Author's pov:

Bored.

Park Jimin was bored.

The whole library looked like a graveyard, the silence was louder than the rocket launch, but not louder than the krakatoa eruption. There were no usual students as it was exam season, making him feel bored as they would strike up a conversation with him, or sometimes even hit on him and it was quite fun.

But today, it was only him and his assistant, Suho. The guy Grandma Park hired to lend her grandson a hand in work three years ago. He was a year younger than him, a tall, honey skinned guy. He had big doe eyes and thick eyebrows, his charming smile would almost swoon the girls that would come to the library.

Jimin was glad that he wasn't the only one grabbing everyone's attention, as much as it was fun for him, it was equally tiring. He found it annoying to respond to each and everyone. But Suho wasn't like that, he was friendly and beaming, he was similar to Hoseok and Taehyung.

Taehyung.

The name itself brought a silly smile on Jimin's face, he missed the guy. It's been two days since they last met because Taehyung was given an assignment and he refused to meet anyone after his classes. Jimin understood him, the boy was a bit studious and he preferred to not disturb him until he was done. A sigh escaped his lips as he twirled in his chair.

Suho looked over at him from the second shelf where he was arranging the books, “Hyung, you good?"

He looked up at the boy and gave a quick nod, "Yeah, uhm, do you wanna grab lunch with me?"

Suho laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his nape, “I actually…have a date.” he mumbled, loud enough for Jimin to hear.

He forced on a smile, “Oh, have fun then.” Suho thanked him and went back to his work leaving Jimin to look for a person who he thinks would be free at the moment, he ran his mind, pictures of his friends swam in his head until it stopped on one person; Kai.

His eyes lit up and he quickly fished out his phone to text him but instead was greeted with a call from him, “Oh! Speak of the devil!" He exclaimed and answered the call.

“Hyung!”

“Jimin-ah, wanna meet in my office? Please?” Kai's voice was desperate as he talked to him, making Jimin worried as he immediately agreed and hung up. And at the moment, he couldn't think about anything else other than his friend who seemed to be sad, in need of help.

He grabbed his denim jacket and looked over at Suho, “Lee Suho! I'm going out, close the library for the whole day, okay.” He shouted as he rushed out, pulling out the keys of his car.

The car beeped as he unlocked it and climbed inside, he put on his seatbelt and found his phone dinging with notifications but he chose to ignore it as he pushed the ignition and drove off to the company.

✦

Just fifteen minutes later he was standing in front of the huge building. He tried to look at top floor but couldn't as Mr. Sun was burning his eyes. There on the top floor was his hyung, probably crying and curled up in the corner of his office for God knows what reason. Was he fired as a CEO? But that is most likely to be impossible. Did any author cancel or reject the contract? He walked inside with these thoughts running in his mind.

All his thoughts got interrupted as his phone rang inside his pocket, he fished it out as he got into the elevator. His eyes sparkled looking at the caller ID, he quickly answered it.

"Tae!”

“Hyung! How are you and where are you? I miss you so much! You can't even imagine how much I missed you! I'm finally free from all those assignments and I can't wait to see and be with you. Hyung, wanna see a movie together? And let's eat ice cream too!” Taehyung exclaimed happily, as he walked out of his campus, almost jumping on his way as he was so excited to see the older that he didn't even let him reply once.

Jimin chuckled at how happy the boy sounded but his heart broke as he realized he had to refuse today. Kai was everything to him and there was no way he could leave the miserable sounding man alone to meet this happy boy. He sighed and apologized, “Tae, I'm sorry. But I can't meet today, I've got some really important matters to handle…”

Taehyung pouted, “Oh, that's bad. Alright, then. Let's meet tomorrow if you are free?” he asked, as much as he was sad he was okay with it and tried to understand him.

“Sure, let's meet tomorrow in the library. Take care and reach home safely. Okay?” Jimin said, smiling and heard him hum before he hung up the call. A sigh escaped his lips as the doors to the elevator opened and he rushed out and towards his hyung's office.

✦

Kai swung in his chair side to side as he held the 3rd empty glass of choco milkshake and started at it sadly, the other two were placed on his desk and he was kinda having a minor pain near his intestine, guess too much chocolate milkshake wasn't good for him. But he least cared about it as right now, he didn't know what to do with himself.

He abruptly stood up and placed the glass with the others and walked around towards the wide rectangular window, he looked down, the roads were busy with vehicles moving around. If he jumped from here, would he die? He would definitely bump into several vehicles before finally landing on the hard road with his head bleeding right? But what if he is saved?

He turned his back to the window and screamed but no voice came out of his mouth, it was like those teenagers who are angry at their mothers for not allowing them to go out, so they scream but without making any noise because if they do, they know the slippers won't take too long to hit them. But here, the case was slightly different. He wanted to scream, express his pain but he couldn't as a certain person was not with him—Park Jimin.

Then a random thought hit him, “Should I go bald? That way no one can recognise me—but how will I come to the company then?” he whined, stomping his feet like a kid. He didn't know what to do, he needed a solution as quick as possible before he went even more insane, but where was his human version of solution?

“Park Jimin—” He yelled and as if on cue, the door to his office opened and entered his solution, the human version of course, “—here you are…” his voice got softer looking at the man and he rushed towards the younger with quivering lips.

Jimin's concern grew as he engulfed him in a hug and rubbed his back, “Hyung, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?” he asked.

Kai pulled away and finally screamed, making Jimin jump away from him and cover his ears with a scowl on his face. He looked at the younger and dragged him towards the unoccupied couch and made him sit next to him, “Jimin, what should I do?"

Jimin blinked, “About what?”

“How will I face her again?”

Jimin rolled his eyes, “Face who, hyung? Tell me the whole story or I'm leaving.” he threatened with a glare.

Kai held his hand tightly and apologized before telling him what happened, “Yesterday, I asked Miss. Aerin out for lunch and today when—”

“Miss. Aerin? The author of ‘my love from the tree’?” Jimin was surprised, “Your crush? Wait, you like her so much! You finally met her? How's it? Please tell me you told her that you have a huge crush on her.” he rambled on.

Kai smiled a little, about to punch him in the face, “Listen to me, will you?” Jimin nodded and he continued, “So we met two hours ago, we had lunch and then went out for a walk in a park and…” he trailed off.

“And…?”

“There was a bug on her coat…it was right below her chest…she was too busy talking that I didn't know how to tell her about it, and it was also big in size, so i blurted out ‘So big’ she caught me staring, she must have thought that I was talking about her breasts—”

He couldn't complete his sentence as Jimin began laughing loudly, slapping the older's knees instead of his own. He knew what happened next, he pictured everything and it was so hilarious. He wished he was there with them so that he could watch it in 4K.

Kai's face fell, his eyes were burning with fire as he glared at the younger, “Jimin. Are you done?”

Jimin coughed while nodding and said, “Did she slap you? Or hit you with her bag?”

“The second one.”

Jimin chuckled, “What a bad impression.” He saw him pouting and he said, “She was your first crush that you took a step to talk to and you lost her even before confessing your feelings.”

Jimin was being no help right now, he was just adding more salt on his wound. He sighed and flicked his forehead, “You fucker! Help me out, I can't lose her. She is not only my crush, but a famous author who recently signed a contract with us.”

“Ow! Okay okay.” Jimin giggled, rubbing his forehead and saw his friend rolling his eyes and then sulking on his seat.

“C'mon, you don't have to overthink about anything. It was just a misunderstanding. Text her and clear it out.”

Kai looked up at him with glistening eyes, “Do you think she will believe me? What if she blocks me?”

“Be positive, hyung. I'm sure she will believe you, just try talking to her.” Jimin assured him, smiling widely at him that built up some hope in Kai, “Text her now." He said.

Kai fished out his phone and looked for her contact and with sweaty hands, he brought himself to open her contact but his confidence died in a speed. He was very much nervous, he never approached a girl he had a crush on all these years, he was good with being happy by seeing them from afar. This was his first time and he felt like dying already.

‘This hyung is so dramatic.’

Jimin thought, shaking his head at the older and smiling at the same time but his smile soon wavered as he received a text from his grandmother.

My Backbone 🥺❤️:
Mia wants to go shopping,
Take her. No excuses. :)

Jimin's face fell, gloominess surrounded him and Kai was quick to notice it. He got worried and placed a hand on his shoulder gently and asked, “Jimin, what's wrong?”

Jimin snorted, what wasn't wrong? Almost everything in his life was wrong. He showed the message to the older who just sighed, well what else could he do? He couldn't tell him to refuse the old woman as it's one of the dangerous things to do and moreover, if she comes to know that it was him who asked her grandson to refuse her then she will definitely kill him.

“What a life.” Jimin breathed out, staring into a distance. Now he really wished to be in the university studying with his Namjoon hyung, that way at least grandma wouldn't bother him about Mia. Why was he born with a silver spoon in his mouth? No, why was he born intelligent?

Nevertheless, he faced Kai and muttered, “I will get going, hyung. You should talk to Miss. Aerin as soon as possible.”

Kai just nodded with a smile and patted his back, “I will call you later.” He said and watched the younger one dragging his legs towards the door and finally disappearing.

✦

“Jimin! Let's go there!” Mia held his left arm tightly and dragged the man into the Channel store. Jimin looked like a pet which didn't like being taken to the places of his master's liking but still he had to follow them quietly because no matter what he said, his master would take it as a ‘I will go everywhere with you’.

Mia pulled out a white bag and gasped, even though it was plain and simple, the brand logo mattered a lot. She pulled out another one which was a bit similar but yellow in color and squealed, it was her favorite color. She turned to Jimin, who was looking out the glass doors where people buzzed here and there.

“Jim, isn't it beautiful?” Jimin looked at her, she had a broad smile on her face, showing her straight teeth while her eyes twinkled like stars, she looked awfully bright today. Jimin didn't know if it was because of the lights of the store or because of the bright colored floral frock she wore but it was none of his business. He glanced at the bag and flashed a huge smile at her.

“It is. Suits you.” He said. It wasn't a lie but the smile was totally fake. Well, how could he smile genuinely when he didn't want to be here in the first place. One thing he had learnt all these years was, no matter what, if she asks you if it's good or if she's looking pretty or anything about herself, just give her a big smile and compliment her, a big smile is a must because it makes her very happy.

Happy Mia = Happy Grandma.

She giggled and walked off to buy some other bags and accessories, while Jimin just followed her. He couldn't help but have a look at everything that was on display. Everything looked the same to him, he didn't know what brought ladies into a fix while buying them.

And yes, of course, it was Park Jimin who had to pay for whatever she bought. He didn't mind as the card had no limit and he was glad for that. He looked at her and questioned softly, “Are you done?”

She nodded, “But I'm hungry, let's go to Wcdonald's!” she jumped on her spot like a kid, he wanted to whine and ask her to go home but his stomach grumbled. And he couldn't say no. She teeheed and wrapped her hand around his arm as they headed to fill their poor stomachs.

Luckily, Wcdonald's was not on a different floor and it was just a few shops away from them. And at this moment, Jimin felt happy. Finally he could eat something and rest his ass, he was kinda tired of walking.

But that happiness didn't last long, just like how he said earlier that everything was wrong in his life, he wasn't joking. Because as soon as they took a left turn, his eyes met the beautiful and soft eyes of the guy he admired, the guy who had asked him to hang out but he refused, was frozen in his place.

The moment Taehyung saw Jimin and Mia, he couldn't move at all. His heart sank but he didn't know why, he knew the situation the older was in with Mia, yet he felt sad and betrayed. He could see them coming his way, but he couldn't bring himself to just walk away and ignore them. He noticed their hands being entangled with each other and he clenched his jaw, he didn't like it.

He looked up at Jimin who was trying to smile at him, but he looked away and walked past them, ignoring him completely. He was having fun all alone by himself although he did miss Jimin by his side but he didn't know looking at them together would ruin his day. His footsteps were quick as he ran down the semi crowded escalator, he had no idea why he was angry and why those fucking tears were desperate to pool his eyes.

Taehyung came out of the mall with his shopping bags and inhaled the fresh air whilst blinking away his tears, “So, Mia was the important matter he had to handle? Huh.” he scoffed and walked further to hail a taxi.

✦

“Tae-ah!” Mrs. Kim shouted as she walked upstairs as she watched her son just quietly get into his room and shut the door as he ignored her greeting and calls. She got worried as he looked upset, she knocked on the door before opening it and peeking her head in.

Taehyung stood in front of his wardrobe, picking a comfortable outfit to wear so that he can sleep after taking a good shower. The knocks grabbed his attention and he looked at his mother staring at him in concern and with creased eyebrows.

“Are you okay? Why aren't you responding to me, sweetheart?” she inquired, tilting her head and glancing at the five shopping bags laying on his bed.

Taehyung looked at his pastel purple tee and sighed, “I'm sorry, I was out for a long time so I'm just tired.” he lied, but she knew it very well. She saw the way he was concealing his frustration from her and she wanted to ask him but something in her told her to just be quiet, maybe it was the look in his eyes that was pleading her to not ask anything further.

She sighed in defeat as she hummed, “Alright, have some rest then.” he smiled at her and she added, “Also, I got a call from the hospital, aunt su-ae fainted while cooking so I have to visit her. I haven't made dinner, so it's better if you order online.” aunt su-ae was Mrs. Kim's maternal aunt. She had her own small food stall which was quite famous in the Seoul market. Her girls lived far from the city so Mrs. Kim had to stay by her until they arrived.

Taehyung grabbed a towel and headed towards the bathroom, “Okay, take care.” he mumbled indifferently and walked in.
She sighed again and left his room.

He stepped into the shower and turned on the faucet, the warm water hit him and trickled down his bare body. He fisted his red hair and groaned, the image of Jimin's hands being linked with Mia's was stuck on his mind, no matter what he just couldn't erase it.

“Seeing you with someone else makes me upset, why?”

✦

Mrs. Kim grabbed her purse and a coat as she exited her room and then looked up, the sound of the running shower was no more. She assumed that Taehyung was probably sprawled out on the bed, a sigh left her lips. She had a hunch that he wouldn't order, Yumin was working overtime as well or else she would cook for both of them. She pulled out her phone to order herself when the doorbell distracted her.

She went to open the door only to be greeted by Jimin, “Chim! Hey, sweetie.” she hugged the boy, who giggled and hugged her back.

“Auntie, are you going somewhere?” he asked, pulling away as he looked at her purse and coat.

She nodded, “My aunt is hospitalized so I have to visit her.” He made an o with his mouth and she said, “You came at the right time, Taehyung looks upset after coming back from the shopping mall. Can you please check up on him?” Jimin smiled at her, that's what he was here for.

“Of course, don't worry about him. He will be the bubbly Taehyung when you come back.” he assured her, chuckling.

She pinched his cheeks, “Thank you, dear. And I didn't have time to prepare dinner so make sure you guys order online, yeah?”

He nodded and asked her to not worry about anything, she smiled and quickly left the house as she found her booked cab in front of their gate. Jimin waved at her and closed the door, he removed his shoes and looked upstairs while he rolled his sleeves up.

‘Let the Mission: Convince Cutie begin.’

✦✧✦✧

I'm back my vmin flurriess!

How are you guys?

And my exams went well, the results will probably be out in the last week of April. Ajsjsj, lets hope for the best. Anyways, next chapter will be out soon!

Thank you for reading ~