15 Chapter 14: Shib sa ? (1/2)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
His winged eyeliner was on point so he smiled at himself in the mirror before applying some melon-tasting chapstick and hurrying to his bedroom in order to dress his outfit. It felt good to make himself pretty for his boyfriend, especially that he knew Jungkook was very observant of every little detail, so he made sure he looked perfect before heading outside the building where he waited a few minutes for the familiar car to pull over. He almost ran towards it because November mornings were cold in Seoul and he grinned when his boyfriend let go of the wheel in order to lean closer and press a loving kiss on his lips.
”Good morning, baby!” The tattoo artist whispered as soon as they parted and licked his lips, curious about the flavour of the other's lips.
”Morning!” Jimin sounded enthusiastic so the man took a few more seconds to study his figure, admiring the way his baby dolled up for their date.
”You look so pretty, kitten.” An almost imperceptible pink spread all over chubby cheeks as their owner whispered a shy ”thank you” so he smiled at the adorable image before starting the car. He has never attended a book festival so he was curious about it, especially that he knew how much it meant for the student.
It took them a little over an hour to reach the place where the event took place and once they did, the elder's eyes widened in surprise because it was nothing like he imagined it. There were countless huge tents aligned all over the green space and he could spot tables filled with books and rows of people who were waiting patiently to get their acquisitions signed by their favourite authors. The whole thing gave an indie vibe that made him feel comfortable so he offered Jimin his hand in order to keep it warm right after they exited the car.
”What do you want to do first?”
”Shin Kyung-sook will be here around noon; can we look around until then?” Jungkook was willing to do whatever made him happy so they entered the first tents where they spent more than an hour just looking through the books that were put on display. Jimin had a bag filled with books by the time the lines for his favourite author began forming and the other offered to carry it, surprised by how heavy it was. ”I can't wait to meet her.” He whispered and grasped on the book he wanted signed tighter.
”Do you enjoy her work so much?” The pink-haired boy nodded enthusiastically and began babbling about his favourite things about her writing, his eyes sparkling as he went. ”I'm sorry.”
”What for?”
”You came here for my sake, you're not having fun.” Jimin smiled sadly and pulled on his sleeves in order to completely cover his wrists. ”I shouldn't have insisted.”
”Min, I wouldn't have accepted to come if I wouldn't have wanted to. It's not necessarily my scene but I'm enjoying it.” Jungkook wrapped his arms around the smaller body and pulled him closer, his hands rubbing circles onto his back in order to warm him up. ”I was curious.”
”I wish everyone would have a Jungkookie.” The pink-haired boy whispered against his neck.
”I don't think Jungkookie is all that great.” The man teased and received a playful swat on his chest.
”Jungkookie is the best.” He protested and raised on his tiptoes to press a quick peck on soft lips. ”You make me really happy.”
The tattoo artist offered to go and buy hot chocolate with rainbow sprinkles and came back to find his boyfriend almost hyperventilating because of the excitement he was feeling. It was the cutest thing to witness so Jungkook couldn't wipe the bunny grin off his face. The whole experience has caused for his insides to melt so when they reached the bistro they chose for lunch he continued to smile like a love-sick puppy, realising he would probably never get tired of the boy sitting in front of him.
”Is the party still happening?” Jimin asked shyly and sipped on his tea, enjoying the way the cup was warming his button nose. They were supposed to meet at Yoongi and Hoseok's place in order to play board games later that day and the younger boy was delighted with the idea, knowing it was probably something they all took in consideration for his little side.
”Of course it is. Hobi is out shopping for goodies right now. I told him to buy caramel popcorn.” That was Jimin's favourite so the latter giggled and cupped his face with both hands. ”It's all fun and games until Yoongi will begin to lose money while playing Monopoly.”
It was a funny concept so the pink-haired boy was enthusiastic to see everything with his own eyes, knowing their date couldn't end better. The lunch turned out to be as fun as they both imagined and they decided to spend the afternoon walking through the park even if the air progressively got colder. Their cheeks were rosy as they enjoyed their never-ending conversation and the younger was pointing at squirrels from time to time, fascinated by the little animals that seemed to still prepare themselves for the cold season.
”How is the therapy going? It completely slipped my mind.” The innocent question caused for the boy to feel a shiver running down his spine at the realisation that he needed to be dishonest once again. He had no idea how the therapy was.
”Okay, I guess.” Jungkook understood he didn't want to talk about it as soon as he changed the subject and decided it was probably because they weren't in the right mood for his boyfriend to talk about such personal matters. He always encouraged Jimin to open up to him but there was a huge difference between pushing him and offering him the time to decide. He didn't want to obtain information and then have the other regret sharing so much.
It was around six in the afternoon when they reached the modest building where their friends were waiting for them and as soon as they stepped inside the flat a sweet smell filled their nostrils.
”Minnie!” Hoseok's hug was barely allowing the called one to breathe but caused for a huge smile to make its appearance. ”Please tell me you'll help me ice the cupcakes.”
”Okay.” He replied without thinking, not having the time to question why they were having cupcakes in the first place. He followed his friend in the kitchen where Yoongi was smoking a cigarette next to the window, his sleeveless shirt putting all the art on his arms on display. He smiled at the both of them and Jimin waved shyly, unaware of how he was supposed to greet the elder and happy that hands rested on his shoulders as an encouragement.
The doms grabbed two beers and headed to the living room so the others grabbed everything they needed to decorate the desserts. It was a fun atmosphere because dance music was playing in the background and the redhead was moving his backside accordingly to the rhythm, allowing Jimin to relax and want to do the same.
”I thought about drawing cute things on them.” Hobi confessed and offered his friend the blue icing and a naked cupcake. The pink-haired boy felt himself slipping further into headspace with each passing moment, cracking jokes with his friend and trying to create pretty decorations. His pictures were looking somewhat sloppy but he had a favourite and that was of a colourful butterfly he decided to offer to Jungkook as soon as they were going to finish their task.
”Thank you for inviting me.” His whisper of gratitude was barely audible so Hoseok immediately abandoned what he was doing and looked him in the eyes.
”You don't have to thank us. We wanted to hang out together and I've talked to Gguk and Yoongi about how we would like you to feel safe when you're with us.” It was clear what he was referring to and the little could only grin widely because of the appreciation he was feeling towards the couple. It was sweet of them and he knew he wasn't far away from allowing himself to slip around them because he never felt malice towards the way he chose to manifest his submissive side and Jungkook was going to be beside him.
The only person who was intimidating him so far was Yoongi but he was aware that the feeling was irrational and that the elder cared for him and his boyfriend's well-being. The tattoo artists were talking about something that sounded work-related when they joined them and Jimin grabbed the butterfly cupcake off the tray Hoseok was carrying. He slowly walked to the couch and shyly offered it to Jungkook who immediately took it from his little hand, curious about it. A signature bunny grin tugged at his lips and tugged on the boy's fingers so he would lean and their mouths could meet for a brief peck.
”Thank you, it's beautiful.” It really was so he grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of it before turning to show it to Yoongi. His hyung hummed in approval and smiled at Jimin sincerely, managing to chase the uneasiness the student was feeling away. ”Should I eat it, though?”
”After we have dinner.” Hobi chastised and grabbed a beer can for himself. ”Minnie?” He didn't want to drink alcohol so he shook his head and took a seat next to Jungkook, the latter safely placing the cupcake on the coffee table in front of them. The need for feeling little was bubbling inside of him and his dom probably sensed it because his thumb began rubbing small circles onto the side of his neck lovingly.
”Should we start with Jenga or Monopoly?” Yoongi asked and Jimin flinched at the suggestions as he was clearly craving the second option.
”Monopoly.” He whispered, his lips brushing hid boyfriend's shoulder as he spoke.
”Min and I vote Monopoly.” Jungkook said casually and turned to press a loving kiss on his forehead. It has been decided so the teal-haired man announced he was going to grab the box without a protest; cinnamon eyes followed as his hand was engulfed into a much bigger one and then moved to the butterfly cupcake which he was so proud of. Hoseok placed a glass of juice with a curly orange straw in front of him and as soon as he spotted it he rested his head on his boyfriend's shoulder, not sure about what he was supposed to do.
”Kookie?” The name came out like a plea so the man turned so their eyes could meet.
”Yes, sweetheart.” The pet name was all Jimin needed to decide so he didn't reply, his lips parting slightly. He knew Jungkook sensed what was going on as soon as an arm pulled him closer. ”Is my sweet boy feeling little?” He nodded shyly and found himself gulping, as if he was waiting to be scolded.
”A bit.”
”It's okay, I'm right here with you.” The tattoo artist nuzzled his cheek before kissing it. Their exchange ended just in time for Yoongi to come back with a huge colourful box he placed on the bigger table they were going to use and for the doorbell to ring.
”Must be Namjoon.” The teal-haired man announced and headed to the front door.
”Namjoon?” Jimin asked and felt his fingers being squeezed for a few seconds. He didn't want to come off as rude but he would have wanted to spend the evening surrounded by friends and friends alone and his boyfriend's new colleague was not on his list. Everyone seemed to like the tall man so he decided he could try to get to know him better even if he was still a bit upset because of the change of plans.
Namjoon came bearing take-out so they all greeted him before dinner was served in the kitchen, everyone soon lost in small talk. Jungkook seemed to glow while talking to his hyungs but he never left the little's side, their bodies always somehow connected.
”I've heard you're a literature student, Jimin.” The purple-haired boy was smiling and his dimples were put on display. ”That's so cool, I majored in philosophy.” The information took the one he was talking to by surprise so a little gasp could be heard inside the room.
”But you got into tats and forgot about education.” Yoongi deadpanned and everyone chuckled.
”I was thinking about trying my hand at teaching.” It sounded interesting and Jimin believed such a young teacher would be easier to follow and relate to so he timidly spoke his mind, feeling a hand resting on his lower back. ”Thanks.”
They were all very different but they clicked so the time went by pleasantly, the game soon starting. Namjoon was mostly confused and that was the main reason why Jimin came to be fond of him but he still couldn't stop what he felt into the pit of his stomach whenever he saw how Jungkook was glowing when interacting with the elder. It was not jealousy per se, it was something even more bothering – a reminder of everything he couldn't be. It got worse with every inside joke and friendly remark so he found himself irritated whenever he would hear Namjoon's laughter.
He had no idea how but even sitting on Jungkook's lap he was still feeling like an outsider and the thought hurt him. There was nothing he could do to captivate his boyfriend's attention so he felt alone, every second pushing him towards the peak. He tried to relax when they were asked to go and take care of the popcorn because he had a few minutes away from the others and as he expected Jungkook wanted to use them for making out. He found himself pushed against the wooden kitchen counter as beer-tasting lips were searching for his and he couldn't help but moan when hands began fondling his backside. His boyfriend began peppering kisses all over his cheeks, making him giggle because they didn't even grabbed the popcorn bags they were supposed to prepare.
”We should do –” Another peck on his lips. ”The popcorn, Daddy.” He giggled again and tried to pull away only to be playfully forced back into a bear hug.
”Let me get my sugar first.” Jungkook pursed his lips so the student could tiptoe and kiss them. It was the most comforting type of break and Jimin would have wanted to lock the door and never go back to the party because he was finally feeling closeness. ”Okay, let's go and do what we have to do.” It sounded so dramatic that the pink-haired boy chuckled cutely as he let himself guided to the microwave.
The popcorn was popping when covered arms wrapped around a tiny waist so another hug would be initiated, this one more tender than the one before.
”Are you okay?” It was sweet how Jungkook was always taking his well-being in consideration; he nodded and buried his face into the grey shirt in front of him. A sound kiss was placed on top of his head so he smiled against the material. ”Sleep at my place tonight?”
”Please.” He wanted nothing more but to fall asleep feeling safe. The second bag of popcorn was popping and they were still fooling around when the door opened so the younger froze, hoping whoever was it was going to leave them alone.