Jimin sighs, clicking the magazine back into place before slipping his pistol into his holster. "Why is it always us?" Jimin asks in a soft tone.

"Because Y/n knows what she's doing," Yoongi replies with a shrug. "Putting the best friend and boyfriend together so they can bond and learn to trust each other a little bit. That way we're not fighting in the tense moments and we might save each other if one of us is about to die."

At his explanation, Jimin can't help but agree. "I guess that's right."

Yoongi nudges the man. "You're the one who pointed that out, what's going on with you? You seem... distracted."

"Always am," Jimin states with a tongue click.

Yoongi slows them down, Jimin reluctantly following his lead. They're patrolling the outside of the castle at night. Everyone's taking turns doing so in pairs. Y/n goes out with Jin in the mornings, then Namjoon and Hoseok take afternoons. Yoongi and Jimin are on nights right now. They decided to organize patrols just today actually, mostly since they thought that the longer they stay, the more likely someone will find them. Jimin's not sure how someone would find them, but he also doesn't want to take the risk. It's possible someone will connect the dots and realize Kim Taehyung is one of the eight most powerful in the sector. They'll find out where his hideouts are and search them. It's only a matter of time.

Jimin's not really mentally here right now. He thought he was over what happened, but he's not. Every day he's been having nightmares about the same old shit. 

"Are you okay?" Yoongi asks.

"Do you care?"

"A little. Not a lot, but a little," Yoongi honestly replies.

Jimin brushes it off. "I'll be fine." What a lie. He hasn't been fine in five years.

"Are you sure?" Yoongi asks with knitted brows. They glance at each other, temporarily stopping their patrol.

"Sure. Yeah, I'm sure."

He doesn't need to be good at reading people to know Yoongi doesn't believe a word he says. Regardless, the older man shakes it off and starts walking again. Jimin follows, keeping one hand on the pistol holstered around his thigh. "You know you don't have to lie."

"I didn't say I did," Jimin replies, his eyes on the dirt. His sneakers crunch on the terrain, but he doesn't really mind. They're old sneakers anyway. The material is faded black and covered with specks of dirt, some blood too. Then again, most articles of clothing he owns has a bit of blood stained on it in some way. Getting blood on his clothes is part of the job description at this rate.

"I wasn't born yesterday," Yoongi starts, but Jimin snorts.

"Sometimes you sure as hell act like you were." Yoongi shoots him a glare Jimin's quick to return, although his is more playful. "You know I don't hate you, right?" Jimin asks, dropping his playful look.

Yoongi raises a brow. "You don't?"

"Well, I don't like you either-"

"Ah, there it is. I knew what you were saying was too good to be true."

Jimin softly laughs. "I'm sorry, does the Min Yoongi want me to like him?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You can try begging," Jimin says with a smirk.

"I'm sure you've used that line before."

Jimin only laughs harder. "I have, on your girlfriend actually-"

Yoongi pushes him. "Okay, too far."

"Right. Sorry. Forgot my ex-boyfriend status is just that. Ex."

"Ex," Yoongi sharply repeats.

Jimin rolls his eyes. "Yeah yeah. Ex. Got it. Question - are you rough or gentle with her?"

"Are you seriously asking me this?"

"What? I dated her for two years. You think I can't give tips?" Jimin asks. Yoongi stares at Jimin emotionlessly. Then, he sighs.

"Okay, fine. Tips. I'll take them."

"For starters, she hates boring people. Don't be boring."

"Is that why she broke up with you?"

In that moment, Jimin's sure he'll slap Yoongi. Somehow, he calms himself. "No. We broke up because I was too much of an ass for her to handle," Jimin says with a scowl.

"Oh I can definitely see that."

"You really don't stop insulting me, do you?"

"You said it, not me," Yoongi replies with a sly smile. Ugh, this man really gets on Jimin's nerves.

"You know what, let's get back on topic. She loves chocolate more than you love sleep."

"So buy her chocolate. Got it."

"Especially on that time of month, you know what I'm saying?"

Yoongi groans. "Shit, I forgot I have to deal with that."

"Price of being a straight guy." Jimin pauses to snicker. "A week of blood, hormones, and no sex. Worst week ever in my opinion."

"I'm surprised you can go a day without sex."

"I've gone six months without it," Jimin replies, appalled.

"So you jerk off every day is what I'm hearing?"

"I don't want to answer that."

Yoongi sharply nudges Jimin, the younger of the two laughing gently. He looks at Yoongi's side profile, then his eyes. To his surprise - Yoongi looks afraid. Jimin carefully grabs his elbow and brings them to a stop. 

"Ever heard of personal space?"

"No, not really," Jimin replies with a huff, then he sighs. "Listen, she's a good girl. I mean it. I'm not saying I approve of you with her, but..."

"I'll take care of her," he whispers. "You have my word."

"Uh oh, should I call Mr. Kim so we can write that down?"

Yoongi cracks a smile at that. "If you want to."

They stare for a few moments, and Jimin lightens up and pats him on the shoulder. "I'll trust you. Not fully, but enough to take your word."

"You and your trust issues."

Jimin's left eye twitches. "I haven't trusted anyone in five years."

"Neither have I," Yoongi mumbles. 

Jimin doesn't question him, and Yoongi does the same. They stay quiet. That's the closest they've come to opening up with each other. Ever. Jimin finds himself respecting Yoongi. Not because of their conversations, but because of the pain hidden behind his cold face. He hides it very well, but Jimin can tell. Jimin's been through pain too. More pain than anyone can comprehend...

"Let's get back to patrol. It's not a good idea to linger," Yoongi says, breaking the silence. Jimin hums and lets his hand fall back to the butt of his pistol sticking out of his holster.

"Don't want you to get mauled by a bear," Jimin jokes, trying to ease a bit of tension. To his pleasant surprise, it kind of works.

"You'd be the bear's first target." Yoongi pokes Jimin's ass. "Juicy."

"Did you just touch my ass?"

Yoongi smirks. "Is that a problem, Mr. Park?"

"We're supposed to be straight, Mr. Min. And what happened to personal space?"

"I happened." Jimin chuckles, shaking his head while they walk in-step down the dirt path surrounding the castle. "You know, you're really not that bad," Yoongi says.

"Who are you and what have you done with Yoongi?"

Another surprise: Yoongi laughs. "I have no fucking idea, but you're really not that bad, Park." Yoongi offers Jimin his hand. "Friends?" Jimin's floored by that offer, but he still takes Yoongi's hand and shakes it.

"Friends." He drops Yoongi's hand and stares at him, Yoongi returning the gaze. "You want to know what I think?" Jimin asks.

Yoongi shrugs. "Not really, but tell me." Jimin grins until his eyes crinkle. Classic Yoongi. 

"You're really not that bad either, Min."

~~~

A/N: No but like they're literally so gay for each other.

Would you believe me if I told you Jimin's strongest relationship won't be with Y/n or Yoongi? 

We still haven't explored Jimin's role in the story, but when it comes out (like Jungko-), y'all will be... actually, I won't spoil ;)