A/N: Ok, first of all, can I tell all y'alls how ing proud I am of my boys!?!!! They honestly deserve the world and I'd give it all to them if I could. They make me so damn happy I think I'll burst. 

Secondly, I'm sorry this update took so long. I've had some rather unexpected yet good things going on in my life that got me a little distracted but I'll do my best not getting too distracted XD  

Honestly, I got kinda emotional writing this chapter, to the point that I really needed to finish and post it before I got as far as I had intended but it'll tie in more easily with the next chapter this way so it all works out in the end. I really hope you enjoy this one. Thank you all so much for reading!!!  <3

“Wow, hyung.” Taehyung panted, as he tried to catch his breath in the stall of the men’s room. The self-inflicted teeth marks on his left bicep a testament to how hard it had been to keep his voice down while Hoseok had ploughed into him as they went about joining the infamous ‘Mile High Club’ without an actual airplane in sight. Hoseok was leaned back against the stall door, hands shaking as he attempted to put his clothing back to rights.

“That… that was… amazing.” Hoseok agreed as a wide devilish grin stretched his bow shaped lips. He already had Taehyung cleaned and straightened up and, with a deep, calming breath he finally took the younger by the hand, unlocking the stall door and pulling him out into the open of the bathroom. A businessman was just finishing drying his hands at the row of sinks. He gave the two boys a judging glance before tossing the paper towel in the trash and exiting the room. His response to the two just made the boys laugh.

“Maybe we should get out of here in case anyone alerts security.” Taehyung purposed lightheartedly.

“Good idea.” Hoseok agreed again, the smile never leaving his lips.

The two boys left the bathroom hand in hand, headed towards where they had left the others quite a while ago. Taehyung saw an Arrival/Departure display as they walked announcing that their flight had been delayed yet another hour and this made him smile to himself. This waiting game they’ve been playing had turned out rather wonderful if he’s being honest with himself. As they approached the others, he could see Jimin and Yoongi still sitting at the table in Starbucks, hands laced together across the tabletop as they speak animatedly to one another. ‘It’s funny where you’ll find love.’ he thought to himself. ‘It’s always in the most unexpected of places.’ He was so happy for his best friend that he was sure his heart would burst.

Just beyond this newly found couple in the rows upon rows of seating were the other three young men. Namjoon appeared to either be sleeping or at least sulking in his seat, it was hard to tell with his head bent forward, chin resting on his chest. It had been obvious that the moment the older boy had laid eyes upon Jimin, he had been entranced. Jimin had felt likewise and he and his friend had been whispering on the train about the chances of the elder friend getting to know the bedimpled taller man. ‘Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.’ Taehyung thought. He felt a little bad for the platinum blonde but at least they had just met so there should be no hurt feelings, right?

To Namjoon’s left were Jin and Jungkook. They were both twisted in their seats, one knee bent across the chairs so they could look at one another more comfortably. ‘Now this is an interesting development.’ Taehyung thought as he observed the two from a distance, slowing his and Hoseok’s steps so he could get a better look before they made their way to them and interrupted.

“What?” Hoseok asked as he noted the slowed pace.

“Do you see Kookie and JIn?” Taehyung asked with a playful smile. “Let’s just give them another moment.”

“Oh.” Is all the elder replied as they slowly continued forward.

Jin and Jungkook seemed to be deep in discussion, Jungkook talking animatedly about something. As Taehyung observed he grows more and more sure it’s the most he’s ever seen the boy talk in one sitting. He was honestly a little baffled. Sure, his cousin was a great guy; he’s a great listener with a naturally calming and caring personality. Even so, it’s amazing to see Jungkook open up like he seemed to be doing.

“...the drop was over 4,000 feet! But it was so beautiful out there. It was almost like flying, being suspended over the chasm like that, with the wind blowing through your hair. It was absolutely amazing.” Jungkook exclaimed. It was apparent he’d been talking about their trip to the Grand Canyon and Taehyung felt proud to have given the younger such an experience.

“I’m so glad I didn’t go out there with you guys.” Hoseok mumbled under his breath. He wasn’t loud but it was enough to catch the three men’s attention. Jungkook’s head snapped towards them in surprise and he looked a little like a deer caught in the headlights for a moment before he relaxed upon recognising his two friends. Namjoon just lolled his head upwards, frowning slightly at their imperceptibly sweat dampened fringe and glowing faces.

“I wondered what was taking you so long.” Jin stated, giving his cousin a knowing smirk that Hoseok feared may be a bit judgemental as well.

“The stores here are really amazing, hyung.” Taehyung replied, seemingly unfazed and most likely pretending not to have noticed his cousin’s look.

“I bet.” is Jins dry reply. Suddenly, a ringtone sounded out, interrupting any possible replies. Jin pulled his phone from his back pocket, not needing to check who the caller was because he knew this ringtone all too well. A smile stretched his features as he answered, “Mom. You’re up early.”

“Oh, Seokjin-ah. My sweet, sweet baby boy.” the voice cried into the phone and Jin’s smile sours on his face. Something’s wrong and he doesn’t like it at all.

“What’s wrong, mom? What’s going on?” He could hear the concern in his own voice and it scared him a bit.

“Where are you, baby? Please tell me you’re safe.” his mother crooned and he could hear the plea hidden within the syllables.

“I’m at the airport in Denver with Tae and the others.” he confided. “Everything’s okay, mom. But, please, tell me what’s wrong.” The four nearby boys were all staring at Jin, listening to his half of the conversation raptly.    

“It’s… it’s your father, Jinnie. He’s been bit. I… I don’t know what to do.”

“Bit?” This confused Jin beyond measure. What on earth could his mother possibly be talking about? “What do you mean? What bit him? Is he bleeding? Do you need to take him to the hospital?” Puzzled looks were exchanged around Jin but he didn’t take note, all his attention solely on the conversation.

“Don’t come home, Jin-ah. Korea’s not safe. Something’s happening here and it’s not safe.” Jin could hear the hint of hysteria in his mother’s voice and it was contagious. His own breathing had increased and his heart was beating heavily and uneven in his chest. He vaguely wondered if this is what a heart attack felt like.

“Oh, ! Oh , oh , oh .” was suddenly hissed down the phone line and Jin could almost hear his heart breaking for his mother, despair blatantly lacing her words. He didn’t get a chance to reply or ask questions however, his tongue too heavy in his mouth, breaths now rasping through a windpipe that was quickly narrowing. This was the first time he’d ever heard his mother swear and it kinda made it feel like this was the end of the world for him, knowing that she would resort to such drastic measures.

“He’s… he’s waking up! I… I can’t fight him, Jin-ah. I can’t hurt him.” A sob escaped his mother’s lips and now Jin could feel a tear sliding down his own cheek as well. “I-I just needed to know you are safe, my son. I needed you to know how much I love you; how much we both love you. Stay in the US, baby. Stay safe. Do whatever you have to do to keep you and Taehyung-ah and the others safe. I believe in you baby. I love you so, so much.”

“I… I love you too, mom.” Jin managed to force through his stone throat, his face crumpled in pain and scalding hot tears streaming down his face unchecked. His mom gave out a startled gasp and a low moan could be heard from somewhere near her before the line went dead. “Mom? Mom!” Jin called brokenly into the phone but it was no use.

“Jin, hyung?” Taehyung asked his cousin tentatively as he placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He didn’t know what to think, what to say. Jin had always been a pillar of strength, a beacon in the darkness. This broken man before him looses Taehyung into the cosmos. He suddenly felt so lost and alone, uncertain and afraid.  

“Hyung.” Jungkook called to the oldest, taking his face in his hands, thumbs dimpling the flesh of his cheeks slightly as he gently forced the elder to look him in the eye. “Breathe with me, hyung.” he instructed firmly. Jin’s wet eyes appeared lost asea but he managed a sight nod. “In through your nose…” Jungkook instructed and Jin followed his lead. “...and out through your mouth. Again. In… and out… in… and out…”

Hoseok and the others watched silently as the maknae took ahold of the situation, his strength and calm helping them all. He was rather amazed at the youngest and he knew he wasn’t the only one. He and Namjoon shared a brief look of concern for their hyung and gratitude towards the youngest. Taehyung still looked tense however, swaying from foot to foot like he needed to do something but was unsure of what that something was. After several minutes, Jin was finally calm enough to speak, his tears having stopped and only the occasional hiccup jolting his wide frame.  

“Hyung, can you tell me what happened?” Jungkook asked the elder, his hands still connected to his face in a show of physical support. Jin was thankful for the anchor to reality knowing that without it he would once again get lost in his confusion and heartache.

“I-I don’t know.” he whispered out before clearing his throat. “It was my mom.” he said, voice a little stronger now. He waved his phone in his hand weakly to indicate the call he just received. “She said to stay in the US, that it’s not safe in Korea and that my dad got bit. What does that even mean?” The last sentence was a broken keen, tears filling his eyes again but not spilling over.

“I don’t know, hyung, but we’ll find out.” Jungkook stated stoically and Jin was so thankful for the younger man’s strength right now. Jungkook turned his attention to the other three men, giving them each an order. “Namjoon-ssi, Hoseok hyung. I need you both to call your families to see what you can find out, maybe get some peace of mind while you’re at it. Taehyung hyung, you call BigHit and see if there’s any word from them. I’ll call my family too. They may be our best bet if something big is happening back home.”

“What about Yoongi and Jimin-ssi?” Namjoon asked the maknae.

The younger looked towards the couple who were still talking, oblivious to what was going on around them. “Leave them for now, hyung.” Jungkook decided aloud. “We’ll tell them what’s going on once we have a little more information.”

Everyone nodded at this before each stepping a couple paces from one another so their conversations wouldn’t overlap. Jungkook stayed where he was however, not willing to leave Jin alone while he was having such a hard time keeping himself together. Instead, he pulled his phone from his back pocket, unlocking the screen before pulling his dad’s number up and hitting send. The call went straight to voicemail so he tried his hyung instead, garnering the same result. ‘.’ he thought in his head. ‘This might be really bad if it means the military has been called into action.’ Lastly he tried his mom’s phone.

“Jungkook-ah.” his mom’s voice finally called down the line as she answered her phone. “I’m so glad you called. I was sure you’d be in the air by now.”

“Hi, mom. Our flight’s been delayed a couple times. We’re still in Denver.” Jungkook said, getting straight to the point as was custom in his family. “We just got word that maybe Korea isn’t safe? What’s going on, mom?”

“You’re right. It’s not safe here but I’m not so sure it’s safe anywhere right now. There have been several shelters set up across the country for refugees of this infection that’s been spreading. I’m guessing the US has some set up too. Try to get to one, Jungkook. Don’t trust anyone outside your group while you’re on the road. Don’t take anyone with you who has been bitten. That’s how the virus spreads. You’re going to have to fight, son. You’re going to have to kill those who attack you. Aim for the head. It’s the only way to take them down, do you understand?” His mom’s voice sounded rushed and slightly breathless to his ears.

“What are you talking about, mom? Infection? Virus? I don’t understand.”

“Listen, son. What I’m about to tell you is Top Secret, okay? I’m only telling you so you can understand how much danger the world is in.” His mom continued, lowering her voice to a near whisper. “If we can’t find a way to fix this, there may be no world at all. About ten days ago as far as we can figure, North Korea began sending people out to the major cities across the globe. Each of them was able to either infect themselves or someone else, we’re not sure, but they basically used this biological warfare across the world and there’s not much hope of containment at the present. The best we can do is contain those that are well and try to eradicate those who have been infected. Their bodies are already dead it seems. The virus is all that’s left, moving the bodies and spreading the virus to more hosts. We haven’t been able to determine much else yet but our scientists are working on it. In the meantime, find somewhere safe, preferably somewhere with weapons. If there’s a shelter there, it’ll be your safest bet. Now go. Fight. Survive. I love you, son.”

“Mom?” Jungkook called into the phone, his head buzzing with all the information, but the line had already gone dead. He looked at JIn who was staring at him wide-eyed. The others had returned as well, looking at him for answers. “Well, .” he mumbled under his breath before turning towards the others. “Okay, did you guys get through?” he asked them.

“My parents’ phones went straight to voicemail.” Namjoon reported. The other two boys reported the same as well.

Jungkook sighed. How did he tell the others all that his mom had said? “I think it’s time to get Jimin hyung and Yoongi-ssi.” he stated, only wanting to tell his story once if possible. Taehyung nodded, walking off to get the others without a word.

*******

“Wow, hyung.” Jimin stated, amazed by Yoongi’s story. “It’s like a part of you has been searching for me forever. I kinda feel bad that I can’t say the same.”

“Nah, it’s okay, Jiminie. I think it’s just because I’ve always been kinda introspective, you know? I told you my family never really liked me, yeah? So I’ve always been kinda on my own. Until… until I moved here.”

Jimin could see a guilty weight fall upon Yoongi’s shoulders and he rushed to reassure the older man. “It’s okay, hyung, whatever it is. You can tell me anything but you also don’t have to say a single word until you’re ready.”

“I just don’t want to start anything with you if there are secrets in my heart but I’m afraid you’ll be upset with me.” the blond confided. The look of understanding, acceptance, unconditional love in the other’s eyes was scary and unnerving to Yoongi because he had never seen anything like it directed towards himself before.

Jimin just waited patiently, letting Yoongi decide if he wanted to speak and how much he wanted to say. He let his thumb brush along the back of the elder’s hand in slow, comforting circles, his fingers twitching slightly as he firmed his grip.

“I’m not good with words so… I’ll just try my best.” Yoongi finally said with a sigh. “You know about my parents and that I never really had friends because of my soulmate status… I don’t know why, but it was just really hard for me to believe that I’d ever find you, you know? Maybe because I was always alone? Always looked down on? It was just so hard to believe that I could be loved. I don’t have anything inside of me worthy, right? Then, when I moved here I met another soulmate. He was different though. His soulmate died before they ever met. When we first met he was kinda broken like me but he was healing. We… we kinda hit it off, being so similar and stuff. I was drawn to him too but I couldn’t reason it out. My instincts have never led me astray though so when things started to get physical I just let them, I didn’t fight it, you know. I didn’t want to hurt you, I didn’t even know you. I just… I just did what felt right at the time.” Yoongi’s voice finally peters out, his eyes on their intertwined hands. Not once had Jimin’s thumb falter though and finally, reluctantly, he lifted his eyes to gauge what the other man was thinking.

Only when their eyes meet does Jimin open his mouth to speak. “Thank you, Yoongi, for telling me. And, don’t worry. I’m not mad, I’m not hurt. It was before me and I understand. I understand feeling lonely, everyone overlooking you because you were meant for someone else. I didn’t have a single friend until I met TaeTae. All my time and effort went into dancing and singing and hoping for the future. Sometimes our only hope is to strive for a better future, sometimes it’s in living in the moment.” Jimin shrugs off his last comment. “But, out of curiosity… is it anyone here?” He can’t help but ask. The draw he felt towards Yoongi had been cataclysmic but he still couldn’t quiet shake the draw of Namjoon either. It made no sense to him but he felt, in this moment, that nothing in life truly made sense.

“Uh, you sure you really want to know?” Yoongi asked and it was all the answer Jimin really needed.

“It’s Namjoon-ssi, huh? I can feel it. My desire to be with you is like nothing I’ve ever imagined. I feel complete when I didn’t even know anything was missing before. Even so, there’s just something about Namjoon-ssi that calls out, right?” Jimin looked Yoongi in the eye at his bold declaration but his cheeks dusted a pale pink nevertheless.

“It is.” Yoongi agreed, smiling softly. He felt like a million ton boulder had been removed from his chest. “What do you think it means?” he asked the younger. “Why do you think he draws us like that?”

“I have no ing clue, hyung.” Jimin chuckles. “Maybe we’ll figure it out with time.” Yoongi just nods at this. They once again get lost in one another’s eyes as they each try to sort out their thoughts.

“Hey.” Taehyung exclaimed seemingly out of nowhere. “Something’s up and we need to talk to you.” Worry creased his brow and Jimin went instantly on alert.

“Why? What’s wrong, Tae?” Jimin asked right away.

“My… my aunt and uncle. Something happened to them and then Jungkookie called his parents and whatever they told him isn’t good. He wants to tell us all together. And Namjoon and Hoseok can’t get ahold of their parents and no one is answering at BigHit either.” Taehyung rushed out in one giant breath.

Jimin and Yoongi exchanged a look that Taehyung couldn’t decipher before the former stood to his feet, pulling the latter along with him. He took Taehyung’s hand as well and let him guide them towards the others who all have their backs turned to look out the large wall of windows. Outside they could see a plane flying low towards the landing tarmac, the sky blue top and white belly making it obvious to the boys that it’s their Korean Air flight finally landing.

Jimin expected exclamations from his companions and whoops of joy but the others were all just silently watching. The plane seemed to wobble slightly; the first indication that something wasn’t quite right. Then it banked to the left suddenly, the wing scraping along the tarmac and debris flying off.

“Oh, .” Yoongi muttered under his breath and he could hear similar sentiments among his group as well as other awaiting passengers to be. Meanwhile, the plane had managed to right itself but it was still attempting to land, the little wheels stretched out under it about three feet off the ground and it seemed to be moving way too fast. It only took a moment before the plane was out of their sight, having sped by the windows, heading closer to the middle of the concourse. Within a minute or so fire trucks and other emergency vehicles were speeding past the windows, seemingly chasing the plane down.

The group looked at one another in stunned silence. “What the was that?” Yoongi asked no one in particular. He sounded annoyed and he felt it too. He didn’t like being out of the loop of knowledge and now he was sure he wouldn’t be getting his plane ride home either. Other than meeting Jimin at long last, his day had been one big waste of time. After all, he could have been home napping.

A/N: So, at the top where I said I got kinda emotional??? More like sobbing for poor Jin and his parents!!! Nothing like getting a call from mom planning to die by dad's side, right? I love Jin's parents so much and I know he did to and it seriously broke my heart!!!

I'm curious to see what you guys think about Yoonmin's discussion about Namjoon. What do you guys think??? There's a lot of question marks for Yoonmin when Namjoon is factored in, that's for sure.

Thank you so much for reading <3 I really do hope you continue to enjoy this as much as I'm loving writing it. Until next time... don't forget to leave comments, upvotes, and please subscribe! YAY!!!

BTW... If you don't know, there is a prequel to this fic that tells about the individual's life journey up to the point of this fic excluding Yoonmin because I didn't have the time before November started to get to them. Here's the link in case you're interested... At Soul's End Prequel