Hey loves, I'm so happy to see you with another fic. I initially wrote this as a prompt/drabble on Twitter. It was a 7k one shot of sorts, but later decided to write more. I thought I could add more instead of just keeping it as an one shot. So here you go. I made it a multi-chaptered fic.

I don't usually make video edits because I don't have time or patience. But for this I couldn't help it. I made two teasers and the different moodboards :D

Hope you enjoy this!

Let me know what you think.

Please read tags:

https://youtu.be/v8cVHFBrg4Y

The summer sun beat down the two figures racing through the abandoned shipyard. Dirt and wreckage crunched under their heavy boots. One wore black combat gear while the other was in a tailored suit.

The man in black combat gear was chasing the one in the suit. His suit was torn and his body was battered. He dragged his right foot a little as he ran. The man, who chased, however, was in good shape. He was also faster and easily gained momentum.

"You can't escape me!" the chaser taunted.

While the weaker man tumbled on the floor, rolled and got onto his feet before he started running again, the stronger man just jumped over a fallen concrete pillar.

The one in suit occasionally turned to shoot blindly, but the chaser dodged every bullet with a wicked grin. The other thought his chaser ran out of bullets a while ago and tried to take advantage of the situation. All he needed was one good shot.

"Stop now and I'll make your death quick," the chaser yelled this time. The sun caught the piercing on his lip and the metal glinted dangerously.

"Fuck you!"

"Not my type," the chaser scoffed.

They jumped over several huddles and Jungkook cursed when his enemy began to climb the rusty crane. Even when it looked like it was ready to fall, it was sturdy and stubborn just like the asshole's will. Sadly, he had nowhere to run anymore. He withdrew his hidden weapon from his ankle and shot at his enemy's leg. The man fell down with a grunt.

Jungkook kicked the man to roll him onto his back and aimed his gun on his temple. "Gotcha!" he whispered.

"They will come for you. This isn't over," the man spat.

"You're wrong. I'm just starting." A sinister smirk curved the edge of his mouth as a gunshot went off.

"...Aaaand cut!" a voice boomed through the speaker. Several claps erupted in the set. "That's a wrap, folks! You all worked hard." The director clapped.

Jungkook straightened, wiping his face with the back of his sleeves. The California heat was no joke. The temperature hit a scalding 102 degrees because of a heat wave and they had to postpone the shooting. Sweat soaked his clothes and it stuck to his body like second skin. Though it was uncomfortable and Jungkook despised the heat, he knew it came with the territory. As an actor, this was something he would have to put up with.

He was still riding the adrenaline rush after performing one of the riskiest stunt scenes for the movie. It was also the climax they were shooting for the past four days using several cameras and from different angles.

The antagonist of the movie, Jimmy Hendricks was already up, dusting his pants. He spat fake blood and wiped his mouth. He looked bloody and beaten. The makeup artists had done a marvelous job. In the distance, his assistant was already hurrying toward them.

"That was fun, man." Jimmy extended his hand and when he took it, he pulled him into a brief hug.

Jungkook patted his back with a smile. "Yeah. You good?" He pulled back to give him a once over. "That fall looked pretty rough." They were careful and he was happy that both were able to execute the stunt sequence without any casualties.

"Yep. Not a scratch." He ran his hand through his disheveled hair, doing his best to tame the hair. "I need to hit the shower. The team is headed out for a couple of drinks to celebrate. Sure you don't wanna come along?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I have a schedule after this. See you at the party."

It wasn't like Jungkook didn't want to go. After three years of hard work, the trilogy was a wrap and he deserved a drink. However, his schedule was tightly packed and he never drank while working. Tomorrow he had a photo shoot for a reputable sports brand and he had to look his best.

Jimmy frowned and looked like he wanted to say something but kept his mouth shut. Jungkook expected a comment about his manager, but Jimmy conceded, "Alright, then. See ya."

There was no use talking about it anyway. They high-fived and shook hands before bumping shoulders. Jimmy was not only his senior in the industry but also a good friend. Jungkook owed a part of his success to him, because Jimmy was there to guide when he needed someone the most.

"That was an excellent performance, Jungkook-ah." A slap on his back almost knocked him to the ground. "Hey, Jimmy! That was fantastic. Good shot, man."

Jungkook whirled around with a hiss, used to this rough housing of his best friend yet it didn't hurt any less. He fell during one of the scenes and hit his back that left a nasty bruise. "What the fuck, Taehyung!" he hissed. "That hurts."

His friend and the second lead of the movie only shrugged. Kim Taehyung was dressed down today, wearing only a pair of joggers and a dark hoodie. His dark, wavy hair was disheveled. "Sorry. Forgot about your injury for a moment. Not that I regret that slap. You'll live."

Jimmy laughed, already used to their banters on set. Taehyung became the part of the trilogy action movies three years ago and had worked with the same cast until last week where he wrapped his portion of the shoot successfully. The movie itself was slated to release next year, but the shooting was over and done with.

Jungkook came to the US after landing in a supportive role for his first Hollywood film. However, director Richard Wright, who happened to see a clip of his performance that went viral shortly after the trailer release, called him for an audition. The next thing he knew, he was being signed as the main lead for his next big Vigilante franchise along with top names of the industry.

The young actor wasn't able to grasp the reality for a long time after that. It all felt surreal. He never thought he'd come this far. The first movie was a massive hit. Jungkook exploded in America. Movie lovers compared him to the top actors and critics called his acting so refreshing.

Now after the celebratory party organized by their production house, Jungkook wasn't sure when he would meet the others again. The shoot was fun and the cast was professional and friendly. He didn't know if he would ever get to work with a close-knit cast like this. He learned everything he knew today from this cast, including his fluent English. He would certainly miss this. However, there was something else he missed more.

"...I'll see you later." He caught the tail end of Taehyung's conversation with Jimmy before the actor jogged away. He realized Taehyung had nudged him as if he caught him zoning out.

"So you up for the audition?"

Jungkook exhaled, eying the staff packing up the equipment and clearing the stuff. "Not really. I don't even know who this is for, except for the role I'm auditioning for. They're being so secretive and I'm not sure how I feel about it."

It wasn't like he had a choice. He tried to turn it down saying he wanted to try something different, but his agency was pressuring him to go. Not to mention, this unknown director has send a team to audition him in person because of his tight schedule. That never happened before.

"Yep. Underground fighter. That's all I was told too," Taehyung said. "Hey, but at least it's a Korean movie. I think it'll be a challenging role if we got selected."

Underground fighter. That word sent a shiver down his spine. He chuckled to himself because what an irony. Jungkook knew exactly what it took to become one and how their lives were. After all, he lived with one and was in love with one. Still is.

Jungkook shrugged. "Weird. Why would the director hold the auditions here? He could easily have any actors from Korea. Lee Junyeong is a trained boxer with several martial arts accolades under his belt. Not to mention he's an A-lister and has done similar movies before. I don't understand why the director insists on me even after I turned it down twice."

Because it hit close to home. Jungkook didn't think he could wear his impassive mask while playing the role and not crack down.

"Something about wanting a fresh face. Besides, you're popular even in Hollywood now." Taehyung shrugged, but his casual demeanor shifted when he glanced over Jungkook's shoulder. "Shit. The fucker is coming this way. Alright listen, we are gonna ace this audition. I have a very good feeling about this. Maybe this is your ticket to Korea because I heard the shoot will be there."

Jungkook perked up and nodded immediately. The fucker in question was his manager Henry Li dubbed as 'Horrible' Henry by his close circle of friends.

"You ready for this?" he asked loudly as his manager approached him with intense hawkish eyes.

"Yeah, man. I did some research and watched some movies. I even practiced, but I think there's still room to improve. Oh, I also think you should keep this makeup on. Maybe change into some dull t-shirt or something? A hoodie?"

Jungkook shrugged and began to walk toward the manager. He fumbled with the clasps of his vest. "I guess that'd look good. I gotta stop for a bit and get changed before we can head out. What role are you gonna audition for?"

"Dunno. We would be given a script on the spot. As for the roles, we would know only 'if' we pass the audition."

"Oh." He turned to face 'Horrible' Henry with a tight look on his face. "Give me my phone."

"What for?" The man scowled, eyes glinting with a flash of challenge Jungkook hated so much. The day he decided to work with this man was the worst day of his life. "There was only one call from the audition team and I've already confirmed your attendance."

"Do I have to give you an explanation for every time I need to use my phone?" he growled. "I'm a fucking adult."

Jungkook knew it wouldn't change anything and Henry always won in the end. Still, he refused to give in easily.

"It's not like you have family or friends to talk to." The man chuckled mockingly. He fished his pockets, throwing his phone at him carelessly. His intense eyes were on him and Jungkook pretended not to notice.

Wrong. I used to have someone.

Taehyung pursed his lips and glanced away, but the muscle in his jaw ticked and Jungkook knew his friend was barely holding himself back. He quickly changed out of his clothes, handing them to the production team before leaving the set after exchanging pleasantries.

The ride to the hotel was short. They had a rented apartment in Los Angeles where most of the shoot took place, but they had come to San Francisco to shoot the climax.

Jungkook hurried to his room with Taehyung hot on his heels. The manager followed as usual. The young actor rolled his eyes knowing well what the asshole wanted. The only time they got some privacy was in the bathroom and at night.

He fought the itch to shower and changed into the outfit his manager hated the most. There weren't many ways Jungkook could protest. But this was something his manager had no control of. He was known for his street-smart fashion.

He shrugged on a pair of ripped jeans and white tank top before sliding on a comfortable hoodie on top. Running his fingers through his hair a few times, he settled for the disheveled look. Taehyung was right. The make up on his face looked right. The dirt and grime with dried blood would look the part.

When he stepped out, Taehyung whistled low while the manager scrunched his nose.

"That's what we are talking about," Taehyung praised. "You're gonna nail this audition."

Jungkook shrugged with a secretive smile as he enjoyed the disgusted expression on his manager's face. The faded text on the hoodie read 'Never Mind.' The actor had no doubt 'Horrible' Henry would have trouble identifying who it belonged to.

That's right, asshole. You will never succeed.

As they rode the elevator and strode to the car, Jungkook's thoughts raced. Initially, Henry objected to the audition a lot because it demanded him to play the role of an underground fighter. But then a call from top management had forced the manager to change his mind. Jungkook could tell the call was anything but pleasant. Because the asshole had taken it out on both Jungkook and Taehyung.

He had booked them both for several photo shoots and made them work for three nights straight with little to no sleep. They were both used to it these days, but it didn't make it any easier for them.

Jungkook hugged himself, feeling the familiar soft fabric's comforting touch in his palms. He reclined in the seat, ready to get into the zone for the role. He closed his eyes, putting himself in the shoes of the one it belonged to.

I can do this. Taehyung is right. This is the only way to go back to Korea.

The audition was nothing but a blur. Jungkook merely glanced at the given script. Unlike Taehyung, he didn't have to prepare. It was in his blood and it came naturally as if he was breathing. They applauded the change in his mannerism and the way he carried the given role within that five minutes.

Taehyung too aced it and soon they were whisked away for screen tests. When they left, Jungkook knew in his heart that the role belonged to him.

***

Two months had gone in a blur. It felt as if he blinked and the time was gone. The celebratory party was a blast. Jungkook bid teary farewell to his co-stars before flying back to LA. Now he was in Las Vegas.

It was the night of the most anticipated awards show. Tonight he was nominated under two categories along with many others. Best Hero and Best Performance nominations sounded promising. Everyone predicted that he would win.

As the only Asian artist to be nominated in the above categories all the limelight was on him. The world was watching. There were a lot of expectations on him tonight.

Everywhere he went, they greeted him as if he hung the moon and stars. Jungkook hated those. He despised all these phony attention, flashes of cameras wherever he went, the flurry of questions thrown at his face. It was making him nauseous.

There was a time when these same people treated like he was nothing more than dirt under their rags. There was a time he worked so hard to fit in. There was a time he was left out just because he wasn't one of them.

Oh, how badly he wished Taehyung was closer now. But the actor had skipped the red carpet thanks to 'Horrible' Henry. Jungkook clenched his jaw.

"Mr. Jeon, are you excited for tonight?"

"Yeah!"

"You're the youngest Asian actor to be nominated in one of the two main categories tonight! How are you feeling?"

"Nervous." Jungkook chuckled.

The interviewer was a middle-aged American dressed in one of his pristine suits. Jungkook did his best to keep the practiced smile on his face.

Even as Jungkook answered their questions with a polite smile, he remembered every article they wrote about him and every word they spoke. He always took the compliment with a grain of salt, wondering what they'd be cooking behind his back.

Tonight was an important night. It didn't matter whether he won or not because he had already created history with his nominations. He was the youngest Asian artist to be nominated in these categories. Some said he was the only Asian to have been nominated for the lead role in an American award show. He didn't care to be honest.

There was no explanation as to why his hands were trembling. His palms were growing clammy, and he had to remove his hands from the lower back of his date. The beautiful actress—Korea's sweetheart and the one everyone dreams of smiled at him and looked at him as if he was her entire world.

Lee Haneul flew to Las Vegas just for this night. She was his co-star in his upcoming movie, and no one would believe him if he said he met her five minutes before he boarded the limo.

"So tell us, who is your beautiful date tonight?"

Jungkook smiled one more time. "This is my co-star in my upcoming film. Lee Haneul."

He still struggled to come to terms with this new plan. He didn't even remember signing the agreements for this role. Just when he thought everything was going to be alright. Jungkook swallowed the heavy lum in his throat, trying to focus on the interview.

"It's such a pleasure, Ms. Lee. You seem so familiar."

Haneul grinned. "Do I?"

"You're the one from "The Ghost." Are you not?"

Haneul inclined her head with the same smile. "That'd be me."

"Wow! This is so amazing. Who are you wearing tonight?"

Just like that, all the attention was on Haneul, and Jungkook felt like he could breathe for a moment.

How did he end up like this? He thought everything was going well. That everything would be okay. What was he even doing here?

His throat went dry, and he felt sick in the stomach. The actress put a comforting arm around his waist, laughing as she leaned toward him.

"Are you okay?" Her smile was intact, and there was a little concern in her voice.

"No." He smiled that fake smile he practiced a ton of times.

They were in front of the cameras on the red carpet. In just a few hours, they'd be the talk of the town. The media would spin their dating story for weeks and declare them as the industry's power couple.

Jungkook's throat tightened once more. It was all wrong. So so so wrong. He shouldn't be here, especially not with her. In the crowd, among the flashes of the cameras, he noticed his manager's sneering face that scowled in warning, and he straightened, putting his best smile forward.

"It's time for the kiss," the actress whispered. A slight tug at his sleeve brought him out of his stupor.

Jungkook leaned in as if his automatic mode was turned on. Her lips pressed into his, and everything felt wrong once again. There were lights, but they weren't on a set. This was no filming set, and this was not a shooting. No. This was his company's elusive plan to keep him on top of the industry for the next year.

The kiss lasted only five seconds but those five seconds were enough to leave a dent in his heart. He felt as if he could hear the sound of shattering pieces of one specific heart that only beat for him. Blood rushed to his ears and he grew light-headed.

Thankfully, their time on the red carpet was over and they were ushered out of the area and into the venue. Jungkook was led to the green rooms and he felt like he could breathe again. The staff surrounded him, touching up his makeup and fixing his hair.

He didn't even want to think about the rest of the night. It was one of the important nights in his career. However, all he could think about was Jimin. His Jimin. His one and only. The one who owned his heart, body and soul. The one who should have been here by his side. The one who wasn't here right now. The man who was chased away from him. The only man he ever loved.

***

"And the award goes to..."

The entire bar erupted in cheers.

Jimin smiled wide as he downed his drink. He lost count after his fourth one. Tonight he had every reason to celebrate. It was the biggest night in Jungkook's career. His Jungkook won both the awards he was nominated for tonight.

"Tonight, the drinks are on the house, fellas!" Namjoon, his friend and owner of the bar, announced, earning another round of cheers from the crowd.

Jimin only grinned, his chest bubbling with job as he soaked in the support these people were showing for Jungkook. Namjoon had kindly recorded the award show that aired in the afternoon and they have gathered to watch the award show for the past three hours. It was late but there were still a few patrons left. Jungkook was dear to everyone here. They all knew how he went from rags to riches.

"He looks happier." Seokjin slid on the stool beside him. He was a gifted chef in Namjoon's bar and one of his friends who cared deeply for him. "His skin is healthier, and he's glowing. Can't believe he's the same boy who was so curious to learn how to mix drinks from our Yoongi," he reminisced. "He might have gone to new heights, but those eyes...I can still see the old him, you know."

Jimin hummed, tracing the rim of his glass with a soft smile.

"He even has a new friend," Seokjin continued.

"Isn't that good?" Jimin slurred. "He deserves only the best things in this world, hyung."

Yes, his baby deserved only the best. On the screen, Jungkook smiled as he spoke into the mic, thanking everyone for his success and promising to work even harder this year.

"Such a hard worker he is," Jimin said, taking a deep breath with a wistful smile painting his face.

When Jungkook stared at the camera with that intense gaze for a moment and said, "I love you. This is for you" Jimin felt like it was meant for him. He swore Jungkook meant it for him, but the camera panned toward Lee Haneul, and Jimin's heart deflated like a balloon.

Jungkook looked beautiful as ever in his three-piece tuxedo. His long, black hair was styled away from his face, which was glowing under the lights. His hands ached to hold that face and stare into the stars in his galaxies. He wished he could tell him how much he loved him. Blinking away the tears, he focused hard to think only about Jungkook's smile and the happiness radiating off him.

He looked richer now, wrapped in the finest clothes he'd ever seen. This was for good, he told himself. If he were with Jimin, he'd have been nothing but a hindrance. Now, look at him shine.

"That he is," Seokjin agreed. "I'm sorry you had to see that earlier." His voice softened. "I'm sure there's nothing between them. Hoseokie works with showbiz people. He often tells me how they do these things for publicity stunts. Don't take it to your heart, alright? Our Jungkookie won't do that to you."

Sudden tears blurred his vision and burned the back of his eyes. "Pour me another, hyung." He pushed the glass toward Yoongi, who operated the bar.

It wasn't that Jimin didn't believe Jungkook, but three years was a long time. He witnessed the changes in Jungkook's life. He practically saw how his absence from Jungkook's life took him places. Maybe Jungkook's manager was right. He was holding him back.

"You've had enough tonight, Jimin," Yoongi's stern voice reprimanded him. "You should stop."

"Hyung, please...I'm fine, I promise."

"No. You got a big fight tomorrow, and I'm not allowing you to get drunk like this. So go home, Jimin-ah."

Jimin sighed, eying the TV that showed the ending of the ceremony, his Jungkook was no longer in focus. No matter how much he tried, Yoongi would never give him more. He was afraid Jimin might turn back into his old self-destructive ways.

There was no point in arguing with Yoongi. The man was stubborn and might as well succeed in arguing with a wall instead. He was also someone who organized these fights for Jimin. Jimin didn't want Yoongi to cancel his scheduled fight over this. He knew the man cared a lot for him and would do it in a heartbeat if he didn't listen.

With a sigh, he stood, slightly swaying in his wobbly legs. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

He bid goodbye to the others. Namjoon waved from the back, and Seokjin gave him a hug, whispering everything would be alright. Jimin chuckled bitterly. Seokjin said that almost every night. He always assured him Jungkook would come back because this was his home.

Jimin swallowed the tightness in his throat and made his way out of the bar. The night air was cold, and the fall was unpredictable. His apartment was a ten-minute walk from the bar, and his mind reeled with Jungkook. Everywhere he turned, he could only see Jungkook. He was the rising star everyone loved with a gentle smile and kind words.

He stopped to trace one of the posters on the convenience store window. Jimin entered the store, making a beeline to the magazine rack where several stacks of magazines waited. But the one he needed wasn't there.

Jimin wasn't much of a reader. He didn't care for the news or gossip. However, these days he kept an eye on anything he could get on Jungkook. His face fell as he sifted through the magazines.

"It's sold out already?" he asked with a downturn of his lips.

Why wasn't he even surprised? Jungkook was the golden boy who sold out things that were worth thousands of dollars in mere seconds. Still, it was a bummer he couldn't get hold of the magazine. His throat constricted. It was the only way he could keep him closer. Now that too has become an impossible task.

He eyed the posters longingly. "May I have one of those then?" he asked the store owner showing the small poster plastered on the wall. They would take it down anyway, wouldn't they?

The old man smiled apologetically but nodded. "I'm sorry," he said, opening the cabinet under his table. "The fans were crazy, and they were waiting before the bundle even reached the shop." He produced a spare poster. "Here. I saved this for you, though."

Jimin snatched the poster immediately, his eyes shining under the lights. "Thank you. Thank you so much," he sniffled. "How much?"

The store owner shook his head. "I know he's special to you, Jimin-ah. Been seeing you both ever since you moved into this neighborhood. This is the least I can do for you."

Jimin nodded, brushing away his tears. He hugged the poster to his chest as he exited the store, finally glad to have him closer again. 

This is ongoing and I released it earlier for Jikook week fest on AO3 [https://archiveofourown.org/works/41999289]. The link is on my Wattpad wall. It has 5 chapters there. I'll post here when I find time. If you don't want to wait, please read ahead on AO3.