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London felt special to the group.
Maybe it was their previous stops there, the records they broke, the way the fans always showed up and reacted for them, or the familiarity they found there. Maybe every city felt a little special on this tour, like they were reintroducing themselves to Army-- older, wiser, more hungry to prove the long wait hadn't been in vain... for either of them.
Either way, their last show in London had all seven of them showing up in top form and like they'd downed five energy drinks each before the show. Energy like a live wire--- sparking and wild and a little out of control. They were joking around with each other, going off script, and pouring all of their chaotic energy into their interactions with the crowd. It felt more like inviting them all into their lives, giving the fans a glimpse of their true personalities than putting on a scripted show. The audience fed back every once of energy to them. It made them sing louder and dance harder. Which is why by the time they were leaving the stage, they could barely keep upright on legs that felt like jelly.
...which is why Jungkook ended up with a back injury.
They were all back stage, taking a few moments to catch their breath and waiting for the crowds to clear enough to make it safe to leave the venue. Jungkook was laid out on one of the couches, arms folded under his head like a makeshift pillow. Jimin had carefully settled onto the backs of his thighs. "This ok?"
Jungkook gave a grunt in agreement as Jimin's hands started pushing up his shirt.
"Where does it hurt?"
He gestured with his hand in the general area that was causing him problems. Starting with a soft touch, Jimin massaged at the tight muscles, slowly applying a more firm pressure as he felt them loosen under his fingers.
"You need to be more careful when you're dancing honey, be watchful for where your feet are hitting on stage."
"I'm sorry who fell and nearly rolled off the raised stage a few shows ago?"
Jimin scoffed. "Well sure but I'm supposed to be the clumsy one. I didn't have any chairs to fall off of so why not the stage."
"I nearly had a heart attack."
Leaning down, Jimin pressed a kiss to his bare spine. "I'm sorry. I'm just saying you could take it down a notch, give dancing 110% instead of 150 and the fans would still be amazed and you'd keep your health better."
"I'll consider it."
"Ok." Jimin answered with a fond smile, going back to the massage.
A few minutes later, Namjoon was walking up to them letting them know they'd be leaving soon to head out to dinner, some popular Korean barbeque spot to celebrate their time in London. Honestly, Jimin was surprised they were still going considering every single one of them looked like they were getting ready to pass out.
"I don't know guys. Jungkookie's back is really bothering him."
"Yaa! Why didn't you tell me that before I jumped on your back earlier!" Jin questioned.
"It's fine, I'm fine. I hurt it dancing after that. And I'll be ok to go to dinner."
"Are you sure?" Jimin questioned, concern lacing his tone. "It will mean a couple of hours in a booth instead of resting."
"Yes. Once we eat, I'll get some pain meds from one of the managers and just sleep it off. We've got a few days until our next show."
Eager to get fed and then get back to their rooms for some sleep, the guys didn't even bother changing from their last stage outfits, just cleaned up a bit and hopped into the cars.
Spending time as a group-- whether for work or just hanging out-- was always a fun time and going out to dinner wasn't any different. Once they were seated and the table was filled with food, their exhaustion faded off into the background. Their private area overflowed with laughter, banter, and loud stories. Originally, they planned to stay just long enough to eat their fill but they ended up losing track of time.
One would think after all these years of working and living together, they would get tired of each other. That they might run out of things to talk about, get worn like an overplayed record that got moved to the back of the collection slowly collecting dust. But their relationship felt as fresh as it ever did, better even because now they knew every cog and gear to their inner workings. They understood the backgrounds and emotions to fill in the spaces between the words left unsaid in a story. In many ways, it felt like they were still trying to catch up, make up for all the lost time military enlistment had created between themselves. Tour wasn't just about reintroducing themselves to the world, it was getting back the time together too.
If BTS was a well worn record being played again, then it was their shared favorite song they'd never grow out of.
After plates had been cleared and the roar of conversation and lowered to a subdued murmur, Jimin saw Jungkook gesture to one of the managers. There was a short whispered conversation before the manager disappeared out to one of the cars. Jimin frowned with worry.
"You ok?"
"Yeah baby, I'm fine." He assured, arm over the back of Jimin's chair, hand subtly rubbing at his shoulders as Jungkook went back to the conversation with Tae.
But Jimin's watchful gaze saw when a short time later, the same manager was back, handing a pill over that Jungkook tried to discretely take with a sip of water. Jimin caught every detail when it came to Jungkook and the younger could try to complain if he wanted to but Jimin knew that Jungkook was just as bad when it came to Jimin, especially his health.
By the time they were leaving the restaurant, Jungkook was a little hazy, steps lagging in a way that weren't just the exhaustion from the show. He was herded into one of the cars, Jimin into another one, but Tae assured he'd keep an eye on him until they got back to the hotel. The only people who looked at the couple with sharper attention than each other were the fans and when they were together in public, it was hard to curb the way they were used to asking so every guiding hand or lingering touch was blasted all over social media so while they didn't really mind people knowing, it was good to take a break on occasion to give the Company a rest from rumors... especially if the pain meds were strong enough to make Jungkook loopy and he could forget where they were.
The whole way back to the hotel, Tae was texting Jimin.
Jesus, what did they give him? He's so out of it.
He keeps asking where his baby is LOL
I pulled up your picture on his phone, he tried to lick it.
Joonie took his phone.
Oh my god... it might get X rated here in a second.
Tae! Tae! What does that mean?!
But they were pulling into the hotel. Jimin hid himself and his blushing face behind the other guys as Tae and Namjoon got Jungkook through the lobby. He didn't need his doped-up boyfriend yelling out something explicit in front of the other hotel staff and guests. Once they reach their hallway, Jimin took Tae's place under Jungkook's arm with Namjoon helping from the other side.
Grinning, Tae patted his best friend on the shoulder. "I was just kidding. No sexual secrets were shared I swear. He was just whining about missing you."
"I will murder you--"
"Jimin-ssi! There you are!" Jungkook almost shouted in his year.
"Tomorrow," Jimin finished as Tae waved and disappeared down the hall. Sighing, he turned his attention back to Jungkook. "Here I am. I was just in the other car, honey. I didn't go anywhere. How are you feeling?"
"Good. The pain medicine helped so much. I can't even feel my back now."
He snorted. "Yeah the manager clearly gave you more than just a Tylenol but at least you'll sleep well."
"Mmm sleep sounds good. With you right?"
"Yes with me, we share a room."
"Naked?"
He heard the other boys laughing from behind him. Even Namjoon was biting back a grin.
"Ok, you can be quiet now."
"Got it. No naked talk until we're alooooone," he gave a dramatic wink.
"Oh my god." Jimin cursed under his breath. Tonight was going to be fun.
With their leader's help, Jimin got them into their room. Namjoon was kind enough to stay and make sure Jungkook didn't fall in the shower and to help get him tucked into bed. Once he was comfortable, eyes closed and resting beneath the blankets, Namjoon set the confiscated phone on the bedside table, telling both of them good night before seeing himself out.
Thinking Jungkook was already asleep, Jimin kissed his forehead and grabbed some things so he could get showered and dressed for bed as well. Whatever stress lingered in his bones slipped away with the heat and steam of the water cascading around him. The joy of companionship that had masked the fatigue for a few extra hours also melted away. It went from the surface of his skin all the way down to the marrow of his bones. By the time he was finishing his skincare and slipping into his clothes, Jimin could barely keep his eyes open, feeling boneless and ready to sleep a solid twelve hours. He might not have remembered the walk out to the bedroom or crawling into bed at all, practically asleep on his feet, if it hadn't been for walking out and hearing Jungkook speaking to someone quiet but animated.
"Yes, I understand. It means the world to me. Of course. Yes, I love you too." His voice was rich with genuineness and emotion.
"Jungkook? Who are you talking to?"
Jungkook gazed up, smiling with affection. "Baby! You're back."
"I thought you were sleeping. Who is on the phone?"
His attention went back to the phone and whoever was on the other end. "What? Oh, yeah ok. Thank you again. Good night." Then he held the phone out to Jimin. "He wants to talk to you now."
Brow knit, Jimin took the phone. "Hello?"
"Hello my darling son."
"Appa? What time is it there?"
"Midmorning, it's fine. I was heading to the cafe."
"Why were you one the phone with Kookie?"
At that, he chuckled. "Your adorable boyfriend wanted to make sure I knew how much he loved you."
"Aish, now I can't even be mad at him for it."
Jimin's dad gave a full body laugh. Jimin couldn't help but smile. It was one of his most favorite noises in the world, hearing his loved one's laugh. "I assume he's drunk?"
"Hmm, he hurt his back on stage so he took a pain pill. A strong one apparently. He's being a menace. I'm sorry he bothered you."
"Being assured my son is with someone who loves him enough to make sure his father approves of the relationship would never be a bother. Neither can you... or the rest of the boys really. Injuries aside, the show went well?"
"It did." Jimin sat on the edge of the bed, petting through Jungkook's hair.
"Good. Let us know when you're back in Seoul. If you get a day or two maybe you can come for a visit."
"I'll let you know soon."
"Good, get some rest then. I love you my son."
"I love you too, Appa. Thank you."
Jimin took a second more, watching Jungkook laying there with his eyes closed. He didn't know he could adore Jungkook more than he already did but he could feel the affection swell in his chest.
"Little menace." He whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.
Jimin took a couple of minutes to put things away and make sure the alarm was set on his phone, that both were plugged into chargers. Then he turned off the lights before crawling into bed next to Jungkook. As soon as he was settled in, Jungkook was turning over, draping himself half over Jimin's form and burying his face against his chest.
"Did you have a nice chat with my dad?" He questioned quietly, hands rubbing up and down Jungkook's back.
The younger man gave a hum. "I did. He gave me permission."
"Permission...for what? What did you need permission for?"
"Not permission. Blessing. I asked for his blessing. To marry you."
Jimin nearly bolted upright. Could his heart stop and speed up all at the same time. "What?"
"He told me I'm not allowed to marry you without them so not to do it on tour."
"Oh my god, Jungkook..."
His grip on Jimin tightened subconsciously. "I told him not to worry. I wasn't planning for now. Just someday."
Jimin didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he did a little of both. "You're ridiculous."
"That's what he said too. But you'll marry me when I ask someday right?"
"When you ask me when you're not high on pain medication and calling my father for permission like it's the 1800s?"
"Obviously."
Jimin chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Jungkook's hair. "Obviously. Get some rest, Kookie. We'll see if you remember any of this by morning."