Note: Please note, I know nothing about Fashion or Fashion shows. I'm just winging it with the information I Googled. So, please excuse my mistakes.

T/W: Implied sexual assault in a flashback scene. It's just mentioned in one sentence that's all.

I didn't plan for Angst, but I thought this scene is important to understand their relationship dynamics and why Jimin is hesitant.

***

Jimin wasn't at the venue when they reached after an hour, which was a bummer. Jungkook looked forward to it so much that the expression on his face fell when he didn't see Jimin there.

Tae greeted Jungkook with a warm hug before chatting animatedly about the shoots and arrangements before he was dragged away by staff. Jungkook was feeling giddy just at the prospect of seeing Jimin's reaction. But he was soon absorbed into work and had less time to mull over his exposed arms and collar bones.

It was much later when Tae pulled him to the break room to go over the edited photos in his laptop, handpicking them to be used for the upcoming campaign.

"Aera, when will the artists arrive?" Tae asked as Jungkook opened the next folder.

"Tomorrow." Aera typed away on her iPad. "All the arrangements are done. Our driver will pick them up from the airport. They will join us for the rehearsal tomorrow."

"Artists?" Jungkook looked up. "Are there going to be live performers?"

Tae cocked a brow with an amused smile. "You've never seen any of our shows before, have you?"

Jungkook shook his head. He'd seen them at the billboards and a few magazine articles. That was all.

"We always have popular artists perform in our shows," Aera informed with a soft smile. "Since it's our first time in Seoul Fashion Week we wanted it to be special."

"Who?" Jungkook leaned forward, his eyes twinkling.

"Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd and Fall out boy."

"Oh, my God!" Jungkook covered his mouth.

Tae winked at him and then clapped at his shoulder. "You're gonna enjoy this."

Before long they were all piled on the single couch with Tae and Jungkook in the middle. Aera and Porshiya to his left and Katy to Tae's right. Aera was almost on his lap, one leg was thrown over his knee and her arm draped over his shoulder with how they were all hunched to view the single screen, Porshiya was hugging Aera from behind like a koala as they selected the photos they liked better.

Suddenly the door opened, Jimin's exhausted voice greeting them. Jungkook whipped up only to freeze when he felt warm lips pressing against his temple. Blood rushed to his face and he felt heat surge from his neck to the tip of his ears. It was a simple kiss, one Jimin had noticed way too late because his eyes widened comically.

It all lasted for a few seconds before Jimin's lips quirked to the side and he was moving to Aera and Porshiya to kiss their temples. Just like that, the moment was broken and Jungkook internally thanked Aera, who cupped the back of his head forcing him to face the laptop screen.

He was sure his face was red like a tomato but he didn't dare to look up again, concentrating on the screen, his mind barely focusing with his skin tingling where Jimin just kissed him. His heartbeat was too loud in his ears.

It was an accident. Jimin had the habit of kissing the other four before he left them to go somewhere or when he came back. It wasn't just him. All five did that like some routine. Always greeting each other with a kiss on their cheek or head. But still, it did nothing to lessen the flutter in his heart.

His lips stretched to a wide smile and as much as he tried to contain it, he didn't think he succeeded because Aera was snickering beside him.

"You look like a lovesick puppy. Tone it down, boy," she whispered. "Jimin is coming back."

Jungkook immediately schooled his features or tried to do that. If Tae noticed their conversation he didn't say a word. Jimin came back with a cup of coffee and plopped on the armchair in front of them. Porshiya moved to sit on one of the arms of his chair, whipping out her iPad as she proceeded to show the photos they have already selected.

The youngest relaxed now that the attention was off him. He subtly put his hand over his chest, trying to calm his poor heart that felt assaulted with two events in one day.

What a day it was!

"One of the best," his lovesick brain supplied.

One of the best, indeed.

***

The days leading to the show were always busy. With Tae back in town and only a day to the show, they decided to relax for the night.

Aera invited Jungkook for their weekly Netflix and Pizza night session. Not that Jimin minded. It was more fun with the youngest present. He was funny and was playful. They were watching some rom-com laughing and chatting.

Jungkook sat between Aera and Katy, both spoiling him and entertaining his childlike antics. Every day Jimin saw a different version of Jungkook. He was far from the upright businessman once he got to know him better. The youngest was the sweetest boy ever. So humble, polite, and respectful.

Jimin also did not fail to notice how similar Jungkook and Katy were. Especially, when they were together it was so obvious. The similarities were surprising for someone who hasn't met each other for years or lived together. The way their brows burrowed when they were in deep thought or focusing on something, the way they laughed louder without holding back, the way they subconsciously toyed with their hair. Anyone with eyes could see it if they paid attention.

And then there was Jungkook, who barely spoke a few words when they first met. Even when he began working as a photographer, he maintained a respectful distance from Katy. However, now he followed her subconsciously, hovering protectively when she was working around the other men.

The other day he had stared down one of the male staff who looked at Katy longer than necessary. Not to add, the said male had scurried off the set when Jungkook shot daggers with his gaze. Jimin was convinced the youngest could be scary when he wants to be.

Porshiya came back from the kitchen, handing them another batch of popcorn before wiggling her into the space between Jimin and Taehyung in the loveseat. There was barely any space, but since when did that stop her? She literally squeezed herself into space, pushing them to the end of the couch.

Taehyung harrumphed but proceeded to grab a handful of popcorn, eyes glued to the television.

"So?" Porshiya began, her gaze darting to the three people in front of them, lost in their own world.

"So?" Jimin and Tae repeated in unison.

"They're being disgustingly obvious," she whispered.

"Who's gonna tell them?" Tae quirked a brow. "Not me."

"Guys, I bet my left ovary that he knows. I mean...just look at them. And the other day she was blatantly calling him 'my little brother' and he goes 'my noona'," she listed the obvious.

"He knows," Jimin confirmed. At this point, he refused to believe otherwise. There was no way one could go from being respectful to downright affectionate as if they'd known for years in a matter of weeks.

But why hasn't he said anything yet?

"This is gonna be interesting." Porshiya munched the popcorn.

"Yeah." Jimin smiled.

Very interesting.

***

The Seoul Fashion Week was such a grand event for fashion lovers all over the world. Participating in it had always been Taehyung's dream. However, he let go of two opportunities in the past because of Katy. This year, however, she'd managed her friend to go for it, saying she could handle it.

While she wasn't ready to be back, she knew it was time to face her past and she couldn't hide forever. Not especially when it had begun to affect the others as well. She was also glad she decided to woman up and come here. This year was no different. The week was full of shows by the world's top and rising designers, One-hundred-twenty brands in total along with professional order negotiations by e-commerce buyers. The show was expected to greet ten million Seoul citizens and fashion people from around the world.

"We are in DDP Art Hall 2," Robert said as Katy continued to scroll through her phone, answering emails as they walked down the hall. "That's where the Seoul collection by Korean and Foreign designers is held. There are a total of thirty-five shows this time and Vinora is participating in three of them."

Katy hummed, already aware of the details, but she let Robert rattle it anyway. The man talked a lot when he was excited. And he got excited a lot. She kinda liked him and his boyfriend Johnny who would arrive tomorrow morning and stay with them until the show. Excitement bubbled through her body at the thought of having the best team. Jungkook was such a bonus.

As interesting it was, she was keener at the "Trade Show" where everyone would gather for professional order negotiations. With over five-hundred local and overseas buyers participating, the entire week was going to be draining. Fortunately, Aera was able to take a week off from the Min group so she could help them with the Trade Show. Five was always better than one and this was their trade secret. Katy smiled cheekily at the new opportunities. Oh, she loved this part so much.

They were greeted by their team who has already set up the equipment required. Behind the stage, she could already spot the hustle and bustle. She pulled her hair into a ponytail, getting ready for the rehearsals.

An hour or two flew by as they went on, not even stopping to rest as they tested all the angles they would cover tomorrow. Katy hadn't realized how much time had passed because Porshiya was tugging at her arm.

"Did you see Jungkookie?" she whisper-yelled as she thrust a drink into her hand.

"Nope." Katy uncapped the bottle, a frown tugging her lips. Her gaze scanned around finding her little brother soon.

"He's acting weird," Porshiya continued.

"Oh." Katy smiled as she took in Jungkook's flushed appearance and the shy smile.

"Like look at his smile and he goes red every time Jimin is in his vicinity," Porshiya continued.

"Can you blame him? He got a kiss from his crush last night. I'd be a mess too," Aera said coming from behind them. "Don't forget Jimin's smug smile whenever he's out there. He's acting extra sexy."

When she began working she was too focused at work that she often forgot about her surroundings. Now that they have pulled her out of her reverie, Katy saw it through her eyes.

"That sneaky fox," Porshiya hissed under breath. "He definitely did something else."

Katy shared a knowing look with Aera. Porshiya wasn't aware of their conversation with Jungkook yet.

On the stage, Jimin was acting nonchalantly while he helped a model who kept tripping. "TaeTae, we should change his shoes. The stage is slippery. He can't walk on these," she heard him say.

"On it!" Tae's voice came somewhere from backstage.

"He definitely did something," Aera repeated.

"That he did," Porshiya agreed. "My observation skills are the best."

Aera snickered silently.

"Hmm..." Katy hummed. "Hold on." She put the camera in its designated space and headed toward Jungkook who still had his eyes on Jimin's back.

He was too lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice her sliding into the seat next to him. He had a bottle pressed to his lips but he wasn't actually drinking.

"Stunning, isn't it?" Katy said, causing Jungkook to choke and splutter. He whipped around with wide eyes and she smiled slyly, catching him red-handed.

"Huh?"

"Oh, I mean the stage, models..." she drawled. "This is one of Tae's best collections ever. He went all out."

"Oh, yes," he agreed. "Everything is stunning."

"Especially Park Jimin. Isn't that right?"

Jungkook's eyes widened, a blush creeping to his cheeks. "Stop doing that," he hit her hand playfully.

"What did I do?" she faked innocence.

"Noona..." he whined, covering his face as Aera and Porshiya strode to them.

"I told you he'd be kissing you before this week ended." Katy shrugged. "And he did."

"It was an accident." Jungkook pouted. "He really didn't mean that."

"I stand by my words. Jimin will kiss you before this show ends. Periodt."

"Katy..." Porshiya hissed. "What are you doing? You promised me that you won't interfere."

"I'm not doing anything." She shrugged. "It was Jimin who kissed him first."

Porshiya shook his head. "I don't know what's going on, but don't fill his head with fantasies. Jimin doesn't kiss. It's too intimate for him. And he hasn't been in a relationship in six years. You know that."

Jungkook was slightly deflated. The elated feeling leaving him altogether. Jimin didn't kiss?

"Yeah, I'm aware." Katy's smile fell and Jungkook felt an invisible weight settle in his heart.

"It's been too long. When was the last time he kissed someone? Was it his freshman or sophomore year?" Aera asked. "What was that name of that bitch again?"

"Ashley. It was his sophomore year." Katy's voice wavered slightly. Her expression fell as the memories she tried hard to bury surfaced once again at full force. "He never kissed anyone again. Hell, he doesn't even hook up with anyone anymore."

"Did something happen?" Jungkook asked, his voice curious.

"She's was a toxic, manipulative bitch," Aera said. "Jimin broke up with her."

"Or more like, our Jeoni here gave him an ultimatum. And of course, he chose Jeoni in the end," Porshiya supplied.

"She just wanted in his pants. Like hell I'd let that happen," she hissed. "She didn't even like him that way. She was in love with the idea of having the university's bad boy wrapped around her pinkie. I hated that. I did what I had to do."

But her shoulders slumped and her vision blurred. It was a sore subject for Katy. As much as she didn't regret the incident, she also felt like she was partially responsible for Jimin's non-existent dating life.

"Baby..." Porshiya reached out first as if sensing the sudden change in her mood. "Boo, it's not your fault."

And that was enough for the dam to break. She stood abruptly. "I need coffee," she said and pivoted on her heel without waiting for any of them and walked out before she broke down.

***

Jungkook stared at his sister's retreating form. Aera stopped Porshiya who was ready to chase after her.

"Jungkook, you should go after her."

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Aera sighed. "It's a sore subject for her and she doesn't like to talk to us about it since it involves us. I know she still blames herself for it, but it's not her fault. She might open up to you though. Just...just check on her, will you?"

The youngest didn't know if it will work. But they had grown closer recently and talked about anything and everything. He decided to trust Aera's judgment. After all, she grew up with his sister and knew her better than anyone else.

"Yeah, sure. I...I'll be right back." Jungkook was on his feet, walking off to the direction where she disappeared to.

Five minutes later, he found her on the balcony near the smoking area, staring into the distance. He inhaled, wiping his sweaty palms on top of his jeans. She didn't move as he went to stand beside her contemplating how to start a conversation.

They stood there in awkward silence for a while. They were close, but not that close. They talked but it was mostly light conversations or Jungkook telling her about his day. This topic was heavy and he didn't know how to approach her. What if she shut him out?

He slanted a glance at her, worrying his lip before he took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

"Um..." He shifted from one foot to the other. "Wanna talk about it?" he asked. "It's okay if you don't want to," he rushed to say. "I'm a good listener."

Worry nagged at him. She didn't react. Did he say something wrong? The atmosphere only grew awkward but he noticed her exhale with a slump of her shoulder. She wasn't meeting his gaze or turning to look at him.

"Jimin was going through this phase when he turned eighteen. Like he had this typical bad boy persona; wearing badass leather jackets, heavy jewelry, and showing off his tats while he rode that beast of a motorbike. Many just wanted to get into his pants just for the kick of it. She was one of them." Katy sighed. "I don't know how it happened, but they started dating and Jimin started spending more time with her."

Jungkook didn't like where it was going. He had a bad feeling in his gut and the pained expression on her face worsened it further.

"He began to stay over at her place sometimes and..." She cleared her throat. "We barely saw each other anymore."

A heavy silence settled between them as she struggled with her emotions. She brushed off the tears, looking anywhere but at him.

"I don't like sleeping alone you know. Growing up, I've always had someone to hold me. It's mostly Jimin since we practically grew up in the same home and never gone a day without each other. We're crib mates after all." She shrugged. "Even when Aera and the others came along, our habits didn't change. I always snuck into his bed and eventually, the others started joining us." She exhaled a loud breath. "That time was hard for me because Aera was dating Joonie, Porshiya was with someone else and Tae had my brother. So when Jimin started staying over at her place...things started to become worse."

Jungkook put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"He always picks me after my classes you know, but then he started excusing." A few tears escaped her eyes and she let out a sob. "He always answers my calls, no matter what situation he is in. He never disconnects my calls. Ever. But he started ignoring my calls too. I didn't like it. I started to fight with him and it didn't go well."

Jungkook tried to swallow the thick ball of emotion.

"What happened next?"

Katy's gaze flicked to his gaze before she averted her face. She nibbled at her bottom lip, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "He made excuses again," she said after a while. He could tell it was a hard topic for her. "We didn't have bodyguards at that time. Dad wanted us to have freedom and grow up like the kids of our age. He never interfered in any of our choices." She sighed. "So it was just us. My classes ran late. It was already dark and a storm was closing in. I couldn't call the others because Jimin was the only one with the license and my brother was out of town. So I called Jimin asking if he could pick me up. But he was at her place, told me she was sick, and asked me to take a cab."

Jungkook's gut twisted with discomfort. He'd seen how close they were. He could only imagine how hard it must have been for them.

"I did. It wasn't a big deal. But my cab broke down on the way and I was like a fifteen minutes' walk to my home. We lived in somewhat the outskirts away from all the hustle so I couldn't flag another cab. That night...I was attacked. Someone followed me and I tried to call Jimin again because I was scared. But he ignored my calls as usual." She looked down at her feet. "I don't remember much of that night, but I barely made it."

Jungkook's throat tightened. His eyes stung as he looked at his sister who masked her emotions well.

"The cops found me later and... I gave him an ultimatum," her voice cracked at the end. "Forced him to choose."

"I-It's not your fault." He ached to brush her tears away and comfort her but he didn't know if she would appreciate it now.

"I know," she sniffled. "But I wish I had handled it differently. Talked to him about it and told him how I felt about all this. You see it wasn't Jimin's fault. It was her. Jimin trusted easily and he trusted her enough to leave his phone unattended. She never told him about my calls and it was her who was disconnecting the calls. So Jimin never knew I tried to call him. If I had spoken to him, I'd have known. We could have avoided all this, but I didn't. I thought I was giving him space but in truth, I was pushing him away."

He reached for her, brushing her tears away. "I'm sorry it happened. You regret it, don't you?"

She nodded. "If there is one thing I regret, it's giving him that ultimatum. I put him on a tight spot." She wiped her wet cheeks. "I forced him to choose while I knew he'd choose me no matter what. It was unfair. He didn't even have a choice. I knew he liked her. I should have handled it carefully, but I broke his heart."

"You were young and people do mistakes all the time. What matters the most is that you learn from it." He tried to comfort her.

"At what cost?" she asked softly. "He hasn't dated anyone since her. He shut down a part of him after that incident, never got too close with anyone. It was as if he's too scared to commit again and I feel responsible. I-I just want him to be happy."

Jungkook took her hands in his, gently running his thumb on the back of her palm. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. If he hasn't dated anyone that's because he just hasn't met the right person yet." He leaned forward, tilting his head to the side with a goofy smile. "But I'm here now, aren't I? I'm gonna sweep him off his feet. Give him all the love in this world. Just watch."

That made her giggle and she threw his arms around him. "You better keep your promise. Else I'll hunt your ass down, no matter where you run off to hide. You don't want to know what I'll do if you ever hurt my Minnie."

"I promise I won't." He pulled away, taking her hands once again. "If he will have me, if this worked out, I promise to always to put him first."

She stared at him for a long moment before exhaling and then nodded. "I trust you. Come on, I still need that coffee." She clapped at his shoulder and the atmosphere changed just like that. Both lost in their talks, didn't notice the silent figure listening in to their conversation.

***

Jimin walked away from the balcony with a heavy heart. He had stepped away to take a call and wasn't expecting to run into his best friend and her little brother. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when he heard the conversation he couldn't bring himself to move.

The attorney knew how Katy felt about that incident. She's apologized enough times over the years, but he never blamed her for it. It wasn't her fault. She was only looking out for him and he was sure he would do the same if it was her.

Hell, he almost did the same mistake before talked him down. The divorce papers he drafted for her to sign as soon as he found out the identity of Jung Hoseok was still in his suitcase. His throat tightened. He knew she was in love with the man, but that night when he talked to her about the divorce, he saw the defeat. She was ready to sign and she would have signed if he had pushed her to.

However, Jimin didn't want that. He was overprotective but Jung Hoseok wasn't Ashley. He wasn't trying to tear them down like his ex. Hoseok wasn't toxic or manipulative, at least from what he had learned of his best friend's husband over the past couple of weeks.

Jimin still remembered the day Katy gave him that ultimatum. But honestly, if anyone was to be blamed it was him. He pushed her to do that. He still remembered the night that led to that incident.

It was storming outside and he was with Ashley. She was sick and as her boyfriend, he thought it was his responsibility to take care of her. He was at her apartment making her soup for dinner when he got a call from Katy. Jimin hadn't given it much thought before asking her to take a cab because she was his friend and she would understand, wouldn't she?

And she had. Katy had told him to take care of Ashley and ended the call. He had carried the soup to the bedroom, helping Ashley up and making her eat. Now that he thought about it, he realized how much of a fool he had been while he was with her. Her skin had felt cold against his touch despite her claiming she came down with flu. He thought it was a stomach bug or something to do with the seasonal change.

So he hadn't asked questions, instead helped her by staying with her taking care of her. Thinking of it, he remembered how often she'd pull that I'm sick card just to keep him in her apartment at night because he refused to stay over otherwise. Sometimes he even thought it was cute, only he hadn't known her real intentions behind those requests. He had left her briefly to clean the kitchen and tidy up the place when the first thunder rolled in.

"Ashley, I can't stay tonight. Will you be okay by yourself or should I call one of your friends to come over?" he asked once he was back to her room.

"But Jimin...you said you would stay."

Jimin sighed, his gaze flicking to the storm outside. Katy was alone and she hated thunderstorms. He knew the others were there but it was their thing. He'd make her hot cocoa and they'd watch something on their laptop until they fell asleep. And he already felt bad for bailing on her today.

"I know, but something came up. I have to go now."

"It's pouring outside. You can't just leave," she reasoned.

Jimin chuckled. "It's just rain. I'll reach home before it grows worse." He took the empty bowl from her. "Do you need anything else before I leave?"

Ashley peered at him from under the lashes. "Is there anything I could do to make you stay?" she pouted.

He shook his head with a small smile. "I'll come by tomorrow. Be good and rest for the night." He left his phone on the table so he could take the bowl to the kitchen. He swiftly rinsed in and when he came back she was under her covers.

"What is so important to you that you have to brave the storm?" she asked.

He pocketed his phone and zipped his jacket. "Katy is alone at home," he said. "She hates thunderstorms."

Ashley scoffed. "I can't believe you. You'd leave your girlfriend for someone just because they hate thunderstorms?"

Jimin sighed, tired of this conversation again. "She's not someone," he gritted through his teeth. "We already talked about this. She's my best friend."

"A friend who lives in the same home as you."

"You have nothing to worry about her, you know that right? She's my friend but you're the one I like."

He tried to get his point across even when he knew it was futile. For some reason, Ashley always felt insecure about his relationship with Katy and the others. He thought he was responsible for making her feel that way and did everything to prove it otherwise. What did his friendship get anything to do with any of this?

Namjoon was dating Aera and he had no trouble with her spending 90% of her time with them. There were at least a million times when he had walked in on them sleeping in the same bed, but Namjoon never minded it. It was the same with Taehyung. Yoongi never stopped him or chastised him for spending time with them. Both Namjoon and Yoongi were happy.

Why can't he have the same? Why can't Ashley understand how important they were to him?

He understood the case with Namjoon and Yoongi were different because they were childhood friends. Yoongi was Aera and Katy's brother while Namjoon had known them since they were ten-years-old. He'd been to their countless sleepovers. But he could hope, right? How else was this going to work out?

"Fine," she grunted. "Be here in the morning."

"Ashley..."

"Leave, Jimin. I get it. She's important. Just go." She turned away from him facing the other side.

Jimin closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. He wanted to say something but he held back since she was sick. They'd have to talk soon. If this was how it was going to be, he didn't think they'd go any far.

"Good night," he said instead. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Ashley didn't respond and he left her apartment without a word. The storm wasn't that bad but he was drenched, the jacket doing its best to keep his upper torso dry and phone dry. It took him longer than usual to drive against the heavy wind and downpour, but he breathed a sigh of relief as soon their home came into view.

He parked his bike in the garage and swiftly climbed the stairs. When he slipped inside, several faces whipped to him, relief flooding their features.

"Jiminie..." Taehyung was the first to approach him. "There you are. We were so worried when you wouldn't answer your phone." He looked behind him. "Where's Jeoni?" he asked expectantly as Jimin shrugged off his jacket.

"Isn't she home?" Jimin frowned looking at the time. "She left an hour ago. I told her to take a cab."

"You didn't pick her up?" Aera asked him. Her gaze nervously meeting the others.

"She isn't home and she hasn't responded to any of our calls or texts. We thought she was with you," Porshiya said.

"What? No. I was at Ashley's place. She was sick and—"

The front door opened and Namjoon walked in. What alarmed them was the look in his eyes. He was breathing heavily.

"J-Jeoni..." He lifted a familiar backpack. "I-I found it on the sidewalk fifteen minutes from our place. She...she wasn't there."

"What?" Aera lunged at him, grabbing him by the front of his jacket. "What do you mean she wasn't there?"

"I didn't see anyone there. I searched the entire place," he said. "I-I already informed Yoongi hyung and called the cops, okay?"

From there it was a blur. That night was the worst night in his entire life. When the cops had found her discarded phone, Jimin felt like someone had ripped his heart from inside his chest. It was his fault. If he had just picked her up after her classes, none of this would have happened.

None of them had slept that night. He was out on the streets looking for her all night. The weather made it hard, but he wasn't going to rest while she was out there in whatever danger she was in. He prayed and apologized a million times in his heart, vowing to never leave her alone again.

It was around six in the morning they got a call from the cops again. Fortunately with the good news that they had found her. But the moment Jimin saw her, he knew she barely made it out. She looked like she'd seen a ghost. She was fine apart from a few cuts and scratches, but he knew she was far from fine. She refused to tell them what happened, but he learned from the police officers that it was a sexual assault. She had managed to push the bastard away and hide somewhere until the cops found her.

It was when Ashley stopped by to visit her at the hospital she had flipped. The doctors had discharged her and they were getting ready to go home when his girlfriend came.

Katy lifted her face so she could lock her gaze with him. "Jimin, I'll ask you once." Her expression was as hard as a stone, her eyes were cold lacking any sort of warmth or fondness. "Choose," she gritted out.

"Bubble..." Aera's voice faltered. "Don't do this."

Porshiya gripped her shoulder. "Jeoni...don't!"

Katy shrugged her off, folding her hands against her chest. Beside her Taehyung was frozen, his mouth agape. "Choose, Park Jimin. Me or her."

Jimin sucked in a sharp breath. Their gazes locked again. Her emotions were closed off and were now tightened with determination. Seconds ticked away and he noticed the first crack in her hard mask.

"Jeoni..." A whisper tumbled off his mouth.

She blinked once. Twice. Then her shoulders slumped in defeat before she averted her gaze. She took a deep breath and nodded once before pivoting on her heel.

Jimin's eyes widened as something snapped inside him. He shook his head, his brain once again functioning. He took two long strides, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his chest. His hands shook as the first sob left him. He didn't remember the last time he cried. But his tears were flowing free now and he felt her body shaking violently as her fingers curled around the front of his shirt.

"You know I'll always choose you."

"Jimin!" Ashley gasped. "What about me?" She pushed Taehyung aside coming to stand in front of him. "Y-You can't do this me. What about our love? What about all those things you said?" She was livid.

Jimin closed his eyes, a shudder raking his body. The only one he could focus on was Katy and her soft cries muffled in his chest. She was breaking down and he was the reason. He did that to her. It was one thing he vowed to never do. Hurt any of his friends. As he glanced around he saw only pain. They all looked torn, eyes filled with tears. He caused this. They promised to stay together no matter what.

"Jimin!" Ashley pushed at him. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" she screamed. "Answer me, dammit!

Jimin took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," he whispered. When his gaze locked again with Ashley's, it was tight with determination. "It's over," he said.

"W-what?" Ashley stumbled back. "T-This must be a joke. You can't choose her."

He closed his eyes, clenching his jaw. "I choose her. It'll always be her, Ashley. You cannot be a part of my life if you can't accept that."

"Baby..." She grabbed his arm that was wrapped around Katy. "She's manipulating you. Can't you see what she's doing to us?" Ashley sniffled. "She never liked me from the beginning. She's doing this purposefully. Don't do this to us, baby."

Jimin swallowed the invisible lump in his throat. "You didn't like her either," he replied. "In fact, you never liked any of them, did you?" He had realized this a while ago. But then with some damned hope, he thought he could get them both along. That with time things will fall into place. However, it had only gotten worse and he didn't realize how much worse until Katy dropped the bomb.

"That's not true." Ashley shook her head. "I tried my best to get along but they never let me. They always treated me like an outsider. They never gave me a chance."

Jimin was exhausted. He could argue all day about what went wrong and whatnot. But this wasn't the time or the place. They were at the hospital and a crowd was beginning to gather around their room. He tightened his hold on Katy instead. "Let's get you home, shall we?" he murmured in a gentle tone. "We still have to catch up on than rom-com you talked about."

"Jimin, stop ignoring me. You're not breaking up with. I won't accept that."

He slanted a glance at her. "It doesn't have to be like this, Ashley. If you wanna talk, we will do that later. I don't want to do this here, not like this." His gaze swept around.

"Why? Are you afraid that I'll let out all the dirty secrets," she spat. "Are you afraid that I'll tell the world that you're dumping me for a bitch who's so much in love with you that she'd go to any extent to take you away from me?"

"Enough!" he hissed. "You know nothing."

"I know enough!" Ashley didn't back down. More people were gathering around them, some taking videos and others watching the drama unfold with amusement. "Why don't you ask her first?" She pulled grabbed Katy's hand pulling her out of his embrace. "Are you not in love with him? Tell him." She shook her. "I know you do. I have proof." She grabbed her phone from her pocket, scrolling through it furiously.

Then she was playing a video, in which he saw a furious Katy confronting someone.

"Yes, I am in love with him, so what?" he heard her say. "What are you gonna do about it? I won't stop loving him just because you have a problem with it."

"What are you gonna say to this, huh? Are you going to admit or lie through your teeth again?" Ashley taunted.

Jimin scoffed. "That's it?" He cocked his head to the side. Ashley knew nothing. None of these people anything about the kind of relationship he had with Katy. "She loves me. What about it?"

"Y-You knew?" Ashley's eyes widened.

"Listen, Ashley. I don't have time for this bullshit. Yes, I know she loves me. She has loved me since the day she had born and she will love me until the day end of our time. I tried to make it clear to you, but you will never understand."

"So this was all a game for you? If you both are in love why did you even bother dating me?" She threw her hands in the air. "You played me!"

"What would you know about love, Ashley?" Katy spoke for the first time after her short breakdown. Her eyes were narrowed at the woman he thought he was in love with. "If I wanted Park Jimin as my boyfriend or if he wanted me as his girlfriend, we wouldn't have waited this long," she scoffed. "We love each other, but I don't expect someone like you to understand our relationship."

Jimin sighed. No one will understand the close bond he shared with his friends. They weren't blood-related but they were his immediate family. Their bond had grown through thick and thin since their childhood. Katy was as good as his sister though they didn't share the same parents. Never had they gone a day without seeing each other. But he had fucked up. He almost lost her and by extension his only friends.

Ashley's face crumbled again. "Jimin, please...don't do this. Is it because I told her off and the other day? I didn't know she was in trouble, okay? I was just angry." She grabbed his hands. "Please...you have to understand. I was hurt. Who would like it when their boyfriend cares for someone else than you?"

Jimin froze, his blood running cold. "She called?"

Ashley's expression faltered. "I-I—"

He crowded her space, caught her by her arm, and shook her. "What did you do?" Ashley struggled in his hold. "What. Did. You. Do?" His voice rose with the fury burning inside him.

"I-I told her to leave y-you alone," Ashley sobbed. "I-I didn't know. I didn't know she was in trouble."

"Shut up!" he hissed as he pushed her away. "You had no right." He ran a hand through his hair. "I was her emergency contact. I was on her speed dial because I was the only one who could get to her fast than anyone else." His breathing grew heavy as he realized how close he had come to lose Katy all because of his girlfriend's stupid jealousy. "She called me when she needed me the most and you told her off?" His eyes stung.

"Jimin..." She tried to grab his arms again.

"Don't," he warned. "I don't want to see you ever again. If you come near me or my friends again, if you so much as looked in their direction, I'll end you," he growled. "Leave!"

She stumbled back as he took a few steps toward her, leaving the room and their lives for good. When he looked back at Katy, she wasn't meeting his gaze. Tears were trailing down her cheeks.

"How long was this going on?" His heart clenched painfully as he stood in front of her. "How long?"

"Long enough," Aera answered instead of Katy and there were words left unsaid.

Long enough to push her to give him an ultimatum.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, sinking to his knees. "I failed you. I'm so sorry." He covered his face.

Katy had pulled him into her arms and cried saying it wasn't his fault. But Jimin knew, he knew it was his fault for being so selfish. For not seeing it. He will never let it happen again.

From that day, Jimin had always been careful. None of them he met had met his expectations. Most of them wanted him for his money or just for fun. And a few who got past a few dates never tried to understand him or his life. They were more into the life they'd have if they worked out and he saw their vision had no place for his friends there. So he stopped.

That was until Jungkook came along. He knew the moment he met Jungkook, the youngest was going to be in trouble. He'd always liked the boy. Growing up, he'd listened to Katy talk about him for hours and even helped her pick up his gifts while Aera would fill those gift boxes with chocolates saying he was her brother too.

Porshiya and Taehyung were wary of him, but they never interfered with Katy's need to send him gifts or watch over him even when they lived on different continents.

He didn't know his lack of love life had affected Katy this much. They never talked about it even though the latter often joked about his flings. He didn't know she was hurting or still blamed herself for that incident. With a sigh, he walked inside, determined to fix it.

***

The mood was once again lighter with everyone laughing and chatting about fun stuff. Jungkook relaxed, happy to be just there and glad that his sister opened up to him.

"So, how did the talk go?" Aera asked after Katy and Porshiya left them to get more snacks and another cup of hot chocolate.

"It was good." He smiled. "She spoke to me about it."

She watched him intently and Jungkook had that feeling that she knew something he didn't. "Now you will understand why I want this to work out," she said, tracing the rim of her empty coffee mug. "You have figured out, didn't you? You know who she is."

Jungkook blinked, his heart racing. "I...I don't know what you're talking about."

"Cut the chase, Jungkookie. I may act oblivious but I'm not a fool. You know, don't you? You know Jeoni is your half-sister."

Jungkook swallowed, all the blood draining from his face. "I...Noona..."

"Don't worry. She doesn't know that you know." She crossed her leg with a nonchalant shrug. "I like you, Jungkookie. I've known you since you were five. I was the one who fills your gift boxes with chocolates," she said. "So trust me when I say, if you so much as hurt her or Jimin, I won't hesitate to nail your ass to the coffin."

Jungkook's eyes widened. Gone was the sweet and caring Noona who cooed at him and spoiled him with his favorite snacks. In her place was a cold and calculative businesswoman who knew her game. He sucked in a sharp breath, unable to meet her sharp gaze. A shiver ran down his spine and he shrunk back. She was scary.

"I didn't ask you to speak to her because she wanted someone to talk to. I told you that so you would understand when I say... She would do anything for Jimin and Jimin would do anything for her, even if it meant breaking their own hearts and sacrificing their love. Jimin did it once and Jeoni was going to sign the divorce papers just because Jimin asked her to."

Jungkook stared at her mouth agape. The weight of her words settled in his heart. "She was going to sign the divorce papers?"

"Taehyung stopped Jimin on time," she continued in the same tone. "So trust me when I say, your relationship with her is going to decide the future. Jimin hadn't made a move yet because he wants you to accept her as your sister first. Jeoni stayed away from Hoseok because she didn't want to upset Jimin."

"I...I'll never hurt her," he whispered. "I just...I just wanted to get to know her. I want her in my life. I want to make up for all these years I missed."

"Good to know that." She smiled, her expression softening. "As long as you don't hurt her, you have nothing to worry about." She patted his arm. "I have nothing against you, Jungkook. You haven't spoken a word to anyone since you found out. You have kept it a secret, even from her, so I trust you." Her gaze flicked to the unsuspecting women who were ordering their drinks. "And there is something else you need to know about her. Her full name is Min Katy Jeong-seon."

Jungkook frowned. "I...I don't understand."

"She's a Min," Aera stressed. "Do you remember the proposal you submitted to the Min group?"

Jungkook gasped. His head whipped to see Katy laughing at something Porshiya said.

"She'll be one of the main people to sign it."

"Oh, my God!"

Aera chuckled and patted his arm. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spring it upon you. But it's one of the reasons Jeoni stayed away from Hoseok. And I'm tired of everything. So if you decide you want nothing to do with her, I'll give you this one chance to back off. If you stayed, you're in this for life. You'll be one of us, no matter what. The choice is yours."

Their conversation was cut off when Katy and Porshiya came back. Jungkook's head reeled with this new information.

She's a Min.

It all became clear to him. The bodyguards, the protection they had around him, the way they talked sometimes. He was in the presence of the two Min heiresses.

And suddenly the conversation he accidentally overheard two days ago made more sense.

"Prince Consort has arrived earlier than expected. Yes, his travel routes are secured," the bodyguard had said into his earpiece. "Yes. We will keep our eyes on him."

Jungkook didn't mean to walk to the secluded stairs. He was mindlessly taking a walk but whatever he heard had left him confused. Who used terms like that anymore? At that time, he thought it was a code word or something.

He wordlessly took the second cup of caramel macchiato and sipped it to keep himself busy. If they're the Mins, then Min Yoongi was their brother. Katy had once mentioned that Taehyung was married to her brother.

Damn.

Taehyung had arrived two days ago. It was the same day he overheard the conversation, which meant Taehyung was the Prince consort.

The royals though not in power were still a big deal in South Korea. They were well-respected and were still influential in politics. The Mins were in line for ruling, which made them high in the hierarchy. He swallowed the thick lump formed in his throat.

"Jungkookie..." his sister called. "You haven't touched the muffin." She pushed the blueberry muffin toward him with a smile and everything clicked into place.

This was his sister. His gaze flicked to Aera, who was discreetly watching his every move. When he grabbed the muffin, he felt the warmth that was settling in his heart. He was surprised. This might complicate a few things, but it changed nothing. She was still the same, watched him, and fawned over him with the same fondness.

"I'm here to stay," he said in a low voice so only Aera would hear him and watched her expression brighten up.

"Welcome to the family, Jungkookie."

At that moment, everything felt right. Jungkook smiled feeling lighter than ever. Perhaps, it wouldn't be that hard.  

Ha ha ha. Crossroads reached 105k. Hobi and Katy still haven't met. Love story of the century

I don't know what I'm going!