As soon as Jimin arrived back at his apartment, he knew sleep would be impossible. Every thought he’d had about Rosalia since they met again today had only intensified, refusing to let him rest. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing. What if she was already in a relationship? He could hardly bear the thought.

At that moment, he sat up with a determination that surprised even him. His past experiences in the mafia had made information gathering second nature; he had resources and connections most people couldn’t imagine, and he knew how to use them. Maybe it was drastic, but he couldn’t ignore this ache of curiosity. If Rosalia had moved on, it would save him from putting his heart on the line only to be disappointed. He had to know.

He made his way to his office, flicking on his computer and pulling up his encrypted files. It was risky to search her directly, but Jimin had his methods. He carefully typed in her name, cross-referencing her current address, social media, and any recent photos. He hadn’t realized until tonight how his years in the business had given him so much access; a few clicks and connections, and he could know almost anything about anyone. But, of course, he knew there were lines he shouldn’t cross.

By now, it was late, nearly dawn, but he barely noticed as he clicked through page after page of her online life. It surprised him how little he could find; she was more private than he’d expected. Her social media profiles were nearly bare, showing only a few public posts and a handful of friends. He frowned, feeling frustrated by the lack of concrete information.

As he scrolled through some local connections, Jimin’s phone vibrated on his desk. He glanced down, his brow lifting as Jungkook’s name flashed across the screen.

"Hey, hyung," Jungkook said as soon as Jimin answered. “I hear you’re looking into Rosalia tonight.”

Jimin blinked, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "How did you know that?"

“Word travels fast. Plus, you’re using our channels, so… you know.” Jungkook chuckled, a mischievous edge to his voice. “Anyway, I thought I’d help. I already looked her up a bit.”

Jimin leaned back, sighing. “I don’t want to invade her privacy. I just… I need to know if she’s involved with someone. I don’t want to do this if she’s happy with someone else.”

“Fair enough, hyung. But,” Jungkook continued, a smirk clear in his tone, “what if she is with someone? We could make that a temporary situation if you want.”

Jimin’s eyes narrowed, a sudden chill replacing his earlier fatigue. “Jungkook, I’m not forcing her into anything. If she’s with someone, then… that’s her choice, and I’ll respect it.”

“Sure, sure, I get it. But what if she’d be happier with you, hmm? Just saying. Sometimes, people don’t know what’s best for them until someone opens their eyes.” Jungkook laughed softly, clearly not serious but enjoying the thought nonetheless.

Jimin shook his head. “You’re impossible. I don’t want her forced into anything, okay? This has to be her choice.”

“Alright, alright, no accidents for her hypothetical boyfriend,” Jungkook conceded with a chuckle. “Good news, though. I did some quick digging, and she’s single. No recent relationships, no rumors, nothing that says she’s seeing anyone. So, you’re in the clear there.”

Jimin released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his shoulders relaxing. He hadn’t realized just how much this meant to him until now. Knowing she was single gave him a sense of relief he couldn’t quite put into words. But at the same time, it brought a fresh wave of nerves.

“Thanks, Jungkook. Really,” he said quietly, genuinely grateful.

“Anytime, hyung. Just make sure you don’t let this one slip away, yeah? I’ve never seen you like this about anyone,” Jungkook said, his tone softening. “If she’s that important to you, go for it.”

Jimin nodded, his resolve strengthening. “I will. I’ll see where things go, at least.”

They wrapped up the call, and Jimin leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. The sky was beginning to lighten outside, but sleep was the last thing on his mind. Knowing she was single, knowing there was a chance—however small—gave him the courage he’d been lacking for so long.

He spent the next hour thinking about how he could approach her again without seeming too eager. He wanted her to feel comfortable, to trust him, but he also couldn’t ignore his own feelings any longer. Their reunion had stirred something inside him that refused to be ignored.

Eventually, Jimin headed back to bed, knowing he’d need at least a few hours of rest if he was going to face the day. As he lay down, a small smile played on his lips. For the first time in a long time, he felt a spark of hope, a glimmer of possibility that perhaps, just maybe, Rosalia might feel the same way.

With that thought, he finally drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with memories of a shy, chubby boy sitting in the back of a classroom, stealing glances at the girl who had unknowingly held his heart all along.