Jimin stirs slightly, still mostly asleep. He could sense the world around him was getting lighter, even with his eyes closed. The sun must be rising, thwarting his dreams.

He could feel his head being pet softly, his hair being brushed through like Jimin was doing to Jungkook the night before. His boyfriend was petting his hair...he had a boyfriend now. The one he had been in love with for five years loved him back. He was scared for his life, scared for Jungkook's life, but now, drowsy, comfortable, and very aware of Jungkook's soft touches, he genuinely felt peace.

But it was all short lived.

A cannon shot makes Jimin jolt up from off of Jungkook's lap. His eyes fly open, then immediately shut again as the sun glares into his pupils. He opens them once again, squinting. That meant another tribute dead. He couldn't believe twenty-four people were already dead.

Half of District 10 was already gone—Jimin had seen their faces last night. Two girls, and the other boy just...gone. They'd never breathe life into their lungs ever again. It was a chilling thought.

"Hey Mimmie," Jungkook's voice was quiet. "It's okay, it was far away from us. You can go back to sleep if you want."

"No," Jimin stretches. "I don't think I can fall back asleep. I'd much rather keep you company."

"Okay, that's nice," Jungkook smiles softly. "I love your company."

"I do too," Jimin agrees. He won't get much more of Jungkook's company, so he'd like as much as he can get. He can't tell Jungkook that though—he's been scolding him a lot these days for negative thoughts.

"We should stay here for a little bit," Jungkook suggests. "There doesn't seem to be much danger around, and the canon shot probably spooked most of the other tributes, so we should be okay for a while."

"Yeah, I guess that would be okay," The older nods with a whisper. "But we should at least pack up our things in case we need to leave quickly."

"You're just the perfect partner, huh?" Jungkook looks happily surprised. "Thinking of everything I should be."

"No, not should, don't feel obligated to be the leader," Jimin doesn't want to put pressure on him—he knew the younger was probably already stressed enough. "We'll think of things together. Everything one of us doesn't think of, the other one will. We've always been like that, remember?"

"Oh, yeah...you're right," Jungkook stares at nothing with big doe eyes. "Sorry, I kind of just took the roll without much thought..."

"You don't have anything to apologize for," Jimin assures, climbing out of the sleeping bag. "Just...I'm here too. I'm here, working to survive, just like you, so I'm going to work my hardest so we both survive as long as possible."

"That's as good a plan as I've ever heard," Jungkook smiles softly at him

"Great, now out of the sleeping bag," Jimin prompts. "I need to roll it up."

"What are you, my mom?" Jungkook tries to joke, complying anyways.

"No, I'm your boyfriend," Jimin relishes the words rolling off his tongue. Boyfriend. He was Jungkook's boyfriend! Jungkook was in love with him. He still couldn't believe it. "Which means you should want to do what I say because it's the best for you and you love me."

"Oh? Well in that case, you better go drink water right now, Mimmie," Jungkook throws back at him. "I'm your boyfriend, and you should do what I say because it's the best for you and you love me."

"Are you mocking me, Koo?" Jimin gives him a look as he rolls up the sleeping bag. They were feeling kind of playful. It was still the early morning; their existential dread hadn't quite set in yet.

"No, just stating the roles and rules of being a boyfriend," Jungkook gives the water bottle to Jimin. The smaller only takes a small sip, handing it back to him. "Hey, no, drink more, Mimmie."

"No," Jimin shakes his head. "We have to save as much as possible. This is the only guaranteed drinking water we have. We have the rainforest, but...who knows?"

"Damn, you're right...but I wish I could argue with you on that one," Jungkook takes a sip as well. "Still, we have to make sure to stay hydrated."

"We're in a temperate forest, we won't be sweating much," He reminds. "If we were in the rainforest, we'd have much different problems."

"Right again," Jungkook breathes incredulously. "You're so much smarter than I am. I mean we knew that already, but-"

"No," Jimin cuts him off. "You're more strategic, you think with your body, and with common sense. I think more with logic, with my head."

"Your head is the important part though."

"Koo," Jimin furrows his eyebrows. "You call yourself stupid one more time and I'll kill you myself for bullying the one I love most in this world. You're so smart, we've talked about this, I'm not gonna say it again."

Jungkook huffs out a laugh. "You're right. I never should have said anything. You're cute, Mimmie."

"O-oh," Jimin's face becomes extremely hot. The younger was making his heart do loopty loops, even more than before. And he thought it would get better after he confessed. "Thank you."

They were able to stay in that same spot for what Jimin could only assume was a couple hours, guessing by how the sun moved. In all honesty, he had no idea, there was obviously no easy way to keep track of time in the arena. They decided to get going after Jungkook finally brings up they should check out the rain forest.

They grab their gear that was already packed up, and head outwards, in the direction of the ring of jungle. They eat a couple nuts on the way, to ebb their ever-growing hunger, but not too many. Jimin has to practice a lot of self-control right now...but he's never been this hungry in his life. And he knows it'll only get worse.

Jungkook carries the big backpack while Jimin gets the little one. He was slightly annoyed with the way the younger was so quick to grab it from him, giving him a look Jimin could read perfectly. It was so warm, yet so protective. It made Jimin himself warm, battling the tingling heat of his annoyance. He understood the gesture, but he could carry that bag himself perfectly fine. He didn't ever want to seem like a damsel in distress. Because how could he protect Jungkook then?

He kept a couple knives in his large cargo pockets, just in case they got into a situation where he needed to use them. It wasn't the safest thing to do, but he'd rather get cut than attacked by another tribute. He still held the sword in his left hand, so he could swing at someone if they happened to get too close. But his right hand was free, as he could throw better with it.

Jimin had begun to sweat as they neared the tropical rainforest. The biome itself was humid, which of course made sense, being it was typically found in relatively warm areas of the world. It was so hot Jungkook takes off his hoodie and places it in the large backpack he was carrying. Jimin opts to only take off the windbreaker, not as hot.

"Wow," Was the first word out of the younger's mouth once they reached the border. "It just...stops. In a line. How does The Capital do this?"

Jimin sighs. "I bet they could bring someone back to life if they wanted," He replies bitterly. "This must be nothing for them."

"Mimmie..." Jungkook gives him a worried look.

It was then Jimin realizes his mistake, eyes widening softly. "The Capital's technology is outstanding, isn't it?"

Jimin was disgusted with himself. Outstanding!? He had never even used that word. It sounded like something a Capitalite would say, and he hated it. But...if he didn't correct himself—he could end up dead much sooner than he expected to. And he couldn't die yet, he couldn't. He couldn't do that to Jungkook.

"It really is," Jungkook agrees, making his response seem even better, easing Jimin's nerves all the more. "I'm truly in awe. I mean just look at the transition from the dark brown dirt of the forest to the moss and fern of the jungle..." His doe eyes were on the ground, focused. Jimin's own eyes land on the taller's face, admiring his expression. He knew he should be more aware of his surroundings...but how could we when the man in front of him was just so mesmerizing?

Jimin's gaze catches the younger's attention, and he begins staring back. Jungkook steps forward. Jimin lets him.

And suddenly, they were close again. Jimin stares at the younger's pair of pretty lips, a silent signal to Jungkook, one he thinks Jungkook gets.

He wouldn't know, though, for they were interrupted by thunder.

Did The Capital not want them to kiss? Were they playing some sort of sick game? Jimin just wanted to kiss the boy he's loved for so long, but he wanted the moment to be special. Everything around them seemed to be ruining it.

"Damn it," Jungkook mumbles. He looked just as peeved as Jimin was.

Rain starts pouring, but only in the jungle region—it was called a rainforest after all. While it doesn't pour on their heads, the water bounces off the leaves and splatters softly against the two. The rain only makes it more humid around them, raising the temperature once again. Jimin begins to sweat even more, but he still doesn't move to take off his hoodie.

"We don't need water right now, Koo," Jimin tugs lightly at Jungkook's shirt. "It's good to know this place has a good water source, but for now, let's go."

"Okay, but let's at least fill the bottle to the top," Jungkook looks at him. "I know we didn't drink much, but you never know when it's going to rain again. Plus, I'm sure people will flock to the jungle for a drink anytime it does rain. Let's get ahead of them."

"Yeah, that sounds good," Jimin agrees. "See? You're my perfect partner too, thinking of the best ideas."

"I guess I am," Jungkook smiles softly. "We're perfect together, huh?"

Jimin returns the look. "Absolutely."

*

The two had been walking around for quite a while now, keeping their breaks at a minimum. Jungkook was on high alert the entire time, axe in hand, ready to defend the two of them if necessary.

Jimin too, holds a weapon—the sword. It was huge compared to his petite frame, but it made him look intimidating, powerful. It made Jungkook feel safe next to him as well. If Jungkook missed something, he was confident Jimin would be able to catch it in time. It made him feel better about the journey ahead.

Today had been extremely uneventful, which Jungkook was extremely relieved about...but it also heightened his nerves. There was so much out there he couldn't account for. He had no idea where anyone else was. Where were the dangerous tributes? What if he was leading Jimin right towards them?

"Did you ever picture us getting married?" Jimin breaks the silence with a question, completely diverting Jungkook's attention.

Blood rushes to his cheeks. "Well...yeah. Quite often actually. Did you want to get married?"

"Absolutely," Jimin nods. "I wanted to get my act together and tell you I loved you soon so the possibility could potentially become a reality, probably sometime after your last reaping next year...but then this all happened, and my goal turned into simply telling you before I died.

"I was going to wait longer to tell you I loved you, you know," Jungkook tells him, fighting the urge to look at him as he speaks. If he looks at Jimin, he won't be able to look away. He couldn't do that to them, he needed his eyes. For their survival, he had to stay focused. "Because I knew if I told you, you might hate it, you might feel uncomfortable, and it could ruin our last moments together. But...but you were so close to death yesterday. I couldn't do it."

"I'm glad you did," Jimin nudges him with his shoulder. "I was going to wait until my dying breath. And if that didn't happen, I promised my stylist to tell you after you won."

"I...I'm glad it didn't come to that," Jungkook takes a deep breath. "You trusted your stylist to keep that promise?" He saw him the morning before, gently coming in to wake them up. He seemed kind enough, he treated Jimin nicely from what he could tell. And Jimin seemed to like him too. He hoped that was the case.

"He would've kept that promise with his life," Jimin nods right away. "I love Seokjin. I've only known him for a few days, but we grew close so fast. He understands my thoughts and feelings in a way I can't understand them, in a completely different way than how we understand each other, Koo. With you, it's extremely deep, and we became friends easily, but I know exactly what you're thinking and how you're feeling because we've been friends for so many years. With Jin, I dunno...it's like we're soulmates. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think I believe in soulmates—you and Seokjin are my proof. You're my soulmate in a completely different way than he is, but I'm really glad I met him. I really wish we could've become better friends."

"Oh," Jungkook wasn't expecting that in the least bit. And, he can't help himself—he looks over at Jimin with a small smile. "I'm really happy you got Seokjin then. Anything that makes this experience better for you I'm happy about."

"Is there anything about The Capital that made it better for you?" Jimin asks.

"Well...the food was amazing," The younger says after a second. "I put so much away at the meals, just like Yoongi said. It was all delicious, and it made those past few days feel that much better."

"Good, I'm so glad," Jimin shifts his sword from his right hand to the left, grabbing Jungkook's hand. When the latter male feels Jimin's hand in his, he moves to intertwine their fingers, locking their hands. Even holding his hand seems more intimate now, now that they were aware of their feelings for one another. The tension he felt, the electricity, every part of him Jimin touched tingled with energetic bliss. "Happiness is hard, I know it was even before we got here. If you promise you'll work your hardest to stay strong, then I will too."

"Of course, I'll work my hardest," Jungkook squeezes his hand. "Let's be happy, Mimmie."

Jimin inhales deeply. "Let's be happy, Koo."

In silence they walk a little longer, just because they choose to. Jungkook breathes deeply, in and out, multiple times. He tries his best to feel at peace, to even feel happy, because that's what he wants Jimin to feel too. He imagined he was simply in a serine forest, full of sunlight-filled clearings, with dust floating about, making it seem like fairies were just around the corner.

It was so nice, he wished he could actually be there, in the place in his mind.

But every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves jolts him from his happy thoughts.

As they continue walking, a sound suddenly alerts Jungkook's attention. The sound was fast, heavy. It got louder every second. With wide eyes Jungkook realized what it was.

Someone was coming.

"Jimin, bushes," Is all he manages to say before pulling Jimin down into a nearby shrub.

Jimin flattens himself to the ground. He can obviously hear it too, holding his breath. The sound slows, and through the branches Jungkook sees a pair of legs, wearing the same pants he and Jimin were, with a hole in the knees. The person—a girl by the looks of it—stops in front of the bush, oblivious to the couple.

Jungkook's heart beats at a mile a minute as the tribute catches her breath. He sees a dagger in her hand, covered in blood. He gulps with the realization the girl is armed, and seemingly dangerous. Jungkook turns his head to look at Jimin, who stares back with knowing eyes. Jimin saw it too.

His grip on the axe tightens as the girl sits down. Jungkook curses in his mind. They would have to be here a while. He just prays she doesn't see them. He prays they were hidden enough in the darkness of the shadows, like rabbits hiding from a hungry fox.

Now that the female tribute has sat down, Jungkook could see her face properly. She was tall, but she looked young, maybe fifteen at the oldest. Knowing that makes her look seem intimidating than before. But he still keeps eyes on her the whole time, barely letting his guard down to even blink.

A canon goes off minutes after she sits. The girl breaks into a small, proud smile. "Oh...I actually did it. He actually died." She mutters to herself—Jungkook can barely make out the words. Maybe she's not so dangerous after all. If she was so surprised she killed someone, maybe she wasn't as skilled as Jungkook may have first thought.

As if everything wasn't already going wrong, Jungkook suddenly feels a tickle in his nose. He holds his breath, his eyes watering with the urge to sneeze. Jimin looks over at him with concerned eyes. He tried his best to hold it in, he really does...

But alas, he was not able to swallow the sneeze, and out it comes.

The girl was instantly alert. Her eyes dart around the bushes Jimin and Jungkook hide in, trying to find the source of the noise.

"Hello?" It was as if she was trying to be threatening, but her tone was shaky. The two stay silent. "I heard someone, I-I know you're out there!" Her eyes widen as she stutters, aware of her mistake.

Jimin suddenly jumps to his feet, grasping his sword. Panic spikes through Jungkook's chest. What was the older doing!? In a split-second decision, Jungkook stands as well, trying to look as threatening as possible. He doesn't look at Jimin's face, but he knew he was doing the same. He knows Jimin feels powerful, he knows Jimin feels he can scare people.

Jungkook readjusts his grip on his axe, his muscles flexing from under his windbreaker. He sees the girl stare at his arms, face paling even more.

"Well, you're outnumbered," Jimin's voice was calm and sharp. "Your weapon is still on the ground, by the way."

She quickly scrambles to grab the dagger, pointing it towards the two, back and forth.

"Listen, you have two options right now," Jimin continues, staring her down. "You can try to fight us—one of whom is extremely well-practiced in slaughtering—or you can run away without a word."

She backs away slowly, as if trying to figure out whether or not this was a trick.

"Come on," Jungkook joins in, acting alongside Jimin. "We obviously don't want to kill you. Run, now."

With one more wide-eyed glance at the two of them, she sprints away as fast as she can. Jungkook watches her leave, as loud as she was coming their way. She wasn't very stealthy. She'd get caught one way or another. Jungkook was just really glad he didn't have to be the one with her blood on his hands.

Once the noise of her running was completely out of their earshots, Jungkook turns to his lover. "Mimmie-"

"I don't know what happened," He already seemed to know what Jungkook was going to say. "It was just a spur of the moment type thing...and I think at the end of the day it was for the better. If she caught us laying down, we'd be at a disadvantage. She could've injured or even killed us while we tried to get up. I...I dunno, I just thought it would be better to surprise her."

"I really don't know whether to yell at you or praise you," Jungkook puts his hand on his forehead. He wasn't angry, of course he wasn't...he was just terrified. "I mean you did it."

"We did it," Jimin corrects.

"Yeah, because you did it first," Jungkook huffs. "I just...that persona you put on. You were so brave, Mimmie. You sounded so intimidating."

"Thank you, Koo, I tried my best," Jimin looks down. "And I felt confident. I knew some tributes were scared of us. All I could hope for was that that girl was one of them."

"There's a reason why you're the smart one," Jungkook takes a deep breath.

"Jungkook," Jimin gives him a look.

"Sorry, sorry," Jungkook apologizes once away. "Either way, it ended up being a good call. Good job."

"We'll both be surviving another day yet," Jimin shrugs his shoulders. "Let's go, Koo. This place wasn't safe, we need to move on, even if the danger has ran away."

"Good idea," The smaller agrees. "Let's get going."

And they step out of the bushes, continuing to walk in the opposite direction of the girl, once again hand in hand.