Jin's current state of emotion wasn't getting any better and Jungkook grew less and less sympathetic each visit. At this rate, Jungkook was going to Jin's house four times a week and Taehyung was less than ecstatic. Jungkook stared at the lump of blankets beneath him as he rolled his eyes.

"Hyung, it's been 3 weeks! You've been moping so much that even Namjoon is getting suspicious," Jungkook deadpanned. He frowned when he gained no reaction from the older. He sighed and grabbed Jin's phone from the nightstand, "Hyung, if you don't stop whining, I'm gonna text Namjoon with your phone."

A muffled groan was heard, followed by a grumpy, "You don't know my password."

"'pinkprincessmarioislyfe' is a safe bet."

Jungkook cockily grinned to himself when he saw the blankets shift and a disheveled Jin emerged from the covers. Jin pointed a finger at Jungkook, squinting from the all the light, "Yah, I'm your hyung."

"So is Taetae-hyung and I've been abandoning him just to help your sorry ."

Jin sassily tilted his head with widened eyes, "Language, young man."

Jungkook smiled, teeth poking out between his lips, "Okay, umma."

Jungkook's phone vibrated in his pocket.

From: Taetae <3
R u done with Jin-hyung yettt
I miss my Kookie :(((

Jungkook giggled at the text message and lifted his head to look at Jin, "Taetae-hyung needs me. Talk to Namjoon-hyung or something. Bye!"

Jungkook waved and wished Jin luck as he made his way to the exit, making sure to bow at Jin's parents before leaving. 

Mr. Kim cocked his head at the door after Jungkook left, "Who's that kid? He's been coming over almost every day and he looks familiar."

Mrs. Kim nodded in agreement, "He used to come over every once in awhile, but he has been visiting a lot recently." She looked up at her husband, "Do you think he'll tell us?"

Mr. Kim shrugged, "Might as well try."

Mr. Kim followed his wife as they made they way to Jin's room, her small hand knocking on the already open door. Jin poked his head up from his blanket burrow and looked at his parents through puffy eyes.

"Seokjin-ah, can we come in?" Mrs. Kim asked with a soft voice.

Jin laid his head on his pillow and nodded. Jin's mother sat on Jin's bed and his father pulled a chair in front of the two. Mrs. Kim smoothed a hand over her son's shoulder soothingly.

"So," she started, tilting her head side to side, "you've been a bit down recently...do you want to, maybe, talk about it?"

Jin chuckled sarcastically, "Recently? It's been almost a month. You both see Jungkook more than you see me."

"That's why we're so worried about you, we don't see you in the morning because we have to go to work but by the time we get home, you're already locked up in here," Mrs. Kim explained.

Jin took a deep breath. It was...embarrassing is what it was; having his emotions exposed to his parents like this. Nonetheless, he still spoke.

"The night I came home from the Han River...I-I," Jin attempted, "Namjoon touched me." Jin's mother gasped and his father made a noise of revulsion. Jin hurriedly tried to put into words, "N-Not inappropriately! Just on the arm, don't worry." Mrs. Kim sighed in relief as Mr. Kim covered his face in embarrassment. Jin rolled his eyes, "You two are disgusting. As I was saying, we touched. I saw color, he didn't; so yeah, no big deal."

Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim's eyes met. Mr. Kim smirked and held out his hand. Mrs. Kim rolled her eyes and sighed, slapping 10,000 won into her husband's hand. He cheekily counted the bills, eyes flickering up at his wife, "I told you so."

Jin's jaw dropped, "You two made a bet on this?"

Jin's parents sheepishly looked down and replied in unison, "Yes."

Mr. Kim cleared his throat, "If it's no big deal, why did you stay in here the whole time?"

Mrs. Kim almost gasped and her face lit up when she realized that her husband was trying to comfort their son. Mr. Kim sighed as Mrs. Kim giggled at him.

Jin closed his eyes, "It's all my fault, so I'll just have to deal with it I guess. It was my fault that I thought we were more than friends." Jin laughed heavyheartedly when he noticed the looks on his parents' faces, "It's nothing. I mean, it's something but it's stupid."

Mr. Kim grew more and more agitated as he listened to his son talk. It wasn't Namjoon's fault; he knew that. But it didn't stop his frustration toward the boy. Mrs. Kim noticed the apparent scowl on her husband's face but didn't argue against it. Instead of making the usual snide remark, Mr. Kim closed his eyes and took a deep breath and asked, "Is there anything we can do about it?"

Jin gave a small smile, "Never talk about this ever again."

~.~.~.~.~

 Jungkook knocked on Taehyung's door and was greeted with a suffocating hug and a kiss on the cheek. He couldn't help but smile at his boyfriend's excitement. 

"You go over to hyung's house so much now and I miss you," Taehyung whined.

Jungkook sighed, "I know. Jin-hyung keeps complaining and he says the same things over and over again." He paused, then added, "Do you think he would be mad if I told Namjoon?"

Taehyung's smile fell, "Are you serious. You can't do that, hyung would hate you!"

"Honestly, I am so done with Jin-hyung that I almost don't care. But I do care because he helped me with my problems with you." Taehyung pouted and Jungkook laughed and squeezed his cheek. He continued, "I'm sure that all Namjoon-hyung needs is a little nudge. Have you seen him recently? He's miserable without Jin-hyung."

Taehyung shrugged. It's true, Namjoon has been far less happy without Jin. He didn't smile or talk as much, he picked at his food at lunch, and awkwardly laughed whenever someone spoke directly to him. He gave up at asking Jin what was bothering him on the night they went to the river; gave up talking to Jin at all. Jungkook, however, didn't miss the longing look in Namjoon's eye when he stared at Jin during lunch and class. Jungkook wasn't sure if Namjoon even knew he was doing this, or if it was just his subconscious. Whatever it was, it was obvious that Namjoon missed Jin a lot.

Taehyung could tell Jungkook was deep in thought. He pouted and pulled Jungkook toward the couch and laid his head on the younger's lap. He reached up and played with Jungkook's hair, "Can't you just stay with me for now?"

Jungkook nodded and traced invisible patterns on Taehyung's chest, "Of course."

~.~.~.~.~

From: jiminie
Hyung? I wanna go out on a date today :3

Suga was becoming less and less available and Jimin was becoming more and more suspicious. During the day, Suga was always preoccupied and seemingly more distracted and less present. He wouldn't talk or make his smartass comments, he wouldn't give Jimin as much attention and wouldn't answer his texts. Despite his skepticism, Jimin didn't want to come off the wrong way and never brought up his boyfriend's absence. Inevitably, it was the only thing present in Jimin's mind and his thoughts wandered off to more unpleasant ideas.  

From: Min Yoongi Suga <3333 
im busy again jiminie
maybe another time

Jimin sighed as he reread the message over and again. What if he's out seeing someone else? What if I'm not good enough for him? Would he really stoop that low? Tears pooled up in Jimin's eyes as he shook the thought away. He took a deep breath and laid down on the couch he was sitting on, hugging a pillow close to his chest. Maybe he's actually busy and doing something important. I should stop bothering him. But once again, he doubted his conscience. Hyung wouldn't neglect me like this, would he? Jimin pouted and buried his face in the pillow, wishing it was his boyfriend instead. He wouldn't cheat, but he wouldn't leave me alone either. Maybe...maybe hyung just doesn't want me anymore. 

~.~.~.~.~

Taehyung was asleep on Jungkook's lap after a few hours of watching TV and cuddling. Jungkook smiled at Taehyung as he threaded his fingers through the boy's hair, causing Taehyung to smile softly in his slumber. Baekhyun walked into the living room, joining the pair on the couch, grinning at Jungkook.

"So," Baekhyun started, "you two seem to be doing well."

Jungkook nodded, "Taehyung's so sweet. I just came over to spend some time with him since I've been helping one of the other hyungs a lot lately."

"Has he been treating you okay?" Baekhyun asked nervously.

Jungkook beamed and nodded again, staring fondly down at Taehyung, "Yeah. He's the best."

Baekhyun nodded back in relief, "When I found out that he...he did that to you, I was really mad. I just want to let you know that he's not like that at all and that he likes you a lot." Baekhyun added with a chuckle, "Trust me, he won't shut up."

Jungkook would've laughed if he wasn't blushing so much. He only smiled and covered his face in embarrassment, squeezing a cackle out of Baekhyun. Jungkook peeked between fingers, "Thanks, hyung. I can call you that, right?" 

Baekhyun nodded, oddly touched at that, "Taehyung's out cold, so you're free to do whatever now."

Jungkook gently lifted Taehyung's head off his lap and placed a pillow under it. He pecked Taehyung's cheek and stood up, waving at Baekhyun, "I have another hyung that needs a talking-to. I'll see you later, hyung!"

Baekhyun waved back at Jungkook as he exited the house. Jungkook whipped out his phone and called Namjoon.

"Hello, Jungkook?" 

"Hi, hyung! Are you free to talk, like, right now?" Jungkook chirped through the phone. 

"Well, I'm not doing anything too important right now. Do you wanna meet up somewhere?"

"The park should be fine," Jungkook confirmed. 

Although Namjoon couldn't see how wide Jungkook's smile was on the other side of the phone, he could sense that something was up. Namjoon wasn't too sure if that 'something' was good or not, but since he had nothing better to do, he might as well find out.

~.~.~.~.~

"Namjoon-hyung! Over here!" Jungkook called, waving.

Namjoon turned around and spotted Jungkook smiling and sitting on a bench. Namjoon sat down next to him and gave a small smile in return, "Hi. You wanted to talk?"

Jungkook nodded and attempted to sound nonchalant, "You seem a bit down recently, want to talk about it?"

A look of panic glinted in Namjoon's eyes for a split second, but he quickly replaced it with a phony smile and a hollow chuckle, "Is this what you called me out for? You could've just texted me."

Jungkook shrugged, "Well, there's some things I wanna talk about in person."

Namjoon furrowed his brows, afraid for what Jungkook might've said next. Jungkook continued cautiously, "Is it okay if I say what I'm about to say?"

Namjoon shrugged, "On a grander scale, shouldn't we inquire that about all of life's challenges?" Namjoon smiled when Jungkook's face fell flat, "Go ahead."

"Is it because of Jin-hyung?" Jungkook asked.

The alarmed look found its way back to Namjoon's face and kept its place there. Namjoon broke eye contact with Jungkook and stared at the ground, suddenly becoming more interested in a trail of ants walking in sequence. Jungkook patiently waited for the answer, which took about a whole thirty seconds until Namjoon slowly gave an unsure nod.

"He seems a bit more distant recently. I don't know what I did wrong, but he won't talk to me. I've asked him so many times, but he won't tell me. He seemed really upset about whatever it was, so I thought I would give him some space and wait until he was ready to talk about it. But I guess we just sorta stopped talking," Namjoon explained with a tinge of sadness in his voice. "I want to talk to him again, but I don't know how to approach him. I guess I'll just have to get used to it," Namjoon sighed. "I dunno. I'm just kinda sad because he's my best friend."

Jungkook nodded in understanding and asked, trying to give Namjoon a nudge in the direction he wanted it to go, "Do you miss him?"

Namjoon nodded back, "Yeah, I miss him a lot."

 Jungkook gave a small, reassuring smile, "You know, I think I might know why he's been acting a weird."

The boy couldn't help but laugh when Namjoon's eyes widened and he responded with an involuntary, "Really?!" Namjoon looked down sheepishly when he heard his own reaction and cleared his throat, "I mean, really? What's wrong?"

Jungkook paused and looked up at the sky, "The more I think of it, I don't think he would appreciate it if I told you."

Namjoon clicked his tongue in annoyance, "He's my best friend, I think I deserve to hear it even if he won't appreciate it or not."

Jungkook was having a bit more fun than he should've been, watching Namjoon grow more and more agitated. He kept his pretty lips sealed until Namjoon finally gave him what he needed.

"Jungkook, you can't just keep this from me! He's my best friend! This is the only thing I think about during the day and at night. I can't sleep because of this, even my grades are suffering! You can't just not tell me," Namjoon confessed.

Jungkook widened his eyes, pretending to be shocked. He attempted to use his most serious voice and omitted any laughter from his voice, "Well when you put it like that, it sounds like you like him."

"W-What?"

"You heard me," Jungkook smirked.

"Jungkook, you - why would you - what?" Namjoon stuttered.

"Well do you?"

"I-I don't know," Namjoon admitted sheepishly. Jungkook didn't need Taehyung to touch him to see Namjoon's flushed face.

"Okay, well let's say - I don't know - I did like Jin-hyung. And let's say that, sure, Jin-hyung ignoring me has helped me realize that. Let's also say that maybe I've been in denial this whole time, but now I just miss him and he's kinda the only thing I think about now and I just want to talk to him again. If I told you all that, then  would you tell me?"

Jungkook grinned at his distressed and furiously blushing friend, "And what would you do if Jin-hyung liked you back?"

Jungkook was nearly blinded when he saw how much Namjoon's face lit up at the new information. A wide and terribly goofy grin spread on Namjoon's face and his eyes resembled the sun itself. He began slapping Jungkook's knee out of excitement, ushering an 'ow' out of Jungkook.

"Hyung likes me? Really?"

"Ow ow ow, no, hyung I was just kidding, my gosh. Way to be subtle," Jungkook scoffed, massaging his knee.

Namjoon's smile was snatched from his face at those words. He huffed, "You know, I really hate you right now."

Jungkook smiled, "He did like you, but he might not like you as much now that he's all cooped up in his room thinking that you don't like him back. But maybe if you talk to him about it, he might change his mind."

Namjoon recaptured the brightness in his eyes and exclaimed, "Wait, hyung likes me?!"

Jungkook nodded, laughing.

"My god. I like hyung, hyung likes me," Namjoon heaved out in his excitement. He quickly stood up, "Jungkook, I gotta go. I'll see you later!"

Namjoon quickly hailed a cab and disappeared as an amused Jungkook watched with a smile on his face.

~.~.~.~.~

On the way there, Namjoon gave the situation a bit more thought, quickly realizing that it may not have been the smartest decision to hop on a taxi to his friend's house to confess his feelings without even planning out what he was going to say. It shouldn't matter too much, right? He likes me already, so I can just wing it. But Jungkook said he's been in his room trying to get over me. What would I say then?

Before he knew it, he was at Jin's house and the driver was asking for money. Namjoon fished out a few bills from his pocket, thanking the driver for the ride. He nervously knocked on the door two times, taking a deep breath to calm himself. The door opened and Namjoon opened his mouth to say, "Hi, hyung."

He was quickly interrupted by a, "What are you doing here?"

Namjoon was face-to-face with Jin's father. Mr. Kim. The man that never liked Namjoon all that much and definitely didn't like him now. 

Namjoon forced a polite smile, despite the adrenaline racing through his veins, "Hi, Mr. Kim. Is-"

"Jin-hyung home?" Mr. Kim finished for Namjoon.

Namjoon was lost for words, "Um, yeah. Is he home?"

Mr. Kim crossed his arms and sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, he is."

Namjoon opened his mouth, but couldn't find words to say. The words tumbled out of his mouth, "Um, can I talk to him?"

Mr. Kim smirked and had a face that was far too smug for Namjoon's comfort. His face grew dead serious in a matter of seconds and Namjoon felt a chill run down his spine. When the man opened his mouth, Namjoon held his breath preparing himself for what was to come next. 

"Do me a little favor, Namjoon-ah," Mr. Kim said with an insincere smile, placing his hand on Namjoon's shoulder.

Namjoon had to resist from flinching away. When he saw the raw anger in Mr. Kim's eyes, he gulped.

"Stay away from my family. Is that too hard?" Mr. Kim asked, raising an eyebrow.

Namjoon opened his mouth but closed it again and hesitantly shook his head. 

"Good."

The door was slammed in Namjoon's shocked face. Namjoon almost reached up his fist to pound on the door when he processed what Mr. Kim had said. With glistening eyes, Namjoon walked back toward his house, with little to no hope for him and Jin.

From: JK
How'd it go hyung?

From: Suga 
group SMS
can we all meet up tmw
got smth important to tell u guys

It's been...awhile ^^; Well now there's a new chapter out! Yayyyy *confetti* It's been so long...I hoped you've all had a nice vacation and had fun celebrating whatever holiday that you celebrate and the new year!  I don't even know what to write in these author's notes anymore :'D 

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, see you next update (which is hopefully next week like usual ^^;)!

Love,

Kilotons