Chapter Text
The lightning spiked through the dark menacing sky as thunder roared followed by another lightning. It was funny considering when Jimin was young, people used to say that if you stare at the lightning for so long, you might go blind. It might be true, Jimin for one didn't know, but for a long time, he was scared of looking at the lightning directly, because his young self was scared to go blind, but now that he was staring at it, nothing really happened. He felt fine.
Very slowly, the rain droplets started falling from the gloomy sky, making a tapping noise, which was oddly soothing, but at the same time, he felt his mood dampen. The silver-haired male eyed the rain droplets sliding down the window glass, each of the droplets rushing down, overtaking another as though they are racing against each other. Perhaps, a rainy day means a good day or soft day to everyone but oddly, that wasn't the case with Jimin, if you ask him, he'd most likely say that he has a love-hate relationship with the rain. Storms, in his opinion, often take something away from you when they leave, but what he didn't realize was that a storm also leaves something for you when they leave. Sometimes, he found himself wondering, perhaps, the storm felt alone, so alone that it snatched his parents away from him? Perhaps, if it wasn't raining that day, his family would still be alive.
He slowly reached his hand up and placed them on the window glass as he watched the rain drizzle with a distant and gloomy stare, feeling his heart clench in his chest. A soft sigh pushed past his plump lips. Don't take him wrong, he surely wasn't someone who is down all the time and cries over how bad his life actually was. He was, in fact, the polar opposite⏤ someone who constantly smiled and saw the bright side of everything. But sometimes, for instance, a day like today, he can't help but feel really so low, considering all what-ifs. Unfortunately for him, the rain didn't help his matter much considering it was a huge reminder of that night. A stormy night that took his father and brother's lives when it left, in a flicker of a second. But, what can he really do? Deep down, he knew that if someone was supposed to die on that day, nothing can stop that from happening, because life is truly not like they are shown in a fairy tale.
Death and life⏤ that's how everything balances, right?
Death is truly unavoidable. No matter how painful it is to lose someone, it was the truth⏤an unfortunate truth that smacks everyone in the face, the sad reality that every human beings on the planet can't seem to embrace at times. Perhaps, things would be easier if everyone learns to accept it and try to move on, holding the one they lost in their heart, but that was something really so hard to do.
Jimin had no one except for his best friend⏤ Jung Hoseok, also the one he shared his apartment with. Hoseok was not only his best friend, but also his brother he never had, the guy who helped him through everything, the guy who made him believe in humanity, the guy who always brightened his mood by just smiling. Jimin was certain that if it hadn't been for Hoseok, he wouldn't have gotten this far.
"Jimin?" The silver haired male sighed softly, removing his hand from the window before turning his gaze to look at his best friend, who was leaning against the door frame with a blank stare and worry tinted on his eyes slightly, "Are you alright?" His soft voice spoke through the silent room, syncing with the sound of rain. The corner of Jimin's lips pulled up into the best believing smile he had, "I'm fine."
"Really?" Hoseok questioned, his eyes not pulling away from Jimin, who's smile faded a little, but he managed to nod his head, feeling the tears prick in the corner of his eyes. For a moment, the red-haired man stared at him, as if attempting to read him and Jimin felt so vulnerable right then and there. A slight frown took over Hoseok's lips, "You are lying," He mumbled softly, making Jimin feel small as Hoseok walked inside. "No, I'm not lying. . ." Jimin trailed off, but what he forgot was that he was trying to lie to Hoseok, someone who knew him all too well. Hoseok rolled his eyes at the response he got from Jimin, "Your eyes never lie, Jimin. I have been standing here, watching you for the past ten minutes and you. . . you have been looking out of the window, without even knowing I was standing there and may I add, you are an alert person. What's wrong?"
Jimin sighed softly before walking over to the bed and sitting down. The elder watched his movements carefully before slowly walking over to Jimin, hesitantly and sitting next to him in the bed, "I miss them, hyung." Jimin admitted, feeling the elder's worried gaze burning on the side of his head, "Even though it's been 7 years. . . I still miss them." Hoseok sighed as he gently laid his hands on Jimin's back and began drawing calming circles, "I understand and it's fine. You can't forget the ones you love no matter how many years pass. It's completely understandable," He spoke, slowly trailing his hand up and ruffling Jimin's hair with a fond gaze and Jimin tugged on his wobbling lips, not wanting to cry in front of Hoseok.
Seeming to notice that Jimin was in the urge to cry, Hoseok slowly scooted closer before pulling Jimin to his chest, "It's okay to cry," He mumbled, slowly weaving his hand on Jimin's hair, "If you want to cry, go ahead and I'll be here through all of it," He spoke and that was the last straw for Jimin. The silver-haired male let his tears fall from his eyes as he clutched Hoseok's shirt and buried his face in his chest. After what felt like 15 minutes, Jimin cries slowly reduced to whimpers and hiccups until he finally stopped, a painful silence falling over him. He just stayed in Hoseok's embrace for another ten minutes, before slowly started to pull away. He reached out and wiped his tears with the back of his hand and looked at Hoseok, "I'm sorry for wetting your shirt," He mumbled and earned a chuckle from the elder, "Don't worry about it."
"Oh, by the way⏤" Hoseok started and Jimin raised his eyebrows, "I actually came to ask you something," Hoseok mumbled, instantly gaining Jimin's attention, "What's up?" Hoseok hesitated for a bit before shrugging his shoulders, "The film,'meant to be,' starring my favorite actor, will be released tomorrow. Would you want to go to the movies tomorrow?" Jimin shot him a weird glance, "You know I hate movies," Hoseok sighed, "Come on, I don't want to go alone!" Hoseok whined, tugging on Jimin's hand and Jimin rolled his eyes, "Well, take Yoongi hyung with you then." He suggested casually, pulling his hand out of Hoseok's grip, "He won't come with me," Hoseok mumbled, running his hand on his hair, looking at Jimin with puppy eyes, "Come on already, Kim Taehyung is the main lead. I can't really miss it!"
There was it again.
Kim Taehyung. Kim Taehyung. Kim Taehyung⏤
Jimin felt like his ears will start to bleed at this point from hearing that name from Hoseok. Kim Taehyung happened to be Hoseok's favorite actor and he wouldn't stop rambling about Taehyung, always being like 'Taehyung is this, Taehyung is that,' and Jimin was so tired of it. Heck, Hoseok room was full of Taehyung's posters rather than his own. It was quite ironic, and Jimin couldn't understand why people love him. "You and your obsession with Kim Taehyung, hyung! He's just a stupid actor, for fuck's sake. What's so special about him?" Hoseok stared at Jimin in disbelief, "Are you serious? Have you looked at him?" Jimin rolled his eyes and grabbed a pillow from the bed, "He's alright, but he's still an actor," He spoke with annoyance lacing his voice and Hoseok sighed, "Just because your mom left you doesn't mean every actor are the same, Jimin. They are still humans."
"I don't care! Every actor is the same! They believe they can do anything with their fame. They stroll around as if they are the rulers of the world. It's pathetic really," Hoseok sighed, "Come on, Jimin, you don't have to watch. You can do something on your phone, but just accompany me." Jimin looked at Hoseok who was looking at him with pleading eyes, causing Jimin to sigh, "Fine." And the next second, Hoseok smiled widely and hugged Jimin tightly, making the younger to gasp in surprise, "You are the best!" Hoseok exaggerated and Jimin rolled his eyes, chuckling right after, "Alright, whatever, let me go, will you? I can't breathe hyung." Jimin whined and Hoseok chuckled before pulling away, "Sorry. Anyways, I'm going to bed. Make sure to sleep soon, alright?" Jimin gave him a thumbs up as Hoseok shot him another smile before standing up and walking out.
Jimin turned his gaze to look at the window again, "The rain stopped," He mumbled softly as he immediately stood up and grabbed his jacket that was hung over hankers, before walking out as he suddenly felt the urge to go for a walk. There was a small lake nearby his apartment which he always goes on the night whenever he needed a fresh air.
But little did he know that this night could change his life forever.
The raven-haired male swallowed harshly and clenched the cotton of his shirt, feeling his increased heartbeat, causing the watch on his wrist to tick, alerting him to his elevated heartbeat. Sweat beads littered his face as a small hiss pushed past his lips and hung his head down, causing his black hair strands to fall on his forehead, complimenting his skin which looked so pale by now. His grip on his shirt near his chest area tightened painfully when he felt faint pain kicking on his chest. Eventually, his grip slowly loosened as he took some deep breaths while rubbing his chest, "Sir, are you okay?" A soft feminine voice reached his ears, making him turn his head to his left to find his assistant staring at him with concern. The corner of his lips pulled up into a weak smile, "I. . . I'm fine. How many times should I tell you to stop calling me sir? I'm younger than you, please call me with my name."
His assistant chuckled slightly, "Sorry, si— Ah, Taehyung."
Taehyung grinned softly at her struggle. He was an actor with prestige, influence and wealth but he never misused it or flaunted it. He was always kind to others, and treated everyone with respect and had so many values that he stood by. Surely, he was one of the helping person in the entertainment industry. Despite that, he wouldn't call himself a person who had a lot of friends. Taehyung always preferred to have small friend circle. He talked to everyone who talked to him or approached him, but he wouldn't call them close, no matter what, he always kept people at a distance from him.
"Mr. Kim," Taehyung turned to face the boy who had knocked on the van door, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but the director is asking for you. He wants to go over the stunt scene," He spoke, shifting on his feet, nervousness radiating off him, which Taehyung honestly found cute. Taehyung smiled softly and nodded his head, "I'll be right there." The boy shot him a shy smile before turning around and leaving the van. Taehyung turned to Seo yeon— his personal assistant, "Um, if you don't mind. . . can you wait outside?" He questioned, hesitancy dancing on his voice as Seo Yeon looked at him reluctantly, taking in the younger's pale state, but nonetheless, she nodded and exited the van.
As soon as she stepped out, the smile on his lips dropped in a flicker of a second and he slowly looked in a mirror and saw his own reflection. He trailed his hand up and placed it on his chest and patted it, "It's just a stunt scene. You can do it. Dear heart, please hold on," he smiled at his reflection; if there was one thing he learned as an actor, it was how to imitate a smile and make it believable. It was quite ironic because Taehyung always claims he doesn't act in real life, but the truth is that he does, keeping his true self inside and holding his feelings in. Being always surrounded by the media and in the spotlight made him want to be flawless at all costs, to mask his flaws and prove his courage. He just got really good in it.
His gaze was drawn to the pill bottle on the table, and a slight sigh escaped his lips as he took the pill bottle and slipped it into his pockets before standing up and walking out. He greeted a few staffs along the way who greeted him back with a formal smile and a respected expression, which showed how much everyone respected him. After a solid minute, he made his way to the set. He glanced around at everybody who was getting ready for the scene. In the midst of them all, he spotted Director Lee, making him walk on his direction. "Director Lee," He called out, drawing the director's attention away from the script in his hands to Taehyung. The director smiled, "Taehyung. You ready for this?" The director questioned hesitantly and Taehyung curled his palms into a fist and started digging his nails on his palms. Was he ready? No. Does he have a choice? Yes. Was he willing to make a choice? Taehyung didn't know.
All Taehyung could do was nod his head, "Perfect!" The director smiled before going over with the scene. The stunt scene called for him to jump off the house's balcony, but not without assistance; someone would hold him up to save him from slipping and injuring himself. Taehyung took a glance at the balcony's height. The gap between the balcony and the ground, it was not long, but it was also not short either. His heart rate rose once more, causing the heart rate sensor on his wrist to tick once more. The director stared at his watch before his gaze trailed up to meet Taehyung's, "Are you okay?" Taehyung smiled nervously and quickly hid his hand behind him, "Yeah, I'm fine. . . but, director-nim, can't we have a stuntman to do this?" He questioned, hesitantly. Seeming to notice the actor getting panicked, the director nodded his head, "Of course, Taehyung. We called a stuntman just in case you wouldn't be able to do it."
Taehyung thanked him, before walking to the table and took his water bottle and removed the water bottle cap before gulping the water down, causing his adam apple to bob up and down. It was not like he didn't want to do it, nor was he a coward, he wanted to do it, but as much as he wanted to, his weak heart won't be able to handle it. He knew something will happen, which means everyone would find out and Taehyung didn't want that to happen at any costs.
Taehyung zipped up his hoodie and grabbed his black mask from the table and wore it on his face which covered his mouth and nose, only his eyes were visible. A soft sigh pushed past his plump lips as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The rain had stopped and Taehyung suddenly felt the urge to go for a walking. He lived in a penthouse with his father, but he spends most of his time alone because his father is often away on business. His father was a well-known businessman and a really well respected man. Despite the fact, his father was rarely at home, Taehyung would most definitely say that he had a good relationship with his father.
On the other hand, his mother was a model, but he doesn't see her much now that his parents have divorced each other and their paths have diverged. He sees her once a year, it was sad because he did miss his mother so much, more than anything, but he always held himself back from calling her or visiting her or asking her for too much because deep down he knew if she cares, she will certainly make efforts to see him, and so far, Taehyung haven't seen any of it. But at least his father was caring and that was enough for him.
Taehyung sighed softly before stepping out of his penthouse and into the street. As soon as he stepped out, the petrichor scent engulfed him making his stiff body loosen up as tranquility swirled around his heart. Taehyung shoved his hand in his pockets and continued walking. He kept walking, letting his legs lead him wherever they pleased. Finally, a lake caught his attention, making a small smile to sprung on his lips which was concealed under his mask. He slowly walked to the pier before crouching down and running his hand on the cold water. The coldness rose over him like electric sparks, but yet, he didn't pull his hand out, causing goosebumps to take over his body. He slid his mask down slightly as he played with the water and stared at it in a daze.
All of a sudden, footsteps sounded behind him, making Taehyung go all stiff. His eyes widened as he immediately reached out and slid his mask back up, covering his nose and lips. He really didn't want anyone to recognize him. He slowly got to his feet and turned around to find a man with silver locks, hazel brown eyes, round lips and symmetrical face. The man's silver locks stuck here there messily. "Um, who are you?" The silver-haired male broke the silence, causing Taehyung to shift on his feet uneasily, "I can ask you the same question," Taehyung shrugged his shoulder and sat on the pier's side, allowing his legs to come in contact with the water. The way the moonlight sprinkled on the lake water made everything so serene.
He can sense the man sitting a few feet away on the dock. Taehyung's attention was attracted to the man, who was looking up at the sky, his jaws clenched, his hands fidgeting, and his shoulder slumped. His silver hair danced along with the air. To be more precise, the male looked so gloomy. "You seem to be having a bad day," Taehyung spoke out, catching the silver-haired man's attention. The male scanned Taehyung's eyes as if seeking to read them, but because Taehyung was wearing a mask, it was impossible for him to do so, and he was unable to understand Taehyung's expression. Regardless, the silver-haired man saw the bags beneath Taehyung's eyes and how tired he appeared, "Well, so do you."
Taehyung grinned softly before breaking his gaze away from Jimin and to the water, "Want to talk about it?" The silver-haired man scoffed slightly, "Talking to a stranger about my problems? Yeah, no, thanks."
"Sometimes, talking to a stranger helps," Taehyung shrugged his shoulder, his gaze was locked with the man who raised his eyebrows at him. The man hummed slightly, tilting his head, "Yeah? Then, do you want to talk about it?" Taehyung fell silent, making Jimin chuckle, "Even you wouldn't tell a stranger about it, yet look at you, giving me advice," Jimin rolled his eyes and a dry laugh ruffled on Taehyung's throat, "Sometimes, you can't follow the advice you give to someone."
"Preach."
Taehyung looked at him, "Alright, I will take my leave. Whatever the issue may be, don't let it spoil your day. In every negative experience, there is always something wonderful." The man raised his eyebrows at his words, an amusing smile dancing on the corner of his lips as he eyed Taehyung standing up, "Hey, wait. . ." The guy called out, making Taehyung look at him and raise his eyebrows. "I'm Park Jimin," The guy spoke, "What's yours?"
"I'll let you know if we cross paths again."
Taehyung groaned, "I'm coming. Leave the poor doorbell alone. Damn it!" Taehyung rolled his eyes as he approached the entrance, understanding just who it is. Jeon Jungkook is the only one who can ring the doorbell in this manner. Taehyung slowly reached out and opened the door, only to be greeted by his ecstatic best friend, "Took you so long," Taehyung rolled his eyes in reply as he held the door, "I literally just took a minute, idiot," Jungkook chuckled before walking past Taehyung. The elder closed the door and turned around, "Make yourself home, why don't you?"
"You don't have to tell me twice, hyung," Jungkook stuck out his tongue, which elicited a laugh from the elder. He met Jungkook five years ago while Jungkook was working as a co-actor with Taehyung. Jungkook had clung to him like glue since that day and refused to leave his side. "By the way, I just finished seeing your new film, and it was fantastic!" Jungkook exclaimed as Taehyung walked in and flopped down on his couch, next to Jungkook, "The emotions you showed felt so real, even I cried!" Taehyung ruffled the younger hair, "What do you mean 'even you'? You cry easily." Jungkook gave him an offending look, "No I don't!"
"Yes, you do. Remember when I fainted and you cried as if I was dying? I'll never forget how you flung yourself at me when I woke up and continued to cry for an hour." Jungkook rolled his eyes, "That was different! You know why I was crying. . . Talking about that, did you take your meds?"
"I was about to when you rang the doorbell like a mad man." Jungkook sighed, "Go and take it please," Taehyung nodded, "Hold on," He slowly got to his feet before making his way to his room upstairs and walked over to the drawer and opened it to find his pill bottle lying idly in the corner of the drawer He despises taking pills, but he doesn't have a choice; they're needed for his survival. He pondered why he was still alive and why he was working so hard at times. But something inside him always urged him not to give up; perhaps his willpower was the only thing that kept him alive.
Jimin was relieved to be done with viewing the movie 'Meant to Be,' with Hoseok after a frustrating two hours. The worst thing was that Hoseok had purchased movie tickets for the first showing, so it was pretty packed, and every now and then everyone kept shouting and whistling, which irritated Jimin so much that he almost stood up and yelled at everyone to be silent, and he would've if not for Hoseok who stopped him. He also couldn't figure out what it was about Kim Taehyung that drew everyone's attention. Sure, he had the looks that Jimin couldn't ignore, he acted and portrayed his character beautifully, and whatever emotion he showed felt genuine as if the movie were real.
The film's plot centered around a man named Oh Seong and a woman named Ara. Oh Seong and Ara had been through a lot, and their narrative was about how they were able to mend together while still loving each other. He felt the plot was intriguing and Taehyung's acting was excellent, but he was convinced that he was a superficial jerk, similar to his mother, who had given up everything to pursue her ambition of being an actress. Jimin was eighteen at the time when he discovered a letter in his mom room written by his mother saying that she wasn't happy anymore and that she was leaving and not to look for her, so Jimin, his father, and his brother— Jiwon went out in the pouring rain to look for her.
It was hard for his dad to focus on the road due to heavy rain. It happened all too fast, his dad was busy looking around for his mom that he didn't notice the speeding truck toward them. Just like that. . . It was all gone.
Just like that.
Jimin survived with little injuries since he was in the back seat, but his father and brother did not. His mother? He saw her on television two years after the incident—she had become an actress. That's when his disdain for actors began. He wasn't sure whether his mother even knew her husband and oldest son had passed away. If you ask him how his life is going, he won't say it's bad; sure, he has bad days, but he still has good days, and he has incredible friends that have gotten him through everything. He didn't have enough money to go to college or university, so he started a small café with the aid of Hoseok, which is now working perfectly and is enough to cover his bills.
The moon shone like a gleaming paw in the dark sky. The moon's white beams reflected in the lake water, creating the illusion that the lake was gleaming. A soft sigh pushed past Jimin's lips as he crouched down and dipped his hand on the cold water.
"You are not going to jump in the lake, are you?"
Jimin sprang, instantly removing his hand from the water. He turned around, about to lash out at whoever it was, but was stopped when he saw the same masked man from the day before. The guy's hood was up, like it had been the day before, and he was wearing a mask. Just his eyes were visible, and even then, his long fluffy strands were almost hiding them. It just piqued Jimin's interest in whom the man was. How does he appear? Why was he hiding behind a mask?
"You are here again," Jimin spoke and Taehyung shrugged, "This place is calming for some reason. I didn't think I will run into you again." Jimin shoved his cold hands on his pocket, staring at the masked man, "I typically come here for a breather, but I wasn't expecting to see you here as well," Jimin can't help but feel like he's known the masked man before, because those eyes are familiar to him. Where did he catch sight of those eyes? Taehyung walked to the pier and sat down, followed by Jimin, "Why are you dressed up?" Jimin looked down at his clothes before looking up at the raven-haired male, "Oh my friend dragged me to the movie 'Meant to be' because he is a crazy fan of Kim Taehyung. I'm not sure what it is about him that makes him so special."
Taehyung chuckled, "Right?"
"Wait, you don't like him as well?" Jimin's eyes glowed with anticipation.
You are asking that question to Kim Taehyung himself, what am I supposed to say? Should I play along?
"Oh, he's absolutely not one of my favorites. Hate him 100%. I mean Kim Taehyung is really overrated," Taehyung burst out laughing. He seemed to be having a fantastic time. What would Jimin do if he realized he was conversing with an actor he despises?
"Finally, someone who isn't enamored with him! He has looks, and he's hot, but I'm very sure he's simply a self-centered jerk who will abuse his power and fame," Taehyung looked at him, slightly feeling offended now, "How do you know he abuses his position of power and fame? I don't believe you should evaluate someone based on their profession." He didn't mean to come off as cold, but his voice failed him, and he came across as cold. Jimin shrugged, "All actors are like that. Why are you getting worked up all of a sudden?"
Maybe because you are assuming shit about me when you don't really know me? Even worst, you are telling that to me without even knowing I'm Kim Taehyung.
But he can't tell him that, Now, can he? So, he pushed his self-respect away, "I'm not, it's just I feel like you shouldn't judge someone by his profession. I mean you don't know how many struggles every person faces, even if they are actors." Taehyung responded casually, his gaze fixed on the water. Jimin turned his head to look at him, "Why are you taking Taehyung side? Didn't you say that you hate him?"
Um perhaps because I'm Taehyung?
"I hate him, and I'm not taking his side, I'm just stating what's right," Taehyung chuckled, awkwardly. Jimin chuckled and raised his eyebrows "Hey, are you forgetting something?" Taehyung raised his eyebrows, "What do you mean? I'm not forgetting anything."
"Are you sure?" Taehyung shook his head, "I'm sure?" Jimin folded his arms against his chest, "You said you will tell me your name if we meet again. You still haven't told me."
Oh shit.
I can't tell my name is Taehyung.
What do I say?
Come on, Taehyung.
Think. . .
Think.
"V" He responded rapidly, "What?" Jimin raised his eyebrows, looking at Taehyung with a weird stare, "My name. It's V," Taehyung mentally facepalmed himself. Jimin looked at him weirdly, "You mean the alphabet V?" Taehyung nodded and raised his eyebrows, "Yes. Problem?" Jimin threw up his hands in surrender, "No. Not at all. V sounds like a cool name." Taehyung despises lying, really hates it, yet he has no idea why he lied. Jimin isn't an important person in his life, and he could never see him again.
However, none of the lads anticipated how important each other would become to each other in the near future.