Jimin is speechless.

He knew he was in for a dark story, but he honestly did not expect it to be that dark, that it would leave him speechless, wondering if there is absolutely anything he can reply with. But he doesn't know, so he quietly stares ahead where Jungkook is now choking on a dog treat with Thanos barking right in his ear.

"I know," Lee says out of the blue, nodding slowly, "Kinda knew that would be your reaction."

"So," Jimin says hesitantly, "Hoㅡ Hoseok. What... Did heㅡ"

"He killed himself," She says in a low voice, turning her head to look at Jimin, "A week after that. Right before his trial. He left a letter to me. Said he was probably getting a death sentence anyway, that he would have never been able to live with the guilt that he killed someone, and that he would rather take his life with his own hands."

"You know what's funny?" She adds, her voice cracking as her eyes fill with tears. "The lawyer said that there was a good chance he would get ten years in prison rather than a death sentence. It was self-defense after all."

"Maybe," She pauses to swallow the lump in her throat, her voice quivering as she continues, "Maybe he would've been alive now with a few years left. And I would visit him every chance I got, I know I would. And so would have Namjoon. And Taehyung wouldn't have been so sad. And I would constantly remind Hoseok that what he did wasn't even close to something bad because he saved me from a life no one deserves and that he did something I wanted to happen but never had the courage to do it myself. And we all would've been okay."

She lets out a breath, burying her face in her hands and holding back her tears. Jimin hesitates, but reaches out to her anyway, carefully wrapping his arms around her.

"It's not your fault," He says in a whisper and her body only shakes more, making him hold her closer.

It's not long before Jungkook notices them, his face falling to a frown. Approaching them, he sits on the other side of his sister, wrapping his arms around her, too. And the three of them sit there silently, arms around each other, knowing that it is all going to be okay because they aren't alone.

It is all going to be okay.

---

"You know, I never wanted to show you this side of me," Lee says with a small smile, arms crossed as she leans on the door frame.

Jimin stands on the front porch of her house, smiling back. "But you did, huh?"

"There's something about you that makes you... " She trails off, "Trustworthy."

Jimin chuckles. "I'm glad I hold that title."

They stand awkwardly in silence for a few seconds before Lee speaks up.

"Your finals. For the dance competition. When was it again?" She asks.

"In two days," He replies with a grin, "I... uhh... I'll send you the location. If you want to come."

"I'll be there," She says.

"Okay," He nods, taking a step back, "Well, I have to go now. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Jimin turns around, taking a few steps before stopping in his tracks. He turns back around to look at Lee.

"Hey, Lee," He says.

"Yeah?"

"I remember once when I was a kid and some bullies made fun of me at school. I went home crying that day and dad told me 'men don't cry'. But then mom came and she said 'there's no such a thing as men don't cry. Everybody cries, and it's not something you should be ashamed of. Because just the way you laugh to show that you are happy, you cry to show that you are sad'," He pauses, "My point is, it's okay to cry and be vulnerable sometimes. We're only human, right?"

Lee blinks, a smile making it's way to her face as she nods. "Right."

"Right," Jimin repeats with a content smile, turning around to take a few steps forward.

He stops again, turning his body back to her. "Hey, Lee?"

"Yeah," She laughs.

"This is the last one, I promise," He chuckles, "What's your real name?"

Lee grins. "Yongju. Jeon Yongju."

Jimin furrows his eyebrows. "Where did Lee come from?"

She chuckles. "Just a nickname Namjoon gave me 'cause I couldn't settle on one."

"Wow," Jimin grins back, "Okay, then. Goodnight, Yongju."

She rolls her eyes playfully, and shuts her door close. Jimin giggles to himself and turns around for the last time, and her story is all he can think about as he makes his way through the dark streets, the flickering lights of towering lamp poles being the only source of light.

It had never occurred to him that she went through so much at such a young age. It baffles him that she's still strong on her feet, stronger than anyone he has ever met. Now he understands what Taehyung has been through, too. Jimin can't imagine what he would've been like if he knew his best friend killed someone then killed himself. The thought itself sends shivers down his spine.

With a sigh, Jimin wraps his arms around himself as he notices the white smoke coming out of his mouth. The howling wind makes his whole body shiver again, making him curse himself for not bringing a jacket. Upon his arrival to the street he lives on, Jimin notices a few shadowy figures standing somewhere near his house. He stops in his tracks for a second or two, then slowly walks forward, squinting his eyes to make out the people in hoodies.

They stop fidgeting once they notice Jimin approaching, all of them freezing in place. It makes Jimin's heart drop to his feet knowing that a group of 4 or 5 guys were waiting for him specifically for some reason. The figures start laughing and talking, their mumbles too far that Jimin can't hear it but whatever it is, he knows it's about him for they all walk towards him.

It takes him a few seconds to react, not knowing if he should ignore them and just walk towards his house because they might want nothing to do with him and this is all a coincidence, or turn on his heels and run. When he takes a step back, and the hooded men notice it and start walking faster, Jimin realises that the second option is better, and so he does.

Wind slaps his face as he runs across the streets, the echoing of the footsteps running behind him making his heart pound rapidly. They grow louder and louder, and it takes Jimin by surprise when he finds himself running faster, the adrenaline rush allowing his legs to work harder. As he takes a turn and the footsteps grow quiet, Jimin stops to catch his breath, leaning forward and resting his sweaty palms on his knees. Ragged breaths tear through his chest as it heaves up and down quickly, sweat trickling down his forehead.

He leans his head back against the wall behind him, shutting his eyes close as his breaths grow slower. Who are these guys? What do they want from him, he wonders.

"Did you actually think you could escape us?"

Jimin jumps at the voice, turning around to look at the men who were hot on his tail seconds ago, their hoods now down showing none but Jeongyeon and the two guys who always follow him around, along with two others Jimin has never seen.

Jimin gulps, taking slow steps backwards. He just had a pleasant evening, even made a new friend. There's no way he will let some bullies ruin the night. His eyes fall on their hands, widening when he catches a glimpse of long metal rods.

"No need to be scared, ballerina boy," Jeongyeon spits, "We won't hurt you."

"Well, not too much," He chuckles.

Jimin glares at him. "I don't have time for this. Just leave me alone, will you?"

"Ooh, I'm scared," Jeongyeon laughs, swinging the rod around as he approaches, "Is it true? That you're in some pathetic dance competition?"

"That's none of your business," Jimin replies, his heart pumping louder.

"Your finals are this Friday, aren't they?" Jeongyeon halts his steps, tilting his head, "Wouldn't it be nice to give you a little makeover?"

"Not on my watch, motherf*ckers."

Jimin turns around, a smile making it's way to his face when he sees Lee in her oh-so-famous sweatpants and sweatshirt, her tight braids hanging on her shoulders, hands in pockets.

"You guys are messing with the wrong ballerina boy."

---

A/N:

On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you hate me? Be honest, I won't be mad

Edit: I KNEW I FORGOT TO ADD SOMETHING I just wanted to talk about Lee's actual name. Yong means dragon and Ju means precious stone/gem/pearl/jewel. I wanted something fierce and at the same time lovely, and this was one of the best options! :D