Waking up from deep slumber, Jimin cuddles closer to the warmth under the sheets when a foot of his peaks out of the beige comforter, feeling the chilly atmosphere in the room. He softly whines and buries his head in Jeongguk's neck, willing to sleep some more.

Jeongguk wakes up in the process and groans. Tiredly rubbing his eyes, he whispers into Jimin's peach hair, who's lying on his left side, closer to the window, "I don't know why I assigned you the guest room when you're sleeping here anyway. I thought maybe you'd find it awkward or that we hadn't got to that stage. But whatever."

"Jeonggukie," Jimin whines, half asleep and mumbles into Jeongguk's chest, loving to lie this close. Not a day goes by that he doesn't wish he could sleep somewhere other than here. Jimin should see it as a disadvantage and not get used to it, but this fact hasn't sunk in yet. "Don't complain, and hold me tighter. It's comfortable here."

Jeongguk laughs softly, and he takes a deep breath as he closes his eyes, his lips sporting a wide grin. "I bet you find this comfy. Reminds me of the first night you spent here. Just as cuddly and clingy as you are now. Good thing we're friends, or this would be beyond weird."

Jimin smiles uncertainly into Jeongguk's black t-shirt. Joy bubbles up inside him, knowing they are officially friends. He had hoped so, but at the same time, Jimin feels sad to hear it his smile falters, his face morphing into a downcast expression. After all, Jeongguk said it without hesitation, and is this really normal, what they're doing? Can it be called friendly when they go to bed together every day and fall asleep next to each other? If Jeongguk sees it as friendly, what happens when he's in a relationship?

"Thank you for coming along on the trip. I miss the beach already. It was so nice to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life."

Jimin looks up with a tender smile, and their eyes connect. He feels compelled to order Jeongguk's black hair, which is all over the place. He doesn't do it and chooses to focus back on the topic, his voice light and full of happiness. "My first time at the beach... I miss that time, too. It was so relaxing to just lie there and listen to the sound of the waves or go into the water myself. You even showed me how to surf. It was a magical experience for me, so thank you so much. It meant a lot to me, you teaching and also saving me."

Giggling, Jimin thanks him when he sees Jeongguk's eyes widen. Apparently, he must have been recalling the moment Jimin fell off the surfboard, only to have his suspicions confirmed a short time later. "Don't ever scare me like that again, okay?"

Jimin squeaks suddenly as the rock star turns to his side and presses Jimin's head against his chest, causing him to go completely still. A warm feeling overcomes him, and goosebumps raise Jimin's skin when Jeongguk's warm fingertips make contact with his neck. He draws in a breath and gently releases it, his eyelids fluttering shut for a short while.

"Nevertheless, I wish we could go on trips like this more often."

"'Gladly," Jimin beams and embeds his head deeper into the crook of Jeongguk's neck, eagerly anticipating the next trip. "I had a lot of fun. I got to know you better, too."

"That's right, you've become like a family member to me, so please, don't screw it up. I don't want to think about losing you as a friend," Jeongguk jokes, letting out a deep laugh. Despite saying it jokingly, Jimin can't help but take it to heart and let the other know he takes their friendship seriously. Considering that Jeongguk is famous, Jimin doesn't want to think about whether there is any truth in what he has said and whether he has already made such an experience.

"I don't intend to. I'd be stupid to jeopardise a friendship with someone so wonderful. I'm glad we get along so well. You're like family to me, too." ...and so much more.

"I appreciate that," Jeongguk hums contentedly, running his fingers down Jimin's back until he finally wraps them around his waist and smiles proudly, "I want you to know I'm always here for you. No matter what. You can always come to me."

Jimin hums in agreement and positions his head under Jeongguk's chin again, his fluffy ears tickling Jeongguk's skin and making him crack a small smile. They fall back into a comfortable silence, and perhaps they are enjoying this morning more than they should. Because Jimin doesn't stop to show how content he is with Jeongguk's touch by purring and leaning into it.

Minutes pass before Jeongguk's phone pops up with a notification, bringing them both out of their bubble. Jungkook twists backwards with a slightly annoyed groan and stretches his palm towards the bedside table where the phone was placed during the night. The movement lulls Jimin's head into a more comfortable and safe position. Jeongguk's chest.

When Jeongguk extends his right arm to pick up the device and check the notification on his phone, Jimin doesn't bother to change his position or to move away from Jeongguk. On the contrary, he pretends to go back to sleep at first but gives Jeongguk his attention when the taller snorts disdainfully and clicks his tongue. Jimin turns to him, surprised by his reaction. "What is it? Why are you frowning?"

Jeongguk averts his gaze from the device; eyebrows still pulled down. "It's nothing.... 's just, one of the guys texted in the group chat asking if you wanted to come to band practice too."

"Oh, really? That's nice. Why didn't you say so in the first place? Can I come with you?" Jimin's eyes sparkle with hope, his tongue wandering over his pink bottom lip, moistening it. Hopefully, Jeongguk will say yes, because Jimin has never been to the band rehearsal and would like to see not only Jeongguk but also the others play up close. The many videos on the internet certainly can't do them any justice.

"In theory, you can. I've already let my manager know that you're staying with me, and he'd like to meet you."

"Yeay," Jimin chuckles, making his cheekbones prominent, and peers curiously at Jeongguk. "What exactly did Minsu or Youngjin text?"

Jeongguk chuckles unamused. "You've really got them wrapped around your finger. Not even a 'Good morning Jeongguk, how are you?' but 'Is Jimin coming to rehearsal with me today finally?' Honestly, what spell do you cast on others that makes people instantly like you? And why can't I have it as well?"

Jimin throws his leg over Jeongguk's and offers a grin, coy and mischievous, "Charm." 

This causes the black-haired man to give Jimin a nasty look, and Jimin grins cheekily. He can't help but tease Jeongguk. His reactions are just so funny and as long as he's not seriously upset with him, it's all good.

Jeongguk dryly replies, "Haha."

"I'm just kidding," Jimin softly whispers, pouting and slumping his shoulders. "That's sweet of them. So they really want me to be their friend?"

It feels partly like a dream, and he cannot believe that Minsu and Youngjin accepted him as he is. The after party was fun and so was spending time with them. They are both incredibly good people, but he never imagined they would be so excited to spend time together again.

Jeongguk smacks his lips before settling into a pinched grimace. "Yes, it seems so. But forget it. I knew you first."

Giggling, Jimin puts a hand upon his mouth. "Are you jealous, Jeonggukie?"

The said male gapes, glimpsing over Jimin's head through the large windows at the city where the sun has long since risen. "I don't know what you're talking about, but I guess that means you're coming?"

"Of course! We should get up and get ready," Jimin excitedly exclaims, already moving to get up, prompting Jeongguk to groan as he accidentally elbows him in the arm. Jimin frowns, his eyes bulging and darting to the spot where Jeongguk has his hand on his arm. Without further ado, Jimin does what his mother often used to do to him when he was a child. He bends down and blows air on the spot, his gaze resembling that of a kicked puppy as he looks at Jeongguk. "Is it better? My mum even used to kiss my boo boo."

Jimin continues to blow on the spot and looks up when no answer to his question follows, noting that Jeongguk is wearing a soft expression. He also placed the phone on the blanket over his stomach, lips parted. "Why are you so darn adorable?"

"I am adorable?" The question leaves his mouth in awe. Jimin's expression softens, and he maintains steady eye contact with the black-haired man, finger pointing to himself. He may have called him adorable once or twice in the past, and yet all playful signs are wiped away with his twinkling eyes and smooth voice. Jeongguk is serious, and Jimin falls into an inner crisis, heart beating faster. What does Jeongguk mean? Is it a simple compliment? Should he just shake it off? 

Jimin feels warmth blossoming in his chest from the compliment, excitement rumbling in his stomach that makes him want to launch himself at Jeongguk and embrace him in a hug. Jimin dugs his fingernails into the blanket and swallows heavily, preventing himself from doing something embarrassing. Jeongguk may not mean to, but it has been a while since Jimin received such genuine compliments and he's innerly yearning to hear some after his toxic relationship despite that this is how it started with Yunseo.

His ex wooed him and complimented him. Partly because of this, Jimin hadn't noticed how their relationship was taking a turn for the worse, and he was making one big mistake after another and falling into a pit. A big part of him is scared he could potentially end up in a cycle again. Falling for someone again is scary, but he tells himself Jeongguk isn't like that. Jimin has faith and firmly believes if that were the case, he would have already noticed early on.

"You are," Jeongguk says, voice so honest, bringing Jimin out of his thoughts. Instantly his cheeks turn pink, and he looks sheepishly at his fingers. Pondering what to do next, he bites the inside of his cheek. He would love to return a compliment, but Jeongguk maintains steady eye contact, causing Jimin to continue acting shy. Even though his mouth opens and closes again, nothing passes his pink lips. 

Instead, his gaze wanders over Jeongguk's face as he ponders, admiring the facial features that make him look so handsome—his brown sparkling doe eyes, thin pink lips that curl into a bunny smile and perhaps the various piercings on his ears and eyebrow make him seem more rebellious, but Jimin can only admire them. He has none and has never seen the need for it, but living with Jeongguk leads him to sometimes think about getting an ear piercing too.

Jimin snaps out of his thoughts just as his gaze falls on Jeongguk's rosy lips, and a sense of lightness befalls him. Clearing his throat, he says, "We really should get up. It must be already nine, and I don't want to be late for band practice."

Jeongguk snorts. "Are you in a band or me? You're more eager to go than I am." 

"That's because I'll meet the others!" Jimin retorts and pouts, making a point of getting up as he moves one leg across Jeongguk's body, hands steadying himself on his chest and then moving his other leg over his body. He misses the pure shock that crosses Jeongguk's face as he goes to the wardrobe, eyebrows drawn together, thinking about what he should wear. 

"Jeongguk, can you check the weather? I don't know what to wear."

"In fact," Jeongguk begins, leading Jimin to turn around and watch the other get out of bed but remains seated on the side of the bed. "I got you your own phone."

Jimin is so taken aback that it takes him a few seconds to reply. Jeongguk bought him what? A phone? Jimin wants to protest. He's already living off his money in multiple ways, causing him to feel bad, and now Jeongguk got him a phone? "You bought me a phone? Why? Jeongguk, I already feel bad that I can't pay you back for living here."

He sighs and drops his head, eyes on the floor as he fidgets with the hem of his sleepwear top. The weight of guilt weighs on his shoulders,and he gnaws on his lip, uncertain. A phone is expensive, and so he feels even more guilty. Jimin doesn't quite know what else to say. He would prefer to refuse it, but refusing a gift is rude.

"Who said you have to pay me back?" Jeongguk's feet now loom in Jimin's view, and his velvety voice is much closer. Jimin only blinks once before Jeongguk puts his index finger under his chin and lifts it. "Hm? Who said that? It sounds silly when I say this, but I have enough money to spare, and I'm happy if I can make you happy with it. Besides, we talked about this already. If I get you something, that's because I want to, alright? So stop with the frown and show me that blinding eye smile of yours."

Jimin wants to. He really does, but it still gnaws on him. 

"I know you have enough money, and you don't mind giving me things. It's unfair that you do all these things for me while I can't give anything back, and I'm not used to it. I'm sorry," Jimin mumbles a little dejectedly. Now it's out. Jeongguk now knows how he feels if he hasn't hinted at it before. He would like to give him something back.

"Hard to believe I'm going to talk about this," Jeongguk sighs and runs a hand through his hair. Jimin tries to concentrate on the conversation as best he can, but it's hard when there's a handsome man in front of him, and everything he does is so much more interesting, "You have to understand that I'm happy to do this for you. It's not about you having to give me something in return. Our friendship is not dependent on material things."

Jimin blushes and unconsciously puts his hand on Jeongguk's arm; a habit when conversing sometimes. "I know—hope our friendship doesn't depend on things, but it's hard for me to accept something like that."

"I get it." Jeongguk nods. "I still do it of my own free will, and you really don't have to feel guilty. You have to understand that. It just makes me happy to see you happy, and I don't want you to feel any guilt. I also want you to feel comfortable, and if it bothers you too much, then tell me now and... I'll try to tone it down."

Jimin lets out a long breath and looks Jeongguk gently in the eyes. He feels torn. Yes, he feels guilty about not giving him anything in return, but what Jeongguk said was sincere, honest and a bit sad. If he were in his shoes, he would certainly act the same way and want to give Jeongguk presents. Furthermore, he feels flattered, and Jimin is afraid that it could lead to problems when the time comes, and he no longer knows where the line is. Has it already been crossed? What should he do?

"Maybe a little? I think I also need time to get used to it, above all." This is true and not a lie. Jimin isn't used to all this. He grew up well but special holidays were mostly the reasons why he got gifts, like everyone else, and despite that, he can't refuse Jeongguk anything. In the end, he only means well. "And if you always have some left over, remember, there are always people who can use the money. Oh my God! How about you or you as a band commit something for animals or children or something else? That would be so cute and heart-warming," Jimin gushes with wide eyes and excitement in his voice. Giving a helping hand to those in need... has been his dream, but he never had the money.

"Would that make you happy?" Jeongguk asks curiously and with an innocent look, which makes Jimin want to wrap his arms around him and kiss him, bury his nose into his neck and take lungful inhales of his soft perfume.

Wait what?

"It would," Jimin whispers and sheepishly smiles. He sees Jeongguk studying him and running his eyes over his face before returning the smile.

"I'll think about it."

"Thank you, and thank you for the phone," he says and takes the phone into his hands, noting that it is in his favourite colour, purple. Jimin makes a mental note that when he turns it on later, he will ask for Jeongguk's number. "Why are we still standing here? I need to get ready. When is band practice?"

"At 11."

Jimin freezes, eyes bulging. "What? What time is it?"

"09.45."

"Jeonggukie~ you can't be serious," Jimin whines and turns around in frustration to search for some clothes. It's looking sunny outside, so he should be fine with a t-shirt, no? Since Jeongguk hasn't told him what the weather will be like, he concludes it will be warm outside. "Jeongguk, if you don't hurry and take a shower, I will."

"You can take one if you want. You know I only shower in the evening."

"I forgot... Can you prepare breakfast then?"

"Of course, it will be done by the time you're out of the shower," Jeongguk says confidently and gives him a thumbs up. With that, Jimin disappears into the bathroom without another word. Excitement is buzzing through him and he can't wait to see the other band members again. This will be so great!