Chapter Text
"Hurry up! We're gonna miss it!"
Park Jimin grabs the toughened vine and starts to hoist himself over the cracking stone wall. A hand smacks his ass, making him startle. Whipping his head around, he glares down at Jeon Jeongguk, a huge smile on the man's face, nose scrunching up like a bunny. His black hair is fluffy and curling lightly at the ends that hang to his shoulder. The scarlet color of the collegiate robe hanging from his shoulders reminds Jimin that things are just beginning.
"Get a move on, Babe," Jeongguk says with a laugh as he places both hands on the flat of Jimin's ass and helps push him toward the top. Jimin wants to protest, but they're in a hurry. He grunts and let's Jeongguk's supportive hands help him higher up the wall. He climbs up, one leg hooking over the edge of the top of the wall and he pulls himself up on top. He tries to stay in the cover of the trees that shade this part of the wall, not wanting to get caught by the guards.
Jeongguk climbs up beside him, not needing any help whatsoever. He's ditched the scarlet robe, leaving him in just his black leather trousers and black tunic, similar to Jimin's. They've just come from the graduation ceremony at Hwangyun University. Both of them graduated with honors, something their parents are incredibly proud of, but none of that matters right now. Not as they slip through the shadows along the wall, trying to get closer to the Coming of Age rite that's taking place inside.
They've been planning this for months and for once Jimin thinks they're going to succeed in getting to see the sacred ceremony. Everything in him is screaming with hope, with excitement. They get to the part of the wall that needs repaired, and the two of them use the cracks and missing stones to climb down, dropping into the grass.
Jimin sinks as low as he can as he looks around, there are guards stationed at the main hubs into the coliseum, but that's not going to stop them. Jeongguk grabs his hand, a grin on his face, sweat making his hair cling to his forehead. Adrenaline is pumping through him, Jimin knows this because it's running through his own veins right now. Jeongguk pulls his hand to his lips, leaving a tingling sensation along the back of Jimin's hand as he kisses it. His heart skips a beat, a flush creeping up his neck.
"Now is not the time for this," he hisses, but he can't help the breathless quality to his voice, or the way his eyes darken with need.
Jeongguk has the audacity to giggle. Giggle. The sound shoots straight to Jimin's cock and he has to remind himself where they are at the moment. The brat just likes to get under his skin at the worst times, it's like a game to him. See how long it takes before Jimin snaps and loses all sense of propriety (not that he has much to lose as it is).
The Horn of Myeong Dae blares from the coliseum and Jimin's eyes widen, they're fucking late. He knew they were going to be late. He pulls his hand from Jeongguk's hold and gets to his feet, moving caustiously in the high grass. Jeongguk doesn't protest, just settles into step behind him. They're heading around the side, sinking lower every time guards walk past.
Jimin picks up speed after the last group of guards pass, dashing across the cobblestone path to one of the many entrances leading into the coliseum, Jeongguk right on his heels. They sneak by pillars in the low lit torch light, before heading up the steps. The ground shakes a little beneath their feet, the roar of a dragon echoing through the stone walls. Jimin's heart is racing, they've never gotten this close before.
The sunlight filters through the passageway as they climb higher, trying to get to the top of the seats to stay as far away from the private audience as possible. Slinking outside to the seating area, Jimin takes in the massive open space of the coliseum, noting the row of dragon riders standing tall along the field, dragons are everywhere. There are half a dozen already on the field, inspecting the riders with their reptilian gaze. More are flying in circles overhead, waiting for their chance to choose a rider. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the rider that chooses the dragon, it's the dragon that chooses the rider.
The sun glitters along the scales of an almost golden dragon, wings spread wide, as their snout presses into the chest of a female rider. The Horn of Myeong Dae blares again, as the rider moves, climbing up onto the dragon's back for the customary bonding ride. It's what starts the bonding, a process that Jimin knows nothing about because it's kept secret.
"Is that Choi Miran?" Jeongguk asks, his dark eyes squinting into the sky as the dragon and rider take off.
"Probably, I heard she's one of only three female riders graduating this year," Jimin replies, his gaze flicking back to the other riders on the ground, waiting to see what dragon rider is chosen next.
Only he doesn't get the chance to see anymore as something grabs him by the back of his tunic and pulls him roughly to his feet. Jeongguk grunts as he's pulled up as well. Jimin grimaces as he's turned around, two dragon guards stare them down.
"Knew you two would try again," the familiar voice of Kim Seokjin has Jimin trying to shake off the hold on him.
"Hyung," he starts, but Seokjin shakes his head and gestures for the two holding them to head toward the stairs back down. Jimin whines, trying to get one more glimpse of the dragon ceremony before he's escorted down the steps and outside the coliseum.
No one says anything during the walk down the stairs. All Jimin can hear is the blowing of the horn every now and again, letting him know that another rider had been chosen. He desperately wants to watch, wants to know what happens after, wants to know if someone doesn't get chosen. Sure he'll know later, those rumors always circulate after the ceremony, but he wants to see for himself. Wants to watch the bonding ceremonies.
"Hyung," Jimin tries once more when they're dragged out into the sunlight and toward the gate.
"No, Jimin. You know you're not allowed to watch the dragon choosing ceremony. Only dragon riders are allowed. How did you even get over the wall?" Seokjin asks, turning to give him a raised brow.
Jimin knows he should tell the truth, especially because it's clearly a security threat, but he also doesn't want to give up his only way in. Whoever is holding him grips his arm a little tighter and Jimin tosses a glare over his shoulder at him. There's no need to manhandle him, he's not trying to get away.
"There's a vine in the southeast corner," Jeongguk supplies and Jimin shakes his head.
"Traitor," he mumbles, but there's no animosity behind it.
Seokjin just sighs before nodding at the two behind them. "I'll take them out, go find that breach."
"Sir, shouldn't we report them to the General?" the goody-two-shoes guard holding Jimin questions. Jimin wants to step on his toes.
"Hyungbin, they're just idiots. We catch and throw out idiots every dragon ceremony without alerting the general," Seokjin says.
"Pretty sure he'd want to know what his son is up to," the man replies and Jimin does step on his toe then.
"Ouch!"
"Oh, my bad. Sorry," Jimin says, pretending he didn't purposely step on him. Seokjin throws him a dark look, but Jimin just gives a one armed shrug and an apologetic look.
"You little!" Hyungbin starts, his hand raising.
The fingers around Jimin's arm disappear as Jeongguk moves between them. Those dark eyes like daggers as he holds Hyungbin's wrist tightly. Jimin rolls his eyes, even though there's warmth spreading through his body. It's always so attractive when Jeongguk shows his strength. Jimin can take care of himself and Jeongguk knows that.
"Jeongguk, let him go. Hyungbin, I don't want to pull rank on you, but I'm going to. They're fine. General Park doesn't need to be told about his son trying to attend the dragon rider ceremony anymore than I need to tell him that you were raising a hand to him, do I?" Seokjin asks.
Hyungbin pulls his arm away, glaring at the lot of them. He rubs his wrist. "No, Sir."
"Good, now go find that breach with Minjae," Seokjin says. The two guards salute before heading off, but not before Hyungbin throws a nasty look at Jimin once more.
"Damn it, Jimin. How many times do I have to tell you to behave?" Seokjin grumbles as he gestures for them to head to the gate.
Jeongguk wraps his arm around Jimin's shoulder, scowl still on his face as he watches Hyungbin walk away. He's too protective for his own good. Heat creeps up Jimin's neck as Jeongguk leans in, his lips ghosting over his ear.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"Of course," Jimin replies.
Seokjin doesn't pay them any mind, just clears his throat when Jeongguk leaves a gentle kiss to his temple. The older man has known them since they were just ten years old, when he ran across the two of them trying to sneak into the royal grounds to play with the king's son, Kim Taehyung. Seokjin grew up in the palace, third cousin to the king. At the time, Jeongguk and Jimin thought they were going to be thrown before the king and executed for trying to break in, but Seokjin just laughed at them and showed them how to sneak into the palace and back out without getting caught.
Ever since then he's sort of been looking over them, like an older brother. This isn't the first time he's caught them here, but it'll be the last time.
"Couldn't wait any longer, huh?" Seokjin asks as the cobblestone path begins to curve toward the gate.
"Hyung," Jimin whines.
"Academy try outs are in a fortnight and you couldn't wait? You know this could affect you even getting into the academy," Seokjin says, giving the both of them a sharp look.
Jimin wants to scoff. His father is the general, they wouldn't deny him an invitation to join the academy. Especially not after all his schooling, he'd have to royally screw up at the try outs to be barred from joining. If that's even possible.
"I'm serious, Jimin. That ceremony is private for a reason, I don't care if you're joining the Academy next month. You have three more years of training to get behind you before you're in that coliseum for the dragon choosing ceremony. Do you understand that? If you try to get in while you're still training, they will kick you out," Seokjin scolds him. "And you, stop just blindly following your boyfriend."
Jeongguk huffs. "I'm not blindly following him."
"Oh so you're the one that found the vine and told him about it? You're the one that planned this?" Seokjin asks.
A slight blush filters across Jeongguk's cheeks and Jimin knows his ears are probably red beneath his black hair. It's not that he didn't help plan everything, it's just that Jimin is the one behind most of the plan. Okay, all of the plan. Jeongguk did help though. He tested the vine and made sure they could climb up.
"Well, no," Jeongguk mutters.
"That's what I thought," Seokjin says before rounding back on Jimin. "I mean it. No more of this. Next time I'll be the one telling General Park."
Jimin rolls his eyes, but nods. The seriousness in Seokjin's voice is enough to tell him that he really will bring up his behavior with his father if he does it again. Not that it's going to stop Jimin from sneaking around in other capacities. Jeongguk's arm around his shoulders tightens a little as they move forward, the gate looming ever closer and the coliseum getting further and further away. The horn of Myeong Dae bellows every now and then during their silent trek to the gate.
"Out, both of you," Seokjin says once they're at the gate.
Jimin turns around and salutes him, before laughing at the scowl on Seokjin's face. Jeongguk is giggling beside him as he does the same and then they're both running out the gate and away from the Academy. Jimin knows it won't be long until he's back at those gates, attending the academy and learning how to fly. His childhood dream is almost at his finger tips and he just has to somehow get through the next two weeks.
"Do you think he's going to tell your father?" Jeongguk asks, his fingers wrapping around Jimin's hand, pulling him gently to a walk, their lungs burning from running.
"Seokjin-Hyung? No way. That guard, maybe," Jimin says, shrugging one shoulder, swinging Jeongguk's arm back and forth as they walk.
"You know who that is right?" Jeongguk asks, amusement in his tone.
Jimin purses his lips and thinks back on the name Seokjin used. "Hyungbin? Right?"
"It's Lee Hyungbin, from school. He was older than us, but when he found out who you were he was constantly trying to be our friend," Jeongguk says.
Jimin's brows raise and his mouth drops open. "No, you're kidding me? HyungGae?"
Jeongguk laughs and nods. "I don't suggest we refer to him as a dog anymore though, he will outrank us."
The cobblestone path beneath their leather shoes starts to get more worn as the trees thin along the path. Voices bartering at vendor stalls drift to his ears and Jimin lets out a little breathy sigh as the town comes into view. The market sprawls across this side of town, everything from fresh vegetables to jewelry to clothes. It's busier than usual due to all the graduation celebrations for the university and younger students, moving up to the next grade.
Jeongguk squeezes his hand, smile wide on his face as he pulls Jimin through the crowd. "Where are you taking me?" he laughs, breathless from the way Jeongguk looks back at him, his large eyes burrowing deep into his soul.
"Surprise," he states, before he turns them down a side street and out of the hustle and bustle of the market place. Jimin is giddy with excitement, fingers tingling with warmth as Jeongguk holds them.
They take a turn, away from the street where their homes are. The homes start to thin out and then they're heading through the Western gate where the farmers and ranchers live. Jimin can see fields and fields of grain and vegetables, an orchard or two as well. Jeongguk isn't taking him that way though, instead he drags him toward Crystal Lake.
Jimin's heart catches in his chest as they take the familiar path through the brush and come out to the clearing where the lake sits. The lake glitters from the sunlight that's still high in the sky. Kids are playing at the shoreline, parents watching them closely as they all soak up the warm summer air. Someone is playing a guitar under the shade of a tree, pulling a small crowd of onlookers.
Jeongguk doesn't pay them any heed, pulling Jimin toward 'their' place. They're back in the underbrush, trees surround them as they move around the side of the lake. The path isn't trekked often, just by the two of them, and they haven't been here in a few weeks, so fresh growth has covered it.
When they finally get through the brush to another clearing, Jimin's breath catches. Jeongguk has already been here. A blanket is thrown over the grass, a basket with food and wine sitting on top of it. The shade of the trees overhead casts the whole clearing in a soft glow as the sun filters through leaves. The water ripples not far away and all the sounds of other people are drowned out by the call of birds and gentle breeze through the trees.
"What do you think?" Jeongguk asks, his voice soft in Jimin's ear, as he releases his hand and moves behind him, wrapping his arms around him.
Jimin turns his head toward where Jeongguk's is resting on his shoulder. "You did all this?"
"Well, I didn't grow the grass or the trees, didn't create the water…" Jeongguk starts, a cheeky smile on his lips.
"Stop," Jimin says as he laughs and lightly hits Jeongguk's arm wrapped around him. "You know what I mean."
A low chuckle sounds in his ear, causing shivers to slide down his spine. "Yes, Min, I did all this. For you. Happy Graduation Day."
The breath against his neck makes him hum. Then Jimin pulls away from Jeongguk enough that he can turn in his arms and kiss him. Those thin lips pressing hard against his makes his heart speed up, racing in his chest as Jeongguk's hands roam down his body, gripping his hips tightly. Jeongguk nips at his bottom lip and Jimin moans, giving Jeongguk the room he needs for his tongue to flick into his mouth.
Warmth spreads through Jimin, as he pulls Jeongguk closer, their hips crashing together before his fingers move to Jeongguk's hair, curling into the long black locks. Nails scratch along his scalp as he pulls apart from Jeongguk long enough to heave in a breath, fingers dig into his hips. He can feel Jeongguk's half hard cock pressing against his belly and it makes his own twitch with need.
"Gods, you're so beautiful," Jeongguk mumbles, leaning in to trail kisses along Jimin's sharp jawline.
"You're one to talk," Jimin retorts with a breathy moan following directly after when Jeongguk rolls his hips, thigh pressing against Jimin's cock for a moment.
"And such a brat," Jeongguk says, biting Jimin's earlobe right after as punishment.
Jimin moans, knees almost buckling at the heat that pulses from the slight pain of the bite. He digs his fingers into Jeongguk's hair even more, holding his head against him. Jeongguk sucks his earlobe a little longer before releasing it with a pop.
"Take your clothes off," Jeongguk whispers into his ear, his hands pressing into Jimin enough to separate them a little. Jimin groans in annoyance, missing the pressure against his cock already. It doesn't matter that he knows what's coming, he still tries to get closer to Jeongguk. "Ah ah ah." Jeongguk's fingers dig in harder, halting him in place. "Clothes, Jimin."
Jimin pouts. "You can take them off me," he says, purposely trying to be a brat at this point, trying to push Jeongguk.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow at him before letting him go entirely, heading toward the blanket and sitting down. Jimin just stands there, staring after him. Jeongguk glances up at him, leaning back on his hands. "I'm not touching you until you take your clothes off. The longer you take to do so the more trouble you'll bring on yourself."
It's new, this dominance from Jeongguk. They've been testing it out for a little while now and every time Jimin gets hotter and hotter at the confidence building in his boyfriend. They don't know what they're doing, not really, but it's new and exciting and they both seem to enjoy it, if how hard they come at the end is anything to go by. Jimin longs for the day when he can be as bratty as he wants and Jeongguk can put him in his place. It's too soon for that, though. They're still building up to it, building up Jeongguk's confidence in himself and their sex lives.
With a little huff, Jimin undoes the ties of his tunic, pulling the black fabric up and over his head, tossing it to the blanket. Jeongguk's eyes devour him, raising goosebumps along his flesh as they travel over his torso, following the lines of his necklace. He's not even touching Jimin and he already feels hot all over. Unlacing his shoes he toes them off, before he pulls on the strings lashing his trousers to his hips, he loosens the bindings enough that he can peel himself out of the leather, pulling his undergarments down with the fabric. He steps out of the trousers and tosses them in the direction of his tunic, before standing in front of Jeongguk in nothing other than his necklace. His cock is hanging hard between his thighs, precum already dripping from the tip.
Jeongguk's gaze is heavy and warm as he scans over Jimin. It has Jimin twitching, his cheeks blushing at the way Jeongguk is clearly admiring him. The warm summer breeze drifts over his flesh, his nipples hardening at the caress.
"Jeongguk," Jimin mumbles, brushing his dark hair off his face and tucking the strands behind his reddening ears.
No words are exchanged as Jeongguk gets to his feet, crowding into Jimin's space still fully clothed. Jimin fights the moan that wants to sound at the feeling of Jeongguk's leather clad thigh sliding against his cock. There's something about Jeongguk not being naked while Jimin is vulnerable like this that has his heart thundering even more in his chest and his cock throbbing.
"Look at you, already dripping for me and I haven't even properly touched you yet," Jeongguk says and Jimin can't stop the whimper that falls from his lips. He's craving Jeongguk's hands on him, wants to be ruined by him, but he's just standing there, hands not touching. There's only the slight pressure of Jeongguk's thigh against his cock.
"On the blanket, Baby. All fours, ass up," Jeongguk says, his voice wavering a little in his confidence, but Jimin doesn't disobey him.
Reluctantly pulling away, Jimin moves to the blanket, dropping to all fours like he's been told. He braces his forearms on the ground, looks over his shoulder at Jeongguk, and lifts his ass in the air, hard cock swinging a little at the movement. Jimin can see the bobbing of Jeongguk's Adam's apple from where he is, making him smirk. As much as Jeongguk orders him around, Jimin thinks he might actually be the one in control, with how easy Jeongguk admires him with his gaze.
Jeongguk doesn't disrobe like Jimin expects, instead he sinks to his knees behind him, one hand reaching into the basket and pulling out a bottle of oil. Jimin should have known he had this whole thing planned. He smiles at Jeongguk.
"Expected to get me naked, Babe?" Jimin asks.
Popping the cork off the bottle of oil, Jeongguk gives him a little smirk. "You are a bit easy."
Jimin's mouth falls open and he goes to sit up on his knees, wanting to give Jeongguk a piece of his mind, but Jeongguk's large hand presses against the nape of his neck, pushing him back into the blanket. His other hand has set aside the oil and smacks the meat of Jimin's thigh. Pain flares for an instant, shocking Jimin into stillness.
"Okay?" Jeongguk asks, his breath fanning over Jimin's ear as he leans over him.
Jimin is still processing the smack to his thigh, it's the first time Jeongguk has tried anything like this. Of course he shouldn't like it, being smacked hurt, but then why does his cock seem to be dripping even more precum and his balls are tight and heavy. There's a need for more, to see if that spike of pleasure he felt for just a second returns. Gods, he wants him to smack him again. Firmer. Harder.
"Yes," Jimin whispers, the word coming out ragged as he wiggles in Jeongguk's hold a little. "Can you…"
"What, Jimin? Can I what?" Jeongguk inquires as his hand slides over the reddened flesh of his thigh.
A moan escapes him and he pushes back against Jeongguk's hand, desperate for that feeling again. "Again, please." He licks his lips as he stares at the blanket, Jeongguk still gently holding him down. At Jimin's desperate little plea he runs his hand up over the plump of Jimin's ass and pulls back. A moment later his hand slaps the left cheek and Jimin feels tears well up in his eyes as his cock jumps. The pain and pleasure mixing in such a way that he doesn't even know what to do with himself as a half whimper, half moan escapes from him.
"You like that, Baby?" Jeongguk asks and he sounds even more breathless now than he was a few seconds ago. His palm runs over the sensitive skin he's just slapped and Jimin's lungs burn as he takes in a sobbing breath of air.
Jimin tries to nod, but Jeongguk's hand against his neck impedes his response and Jeongguk's fingers caress him.
"You have to use your words, Baby, remember? That's the rules," Jeongguk says, hands disappearing from both his neck and his ass.
Jimin whimpers at the loss of warmth, before Jeongguk gently reminds him again to answer his question. He feels a little floaty, like he's not entirely present in his own body. It's new and exciting, but also a little scary and maybe that thought is what helps ground him a little to speak. "Yes. I liked that," he says, turning his head so that he can see Jeongguk again over his shoulder. The man is pouring oil over his fingers, before setting the bottle aside and reaching back for Jimin.
Rough, long fingers slip wetly between his cheeks, gently gliding over his fluttering hole. He clenches up as Jeongguk's fingers start to massage the oil around his hole, lubricating it for what's about to happen. Jimin takes a few deep breaths, relaxing into the feeling of Jeongguk's fingers against him. His cock is almost painfully hard and he shifts enough on his knees that he can press against the soft fabric of the blanket beneath him. He sighs at the feeling just as one of Jeongguk's fingers start working open his hole. Pressing and rubbing and moving in circles until he's almost knuckle deep inside him.
Jimin's gasping and writhing, trying to press back and take more of Jeongguk's finger into him. The stretch isn't enough, needs more, but Jeongguk is still only using one finger on him as he pulls out, circles his hole, and thrusts back in. Jimin's cock is leaking onto the blanket as he tries to rut against it.
A sharp sting flares in his ass as Jeongguk slaps him.
"Stop moving," he commands, and his voice is so low, so dangerous sounding that Jimin's cock aches and his hole clenches tightly around Jeongguk's finger.
Somehow he manages to keep still as Jeongguk adds a second finger, the oil squelching inside of him as he thrusts in and out. Jimin's knees are starting to quiver, his cock twitching against the fabric beneath him, tears dripping onto the blanket as he holds himself steady on his forearms.
Two fingers, become three, and then four. Jimin's openly crying as Jeongguk avoids his prostate, only occasionally rubbing over it to make him gasp and whine. He feels like his flesh is on fire, that everything is sensitive and ready to burst at the slightest touch. He wants to cum, wants to reach that euphoria that makes him warm and fuzzy all over, but Jeongguk hasn't even started fucking him yet and he wants to be impaled on his hard cock before he falls into his orgasm.
"Please. Please…" Jimin begs, sobbing as Jeongguk presses against his prostate.
"Please what?" Jeongguk asks, his lips pressing against Jimin's temple gently, making more tears leak freely.
"I need you," he replies.
Jeongguk scissors his fingers inside of Jimin, opening him up impossibly wide. It makes him moan. "Tell me exactly what you need from me."
Jimin's cheeks flush a darker shade of red and his fingers dig into the blanket as he shuts his eyes. There's a war inside him, the pride to not beg for Jeongguk's cock and the quickly rising part of himself that wants to do everything his boyfriend tells him to do. His silence lasts longer than it should, because a hand smacks against his ass, making his whole body light up with pleasure as his cock grinds against the ground and he clenches around four of Jeongguk's fingers.
"Your cock," he whimpers in defeat. "I need your cock inside of me. Please."
Jeongguk groans breathlessly against Jimin's back, his warm breath making shivers roll up his spine. There's a noticeable change in Jeongguk's demeanor after that, his fingers pulling out of Jimin with a squelch that has Jimin whimpering and clenching around nothing. He rocks his hips forward, cock sliding over the blanket as he hears the rustling of clothes. He expects Jeongguk to return naked, but it's only seconds later and he feels the rough leather against the back of his thighs, tunic against his hips. He moans, burning inside at the knowledge that Jeongguk wants him so badly he didn't even fully disrobe.
The warm, heavy, and thick pressure between his cheeks has Jimin gasping, spreading even wider as Jeongguk pushes into him. His large cock hard and filling Jimin up so well that he's sobbing into the blanket. A shaky breath expels from his lungs when he feels Jeongguk's thighs against his own, the coarse fabric of the leather sliding against his skin before Jeongguk pulls out slowly.
Jimin's fingers dig into the blanket, wanting more pressure on his cock, but Jeongguk's hands grip his hips and pulls him up higher just as he pushes back in. It punches a cry out of Jimin's throat, head falling against the blanket as he lets Jeongguk manhandle him into the position he wants him in. The pressure on his cock is gone and he wants to cry more, but Jeongguk keeps grazing his prostate on every thrust and it's starting to make him feel floaty again as pleasure churns in his gut.
There's not much finesse in the thrusts the longer they go, Jeongguk's getting messier, his hand reaching around to grip Jimin's cock in his fist. A sob falls from his lips as Jeongguk fucks into him harder, angling his hips in a way that has him nailing his prostate over and over. Jimin's cock is weeping, twitching, and aching with the need to release. He arches his back, pushes back against every hard thrust, cheeks clapping against Jeongguk's hips. The squelching sound of the oil is loud and echoes around them as Jeongguk presses him even more into the blanket, before releasing his cock.
A quick glance over his shoulder has his heart picking up speed, Jeongguk pulls out of him. Without a word, he grips Jimin by the hips and turns him over, making him gasp and moan as his cock falls against his belly, precum already starting to coat his skin. Jeongguk sits on his knees between Jimin's legs, maneuvering him until he is sitting high up on his lap, lower back and hips off the ground. His upper back is pressing into the blanket, his legs up over Jeongguk's shoulders.
Jeongguk doesn't hesitate once he has him where he wants him, he pulls Jimin back down on his lap, thrusting up at the same time. His cock guided right back home with one of his hands and Jimin cries out again at the way his prostate gets abused by the quick thrusts that Jeongguk begins. Jimin reaches up to take hold of his cock, but Jeongguk bats his hand away, taking him in his own hand and stroking slower than he's thrusting into him.
Tears run down Jimin's temples at the difference in pace, his heart beating wildly as his cock is stroked, a stream of precum oozing over Jeongguk's hand and dripping down onto Jimin's belly slowly sliding into his bellybutton. He's whining, fingers gripping at Jeongguk's thighs as he fucks up into him. There's no stopping the impending release, his balls feel heavier as they bounce against him, his cock angry red and hard in Jeongguk's hold.
"I'm going to…" he trails off, a cry tearing from his lips when Jeongguk adjusts the angle once more and positively pounds into his prostate. It's almost painful, but in the most delicious way possible as his abdomen spasms, his hole clenching tight around Jeongguk's cock, just as he spills white hot cum all over his boyfriend's hand. He sobs as Jeongguk keeps stroking him through it, milking him of all his seed as it shoots over his chest and belly, a stray glob of cum hitting his chin.
Jeongguk doesn't stop, not even when Jimin whines in overstimulation, not even when he starts sobbing. Jimin is trying to get away from the touch at the same time as he craves the extended pleasure vibrating throughout his body. The abuse against his prostate and the way Jeongguk strokes him has him ascending, his cock not even capable of hardening again before his balls constrict and he's cumming again. Tears, snot, and little whimpers fall from his face over and over before he feels Jeongguk's cock twitch once, twice, and then one more thrust and the familiar warmth of his cum is filling him up. Jeongguk has him pressed tight against him, his limp cock still in his large hand. Jimin whines when Jeongguk's thumb rolls over the tip. His body shuddering as another burst of cum fills him.
Carefully, Jeongguk releases his cock, gently laying it against his belly, cum and sweat stain his bare torso. Jimin groans at the feeling of Jeongguk's cum slowly seeping out of him around Jeongguk's softening cock. He gently pulls out, and Jimin whines. The loss of fullness making him feel lonely, but also knowing he can't stay connected to Jeongguk forever. His thighs are shaking as Jeongguk helps him put his feet on the ground, his toes tingling from blood loss.
"Try not to move," Jeongguk says as he shuffles back and gets to his feet, grabbing a washcloth from the basket he brought. He goes to the lake and wets it before returning to Jimin's side, gently wiping all the cum and sweat from his chest. The cool water against his overheated flesh makes him moan. Jeongguk chuckles lowly before getting back between his legs and starts trying to clean up the oil and cum leaking from Jimin's hole. The pressure of the rough cloth against his sensitive hole has him whimpering, but he doesn't try to stop Jeongguk. Just lets him take care of him, not even realizing that Jeongguk cleaned himself up as well.
"Come on, Love. Sit up, let's get your clothes back on so you're warm," Jeongguk says, voice gentle as he runs his fingers through Jimin's hair. He can only nod in agreement. His body feels like jelly as he sits up, but he tries to follow what Jeongguk asks of him, holding out one arm, then the other. Getting to his feet carefully to get his undergarment and trousers back on. Jeongguk helps him every step of the way. Once he's clothed, Jeongguk's arms wrap around him and he finds himself being maneuvered back onto the blanket, to a clean part of it.
Jeongguk sits behind him, legs on either side of him, as Jimin's back rests against his chest. Those large, strong arms are wrapped around him, holding him, caressing his skin. With a soft sigh he leans his head back against Jeongguk's shoulder and just basks in the way he's holding him. The fuzziness in his brain is fading and there's a chill spreading through his body, but Jeongguk's hands don't stop moving over his arms, then down his cloth covered chest, over his abdomen, hips, thighs. The touch is comforting, not arousing like he'd expect. It warms him up, grounds him as Jeongguk kisses his neck, tracing up his jaw, until Jimin turns his head and their lips find each others.
It's gentle, slow. There's no urgency at all as Jeongguk takes his time tasting Jimin, licking his tongue over Jimin's lips. He opens up to him after a moment or two, allowing him entrance to his mouth again. Their tongues touch, and Jimin sighs into his mouth. Breathing in each other's exhaled breaths like they can't live without it.
Jeongguk pulls back, kissing his nose, his eyelid, everywhere he can reach from this angle. Then he nestles into Jimin's neck, breathing in the mix of sweat and body odor that is distinctly Jimin. All he can do is let his hands run over Jeongguk's arms, holding him as the world around them slowly comes back into existence. The birds still chirping in the trees around them, the gentle lapping of water against earth, and the smell of trees and grass, mixed with the musk of sex on the air.
They stay like that for a while longer, embracing in silence as the world passes them by.
"How are you feeling?" Jeongguk asks, the softness of it almost drifting away in the breeze.
Jimin sighs and snuggles down further against Jeongguk. "Like I've been blessed by the gods."
A smile pulls at his lips when he feels and hears Jeongguk chuckle. There's so much he wants to say, words that they've been slow and cautious to say even though they've been together for the last earth cycle. Rough fingers link between his, Jeongguk's palm curling over the back of his hands. He squeezes the fingers between his as he curls them, holding them against his as best as he can in this position.
"I love you," Jeongguk murmurs against his ear and it makes Jimin's heart beat uncontrollably in his chest.
It's the first time he's said it, those three words that feel so real and so overwhelming all at once. It's not that Jimin thought Jeongguk didn't love him. He knows he does. Feels it in every step of their relationship. The gentle caresses, the loyalty, the way he protects him when he gets too worked up, and how he supports everything Jimin wants to do. He's been his best friend all his life, the next door neighbor that he's shared everything with. There's no one in the world that knows Jimin the way Jeongguk does.
Tears brim in his eyes once more today and he blinks them away as he turns as much as he can in Jeongguk's arms. Wanting to look into his eyes, those beautiful dark irises that stare right into his soul.
"I love you," Jimin replies, his breath hitching in his lungs when Jeongguk moves forward and connects their lips again. Tongues flicker against each other inside Jimin's mouth, before Jeongguk strokes the roof of his mouth, sending shivers down his spine. He moans as Jeongguk pulls out, his teeth biting softly against his bottom lip and tugging it a bit. The moment he releases it Jimin releases the breath stuck in his lungs. "You're going to get me worked back up if you keep doing that."
Jeongguk giggles before nudging his cheek with his nose and kissing the corner of his lips before pulling back. "I brought some food for us, jerky, cheese, and bread. A bottle of wine as well."
Jimin settles back against Jeongguk and glances at the basket that's beside them. "I could definitely eat."
The sun sinks lower in the sky as they eat their way through the snacks Jeongguk brought, drinking the red wine slowly. Jimin feels warm and safe, and like the world is at his fingertips the entire time. His heart is so full he thinks it might explode. These are the moments he never wants to end, but he knows they have to and as shadows grow longer Jimin knows they need to get back home.
It's quiet as they walk back through the brush and trees, everyone having already gone home for the night. The lake is calm as the last bit of the sun's rays glitter across the surface. Jimin squeezes Jeongguk's hand a little tighter as they make their way back into town, through the gate and toward their parents homes, the ones they still reside in until they're both in the academy.
Jeongguk kisses him one more time before they part ways, wishing him sweet dreams. Jimin doesn't want to say goodnight, doesn't want to part ways at all. Oh, how he longs for the days when they'll be at the academy, rooming together, and no longer alone at night. What he wouldn't give to stay in Jeongguk's arms all night, safe and sound as he sleeps.
Jimin stands at his gate, waiting until Jeongguk gets to his own and only then does he head inside his yard, the two of them watching each other as they head to their respective doors. One last wave between them and then Jimin is stepping inside his home.
The familiar smell of lilac and cooked meat hits his nose and a soft sigh escapes him. He kicks off his boots at the door and heads through the living room, directly to the kitchen. There's a small fire raging in the hearth and the pot hanging over the top is bubbling. Kimchi jjigae. He smacks his lips happily, moving to grab the spoon and take a sip of it.
"Park Jimin!" his mother's voice cuts through the air and he drops the wooden spoon back where it was resting on the counter, turning and giving his mother an innocent look.
"Hi, Eomma," Jimin says, rocking up and back down on his toes, hands behind his back.
"You were out all day after your graduation and you come home only now so you can eat? What happened to thinking about your aging eomma, huh? Leaving her to walk back home all alone after attending your graduation," she scolds him, her dark eyes glittering with amusement. She's teasing him, he knows that, but he still feels a bit guilty for getting caught up in his attempt to get into the choosing ceremony. Not that he's going to tell her that's why he disappeared so quickly.
Jimin rubs the back of his neck before bowing. "I'm sorry, Eomma. I should have been more responsible and seen you home. I was caught up with Jeongguk," he admits.
"Don't you dare blame him," she says, moving past him to the pot to stir the stew. "Though he's probably dealing with his own parents at this moment, we had to walk back together, without our sons."
Hopefully Jeongguk isn't getting the same scolding Jimin is getting right now. At least, Jimin's only having to hear it from one parent. His father's the general of the Dragon Riders, he's too busy to go to such mundane things as his graduation. Especially with tensions rising with Ahyungae, their neighbor. The country's religious beliefs were intense and they thought it was "God's" will to strike down all dragons.
Since Yongnara is the kingdom of dragons, literally, they naturally are enemies. For a decade or two things have been civil, a tentative peace, but last year the king died and his son, Kang Daeseung, took the throne. Since then things have gotten worse, they've been launching attacks on any dragon or dragon rider that so much as passes by the border.
So Jimin understands why his father is busy and doesn't have the opportunity to spend time coming to his graduation. He leaves before sun rise and comes home long after it sets. Mostly Jimin feels sorry for his mother, who must be getting lonely in this large house with her husband gone all the time and her only child about to be moving out.
Jimin moves to wrap his arms around his mother from behind, her small frame feels even more slight from behind. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you. We'll spend every day together until I go to the academy, okay?"
His mother laughs, tapping his arm gently to get him to pull away. Kim Yunha turns to look at him, those dark eyes so much like Jimin's. A petite hand comes up to caress his cheek before she tucks a strand of hair behind his ear.
"You're a good son, Jimin. I don't expect you to stop living your life to keep me company. In fact, that would just make me upset. You just make sure to have dinner with me most nights before the academy, got it?" she asks and Jimin's heart melts.
"Of course," he says before he embraces her once more, giving her a proper hug.
"Now go get cleaned up, dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Set the table for us."
Jimin plants a kiss on her cheek before giggling as she swats at him. Hurrying off before she finds the spoon to smack him with, Jimin heads off to wash up and get the bowls and spoons ready. His heart is warm and he can't shake the smile on his lips. Things are going so well.
"All participants please line up by your assigned number!" the commanders booming voice almost echoes around them at the coliseum, leaving goosebumps on Jimin's skin.
Jeongguk is beside him, number fourteen to Jimin's thirteen. There's over a hundred potential recruits struggling to find their place in the queue. Jimin's heart is fluttering wildly in his chest like a hummingbird in spring. Jeongguk discretely reaches out and runs his fingers down Jimin's sleeve, before he grazes his palm. He tries to catch Jeongguk's retreating fingers with his own, but they slip through his small hand.
It helps calm him though, just the slight touch. After twenty-two years they're finally going to be trainees. They've talked about this since they were kids, before they understood what it meant to be a dragon rider, before danger started to rear its ugly head. But now they know and they're still here, ready to dedicate themselves to the kingdom.
Jimin takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and breathes out slowly. All he has to do is get through the obstacle course. They've just finished the written exam and he knows he's aced it. That leaves the physical part and then the presentation before the dragon queen. Nothing to worry about. Jeongguk and he have been working out for years, testing each other in sparring matches and sprints. They'll get through this easily. Might even make a game out of it.
"First one to the finish line buys the meat tonight," Jimin murmurs to his boyfriend, watching out of the corner of his eye as Jeongguk smirks.
"You're on," he replies, cracking his neck and rolling his shoulders backward.
Jimin chokes back a giggle. Jeongguk is so competitive, it's the cutest thing or the most annoying thing, depends on the day and what he's decided he has to win at.
There's no time to dwell more on that though as the commander starts explaining the course. If you fall even once you have to start over. Only those within a certain time limit will be eligible to become trainees and that's only if they've placed well on the written exam. Jimin feels his heart thundering against his ribs. He can't fall. He can't. He's Park Jimin, son of General Park Jihyuk, leader of the king's dragon riders. He's meant to be here, he knows it.
"We're going ten at a time, remember, falling puts you back at the beginning. You will be watched. Cheating is prohibited and will result in immediate failure."
The first group move to the starting line and Jimin bounces on his toes as he looks them over. He recognizes several of them from university, but there are quite a few he doesn't know. Young men from smaller villages around the kingdom. It'll be interesting to see how well they do. He's glad they're not starting right away, gives him a chance to really study the course and how the others handle it.
Jeongguk leans in beside him after the whistle sounds and the potential riders take off. The first obstacle is a balance beam, mud surrounding the beams as hopefuls attempt to run across the long beam to the other side of the track. Jimin winces when someone slips off the beam and hits the mud. One of the academy staff shout for them to go back to the beginning. Falling on the first obstacle is never a good sign.
There's more falls as the course goes on and Jimin bites his bottom lip as he watches people starting back over. The longer it takes them, the more exhausted they become, and Jimin actually feels a pang of sympathy for one of the recruits as they fall during the last obstacle and can't get up again. Their arms shaking as they try to push themselves up, chest heaving, and sweat dripping off their skin.
"Kim Woohyung," Jeongguk murmurs into his ear. "I heard he's from Suncheon University, one of the top students. He was expected to pass."
Jimin swallows the lump in his throat as he watches one of the recruiters enter the course to help Woohyung up, the man's legs hardly holding him up as he's led toward the exit. No second chances. He doesn't even get to stay to see if the dragons want him. Eliminated immediately because he failed. The throbbing of his heart is so loud it almost drowns out the whistle signaling the end of the first group. Jimin's eyes flicker back to the commander as he gestures for them to step forward.
"Deep breaths, we got this," Jeongguk whispers to him, fingers brushing over his hand.
The gentle touch soothes him and he takes a deep breath in like Jeongguk's instructed. Then he jumps up and down, getting his blood pumping before jogging to the starting line. The balance beam is the first thing he has to get through. It should be easy. He just has to move fast enough, keep his arms up on either side and use them to keep him balanced. Easy.
The whistle is shrill and echoes in his ears, but Jimin moves like he's just been whipped. Feet carrying him forward, Jeongguk right beside him. It's the two of them in the lead and instead of fighting over the balance beam in front of them, Jimin veers to one on his left and jumps on it, balancing for a second before he's putting one foot in front of the other. There's no stopping him. His legs scream in protest from the quick movement, but Jimin ignores it.
Jeongguk is running along the beam beside his and Jimin recalls the competition not just with the other recruits, but who is buying meat that night for them. Jimin smirks as he hits the ground before Jeongguk does, but only by seconds. He takes off over the dirt track, thighs screaming with exertion already, but he just keeps going. Reaching the next obstacle, a twenty foot wall with rocks interspersed across it. There's nothing to catch you if you fall here, other than the sand at the base. Jimin quickly starts to scale the wall. Jeongguk jumps, grabbing further up the wall than Jimin is and tosses him a smirk as he climbs.
A laugh slips from Jimin's lips in the midst of the anxiety, his arms pushing him on faster, trying to catch up to his boyfriend. Jeongguk throws one leg over the side, grabbing onto the rope that's hanging there for them to climb down. He's already up and over, by the time Jimin is getting one leg over. He's panting as he grabs the rope and throws his body over the ledge, sliding down the rope a little faster than he intended. His hands burn, but he'll deal with that later.
His feet hit the ground and he's only steps behind Jeongguk now. They're leading the pack now and Jimin resists all urges he has to look behind him. There's no reason for him to see how well the others are doing, the only ones that matter are Jeongguk and him. The hoops come up fast, but Jimin is ready for them, stepping into the small rings in a jogging manner, knees high so he doesn't trip over the wood.
There's a stitch growing in his side and his lungs are burning by the time he makes it to the monkey bars. His hands still ache from the rope burn, but he swings across to each bar dealing with the stinging pain of metal against scraped palms. Jeongguk is still ahead of him, but Jimin knows he has an advantage coming up.
Wind flows across his overheated flesh as he grabs hold of the rope at the next obstacle swinging over the mud pit in one attempt. Jeongguk looks over his shoulder at him, grinning before he's back to paying attention. Jimin can't stop smiling, as he reaches the long board on a rope. They have to crawl across it without falling into the mud under it. It's another balancing act, but what makes it especially entertaining for Jimin is that he's smaller than Jeongguk. It should be easier for him.
Jeongguk is shakily trying to make his way across the board as it tilts dangerously to the left and right. Jimin's smaller body fits better on the plank and he's able to shuffle across it easier than his boyfriend. Enough so that he's in the lead as he gets his feet back on solid ground. The world tilts a little still, but he holds strong as he leads the pack to the last obstacle.
It's a rope climb, simple. He just has to reach the top, ring the bell, and then climb back down, run to the finish line. Taking a deep breath he jumps and grips the rope between his hands, fingers wrapping tight around the coarse thread. Pain flares through his palms and he has to bite his lower lip harshly to keep from crying out. Adrenaline isn't enough to wash away the pain, but he starts climbing, slipping a little and aggravating the burns even more. Jimin's not going to be like Kim Woohyung though. He's not going to fail here, he refuses to.
Jeongguk is on a rope beside him, arms flexing as he climbs. Jimin grips the rope with his feet and lifts himself up, pulling with all his might as he fights against the exertion burning through his body. They're neck and neck now, the two of them reaching their respective bells at the same time. Now it's the slide down and the run. He's almost there.
Hands burn and Jimin thinks they might even be bleeding at this point as he hurries down the rope. The mud at the bottom impedes him a little, as do a few recruits waiting for their turn. Jimin's knees nearly give out as he gets away from the ropes and back on the dirt track. Jeongguk is a second behind him and Jimin knows his boyfriend is faster than he is.
Even though his chest is heaving, sweat pouring down the back of his neck into his tunic, and his leather trousers stick uncomfortably to his skin he doesn't stop running, doesn't give in. Jeongguk is laughing behind him, thrilled for the competition in ways that Jimin knows he's going to be feeling later in bed, when they're no doubt wrapped around each other celebrating.
Jimin crosses the finish line a hair before Jeongguk does, a smile lighting up his features as he turns to look at Jeongguk. His boyfriend is panting, wiping sweat from his brow with his tunic, before he collapses in the grass off to the side of the track, where the first group of hopeful recruits are sitting and watching. Jimin takes a few shaky breaths in before he stumbles toward Jeongguk, his boyfriend's hands rising to his hips to help him into the grass beside him. Jimin huffs out a breathy laugh, sweaty forehead leaning against Jeongguk's shoulder.
They did it.
They made it through.
This is how it all begins.
"I look forward to you paying for the meat tonight," Jimin says, grinning at his boyfriend.
Jeongguk rolls his eyes, but he can't hide the grin on his lips. "I let you win."
"Sure you did, Big Boy."
Jeongguk knocks his shoulder gently into Jimin's as the two of them laugh. Slowly coming down from the adrenaline high that's been carrying them through the last seven minutes.
They sit there watching the other groups run the course, some passing, but a lot more fail than Jimin expects to see. It's heartbreaking, seeing peoples' dreams getting crushed right before his eyes. It's horrible and he finds himself scooting a little closer to Jeongguk as time goes on. He's glad they made it. After all their years of talking about doing this together, it's finally happening. They're going to be dragon riders.
The whistle sounds as the last group finishes, dropping into the grass. From the hundred plus that started this morning, they're down to about eighty. That's still more than normal, which means they're going to start cutting based on time. Jimin chews on his bottom lip, though he knows he has nothing to worry about. Jeongguk and he are at the top of the recruits. He's not sure anyone ran a faster time than they did. Besides, no one is going to cut the general's son and his boyfriend. Not willingly anyway.
Still his heart thunders in his chest as they start calling names of those that made it. They're doing it from bottom to top and Jimin feels his frustration grow the longer it takes for them to call his name. Jeongguk slips his hand into Jimin's and squeezes it gently. He must be able to feel his anxiousness or maybe he's anxious himself. Either way, Jimin calms a little at the familiar touch.
"Jeon Jeongguk. Park Jimin."
They both jump to their feet, still holding hands for a moment, before Jimin hastily lets go before the commander can really see what's going on. They jog to the accepted recruits. Jimin can hardly contain his grin, relief surging through them.
One more name is called after his, and that's it. Only thirty of them have been accepted to the academy. Jimin bounces on his toes, somehow finding energy coursing through him even after all the physical exertion they just did.
"All right. I want you to line up in the order you were just called out and head over to the dais at the end of the field. All that's left is for you to pass the dragon inspection."
Jeongguk glances over his shoulder to Jimin, a grin lighting up his face. They did it! They made it! The group of trainees are chattering softly to each other as they queue before the dais. Jimin keeps brushing his fingers along Jeongguk's back, excitement flaring inside him.
The whipping of large wings in the wind drifts to his ears, before a resounding roar vibrates the air. Jimin raises his head to the sky, his eyes falling on the gigantic red scaled dragon. Epondanami, Dragon Queen. She's the eldest dragon in Yongnara, maybe the world. Her fire burns the hottest and it's said that she can see into one's soul. She's the last test. She decides on whether someone is worthy to become a dragon rider.
A hum of awe slips from Jimin's lips as he takes in her majestic form, the way her muscles flex as she does a full pass over the coliseum. A moment or two later she's landing by the dais, silver eyes falling over the recruits. She turns her giant head and in the next second, fire is spewing from her mouth, lighting the Torch of Souls. Even though he's practically at the end of the line, Jimin can still feel the heat from the blast of fire. A shiver runs down his spine, goosebumps flaring across his flesh. She's magnificent.
"One at a time you will approach the dais and be judged. If the Torch of Souls remains lit you will approach Lieutenant Choi to receive your uniform. If the torch goes out, your soul is not worthy to be a dragon rider and you will leave," the commander announces, voice booming in the silence that has fallen.
Jimin rolls his eyes at the words. Everyone knows it's just a way to introduce you to the dragon queen. The Torch of Souls has never gone out for any recruit. At least not in the last hundred years. There's just legends and rumors of recruits that have been found unworthy of their dragon kin. Nothing written down though.
The queue moves slowly, each recruit standing in front of the torch, the eyes of the dragon queen falling over them. Nothing happens at all. The torch's flame stands tall and proud, not even a flicker. Jimin reaches for Jeongguk's hand just before his turn, squeezing it before pulling back. Jeongguk shoots him a grin over his shoulder and then heads up to the torch, giving a little bow to the dragon queen before standing tall. Jimin sighs as he looks at his boyfriend. Every hard curve of his body is well defined, hidden by the leather trousers and tunic, but Jimin knows what lies beneath those clothes. The amount of sex they're going to have to celebrate tonight almost makes him giddy with excitement.
As usual the flame stands true and Jeongguk is ushered toward Lieutenant Choi, Jimin watches him go for a moment before he starts his walk up to the torch. He follows Jeongguk by bowing to the dragon queen and then turning toward the flame.
A wave of cold dread settles into his lungs as the flame flickers. A hush falls over the recruits, but all Jimin can hear is the roar of blood in his ears as the flame flickers once more and then goes out. The world falls out from underneath him. People are speaking, but he can't hear them.
Hands find his upper arms and he's turned away from the empty torch. Jeongguk's face swims into view, concern etched into every crevice. Then he's being pulled away as the dragon queen roars louder than he's ever heard from a dragon. Jeongguk is trying to guide him away, but hands separate them and before Jimin is really aware of what's happening, he's being pulled away, toward the exit. Rough hands jerk him around corners in the coliseum before he's back out in the sun, but he doesn't feel the heat on his skin at all. He's numb, cold as he's practically dragged all the way to the gate, before being tossed out.
His rope burned hands hit the ground first as he tries to catch himself. Pain shoots up his arms and then knees as they hit next. The gate shuts behind him, the thump of the locking bar being pulled down to keep him out rattles through his ears. Tears blur his vision and he can't breathe. He clutches at his tunic, gasping for air. Blood drips from his palms onto the fabric, but Jimin doesn't notice or care. All he cares about is the Torch of Souls and how the flame went out.
The flame went out.
Jimin isn't worthy to be a dragon rider.
The dragons rejected him.
The gods have cursed him.