Chapter 28

It was now Friday, two days since Jimin came back. Now that they were all together again, they couldn't help but feel relieved and guilt-free. They would no longer feel bad if they ever had road trips and hangouts.

It was their vacant time, except for Taehyung. So they decided to meet up in a small café just near the university. Jennie was doing her makeup as usual, and Jungkook was playing games on his cellphone. Yoongi was stealing glances at Jimin, who was watching Jungkook play.

"Yoonie, can we go for ice cream later?" Heeseung asked.

"Waaah, Yoongi-ah! Another date, again? Hahahaha." Namjoon teased, giving a playful punch to Yoongi's shoulder. Yoongi blushed furiously.

Yoongi looked at Jimin, who was still watching Jungkook play. No sign of jealousy, none.

Has he moved on?

"Uhm, sure Hee! Let's go before my shift starts," Yoongi said, and finally, Jimin looked at him and huffed.

Jin decided to make a joke. "You know, I read somewhere that relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y?"

The group burst into laughter, except for Yoongi, who was still feeling the heat of Namjoon's tease and Jimin's huff.

A little while later, the door to the café opened, and five girls walked in, their laughter filling the air. One of them, Daehyun, the captain of cheerleaders, immediately caught everyone's attention. She strutted over to their table with a confident smile.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Park Jimin," Daehyun said, her voice dripping with flirtation. "I've heard a lot about you. You're new here, right? You look even better in person."

Yoongi's heart sank, and a pang of jealousy hit him. He glanced at Jimin, trying to gauge his reaction. Jimin smiled politely at Daehyun, but there was no sign of the same warmth he once showed Yoongi.

"Hey, Daehyun," Jimin replied coolly. "Yeah, I just transferred. Nice to meet you."

Daehyun leaned in closer, her voice lower and more intimate. "You know, Jimin, we should catch up sometime. Maybe over coffee?"

Yoongi clenched his fists under the table, trying to keep his emotions in check. Namjoon and the others exchanged glances, sensing the tension.

Jin, always quick to defuse a situation, chimed in with another joke. "Daehyun, if you want to catch up with Jimin, you might need a running start. He's pretty fast, you know?"

Everyone laughed again, but Yoongi couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy gnawing at him.

Daehyun’s flirtation grew bolder. She touched Jimin’s arm lightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, Jimin, how about we make that coffee date happen soon?"

Jimin smiled, his expression polite but distant. "Sure, Daehyun. We can arrange something."

Yoongi felt his heart tighten. He couldn't bear to see Jimin so easily accepting Daehyun's advances. Trying to mask his jealousy, Yoongi turned to Heeseung and put on his best flirty smile. "Hey, Heeseung, how about we go for ice cream and then maybe catch a movie afterward? Sounds like a perfect date, right?"

Heeseung lets out a grin "Absolutely, Yoonie. I’d love to spend more time with you."

Yoongi's loud, cheerful tone caught Jimin's attention. He glanced over, but his expression remained neutral. There was no hint of the jealousy Yoongi hoped to provoke.

Daehyun continued her conversation with Jimin, oblivious to the underlying tension. "I know a great café downtown. It’s got the best view and the best coffee. How about tomorrow?"

"I would love to, Daehyun. But I can't tomorrow since there's a small welcome home party that my family had arranged." Jimin says and Yoongi felt relieved. "How about next week?" Jimin added as Yoongi's shoulder withered, again.

The group exchanged awkward glances, feeling the palpable tension between Yoongi and Jimin. Namjoon, ever the peacemaker, cleared his throat. "So, Yoongi, Heeseung, what movie are you thinking of watching?"

Yoongi shrugged, trying to keep his tone light. "Oh, anything really. As long as it's fun and we can enjoy some popcorn together."

Heeseung smiled supportively. "Yeah, I’m up for anything as long as I'm with Yoonie."

Jin, sensing the discomfort, decided to lighten the mood. "Well, make sure it’s not a horror movie. We don’t want Yoongi hiding behind Heeseung the whole time."

Everyone laughed, but the laughter felt forced. Yoongi's eyes darted back to Jimin and Daehyun, who were still engrossed in their conversation.

Jennie, ever observant, leaned over to Yoongi and whispered, "You okay?"

Yoongi forced a smile. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just... you know."

Jennie nodded, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't get jealous, she ugly af." She commented.

"I am not!" He whispered to her but Jennie just gave him a playfil grin.

As the group settled into more casual conversation, Yoongi couldn't shake the feeling of being ignored by Jimin. Despite his efforts to flirt with Heeseung, it was clear that Jimin’s attention was elsewhere.

Eventually, the group began to disperse. Yoongi and Heeseung stood up, ready to head out for their ice cream date. "Ready to go?" Heeseung asked, his eyes filled with understanding.

Yoongi nodded. "Yeah, let’s go."

As they left the café, Yoongi stole one last glance at Jimin, who was still talking with Daehyun. His heart ached, but he pushed the feeling aside, determined to enjoy his time with Heeseung.

Back in the café, the remaining friends exchanged uneasy glances. Namjoon sighed, shaking his head slightly. "This is going to be interesting," he muttered under his breath.

****

Jimin's welcome home party was in full swing. The living room was filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of friends reconnecting. The only person missing was Jimin's father, whose absence was a silent reminder of the tension in the family. But Jimin chose to focus on the people who were there for him.

Namjoon, Jin, Hoseok, Taehyung, Jungkook, Yungmin, and Jennie mingled with each other, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Daehyun was also there, and she was quick to make her presence known, sticking close to Jimin.

"Jimin, you look handsome tonight," Daehyun said, her hand lightly brushing his arm.

"Thanks, Daehyun. You look great too," Jimin replied with a polite smile.

Yoongi watched from a distance, his jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. He couldn't believe how easily Jimin seemed to accept Daehyun's advances. Heeseung couldn't come because he wasn't a close friend of Jimin's, and Yoongi felt his absence keenly.

Yungmin noticed the tension and decided to lighten the mood with a funny memory. "Hey, remember that time we all went camping, and Jin tried to cook ramen but ended up burning the entire pot?"

The group erupted in laughter, and Jin added, "Hey, I was just experimenting! You never know when you might discover a new recipe."

Yoongi forced a laugh, trying to hide his frustration. Jennie, ever observant, leaned over to him. "Don't let her get to you, Yoonie. She's just trying to show off."

Yoongi nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on Jimin and Daehyun. "I know. It's just... annoying."

Daehyun continued to flirt with Jimin, and to Yoongi's dismay, Jimin didn't seem to mind. She whispered something in his ear, making him laugh, and Yoongi felt a pang of jealousy.

Unable to stand it any longer, Yoongi muttered, "Excuse me," and stormed out to the balcony, the cool night air hitting his face as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

Back inside, Taehyung noticed Yoongi's departure and exchanged a worried glance with Jennie. "Is he okay?"

Jennie sighed. "He just needs some air. He'll be fine."

Jimin, oblivious to Yoongi's turmoil, continued to entertain Daehyun's flirtations. The rest of the group tried to keep the conversation light and fun, but the underlying tension was palpable.

On the balcony, Yoongi took a deep drag from his cigarette, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He stared out at the night sky, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. He couldn't understand why Jimin was acting this way, and it hurt more than he wanted to admit.

Jimin, on the other hand, noticed a member was gone and decided to leave Daehyun for a minute. He spotted Yoongi at the balcony, taking a drag off his cigarette as he just sighed heading his way.

"You're missing out the fun inside." He said that made the older jump at the sudden voice.

"You look like you're having fun with someone." Yoongi says letting out a huff.

"Pft, you still smoke?" Jimin says, ignoring the other's comment.

"Obviously?"

"You're gonna get cancer before you graduate." He lets out a chuckle as the other could only huff, slightly annoyed by Jimin.

Soon, Taehyung butts in. "Hey, you two! Jin and Namjoon are hosting a game." He announced as the two looks at each other and went inside.

Inside, Namjoon and Jin had set up a table with shot glasses, bottles of soju, and various other drinks. Jin clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone! We're going to play a game called 'Drunk Jenga.' Each block has a dare or a question written on it. You pull a block, do the dare, or answer the question. If you refuse, you take a shot!" Jin explained with a grin.

Everyone gathered around the table, excited for the game. Namjoon added, "And remember, the more you drink, the harder it gets! So let's get started!"

Yungmin went first, pulling out a block. "Describe your most embarrassing moment in detail."

He laughed, thinking back. "Okay, so one time in middle school, I tried to impress this girl by showing off my dance moves, but I slipped and fell right on my face. Everyone laughed, including the girl. I was so embarrassed I didn't show up to school for three days!"

The group roared with laughter, and Taehyung took his seat, handing the turn to Hoseok.

Hoseok pulled a block. "Do your best impression of someone in the room."

Hoseok grinned mischievously and immediately began mimicking Namjoon’s habit of losing his keys. "Where are my keys? I swear I left them here! Oh, wait, they're in my pocket."

Namjoon laughed the hardest, giving Hoseok a playful shove. Next up was Jungkook, who pulled a block that read, "Sing the chorus of a song chosen by the group."

The group unanimously chose "Baby Shark," and Jungkook, ever the good sport, sang the chorus with enthusiasm, earning cheers and applause.

Jennie went next, drawing a block that said, "Do a shot with someone of your choice." She chose Jin, and the two downed their shots to the cheers of the group.

When it was Yoongi's turn, he drew a block that read, "Give someone a compliment." He glanced around the room, his eyes finally resting on Jimin. "Jimin, I like how you smile." He finally said as the whole group lets out a "OooOoOoOoaH!"

Jimin smiled slightly, but before he could respond, Daehyun jumped in with her turn. Her block said, "Ask someone a question of your choice." She turned to Jimin with a flirty smile. "Jimin, what do you look for in a girl?"

Jimin chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. "I guess someone who's confident and kind."

Yoongi's jealousy flared again, but he kept his composure. The game continued, with everyone laughing and enjoying the increasingly ridiculous dares and questions.

When it was Jimin's turn, he pulled a block that read, "Give someone a hug." He stood up and hugged Taehyung, who hugged him back with a laugh.

"Why not me?" Daehyun pouted, making everyone, except the jealous boy laugh.

The game continued, the alcohol loosening everyone's inhibitions and making the dares more daring. Taehyung pulled a block that said, "Imitate a celebrity."

He stood up, striking a pose and mimicking G-Dragon's voice. "I'm G-Dragon, and I'm here to rock your world!"

The group burst into laughter, and Taehyung took a dramatic bow before passing the turn to Namjoon.

Namjoon pulled a block that said, "Show your best dance move." He got up and performed a hilarious attempt at the moonwalk, nearly tripping over his own feet.

Jungkook pulled a block that read, "Take a shot and tell a secret." He took his shot and then leaned in conspiratorially. "I once accidentally dyed my hair pink. It was supposed to be a surprise for my mom's birthday, but I mixed up the colors."

Everyone laughed, and Jennie pulled the next block. "Prank call someone."

Jennie dialed a number and put it on speakerphone. When the person answered, she put on her best serious voice. "Hello, this is Officer Kim. We're calling about a missing donut from the local bakery."

The group erupted in laughter as the confused person on the other end tried to understand what was happening.

Daehyun's turn came again, and she pulled a block that said, "Kiss someone on the cheek." Without hesitation, she leaned over and kissed Jimin on the cheek, making him blush slightly.

Yoongi, now quite tipsy, pulled a block that said, "Tell a joke." He thought for a moment and then said, "Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!"

The group groaned in cringe and laughed at the same time. The game continued with more laughter, shots, and dares, the atmosphere growing even more festive.

As the night went on, Yoongi became increasingly drunk. He pulled a block that said, "Do a handstand."

Yoongi, in his inebriated state, attempted a handstand, but ended up toppling over and landing in Jungkook's lap. Everyone burst into laughter, and Jungkook helped him up.

Namjoon, now also feeling the effects of the alcohol, pulled a block that said, "Dance battle with someone." He challenged Hoseok, and the two had an impromptu dance-off in the middle of the living room, much to everyone's delight.

Jin's turn came, and he pulled a block that said, "Imitate an animal." He got down on all fours and started acting like a dog, barking and panting, which had everyone in stitches.

Jennie pulled a block that read, "Take a group selfie." She gathered everyone together, and they squeezed in for a hilarious, slightly blurry selfie, all of them grinning and making silly faces.

As the game wound down, the group found themselves sprawled out on the floor, laughing and reminiscing. The tension from earlier in the evening had dissipated, replaced by the warmth of friendship and the camaraderie of shared memories.

Daehyun continued to flirt with Jimin, but Yoongi, now thoroughly drunk. He leaned over to Jennie, slurring slightly. "The bitch is making me m-maddd."

"Shh, your ass is bigger."

Noticing Yoongi’s increasingly drunken state, Jimin sighed and decided it was time to get him home. "Come on, Yoongi. Let's get you home," Jimin said, pulling Yoongi up from the floor.

Yoongi groaned but let himself be guided out of the house. "I don’t need to go home. I’m fine, Jimin."

"Yeah, sure you are," Jimin replied, helping him into the passenger seat of his car.

The drive to Yoongi's apartment was quiet, except for Yoongi’s occasional muttering. When they arrived, Jimin helped Yoongi inside, guiding him carefully up to his apartment. Once they were inside, Yoongi stumbled to the couch and collapsed.

"Why are you even friends with her?" Yoongi slurred, his voice thick with drunken anger. "She's not good for youuu."

Jimin shot him a confused look. "Yoongi, what are you talking about?"

"She’s... flirty and annoying. You shouldn’t be friends with her," Yoongi insisted, his words tumbling over each other.

Jimin crossed his arms, frustration building. "I can't have friends but you can? And with someone flirty like Heeseung? And besides, we're done for four years already, Yoongi."

Yoongi sat up, his eyes blazing with anger and something deeper. "You don’t get it, Jimin. It was because of T-Taemin."

Jimin froze, his anger momentarily giving way to shock. "What?"

Before Yoongi could even respond, he fell asleep on the couch not able to continue his words.

How the hell did he know Taemin?

Jimin felt a buzz on his cellphone.

"Jimin-ah, where are you? Jin and Namjoon are arguing right here and I can't stop them aish." Taehyung said on the phone as he could hear Namjoon and Jin bickering.

"I'm coming, I just drove Yoongi to his apartment."

"You sure you didn't fuck him?"

"Shut up, Tae." He said as the younger could only laugh.