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"Ah, do we have to do it today, hyung?"
"Yes, we don't have any other time to do it."
"But I'm kinda tired. I don't think I can do it well."
"You'll be able to. You always do. C'mon."
Seokjin pulls Jimin up from his bed. Taehyung and Hoseok left half an hour ago, so their room was empty except for the bundle of something under the blanket on Jimin's bed. It was until Seokjin checked every room that he found Jimin sleeping in a fetal position, head tucked in between his arms and knees pulled up to his chest with a peaceful expression on his bed. Seokjin almost felt guilty for having to wake Jimin up.
They just got back from their vacation in the Europe, and Jimin still hasn't got his body clock just right, still somehow stuck in Europe time. He had been awake when the others were sleeping, sometimes just sitting in front of the TV channel surfing, sometimes dancing in the dance studio.
So it's not really surprising that he was that tired. He knows he should have tried getting back into their Korean time zone, but their vacation was just what they needed that he finds it hard to let go - he didn't want to go to work, he didn't want to have any practices, not even fansigns. It's safe to say that he's having vacation withdrawal syndrome.
Seokjin's eyes sweep up and down Jimin's body trudging across the hall lazily, yawning as he puts on his white cap. He smiles at the plushy creature and holds his hand out towards the younger. Jimin likes being pampered by Seokjin. Seokjin always makes the best pancakes, always gives him a few bites out of his plate, is always there when Jimin needs a hug. Seokjin is as soft as he is strong. In the jumble of his antics between childish and being the oldest, Seokjin has a reserved manner where when his word is final, even Yoongi shuts his mouth.
Jimin grabs Seokjin's outstretched hand, palm soft and warm where his meets Jimin's slightly calloused ones, and Seokjin pulls him into a hug. Arms tight around the other's waist, Jimin pushes his nose into Seokjin's sweater and inhales deeply and slowly. Jimin likes to think that if he has the sense of smell of dog, Seokjin would smell like pink cotton candy on a dewy meadow after a rain shower - sweet, sugary and fresh. Just like how he always is.
Smiling, Seokjin grazes his full lips at Jimin's temple, gives a chaste kiss and lets out a breath of content.
"C'mon now, Jimin-ah. The others are waiting."
---
Jimin hears the squeals and shrieks that Hoseok loves making and the roars of laughter following the sounds even before he enters their practice studio - Namjoon's hearty guffaw being the loudest, Jungkook's loud cackle being a contender at beating Namjoon's. No wonder those two fit each other so much at being roommates.
Taehyung's eyes widen in glee when he sees Jimin walking through the door.
"Jiminieee," he screeches, wrapping long limbs across Jimin's lean body. Seokjin gives him a final kiss on the hair before letting his hand go.
Being shorter than Taehyung, it puts Jimin in a position where Taehyung is literally hanging by his shoulders, legs dragging on the floor as Jimin tries to walk. Taehyung isn't any much heavier than Yoongi, but he is taller, making it impossible for Jimin to make any other movement. He's stuck where he is standing with that extra kid hanging on him.
"Tae," Jimin replies with a pout.
The smile that Taehyung gives him is something that he knows is only reserved for him - for the big toothy grin is one that Taehyung lets his best friend sees when he has an idea so mischievous that they might get into trouble if ever they were found out by the management. The grin that is always there when it is just the two of them in the park late at night, having snuck out from their dorm after hours, eating hot dogs. The grin that Taehyung gives him before pulling him in for a kiss, a kiss so sweet and honeyed that makes Jimin thinks that if ever they were caught doing anything rebellious, all would be fine - because as long as Taehyung is there, Jimin is fine.
"What's with the long face, Jiminie? Didn't get enough sleep?"
Jimin's pout deepens playfully and Taehyung simply couldn't help himself. He coos while cupping Jimin's cheeks with his large hands, pulling Jimin's face closer to his - close enough to count his eyelashes, close enough to see the trails and dents in his irises, close enough to nip lovingly at the tip of his nose, and he does so, grinning that square grin of his and Jimin is finally giggling into his palm.
"There's the smile that I love," Taehyung says with a tilt of his head. Jimin giggles one final time before smacking him playfully on the shoulder, acting all serious now that he's in the practice studio, his turf.
"Your bite hurts," Jimin scrunches up his face.
"No it didn't. You giggled. You liked it," Taehyung says with amusement.
"No I didn't."
"Yes you did. You like it when I do that. You like it even better when I nibble on your ears. And you looove it when I sink my teeth into your neck," Taehyung smirks.
Jimin quickly looks away, a wave of heat rolling up from the back of his neck to the tip of his ears.
"Dork," Jimin replies whilst walking away.
Taehyung laughs, following Jimin. "Your dork."
---
The cameras have been rolling for the past one and a half hour, but still they haven't gotten the choreography video just right. Someone just have to slip something up somewhere during takes, and they have to shoot a new take all over again. Jimin is getting tired from all the dancing, sweating in his denim jacket, and he requests for a break from Namjoon.
"10 minutes, then," Namjoon tells them.
The boys groan their thank yous and thank gods - Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung flopping on the floor; Seokjin, Hoseok and Yoongi sitting with their backs leaning against the ceiling-to-floor mirror, panting and arms heavy even to lift up water bottles to their mouths; Namjoon heading to the other side of the room to check his charging phone, legs too tired that he's not even lifting them as he walks. Their dance teacher slumps down even further in his seat, tired even just by watching over their choreography for the past hour.
Jungkook rolls over towards Jimin and bundles Jimin's smaller stature with his thighs across Jimin's legs, arms across his heaving chest.
"Hyung," Jungkook whispers softly, pecking a kiss on Jimin's shoulder.
Jimin hums his acknowledgement with his eyes closed.
"Hyung," Jungkook whispers again, this time with an urgent tone lacing within.
Jimin snaps his eyes open and turns his head towards their maknae. Ah, his neck hurts from lying on the floor.
He looks into Jungkook's wide eyes and nods his head 'ssup. When the younger didn't answer him, he turns his whole body towards him, which allows Jungkook to wrap his arms around Jimin's whole vicinity and he pulls him closer, until he has Jimin's head tucked under his chin.
"Are you okay?" Jungkook asks.
"Yes, why?"
"You haven't been smiling much since we started shooting."
"Ah, have I?"
"Yes."
"Hmph," Jimin hums.
Jungkook pulls him even closer, arms flexing under Jimin's hands.
"Hey hey, look at that," Jimin grins, his short fingers squeezing Jungkook's biceps.
Jungkook smirks and flexes his arm again, making his biceps hard and Jimin snickers into his chest. Being in Jungkook's arm is one of the best feelings in the world, he thinks, if not the most confusing. Being two years older than Jungkook means he's the hyung, he should have the upper hand, but at the same time, Jungkook is so tall and strong, that sturdy way of his making Jimin feels somehow safe. He doesn't tell Jungkook this - no, duh - because it will get to that Golden Boy's head and it would be forever until he lets Jimin hear the last of it.
Jimin pokes his biceps again before ghosting a kiss on Jungkook's chin and giving a bite on it. Jungkook hooks his forefinger on Jimin's chin and pulls his face up to look at him. He searches the older's gaze, smiling as he does so, and Jimin couldn't help but return the smile, because Jungkook's smile is like a drug that pulls him in further, intoxicating him.
Jungkook leaves a soft, closed-mouth kiss on his forehead, and they hear Namjoon's voice saying, "C'mon guys, let's get this over with."
---
Hoseok's eyes haven't been leaving Jimin ever since he entered the practice studio.
He sees the dark circles under Jimin's eyes. He knows just how Jimin hasn't been able to sleep properly since they came back, because when he wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet, he often sees Jimin on the couch in the living room, playing with his phone or watching the TV or just reading. He would curl up on the couch with Jimin, offering the younger his comfort and companionship, but he always falls asleep not long after. Jimin would wake him up with kisses after an hour or so, and brings him back to his bed, where he would continue sleeping, not even remembering to remind Jimin to go to sleep himself.
Jimin's eyes blink heavily, trying to keep up with the others as they continue their shooting for the BTS Festa choreography video. Seokjin accidentally steps on Taehyung's feet, and the latter falls on his butt with a painful laugh. Sungdeuk saeng-nim calls for another break, this time his emergency need to the bathroom.
Hoseok pulls his bag from under the table of refreshment, and digs inside until he finds a bar of Snickers - extra nuts! - and a banana. He walks over to where Jimin is sitting across the huge fan in their studio, his white cap on top of a pile which seems to be his denim jacket beside him on the floor. He has the front of his white t-shirt pulled over his face, revealing his chest and abs to the fan, taking in all the cool air he can get before the fan turns away to Taehyung's bare abdomen next in the line of the fan swing.
Hoseok nudges Jimin with his feet, and the younger pulls his t-shirt away from his face and looks up to Hoseok.
"Ayy, hyung," he says tiredly.
Hoseok laughs quietly and sits down next to Jimin, offering him the Snickers on one hand, banana on the other. Jimin's eyes smile up to him as he takes the Snickers.
"Thanks, hyung!" Brightly this time, Hoseok notes.
"You doin' good, yeah, Jiminie?"
"Yeah hyung. Now that I got muhself some sustenance," Jimin grins toothily to Hoseok, showing him all his white and straight teeth, wriggling the chocolate bar by its wrapper between his fingers. He tries to tear the wrapper open with his fingers, but it slips from his sweaty hands and falls in between his thighs.
Hoseok sighs as he puts down his half peeled banana as Jimin tries to tear the chocolate wrapper again. He stops Jimin's hands with his own, and plucks the chocolate bar within Jimin's stubby fingers. Jimin smiles sheepishly at Hoseok as the older helps him tear it open with his teeth.
"Thank you," Jimin singsongs, biting into the chocolate bar happily.
Hoseok smiles at Jimin's pleased face as he peels his banana completely and finishing it in a couple of minutes. Seeing that Hoseok is done eating, Jimin slides down until he's lying on Hoseok's thighs - muscular enough from all the dancing, yet supple enough to be of comfort to Jimin's head. He looks up to Hoseok's face from his position and laughs.
"What're ya laughing at?" Hoseok asks.
"I can see straight up your nostrils, hyung," Jimin giggles brightly.
"Can you help me clean them, Jimin-ah?" Hoseok purposely widens his nostrils and bends down towards Jimin, who can't help but giggle even louder, pushing Hoseok's chest with one hand.
"Stop, stop, stop," Jimin's giggles are unstoppable now.
Hoseok couldn't help it if he loves the sound that Jimin makes. Be it his giggle, his laughter, his groans, his moans, or even the wide yawns Jimin makes when they're tired after a day of schedule, hands and body stretching upwards to the sky, eyes squeezing shut until teardrops fall, tufts of hair sticking weirdly - Hoseok thinks they're all beautiful. Jimin will always be beautiful in Hoseok's eyes. If he is to describe Jimin in colours, Jimin would be the basket of golden sunshine that shines in the morning, the yellow of lemon freshly plucked directly from its tree to be made into lemonade, the royal marigold of the flower that blooms in the middle in a grassland in the faraway land deep in his dreams.
Hoseok bends down even further, drowning in the giggles and the smile of his eyes, and he plants a kiss on Jimin's full lips, feeling Jimin falling soft and pliant under him, and feeling the beginning of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
---
Namjoon can practically taste the reliefs of the other members when they finally finish recording the choreography. He himself is tired - what with the photoshoot they had early in the morning, forced to smile when all he wished was to yawn to his heart's content; the shooting afterwards for the sportswear advertisement where he had to pretend that he was good at playing basketball against Yoongi just because he's the tallest so he looks the most athletic; and the live broadcast they had at a labelmate's radio channel, promoting their new songs and album. And finally, finally, this video recording, which had miraculously last longer than any of them could have thought.
The others are already packing their bags to head back to their dorm, done with today's schedule. He has been holding his pee in for the last 30 minutes, and now that he finally has the chance, he rushes to the toilet at the end of the corridor, unzipping his pants halfway across so that he doesn't have to struggle with it when he reaches the toilet.
A few minutes later, he's whistling to himself happily, walking leisurely back towards the now empty practice room with his hands in his pockets. He stops when sees Jimin slumped on the couch in the corner of the room, head thrown back with his mouth opened slightly, light snores humming across his chest.
Namjoon smiles when he realizes that Jimin is waiting for him. His big hand sweeps across Jimin's forehead and Jimin's eyes flutter open.
"Ready, hyung?" Jimin asks, stiffling a yawn behind his palm.
"In a bit, Jiminie," Namjoon replies, sitting beside him on the couch. Jimin is straightaway leaning against Namjoon's shoulder, arms hooking around the crook of his elbow. Namjoon re-positions his arm, putting it across Jimin's shoulder and pulling the younger towards him. Jimin complies, resting his head on Namjoon's chest and wrapping his arms around Namjoon's waist. Namjoon's other hand smoothens his hair, his touch soft and full of affection. Namjoon can feel the steady rise and fall of Jimin's chest as the younger relaxes in his embrace.
"Can we stay like this for a few minutes, hyung?"
"Sure, Jiminie. We can stay as long as you like."
Jimin hums in satisfaction, finally getting his rest after a long day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Namjoon's hand continues its ministrations on his hair, slowly rubbing circles into his head and he can feel the warm languor returning, welcoming him.
"I'm sorry that the recording took such a long time, Minnie," Namjoon says softly.
"It's fine, hyung. I know everyone's forgotten a bit of the choreography after our trip."
"Yeah, but you were so tired.."
"Ah, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm more worried about you working late into the night. I don't think I can be like you, hyung."
"Like me, Minnie?"
"Yeah. Not getting enough sleep and still be able to work the next day."
Namjoon lets out a small laugh.
"I'd rather you not know the feeling of that, Minnie, baby." Namjoon takes Jimin's small hand into his large one and pulls it to his lips. He kisses Jimin's knuckles one by one, lips so soft and plush against Jimin's skin. "I'd rest better if I know you're getting enough sleep."
"I know everyone's been worried about me.." Jimin sighs. Namjoon keeps quiet, continuing to leave butterfly kisses on his palm and the back of his hand. "I just don't know why I couldn't sleep. Everyone else has fallen into the correct time zone except for me."
Jimin's voice cracks and Namjoon's heart breaks a little.
"Hey, hey.. Don't worry about it, baby. Take your time. You know we're all here for you, yeah? Just come to us anytime when you can't fall asleep. Come to me if you want. You're never a stranger in my bed."
Jimin pushes himself up from Namjoon's chest and looks into his eyes. Namjoon's eyes are hazel and they're warm, full of care and fondness for the younger, and Jimin feels himself being pulled in by Namjoon's strong gaze. Namjoon is always nice to him - firm when he has too, but loving all the same. He lets Jimin get away with all the little tricks he pulls, just like how he sometimes punishes Jimin for them too. He knows just what makes Jimin feels good, and he knows that he has the power to withhold the pleasure, too. But he doesn't use it often. Through him, Jimin learns the meaning of delayed gratification. Namjoon is rough and soft at the same time, like the blow of a wind on a snowy day - chilly, but sticking pretty little snowflakes on his eyelashes.
Namjoon really is a good leader, he thinks. He is strict, but rarely stern. He stays strong with his decisions for the group, but he lets the other members know all the other choices they were given. He still respects Seokjin and Yoongi as his hyungs, but being their leader, Seokjin and Yoongi respects him regardless. He is good in what he does, that's what he is.
Jimin leans in, closing small the distance they have between them and brushes his lips against Namjoon's. Namjoon isn't one to deny Jimin, and he kisses him back with warm emotions, letting Jimin know that he is always there for him.
"Thank you, hyung." Jimin leans his forehead on Namjoon's lips, and the older kisses him there. He smiles when he feels Jimin exhales softly. He unwraps Jimin's arms from around him and stands up, pulling Jimin up with him.
"C'mon, baby. Let's go back and have you nicely cleaned up. I'll piggyback you the way home."
---
Jimin is already in his pajamas, all soft and warm after the shower with Namjoon. He's tingly all over and he can feel the buzz of drowsiness trickling in again into his core. But it doesn't feel good if he simply goes to bed like that. He hasn't had much interaction with Yoongi today. Jimin plows softly across the floor to Yoongi's room, his footsteps muffled by the long pajama pants that he's wearing, which actually belongs to Namjoon. Even the oversized t-shirt he has on is Namjoon's.
He knocks on Yoongi's door softly, hearing the dull sound of bass seeping through the small crack under the door. He waits for a few seconds before knocking again, and this time he hears the creak of a bed as someone gets up from it. Yoongi opens the door with an annoyed look, but his features soften when he sees Jimin.
"Oh, it's you, Park Jimin. I thought it was Jungkook," he holds the door wider, stepping back to let Jimin in into his room. The lights have already been switched off but the glow of Yoongi's table lamp makes the room looks cozy.
Seokjin is already ready for bed, snuggled up in his blanket with his panda sleeping mask in his hands. He smiles at Jimin when he sees the younger entering their room.
"Hi, Jiminie. Aren't you going to bed yet?" he asks.
"Soon, hyung. You have a good night's sleep," Jimin smiles sleepily. Seokjin holds out his hand, and when Jimin grabs it, he pulls Jimin to his bed. He pouts and Jimin grins. He bends down and pecks a kiss on Seokjin's pink and luscious lips, tasting strawberry lip balm when he swipes his tongue across his own lips after the kiss. Seokjin pulls him again and this time, he gives a consoling peck on Jimin's forehead.
"Good night, Jiminie. Sleep early tonight, aite?" he says before sliding his sleep mask on.
Jimin turns towards the door and found that Yoongi has already closed it, and is waiting for him on his bed, his head propped up on one elbow. He pets the free space beside him and Jimin slither in under his blanket.
"Why did you think I was Kookie, hyung?" he asks softly, not wanting to bother Seokjin.
"Ah, he was playing that prank of knocking and running away," Yoongi grumbles.
Jimin giggles at the sight, his hand moving to smoothen the line in between Yoongi's eyes. Yoongi lets out a breathe and he closes his eye at the tender touch. Jimin delights himself in knowing that only he can make Yoongi this soft, this subdued, this mellow.
Yoongi takes Jimin's hand into his, opening Jimin's palm and putting them on his cheek, leaning into it as Jimin watches him.
"You're so pretty, hyung," Jimin blurts, a pink blush already creeping up his cheeks. Yoongi chuckles at the Jimin's sudden exclamation and he lets Jimin's hand fall.
"You're prettier, Park Jimin," he says as he sweeps Jimin's damp fringe away from his eyes. "You're very pretty."
"Am not," Jimin pouts, "that pretty." Yoongi chuckles again, this time, wrapping his arm across Jimin's abdomen and pulling him close. He can smell Jimin's new hair shampoo, the new pomegranate Johnson and Johnson's bottle Yoongi saw in the bathroom earlier, he assumes, and he feels Jimin's hand on his chest.
Park Jimin really doesn't know how beautiful he is, how darling he is to the other members, how precious, how special. Yoongi sometimes wish he could make Jimin sees himself the way he sees the younger, always so cheerful and radiant, his eye smile always bringing joy to those who sees it, his laughter always a music in Yoongi's ears. Park Jimin is adored by everyone.
Yoongi doesn't know how dear he is himself to Jimin. Just being close to him gives the feeling of comfort and tranquility to Jimin, like coming home. Yes, he thinks. Yoongi is home. Wherever their trips or concerts take them to, Yoongi always gives the aura of serenity, despite his sharp remarks and cynical behaviour. It is actually him being himself, being the cranky, genius Min Yoongi that Jimin and the others find their solace no matter where they are. In a strange and queer way, Yoongi helps them ground their differences.
To Jimin, Yoongi is soft and welcoming, just like how his bed is after a long day of rehearsals, practices, recordings and shootings. Yoongi lets him take stolen naps in his work studio when Jimin comes quietly to him. At night when only Yoongi is working alone in the office, Jimin would come to accompany him, even if it means just listening to his grunts as he figures out lyrics and raps. The shine in his eyes when he finds that missing piece in the song that he's been trying to finish, the glow of it when he clicks that small save button on the computer screen and then turning around to face Jimin, it intrigues him. The younger is always mesmerized by Yoongi's ability to produce music, to make something that gives other people the exhilaration, the strength, the drive to go on - it all makes Yoongi just as much as special.
Yoongi's touch on his face brings him back to reality, not realising that his exhaustion and weariness are starting to pull him under.
"Sleep, Park Jimin. Go to sleep."
Jimin loves the way his name sounds on Yoongi's lips. Park Jimin.
"Should I- Should I go back to my room?" Jimin asks timidly. Yoongi smiles at the half lidded expression Jimin is giving him.
"Sleep here with me tonight, Park Jimin. You'll be warm here. I got you," Yoongi pushes his lips against Jimin's, and despite his extreme exhaustion, Jimin still finds it in him to return to kiss eagerly. Jimin wraps his arm around Yoongi tightly, making Yoongi slips one arm under Jimin's neck, the other hand cupping his face as he guides Jimin to sleep. Yoongi pulls away gently, watching Jimin's pout return to his normal full lips, hearing his breathing even down to deep slow ones, feeling his arm slacken its grip around his waist and Yoongi tilts his head fondly.
He leaves a kiss on Jimin's forehead and whispers, "Good night, Park Jiminie. Sweet dreams."