It's one of those days where you just feel so low and your body refuses to function properly. Seokjin shoves aside his plate of food. He just isn't hungry. Although he hasn't eaten anything since morning, he feels like he might puke anything he eats.

He sighs as he places it back in the refrigerator. It doesn't seem like he'll be able to get anything in his stomach anyways.

"Hyung," says Jimin softly from the doorway and the older turns to him.

"Jimin-ah, don't give your hyung a heart attack," he teases.

That seems to put a small smile on Jimin's face but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hyung, there's... there's something I need to tell you."

Seokjin turns serious, like he always does when the others approach him seeking comfort.

"What is it, Jimin-ah?"

"Promise you won't get mad?" Jimin whispers and his eyes glisten with unshed tears.

Seokjin motions for him to get inside, "I won't get mad. Come here. Tell hyung what's bothering you. Hyung will make it better."

Jimin swallows hard that Jin can see his Adam's apple bob up and down.

"I'm sorry, hyung. I-I lied."

Seokjin feels concern wash over him as he catches Jimin's hands trembling. He reaches forward and takes Jimin's hands in his, holding them firmly.

"What did you lie about?"

It's gentle, soothing, so Jimin knows Seokjin isn't angry.

"Eating," Jimin chokes out, lower lip trembling, "I haven't been—"

Seokjin takes a sharp intake of breath, his eyes going wide.

Dear God, please no.

"I'm sorry. Hyung, I'm sorry," Jimin cries, "I wanted to be good enough. I don't — I am sorry."

Seokjin engulfs the younger in a hug and gently shushes him, "it's okay. You're okay. Just answer something for hyung, okay?"

He feels Jimin nod against him.

"Have you not eaten anything at all?"

"I've skipped meals. Eaten lighter meals," Jimin answers truthfully.

"How long?"

"A week I guess."

Seokjin closes his eyes.

How could he have missed this? Why had he not paid closer attention? He drives those thoughts away when Jimin silently sobs against him. He rubs the younger's back.

"It's okay. Hyung is so so proud of you for telling him the truth."

Seokjin drops a kiss to Jimin's forehead, "so proud. You haven't eaten anything today, have you?"

At the slight shake of his head, Jin continues, "let hyung cook you something, okay? Let hyung feed you."

"I—I don't think I can eat much. My stomach—"

"Hush, that's okay. How much ever you can eat is fine. But let hyung feed you. Alright?"

Jimin nods and Seokjin flashes him a smile, wiping away his tears.

"I'll do the whole aeroplane thing for you."

"God, no, " Jimin cries, his face lighting up, "no aeroplanes."

"Yes aeroplanes. How else do you expect hyung to feed you?"

"Hyungie, I am not a toddler."

"But you're my baby. All of you are."

Jimin groans and Jin laughs aloud.

14 June, 2023