TW: Mentions of past abuse (mild) in this chapter. Jimin's ex is an asshole.

Jimin woke up with a smile on his lips. It seemed to be a normal thing he did these days. How could he help himself from falling when Jungkook made him so happy?

He had heard his mom telling him a relationship was a two-way road. Be it a romantic relationship or a simple friendship, love and caring for each other should go both ways. But Jimin had been taken advantage of his kindness way too much. So, it was a nice change to actually experience that two-way journey with someone. Even if it wasn't romantic. It was a nice feeling to be on the receiving end of that attention for once.

It was Wednesday. Jungkook filled his thoughts and he smiled again. After last weekend, he spent at least an hour gaming together before going to sleep and it was fun. Jimin found he wasn't that bad at games once he learned the basics and got a hang of everything.

Jungkook was patient as ever and as he promised, they were creating new memories. Now Jimin had a few games downloaded to his phone, which he played when he wanted to unwind in the café or during the break.

Yes, he was taking short breaks from work in between and Hannah was already pulling his legs good-naturedly. He was changing from his overworking habits and he was changing for good.

His mother was happy to see him smiling widely these days. She'd noticed the change too and so was Yoongi. Jimin ruffled his hair and stretched his limbs.

Jungkook suggested they could go back to the sports bar again this weekend. However, this week Jungkook's brother was visiting. He would arrive on Friday night and would leave on Sunday night. He jumped off the bed and headed to the bathroom.

Jimin was so excited because his younger brother was going to meet Junghyun at Busan train station to give him some homemade kimchi and other things his mom prepared for him. Oh, how long had it been since he went home?

Last month, Jungkook introduced him to his mother and Jimin introduced Jungkook to his mother. Somehow that led to their mothers reaching out to each other and the next thing Jimin knew their mothers were talking to each other on a daily basis and were now close. Though Jimin's family lived far from Jungkook's, they met once already. Jungkook's family lived closer to the ocean while his family lived closer to the mountains.

He made a note to bake some pastries and cupcakes beforehand so Hannah could manage the café this weekend. Jimin didn't plan to take the full day off, but he wanted to leave a bit early in case they decided to visit someplace. He'd spoken to Junghyun twice and the man was as sweet as Jungkook.

When he came out of the shower, Jungkook was already up and was working out. This was the last month of his internship and they were busy with some important project to present to an American company, which was announced this week. Jungkook's team had three weeks to submit the project and he'd been working longer hours than usual. They both ended up relying on Jimin's stack of ramen for three days this week.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Morning, hyung," Jungkook grunted with exertion. "I made coffee."

Jimin smiled. "Thanks," he said quickly, grabbing the mug of steaming coffee that was already on the small table. He checked the time and hurried to dress for the day.

It didn't take long for him to arrive at the café and went through his routine to open it. He flipped the open sign and went back to the counter, setting everything else when the bell dinged announcing the arrival of his first customer.

"Good morn—" the cheerful greeting died down in his throat when he saw who it was.

What is he doing here?

"Good morning, Jimin," Minseok greeted with a synthetic smile and Jimin realized his smiles never reached his eyes.

Jimin schooled his features to hide his scowl. His heart was beating faster and fists clenching around the counter. They stared at each other for a moment and Jimin was the first to break eye contact. He waved at the display. "What would you like to order?"

"One white chocolate symphony and one regular coffee. I'll also take two glazed donuts and one pink icing with sprinkles."

Jimin quickly typed in the order and went to prepare the drinks. He didn't even bother to look at his face.

"Don't know what's so special about this place. My girlfriend doesn't want coffee from anywhere else," he scoffed. "She kept complaining the entire week about how she missed the coffee from here."

Oh. Wasn't he gay?

The question was at the tip of his tongue, but Jimin knew better than to engage him. This was the second time he was visiting his café. He wondered why Minseok came again, knowing he would be here and now that answered his unspoken question.

The coffee machine came to life and Jimin focused on the task. It wouldn't take long to shoot Minseok down, but he was here as a customer. Besides, he didn't want Minseok to know his presence still bothered him. So Jimin decided he could keep that professional mask without trouble.

"Small world, huh? She told me her friend always bought coffee for her from here. Didn't know this was the place you worked." He scoffed. "I prefer to go somewhere else but A-Yeong is adamant about getting her coffee from here."

Jimin didn't respond or bother to correct him that he owned the place. He was over Minseok a long time ago. Jimin was the one to break up things between them, but the things Minseok did and said to him had taken a toll on him.

That man made him feel like shit every single time and he learned in a hard way that he didn't deserve that bull shit. Didn't deserve to be treated that way. But it was too late and it had left a huge dent in his self-confidence. It wasn't easy to build that backup, but whenever he saw Minseok or thought about his past, it still left him shaken.

He'd rather stay single forever than putting himself through something like that. Seeing him again had already dampened his mood and brought all the memories he tried hard to forget back.

"I see you haven't changed much," Minseok continued, not bothering that he hadn't uttered a single word to him. "How is life treating you, Jimin?" He saw him lean over the counter in his peripheral vision. Saw the bastard turning his head to look around.

Jimin didn't dare respond. He didn't deserve to be answered.

"You used to talk a lot about dreams and passion but look at you still stuck in the same place, rotting away behind those coffee machines. And still parading around with those flashy, tight clothes and accessories, trying to seduce men with your cheap tricks I presume," he sneered.

Jimin clenched his jaw. His words still stung. He wordlessly poured the coffee and returned to the counter, determined to not show his weakness. Minseok was a controlling bastard who ruined him for any future relationships.

"Where do you think you're going dressed up like that?"

"Why are you always hanging out with him?"

"You're such a slut! Always seeking attention from others."

"It doesn't work on everyone, you know. I'm glad I got out when I did. You look ridiculous as ever in that cotton candy hair."

"Shut up!" he hissed, his hands trembling slightly.

"Why? Don't like others knowing what kind of person you are?" He chuckled as if he cracked a joke. Fortunately, there were no customers yet to witness this shit. "You're such a failure, Jiminie." He sighed and stepped back pushing his hands inside his pockets. "You look fat by the way." Minseok's eyes regarded him from top to bottom with disapproval. "No longer following a dietary routine I see."

There it was. Jimin felt like someone slapped him.

"None of your business," Jimin hissed this time. The fucker had no right to talk to him like that anymore. "You should leave."

It was a sensitive topic for Jimin and he had gone through hell and back before he was able to accept and value himself. It took him a year to pick back the pieces Minseok left and rebuild the confidence. He didn't need the fucking bastard chipping away that confidence again.

Minseok cocked a brow. "You still have an aversion to the truth I see. Are you even allowed to kick me out? Don't you have a uniform or something? Your owner allows you to wear that to work?"

Jimin was getting worked up when another voice cut in.

"He owns this place and what's wrong with his clothes?" Jungkook opened the small door that divided the customer area and the counter, stepping inside and locking it. His eyes were narrowed at Minseok with a deep frown. But when he turned to look at Jimin, his gaze softened. "Hey, babe," he greeted much to Jimin's surprise. What followed surprised him even more. Jungkook leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "You okay, sweetheart?"

"Y-Yeah." Jimin blinked multiple times and hadn't realized the thing that was burning his eyes were tears. He turned his face to the side and quickly used a finger to brush it off.

Jungkook hugged him, putting his back to the counter so Minseok couldn't see him anymore. He wiped the few more tears that had fallen and kissed the tip of Jimin's nose.

"Yoongi hyung told me," he whispered. "Play along, hyung."

Oh. Yoongi hyung was here?

"Why don't you get my coffee? Let me handle this," he said out louder. He then rubbed Jimin's cheeks with his thumb once more. "There, everything is fine now. Go," he whispered.

Jimin just nodded, thankful for the window of escape, and went to fix his breakfast. He didn't expect Jungkook this early. There was no time to prepare lunch. He headed to the kitchen and pulled out the ingredients to put a sandwich together. Jungkook wasn't picky with food, which was good.

What was that?

He touched the place where Jungkook kissed. It was just a soft brush of lips but the skin tingled and he couldn't help the flutter of his heart at the term of endearment he used. He had called him babe and sweetheart in less than sixty seconds. It had felt like a soothing balm to his bruised heart. He realized Minseok had witnessed everything and Jungkook's action would have made him think they were together. His cheeks flared.

So Jungkook purposely did that when he found out who Minseok was. A smile tugged at his lips. Jungkook was thoughtful to hide him from Minseok's view and brush off his tears so the others didn't notice. He hated feeling weak but Jimin was soft by nature. No matter how tough he tried to look, he was too easy to break, and that hadn't changed.

Minseok knew his weakest and sensitive points and he never thought twice before hitting it with brute force. He never cared. But then there was Jungkook. Jimin had felt his presence wrap him in a safety cocoon and he didn't ever want to let go.

Five minutes later, when he was about to go outside with the sandwich, Jungkook stepped inside the kitchen. His tie was thrown carelessly around his shoulder. Jimin put the plate down and went to fix the tie, a habit that came as natural as breathing.

Jungkook put his hands on his waist. "You okay, hyung?" he asked so gently that Jimin felt tearing up.

He looked up and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Thanks." He tried to smile but he was suddenly too emotional.

"Hey, none of that." He brushed his tears. "I'm sorry for earlier. Yoongi hyung stopped by and I came here with him. He was furious to see that bastard and he told me he was your stupid ex. Then I heard what he was saying." He caressed Jimin's cheeks. "Sorry, hyung. I didn't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking about what I was doing. I just wanted him to know you were off-limits and none of whatever he said affected you anymore."

How much did Jungkook hear?

"It's okay, Jungkook-ah. Thanks for helping me out there."

"Anytime, hyung."

"Are you leaving early? I haven't even prepared your lunch yet," he said, realizing he didn't even decide what to make yet. Minseok's appearance had thrown him off the grid.

"It's okay, hyung. I'll eat something from the cafeteria."

"But you hate the food there." He couldn't help but pout.

"Then I'll order something."

Once again, Jimin realized how good it felt like to receive the same kindness he showed to someone else. He was used to his ex-boyfriends getting irritated or angry with him for missing things like this on occasion. But here was Jungkook, understanding as ever. There wasn't even a hint of annoyance on his face.

Jungkook cupped Jimin's face, distracting him from his thoughts. "Yoongi hyung took care of that asshole. I love this orange t-shirt on you. You look so beautiful, hyung. Don't let anyone else make you believe otherwise."

When Jungkook left, the hug he gave him lasted longer than usual and much longer than to consider it appropriate but Jimin wasn't complaining. He enjoyed the warmth and comfort that came with it. A smile tugged at his lips and it also brought him a memory he'd buried so long ago.

"Do you even realize what time it is?" Heesung, his boyfriend at that time hissed. "What the fuck am I supposed to eat for lunch today?"

Jimin sighed, used to the jabs, which were now becoming a daily thing. He was already dressed and was in a hurry, having slept through his alarm. Thankfully, his backup alarm had woken him up.

"I was up all night, studying for my exam. Can you eat in the cafeteria today?"

He wanted to remind his boyfriend that he told him about this last night itself and Heesung had nodded with an absent-minded hum.

"I fucking hate it when you act as if you're the only one studying. This goes without saying. I don't like the food there and I'm allergic to garlic and potatoes. Did you want me to starve?"

Jimin wanted to ask what he was eating before they began dating but he held his tongue. He was getting tired of his antics. He tried to sit him down and talk. Make him understand that he wasn't his servant to wait for his beck and call, but his partner and also a student who also worked part-time. It was getting harder every day with his increasing demands. Heesung just wouldn't let it through his thick skull and got angry when he began saying no.

"I don't have time, Heesung. You'll have to make do for today." His voice was calm.

He tried to walk around him only to be stopped by Heesung. The grip on his wrist was tight and almost hurting. "Where do you think you're going?"

Jimin checked the time in his wristwatch. "Let go, Heesung. I'm already running late."

"You're not leaving until you have cooked me lunch."

Jimin gritted his teeth. Heesung looked like a menace. There was one time he slapped him and Jimin had forgiven him the next day like a fool he was. But now as he crowded his space Jimin was afraid.

He swallowed, taking a step back. "Heesung, please..."

Heesung let his hand go only to grab his bag and threw it on the wall with a force that caused Jimin to flinch. "I need beef Bulgogi."

"B-But we don't even have necessary ingredients here."

Heesung scoffed. "Well, if you weren't whoring around you'd have remembered to buy everything. Didn't I give you enough money for this week?"

Jimin eyed the watch his time was running out. His exam started in fifteen minutes and he'd have to leave now if he wanted to make it to the exam hall ten minutes late.

"Heesung, it's my exam today. My future is dependent on this. Please let me go. I'll order you Bulgogi from the restaurant you like."

However, before Heesung could say something the doorbell rang and Jimin thanked the Gods. He rushed to the door and almost cried in relief upon seeing Yoongi. Then worry gnawed at his insides. Heesung never liked Yoongi.

"Hyung..." he breathed.

"Why aren't you answering your phone? Didn't you have an exam today?"

"I..." He looked over his shoulder, shifting from one foot to the other. "Heesung won't let me leave," he whispered urgently.

"Jimin isn't done cooking. I'll drop him off at the college later. You can leave."

Yoongi's gaze then shifted to Heesung and his eyes narrowed. "Get your bag, Jiminie."

Jimin looked between Heesung and Yoongi, the wheels in his head turning. Heesung would be furious and there would be hell to pay when he came back. However, he really couldn't miss this exam. So, he made up his mind and hurried to the kitchen, grabbing the bag.

Heesung gritted his teeth. "What the fuck are you doing here? This is my home."

He saw Heesung crowding Yoongi's space and his heart lurched to his throat.

Yoongi held his ground. "No, it's not. Jimin pays half of the rent and he's my brother. Watch your words, asshole."

"You—"

Yoongi grabbed the arm, twisting it at an odd angle before anyone could blink. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Jimin is the only reason you're breathing." He applied more pressure, causing Heesung to cry out.

Jimin hid behind the wall, brushing off his tears. He couldn't thank Yoongi enough for today.

"Hurts, doesn't it? I would have cut your hand off when I heard you hit him. But Jiminie begged me not to do it. Listen carefully, asshole. I'm going to take Jimin for his exam and then he's going to stay over at my place. If I ever heard that you hurt him verbally or physically, I'll kill you."

He pushed him away and Jimin appeared, pretending to not notice anything. "Hyung, I'm ready."

That night Yoongi had talked to them for hours, telling him why Heesung wasn't the right guy for him and though Jimin was afraid of so many things, he listened. It took him a while to build that courage to break it off with him, but he did it.

Jimin sighed, shaking off the thoughts. He couldn't help but think how different Jungkook was from him.

Hannah smiled warmly at him when he went back to the counter. "Your lover boy is really scary," she whispered as she wiped the few droplets of coffee spilled on the counter. "I must admit he looked super-hot while threatening that douche bag."

Jimin looked startled. He looked at her with wide eyes. "He threatened Minseok?"

"Yep. Grabbed his collar and growled right on his face. Damn! You should have seen his face, boss. He was super scary. He told him he wouldn't hesitate to reshape his face if he ever said something to you like that ever again. Then your hyung stepped between them and warned him to stay away if he wanted to keep his balls intact." She giggled.

Wow.

Jungkook didn't tell him that. It sent a rush of warmth to his chest.

Minseok was afraid of Yoongi because after their breakup, despite his protests, Yoongi had visited him. Minseok wouldn't stop calling him and refused to return his clothes and other things that were at their rented apartment. Jimin didn't know the details of their meeting, but Minseok had stopped bothering him after that. Yoongi also brought all of Jimin's things back.

Hannah bumped into his shoulder. "I'm now two-hundred percent sure I'm getting that rise." She winked and Jimin blushed.

"He's too good for me."

"And you aren't?" she scoffed. "He'd be lucky to have someone as caring as you. Hell, I wish my mother was half as good as you."

He remembered Hannah telling him one day about how dysfunctional her family was. Her father drank away all the money he earned and her mother barely managed the household. She had an older brother who left home and never looked back. Though she lived with her parents, they didn't have an amicable relationship.

Jimin hugged her and patted her back. "I couldn't make lunch for him today," he said when he pulled back. "He said he will order something but I'm sure he will end up eating from that cafeteria he hates so much," he lamented.

She tilted her head to the side with a knowing smile. "You can always bring him lunch."

So that was how Jimin found himself in front of Jungkook's office building at one o'clock in the afternoon. He actually arrived fifteen minutes early. Jungkook went for lunch around one-thirty so he sat debating if it was safe to call him or not. In the end, he gave up and dialed his office number, knowing they weren't allowed to use phones while at work.

The operator transferred the call after taking down his details and Jungkook's voice soon came online.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hyung? Is everything okay?"

"Ah, yes. I just...um...Can you come outside for a minute? I brought you lunch."

"Lunch? What? Wait...you're outside my office?"

"Yeah," he breathed, looking around and giving him the exact location.

"I'll be there."

He hung up and Jimin sighed. He hoped he wasn't overstepping. Jungkook's love for food was unmatched and he occasionally enjoyed other cuisines. He loved to explore and find something new, at least from what he was told. But he wasn't able to do that after he started working so Jimin had begun making him something different once in a while.

Today, he made meatballs with some spaghetti and knew the youngest would love it. He shifted from one foot to the other as the wind ruffled his hair. October was almost over and they were at the end of fall. He would miss this season.

They hadn't done much for either Jungkook's or his birthday this year. Well, he didn't know it was Jungkook's birthday until he saw Namjoon's social media post at night. So he had sheepishly wished him at night and then baked a cake with an apology the next day. As for Jimin's birthday, Jungkook hadn't known but when he learned he had come home with a plushie that looked like a chick and cooked a lavish dinner.

He smiled at the memory that was going to run a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time when he heard a shout behind him.

"Hyung!"

He whirled around, a smile already overtaking his face as Jungkook bounded toward him with a bright smile.

"You're here," the youngest panted as he came to a stop and then he eyed the lunch. "I told you I will order something." His voice was so soft and the look on his face was too fond as he took the bag from him. "You didn't have to come all the way here, hyung."

Jimin shrugged. "I know how much you hate the cafeteria food and it's nothing." He looked around. "It's been a while since I came to this part of the town. It's a nice change."

Jungkook pouted. "Thanks for this, but still...you left work just to bring me food."

"I'm here because I want to, Jungkookie," he said, noticing the exhausted look on his face. "Busy day?"

The youngest sighed. "Yeah. There's just too much to do and very little time." He looked around and then his eyes widened suddenly. "Eat with me, hyung."

"Huh?"

"There's a small park nearby. We can go there," he suggested.

Jimin frowned. "What about your break?"

He checked his wristwatch. "I didn't use my break time this week. So, I have one and a half hours to spend." He lifted a finger stopping whatever Jimin was going to say. "You always pack me extra lunch. You're eating with me."

Jimin relaxed with a soft smile playing on his lips. He had long since given up fighting with Jungkook for things like this. The man was stubborn and it was hard to say no to that face. "Okay."

Jungkook beamed and looped a hand through his elbow. He led him through the narrow path between the commercial buildings to the next street. Many people were out and about since it was lunchtime and they stopped by a supermarket to grab a bottle of water.

The afternoon sun beat down on them but the wind was pleasant. The park was small, a square block with tall trees and several benches. There were a few people at this time of the day. Some were sipping a drink, talking among them while the others simply sat browsing through their phones.

"I found this place a couple of weeks ago when I came out for a walk," Jungkook said. "I can take you to our cafeteria but my team is too nosy. Don't wanna put you through that soon."

Jimin chuckled. What was Jungkook telling his team? Did they know about him? He chastised himself soon. They were just flatmates who happen to get along well at this moment. Neither he nor Jungkook had expressed their feelings to each other. As much as he was sure Jungkook liked him, he was also scared that wasn't the case.

While he was lost in his thoughts, Jungkook found a bench for them and tugged his sleeve. He put the lunch bag between them and threw a leg over the bench straddling it while Jimin sat one-sided and proceeded to pull the contents outside only to realize there was only one pair of chopsticks.

Ah, shit.

It had totally slipped his mind. They should have bought a pair when they were in the supermarket. "I didn't realize we only had one pair." He made a move to stand. "I'll go get one."

Jungkook tugged at him again, making him sit. "No need. We can share," he said nonchalantly as he began to dig in.

Jimin loved watching the youngest eat. He was so expressive and was very vocal when he loved the food. Now he was making happy noises and Jimin watched him endearingly.

"This is amazing, hyung. Here." He held the box up and lifted the chopsticks to his mouth.

Jimin's eyes widened at the gesture. When Jungkook said they could share, this wasn't what he expected. He opened his mouth wordlessly and allowed Jungkook to feed him. It tasted divine. Better than the restaurant where he tried this the last time. He hummed to himself.

They finished the remaining food in silence with the passing traffic and the wind rustling the leaves were the only sounds accompanying them. Jungkook stuffed his mouth, chewing it with an appreciative hum for each bite and it made Jimin so happy. He wasn't thinking much when he decided to bring lunch to Jungkook, now that he was here unexpectedly sharing the food with him, he couldn't help but store every moment in his mind to revisit later.

Jungkook was gorgeous. His lips shined with a layer of sauce. He ran a tongue over them and smacked his lips now and then. Jimin followed every movement unconsciously. Soon, the food was gone and they washed it down with water.

"Thanks for bringing me food, hyung. You're the best." Jungkook grinned. "I feel so much better already." He rubbed his stomach happily. "Food is everything."

"It's nothing, Jungkook-ah." He noticed the youngest stretching his neck more than usual and reached a hand to massage his nape.

Jungkook groaned and scooted closer. "Ah, fuck. A little bit lower."

Jimin lowered his hand, working on the knot to ease the tension in his muscles. Up close, he noticed the dark circles Jungkook didn't bother to hide. He rarely wore make-up. Not that he needed it. He must be really exhausted. His eyes were closed and his mouth parted as he leaned into Jimin's hand.

Jimin realized they haven't been eating a proper meal for the past couple of days. He decided he'd leave early to cook dinner today. Anything that wasn't ramen was a win. Jungkook took care of him for two months. Three weeks wasn't a big deal. Jimin could make time for that.

"You know what, I'll take care of the dinner until this project is over. So you take care of the other things."

Jungkook's eyes shot open. "I'll try to leave early today, hyung." He pouted. "I didn't think they would keep me late like this. Everything is hectic because of the short notice."

"Don't worry about it, Jungkookie."

"But hyung—"

"No arguing this time, Jungkookie. Let hyung take care of you this time." He patted his cheek fondly.

Jungkook smiled. "Okay."

When it was time to leave, Jungkook hugged him and thanked him again. If the hug lasted longer once again, Jimin didn't comment on it. The youngest gave great hugs and Jimin was always looking forward to it these days.

***

Jungkook walked with Jimin until they reached his building. He offered to walk Jimin to the subway which the older declined with a soft laugh. He watched him walk away before entering the building.

He thought about that morning when he saw Jimin so shaken for the first time in two months. He looked so pale as if he'd seen a ghost and Jungkook was furious.

"You missed him by five minutes, hyung." Jungkook opened the door wider for Yoongi to enter.

"Ah, I just wanted to give him this." He handed him a paper bag. "It's a book from his favorite author that got released last week. He asked me to get a copy when I went shopping."

Jungkook took the bag from him, ruffling his wet hair and running his fingers through it. "Come in, hyung. I'll be ready in ten. We can leave together if you aren't in a hurry."

Yoongi checked his wristwatch. "Sure."

When they arrived at the café it was empty except for one customer. It was still early. However, Yoongi froze when he saw the customer.

"That fucking bastard!" he hissed.

"Who?" Jungkook frowned, looking curiously between Yoongi and the man's broad back. He couldn't see his face from this position.

"That's Jimin's shitty ex. The motherfucker won't leave him alone. Every time they run into each other he makes Jimin feel like shit and Jimin will be down for days." He was already moving toward the customer but Jungkook beat him to the punch.

"None of your business," Jimin hissed. "You should leave."

"You still have an aversion to the truth I see. Are you even allowed to kick me out? Don't you have a uniform or something? Your owner allows you to wear that to work?"

That fucking bastard.

Jungkook's blood boiled and the next thing he knew he was marching toward the counter.

"He owns this place and what's wrong with his clothes?" He cut in as he glared at his ex. The bastard was good-looking but had the words judgmental asshole written in neon letters on his forehead. He wondered how Jimin even agreed to go out with him. When he looked at Jimin who looked so lost, his features softened. "Hey, babe." He didn't think twice. At that moment, he could only think of one thing. He wanted to show that idiot that Jimin moved on. Jungkook kissed Jimin's cheek. "You okay, sweetheart?"

Jungkook didn't have time to catalog his actions. He was pissed and he was also jealous. He was over the moon when he learned Jimin was into men. The only reason he now waited to ask Jimin out was that he wanted to give everything he deserved.

If the words he overheard were only a sample, he could already guess what Jimin must have gone through when they were dating. Jungkook wasn't happy. Jimin was the softest human being he'd ever had the pleasure to meet. He was kind and compassionate. He was caring. Heaven sent an angel with the warmest hug.

He vowed to protect Jimin from the assholes like this fucker in front of him. He gently coaxed Jimin to the kitchen and once he left, he lunged at the bastard over the counter. He knocked the coffee right into him and didn't give two fucks if it ruined that fucker's clothes.

"Listen here, asshole, I'll tell you this only once." He tightened his grip on his collar and pulled him closer. "You leave him alone. If I see you here one more time or hear you talking shit to him again, it'll be my fist talking," he growled. "I'll break your nose and reshape every bone in your good for nothing face. Got it?" He shook him once and Yoongi stepped between them right then.

He gently pried Jungkook's hand off the bastard, but the look on his face was full of fury. The bastard swallowed with wide eyes.

"Minseok, I told you once, I'll remind you again," Yoongi's voice was low, but it sent a cold shiver down his spine. "You better stay away if you want to keep your balls intact."

He was scary. Jungkook reminded himself to never get on his bad side ever again.

The guy, Minseok, scurried out of the café like a rodent, never collecting the items he ordered.

It was then Jungkook noticed Hannah, who winked at him and raised both her thumbs up. While Yoongi ordered, Jungkook went inside to comfort Jimin.

He pulled out his phone when he reached the elevator, searching for Yoongi's contact and opening their recent conversation.

From Yoongi hyung:

Keep an eye on him for me.

Make sure he eats something.

To Yoongi hyung:

Is there anything I should know, hyung?

From Yoongi hyung:

Jimin is extremely sensitive and has many insecurities.

That bastard did a number on his confidence before they broke up.

Just watch him and be there for him. Call or text me if you notice anything is off.

To Yoongi hyung:

Don't worry, hyung.

I'll take care of him.

He's my responsibility.

From Yoongi hyung:

You better, kid.

I saw what you did and I think it's safe to assume Jimin is the one you have a crush on.

You may be a good kid, but Jimin is my dongsaeng.

Hurt him and I'll hurt you.

To Yoongi hyung:

Will never dream of it.

From Yoongi hyung:

Good.

A small smile spread on his face as he read the chat. It mattered a lot because Yoongi was the only person here for Jimin. He didn't have that many friends.

He didn't talk about his attraction to Jimin. But Jungkook thought his actions spoke louder. He could tell Jimin liked him too. His cheeks grew red every time they were physically close and he always went the extra mile to take care of Jungkook. He didn't stop Jungkook from showing his affection either. Jungkook took that as a good sign.

The thing with Jimin was that everything felt natural. He didn't have to think twice. He made it too easy to be with him and to like him. It was hard not to fall for him.

To Yoongi hyung:

Jimin hyung brought me lunch.

I made him eat.

From Yoongi hyung:

You're all disgustingly domestic.

I don't know what I'll do when you both officially start dating.

Jungkook laughed and pushed the phone back into his pocket.

***

Leaving the café early was easier said than done. The business was busier than usual and he couldn't bring himself to leave Hannah to handle everything alone. She'd need help with closing. But he promised Jungkook that he'd cook.

After thinking all evening, he ordered things he'd need for dinner from the local grocery from where he normally ordered things for the café and set out to cook. This way, he'd be available if Hannah needed help with something.

Jungkook came when he was about to close the café, looking exhausted and shoulders hunched.

"Tough day?" he asked, shutting the door and locking it before pulling the shutters down.

"Worst." The youngest sighed. "The team leader was being an asshole today. It wasn't like we aren't working, hyung. Everyone is pulling extra hours, but he isn't satisfied with what we have so far."

Jimin put a hand on his back comfortingly. "Every work comes with situations like this, Jungkook-ah. You'll adjust to it with time. Come." He took his free hand in his. "I made rice and spicy pork stew."

"You really are the best," the youngest said tiredly. "Have I told you that today?"

"Once or twice." Jimin tried to hide his smile. "Someone never misses to tell me that every day."

"You deserve to hear it every hour of the day." Jungkook swung their intertwined hands as if they did that every time. They fell into a comfortable silence after that.

This was what left him perplexed often. The domesticity between them came so naturally and none of it was awkward in the least. Jungkook made it all too easy.

***

Jungkook stopped by the café in the morning as usual and this time Jimin was prepared. Now he knew about Jungkook's schedule he woke earlier than usual to get everything started. He already had the lunch packed and breakfast ready for him to eat.

"Junghyun hyung is bringing a friend. Some last-minute changes. Is it okay if he stayed with us too?" Jungkook asked as he munched on the breakfast.

"Of course, Jungkookie. You can sleep in my room if you want."

Jungkook's eyes sparkled at the suggestion and Jimin wondered if he imagined that.

"Don't cook anything tonight. Mom is packing us both a lot of food." He chuckled.

"Do you want me to pick them up from the train station?" he asked, remembering he forgot to check that with Jungkook earlier.

"Ah, no. Hyung will take a cab here."

"Okay."

The conversation flowed easily as Jungkook finished up the breakfast and took the plate to the sink. Jimin finished the final touches he was putting on the cupcakes he was making for a baby shower. The friend of the expecting mother visited him on Monday, requesting that he baked the cakes to bring as a gift. It wasn't his first rodeo but baby showers always excited him.

"This is so pretty, hyung." Jungkook came to stand behind him. "Want me to take some photos for your social media?"

He had made Strawberry Mousse Cups and Blue Velvet Cupcakes since the sex of the baby wasn't revealed. To put a final touch to the gift basket, he made a cupcake bouquet with Floral Frosting Cupcakes.

"That'd be great, but do you have time for that?" He eyed the wall clock.

Jungkook had a knack for clicking photos. He was good at everything he did and he often lent a hand to Jimin. The photos he clicked always drew more engagements. So Jimin wasn't going to let go of the chance to use his skills again.

"I'll always make time for you, hyung." He went to grab Jimin's small digital camera he kept in the café for this purpose. He then proceeded to arrange the cups carefully before taking numerous pictures.

Once he was done, Jimin quickly arranged the cupcakes in the gift basket for him to take more photos. It was beautiful. He was proud of his work.

"There you go." Jungkook handed him the camera and came behind him to hook his chin on his shoulder.

"The photos came out well," Jimin praised him, going through the gallery and mentally ticking off the photos he wanted to post. His social media was gaining good attention and brought him more orders these days.

Jungkook hummed. "I'll get going then, hyung." He pressed a quick kiss to Jimin's cheek on his way out, leaving Jimin there to stare at the kitchen door with his mouth agape.

"You're drooling."

Jimin jerked and patted his mouth with wide eyes only to realize Hannah got him good. He narrowed his eyes at her only for her to break into loud giggles. When did she even come in?

"The look on your face." She continued to laugh. "You look like this Strawberry Mousse, boss. So tell me about this kiss."

Jimin almost dropped the camera. "What? No! That wasn't a kiss."

Hannah cocked a brow with a sly grin and once Jimin once again realized she caught his fair and square. Oh, damn. She wasn't even there when Jungkook kissed his cheek. He thought it must be about yesterday.

"It was nothing." He pretended to focus on the cupcakes, half-heartedly began to wrap the gift basket.

"Come on, boss. You can't lie to me like that. It can't be nothing."

Jimin pouted. His cheeks were heating up again. He looked at her helplessly while she looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. He raked his brain for something intelligible.

"Listen, Jungkook pretended to be my boyfriend and kissed my cheek when my ex showed up yesterday. There's nothing more to that."

"What? He kissed you yesterday too? And you're telling me this now?" She planted both her hands in her hips, glaring at him. "This is unfair. How could you hide something this big from me?"

What did she mean yesterday too? There was no way she could have known about today. While he contemplated, she reached for a tissue and wiped the place Jungkook kissed today.

Uh-oh.

"Care to explain this chapstick mark on your cheek? Looks like the shade lover boy uses to me." She inspected the tissue while Jimin stood mortified. He hadn't expected that.

"I...um...It's not what you think."

"What did I think?"

"Hannah..."

She chuckled. "Fine, boss. I'll drop it." She pinched his cheeks. "For now."

He watched her leave with a bounce in her steps before palming his face. He really needs to get his shit together if he didn't want to end up embarrassed like this again.

***

Loud chatter and merry voices greeted them when Jimin stepped inside the apartment on Friday night after work at the café. Even though he tried to leave early, there was a customer influx. Being a Friday night he couldn't leave Hannah and the part-timer alone to deal with them all.

"You don't have to come in tomorrow or on Sunday. I can handle it," Hannah said, hitching her shoulder bag up.

"Thanks, Hannah. But it's fine. I just need to leave a bit early. That's all."

She pursed her lips. "You're such a workaholic, boss. You need to learn how to take a break."

Jimin chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

The business was picking up, which was great news. He was happy and maybe he should hire another part-timer. He nodded to himself as he made his way home.

The apartment smelled heavenly with various delicious foods and the living room furniture was moved aside to make space in the middle. The food containers and bowls were placed already. Taehyung came into view, carrying a couple of drinks.

"Jiminie!" He was quick to drop the bottles in their place and rush over to greet him with a bear hug. The sounds of the other two Kim brothers came from the kitchen. It was such a pleasant surprise. He expected them tomorrow for the barbecue they planned to go to Jin's favorite restaurant.

Jimin sank into his embrace with an involuntary smile brightening his face. "Taehyungie..." He smelled the same, soft cologne that was now familiar. He wore plaid pajamas and still looked elegant like a runaway model he was.

Maybe it was the long day of work or it was the sense of belonging, Jimin couldn't bring himself to move away from his hug, and Taehyung as if sensing his need for comfort didn't let go either. Instead, he swung them both side by side. They've been talking here and there since last weekend and Jimin could say though they talked less, there was something that made him feel right at home with Taehyung.

"Jiminie!" Jimin pulled away to see Jin approaching him and he didn't have enough time before he was smothered by another bear hug. He must admit Jin's hugs were so warm like that of a big brother. He clapped his back twice.

When Jin released him it was Namjoon's turn and Jimin was left speechless with the amount of affection he was receiving today. If that wasn't enough when Namjoon stepped back Jungkook latched onto him like a koala.

Seokjin snorted behind him. "We hugged him because we saw him after a week. What's your excuse, Jungkook?"

"I live with him. I don't need a reason," Jungkook huffed. He released Jimin only to hug him from behind again as he steered him to the kitchen. He didn't move even when his brother and his friend came into view, busy unpacking the stuff they brought over. Jungkook's mother really did pack a lot. "Hyungie, the tall one is my annoying brother. Did I tell you he went to college with Jin hyung? That's his friend, Woo-bin hyung from his office."

"Hello." Jimin tried to bow, but it was hard to do so with Jungkook clinging to his back with his chin hooked on his shoulder.

"Hello, Jimin. It's nice to finally meet you in person. Mom speaks highly of you." His brother extended a hand to shake. "Thank you for taking care of this brat here."

"It's nothing." Jimin smiled. He also shook hands with Junghyun's friend who seemed to be a shy guy.

"I told Taehyungie hyung that mom sent us food and the next thing I know they are all here," Jungkook griped without a real bite behind his words. He sounded happy. Jimin knew he loved the Kim brothers and would spend every waking moment with them if given a chance.

"Yah, ungrateful brat!" Jin swatted his head. "I spend all my money feeding you and this is what I get in return."

"You're the oldest. It's your duty," Jungkook retorted.

The banter continued causing Jimin to laugh out loud. Jungkook's brother was also joining the conversation, but Jungkook pulled him out of the kitchen soon after. "Hyung, you look exhausted. Freshen up so we can eat."

"Okay." Jimin was thankful for the break. He looked like shit and really needed to change.

When Jimin returned they all sat in a small circle around the food in the living room. There was an empty spot beside Jungkook and Jimin headed toward him.

The night was fun. Jungkook's brother was funny, cracking jokes and pulling at his brother's legs at every opportune moment. Jungkook, the youngest of all was whining most of the time and it was fun to be a part of the group. Jimin stopped after the second beer while Jungkook for two more.

When they called it a night, it was around twelve. The Kim brothers left to go to their home. Jungkook's brother and his friend slept in Jungkook's room while the gamer settled in Jimin's bed. This time he'd pulled Jimin into his arms as soon as Jimin climbed under the sheets.

Jimin's back was pressed flush against Jungkook's chest. The younger nuzzled into his neck. "You're so warm," Jungkook murmured. "Also smell so good."

Jimin chuckled. He was grateful for the darkness that hid the redness of his cheeks. A comfortable silence settled between them and Jimin tried to calm his racing heart. He felt giddy just by being held by Jungkook.

He tried to sleep and almost succeeded when he heard a soft 'my angel' murmured against his skin with a ghost of a kiss.