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After Jimin sees the door slam shut, he stands rooted to the floor for a few moments. His fingers fidget nervously with the fabric of his t-shirt, eyes glued to the door handle and teeth gnawing at his bottom lip as he's filled with conflicted emotions, and he thinks about their conversation.

Jimin cannot express how grateful he is for Jeongguk's generosity and hospitality. You don't run into someone like him every day. He also cannot say to have encountered many people like him in his life.

Jeongguk is a rock star, and yet he initially accepted Jimin as a red panda, and now he accepts him like he is, trusting him. When he had sneaked into Jeongguk's bag, he had no idea that the following weeks would be joyful and fun.

At the time, Jimin's only concerns were his safety and his life. He saw and heard the panic in Jeongguk's gestures and words for the first time in his penthouse, which caused Jimin to act even more panicked. The sudden new environment made him feel scared and anxious because his first thought was that Jeongguk wanted to hurt him. In retrospect and knowing Jeongguk now, this thought was silly. Therefore, he's thankful that Jeongguk was a little drunk during their second encounter.

Taking advantage of his mental state wasn't his intention. He isn't a fan of alcohol, however, he couldn't help the sensation to be drawn to the handsome man in his big black bomber jacket with his black hair and eyebrow piercing. Despite Jeongguk's refusal to get close to him, he didn't appear dangerous to Jimin, although he was convinced that Jeongguk was wary of him.

Jeongguk radiated a rather harmless aura and, if he was honest, he couldn't blame him for reacting that way towards him. Jimin found it strange that his instincts told him he'd feel safe with him, but he wanted to explore this feeling better, so he crawled onto his lap, which only confirmed it. Jeongguk didn't do anything to him, he rather found it a bit amusing what Jeongguk said that night. He knew then he would grow fond of him.

In the past weeks, Jeongguk has shown him nothing except affection and has shown Jimin how much he can devote himself to a cause when he puts his heart into it. Jimin couldn't have felt more at home anywhere. What he admires about Jeongguk is how gentle he is with him, not cautiously, but with care. Will that change now that he knows he is a hybrid?

Jimin sighs absent-mindedly and scratches behind his fluffy red ears, wondering what he can do while Jeongguk is gone. He catches his bottom lip between his teeth. Should he just take a shower? Jeongguk surely wouldn't mind, would he? Jimin doesn't remember the last time he took a proper shower; having been in his hybrid form, he hadn't had many opportunities to stay clean, aside from the times Jeongguk bathed him.

Every time he bathed him, he couldn't help a purr escape his throat. He looked forward to getting baths each time, feeling his hands carefully scrub his fur and skin as if he were giving a massage. The memory makes his cheeks flush. Maybe he had enjoyed them a bit too much.

Upon entering the spacious bathroom, he grabs a towel from the white bathroom cabinet under the sink and gets rid of the clothes he's wearing. While still naked, he approaches the half-body mirror, scrunching his nose as his gaze is drawn to the small scar on the side of his waist. Jimin runs his fingers over it slowly, as if it were still hurting; it must have happened when he fell from the tree. He doesn't recall much after that. The people who found him had to take care of him before they handed him over to a zoo or a rescue centre.

He did the right thing by escaping there. It's not like hybrids have to live like they did decades ago and hide (though some may still look down on them), but Jimin didn't feel comfortable shifting there, and he's sure that if it hadn't been for the incident on set, he wouldn't have shifted today either. It's not that he didn't feel uncomfortable at the thought of shifting in front of Jeongguk, it was more about telling him the truth and not knowing if he'd forgive him for lying and accept him. He's relieved that everything worked out just fine.

Jimin grins as he steps into the shower, warm water drumming against his back as he tilts his head backwards to massage Jeongguk's shampoo into his scalp. The pleasant scents of the shampoo and shower gel make him feel more relaxed, anticipation fading. He hums with relish when the warm water wraps around him like a warm blanket, relaxing his muscles while he rinses the shampoo from his hair.

As soon as Jimin's finished showering, he grabs the towel he had set aside and rubs his skin dry. Then he pulls out the hair dryer and blows his hair until it is slightly damp. Jimin quickly changes into the t-shirt he wore before and heads to the kitchen, where he grabs the tangerine and settles on the sofa with a soft blanket stolen from Jeongguk's room. He sinks deeper into the sofa and snuggles more into the blanket, breathing in Jeongguk's scent, eyes fluttering shut.

The soft fabric tickles his skin as he reaches for the remote control for the big flat-screen TV and turns it on. Is it strange that he feels as if he's been living here for a while?

A small ball of guilt forms in his stomach when he realises he hasn't asked Jeongguk if he can use anything. However, boredom and a flickering film on the screen prevent him from turning off the TV. He watches intently as two men argue over something. The office set-up leads him to believe that they are both co-workers, arguing over papers from work. Jimin's eyes closely follow the men's movements until one eventually leaves in a huff through the door, leaving the other standing there in a huff as well.

What Jimin doesn't expect is for the handsome coworker to suddenly appear in the doorway again and press the other against his office cupboard, kissing him breathlessly. Jimin is taken aback and drops the remote control to the floor. Just as he is about to pick it up, he hears the penthouse door close. He quickly scrambles for the off button, but in doing so, he isn't able to press it quickly enough. Jeongguk enters the living room with a raised eyebrow, and that's when he finally presses the off button and hides the remote control behind his back with bright pink cheeks.

"I hope you're not watching an eighteen-plus channel on my TV. Watching this in other people's homes may give them the wrong idea."

Jimin's cheek flush deeper when he hears Jeongguk chuckling in amusement. He feels embarrassed because Jeongguk has seen what he was watching on his TV. Creak. Creak. Creak. The sound of Jeongguk's slippers on the floor convinces him that Jeongguk is approaching him. Shortly after, he appears in his peripheral vision and sits down on the sofa. Jimin has his gaze fixed on the remote control now lying on the coffee table in front of him as if it were the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Jeongguk tilt his head and stare at him for a second. His voice has a subtle, teasing undertone. "What were you watching?"

Jimin wants the ground to open up beneath him at any moment and swallow him whole. How can he tell him what he was looking at if he has no idea what it was?

He peers at Jeongguk and nervously bites the inside of his cheek. Now that Jeongguk is closer, he takes note that Jeongguk still wears the makeup from the shoot and hasn't had it removed. He frowns thoughtfully but then shrugs it off as he sees Jeongguk is still waiting for an answer. "I honestly don't know."

Jeongguk clicks his tongue and shakes his head, a bit amused by Jimin's attempt to act innocent. It's just Jimin's luck that Jeongguk extends his hand and motions his finger to the remote control. Jimin follows his finger and hands him the remote control once he understands what he's asking for. While Jeongguk turns the TV on, Jimin's gaze falls on the handsome drummer's side profile. It's another thing he enjoyed doing in red panda form. He could look at Jeongguk as much as he wanted to (respectfully, of course) without feeling all too awkward or embarrassed.

Looking at Jeongguk, who's sitting only a metre away, with his hair tied in a man bun and a few strands hanging loose on the side, makes him more appealing to the eye as it enhances his features. Anyone nearby can see his arm sleeve tattoo, and Jimin feels embarrassed and ashamed for even glancing at him. With his tattoos and doe-like brown eyes, he noticed right from the beginning that Jeongguk is a sight for sore eyes.

"That's what you watched, isn't it?"

Coming from a small town, where there weren't many young people to talk to and having been once in his life in a vibrant city, he was curious about what living with Jeongguk would be like. He admired Jeongguk, and still does, not only for his good looks but also for his charm and generosity in taking Jimin in and providing food for him despite thinking Jimin might be a wild animal.

"Jimin?"

He blinks. He reminds himself once again that staring is rude, so he averts his gaze to the TV, which is showing the same scene he saw before, only more steamy. Now would be the perfect time for the earth to open up, swallow him whole and never spit him out again.

"Hm?" he hums rather unconsciously as he watches the actors now leaning over the desk, attempting to rip off their clothes from one another, and he could smack himself for humming and also for continuing to watch. This isn't even remotely interesting...

He expects Jeongguk to make an embarrassing remark and maybe tease him, except this doesn't happen. A gentle smile plays around his thin lips as he turns his body to face Jimin, his arm resting on the backrest.

"I see you took a shower..."

"Yes, I'm sorry. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to shower." Jeongguk's gaze darts to Jimin's damp hair and travels down to his eyes, the film slowly fading into the background.

"Hm, that's one thing I'd like to talk to you about." Jeongguk sits up, and his expression changes to solemn. "I want you to understand that I don't care if you're walking around here as a human or as a red panda. I just want you to be honest with me and to know that if you live with me, I can trust you. You can use everything like a roommate, communicate and be truthful with me, thus do tell me if you break anything. You don't need to ask me for permission to shower or do anything else, okay?"

Jimin nods and Jeongguk goes on, "As I said earlier... I have no experience when it comes to hybrids, so I might have to read up on one or another thing, or you tell me about it. How about getting to know each other better to ease this awkward tension?"

"Yes, please."

"Perfect," Jeongguk nods and turns off the TV, pinning his attention on Jimin now. "Then let's begin with a few simple questions. I feel like I know nothing about you, whereas you know a lot about me because of how much I've talked with you. Describe yourself in three words."

"Honest. Caring. Thoughtful."

Jeongguk laughs. "Okay, I should have asked a different question. I kind of knew that already. Do you prefer watching films or reading books?"

"Ehm—watch a film if it's with you."

"Oh, is that so? Did you enjoy watching movies with me that much?"

"Can we watch, maybe a film later?"

Jeongguk opens and closes his mouth, obviously stunned by his duality. "Sure. So you're no longer shy?"

"I tend to be timid at first, and then once we become good friends, I won't be shy at all," Jimin says honestly, a smile spreading across his face as he imagines being as close with him as they were before. Now, he can laugh freely at Jeongguk's jokes and voice out to ask him how his day was.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to it." Jeongguk chuckles and asks, "What's your favourite food, other than tangerines? What's your favourite meal? Maybe I'll make it someday."

"Hm..." Jimin chews on his lower lip thoughtfully. "I don't really have a favourite meal. I enjoy eating all kinds of meals, but I don't think I have a favourite."

"That's fair, I suppose. I love eating Samgyeopsal, which is why the boys and I often eat at our favourite restaurant. We should all go together at some point, I surely wouldn't mind."

"I'd love to. Your bandmates seem like good friends. Their expressions were just priceless when I appeared in the living room."

Jeongguk gasps and stares at him with wide eyes, before smacking his palm against his forehead, resisting the urge to groan. "That day, Min, I almost had a heart attack. You're such a minx. I was so scared and had planned to introduce you differently because I wasn't sure how my friends would react. I'm glad to have such supportive and loyal friends."

"You should be. They seem really nice. Maybe we can become friends too. Are they aware that I'm a hybrid?"

"I told them earlier, and they can't wait to meet you." The older man groans and buries his face in his hand. "They've only met you as a red panda, yet they're already smitten with you. What is it about you that makes others like you so quickly?"

Jimin frowns and turns his body now fully towards Jeongguk, legs bending after he moves a little closer to the drummer. "Jeonggukie, don't be like that! You're going to be my first and best friend!"

Unbeknownst to Jimin, his words cause Jeongguk's heart to skip a beat, and he fights the urge to beam at him.

They continue to ask each other questions, and the awkward tension between them appears to dissipate. Both become more at ease with each other, talking about their interests and answering ridiculous questions Jeongguk found on the internet. They eventually become so comfortable in each other's company that they end up sitting closer, a few inches apart, and Jeongguk lets Jimin choose a film to watch as the sun slowly sets. They settle for a popular action film.

Somewhere in between the film, Jimin pouts. He misses the warm feeling he had felt when he snuggled up to Jeongguk, and they watched a film together. He's tempted to simply lean back and rest his head on Jeongguk's shoulder, or shift back to a red panda. Jimin refrains himself from doing that, not knowing if he'd cross an unseen boundary, and he's not confident enough to ask in case he'd be rejected.

"Are you hungry? Should I order something? I don't feel like cooking today."

Jeongguk leans forward and reaches for the remote control, pausing the film they're watching. He glances at Jimin and waits a moment, then pulls his phone out of his pocket and opens the app.

"Sure," Jimin replies, looking at him with wide eyes. "I could eat."

Jungkook hands him his phone with the app pulled up and then disappears into the bathroom.

Jimin looks at the various dishes available, contemplating which meal to order. According to the restaurant reviews of the restaurant Jeongguk selected, the food is among the best in Seoul. The photos make his mouth water, and he realises how much he craves proper food. It's been a while since he's eaten it. For that reason, he opts for Bulgogi and some Bungeoppang.

"Have you chosen what you want to eat?" Jimin raises his head to see Jeongguk exiting the bathroom with his face clean of makeup and his wavy hair hanging by his side. He changed into sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt to replace the clothes from the MV shooting. Had he grabbed clothes from the bedroom on the way?

Jimin hands him his phone back while nodding. Jeongguk then selects what he wants to eat, closes the app, and returns his attention to the TV, turning it back on to resume watching the film. Jimin moves subconsciously closer to Jeongguk by leaning his head back and repeatedly shifting sitting positions until he rests his head on Jeongguk's shoulder. It only takes a quick glance up at the black-haired man to see that he doesn't seem to mind much and continues to focus on the film. Jimin creases his lips into a small, content smile, and adjusts his position to a more comfortable sitting position.

Not long after, the film is interrupted by a buzzing near the penthouse entrance door. Jeongguk is quick to get up and picks up the phone connected to the reception desk. From the living room, Jimin has a good view of the entrance door, seeing Jeongguk murmuring something into the phone and watching him getting a banknote from his wallet that was in one of his bags. Opening the door, Jeongguk waits patiently until the delivery man comes up and gives him the food. Jeongguk politely thanks the man, gives him the banknote and closes the door.

Jeongguk sits back down on the sofa, after getting some chopsticks from the kitchen. Gently, he pushes the food on the coffee table to Jimin and digs into his food.

"What happened while I was away?"

"Oh, I didn't see what happened," Jimin admits, only now noticing that neither of them paused the film. Jeongguk hums and takes the remote control to play back the scene they watched last, pressing on play. Silently they eat and watch the film until the closing credits scroll up. By now, the sun has already set and the nightlife scene has begun, buildings and streets are illuminated by various lights, showing how vibrant the city is. Living in a taller building, Jimin is always fascinated by the sight. Be it the sunset or the sunrise or the time in between, somehow he's never getting tired of the view.

"Are you tired?" Jeongguk asks, seeing Jimin yawn as the closing credits scroll up. The food boxes are empty, placed with the chopsticks next to them on the coffee table. Jimin is about to protest and say he wants to watch another film when another yawn makes its way over his lips. Maybe all this stress has made him tired today after all. Going to bed might not be such a bad idea.

"Alright, let's go to bed, I'll show you the guest room. I guess you can sleep there."

He has a guest room?

Jimin resists the urge to pout. This is so not fair! First, Jeongguk lets him get adjusted to sleeping with him, and then he says he can sleep in the guest room. How is he supposed to fall asleep? He sighs, guessing it's just fair since he's not just a cute animal anymore...

"Okay."

"I'll give you some clothes you can sleep in. We might have to go shopping soon. You can't walk around in my clothes forever."

Jimin tugs on Jeongguk's shirt he's currently wearing, head and furry ears hanging low, when Jeongguk cleans up the coffee table and then vanishes into his bedroom. But they are comfortable. I wouldn't mind wearing your clothes for longer. They smell just like you.

Merely a few seconds later, Jeongguk emits from his bedroom, fresh clothes in his hand that he gives Jimin. He thanks him and follows him to the guest room, which has a larger bed to the right of the wall and also has a good view of the city. Despite him seeing this one door always closed, he didn't expect it to be a guest room. It's beautiful, no doubt about it. It's just missing this familiar touch.

"If... there's something you need, call me, alright? I'll put a toothbrush and toothpaste next to the sink."

Without another word, Jeongguk leaves the room and Jimin looks around a bit. He hears the shower turn on in the bathroom while he changes and then walks over to the window. Minutes pass while he's standing there, and Jeongguk comes out of the bathroom. Jimin takes this as his turn to use the bathroom, brush his teeth and then go to bed as well.

Once in bed, he closes his eyes and makes an effort not to seek the warmth that usually helps him fall asleep. Knowing the bed will remain cold, he turns over and thinks of other things that might make him eventually fall asleep.

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A/N: Please support this book if you liked this chapter 🫶🏻

Jimin is just too cute, isn't he? 🫢

Also, my new fest au is coming out in a week 💜