I leaned over the display, setting the freshly folded jeans in their place. I moved to the end cap and organized a family of figurine elephants. I felt a sharp tug in my chest and gasped a little.

I checked my watch. I could go on break. I put down the armful of towels and stealthily followed the pull.

It was like winding up a spool of thread. I didn't want to set the spool rolling away, so I had to approach gently. The pull eased its dull ache, a sign that End was nearby. I could sense a tension in End, fear. Of me. I despaired, but pushed on.

"Yoongi, you promised."

"I need to go Joon, I have to!"

I rounded an end cap to see End and another attractive man talking tersely.

Yoongi?

My eyes could have cried, I wanted to hug End out of joy and relief.

"Now Namjoon." End urged.

His dark eyes flicked around nervously and settled on me, as if drawn to a magnet.

"Beginning..." He breathed, barely audible.

Namjoon had turned back to his shopping, ignoring End. Why?

"Hey, End." I whispered.

"I-its Min Yoongi actually." Yoongi admitted.

Now Namjoon was paying attention.

"Yoongi? Is this an ex?" There was something about the way he posed the question, as if ready to accept the previously 'unspilled tea '.

I blushed. "I'm an old friend."

"Oh," Namjoon looked disappointed. "I'm a new friend, Kim Namjoon."

"Park Jimin."

We shook hands, Yoongi's eyes flitting nervously between us. I couldn't help but stare at 'Yoongi'. Time had been good to him -- At least, it would have been. If time affected either of us. Namjoon picked up a pile of random clothes.

"Well, you two catch up. I'll go try on some clothes." He announced .

"Okay!" I clapped happily.

Once alone, Yoongi looked at his feet, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "So you go by 'Jimin' now."

"Yeah." I grinned.  "Yoongi, huh? It suits you."

Looking mildly pleased, his cheeks took on a dusting of pink. "I should go."

"But -- You can't!" I protested weakly. "I just found you and--"

"You've been looking!" Yoongi's face portrayed horror, eyes widening in alarm.

"Well, yes." I could feel my face hearing up. "I've missed you."

" I, " Yoongi looked up, fierce, determined. "I haven't... I cant. I don't want you to get hurt hanging around me."

"But, hyung, we're forever." I argued softly. "It doesn't work like that for us."

"We," Yoongi swallowed hard hard, words like a punch to the gut. "We aren't anything Park Jimin."

He turned on his heel and stalked toward the fitting rooms.

______________________End_________________________

I texted Namjoon an apology for ditching him. My fingers are still buzzing from being near 'Jimin'. It suits him as well. Jimin seemed unfazed by the possibilities. Of his own hurt. On my account. He seemed sad. My heart hurts to think about that. About making Jimin sad.

Namjoon's finger chimed in my pocket. I reluctantly answered.

"Yoongi."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Jimin was really nice, did something happen between you two?" Joon queried.

"Not really, no." I lied. "And I know he's nice. --But don't go getting his number!"

"Ah! Sorry I gotta go," I could hear the satisfied grin on Joon's words. " Jiminie's beeping in.

"Namjoon! No!"

But he had already hung up. I had a feeling that Jimin was going to become a part of my life again. Am I ready to handle that? How am I supposed to protect Beginning without cutting him off completely?

_____________________Beginning____________________

I won't cry. Even if I really, really want to.

Namjoon found me running a rack to Channi in the fitting room. He smiled widely as he patiently waited for his clothes to be counted.

"Yoongi wander off?"

I bit my lip. "You could say that."

"Oh, well, that's just how he is," Namjoon's smile softened. "Cold until he feels more comfortable."

"Sounds about right."

"Hey, here's my number. If we hang out more, he'll have to play nice."

I nod. "Sounds great."

I smiled. I meant it.

Edited ✔