiding it?”
“It’s nothing. Just something silly I threw together when I was curious. You probably wouldn’t be interested,” Jimin says nonchalantly.
“Well, now I need to know,” Jeongguk chuckles. “What is it? What does it do? Why are you blushing?” He crawls until he’s kneeling on the mattress behind Jimin, hooking his chin over his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist.
“Well it, uh… it increases the lust in a person. I found the recipe in an old book once… I was curious…”
“So it’s an aphrodisiac?” Jeongguk grins.
“I mean, yes I suppose in simple terms it is.”
“You made an aphrodisiac! You little kinky thing,” Jeongguk teases, poking Jimin’s ribs playfully.
“And what’s wrong with that?” Jimin pouts.
“Nothing at all. In fact I am loving this new information. Have you ever used it?”
“I…” Jimin bites at his lip, “…once when I first made it. To check it’s potency.”
Images flash across Jeongguk’s mind. Ones of Jimin laying in his bed, hair a mess and body flushed, sheets untucked from the corners of the bed where he had been writhing in want. The thoughts run havoc, and Jeongguk starts to feel flushed himself.
“And how did that play out?” Jeongguk says against Jimin’s ear as he brushes his fingers across Jimin’s stomach, feeling his muscles jump in response. “…Hm?”
Jimin sounds a little breathless when he replies. “Well… when you’re on your own, it’s actually kind of torturous. That’s why it’s best left unused.”
“So you’ve never used it with another person?”
Jimin shakes his head. “There was never an opportunity to. I’ve never been with anyone in that sort of… intimate way.”
Jeongguk suddenly feels extremely turned on hearing that. He has this deep hunger which is rearing it’s head. This need to touch and explore Jimin and watch him fall apart under him as he pulls out every sound that Jimin can possibly make. It’s a craving that he hasn’t experienced before, and honestly he had never thought he had the ability to feel.
“Do you want to use it with me?” Jeongguk asks.
Jimin’s breath hitches, and he turns around in Jeongguk’s arms. “You want to… to do those kind of things with me?”
“I mean… yeah. I want to really badly actually. But only if you want to. Do you?” Jeongguk searches Jimin’s face for any kind of uncertainty, but all he can see is want in Jimin’s eyes that mirrors his own.
Jimin nods. “Yes, I want to very much.”
Jimin barely gets the words out before Jeongguk takes his face in his hands and crashes their lips together. Jimin sighs into the kiss, melting into Jeongguk as he loops his arms around his shoulders, pressing their bodies together.
They both tumble down onto the bed, sheets billowing up around them, old springs creaking under their combined weight. Jeongguk lets out a surprised grunt, and Jimin giggles against his lips in response, but his giggles are quickly cut off as Jeongguk rolls them over and presses Jimin down into the bed before capturing his lips again.
Jimin’s lips fall open and Jeongguk deepens the kiss, their tongues pressing together as Jimin lets out little sounds of pleasure. Jeongguk has to fight himself to break the kiss and sit back on his knees. He looks down at Jimin with a cheeky smile. “So, which one is the lust potion?”
Jimin is already breathless as he watches Jeongguk with flushed cheeks and a dazed expression. “It- it’s a small green jar. With a wooden lid.” Jimin holds up his hands, moving his fingers in the dimensions of the size. “It’s behind the mouse skulls.”
Jeongguk searches the part of the shelf he had seen Jimin hide the bottle. He finds the small green glass jar with the wooden lid and carefully lifts it out from the very back of the shelf. He settles on his knees between Jimin’s spread legs and eyes the jar curiously, unscrewing it to look inside. The contents surprise him, he expected some sort of pink shimmery liquid that you’d drink, but instead it’s a cloudy white balm. Jeongguk brings it to his nose to inhale. It has a gentle floral scent with a hint of spice.
“It melts into an oil when you warm it with your fingers,” Jimin says, still a little breathless. “When the oil is absorbed into the skin it increases, uh… pleasure.”
“Where can you apply it?”
“Anywhere that there is skin,” Jimin replies as he starts to unbutton the buttons of his shirt one by one with shaky fingers, “but it feels best on sensitive areas.”
Jeongguk leans down to kiss Jimin again, placing the open jar of balm on the bed next to Jimin’s shoulder. He can feel that Jimin is nervous, and he can understand why. It’s his first time doing anything remotely sexual with another person. It’s normal for anyone to be a bit apprehensive. Jeongguk is also aware of how uncomfortable it can be the first time. He’s not really sure what Jimin is going to want to do, or how far he’s wanting to go tonight, but having this pleasure-increasing oil can only serve to help make it enjoyable.
Jeongguk helps Jimin finish unbuttoning his shirt, pressing kisses to his neck and across his exposed collarbones where Jimin’s shirt falls open, exposing the soft skin of his chest. Jeongguk leans back slightly and runs his hand over Jimin’s chest, watching goosebumps breakout over his skin. Jimin’s breath hitches, his chest rising and falling quickly under Jeongguk’s touch. Jeongguk moves his fingers up to brush against Jimin’s nipples, and Jimin lets out a quiet moan in response, his teeth sinking into his plump bottom lip as he watches Jeongguk intently.
Jeongguk kisses Jimin again, wrapping is arms under his waist and lifting him so Jimin is straddling his lap, his knees either side of his hips. He slips Jimin’s shirt off his shoulders and throws it aside, dragging his lips across the exposed skin. Jimin whispers Jeongguk’s name as he drops his head to the side, giving Jeongguk more room to trail his lips up Jimin’s neck, pressing soft kisses under his jaw.
Jeongguk reaches down and dips a finger into the open jar of balm, rubbing it between his palms and feeling it melt. Jimin leans back a little watching with slightly parted lips as Jeongguk rubs the balm onto his nipples. Jimin moans, eyes falling closed and head dropping back. Jeongguk’s own hands feel hot, the balm heating up between their skin like a fire.
They fall back into the sheets together, Jimin’s hands tugging at Jeongguk’s shirt in desperation. Jeongguk lets him tug it off over his head, Jimin’s fingers trailing through his hair before bringing their lips back together.
Jimin reaches for the balm and takes a little on his own finger, running it down Jeongguk’s abs and spreading it out with his palm. Jimin seems completely relaxed now, no longer nervous, his arousal very obvious through the thin silk of his pyjama pants. His chest is flushed from Jeongguk’s touches, shining with oil in the warm glow of the fairy lights.
“You’re so beautiful,” Jeongguk whispers as his hands roam Jimin’s body. Jimin keens under the compliment, his eyes hazy and cheeks flushed red. He starts to squirm under Jeongguk’s touch, back arching and legs tightening around Jeongguk’s hips.
“Touch me more…” he says breathlessly. “I need you to touch m-me, please Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk doesn't need to be asked twice. Hooking his fingers under Jimin’s waistband, he slips his pants off in one motion. Jimin’s legs fall back open either side of Jeongguk’s hips, his cock springing up against his stomach, the tip a pretty red which makes Jeongguk’s mouth water.
Jeongguk pulls off his own boxers, Jimin’s eyes trailing down his body, eyebrows knitting together as his mouth drops open. Jimin reaches up, slipping his hands around Jeongguk’s hips and pulling him forwards so their hips press together. They both let out a groan of pleasure as their erections press together, and Jimin looks completely lost in the sensation, eyes falling closed as he starts to roll his hips against Jeongguk’s.
Jeongguk feels lost to all the heightened sensations, as lost as Jimin seems to be as they roll around amongst the sheets together, exploring every inch of each other’s skin with hungry hands and mouths. They’re both completely covered in Jimin’s pleasure increasing balm at this point and Jeongguk feels like he has caught fire in the best way.
Jimin arches against him as Jeongguk slips oil covered fingers down over Jimin’s ass and between his cheeks to his hole, circling it with the pad of his fingers. Jimin whimpers against his ear as Jeongguk dips his finger inside him- testing his reaction.
“How does that feel, baby?” Jeongguk breathes against Jimin’s ear, “is it okay? Tell me if it’s too much.”
“G-good. Feels good,” Jimin whines airily, his hair damp with sweat and sticking to his forehead. “M-more, Jeongguk, add more, I can t-take it.”
Jeongguk slips in another finger, and another, drawing out whimpers and moans as he pumps them in and out to open Jimin up. By the time Jimin is stretched enough to take him comfortably, both of them are already past desperate.
Jeongguk captures Jimin’s lips in a bruising kiss as he sinks into him. He’s thankful for the balm, because Jimin is completely pain free, his face showing nothing but pleasure and his body opening up readily for Jeongguk until their hips meet. Jeongguk pulls out slowly and pushes back in, moving in a steady rhythm as Jimin moans and arches underneath him.
Jeongguk sets a pace that has Jimin crying out in pleasure, his nails scratching down Jeongguk’s back as he clings to Jeongguk, begging for more. It doesn’t take long before Jimin is coming with a loud cry, his cock spurting between them, his release mixing with the oily balm on his stomach. He clenches around Jeongguk in a way that drags Jeongguk over the edge too, and he quickly pulls out, coming with a groan as he paints Jimin’s stomach with his own release. Jeongguk collapses onto the bed next to Jimin, and reaches out to pull Jimin into his arms, both of them breathing heavily as they come down from their high.
It turns out the lust potion, as Jimin so elegantly puts it, doesn’t wear off after you reach orgasm, it simply runs it’s course depending on how much you’ve applied. Considering the fact Jimin and Jeongguk ended up using the entire jar, their night doesn’t end with only one round. They stay wrapped in each other’s arms, making love until the sun is rising, the dawn light shining through the colourful glass decorations in the window, painting their naked bodies in a beautiful rainbow.
Jimin looks up at Jeongguk with a blissed out smile, his neck littered in purple love-bites and lips kiss-swollen as he comes down from his most recent high. “Well, at least I can say that I have properly tested out my lust potion. And it gets top marks,” he giggles.
Jeongguk chuckles, laying his head down on Jimin’s chest, listening to his heart beat gently within. Jimin hums contentedly, running his hand through Jeongguk’s hair.
“Today is the anniversary of my grandmothers death…” Jimin whispers.
Jeongguk lifts his head to see Jimin gazing out of the window at the sunrise. He looks back at Jeongguk with a sad sort of smile.
“I’m sorry, baby. How do you feel?” Jeongguk asks, shuffling up the bed to kiss Jimin gently.
“Usually I’m a lot sadder. I sit with her at her grave and talk to her. We spend the day together, I tidy the garden and plant more flowers… but it’s a lot easier this year.” He smiles at Jeongguk. “Now you’re here too.”
Jeongguk pulls Jimin into his arms, hugging him tightly. “How about we have a picnic for lunch? With your grandmother. You can properly introduce me. Let’s do all the usual things you like to do but with me too. Hm?”
Jimin sniffles. “I’d really love that.”
“I really love you.”
“I really love you too.”
✨
-Six months later-
“Jeongguk! Your letter is here!”
The stairs creek as Jimin runs back upstairs from the front door. He skips across the apartment excitedly, climbing back onto the bed beside Jeongguk and holding out a pristine white envelope under his nose.
Jeongguk takes the envelope and stares down at it, the colourful logo of the art college he had applied for printed beside his name and their address. Suddenly Jeongguk feels nervous. “I didn’t realise they would be sending out responses this soon…”
Jeongguk looks up at Jimin who gives him a reassuring smile. They’ve been living together in Jimin’s apartment above the Magic Shop ever since he moved out of the university dorms six months ago. His father was not happy with the way things had played out, and had tried to force Jeongguk to reconsider more than once, but after realising that Jeongguk wasn’t going to change his mind he had stopped pushing, and gone back to focusing on Jeongguk’s brother’s career instead.
Jeongguk had been able to really explore himself after that. With Jimin’s encouragement he had stopped forcing away his creative side and instead embraced it. He started sketching and painting again, and before he knew it he was in with the local art crowd.
It had been a hilariously chaotic day when Jimin and Jeongguk had attempted to clear a space for Jeongguk to store his art and place an easel in their apartment. The place is now even more chaotic with pieces of art added among the mix of Jimin’s magical trinkets, but it somehow all works.
Jeongguk had decided to apply for art college, majoring in traditional art studies and also digital media design. The university he had applied for is one he toured with Jimin a few months prior. It is only a short commute away from the Magic Shop, and so Jimin and Jeongguk can continue living together while he studies. It also has amazing resources of supporting creatives. Jimin had also complimented the ‘lack of evil energy’ in the grounds, so that was another bonus.
After visiting the university, Jeongguk was determined to attend there. He hasn’t wanted anything this much in a long time. He hasn’t even applied for any other universities, so he really did throw all his eggs into one basket.
He thumbs at the edge of the envelope, then holds it back out to Jimin. “I can’t open it. You do it.”
Jimin shakes his head. “You need to be the one who opens it. It’s your acceptance letter.”
“I can’t. What if I got rejected? Quick-” Jeongguk taps the envelope on Jimin’s forehead, “-use your third eye. Tell me what it says!”
Jimin giggles, pushing the envelope back towards Jeongguk. “Just open it!”
“Can you rub your crystals on it first so it’ll be good news?”
“Jeongguk-”
“What does the envelopes aura look like?”
“Paper doesn’t hold an aura.”
”Okay, what about its energy? Is it good or bad?”
”Jeongguk-”
“Jimin please…”
Jimin sighs. “Okay, here- let me open it…” Jimin takes the envelope and carefully opens it slipping out the letter from within. He unfolds the envelope and scans down the page as Jeongguk holds his breath.
Jimin’s his face lights up with an ecstatic smile. “Dear Jeon Jeongguk, we are pleased to inform you that your application has been accepted to enroll-” Jeongguk doesn’t even hear anything after that except his own laughter and Jimin’s musical giggles as he pulls him into his arms.
“I got in!”
“You got in! Congratulations!” Jimin presses a soft kiss against his lips. “I knew you would. I’m so proud of you.”
“This is… wow. This is amazing. I can’t believe it.” Jeongguk holds his palm out between them. “How does my enrollment go? What do you see?”
Jimin closes Jeongguk’s hand and leans in to kiss him again, speaking softly against his lips. “I don’t need to read your palm to know you're going to be brilliant.”
Jeongguk grins. “You know what? I think you’re right. I think we’re both going to be just fine. Plus I have this,” Jeongguk holds up the crystal necklace Jimin made him all those months ago that he’s never taken off.
Jimin runs a hand through Jeongguk’s hair, kissing him softly. “Then my job here is done.”
✨
“Congratulations, Jeongguk!” Taehyung holds up his beer, finishing off his heartfelt congratulatory speech.
“Congratulations!” The rest of the group chimes in, all raising their own drinks.
“Thanks guys,” Jeongguk says as he looks around the bonfire at all his friends. The seven of them have remained as close as ever, even after Jeongguk left university, meeting together regularly.
This evening was a complete surprise to Jeongguk. He thought that he and Jimin were just coming to check on the cottage as usual, only to be met with Namjoon, Jin, Hoseok, Yoongi, and Taehyung sitting round the fire pit at the end of Jimin’s garden, marshmallows and beers in hand. Jimin had arranged a bonfire to celebrate Jeongguk’s acceptance to art college, and Jeongguk is pretty sure that Jimin has set out a load of futons in the living room for the group to all sleep round too. So Jeongguk can assume he’s going to be making a very large breakfast in the morning.
Yoongi pulls out a guitar from god knows where, and then he’s playing a gentle melody as the group fall into easy conversation as always.
Jeongguk slips his arm around Jimin’s shoulders, tugging gently until Jimin curls into his side. The heat of the fire feels warm against his knees, and Jimin’s warmth feels even better. Jimin shifts against him, pulling back to look at Jeongguk. “You smile a lot now. It makes me so happy,” he says in the flickering light of the fire. “I love your smile. It’s so beautiful.”
“Yeah? I guess I didn’t smile much before did I?” Jeongguk chuckles, tucking a loose strand of Jimin’s hair behind his ear. “I have a lot to smile about now.”
“Your aura is prettier than ever,” Jimin says before he stands up and disappears down the path and into the house. When he returns he’s carrying a basket overflowing with small pouches of what looks like sparklers and fireworks.
“I prepared these!” Jimin says to the group, placing the basket on the ground and taking out one of the pouches. He digs his fingers inside and scoops out a powder. He throws it at the fire and the flames suddenly change into a rainbow of bright colours. “Take a pouch and have a go!”
The group all stand up and take turns in enthusiastically changing the fire into different colours. Jimin giggles and looks over at Jeongguk. “This is what your aura looks like!” He calls out.
Namjoon drops down into the empty seat beside Jeongguk, and they watch as Jimin gives out sparklers to each of the others. They light them in the fire and start to write patterns in the air in front of them.
Jimin says that Jeongguk smiles a lot lately, but the same goes for Jimin. Although he always smiled, there’s something different about his smile now. Something so full of energy and a renewed zest for life. Something full of love.
Jimin is a person who thrives on the energy of others. He loves to be loved. and before they had met Jimin had been all alone. But now Jeongguk loves him every day, and so do the rest of their friends. Jimin’s shop has also increased in popularity and he is receiving more customers than ever. This all combined has made Jimin thrive. Jeongguk can’t see Jimin’s ‘aura’ like Jimin is able to, but he doesn’t need to see it to know that Jimin is glowing.
Taehyung and Hoseok help Jimin set up a few fireworks, and they step back to watch them shoot up into the air with a loud whiz, lighting up the night sky. Jimin stretches his arms up at the moon above, spinning around with a loud laugh. Jeongguk glances over at the small grave at the end of the garden. He wonders if Jimin’s grandmother can see how happy Jimin is now. He hopes she can.
“I honestly never would have put you and Jimin together,” Namjoon says as they both watch the fireworks, “but he’s really brought out the best in you.” He pats Jeongguk on the shoulder. “Don’t you think it’s crazy that if Hoseok hadn’t suggested we get our fortunes told that night, we never would have met Jimin, and none of this would have happened. Isn’t it crazy how life works out like that? Such a wild coincidence.”
“Coincidence…” Jeongguk hums to himself, tilting his head in thought as he watches Jimin spin around with a sparkler, almost losing balance and having to be steadied by Taehyung.
Jimin looks over at Jeongguk, a beautiful smile spread across his face, eyes turning up into little half moons, and Jeongguk’s heart has never felt so full.
“I wouldn’t call it a coincidence. I think I’d call it magic.”
.end. ✨