Flashback (cont.)

Senior year came rolling around and Yuna decided to enroll Jimin into Seoul School of Performing Arts, knowing how much he loved and missed dancing.

"Jimin-ah, since you're doing better why don't you try and get back into school and dancing for senior year?" Yuna encouraged. Honestly, Jimin actually kind of missed school. He definitely missed dancing and he really wanted to make an effort to integrate back into society.

"Okay" Jimin responded softly with a cute grin.

And like that Jimin is now attending Seoul School of Performing Arts.

~~~

"Oh my god hyung! Help me with Jimin! He's hyperventilating? I-I don't know!" Taemin hustled over to Taehyung who stood at the door completely confused.

"What?" Taehyung said, following behind a jittery Taemin who had a shaky finger pointing to an open stall.

"-I'm sorry...orry...I'm so sorry hyung...love you hyung..." Jimin sobbed, choking back his harsh cries like he was told to do in the past by Yoongi.

"Jimin!" Taehyung yelled at the shaking boy, and Jimin froze.

"Ah sorry I didn't mean to yell. You're going to be okay. Don't let the past hurt you. We're all here for you. We'll protect you from what hurts you" Taehyung said softly, soothing the sobbing boy and gently brushing the tears off of the latter's swollen cheeks.

Upon Taehyung's soft spoken and kind words, Jimin felt as if he was released from some sort of spell. All he ever wanted was someone to speak to him in such a gentle manner and feeling the warmth from Taehyung's hand sent sparks through Jimin's body.

"A-ah hyung, I'm sorry. I did it again, I'm sorry" Jimin repeated, tears still rolling down his cheeks.

"Eyy why are you sorry? I'm happy that you can rely on us" Taehyung spoke, looking back at Taemin then back to Jimin.

"Hyung..." Jimin cried again, hands cupped over his face as he leaned down against his legs.

"Hm?" Taehyung said, thinking Jimin was calling for him.

"I-I love you hyung" Jimin mumbled into his hands as he pressed against his thighs.

"Wha-" Taehyung said shocked, but was pulled up by Taemin.

"Aish. Of course he's not talking to you! He was saying someone else's name earlier, maybe an ex?" Taemin explained.

"Oh hah, right" Taehyung said, looking down upon the shaken boy.

"What do we do?" Taemin uttered, shuffling around restlessly.

"Hmmm take him up to the terrace and let him get some fresh air" Taehyung spoke calmly.

"How can I even take him up there if I can't touch him" Taemin scratched his head, pondering different strategies. So Taehyung crouched down next to the huddled up Jimin and waited a moment to speak the him.

"Jimin...Taemin is going to take you somewhere safe ok? So you don't need to worry anymore. Take a deep breath and let it out Jimin" Taehyung said in the most soothing tone he could manage.

"Liar!" Jimin trembled, nails digging deep into his legs.

"It's the truth. You'll be just fine-" Taehyung spoke and glanced back at Taemin.

"I'm going to go now. I have to take care of the group, I'll be up when it's done" Taehyung smiled back at Taemin as he walked out of the cold bathroom.

Taemin was panicking but he managed to calm his nerves and squatted down in front of Jimin.

"Uhm hey Jimin if you want to talk to me about it then you can....because I feel like I'm like you in some ways" Taemin mumbled, and rested one hand on Jimin's.

They sat in silence for a bit, until Jimin nodded slightly and looked at Taemin.

"Alright. Lets go outside then hm?" Taemin cracked a smile, very proud and exultant he was able to convince Jimin.

Naturally, Taemin wrapped his fingers around Jimin's and they went up to the terrace.

They sat down on one of the light blue couches that faced out toward the rest of the city. The cold breeze swept past there chilled ears as they sat in silence.

Jimin sat quietly looking at the different skyscrapers, but not taking in any of the images as his mind was aloof and elsewhere.

"Um Jiminie...have you told anyone about 'Yoongi hyung'" Taemin asked cautiously, eyes locked on the latter.

Jimin stiffened at the name.

"I guess it's too soon to speak about it" Taemin chuckled a bit, tears welling up in his eyes, so he tilted his head back and gazed at the vast blue sky.

"You obviously heard me and Minho hyung in the bathroom. Our relationship is just that. He just uses me, my body, and has his way with me, but will never date me since he doesn't want to be seen as 'gay'..I can't help it though...because I-I really love him" Taemin said truthfully.

"I can't just assume that your situation is similar to mine, but I just really wanted and needed to just vent and tell somebody" Taemin finally looked over at Jimin with a tearful smile, "you don't even have to listen, I just needed to say it out loud for once"

Taemin looked over the horizon and just let tears roll down his cheeks.

"W-we are alike..." Jimin mumbled, tightly clutching his hands together. Taemin snapped his head over to look at Jimin who fought against himself to try and speak.

"Relax. Don't force yourself hm?" Taemin consoled the latter, gently laying one hand over Jimin's tight, balled up fists.

"H-he...he h-hurt me" Jimin sobbed now, finding a new place for him to vent and let go.

While Jimin was fixing up some words, Taemin sat closer next to him and rubbed circles on his back and hummed in response when needed.

"He....h-he..he rap-" Jimin burst into helpless tears, cupping his face, tears trickling from his cheeks, unable to mention the word as it had caused him so much suffering.

Making out the word, Taemin sat in horror and hatred toward the boy named "Yoongi" and nearly wanted to kill him.

Taemin despised the word, the action, the whole existence of rape, and decided to make sure to protect Jimin no matter what.

"Jimin-ah. I am aware that we just met, but I'm here for you and I always will be. If you ever feel uncomfortable or scared, come to me. I'll make sure to protect you, ok? Something like your past will never happen again, so I'll help you just forget about that lowlife asshole!" Taemin vented with small tears coming down his cheeks, really empathizing with Jimin.

He gave a small nod, and Taemin embraced him gently and he felt all warm and at peace. Jimin cried into Taemin's shoulder.

Taemin pulled Jimin out of the hug and ruffled his poofy hair.

"You're cute so smile more my little chim chim" Taemin gently smiled and pinched Jimin's rosy red cheeks.

"T-thank you...Minnie" Jimin stuttered. He had made a true friend, one who could understand him and one who could accept him.

"Hey how about we ditch and go get some ice cream?" Taemin snickered and pulled Jimin up and they chattered on their way down stairs.

"Oh are you alright now?" Taehyung said, as he met the two of them coming down the stairs.

"Yaaa ummm can we..." Taemin scrunched his brows to think of an excuse other than to ditch.

"Of course you can leave. I wouldn't force two little cry babies to continue dance class" Taehyung teased and smiled, showing all of his teeth. He ruffled Taemin's hair, and gave Jimin a slight nod.

"Yah don't mess up my hair hyung!" Taemin mumbled, adjusting his bangs.

"Haha ok ok. I'm glad to see that you're feeling better Jimin" Taehyung raised his hand toward Jimin to pat his hair, but out of reflex Jimin cowered away, shutting his eyes tight.

"Ah sorry.." Taehyung retracted his hand, in the moment, forgetting about Jimin's phobia.

"Hehe me and Jimin are besties now and I can even hold his hand!" Taemin spoke proudly as he waved their linked hands in front of Taehyung's face.

"Oh I see. That's good to hear. Then take good care of each other" Taehyung smiled with relaxed features.

Before Jimin, could deny it and actually say how he actually didn't mind, Hoseok ran up behind Taehyung and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"TAE TAE!" Hoseok cheered and looked around Taehyung to see Taemin and Jimin standing there holding hands.

"Ah hey Hoseok lets go" Taehyung turned Hoseok around, giving him a back hug forcing him back down the stairs as he didn't want Hoseok to be all nosy and insensitive.

"See you two tomorrow" Taehyung winked at them and he battled with Hoseok as they made their way back to the studio.

"Aigooo~ I swear those two are dating. I mean they're like perfect for each other. Don't you think?" Taemin laughed as the two of them walked down the rest of the steps.

"Oh um ya" Jimin muttered, then unconsciously looking at Taemin's grasp on his hand.

"I'm not letting go until you're one hundred percent ok" Taemin peered at Jimin with an arched brow.

"Oh no, I don't mind...I just thought it's nice to be able to, um, have a friend" Jimin blushed, and Taemin's heart almost exploded from the boy's cuteness.

"Aww of course! We're going to be the best of friends chim chim!" Taemin beamed as they walked out of the studio and to go get ice cream.