Jimin found himself at a loss. Yoongi's dark eyes seemed gentle, but his overall aura was intimidating. The little blonde guy looked down for a moment, taking a deep breath. It had been days since they last had a proper conversation, and the silence between them felt heavier with each passing moment.

"What is it?" Yoongi asked, his voice low and calm, waiting for Jimin to speak.

"I… um…" Jimin started hesitantly, his fingers fidgeting nervously. "You have been very distant lately, and I just—"

"I was working on my mixtape." Yoongi interrupted, his tone flat but not unkind.

"Oh."

Jimin grew quiet, his heart pounding in the silence. He looked at Yoongi, whose nonchalant demeanor only seemed to stress him more.

"Then I don’t know what to talk to you about because you just seem like someone else right now. Did I do something wrong? Are you, perhaps, mad at me for some reason?" Jimin asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

"No." Yoongi replied, his tone flat and unbothered.

"Then why do I feel like that?" Jimin’s voice wavered, frustration seeping through his words.

"I can't answer that." Yoongi said, his eyes meeting Jimin's without a trace of emotion.

"Is it because of me and Dowoo? Because I couldn’t tell you?" Jimin pressed, his anxiety mounting.

"Even when you couldn't tell me, I already knew. I always knew." Yoongi’s words were calm, almost too calm.

"Then what happened? Why did you just... all of a sudden?" Jimin's confusion and hurt were palpable.

"Because I realized it was rightful to do so. Not just for me, but for you as well." Yoongi’s expression remained inscrutable, his words hitting Jimin like a cold breeze.

"What?" Jimin asked, his voice filled with utter confusion.

"I didn’t want to intervene in your life." Yoongi said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

The silence between them grew heavier, the tension almost unbearable. Jimin felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him—hurt, confusion, and a lingering sense of betrayal. Yoongi's detached attitude only made it harder to bridge the gap between them, leaving Jimin to grapple with the unsettling realization that things might never be the same again.

"But how would you? You’re my hyung, and I really admire you. You always guided me through hard days, and suddenly—"

"It’s because I have feelings for you." Yoongi interrupted, his voice steady but with a hint of underlying tension. "And not the ones you think."

Jimin was in shock, his eyes widening as he struggled to process Yoongi's words. 

His bestie proved to be right. Everything suddenly started making sense for Jimin, which he had not wanted to believe at first, but now that Yoongi had finally said it, it shook the ground beneath his feet.

How could he describe this feeling? It was almost as if fear—fear of losing someone so admirable just because he wouldn’t be able to reciprocate the same emotions. In the back of his mind, love equaled Dowoo. For as long as he had known, it was always Dowoo who he had ever loved. Even if the world ended, it would always be only Dowoo for him.

Yoongi’s confession moved Jimin deeply because he knew the pain of unrequited love. It had been his reality almost all his life, and now the guilt within him caused tears to well up in his eyes. He felt a sharp pang of sorrow, understanding the hurt Yoongi must have endured in silence.

The weight of Yoongi’s words, combined with his own guilt and sadness, made Jimin feel like he was drowning. He looked at Yoongi, wanting to say something, anything, to ease the tension between them, but no words came. The fear of losing Yoongi, not just as a friend but as someone he deeply admired, was overwhelming.

"Hyung, I…" Jimin started, but his voice broke, unable to form the words. He felt a tear roll down his cheek, mirroring the tumultuous emotions inside him.

"Hyung, I love him." Jimin said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder would shatter the fragile moment.

"I know." Yoongi replied, his tone calm but tinged with a sadness that Jimin had never heard before. "And I also know that this is enough to ruin things you always wanted. Maybe a distance won’t be much of a harm."

A tear rolled down Jimin’s cheek, the weight of Yoongi’s words sinking in. He felt a mix of emotions—grief, guilt, and a deep sense of loss for the bond they once shared.

"I’m happy for you." Yoongi whispered as his expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained distant, his voice was gentle but firm, as if trying to convince himself as much as Jimin.

The restaurant was filled with chaotic surroundings, people having fun on tables but the space around them held unbearable silence, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. 

Jimin wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap between them, but the weight of Yoongi's confession and the reality of his own feelings for Dowoo made it impossible. They sat there, two hearts aching in their own ways, the distance between them growing with each passing second.

Jimin could only cry. It was more difficult than he imagined it to be.

"But I always admired you, hyung—" Jimin’s voice broke, his words barely audible through his sobs.

"I know, and I do too," Yoongi replied, his tone gentle but resolute. "Maybe that’s why. Please, just let me be."

Jimin cried harder, the tears flowing freely down his cheeks.

"Not every love needs a label. Certainly not mine for you. So, please, let me just love you from a distance because that’s all I want now." Yoongi continued, his voice filled with a quiet, heartbreaking sincerity.

Jimin’s heart ached with the understanding that their bond had changed irreversibly, the innocence of their bond forever altered by the truth that now lay between them.

Tears streamed down Jimin's face as he struggled to contain his emotions. 

Yoongi’s heart felt like it was shattering into pieces. The sight of Jimin’s tears was unbearable, he loathed being the source of his pain and felt helpless as he struggled to find words to comfort him. His own eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the anguish he felt.

He couldn’t bear to watch Jimin fall apart before him—it was more than he could handle, threatening to unravel his own composure. 

Overwhelmed by the weight of his emotions, Yoongi tried to stand up and leave, his heart a chaotic storm of conflicting feelings.

"Hyung?" Jimin's voice trembled, a plea to resist him from leaving.

Yoongi paused, turning around just in time to see Jimin rushing toward him, his movements frantic as he quickly pushed aside the chair and in that moment, Jimin threw himself into his arms, hugging him tightly—something he'd always yearned to do.

Jimin admired Yoongi beyond words, and the guilt of not being able to show his feelings in the same way tore at his heart. 

Yoongi held Jimin close, eyes shut tightly, as if trying to absorb every moment of their embrace. His arms ached to hold him, indifferent to the uncertainties of the future or the weight of the past. All he wanted was to savor this connection, to be enveloped in the warmth of Jimin’s presence. 

As he snuggled deeper into the embrace, Yoongi breathed in Jimin’s scent, feeling as though he might never have the chance to do so again. Jimin tugged at his heartstrings with a force so profound that Yoongi feared he might never be able to detach them.

Jimin could only sob into Yoongi’s embrace, allowing his vulnerability to be fully exposed. He had kept so much inside for so long, and now, in the safety of Yoongi's arms, he finally let it all out, giving voice to the emotions he had been holding back.

"I'll be there for you as long as you need me. Always." Yoongi then whispered, his voice tender but firm. "But please, let me be."

Jimin's grip tightened, a silent plea for Yoongi to stay. But Yoongi gently pushed him away, his eyes reflecting a deep sadness.

"You should go to him." Yoongi whispered, his voice trembling.

Yoongi cupped the delicate cheeks of the other, his thumb tenderly wiping away the tears that cascaded down. His heart ached as he gazed into the exquisite face of the pretty blonde male before him. Jimin was a source of both his pain and his life.

"I... I have to go." Yoongi murmured, his voice barely a whisper, laden with sorrow. He pressed his lips gently against Jimin's forehead, feeling the soft, warm skin beneath. Jimin instinctively closed his eyes at the touch, savoring the fleeting moment of comfort.

As Yoongi stepped back, the absence of his warmth was immediate. Jimin's eyes fluttered open, fresh tears escaping and trailing down his cheeks. 

"JIMIN!" But soon a shout rang through the air, shattering the fragile silence between them.

Before either could fully process what was happening, they turned their heads towards the source of the familiar voice coming from the door. Within moments, the owner of the voice marched towards Jimin with a determined stride.

Jimin frowned, bewildered at the sight of V. His confusion deepened, wondering how V had found them, but there was no time to dwell on it. The displeased expressions of Taehyung and Jungkook, following closely behind, told him a storm was brewing.

"Dowoo, no! Hey, stop!" Taehyung pleaded, his voice strained, as he and his boyfriend Jungkook tried to halt V's steps. Their presence caused heads to turn, drawing the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

V only aimed to hold Jimin’s wrist, his grip was tight and firm as he held, causing him to wince in pain. Jimin's eyes widened in shock, his gaze fixed on the hand clutching him. The sight was something Yoongi couldn’t ignore.

"Hey, careful!" Yoongi’s voice was edged with irritation, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He took a step forward, his protective instincts flaring. V met his gaze with a fierce defiance, stepping closer, the tension between them palpable.

"Back off, Yoongi. This isn’t your business anymore." V hissed, his grip tightening, making Jimin whimper softly.

"It’s always my business when Jimin is hurt." Yoongi retorted, his voice steady but laced with underlying menace. He took another step forward, his eyes locked on V’s, a silent challenge.

Taehyung quickly intervened, holding his brother back. 

"Dowoo, let’s go. This isn’t the way."

"Let go of his hand." Yoongi demanded, his voice low and threatening as he eyed Jimin's discomfort and also how Jimin only searched for his Dowoo in the face of a dangerous man.

V's jaw clenched in defiance, ignoring Yoongi’s command. Sensing the escalating tension, Jimin tried to intervene.

"Dowoo… listen," Jimin said softly, moving closer to V. He reached out to touch V’s face, but V slapped his hand away.

And Yoongi’s restraint snapped. "Behave or else—" he began, but V was quicker. In a blur of motion, V landed a punch squarely on Yoongi’s face, sending him crashing into the table behind him. The restaurant erupted in gasps of shock.

Jimin's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as he watched Yoongi crumple to the floor. Taehyung was equally stunned, frozen in place. 

"I said it’s none of your business!" V screamed, his voice echoing through the restaurant and scaring everyone around him. Patrons flinched and murmured anxiously, their eyes wide with fear and concern.

Jungkook, seeing his friend’s escalating rage, quickly ran after V to hold him back before he could do more damage. He grabbed V’s arm, pulling him away from Yoongi "Dowoo, calm down!" Jungkook urged, his voice firm but pleading.

V struggled against Jungkook’s grip, his eyes blazing with anger. 

And Jimin just could see how Yoongi’s hand soon turned red with the blood coming out of his mouth. Jimin rushed to Yoongi's side, his heart pounding as he tried to see his face clearly.

Yoongi struggled to his feet, wincing in pain. "I’m fine." he muttered, though his face bore the mark of the punch. He shot a glare at V, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and hurt.

Jimin's hands quivered as he tried to help Yoongi wipe the blood from his mouth, his mind hazy with disbelief. He couldn't fathom what had just happened. The thought of facing the man he loved filled him with guilt, knowing that, in some way, he was at fault for this situation.

On the other side, Taehyung broke into tears, watching helplessly as everything crumbled before his eyes. He felt powerless, unable to control the spiraling chaos.

The restaurant management quickly stepped in, assessing the volatile scene. Patrons looked on in alarm, their eyes fixed on V, who radiated such rage that no one dared to approach him.

"When I asked you, you couldn't tell me! You couldn't tell me because you always lied! Why, Jimin? Why?" V screamed, struggling against Jungkook's grip.

"Sir, please take this matter outside." the manager said firmly. Jungkook tightened his hold on V, trying to pull him back, but V resisted, his anger unyielding.

"Why still him?" V screamed, his voice cracking with desperation as Jungkook forcefully pulled him towards the exit. 

"Why is it always him?"

As V's anguished words hung in the air, Jimin finally turned around. His eyes, filled with tears and regret, met V's.

"Dowoo…" Jimin let out a broken whisper, but Jungkook had already dragged V outside. Determined, Jimin decided to follow them.

Taehyung quickly stepped in to help Yoongi without further thought, his hands shaking slightly as he offered his handkerchief. His voice was filled with guilt and remorse.

"I'm so sorry, hyung. I'm so sorry he did this to you. He’s not in his right mind—"

"Hey, it's okay." Yoongi whispered, giving Taehyung a soft, understanding look. Despite the pain, he managed a small smile, seeing the tears brimming in Taehyung's eyes but his mind still consumed Jimin who rushed after V.

Meanwhile the rest three were outside.

"Dowoo! Dowoo…" Jimin called as he chased after V, who was being pulled towards the parking lot. Once they reached the lot, Jungkook finally let V go, stepping back with a heavy heart.

"I fucking ask you why?" V screamed at Jimin after spotting him, his voice filled with pain and betrayal. Jimin stepped closer, trying to hold V’s face in his hands, but V slapped his hands away, the sting of the rejection pierced through Jimin's heart.

"Who is he? Who is he for you?" V demanded again, his voice breaking. Jimin struggled to speak through his tears, his heart aching.

"Dowoo, it’s not what—"

"Then what!" V screamed, his voice echoing through the empty parking lot, causing Jimin to wince and then only cry, unable to say a word.

Taehyung walked into the scene, his heart sinking as he took in the sight of his friend and brother in such pain. Jungkook, feeling equally helpless, couldn’t help but glance at Taehyung, sharing in his sorrow.

After receiving only cries and no words from Jimin, V stepped back, running his hand through his hair, struggling to keep his composure. He knew that if he said anything more to Jimin, he would crumble into a million pieces.

"D-Dowoo…" Jimin called softly, still willing to chase after V. 

As V turned to leave, Jimin reached out to hold his arm, trying to stop him but V instinctively pulled his hand back, inadvertently pushing Jimin, who stumbled backward.

Taehyung and Jungkook quickly rushed towards them. Before anyone could react, V was forced to turn around by someone, and that someone was none other than Yoongi who landed a punch on his face. 

The shock registered on V’s face as he stumbled, holding his jaw.

Yoongi grabbed V by the collar, forcing him to stand back up, and another punch landed on his face. Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Jungkook knew he had to intervene.

"Stop! Hyung, stop!" Jungkook shouted, pulling Yoongi away from V. "This isn’t helping!"

V, still holding his jaw, was held by his brother then.

Jimin knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed, desperately fighting for his peace. Everything seemed to be crumbling around him, and he had no idea how to hold on. The situation remained chaotic, leaving him feeling utterly helpless.

Out of everything, only one word escaped his trembling lips, "Dowoo…"

Yoongi on the other side was on the verge of losing his temper, his rage barely contained. Jungkook held him back, desperately trying to calm him down with soothing words. Yoongi stopped, turning to look at Jimin, who was on the ground, crying out that name.

For a moment, Yoongi stood still, his attention fixed on Jimin. His red knuckles throbbed with pain, though it was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. He couldn't bring himself to care anymore.

"Hyung…" Jungkook whispered, trying to hold Yoongi's arm. But Yoongi, wiping his bleeding lip with the back of his hand, shrugged off Jungkook's grip and decided to just walk away.

The scene, filled with chaotic mess, had to eventually come to an end.

~♡~

After a while, Jimin stumbled into Taehyung's apartment, his eyes red and swollen from crying. The moment he crossed the threshold, he lost all control. His legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the couch, sobbing uncontrollably. Taehyung rushed to his side, pulling him into a comforting embrace.

"It's going to be okay, Jimin. We'll get through this together." Taehyung whispered, his voice steady despite the mess around them. He stroked Jimin's hair, trying to offer any semblance of comfort. "You're not alone. I'm here for you."

Jimin's cries grew louder, the pain and helplessness pouring out of him. Taehyung held him tighter, whispering soothing words and promising to stay by his side no matter what.

Meanwhile, Jungkook had brought V back to his apartment, away from all the tragedy.

The moment they entered, V sat on the couch, a storm of emotions brewing beneath his calm exterior. His jaw ached, and blood still trickled from his lip, but he didn't seem to notice. 

None of it compared to the pain in his heart and mind. He was hurt, but it was the regret and guilt that truly tormented him. Was punching Yoongi the right choice? Did anything he did make sense?

Another day, another reason to be ashamed of himself. He hated how he acted when angry, something he had been trying to change but couldn't. He could kill or die for those he loved, yet he couldn't understand why he couldn't control his rage. 

Even if he did understand, a part of him would remain unchanged. He didn't want Jimin to depend on anyone but him. It sickened him to the bone. Was he just not enough?

Jungkook was noticing his friend and all his external wounds, so he decided to treat them. He carefully approached him with a cotton ball, gently wiping away the blood. He then decided to apply ice to the wound, his touch tender and careful.

V didn't hiss or wince at the pain. Instead, he stared ahead, his eyes distant and unfocused.

"Whatever it is, you can talk to me, buddy. Please don't keep it to yourself," Jungkook whispered while treating his wounds, but V remained unfazed.

"Buddy? Are you listening?" Jungkook whispered again, trying to make V face him. V's silence was deafening, his eyes filled with a pain too deep to express. 

After a few moments, the dam broke. Tears welled up in his eyes and he buried his face in his hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

The pain was tremendous that even the usual poker face couldn't keep up with everything that was going inside. All of it was just breaking him too much.

Jungkook decided to sit beside him, wrapping his arms around his fragile friend. "It's okay, V. Let it out. I'm here for you," he murmured, his voice filled with compassion. He held V close, offering silent support as V's tears soaked his shirt.

In both apartments, the air was thick with raw emotion, but in the presence of true friends, there was a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

~♡~

The clock struck midnight. V lay beside Jungkook, either asleep or pretending to be. The living room table was cluttered with fused cigarettes in the ashtray and empty Soju bottles, evidence of V's attempt to drown his pain and find some semblance of sleep.

But Jungkook couldn't rest. He tossed and turned, his mind filled with thoughts of Taehyung. He needed his baby. Every time there was a mess, they all suffered together. Jungkook didn't blame anyone, but he couldn't help cursing himself for setting up that stupid game in the first place.

Unable to bear it any longer, Jungkook grabbed his phone and called Taehyung, hoping for a quick response. Within seconds, Taehyung answered.

"Hello? Baby?" Jungkook asked quickly, the desperation in his voice evident, melting Taehyung's heart on the other side.

The last time they spoke was a few hours ago, when Taehyung had called to check on V. Knowing his brother was with the right person brought Taehyung some solace, but the weight and helplessness of the situation lingered, cutting their conversation short. Now, they both needed each other more than ever.

"Did your challenge die or not, you motherfucker?" Taehyung's voice came through, his adorable whiny tone making Jungkook smile.

"It was the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life." Jungkook admitted.

"I'll do more stupid things to you the moment I see you. I mean, who even does this? Are you happy now? Happy to make me the clingy one? Even if I am, you're no—"

"Yes, babe, I'm just as clingy. It's that I get stupid sometimes." Jungkook interrupted, his voice softening with affection.

Taehyung's frustration melted away, replaced by a tender sigh.

"I'm so clingy that I can't bear to stay away for another minute." Jungkook said with utter desperation. In his voice, Taehyung could hear the sound of shuffling, as if Jungkook was in a hurry.

"Where are you going?" Taehyung asked, concerned.

"To you." Jungkook replied, breathing heavily into the phone as he rushed.

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. He could feel the urgency in Jungkook's voice, a mix of desperation and determination.

"Jungkook, it's late." Taehyung said softly, though his own heart was racing at the thought of seeing him.

"I don't care." Jungkook replied firmly. "I need to be with you. Right now."

Taehyung sighed, a smile tugging at his lips despite his worry. "Alright. Be careful, okay?"

"I will. See you soon." Jungkook promised, and the call ended with a click.

After making sure Jimin, who had been eavesdropping on his conversation and pretended to fall asleep, was tucked in by Taehyung. Despite his own emotional turmoil, he couldn't ignore the fact that his friends had been dragged into his drama and were suffering as a result so he better let Taehyung be for a while.

Taehyung then hurriedly took the elevator, rushed out of the building and decided to wait outside, his mind racing with thoughts of their reunion. The night was quiet, the world outside still and peaceful. But inside, his heart was anything but calm.

Minutes felt like hours, and just when Taehyung thought he couldn't wait any longer, he saw Jungkook's familiar figure running towards him.

Taehyung's eyes widened and brightened when he saw his boyfriend, who had walked and ran five miles to reach him.

He sprinted towards Jungkook, eager to close the distance. When they finally collided, the emotions were indescribable. They are just two dorks in love who can act childish sometimes.

Jungkook pulled him into a tight embrace, lifting him off the ground as if he would never let go.

"I'm here." Jungkook whispered, his breath warm against Taehyung's ear.

Taehyung buried his face in Jungkook's shoulder, feeling the tension melt away as he hugged him with both his arms and legs.

"I guess we're both clingy." Taehyung whispered into Jungkook's ear who smiled warmly at his declaration.

"Yes we are, babe."

───♡───

Ah, guys, writing this update was challenging since I'm in a new city, things are changing and I'm waiting for my call to start internship. I hope it goes well.

And about the story, a few more chapters and I'll end it on a good note. So stay tuned.

Take care of yourself 💜

Keep commenting A LOTTTTT!!!

Hope you guys enjoyed it!