Chapter 11

"Pack up, boys. We're going to the beach," Namjoon said, wearing his glasses, while the whole group looked at him in confusion.

"It's too hot for beach time, hyung!" Jungkook whined like a little baby and gestured for Taehyung to continue the game they had paused.

"We're going to the new resort they just opened last week. It's going to be fun!" Jin chimed in as he got up, jumping happily.

"We haven't even prepared our clothes, idiot! It's such a waste of time if we have to go home and prep—" Jin smacked Hoseok at his statement.

"Who said you're gonna go home? It's all prepared in the van. Now get your asses up! We prepared this last night!" Jin scolded them.

"How about me? I don't have any clothes—" Yoongi's words were cut off by Jimin.

"You can wear some of mine, Yoongs," Jimin said shortly as he also got up.

"Are we clear now? Get your crusty asses up!"

****

"Wait, who's gonna drive?" They were all outside the van when Jin asked the question.

"Oof, not me. I can't handle long rides," Hoseok said with his arms up.

They all looked at Jin. "I planned this whole trip, don't you all look at me and expect me to do it all! Aish, I also have to cook and clean for you guys—"

"Okay, hyung! How about you, Yoongi?"

"I don't have a license, and I don't know how to drive, hehe," he answered, scratching the back of his head, embarrassed. Sure, he was embarrassed; he was almost older than most of them!

"Jungkook doesn't have a playmate if I'm gonna drive," Taehyung explained quickly before they could even look at him.

Sighing, they all looked at Jimin, who was on his cellphone, scrolling through social media. He looked up when he noticed them all being silent. "What?"

"HEY, PUT ME DOWN!!!" he screamed when he felt himself being carried by six guys. They quickly put him inside the car where the driver sits.

He rolled down the window. "You all could've just asked nicely—"

"You're too petty to agree on driving. You left us no choice, hihi," Jin said as they all got in the van.

"Yoongi, get in the shotgun," Jimin said when Yoongi was just about to sit in the back.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because if you don't, I'm literally looking like a hired driver here by you guys. Aish, give me a break, will ya?" he answered, getting all red in the face. He has a short temper when it comes to things like this.

Yoongi just sighed as he went beside Jimin and closed the door.

"This is gonna be exciting~" Jin said, kicking his feet like a child.

****

"We're lost," Jimin announced, frustration evident in his voice as he pulled the van to a stop by the side of a quiet, tree-lined road.

The rest of the group groaned in unison.

"How did we get lost? We had directions," Namjoon said, taking off his glasses and rubbing his temples.

"Directions? You mean the scribbles you made on that napkin?" Jungkook teased, causing everyone to chuckle.

"Let's just ask for directions," Yoongi suggested, opening the door and stepping out. The others followed, stretching their legs and looking around.

"I don't see any houses nearby," Taehyung said, shading his eyes with his hand as he scanned the horizon.

"There's a small store over there," Jin pointed out, spotting a tiny convenience store a little way down the road. "Let's go ask."

The group made their way to the store, the sound of birds and rustling leaves the only noise around them. When they entered, an elderly woman greeted them warmly.

"Hello, dears. How can I help you?" she asked, smiling kindly.

"We're a bit lost. We're trying to get to the new resort they just opened," Jimin explained.

"Oh, you must be talking about the Seaside Bliss Resort. You're not too far off. Just take the next left and follow the road until you see the signs," she instructed, her eyes twinkling.

"Thank you so much!" Jin said, bowing slightly.

"You're welcome. Have fun, boys," she replied, waving them off as they left the store.

Back in the van, Jimin followed the woman's directions. Soon, they saw signs for Seaside Bliss Resort and cheers erupted inside the van.

"Wahhh, we made it!" Jungkook exclaimed, patting him on the back.

"With a little help," Jimin said, smiling as they finally pulled into the resort parking lot.

The resort was stunning, with white sandy beaches stretching out before them and crystal-clear water glistening under the sun. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore created a serene atmosphere.

"This is perfect," Yoongi said, breathing in the salty air.

They quickly checked in, finding their rooms spacious and luxurious. After changing into their beach attire, they met up on the beach, eager to start their day of fun.

Jungkook and Taehyung immediately ran towards the water, splashing and laughing. Jin set up a small picnic area with snacks and drinks, while Hoseok and Namjoon started building an elaborate sandcastle.

Yoongi and Jimin found a quieter spot, laying out their towels and settling down under the shade of an umbrella.

"You want a drink?" Jimin asked.

"Eh, no thanks. My stomach is still full because of the hamburgers I ate in the van," Yoongi said, giving him a smile. "Anyway, thank you, Jimin, really."

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows with confusion as he looked at Yoongi. "For what?"

"For introducing me to your friends and letting me stay in your group. They're really making me feel loved and belonged," he replied with a smile—a smile that Jimin had never seen on him before.

Jimin's heart raced as he processed Yoongi's words. He was about to respond when Jungkook and Taehyung came running over, dripping wet and grinning from ear to ear.

"Come on, you two! The water's amazing!" Jungkook shouted, grabbing Yoongi's arm and pulling him up.

"Yeah, let's go!" Taehyung added, helping Jimin to his feet.

The four of them dashed toward the water, laughing as the waves lapped at their feet. They splashed each other playfully, the cool water a welcome relief from the heat of the sun. Yoongi and Jimin found themselves side by side, their earlier conversation lingering in the back of their minds.

As the afternoon turned to evening, the group gathered back at the picnic area where Jin had set up a small grill. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air, and the boys' stomachs growled in anticipation.

"Who's ready for some BBQ?" Jin called out, flipping a skewer of marinated chicken.

"Me! I'm starving!" Jungkook said, rubbing his hands together in excitement.

They all sat around the picnic blanket, eating and chatting, the camaraderie between them evident. Yoongi and Jimin sat close together, their legs touching. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and they'd share a private smile.

After dinner, they decided to build a bonfire. Namjoon and Hoseok gathered driftwood, while Jin expertly arranged the logs. Soon, the fire was crackling, casting a warm glow over the beach.

"Let's tell stories!" Taehyung suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Let's hear some of yours, Yoongi. We've all been together for so long; let's hear your story," Namjoon said as Yoongi looked at him and smiled awkwardly.

"I don't know, guys. I don't really have anything amusing to tell you," Yoongi said, scratching his back.

"It's okay, you don't have to—" Hoseok was cut off by Jin's spatula, gesturing for Yoongi to continue as he could only sigh, readying himself.

"So, um, it's weird to tell this to you all since you're seminarians and attending a Catholic school. But fun fact, not so fun fact about me is that I'm atheist," Yoongi said. "I scoff when I hear your God's name. I roll my eyes every time there's a prayer. And I yawn when the homily starts. It's not that I don't respect your religion but—but—but—" Yoongi said, almost rapping because of nervousness.

"Hey, hey, calm down. Atheist or not, you're still respectable. We all have our differences. It's okay to be different," Namjoon said, smiling at Yoongi, who sighed in relief.

Yoongi continued, feeling a bit more at ease. "It's just that, growing up, I never found comfort or answers in religion. But being around you guys, seeing how close you are and how your faith brings you together, it's...nice. Even if I don't share the same beliefs, I respect yours."

Jin nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks for sharing that, Yoongi. It takes courage to be honest about your beliefs, especially when they're different from those around you."

The others murmured their agreement, making Yoongi feel even more accepted.

As the night grew darker, they continued to share stories, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. The warmth of the fire and the bond between them created a sense of belonging and unity.

Later, as the fire began to die down, Jimin and Yoongi found themselves alone again, sitting on their towels under the stars. The sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore filled the silence between them.

"You really did good there, Yoongs," Jimin said softly, looking over at him.

"Aih, I'm too embarrassed to even talk about it," Yoongi whines, his voice was just as soft as the other chuckled ruffling the other's hair.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the night wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.

Eventually, Yoongi turned to Jimin, his expression serious. "Jimin, I know I don't say it often because I'm mean to you, but I really appreciate you. You've done more for me than you'll ever know."

Jimin smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "I'm just glad to have you as a friend, Yoongi. You're important to me."

A friend.

****

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the beach, the boys started to pack up their things, reluctantly preparing to leave the serene paradise. They loaded their belongings into the van, taking one last look at the beautiful resort before heading home.

The drive back was filled with laughter and recounting the fun moments of their trip. Jimin and Yoongi sat together, sharing quiet smiles and occasional glances, the bond between them stronger than ever.

After Yoongi was dropped off at his apartment, he quickly changed into his work clothes and headed to the café. The day passed by in a blur of orders, smiles, and the hum of the coffee machine.

As the sun set and the café's customers began to dwindle, Yoongi glanced at the clock. It was almost closing time. He wiped down the counter and started putting away the last of the dishes when he saw Jimin walk in.

"Hey, Yoongi," Jimin greeted, looking around the nearly empty café.

"Hey, Jimin. Just finishing up here," Yoongi replied, giving him a tired but happy smile.

"You've had a long day. How about we walk back together? It's pretty dark out," Jimin suggested.

"Walk? Where's your car?"

"Noona borrowed it for a while hahaha." Jimin answered.

"You're like millionaires though? Doesn't she have a car?"

"She doesn't know how to drive, don't tell her i told you," He says, whispering.

"But I don't know, Jimin-ah. It's cold and dark, you'll get a fever again.

Jimin shook his head firmly. "No way. It's not safe to walk alone this late. Come on, let's head out together."

Seeing the determination in Jimin's eyes, Yoongi nodded. "Alright, let's go."

After locking up the café, the two of them began their walk. The streets were quieter now, with only the occasional car passing by. The streetlights cast a soft glow, illuminating their path.

"So, how was work?" Jimin asked, breaking the silence.

"It was good. Busy, but good. Thanks for stopping by earlier," Yoongi said.

"No problem. I just wanted to check in on things. And you looked like you were handling everything perfectly," Jimin replied.

Yoongi chuckled. "Well, it's a lot easier when you know your boss has your back." He winked as the other chuckled, ruffling the other one's hair.

As they walked, the conversation flowed easily between them, touching on everything from their favorite foods to their dreams for the future.

When they finally reached Yoongi's apartment building, Jimin stopped and turned to him. "Here we are."

"Thanks for walking with me, Jimin. I appreciate it," Yoongi said, feeling a bit reluctant to end the evening.

"No problem at all." Jimin replied, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "Oh hey, Yoongs?" Yoongi was about to head in but stopped when the other called his name; he looked back.

"What?"

"You could be a rapper." Jimin says, chuckling as Yoongi remembered how his behavior was last night.

Yoongi smacked Jimin in the head. "Hey! Don't ruin our moment! Anyway, I'm gonna head in, I'm tireddd."

"Goodnight, Yoongi," Jimin said, watching as Yoongi entered the building. He stood there for a moment, feeling a sense of contentment and happiness.