Snuggling further into his thick scarf, he walked out of the hospital. It was so cold, he was slowly beginning to lose feeling in his fingers again. It had stopped snowing, at least – thank god for that, he thought with relief.

He wasn't the biggest fan of snow, always opting to stay locked up in his apartment instead of facing the biting cold.

Releasing a deep breath, he thought back to his mother, a frown making its way to his face. Her condition was getting worse, he could tell. Unlike the time when he last visited, she didn't try to sit up. She stayed lying on the white bed, watching him as he entered the room. 

He tried not to let his concern show, but it was difficult. She knew him better than anyone, after all.

But no matter how much his mother tried to assure him, it was hard to believe her. Because he could visibly see her condition changing, getting weaker. 

He hated seeing her like this. Wished he could do something, but. But there was nothing. The doctor had told him that she was incurable, and all they could do was wait for her to...He didn't even want to think about it. 

Sniffing, he angrily rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. He couldn't cry right now. He won't. Not in public.

So deep in his thoughts, he failed to see the duo in front of him, causing him to collide with their bodies. He found himself stumbling back, and he would've fallen too, if it hadn't been for the warm hand keeping him up.

"Yoongi hyung?" He knew that voice. Looking up at the owner of the hand, he found a red-cheeked Jimin, with an amused Taehyung beside him. He looked down at his wrist, Jimin's hand wrapped around it. It caused the younger to release his grip, stepping back as if to give him space.

Placing his arm down, he slid them into his coat pockets. He smiled at the younger faintly, "Hi, Jimin." God, he hoped the younger hadn't noticed the crack in his voice. 

"Hyung...are youㅡare you crying?" The silver haired male asked, concern hinted in his tone. . 

"What? Noㅡno, I'm not." He argued, his fingers curling into a fist inside his pockets. When he noticed the unconvinced look on the younger's face, he reassured him, "Really, I'm fine, Jimin. It's just really cold." Looking away, he released a short breath, creating a small puff of air. 

He hoped Jimin wouldn't question him any further. So he can just go back home. And sleep his troubles away. If only for a few hours.

"Oh," the younger said, "okay hyung! It is getting cold, isn't it? I think it's colder than last year." Jimin added, giggling softly. Yoongi looked back at Jimin to find him burying his face further into his scarf, but he's still able to see his eyes becoming crescents like he did when he smiled brightly. 

Internally sighing in relief, he nodded, a small smile making its way on his face. "Yeah, I think so too." 

"What are you doing outside the hospital anyway? Were you visiting someone?" Taehyung asked, both brows raised in question. He watched as Jimin elbowed the younger (a little too hardly if you asked him), causing Taehyung to yell out in pain. "Jiminie, what the hell? I was just asking! ㅡgeez, you didn't have to shove me so hard. Do you want me to empty my breakfast all over you?" Taehyung remarked with a pout as he rubbed the side of his stomach. Jimin turned to him then.

"Sorry about that, hyung. You don't have to tell us anything, really," the silver haired male tried to assure, waving his hands in front of him. It was endearing if Yoongi was being honest. 

"It's fine…it was my mother," he answered, causing Jimin to look straight at him, waiting for him to answer, "I was visiting her." He said, smiling faintly. 

For a second, Jimin's eyes widened in shock. Then his face morphed into a frown. 

"Is she...okay?" The silver haired male asked, adjusting his scarf, though it looked like it was only so he'd have something to do. Yoongi frowned, then looked to the side as he smiled. Fake but it's all he could muster then.

"Yeah, she's fine." He lied, his fists tightening in his pockets as he spoke. "She's...fine." He was trying to convince himself than anyone else because he wanted to think that she'd be okay. That this was just a phase and would soon be back to the strong and joyful woman he knew his mother to be. A guy could hope, right?

"Do you want to join us?" Jimin asked, causing him to look directly at the younger. 

"What?" 

"We're shopping for Christmas presents! Join us, hyung!" Taehyung beamed, reaching out to grab his arm with both hands. The weight of the bags resting on Taehyung's arms pulled him forward. What exactly had the younger bought for the bags to be so heavy? He wondered. Then he realised that he was being dragged along and halted, causing Taehyung to stop and pout.

"It's fine. I think I'm just gonna head home." Yoongi said, gently releasing Taehyung's grasp, smiling apologetically. 

"Are you okay, hyung?" Jimin asked, an expression of worry on his face. Yoongi nodded, sending a small smile Jimin's way. He felt touched that the younger was concerned for him.

"I'm okay. Really," he tried to assure when he noticed the younger about to protest. He watched as Jimin's brows knitted in concern as if he still wasn't convinced. Yoongi scratched his nose in nervousness, refusing to make eye contact with the younger's gaze.

"You really sure?" Jimin asked, tilting his head to meet his eyes. He really shouldn't be thinking about how adorable the younger looked. Yet, here he was. He could feel his cheeks burning in embarrassment at the thought and god, he hoped Jimin hadn't taken notice of it.

"Hyung, you've gone all red," Taehyung remarked, a snicker releasing from his lips, hand covering his mouth. He glared at the younger, but it had no effect. Clearing his throat, he spoke again.

"Okay, well, I'm gonna go on ahead then," he announced, his cheeks still painted red, "I'll see you guys later." And he would've been able to walk away, if it hadn't been for the warm hand on his wrist holding him back.

"Join us for coffee, at least," he said, "my treat." And as much as he loved free coffee, he opened his mouth to decline the offer. "Please, hyung. It's been a while since we had coffee together, anyway!" The younger reasoned. Yoongi rolled his eyes.

"It's only been a week, Jimin." He deadpanned.

Jimin had gotten busy with his final exam, leading him to spend most of his time at the dance studio, practicing. Save for when he needed to eat and sleep, obviously. Yoongi had left the younger to focus, going to the cafe on his own, like he'd always done. Though he couldn't lie that it was more enjoyable with Jimin around. 

"Just for half an hour, hm?" The silver haired male asked, signature pout on display. "Please, please, please hyung. Come on." He pleaded, rubbing his palms together. Yoongi sighed in defeat, causing Jimin to look at him with gleaming eyes.

"Okay, but," he added, seeing the grin on the younger's face. Jimin pursed his lips, waiting for him to continue. "Only half an hour." The younger nodded eagerly, and he couldn't help but think he resembled a puppy. An arm swung around his shoulders, causing him to turn to the side and glare at Taehyung. The younger merely grinned, a boxy smile on display. 

And without another word, he was dragged along again.

This was a situation he found himself in often than not recently. He'd started to become used to it now. Ever since he'd met Jimin.

Ever since he'd met Jimin, he felt as if things had changed. Not drastically, but just enough for him to notice. He just didn't know if it was a good or a bad thing yet.

♪ ♪ ♪

"I'll be right back," the silver haired male announced before pushing his seat back and heading in the direction of the toilets. 

Yoongi played with his straw, the cup of Americano half empty now, not knowing what to do to break the silence. He glanced at Taehyung, and noticed the younger biting his straw, his eyes on his own cup. He guessed the younger felt the same too. He looked down at his watch; he was sure half an hour had passed a while ago.

"You're Hoseok hyung's best friend, right?" The sudden question startled him, causing him to look up at the younger. Taehyung was looking directly at him, an unreadable expression on his face. Though he couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the stare. It seemed cold. He nodded in response. "Then you probably know why he's been avoiding Jimin." It was more of a statement than a question. 

"No, I don't," he answered, diverting his eyes elsewhere. Although he had a hunch. He could sense the younger staring at him intensely, as if trying to see if he was telling the truth. 

"If he hurts Jimin, I won't hesitate to hurt him," and the way it was said, his voice low and quiet, it sounded nothing short of a threat. He bit into his straw, the teeth marks now visible. "If he's not serious, then tell him to back off. I've had enough of people playing with his feelings. I'm not letting it happen ever again." 

Ever again. 

So this kind of thing had happened to Jimin before. Unconsciously, the hand on the table curled into a fist. He could understand why Taehyung was behaving in such a way. Granted he didn't know the full story, but the thought of a hurt Jimin made his blood boil. 

He stopped, his fingers loosening. Why was he so angry? He'd only known the dancer for a month. Why was he so concerned about the younger? He was confused to say the least.

He was never one to be concerned about someone who he's only known for a short amount of time. Yetㅡ

"What're you guys talking about?" His thoughts were discarded, looking up at the silver haired male smiling at them, seemingly oblivious to what happened just seconds ago. Jimin simply looked at them with an innocent smile.

"You, my dearest Jiminie," Taehyung replied, flashing a boxy smile at the dancer, scratching under his chin endearingly. Jimin rolled his eyes, pushing the other's hands away. 

He acted like nothing had happened. Unbelievable. 

"No, really, Tae," the silver haired male countered, his tone firm as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

"I'm telling the truth! Geez, ask Yoongi hyung if you don't believe me," the youngest of the three pouted. Jimin turned to look at him, brows raised in question. 

"We were," he confirmed, drinking the last of his Americano before pushing his seat back. Pretending to check his watch, he stood up. "Anyway, I'm gonna get going. Pretty sure half an hour passed a while ago." 

"Gosh hyung, you take this time thing to seriously," Jimin remarked, his lower lip jutting out. Rolling his eyes, he pushed the chair back in, nodding at the duo before grabbing his empty cup, and heading for the exit with a wave. 

As soon as he left the cafe, he released a deep breath. He hadn't known Taehyung could be like that. 

Granted, he didn't know much about the younger as it was. But he hadn't expected that. It was like looking at a whole different person. 

He didn't want to find out what would happen if he was truly angered. He knew that he didn't want to be on the receiving end of the younger's rage, that's for sure.

"...ngi hyung!" Hearing the familiar voice, he turned out to find Jimin walking towards him. Stopping in his tracks, he waited for the younger, baffled. Had he left something at the table? 

"What? Did I leave something behind?" He asked, slipping his hands back into his pockets and his face into his thick scarf. 

"Please forget what Taehyung said." Yoongi's brows raised in surprise. So he'd heard it. "I told him I was fine, butㅡhe's just really protective of me." 

"I can see that," he snorted. But he didn't blame Taehyung for acting the way he did. It was a given if anything. 

"Sorry," the younger said, looking down at the ground, dejected. He noticed him fidgeting with one of the rings on his fingers. A nervous habit, he guessed.

"Why are you apologising?" He asked, in an almost accusatory tone. Noticing the younger about to protest, he added, "I'd probably do the same." He blurted out, surprising Jimin as well as himself. But he wasn't about to take the words back. 

He was stating the truth. If he'd been in Taehyung's place, he probably would've said the same thing. 

That's why he had decided. He was going to talk to Hoseok once he got home. If he wasn't serious about Jimin then, he should just break up with the younger. Instead of avoiding him like a coward.

"Oh." Yoongi noticed the hint of red painting the younger's cheeks, having stopped playing with his ring. "Thanks, hyung, butㅡ"

"Jimin," he said in a firm tone, pulling his scarf down so he could be heard properly. Jimin stopped his words short to look at him in question. He noticed the younger gulp as he waited for him to speak. Yoongi let out an exasperated sigh. "Look, I know you like Hoseok a lot, butㅡif he isn't treating you properly, break up with him. Instead of hoping that things will change soon enough." 

He knew he was being blunt, but it's exactly what the younger was doing – hoping that things with Hoseok were going to change if he waited long enough. 

It was better to sort this out sooner rather than later. 

"What the hell," he heard Jimin say, and noticed the curled-up fists on either side of him. "Why would you even suggest something like that? Hoseok hyung and I like each other a lot, okay? I mean – sure we haven't been able to hang out for a while, but that's just cos we've both been busy! You're both wrong, so just—just stop, the both of you. I get that you're concerned, but there's no need for it. We're just fine." Yoongi blinked in surprise at the younger's outburst. So Jimin could get like this too, he thought. 

Jimin wasn't wrong. It was none of his business.

He wasn't one to interfere, usually. He hardly ever did. 

Yet, here he was, advising Jimin to break up with his boyfriend. It was unlike him.

But he wasn't happy with what his best friend was doing. Jimin clearly liked Hoseok a lot, seeing how much he was defending the blonde. Though, from what he'd heard that night, Hoseok had feelings for someone else. And now he was avoiding Jimin instead of talking with the younger about it. Jimin didn't deserve that.

"If you were fine, then Taehyung wouldn't have tried to threaten me with hurting Hoseok," he remarked, and when he noticed the younger about to protest, he added, "Look, I'm sorry for suggesting that you should break up, it was out of line. But – you both need to talk about whatever the hell is going on, that's all I'm gonna say to you." 

The only response he got from Jimin was silence, his attention elsewhere, causing him to sigh. 

"I'm gonna get going now. Hoseok's probably wondering where the hell I am. Bye." With a wave of his hand, he turned around and headed home. Slipping his hand back into his coat pocket, he released a sigh of relief at the warmth. 

♪ ♪ ♪

"What took you so long? I thought they only allowed an hour," he heard Hoseok's voice as he slipped his shoes off. 

Taking his coat off, he debated whether to tell the younger about meeting Jimin and Taehyung. Seeing how the blonde had reacted to it last time. But then he remembered that Hoseok didn't really like Jimin romantically, and has been playing with his feelings, and he forgot all about being considerate.

"I met Jimin and Taehyung on my way back. Sorta got me to hang out with them for a bit," he stated nonchalantly as he took a seat on their tattered sofa. They've been talking about getting a new one but always seemed to forget about the minute they leave the house. Maybe he should make a reminder or something for it.

A good ten seconds went by without a response from Hoseok, the only sound being the clinking of metal from the kitchen as he noted that the blonde was cooking dinner. Noodles again.

"Oh really," the reply was short and snippy. Yoongi could sense the irritation in the blonde's voice without even having to look at his face. Hoseok was an open book, really. 

"Yeah, they were out shopping for Christmas presents, apparently. A bit last minute, but then again, who am I to talk. I should've tagged along with them, now that I think about it," he groaned, "now, I'll have to go tomorrow and sort it out. Hey, have you already bought everyone's presents? If not then, you wanna come with me tomorrow? Plus, you have a good eye for things like this, so help me out, man." Yoongi stretched his arms and legs as he got more comfortable on the sofa, with still no response from Hoseok. Turning to face the kitchen, he called out to the blonde.

"Oh, uh, yeah sure," Hoseok answered, though his attention was clearly elsewhere. He watched the blonde as he carried a steaming pot of noodles towards the living room.

Deciding to help, he got up from his seat and went to the kitchen for the bowls and chopsticks. 

When he returned, the blonde silently took his bowl and chopsticks, and started to dig into his meal. He sighed in frustration. This was getting ridiculous.

"Have you been avoiding Jimin, Hoseok?" He asked, his bowl and chopsticks left on the table. He noticed the younger had halted in his movements, his shoulders tense. 

"I'm not avoiding him, I've just been busy, that's all," the blonde answered in a matter of fact tone. Yoongi snorted.

"Yet, you had time to hang out with me and Joon whenever we called you," he remarked, brows raised as he reached his bowl and chopsticks. Pulling some noodles out of the pot, he dropped them into the small white bowl.

"That's different," and he continued to eat, as if that was a good enough answer. He'd had enough of this.

"I heard you. That night, when we all hung out at the cafe. I heard what you said, Hoseok," he said. The blonde's eyes went wide for a split second before they looked down at his half-eaten bowl of food. He placed it down along with the chopsticks, placing them on the rim of the bowl.

"WhㅡHow much did you hear of it?" The younger asked, visibly gulping. 

"Enough for me to know that you're playing with Jimin's feelings," he answered, staring right at the blonde. 

"I'm not playinㅡ"

"Yes, yes you ing are!" This caused Hoseok to flinch in his seat. He laughed in disbelief before speaking again, "I can't believe you. You like someone else, goddamn it! How can you even thinkㅡwhat made you do something like this?"

"I thought it would help me forget about him." He heard the younger say in a small voice, as he glanced at him. 

"Forgeㅡthat doesn't mean you can just use a person's feelings for your own convenience. He likes you a lot, you . But I bet you were too preoccupied with your own feelings to even notice it." He snorted. When he was only met with silence, it somehow made his blood boil. "So you don't have anything to say about this?"

"You didn't hear the guy's name, right?" Hoseok asked, and he looked scared for some reason. 

"Were you even listening to what I was saying? At all?" But when the blonde sent him a pleading look, he sighed. "No, I didn't." He was baffled by how relieved the younger look by his response. "Why?"

"O-oh, it's nothing," the younger stuttered out. Yoongi doubted it was nothing but he decided to leave it. That's not what mattered. Hoseok needed to understand that what he was doing was not okay. 

"Hoseok, talk to him – seriously," he stressed, brows knitted together in seriousness. "And if you're not serious about him then..."

"Why are you so concerned about what happens to me and Jimin?" It almost sounded accusatory, and he didn't like it at all. 

"Isn't it obvious? You're my best friend, Hoseok," he pointed out, and it seemed to him that the younger looked disappointed at the response. "And as much as I support you, you can't expect me to just stand by and watch you do something like this. Something that's not only gonna  you up, but also Jimin. I get that you want to get past your feelings for whoever the hell you like, but playing with Jimin's feelings is not the way, man. You're not like this." 

"What do you know? You have no idea what I'm going through," he heard the blonde mumbled under his breath. 

"Maybe I don't, but...we've been best friends for three years," he snorted, "I think that's enough to at least know the kind of person you are." He remarked. When Hoseok only stared at him with a look of anticipation and worry, he smiled. "You're one of the most amazing people I've met on campus. You're sweet, caring, and talented as . You always put others first and is willing to do whatever you can to make them feel comfortable. Exhibit A," he gestured at himself, causing a small smile to make its way to Hoseok's face. "You were the first person I became close to on this campus, believe it or not."

"It's not that hard to believe, hyung," the blonde remarked, sniggering. Yoongi shot him a glare, though Hoseok was right.

It's not that he hadn't tried befriending people. It's just that for some reason, people felt intimidated by him. Ever since the first day of classes. 

Hoseok said that it had to do with his resting face, not that he'd been aware he had one. 

"Anyway," he started again, shooting the blonde a look, "my point is, you're someone who hates to see someone hurt and try your hardest to make sure they're alright, even though that's not your job." He paused, looking directly at Hoseok. "That's why I don't get what made you do something like this."

"Iㅡ" he looked like he was about to protest but deflated, "no, you're right. You're right, hyung. I don't know what I was thinking. I diㅡI didn't mean to avoid Jimin. I just didn't know what else to do."

"You could've just talked to him, you idiot," he pointed out, sighing. 

"Yeah, yeah I should've done that. And I'm going to do that – I'll talk to Jimin, I promise," he said.

Yoongi smiled, relieved that his words had convinced Hoseok. 

Hopefully, everything was going to turn out well.