Ch.35
Yesterday ruined the safety streak, but you wouldn't have it any other way. The gang meeting up with Yoongi again after a week let you know their actual feelings. Namjoon seemed to be the only one who wasn't ready to forgive and that was completely understandable. Jungkook got all his anger out by fighting Yoongi and calmed down. He realized he doesn't want Yoongi dead. After all, Yoongi did help make the group wean him off steroids for his safety instead of taking it all away like Namjoon had planned. Jimin was willing to put it all past him since his relationship with dance has changed. Then the rest of the members wanted it to be over already. Taehyung had a close connection with his hyungs. Hoseok wanted everyone to be happy and together again. Finally, Seokjin has known Yoongi the longest and they've been through a lot together. He's also fully recovered from the bullet wound thanks to the medical advice from Yoongi without issues.
All of that meant that Yoongi probably had a good chance of being forgiven. You weren't aware of the flower plan, but it was a good step. The two of you have gotten closer and it's super exciting. He doesn't like it when you consider him your friend though. He refuses to call you the same thing. Hopefully when the gang returns together, he won't hate having you around. That won't stop him from getting annoyed of you and insulting you though. Some things just haven't changed when it comes to that. During physical education, Jimin told you that Namjoon wanted you go to the warehouse with them after school. You said okay before having to run a lap. Ms. Lee didn't like the tone you gave her at the beginning of class when you said 'here'. Now she's just always annoyed of you. Dandy.
This time she actually watched to see if you would do it. What a pain. When you finished, she let you change and go to lunch. Since you were tired, you took a while to change into your uniform. It just felt like a bunch of unnecessary layers. Yoongi would be waiting for you in the bathroom anyway so you didn't run over to the third-year building like you usually do. Luckily the physical education field wasn't too far from the building. It didn't take long to get there and enjoy the fixed air conditioning. Walking down the hall, you pried open the bathroom door and opened the giant stall. Yoongi was glaring at you with his cheeks full.
"You're late." He growled.
"I'm sorry!" You laughed, coming in to sit down. He rolled his eyes and tossed a tiny bag of gummies at you. "Oh thank you."
"Shut up and eat it." Yoongi sighed.
"You're always so rude." You whined as you put one gummy in your mouth.
"And?" Yoongi raised a brow. He didn't care how big your pout was. He was just naturally a grumpy guy. To you at least. You've seen him show a different side to the other members on occasion.
Shaking your head at him, you finished the bag of gummies quickly. The bathroom light flickered above the two of you. For a boy's bathroom, this place was actually pretty clean. There was a lot of graffiti on the stalls but other than that there wasn't much puddles on the ground. Mainly for the single stalls. The walls were a creamy tan while the ground were tiny white tiles. No one could use the big stall because it was broken, and you think it must have been Yoongi's doing. He didn't want anyone stinking up his lunch spot. No one entered this bathroom anymore for that reason. It's become known that you'll get things thrown at you.
"What took you so long?" Yoongi asked.
"I walked." You shrugged.
"How short are your legs?" He scoffed. Despite you treating him so kindly, he treated you like dirt. It was better than when he used to treat you like scum.
"Well then!" You huffed. "Look, you have to walk home alone today."
"Home?" Yoongi questioned as if you made an offensive joke.
"My apartment," You clarified. "Or unnie's. Doesn't matter! I'm going to the warehouse today with the gang so don't wait up for me."
"Don't take too long," He said to get a laugh from you.
"You're always so rude but you show your caring side in a strange way." You poke him to get a glare.
"What does that mean?" Yoongi removed the cap of his drink.
"You don't want to be alone and you'll actually miss my company. That's why you're telling me to hurry with the gang." You clapped your hands. "That's why we're friends now."
"No, you just help make time pass." Yoongi cringed, taking a long sip. He made hanging out with you sound like spending time with a disgusting creature. In your opinion, you felt like a saint for putting up with him most of the times. One day he'll appreciate you more!
"Fine, I'll take what I can get." You smiled.
"Desperate," He mumbled. He didn't hesitate to make those type of comments.
Whatever. At this point you actually took his insults better since you liked to believe they were his way of being caring. Only sometimes were they ever hurtful, but he was starting to mean well. Lunch with Yoongi was fun and you hurried off to your next class when the bell rang. When it came to your last class of the day, you wondered what Namjoon wanted to talk about. He made Jimin tell you despite having classes with Jungkook and Taehyung. He probably wanted someone you trusted a lot to make the order seem less scary. It sort of worked. You couldn't stop wondering what would happen. Either way, you were already planning in trying to see how much Namjoon hated Yoongi at the moment.
Trying to persuade him to forgive Min Yoongi would take more than a few hours. You were certain about that. Soon class came to an end and you were picking up all your things to go. Yoongi should be heading back to the apartment already. You made sure to give him your house key and instructed him to just stay in your room in case your sister makes a surprise visit. If she's there when he shows up, then he's going to have to call you. Unnie would probably think he's some kind of robber and then get upset to find out you've been secretly letting an older boy sleep in your room. That's why she can't know. Exiting the classroom, you spotted Jungkook waiting for you outside the door.
"Follow me." He smiled.
"Making sure I don't runaway or what?" You laughed.
"I just don't get to see you that often anymore. Or spend time alone with you." Jungkoook rubbed the back of his neck. "Jimin tells us that Ms. Lee keeps making you run laps after class."
"Yeah...it sucks." You sighed. "One day she won't make me run though."
"I'll make Seokjin talk to her. Maybe then she'll cheer up and let you eat lunch with us." Jungkook grinned evilly.
"I think he's done talking to female teachers." You giggled loudly, playfully smacking his shoulder.
"But they're not done with him!" Jungkook wrapped his arm around your shoulders.
"Poor Seokjin." You shook your head. "I guess that's just the life of Kim Seokjin."
"Cursed with mediocre looks." Jungkook smirked to get a gasp from you. He's lucky the eldest member wasn't here to hear that. He'd get quite the lesson about respect.
The both of you got close to the gates, cheeks hurting from all the laughter. Near the gates were Taehyung and Jimin who were also waiting. Seokjin was getting the car with Hoseok and Namjoon. Taehyung waved at you excitedly as if it's been years meanwhile Jimin gave you a small smile. His eyes quickly saw the arm around your shoulders and who it was attached to. He bit his lip and looked away as you came over with your arms wide open. Jungkook then shoved his hands into his pockets as Taehyung hugged you tightly. The two of you were jumping up and down, screaming about missing each other despite talking in Mr. Pyo's class.
Taehyung slowly pulled away with that boxy smile of his face. Jimin glanced at you and you quickly went to give him a hug. He probably wasn't going to do it himself. He could be very affectionate with the other members, but things between the two of you still haven't stopped being awkward. A large part of you wanted to mention dance to him again, but you didn't want to anger him. That was a big fear of yours. Seokjin's truck then came around to pick all the first year's up. Taehyung and Jimin entered the back seats while Jungkook told you to sit with him in the bed of the truck. Why not? It's been a while since you've let yourself have some fun with the members. Might as well enjoy some of your time with them before Namjoon and you have a serious talk. You were not looking forward to that.
Jungkook and you messed around during the whole ride to the warehouse. He decided to imitate all his hyungs for the fun of it. They were really funny and incredibly accurate. The window was open so Taehyung and Jimin were watching. Most of the members laughed at their imitations, but sometimes Jungkook was just poking fun. Then Jungkook mimicked Yoongi to get a little laughter from the first years. He looked proud of his imitation before making a slightly uncomfortable expression. Namjoon was stiff in the passenger's seat. You figured that Jungkook did an impression of Yoongi by accident because it was a habit to think of Yoongi being a part of the gang.
Seokjin drove around the warehouse and parked in the back. Every member got out, making their way to the table instead of the couch. Taehyung sat down and told you to join them. Jimin patted the seat next to him, but Jungkook insisted that you sit with him. It was hard to pick so you went next to Taehyung since he was closer. Jungkook frowned and Jimin was trying to hide his disappointment by looking away. Namjoon came walking in with the older members behind him. They sat down next to him, directly across from you and the rest of the first years. Luckily, Hoseok and Seokjin weren't intimidating. The pink hair in between them was definitely trying to be though.
"So can you tell us the full story on what happened yesterday?" Namjoon asked.
"With Yoongi?" You tilted your head to get a nod from him. "I came out of class and he was out in the hall waiting for me. He wanted to talk."
"About what?" Namjoon quizzed.
"The same thing he talked to you guys about. Forgiveness." You shrugged. In your opinion, your acting skills have gotten quite good recently. Besides, you were telling the truth for the most part. They don't need to know where Yoongi is staying. That information is off limits. You'll house Yoongi until it's safe for him to stay in the warehouse again and be with the gang.
"Right." He scoffed. "And what did you say?"
"Well, I didn't get to say a thing. He was barely telling me when Jungkook came over." You crossed your arms. Namjoon sighed as his eyes narrowed down on you. "Let me ask you a question. Do you forgive Yoongi?"
"Me? Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to even look at him with fake joy." Namjoon tapped his fingers on the table. "I know you want everything to be back like how it used to be, but life doesn't always work out that way."
"But what if the other members are willing to give him a second chance?" You questioned to see all the other members become tense. They all avoided connecting eyes with their leader. Namjoon saw that and clicked his tongue in frustration. It immediately struck a chord with him.
"...you got to be kidding me. It's only been a week and you guys are ready to let him back in?" Namjoon furrowed his brows, sounding almost hurt. "That guy made you guys lose trust in me as a leader. I don't get it..."
"Namjoon, we're sorry about that." Seokjin frowned. "But to be fair, it's hard to cut ties with someone we've been through so many things with." Namjoon combed his hair with his fingers, sighing heavily at the news. He was too stuck on his own feelings that he didn't see his own members having opposing opinions. Once again, Yoongi made him feel inferior as a leader.
"Well, you've been through a lot with your parents too." Namjoon growled to receive a dark expression from the eldest.
"I get you're angry, but don't f*cking go there," Seokjin remarked. "Yoongi has the similar sh*t going on and you did too! Don't be such an @ss!"
"Don't push it," Hoseok worriedly told Namjoon. No one wanted another fight to occur.
"Sorry...I'm just frustrated," Namjoon admitted, leaning back in his chair.
"Hyung, we get why you're mad. We were all mad the night we found out too," Jimin stated.
"Yeah, but we've just had time to really sort out our feelings about the situation," Taehyung mumbled.
"When did you guys become so mature?" Hoseok chuckled.
"I feel like I was mad until after the fight with Yoongi. I was so pissed, but then...I remembered he was a person too if that makes sense. It suddenly stopped me," Jungkook admitted. He hoped Namjoon would really listen to his words. The maknae was the last to be upset with Yoongi so he wished Namjoon would take the things he said to heart.
"...has Yoongi ever said that he wanted to be dead?" You frowned.
"We've all said it at least once." Seokjin shrugged. "But only a few of us have ever really meant it at certain points in our lives..."
"The way he said it bothered me. I can't get it out of my head," Jungkook whispered.
Everyone at the table grew silent. Namjoon shifted uncomfortably in his seat. They all had things from their past that they could relate to Yoongi about. It made your heart ache for all of them. Hopefully Namjoon could find it in himself to eventually forgive the blue hair. It doesn't have to be now, but when he's ready. You don't want Namjoon hating Yoongi for forever. Hoseok patted Namjoon's shoulder as he thought deeply on what to do. He wasn't going to have Yoongi roaming around here just yet. You really did want things to be just like they used to be. Why couldn't the gang be all together and happy again? Why couldn't these guys get a break? It was always something else. You weren't even mad at Yoongi for his mistake anymore.
"Namjoon, you told me yourself that Yoongi is someone really important to you," Taehyung spoke up. Catching the attention of the rest of the first years.
"Not now, Taehyung." Hoseok gave the silver hair a look to not talk while Namjoon was thinking, but it was too late. The leader was staring straight at the young boy.
"Did you ever think that was why I felt so betrayed? He helped me in ways I can't repay him, and I trusted him. I felt like he gave me what felt like stars after only seeing nothing but darkness." Namjoon gritted his teeth. "That's why I can't forgive Min Yoongi so easily after what he did. I had something great because of him and then he tried to steal it all from under me when I wasn't at my best. How do you think I feel?"
"Could you ever forgive him?" Jimin interrupted.
"Not now. I don't know. I'm not big on second chances." He sighed.
"You gave me a second chance after catching me with steroids," Jungkook reminded, but Namjoon shook his head right away.
"That's different." Namjoon stood up from the table. "Anyway, I won't tell you what to do anymore, (F/n). I just think all of you should be more careful before letting Yoongi back in your lives if you choose to do so. Personally, I don't want him anywhere near me and so it's gonna be like that here in the warehouse. Okay?"
"Okay..." Everyone agreed unenthusiastically.
You exchanged glances with the other boys at the table. They all wanted this behind them already. It's just going to take Namjoon some more time. He nodded to hear everyone accept. That's when he told Seokjin to take you home now. You got up to follow the black hair to hear Jungkook saying he was coming along. That's when Jimin quickly made the decision to come with too. Taehyung decided to stay with Hoseok since Namjoon wasn't in a playful mood. That was kind of him. Jungkook wrapped his arm around your waist this time, bring you close to his body. It was a little embarrassing but not bothersome. The only thing you didn't like was Jimin glaring at Jungkook for his actions. You wanted them to get along which they were completely capable of.
The third year frowned to see that you didn't sit in the passenger's seat. Not even Jimin sat next to him. The three of you took the back seats. Jimin sat near the window on the left with Jungkook in the middle and you to the right. Seokjin made a lot of Dad jokes to help lift the mood from the serious conversation. Still, you remembered how bitter he had turned once Namjoon mentioned his parents. Then Taehyung knew Namjoon the longest compared to the other first years. He revealed some information that made you curious. There were still so many secrets in the gang and you had a strong feeling that you wouldn't learn all of them. Despite being close friends with them and having gone through some things with them, you still weren't a member that could relate to them the things that Yoongi could. That's why you felt it was important for them to have Yoongi back.
"We're here!" Seokjin chirped.
"Thanks for driving me back home." You exited out of the car as he told you it was nothing.
"Let me walk you upstairs." Jungkook followed you out the car. Good thing Yoongi knows better. He'll be hiding in your room, but you still felt nervous about bringing Jungkook up.
"Me too." Jimin opened his car door.
"That's not necessary." Jungkook took you to the bottom of the staircase. Jimin froze in shock at the maknae's words. You were stunned and looked at Seokjin, but he didn't know what to say. He cocked up a brow as Jungkook held both of your hands.
"Everything okay, Jungkook?" You asked.
"Of course! I just want to know that I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I've been violent and have been acting like a d*ck, huh?" He nervously smiled. "I'm going to try to control my temper to make everyone happier."
"Aw, that's good. I don't like seeing you in a scary light, Kookie." You patted the back of his hands.
"I want you to see me as someone you can love." Jungkook smirked as you tilted your head in confusion. Could he repeat those words for you?
Before you could ask him if he meant platonically, Jungkook had already leaned in to press his lips against yours. You stood without moving a muscle as he closed his eyes. What was going on? Next thing you know, you heard a door slam and Jungkook didn't pull away by choice. He was groaning on the floor with one guy standing over him. Touching your lips in shock, you looked at the car to see Seokjin gripping the wheel tightly. Jimin was no longer in the car but instead yelling at Jungkook to not touch you like that. The maknae was pulled up by Jimin who threw him into the wall. Gasping, you felt yourself shaking already. Jungkook was trying hard not to fight back, but he was clearly getting angry.
"Who do you think you are?" Jimin scoffed.
"You lost your chance!" Jungkook huffed.
"Even if I still had a chance, I wouldn't randomly kiss her!" Jimin scowled. "She didn't even kiss you back and you can't take the hint?"
"Back off!" Jungkook shoved Jimin away from him.
"Can you not fight for once!?" You screamed as Seokjin began getting out of the car.
"He started it!" Jungkook pointed at the blonde, only to get kicked in his stomach.
He stumbled backwards and then gave in to the temptation to fight. Jungkook punched Jimin's jaw without hesitation making Jimin accidentally bite his tongue. The fight was becoming more physical. Seokjin yelled at the boys to separate or he was calling Namjoon to deal with them. They didn't stop at his threats. Jimin continued to kick any part of Jungkook's body. He brought his leg up to hit Jungkook's shoulder, but the brunette grabbed his ankle and twisted it. The blonde fell to the floor with a loud thud. Jungkook made sure to place his foot on Jimin's chest so he couldn't get up. They were both panting while some blood left Jimin's mouth. He tasted it and his expression grew dark. That's when Jimin quickly hit the young member where the sun didn't shine.
"Park Jimin! Why are you doing this!?" You shrieked, taking a step forward.
"Don't get closer!" Both boys barked. How could they make this fight between them went it started because of you? Seokjin finally had enough and came to separate them. As soon as he put his hand on Jimin's shoulder, he got slapped. The eldest was shocked before furiously threatening them.
"Do you both want to die!?" Seokjin huffed as Jungkook repeatedly shoved his knee into Jimin's ribs.
The black hair appeared helpless and you didn't know what to do. Both first years refused to stop fighting for whatever reason. It's not like the winner would get a smile from you. That's when the front door to your apartment opened to reveal Yoongi hurrying out. Your eyes widened to see him coming out. What was he doing!? Seokjin blinked multiple times to make sure he was seeing this right. Min Yoongi came out of your apartment. The blue hair squeezed past you on the stairs by the time Jimin had Jungkook's face forcefully pressed against the wall. Yoongi ripped Jimin off Jungkook and slapped the blonde hard enough to leave a mark. Jungkook's eyes grew to see Yoongi here. Before he could finish saying the third year's name in confusion, he was smacked across the face as well.
"You f*cking idiots!" Yoongi snarled, grabbing the collars of Jungkook and Jimin. He forced them to look each other in the eyes. The brunette let the blood from his nose continue to trickle down while Jimin wiped his chin, smudging the blood on his pale skin. "What do you think you're doing!?"
"Yoongi?" Seokjin stared at the male and then to you.
"Answer me!" Yoongi ignored the other third year.
"I didn't want to fight." Jungkook frowned, trying to escape Yoongi. They were both terrified of the male holding them accountable for their behavior.
"But you did," Yoongi retorted. "And Jimin-a, what the hell?"
"Hyung...I don't know why I did that..." Jimin shifted his gaze away.
"Is this all because Jungkook f*cking kissed (F/n)?" Yoongi questioned in disbelief. Jungkook and Jimin looked down in shame.
"Yoongi...what are you doing here?" Seokjin stepped closer, finally catching the attention of the fading blue hair. Jungkook and Jimin timidly raised their heads towards Yoongi who sucked in his breath. You slowly sat down on a step, burying your face into your hands. This wasn't the plan whatsoever. To think Yoongi would have been smarter than run in the line of fire. Things just keep getting better and better, don't they?