#comeback pjm

[koowthv]

[lokisasylum]

JIMIN COMEBACK TODAY

[solarwynd]

I don't know why Hybe thinks this plan is gonna work when it might actually end up doing the opposite. The more Jimin gets mistreated the more his fans get angry and the angrier they get the harder they work. Notice how much Jimin's solo fandom increased in 2023 and how much we have improved since FACE era. We're seeing the results of that improvement now with MUSE doing better than FACE. If all that bullshit hadn't happened, if Jimin had a smooth ride then we wouldn't have had the need to learn and improve so we could support him. Which is why jjks are useless, because they didn't have to learn how to get shit done on their own, they just let armys and the company do everything.

And speaking of armys, what is happening with pjms is exactly what happened with them. BTS mostly didn't get much from BigHit/Hybe so armys had to learn how to do things themselves. BTS was also getting hate from everyone which made armys angry and we know armys always work harder when they're mad about something. And armys were also shunned by the rest of k-pop fans, named as 'the worst k-pop fandom' and blamed for every bad thing that happened. The same thing is happening with pjms being ostracized from the rest of the fandom, named 'the worst solo fandom' and blamed for everything. And just like all of that made armys hyper focus on BTS and work even harder, pjms are also focused entirely on Jimin and do everything we can for him. So again, I don't know why Hybe thinks doing this to pjms is a good idea considering the fact that the same thing happening to armys only made BTS bigger.

Despite what ot7 nonsense armys like spreading the truth is that most fans are very biased. Every fan has their favorite member and if that member is continuously being treated poorly by the company and the fandom then this member's fans are at a risk of becoming solos, especially if they're being scrutinize and villainized by the rest of the fandom the way that Jimin fans are. I mean, armys are practically forcing Jimin-biased out of the fandom with the way the act because if Jimin fans are gonna be accused of being solos no matter what they might as well actually become solos. So doing all of this is only gonna increased Jimin's solo fandom which, as we've seen since last year, is actually what members need since they can't depend on the group's fans when it comes to their solo work. And we know that after some time focusing on the group after their comeback the members are eventually gonna go back to focusing on their individual carrers and the group is gonna be pushed to the back more and more as the years pass. So having a well established solo fandom that already knows how to support their artist is gonna be essential for the members in the future, and Jimin is the only member that currently has that. Jungkook doesn't have to worry about that because despite jjks being useless he has armys who the company has increasingly been pushing into become only his fans, but the other members are gonna have a rude awakening when they go solo for real and realize they have no proper fandom to back them up.

And another thing is that despite Hybe's attempts Jimin remains the most popular member in the US (and in Korea, Latam and the UK too) so is very stupid of Hybe to push away the audience they've been pretty clear they want the most. We already saw the consequences of that with all other members (including their chosen one) being unable to chart a single song in the US (NP doesn't count cause that's Megan) all while Jimin has charted multiple songs, hasn't left the US charts since we recharted LC in the beginning of the year, occupies the entire top 5 of biggest streaming days and weeks in the US, is the most streamed k-soloist in the US with quite the gap and Who is soon gonna be the most streamed k-pop song in the US (which LC isn't already only because we started focusing on Who instead).

So Hybe can keep pushing Jimin fans away from the group because all that does is take away BTS biggest supporters in the west and it will only benefit Jimin by giving him a solid fandom of his own for when he goes solo.

.🎯

[withlove-xixi]

— SLIGHT OF HAND: cowboy!gregor x m!reader

ᥫ cw: pet names ᥫ wc: 2618 ★ WRITTEN AS PART OF THE PJM GOTCHA FOR GAZA (@PJMaction on twitter) cross posted on ao3

— THE MAGIC TOUCH, THE MAGIC WORDS. BLINK AND YOU'LL MISS IT.

[♡]: it was quick; a thrill of adrenaline that shakes your spirits wide awake, a rush that floods your senses and leaves you blind, craving more. gregor knew what he was doing, he was well aware of the effect he had on people. you, my dear, were no exemption; you were the rush he had been dying to chase.

CHATTER, CLINK, RUSTLE, CHATTER, the typical noise from the bar; grown from a chaotic haze familiar to a familiar warm buzz in your ear. In your time working there, you had come around to love the noise, even found a sense of peace in it; a stillness within the complete and utter disruption around you. It would've been strange for most people, who might've come up to you where you stand working at the bar to complain (just as many have before), but to you, it would be your own slice of serenity, a piece of home. The chattering, the clinking, the rustling, and the yelling.

Right, the yelling.

That, you could live without. The drunken arguments from one man, the slurred and tasteless comeback of another. Really, your patrons didn't fight much, you thanked God they didn't, but alas, they were only human, just men. There were nights, though scarce between your regulars and far more common whenever a new face would pass by, that a fight would break out, some alcohol-clouded crude argument that would inevitably lead to punches being thrown and guns being drawn. Those nights were the worst. All the broken glass, all the threatening to kill, all the yelling. God! You could really, really live without the yelling. Especially now as one of your regulars (who happened to typically be involved whenever a fight would break out) violently grabs onto the collar of another patron (one who typically kept quiet and calm). The people around their booth were doing their best to calm down both parties, gingerly trying to pry them away from each other with the gentle pleas and the sweet promise of more booze, though it was obviously, very much, ineffective. You sigh, hanging your head a bit lower as you place down the glasses you had been wiping dry. If things got more physical— which you sensed would happen sooner than you liked —you were definitely going to be expected to intervene.

Now, you weren't the strongest guy, though definitely able to keep yourself out of trouble when needed, and you weren't the most intimidating one either, however (more so, unfortunately, for you, at least) you were one of the two men that worked at the bar, the rest of your coworkers being girls. And as much as you hated trying to stop fights (and ultimately physically having to drag or kick them out when they had absolutely refused to stop fighting), you hated even more the idea of having your coworkers do it instead. They were all such sweet girls, they didn't deserve to go through all that trouble because you didn't like doing it.

You picture in your head how things would go, already feeling the potential accidental punches that would be thrown at you just because you were doing your job and stopping the two from ripping each other apart. You sigh again, as you walk out from behind the bar, rubbing your nape dejectedly, earning looks of sympathy from your coworkers. You smile at them, small and gentle, as if to say that there wasn't anything to do to help it. Whatever happens, happens.

You saunter over to the commotion, allowing your feet to drag across the beer stained wooden floor. The yelling got louder the closer you got, the more it did the more dread you felt bubbling in the deepest pits of your gut. You kept your head low, involuntarily for the most part, focusing your eyes on the floor, the feet, anything to keep your mind off of your impending doom. Bracing yourself in case they would turn their aggression towards you, you muster up your courage, mentally preparing yourself for what's to come.

As your feet land at the edge of the booth, you notice the shift in the mood; the stillness. Chatter, clink, rustle, chatter— no, yelling. What?

Your gaze trails upwards, puzzled and curious, and lands on a scene that makes you draw a quick and quiet gasp. At the table, the second customer, the quieter one who wouldn’t typically pick fights, backed up further into the booth, hands up in surrender and he tried to play things coolly; adjacent to him, pulled up to his tip toes, was the first customer, his collar bunched up in the big hands of a handsome stranger.

Dumbfounded, you stand there stupidly for a second before shaking things off. The stranger— now that you’ve looked at him a bit longer, you realize he isn’t actually a stranger, but in fact, one of your usual patrons. He was one of the quieter ones who sat alone in some tucked away corner of the bar —glanced at you from the shadow of his hat, a big dark red thing that sat comfortably on his head and framed his messy brown hair around his face. He had the other patron caged between his body and the end of the table, causing the poor man to bend backwards at an uncomfortable angle as the hatted man leaned forward. A smirk graced his handsome features, for a moment directed at you, before he turned his attention to the man in front of him.

He shook his head in mock disappointment. “You folk should know better than to give pretty boy over ‘ere any more trouble he wants.” He said, voice deep, thick, velvety. You swore he was intentionally making it deeper than usual. He nods his head in your direction when he says “pretty boy”, and you aren’t quite sure whether you should blush or be worried.

The other man raised his hands in surrender, his face ridden in panic. You notice just now the shining glint of metal discreetly pressing against the man’s rib, hidden by the tattered cloak of the cowboy in front of you. Instantly, you recognize what it is and take an instinctive step forward, causing both men to turn towards you.

You muster up your courage, feeling your heart hammer against your rib cage and the blood slowly drain from your face. “Put… Put that thing down.” You say, as calmly and sternly as you can, trying your best not to let your voice falter.

The man in the hat looked at you with furrowed brows, opening his mouth to speak before he glanced down at his other arm. He let out a small huff that seemed as if he was amused. He stood straighter, still keeping the other patron’s collar firmly in his hand as he twirls his gun around and slots it in the holster on his side.

“My ‘pologies, darlin’.” He said, playfully, which ticked you off considering how worried he just had you a few minutes ago. His eyes flicked towards you for a second, causing him to smile slightly at your expression. “Wasn’t g’nna use the nasty thing, don’t worry. Just to scare the fella, is all.” 

Somehow you weren’t entirely reassured, but you let out a small sigh of relief regardless. The other patron seemed somewhat relieved as well, surely the poor guy was regretting picking fights now. He glanced between you and the man pinning him against the table, a silent plea for you to intervene further.

“Could you let him go too?” Your voice hard, but polite. Guy had a gun after all, you couldn’t go around scolding him haphazardly, though a small part of you felt like he meant it when he said he wouldn’t use it.

He glanced at you for a bit, as if taking your request into consideration or sizing you up (you hoped it was the first), then let out a small exhale, deciding he was amused by your words. He shrugged lightly, slowly loosening his grip and letting the fabric slip out of his grasp.

“Better behave, boy,” what seemed like a warning, felt more like a command as the other patron nodded profusely and carefully scurried away from the man. He adjusted his hat with a small amused smile. His mouth opened to speak as he turned to you, but he was quickly met with your irritated expression. He definitely didn’t expect you to have such a sour look on your face, it was obvious how his smile immediately dropped and how his eyebrows raised, wrinkling his forehead.

You point your index finger at him. “What the hell was that!” You chided, brows furrowed, nose wrinkled. 

He looked nervous, a drastic juxtaposition to confident demeanor earlier. “I was just… Was just tryin’ ta’ stop ‘em, dar—”

“It doesn’t matter! A fight’s a fight regardless of your intention…”

“Samsa. G-Gregor Samsa...”

“Mister Samsa—”

“Could… Could call me Greg—”

“Mister Samsa.”

As you scolded him, the more he lost his footing, his confidence. You watched as Gregor Samsa tried to discreetly hide his face under the shadow of his hat, scruff lined cheeks tinted a very light shade of pink. Gregor Samsa, who had just carried himself with such a suave aura, who had without a second thought had threatened to shoot a man, reverted into a sopping wet kitten, pouting and trying desperately to explain himself as you continued to rat him off. It was almost impressive, this sudden switch in demeanor; how a dog could bark but couldn’t bite. It was like he was a different person really, you might’ve dwelled on it a bit more— wondered which side was how he truly was —if you weren’t busy chiding the poor man, who very much looked like he was going to shrivel up like a raisin.

At this point, the audience that had been eyeing the booth had died down, finding you scolding some poor cowboy infinitely less interesting than a potential fist fight. Most people had gone back to their previous musings, drinking and laughing as if nothing had happened at all. Gregor seemed to notice, the quiet air only adding to his awkwardness.

He pouts at you, looking pathetic as ever. “Just wanted to help…” He mutters quietly.

You sighed, defeated. Part of you began to feel a bit bad for the guy too, plus he looked really sorry at the moment. You held back your tongue despite wanting to say a few things more and ultimately just shook your head and made your way back to your post behind the counter, mind already returning to all the glasses you had to dry and also to do a quick inventory check in the stock room.

Gregor followed behind you, like a little puppy to his owner. “H-hey, hang on!” He called, trailing a couple of steps behind you as you continued to walk back to the bar, ignoring him as his footsteps grew louder.

As soon as you were stationed back at the counter, Gregor appeared in front of you, hastily seating himself on a bar stool and nearly slipping as he did. His hands extend in front of him in some sort of pleading manner.

“L-Lemme make it up to ya’, darlin’!” His voice faltering, but you could tell he was slowly regaining his previous confidence. 

You quirked an eyebrow at him before returning to your work, picking up the glasses you had washed earlier and gently running a cloth to dry them.

“I mean it, sugar!” He said with a nervous smile.

You hum in response, setting a newly dried glass on the space beside you before you pick up the next to give it the same treatment. “You’re quite insistent, Mr. Samsa.” You said with the slightest hint of amusement. He seemed to have picked up on it, his shoulders relaxing slightly and his hands finally settling against the hard wood of the counter.

His smile gains its confidence, growing a bit wider as he watches you work. “Just want yer attention.” Gregor shrugged as if it were no big deal (though with the sorry state you had him in earlier, you doubted he was as nonchalant about it as he presented himself to be).

Another hum from you as you allow your thoughts on the guy to process. You’d have to admit, your shift could’ve gone worse. Having an attractive man follow you around as you worked was better than how most of your nights went (and, to be completely fair, he did stop that fight from getting any worse, as much as you disliked how he did it). With your attention still focused on your work, you could feel his gaze on you, watching you like a cat about to pounce, like a puppy waiting for your praise. It was like he was tunnel visioning into you the way his brown eyes followed your every movement, how they seemed to study your hands, your face, your hair. Honestly, it shocked you a bit how enamored he seemed with you. On a typical night, he’d only come up to you and order his typical drink and sit in silence at the counter or on some dark corner of the bar. Tonight was so different; like he had been stalking you, studying you, and tonight he was finally ready to pounce.

After a good while of silence, you finally speak again. “And how exactly do you expect to make it up to me, Mr. Samsa?” You asked, keeping your voice as nonchalant as possible despite the bubbling excitement that caused your heartbeat to accelerate.

Gregor perked up at your response, sitting a bit straighter. His lips twitch slightly before forming a content smile on his face. “How’s dinner sound? Someplace fancy ‘n stuff?” He’s testing the waters, walking himself on thin ice.

You glance sideways at him, momentarily pausing what you’re doing, cheeks growing the absolute lightest shade of pink as his proposition sinks in (plus with how your mind quickly replays the way he called you those silly pet names). You shake the thought away just as quickly as it came, turning back to your work and setting the newly dried glass on the side before you put your attention to Gregor. Your arms settle a few inches away from his as you lean closer to him, using your arms to support your weight.

“You’re asking me out,” you said matter of factly; a statement, not a question.

“Been wantin’ to for a while.” Gregor replied, leaning towards you. His smirk grows as he moves. “Been interested in ya’ for a while too, sugar.”

Your face grew warm, making him smile a bit wider. His hand moves from its place on the table, reaching over to gently graze your chin, index finger comfortable curled against your skin, gingerly coaxing you a bit closer. Now your face is really, really warm.

“What d’ya say, darlin’?” He asked, voice thick and rich like caramel. You were certain now more than ever that he was intentionally making it deeper than usual.

You swallow your spit, eyebrows cinching together on instinct as you directly into his eyes. Your heart hammers against your chest as you feel adrenaline shoot through your veins, it makes you feel like you’re hypersensitive to your environment; your skin where it meets his tingles. His warmth seeps into your flesh and it sends a rush straight through your heart. You felt like you were burning.

Gregor feels the same, the same adrenaline courses through his veins as he stares deeply into your eyes, patiently waiting for your answer as his finger lightly caresses your warm skin. He feels the same rush in your veins, the same urge to sink your teeth into more. He’s aware of your effect on him and his effect on you. Brown eyes studied as your lips quivered, as your skin heated like it was burning; like he had set you on fire, like he was the flame.

[btsgotjams27]

keeping up appearances | pjm

summary: When you move back to New York, you must keep up appearances when you see your ex-boyfriend.

✨ title: keeping up appearances | ✨ pairing: jimin x f!reader ✨ rating: m/18+ | minors dni | ✨ word count: 7.5k ✨ genre/au: angst, light smut(?) | exes to ??, new year's eve ✨ warnings: language, alcohol consumption, reader gets tipsy, masturbation (f) but she doesn’t come, a memory of jimin (touching, kissing, marking, fingering, breast/nipple play), brief mention of fuck buddy!namjoon, did i mention angst?? ✨ playlist ✨ a/n: i've always wanted to write a fic based on NIKI's 'La La Lost You', so it's finally here. i hope you all enjoy it. thank you to @purplewhalewrites and @amethystwritesbts for being my betas. and a huge shoutout to @monimonimoon/@moni-logues for the brainstorming sesh and co-writing a part of this! also check out, 'the comeback' 👀 from them.

The blue circle around the date of December 21st began taunting you the more you stared at it. You finally made the hard decision of leaving Los Angeles after two years. Like every naïve person who moves to Hollywood, you placed all of your hopes and dreams into a job. However, that job turned out to be exactly like your previous one.

On the first day of the new job, you excitedly brought your new laptop gifted by your parents. You were ready to start brainstorming and pitching ideas for potential storylines and arcs. Then a staff writer asked why you were sitting in their seat. That's when you realized you were an intern, made to bring coffee and make copies for the writers.

"Keep working hard, and you'll move up, we promise," said one of the head writers on the show.

But empty promises weren't going to get you where you wanted. Two years later, you had only moved up to become a writing assistant and, at times, were still asked to bring coffee and grab lunch.

Haley, your housemate, quietly knocked on your door, leaning against the threshold. "Are you excited to be going back home?" She tried her best to hold it together because she had grown fond of you.

You didn't answer right away because you weren't. Having to go home as a complete and utter failure was the last thing you wanted. You were supposed to be a big shot - the girl who chased after their dreams and made them come true. You even left the man you loved to pursue your career. But you would have to chuck up the courage and face reality. Life in LA wasn't working out for you.

"I guess," you shrugged, folding your shirt before tossing it in your suitcase.

"Aren't you excited to see Jimin?" Haley asked. She was a West Coast girl who dreamed of the Big Apple and was always nosy about your previous life, especially when she saw the photo of Jimin hidden in your sock drawer.

Park Jimin. You thought about him too many times to count, wondered how he was doing, if he had moved on and found a new girlfriend. You didn't expect him to stay hung up on you, and the breakup had left you in shambles.

When you first arrived in California, you couldn't sleep and didn't have an appetite. You had no friends and had to figure everything out alone without help. Coming to LA was a fucking shit show. Sometimes you just wanted to pack your bags and go home, maybe grovel and beg for Jimin's forgiveness. But you made such a big fuss about this being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you couldn't pass up, only to find out you gave up being with Jimin for nothing.

"I don't think he'd want to see me. I already fucked up his life once."

Honestly, would anyone be excited to see an ex again? You guessed you'd try one-upping each other to see who was doing better.

A buzz from your phone disrupted your thought. You picked up to see it was your friend, Taehyung.

Taetae 2:41 PM

You're coming to my New Year's Party, right?

A party was the last thing on your mind. You hadn't told anyone you were moving back. The only people who knew of your move were your family and Taehyung, and you didn't want to announce your letdown.

You 2:45 PM

Do I have to?

Taetae 2:46 PM

Yes! You've never missed my parties, minus the years you were gone.

"Who's that?" Haley asked, peering from far away.

You sighed, plopping on the bed and staring at Taehyung's text. "An old friend is asking me to go to a party when I get back." You lay there trying to think of an excuse to bail, but you knew you'd never hear the end of it from him.

Taetae 2:50 PM

Guess I gotta tell everyone you're moving back.

You 2:51 PM

Goddamnit, Kim Taehyung! When I see you, I will hug you and then strangle you!

Taetae 2:52 PM

Be on time. Can't wait to see you.

You groaned, throwing your phone off to the side.

"Guess you're going to the party?" Haley inquired.

"Can I just crawl into a hole and never come out?" you asked before grabbing your pillow and screaming into it. You'd rather be doing anything than face all of your old friends, and you just knew Jimin would be there too.

When you arrived in New York, hanging out with your family kept your mind off the upcoming New Year's Eve Party. Your parents were glad to have you back home and even teased you about paying rent since you were staying in your old room, but all you did was roll your eyes at their suggestion.

Of course, your days back in New York wouldn’t be complete without Taehyung constantly bombarding you, making sure you were coming to his grand ol’ party. On Christmas Eve, you received a call from him and you picked up but all you heard on the other line were high pitched whimpers and deep groans.

“Shit–Can’t believe I’m fucking Chelsea in Chelsea.”

You gasped, mouth agape at what you were hearing. “Kim Taehyung, why the fuck are you calling me when you’re fucking?!” you yelled into your phone before hitting the end button.

Ten minutes later, you receive a text.

Taetae 10:27 PM

Sorry about earlier. Dunno how that happened. Butt dial or something…

You slightly threw up in your mouth thinking about Taehyung’s naked ass touching his phone.

You 10:30 PM

🙄 Finished that quickly? Couldn’t keep your Chelsea in Chelsea happy huh?

Taetae 10:31 PM

I’ll have you know that we were going at it for two hours already.

You 10:33 PM

🤮 Please keep those details to yourself. I don’t wanna hear about your sex life.

Taetae 10:35 PM

You still coming to my party right?

You 10:37 PM

Not after you butt dialed me while you’re having sex. You’re disgusting.

Taetae 10:38 PM

Guess I’ll just tell Jimin you moved back.

You huffed, turning to your side, furiously texting back.

You 10:40 PM

How long are you going to hold that over me?

Taetae 10:41 PM

Until you come clean 😄 See you on New Years!

Christmas had gone by, and it was filled with family and lots and lots of food. Your mother insisted on stuffing your belly to the brim. She reasoned that you probably didn't have a proper home-cooked meal when you lived in LA – which was accurate.

"Have you seen Jimin yet?" your mother asked while unhooking the ornament from the Christmas tree, hardly paying attention to the expression on your face.

You shook your head, not wanting to go into further detail.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to see you," she said sweetly. She knew how much the two of you loved each other, and even she was heartbroken when she heard about the breakup.

This conversation was reminiscent of the one with Haley before you left. No, you didn't think Jimin would be glad to see you, and you weren't keen on seeing him either. Taehyung mentioned in a text that he was seeing someone and figured you should have a heads-up to prepare if he brought her to the party. So, if you were to see Jimin at the party, you'd most likely see his girlfriend too, which made your heart sink a little because that would mean that he was doing well in love and probably in life.

Throughout your time on the West Coast, you often thought about Jimin, wondered how he was doing, and if he was achieving his dreams. You even tried searching for his username on all socials. But, you figured he blocked you because there were no traces of him on the internet save for the photos here and there that Taehyung would post. That's how you knew how much you hurt him.

"I always liked Jimin," your mother continued, but you didn't respond again. "If I thought you would marry anyone, it'd be him."

You groaned at her comment. "Mom, can you stop, please?"

Everything was about Jimin. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin. You wished you could erase the name from all traces of your life, but it was nearly impossible. Being back in New York meant you were bound to step back into some old habits and routines, revisit old friends, and hell, you even toy with the idea of rekindling things with Jimin, but you sure weren't going to be a homewrecker.

"I'm sorry. I know it's a sore subject for you, but it's been two years since you last saw him. It's possible that he's forgiven you. And who wouldn't forgive this pretty face?" Your mother put down the last ornament and cupped your cheeks, the pads of her thumb gently caressing them.

You closed your eyes and let out a sigh. "No, mom, I'm sorry. I just--I feel so stupid, you know? I gave up my whole life, gave up Jimin for a pipe dream...and it turned out to be nothing like I had hoped for."

Your eyes were now glistening, tears threatening to fall. The small, shaky intakes of breaths building in your lungs finally found their release in a long extended puff.

"I should've stayed. If I stayed, things might have worked out differently for Jimin and me and my career." Tears began streaming down your face, and the things you wanted to say became hitched in your throat.

Your mother pulled you in for a hug, quietly shushing you and caressing your hair. "We don't know what would've happened if you stayed. But I just know that if you didn't go, you'd regret not finding out." She pulled away, hands still cupping both sides of your face, gazing into your teary eyes. "And as for Jimin, he'll come around. They always do," she grinned.

You hoped she was right, but you also weren't counting on it. You hadn't even forgiven yourself for leaving him.

Before you left, you had hauled everything from Jimin's place and stuffed it into your old room. You glared at the boxes piled up in the corner because you knew what lay in them: memories. Memories of you and Jimin. Memories that you didn't have the heart to toss–not yet. There was an urge to look through the boxes but you resisted.

As you lay in bed staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling, you thought about what your mother said, 'He'll come around. They always do'. Except Jimin had clearly moved on, finding someone else to replace you. It's not like you expected him to stay single forever. Jimin's a catch; anyone would be lucky to have him by their side.

Your room was imprinted with memories of you and him - bits and pieces scattered throughout your walls, the floor, and the bed. Your mind fluttered to a distant memory of him slowly backing you up against your door.

His plush lips kissed you along your jawline, lightly marking your neck. His hand down your panties, slipping between your folds, telling you to stay quiet; otherwise, your parents would catch their precious daughter red-handed being finger fucked by her boyfriend. It was the second time he was having dinner with you and your parents, and he desperately wanted to see where you had lived out all of your teenage angst. He thought your room was pretty, but you writhing underneath while he pushed two fingers inside your cunt was the best view he could ever have.

You found yourself massaging your breast while the other slid past the waistline of your lace panties toward your sensitive bud, rubbing your clit in circles.

Jimin's fingers were pumping in and out of you, eliciting small moans and whimpers. He pulled down the top of your dress and bra, freeing your breast. He squeezed it before enclosing his mouth on your nipple, then alternated between sucking and flicking his tongue against your pebbled flesh.

Your fingers started overworking your clit, continuously rubbing quicker, your heart raced a million miles per second, your breath hitched in your throat, and your body helplessly squirmed underneath the covers.

"Fuck--" you whimpered against Jimin's mouth as he swallowed your moan, trying to keep you from outing yourself to your parents. Jimin pulled away, smiling at how fucked out you looked already. "'m gonna cum," you mumbled, words barely coherent.

Your half-lidded eyes peered at the angelic man before you, being anything but angelic - more of a devil if you should say so yourself. He grinned at how needy and desperate you were for his fingers. Normally, Jimin would be praising you, telling you how much of a good girl you were, but this time he was quiet, allowing himself to drink all of you in. Your nails dug deeper into his shoulders, head lulled back, slightly thudding against the door. The building pleasure was deep in your belly, begging to find its release as Jimin decided to add a third finger into your dripping cunt. And that's when the coiling tension finally--

A blaring siren from outside broke your line of concentration. You groaned in frustration right as you were on the cusp of coming. The moment was over because you probably shouldn't be thinking about Jimin anyway. But no one else was worthy enough to even think about. The few guys you slept with didn't come close to what you and Jimin had, and he ruined other men for you. But coming back to New York meant you would have traces of Park Jimin everywhere.

D-day had finally arrived. Your room looked like a tornado had ripped through your entire closet, because clothes were everywhere. You needed the perfect outfit for an LA gal coming back to 'visit.' You weren't sure how long you'd keep moving back to New York a secret, but you'd try for as long as possible.

As you stepped into the lobby of Taehyung's building, you checked your makeup and tugged down your sparkly sequin skirt. You figured nothing said 'glam' more than a sparkly skirt. You fixed a stray hair that was out of place before finally striding towards the elevator.

Your nerves hit you like a ton of bricks once you stood outside Taehyung's door. Your hands were so sweaty it was hard to get a good grip on the handle. You wiped your palm against your fuzzy white sweater, hoping it would help.

Music was already blaring, chattering, and laughter echoed throughout the apartment. You looked around, expecting to see some familiar faces, and were met with none other than your good friend, Kim Taehyung.

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Taehyung smirked, pulling you in for a hug.

"Hi, Taetae," you muttered reluctantly, withdrawing from his embrace. "Looks like you're doing well with your modeling career." You stepped away to observe the industrial loft decorated with quirky artwork and figurines. At least someone was doing well for themselves, you thought.

"It's so good to have you back," he enunciated a bit too loud for your liking, making you slap his arm.

"Jeez, Tae, tell the whole fucking world," you spat at him. You weren't ready for anyone to know you were back. You cleared your throat before pulling Taehyung aside, away from wandering eyes and listening ears. You already caught a few glances and smiles when you entered the apartment. "If you happen to hear that I'm just visiting and am working on a movie with a big named director, can you go along with it?"

Taehyung stared blankly at your request. "You're kidding me, right? I'm not helping you with anything." He tore away from your grip, heading in the other direction.

You followed closely, stepping in front of him. "Please, Tae, just for tonight, and then half of these people will probably never see me again," you pleaded desperately.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine--but only if you take a shot with me," he raised his eyebrow, hoping you'd take the bait.

You narrowed your eyes at him. "You're lucky 'cause I don't want to remember tonight," you said, knocking back the glass he handed you, grimacing as the liquid coated your throat. "Round two?"

After downing three tequila shots, you were ready to spill all your secrets to the next person who asked how you were doing. Drinking was never your strong suit, but it was the only thing on your itinerary tonight.

With another drink in your hand, you scanned the room, anticipating the one person you were trying to avoid. As you took a sip of your mixed drink, you looked up towards the door, and it was like the heavens opened up, and in walked your gorgeous, ethereal ex-boyfriend, Park Jimin. To your surprise, no one was attached to his hip, and a wave of relief flushed over you because God knows you were not ready to meet a girlfriend.

The butterflies in your stomach are begging to escape - indicating how anxious you were to see him. It almost felt like time had stopped just so the two of you could gaze at each other. You couldn't help but give Jimin the once-over. He looked as angelic as ever when he effortlessly waltzed over to you, beaming with the biggest smile you've seen on him. It was like no one else existed at this moment except for you and him.

When Jimin approached, the jitters within increased. He opened his arms up for a hug, your name leaving his lips, and honestly, you were surprised at how excited he seemed to see you. You were expecting the cold shoulder, the brush-off with how everything went down the two of you. There had been no contact since you'd left, so you wondered if Jimin being warm and friendly was just a ruse, and deep down inside, he actually despised your presence. What gave you the right to return to New York after all this time?

"Long time no see!" he said, wrapping his arms around you. "How have you been?"

Your eyes widened, arms tucked tightly underneath his with no way to hug him back, but again, his affection really threw you in for a loop. He couldn't see your awkward smile as he held you. When he finally let go, you were able to answer.

"Yeah, great! Good. I'm good." You loved that right off the bat; you were already lying to Jimin. You were hoping you had learned some acting skills from the actors you'd watch from time to time.

"How's LA treating you?"

Well, this was the big question of the night from everyone, wasn't it? Now was your chance to tell the truth, or tell a lie. Which one will it be?

You scanned his face, eyes seeking attention. Maybe he wanted someone else to chime in and break up the most awkward conversation the two of you ever held.

"Uh, yeah, it's great. Everything's going, uh, pretty well."

Lie it is, then. You could've told him the truth, but then Jimin might have felt victorious because life didn't go the way you wanted. He would have had the upper hand in this non-existent competition you had fabricated in your mind. You left him. And for what? Another dead-end intern job marketed as your dream job? God, you were a fucking idiot - still were sometimes. Maybe that's how you ended up living with your parents back home.

"But how are you?" you asked out of politeness. It was only courteous since he asked first. "How's New York?"

A part of you desired he would say what you didn't dare to say - the truth. Honestly, you anticipated he was doing a million times better than you. Jimin had everything going for him before you left. At least, that's what it looked like from your perspective. You hoped all his dreams could come true even if yours didn't. One of you deserved to be happy, and you'd rather it be him.

"New York is great, actually. I got accepted into the corps with ABT."

It was as you expected - Jimin was doing very well. The American Ballet Theatre? You were in shock, mouth agape for a few moments before you realized it had been too long before you said anything. Your mouth curved into a smile before you were finally able to speak. "Oh my god, Jimin, that's amazing," you said, opening up your arms this time to embrace him. This hug wasn't like the one before when he first saw you, and it was less touching - more refined and more civilized.

When you pulled away, all Jimin could do was smile. Maybe he was trying to be friendly and humble since you didn't elaborate on how 'well' you were doing in LA. You didn't want to go into detail about your life for fear of slipping through a lie.

"Anyway, I'm going to go get a drink, see if I can find Tae."

Whew. You thought you would have to be the one to come up with an excuse but thank God Jimin only just got here and needed a drink. You showed him yours and nodded as he turned away. A sigh of relief washed over you as you watched your ex-boyfriend walk away.

"Hey!" you exclaimed, making Jimin stop to turn back to look at you. "I'm really happy for you."

Jimin - One.

You - Zero.

Like you had hoped, at least one of you was doing well.

Your goal was to get hammered and avoid Jimin for the rest of the night. Maybe you could find a room to slip into or pretend to fall asleep in the corner. Anything was better than smiling until your cheeks hurt and mingling with people you didn't want to see.

"No fucking way. Is that who I think it is? My big Hollywood girl!" You turned to see an old friend, Quinn, nicknamed Quinnie by your friend group. She ran over, tightly embracing you. "How are you, babe?"

"Good...good," you tried to take a breath and gasped when she finally let go. Quinnie was a big personality, and you knew you'd need more than the half-empty drink in your hand to finish a conversation with her. You cleared your throat, beaming a fake smile at her. "How are you, Quinnie?"

"Oh, it's the same 'ole, same ' old with me! Let's talk about you," she said, dragging you down the hallway. It was quieter than the commotion in the living room and kitchen. "So come on, spill the tea! What big stars have you seen? Slept with?" she wiggled her brows, making you roll your eyes.

You hardly had time to sleep around, given the nature of the entertainment industry. Sure, you were invited to parties, but everyone always had a front or wanted something from you. It was hard to trust anyone. You may have had your fuck buddy, Namjoon, a music producer, but he was nothing more than that - someone to sleep with and release the stress of your job.

"Quinnie…you know I don't kiss and tell," you said with a sly smile, taking a sip of your almost empty cup.

"Okay fine. If there's no big-name star you slept with, what are you working on now? You can't have gone to LA for two years and not have something big lined up! Spill!" Quinn said with wide eyes, waiting for your answer.

You looked around, making sure no one could overhear because you didn't know how many lies and people you'd have to keep up with. The two of you were near the bathroom door but figured whoever was there probably couldn't hear anything due to the music. You leaned in, gesturing for her to come in closer.

"I'm so excited. Look, I'm really not supposed to actually tell anyone this, but this thing I'm working on now... It's with Lin-Manuel Miranda."

He was the one playwright and filmmaker you'd dreamt of working with, and with his new musical in the works, he was the first person that popped into your head. With how your life was going, you knew it was only a pipe dream.

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" Quinn squealed, trying to keep her cool when someone passed by. The two of you glared at the person before Quinn turned back to you. "You're fucking kidding me! Can you get me on set or meet him? Please, please, please!"

You felt like shit after letting the lie roll off your tongue. It was too easy. Why was it so easy to do that? Who had you become after moving to California? Another person who put up a front like all those trying to make it in the entertainment industry? New Yorkers were supposed to be tough and tell you like it’s supposed to be, not be shallow and fake like every orange spray-tanned person in Hollywood.

Maybe a breath of fresh air would do you some good. The crowd had begun to grow, and the room became stuffy.

The freezing night was one thing you didn't miss about New York, but Taehyung’s view significantly made up for it–well, some of it. You leaned your arms against the guard rail, gripping your cup, watching cars pass by, couples and friends racing against the clock to head to their destination. You didn’t like drinking because your thoughts somehow became clearer, the voice growing louder, almost mocking you for your decisions. Being here with old friends and seeing Jimin brought back too much heartache.

Taehyung's model friends interrupted your train of thought, and you left once they lit a cigarette to share. You didn't want to come home smelling like smoke.

The small breath of fresh air got your mind off Jimin and your lies for a split second, but as soon as you stepped back into the crowded room, your eyes found Jimin. But this time, he was talking to someone. A woman. They were laughing, and he was leaning in to whisper something to her. Your stomach began forming a knot because that had to be Jimin's girlfriend, right? You knew you wouldn't be able to avoid it.

You quickly averted your eyes from the two, not wanting to pay attention more than you already had. Suppose it was time for another drink.

Turning your wrist over and checking your watch, there was an hour left until midnight. Then you’d be free to leave and never see anyone again. Taehyung nudged you from behind as you poured yourself a glass of wine, and you needed a small break from all the hard liquor.

“Hey, sweet cheeks…How’s it going? You doing okay?” Taehyung asked, holding out a glass so you could pour him one.

You rolled your eyes at the pet name. “I’m peachy,” you said, holding the peach-flavored white wine.

“Did you see Jimin already?”

Yes, you saw him. And yes, he was doing ten times better than you were. And no, you didn’t want to hear more from Taehyung about anything related to Park Jimin. “Yep,” you replied curtly, “…and I don’t want you rubbing his success in my face.”

Taehyung snorted, spitting out his wine. “You guys are both losers,” he said, shaking his head.

Your eyebrows knitted together in confusion, and you weren’t sure if he was referring to this party in general or now. “Shut up, Tae,” you quipped, taking another sip of the disgusting wine.

“You shut up–you’re both losers because you’re both yapping away and telling lies to everyone in the room,” Taehyung glared at you, cocking his eyebrow. 

Did he just say that Jimin was lying too? “What?” you uttered, setting down your glass, replaying your and Jimin’s conversation. You weren’t crazy, right? Jimin said he was in the ABT.

“He’s not with ABT. He’s lying to you,” Taehyung said, “I love you both, but please, for the love of god, get your shit together.” Maybe all the liquor was also getting to him, and his drunken words spoke sober thoughts.

You were stunned at the revelation. After all this time, Jimin’s dream didn’t happen either.

The rest of the night was rinse and repeat of the same conversations. How are you? What are you up to? What are you working on? Yada-yada-yada. Oh god, you were tempted just to grab a bottle of liquor and drown yourself in it. You didn't know how much longer you could hold out. You might have to sober up and call it a night.

After another restless exchange of lies rolling off your tongue, you needed a quiet place away from everything and everyone. You wandered down the hallway to a door already opened, peering in to see that it was empty, guessing it was Taehyung's room, given that a large photo of him was framed above a dresser. You chuckled, shaking your head as you sat down on the bed.

Briefly, you peered around the room before fiddling and staring at your cup. A sudden click of the door grabbed your attention then you scoffed when you realized you weren’t alone–the one, the only, Park Jimin, showed up. You lifted your cup to take one last sip, but you had already finished yet another drink - losing count after the first one. “Miss me that much, huh?” You probably weren’t the nicest person to be around when you drank. Maybe your attitude would be different if life had gone how you wanted it to.

“Just trying to make sure you don’t die of alcohol poisoning. Haven’t you had enough?”

You cocked your eyebrow, tilting your head, “Don’t you have a girlfriend to worry about?” you asked with spite, most likely due to the alcohol running through your veins. You may have pre-gamed before getting to the party just to loosen up your nerves.

“She’s not here,” he replied simply.

You gawked at him, eyes raking him over from head to toe before looking away to stare at anything but the man you once loved. “So, why are you here, then?”

The two of you weren’t together anymore. Jimin didn’t need to worry about you. Big girls don’t fucking cry and whine in front of their exes, and they surely don’t need to be rescued. You’d lost the privilege of Jimin giving two shits about you when you left him two years ago.

"I should be asking you that. I live here. You haven’t been back for two years."

“Well, I’ve been busy in LA. That’s why I haven’t been back.” Which was true - but mostly running errands for coffee and lunch instead of writing as you wanted. You didn’t want to think about what Jimin would have to say about you leaving him for basically nothing.

“Yeah, I’ll bet.”

Jimin raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes. What the fuck was his problem right now?

“Do you have something you need to get off your chest? I still don’t understand why you’re in this room with me. I’m sure you’d be having more fun out there at the party than in here.”

You weren’t exactly the life of the party right now. You wanted to be left alone, to wallow in self-pity at the shitty decisions you’ve made. You returned to New York with nothing to show–no job and certainly no boyfriend.

“Yeah, I probably would. But then I’ll be the one stuck with all the guilt when you pass out and choke to death on your own sick. You never did know when to stop.”

You scoffed. “Like you fucking care anyway. Two years and this is the first time I hear from you.”

“We agreed we wouldn’t keep in contact, remember? Too hard. Besides which, I found out you were going to be here from Tae. Could’ve told me yourself.”

“How could I have told you when you blocked me from every social media platform?”

Jimin shrugged. “What did you expect me to do? ‘Like’ every photo of you living your best life without me?”

You were kind of glad Jimin blocked you from all social media because then he’d be liking complete lies about your life. “Well, I’m not dying, so can you just leave me alone? I don’t want to be around anyone.”

“It’s New Year’s Eve, y/n. You’re back here–with everyone–for the first time in two years, and you suddenly don’t want to be around any of us? Too good for us now, are you? Too good for New York?”

You looked away from Jimin, biting down on your lip. If you continued to look at the expression on his face, you were sure tears would begin to fall. The building of lies upon lies - you weren’t sure how much longer you could keep it up, given that Jimin could always tell when you were lying.

“That’s hardly the case, Jimin.”

“Then what? Why the need to be alone on the biggest party night of the year?”

“Because I’m a fucking loser! A fucking fraud! That’s why I deserve to be alone! I have nothing to celebrate this new year!” The alcohol makes you speak truthfully because what is the point anymore? All of your friends would soon wonder why you were still around, Jimin too.

“What about your big movie?”

“There is no fucking movie! And don’t pretend you don’t already know that! Taehyung told me you’re not in the ABT, so I assume he told you the truth about me, too!” you exclaimed, out of breath. You definitely weren’t expecting this turn of events.

”Yeah, maybe he did, and maybe I did lie; can you really blame me? You coming back here for the first time since you left me, throwing your supposedly fan-fucking-tastic life in my face? And then it turns out it’s all fucking lies, and I come in here to check on you, and you have the fucking gall to treat me like shit? You think I’m going to feel sorry for you? Oh, boo hoo, your little plan didn’t work out? Well neither did mine, and I had to deal with it on my own because someone had fucking left me!”

If only he could see the steam fuming from your ears. “No one’s fucking asking you to feel sorry for me! And fuck you, Jimin. You weren’t the only one who was alone! I literally had no one out there! No one! So don’t you dare say anything to me. We both made the same choice.” 

“And it’s clearly worked out fucking brilliantly for both of us!”

“And you’re saying that’s my fault? That’s on me, is it?” 

“Yeah! I am saying that. This is on you! You broke this!”

“So what do you want from me then, Jimin? What the fuck do you want me to do about it?” 

“I want you to go back two years and not leave! I want you to fucking stay!” 

“Well, you got your fucking wish. I am staying! I’m back, and I’m staying now! So you’ve got what you want! Are you happy?!” your voice shaky, the tears building up on the verge of falling.

“No!”

You could tell he was at war with himself. He took a deep breath and put his hands on his head, pulling at his hair. He sighed a shaky breath and slumped on the bed next to you.

“What exactly did Tae tell you?”

You shrugged. “He didn’t say much. He just said you weren’t with ABT and then scolded me.” Sitting here and talking to Jimin felt like nothing had changed, but in reality, the circumstances of your relationship wouldn’t go back to how it used to be.

“I am not with ABT,” he said. “Not even close.”

Jimin sighed before kicking off his shoes, then he pulled down the back of one of his socks, lifting his foot on the bed. You looked down to find an inch-long scar on the outside of his ankle. You gasped, thinking about how painful it must have been for him.

“Y’know that little extra bone I had at my heel? Don’t have that anymore. That training program that I got into, that-” he stopped. “Turns out that training program was too much. All those little twinges turned into something a whole lot bigger, and then the pain got so bad, I couldn’t even...” He flexed his foot forward, pointing his toes. “They were good about it. I got to see some really good doctors, and, I mean, technically, the problem is fixed.” He rotated his ankle around first one way and then the other as if to demonstrate. “But I was in a cast for a week, then in physio for eight weeks, and, even at that point, it was too late. Full recovery took almost six months. I was already too old to have been off my feet so long; that program was kind of my last chance. And I couldn’t finish it.”

You’re not sure what prompted you, but you reached out, your index finger softly tracing the raised mark on his ankle, stomach fluttering at the simplest touch of his skin. The thought of Jimin going through all of this alone made you feel even worse than you already did. You had left him heartbroken while chasing your dream when he was here, chasing his - only to find he wasn’t able to achieve everything he wanted.

You pulled your hand back, tucking it underneath your thigh, and cleared your throat. “I’m sorry. I wish I had known what you were going through.” All the guilt from the breakup and your leaving was beginning to seep back in. “It must have been hard on you,” you mumbled, quickly peering at him.

“It wa-” Jimin paused before clearing his throat. “Yes,” he said quietly. “It was.”

You slumped over, thinking about the last two years without him. Both of you were hurting without the other knowing to an extent. And Jimin…not being able to do what he truly loved pained you more than your stupid little dream of writing. You could do that whenever, wherever you wanted, but Jimin wouldn’t be able to go back in time and try again.

“I’m uh,” you paused to sniffle, “I’m moving back to New York for good. Gonna be with my parents for a bit while I get everything settled and figure out the next steps. LA was a complete bust. The dream job I left for was the same thing I was doing here.” You shifted back on the bed, then stretched your legs before settling them again. “There’s no big movie, no Lin-Manuel Miranda. I don’t know who I was kidding trying to lie my way out of this,” you chuckled sadly, “Pretty lame, huh? I left you and have nothing to show for it.”

There was a silence that settled between the two of you. You chuckled to yourself, thinking about how lame each of your lies was. And what did they achieve? Nothing really, and it was just a way to feel good about yourself, even if just for a split second.

Out of nowhere, his hand was on top of yours. You stared at the familiar hand, remembering how you’d always tease him about the duality of his hands. One minute they’re cute, soft, and stubby; the next, they’re confident, cunning, and unyielding. Your body felt warm, humming with excitement when he softly caressed the back of your hand. As much as you wanted your hand underneath the warmth of his, you didn’t forget that he was seeing someone. You didn’t want your hands to linger longer than they already did for fear of never wanting to let go again.

"Jimin…" you breathed, his name barely audible. He might not have heard you if he wasn't so close to you. His plush rose-tinted lips looked delectable - you were fighting every fiber of your being, not wanting to lean in and remember what they tasted like. Your skin is hot just thinking about what that mouth of his could do to you. Maybe press kisses along your jaw, your neck, and down the top of your chest. Possibly nibble on your earlobe and whisper something he’d like to do to you. He loved teasing you until you were squirming under him, and you wondered if he did that with this new person.

You didn’t know if Jimin was the only one struggling, but your heart began racing as he moved closer. You wondered if he was also fighting the same urge as you.

It’s been a long time since you had been anywhere near Jimin, let alone almost kissing him. Your eyes flicked to his before dropping to his lips, and your breathing slowed. It was as if time had stopped specifically for you and Jimin, waiting to see what the next move would be. Honestly, you’d be tearing his clothes off now if it weren’t for the fact that he was seeing someone else. You let out a breath, closing the distance, forehead gently bumping into his, your hand resting on his toned pecs.

Then the door swung open.

“Oh! Whoa! Oh, no, no. Ok. Back out! Back out!”

Tae swung in, leaning heavily on the door handle and, upon seeing the two of you in such close proximity, swung immediately back out again, slopping half the contents of his cup on the floor in the process, shooing away whichever lucky person was about to follow him in.

But it was enough. You both jumped, Jimin’s hand lifting off yours, both shifting away from each other. He laughed shakily, ran a hand through his hair. 

“As much as I want to kiss you right now, I’d hate myself for it tomorrow,” you insisted before pulling away from him. Even though you had more than enough to drink tonight, this conversation with Jimin awakened you from fantasy land. The two of you were a complete mess, lying to one another about each other’s lives. You couldn’t bear the thought of whomever he was seeing finding out that he had kissed an ex-girlfriend while they weren’t around. Ugh, the idea made you feel sick–or maybe it was the alcohol.

You stood on your feet, a little wobbly like Bambi on ice, which warranted Jimin’s hands ready to catch you, but you assured him you were okay. You pulled down your skirt, which hiked up underneath your ass cheeks. You berated yourself, walking toward the door. Wondering who you thought you were, coming to this party as a big shot when in reality, you were nothing but a fake, a fraud who deserved nothing else than to be alone in this new year.

You turned around, taking one last look at Jimin, who hadn’t taken his eyes off you since he first saw you earlier tonight. Lifting your hand to wave, telling him, See you later, Jimin. Even though you knew it was another lie. You couldn’t bear to see him with someone else, let alone have their hands all over him. It would be too much for you.

“No! Don’t!”

He was on his feet, crossing the distance to you in two large steps. He placed one hand against the door and the other on your waist.

“Please don’t go.” He floundered, starting sentence after sentence with nothing to follow. “Please, just stay.”

“What about your girlfriend?”

“She’s not my girlfriend; it’s not that serious.”

You chuckled, wondering if he was lying to himself. “Yeah?” you asked, cocking your eyebrow, “What are we doing then? What is this? Are you saying you want to get back together, or is this just because we’re both pathetic and miserable and drunk?”

“We might be pathetic and miserable and drunk, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything between us; you were the love of my life. You can’t just say we’re nothing to each other now. I know I’m not the only one who feels it. It’s still there. And I don’t want to be your friend.”

It’s true. How could you ever go back to being just friends with Jimin?

If the two of you were to continue what you had before, you feared you’d hurt Jimin again. But what if next time, it was him who left you? You weren’t sure if you could handle another heartbreak.

Your heart leaped when you heard the crowd roar echoing down the hall and into the room, the countdown to midnight in full swing. Fireworks glowed bright hues of white and yellow, illuminating Jimin’s face. More cheers and singing repeated as everyone rang in the new year.

The big question was, how would the two of you go forward now?

As Jimin caged you in against the door, your hands settled on his shirt, fingers curling into a fist, your body fighting every cell not to give in. You leaned in, nose brushed against his, lips faintly touching.

“Call me tomorrow when we’re both sober.”

Then you slipped out of his grasp and were gone.

[not-goldy]

One day Jimin will get the same treatment for his members, he gives. Jin wearing a Golden Shirt during Jimin's album comeback is well, its a choice. Same with Tae releasing his photobook during Jimin's album promotion. Look how we have had nothing from Jimin in the last few days, but for some reason they couldn't wait til now to release Tae's book/pics. It had to be right when Jimin's album was announced and is movie video dropped. Suga said he waited cause he didn't wanna disrupt Tae's album. Rm said he didn't wanna disrupt Tae's album. Tae was silent the entire time with Face and JM's #1 bb. Jimin showed up for him and supported him on social media and in person. He supported all the members, including Suga who cut his promotions short and helped promote Suga with Pain tape on his neck. He went to Hobi and Suga's shows. Promoted RM and non stopped talked about Jin while JIn was gone, even using his enlistment picture together as his pfp the entire time and even put Jin's face in his challenge videos. And we aren't gonna talk about what Jimin did for JK. (which he got that same energy from JK in return). It just breaks my heart cause he really gives his all and is the most OT7 member, but never gets that in return. Not a single member has mentioned Jimin's SGMB. And only one person showed up when he was being ridiculed and sabotaged last year during Face and that is JK and PJM's hate him? Make it make sense.

Aigoo pjms hating Jungkook is the biggest sabotage of Jimin's life and career but no one wants to talk about that but me🙂

[beautifulpersonpeach]

after all the noise. You know what BPP? Thank you for having this blog. I swear everybody has gone insane, even some bloggers I thought were eloquent and could sift nonsense from hysteria have gladly carried the Jimin akgae card asserting the company was setting up JK to have a solo career at Jimin’s expense. Saying shit like JK is going to tour and HYBE will send Jimin to military. Only for JK and other guys to announce they’re ALL going. Like they always said they would.

if not for your blog I would get swept up by the narratives, it was just becoming too much BPP, so thank you. I’m sad about the news but also grateful.

***

“Like they always said they would.”

That’s the thing, isn’t it? All that’s happened in Chapter 2 is largely in line with what the members have always said would happen. The only reason - read that again - the only reason there’s been so much hysteria around Jungkook becoming a breakout star and rumours about him not going to the military, is because those are the primary anxieties of akgaes of rival members, PJMs and KTHs more specifically.

Just as with the rumours around contract renewals, around JK working with Scooter, and practically everything else, the majority of those narratives are founded entirely on the anxieties and insecurities of solo stans who worry they won’t have good opportunities to ‘win’ more achievements for Jimin and Taehyung relative to Jungkook.

The narratives around Jungkook that’s taken off lately, people already vilifying him as a horrible person for *not going to the military, were based purely on assumptions that all of the build up for Seven was leading up to him choosing not to go. Even now, already akgaes are saying it’s because he didn’t get a Grammy nomination, but curiously enough this theory doesn’t apply to the other members. I know why but it doesn’t make it any less lame.

Anybody actually paying attention to all of BTS would know every single member has been consistent about saying one thing: they intend to return as a group by 2025.

It’s not something that should be controversial or the source of so many conspiracy theories, and yet, something like 70% of the discourse topics I’ve seen in this space for the last 6 months have been related to questioning everything about that claim - it’s authenticity, it’s practicality, and the motivations behind the members saying it. That’s what you get in a space infested by akgaes prone to ✨discourse✨.

If I was more naive I’d hope this would serve as yet another lesson to remind people the kind of group BTS is, but I’m fairly certain a lot of people here fundamentally lack that capacity. So lol, no. Now I expect to see even more fantastic takes while the guys are in the military.

Good luck to the maknae line: Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook.

We know they’ve all prepared music and variety content to keep the fandom occupied. I hope we can all keep our hair on until they leave, and then comeback.

Like they always said they would.

[sizzlingpatrolfox]

I didn't want to bring negativity on my last post about face lyrics but while watching I was reminded of this:

I just can't believe the nerve.

The way they try to paint a narrative of sadness and struggle and misery around Jimin's work, when literally everything we've been seeing about it has been nothing short of exhilarating. He struggled what any normal, flesh-and-bone artist goes through while working on something they really care about, but it didn't hurt him. He wasn't hurting. He wanted to talk about the things he felt and his heartache during the pandemic because he wanted to, not because it was a responsibility.

I don't know where these kind of people were when face was announced and later, released; but pjms barely talked about records or numbers. Some even thought those "goals" that army make for each comeback were too high, and that we should aim lower. People were just geniunely excited for music made by Jimin.

The same can't be said for other group of fans who, from the beginning, had the only and sole goal of "breaking records" and trying to fabricate a successful career for another member by force of remixes and versions.

There's something sinister in turning the support that people were/are trying to give Jimin into selfishness and things that have nothing to do with Jimin.

Either way, let's entertain the idea for a second and say it's about selfishness. Then, why Jimin or people who support him can't be selfish? Why is Jimin always the one who has to compromise and not be selfish?

Why can Jungkook be selfish, just take take take and take, but Jimin should be the one to put part of his life on hold or be relegated to the back of the stage?

If having equal opportunities and having fair support from the company means being selfish, then fuck yeah Jimin should be selfish. Who else is going to be selfish for him?

Or is Jungkook going to say "don't restock my CDs because none of my bandmates CDs were restocked"? Is he going to be selfless and say "split the combined versions of my songs because that's what happened to my bandmates too"? Is selflessness even expected from Jungkook or his fans?

Why weren't Jungkook's fans asked to not be selfish and buy only the same amount of remixes as everyone else got, and stream only one version of the song the same as everyone got? Why weren't Jungkook and his fans asked to not be selfish and stop supporting Jungkook? Why weren't they called selfish for asking more remixes of a song that already had 10 remixes?

This fandom is so used to Jimin being the only one compromising everything always, the only one who should put his life on hold so he can sit back and watch at the rest moving on. They're used to treating Jimin like his best trait is being there for others.

And I will talk about jikookers specifically like I've always done because merely three or four months ago I saw them praying and begging Jimin would do stuff for JK that Jungkook has never done for Jimin. I've seen them begging and praying that Jimin didn't enlist after FACE, not because they might miss him or because they worry about his health or want more music from him, but because they wanted him to be Jungkook's cheerleader during his debut. Even though during Jimin's debut Jungkook was selfish enough to never show up for Jimin. He was selfish enough that the only time he "supported" Jimin in person was the time he happened to be at hybe's so he could use their gym, and Jimin happened to be rehearsing there. But of course, it's only Jimin who's not allowed to be selfish.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

It surprised me to see many armys taken aback by the lack of nominations for jimin in some (I think) american and/or european awards, and I don't even think those awards mean anything at all, that's not the point, but I think this is the first time I've seen so many armys (and not only pjms) talk about a jimin-centric issue without trying to ot7fy it. Because let's be honest, no one was expecting the rest of them to be nominated for any western award (and that's fine because, again, those awards mean nothing at all to me) but I feel like there's a growing collective sentiment, or more like more people are starting to realize that jimin, THEE Park Jimin, is meant to occupy a larger space than he was given and that he's being purposely pushed back. I know it's been months, and it's pointless to keep ruminating on the past and what could have been, but now that even army is starting to notice, I can't believe hybe can't see how badly they fumbled the bag, right?

I can't really comment on the spectrum of reactions across the fandom because I didn't go looking for this specific thing, but what I can do is share my thoughts and the issue can be explained very easily (in my opinion)

Jimin has promoted his songs and album release in South Korea through various means, including his participation to several music shows for which he won as well. In this case, his future presence at end of the year award shows is almost to be expected and I'm sure it will happen. I think the k-pop industry is much better at this type of recognition for the work idols do throughout the year and it's a platform for some spectacular performances.

At the same time, Jimin also promoted in the U.S, albeit at a much smaller scale, since that wasn't his go to market for reasons that I won't speculate here. But, as a result of his comeback and his fans' reception of the album and LC, he has made an achievement on a U.S platform that is used as one measure of success, aka, the Billboard Hot 100. Not only that, it was historical given that he was the first SK solo act to achieve No. 1. By simply having that achievement in the U.S market, he qualifies for U.S music awards, the same as other artists from SK who are nominated and which had less achievements, but that's another topic I'm not interested in talking about right now.

Nevertheless, in that case, Jimin and LC should have been at least submitted. As of now, it looks like the label didn't go further and acted in their capacity, which lead to Jimin's absence from nominations, including the K-Pop categories.

I think these are the facts that we know or at least this is how the situation is coming across. As for the reason why it happened, I find myself asking the same question. Not because I'm desperate for Jimin to have the same career trajectory as everyone else or to push for the U.S market, but because in this particular case, he qualified for the nominations. It's as simple as that. And if I allow myself to speculate a bit, I think the option of Jimin not being interested or that it was his choice sounds outlandish, given his excitement when SMFpt.2 debuted at no. 30 and the heartfelt message he had when LC had its debut. Regardless of any other debates about kpop and the U.S market, for some it is still seen as an achievement and something to be proud of and Jimin was, in his typical humble and elegant way.

[stormblessed95]

Hi i just started way of the kings, bc that was the only book from sanderson that i found, and i really wanted to start a deep series (like i have completed both percy jackson series, all 4 shadowhunter series, sjm universe all 3 series and ofc harry potter) and they were good but i wanted a more deeper well thought out more mature series, and i heard everyone like not even one single bad review from my fav book readers that i follow. I really hope i love this (cldnt get into lor or got series idk why maybe will give a try again) but can you give a timeline or any link which will explain it and the sequence of books in each series, if you wont mind. thanks,

ps its sort of sad the low amount of effort that bighit puts into jimin releases, not even mere promotion or posters even or pre order/save links or a larger grp of sites to but from or a europe ver album (which btw all of teh above that everyone else got, all the members did and pjms (no major account or so called ot7 army) are the ones promoting or putting up fliers and posters for promoting its just sad and so hurtful to see. its just so sad when people put side by side pics of jm and other member's stores and pre order links for thier albums and see jm's being like 4 stores long just that short list, it was really just sad. people have to beg them to give the pre -release songs pre order and pre save list and got that liek 2 days before the release, is just straight up negligence and mistreatment, it was really shocking to see esp since i became an army during proof era and the chapter 2 comebacks were my real full comebacks the clear discrepancies in releases of jm and others shocking (i agree even v faced some but not to this amount sry and how the rap line projects always get the lowest amount of engagement esp hobi and his hots album/documentary) i dont like solos always but in these moments when i see real tiem engagement by pjms on insta and twt i sort of become thankful for them, bc otherwise this album would have been in the gutter and esp with geffen vp streaming head's twt/comment , its really just disgusting to see, never have i seen such blatant disregard for an album release. Its just sad just very sad. anyways, thanks for the stormverse information in your recent ask, it helped a lot!

Anon come back! Lol was the list of books in last ask not what you want? Are you asking for a timeline of all the books in the cosmere in chronological order? Or just the Stormlight Archive series? Which starts with The Way of Kings? (feel free to give me updates as you read anon!!)

Stormlight Archive series includes:

Book 1: The Way of Kings

Book 2: Words of Radiance

Book 2.5: Edgedancer (Novella)

Book 3: Oathbringer

Book 3.5: Dawnshard (Novella)

Book 4: Rhythm of War

Book 5: Wind and Truth (comes out Dec 2024)

.

As for the rest of your rant, I can agree that the effort Hybe has been putting into promotions for BTS lately have been abysmal, especially for who BTS are. They can and should be doing better in that aspect. But I don't super want to get into that honestly. Lol I just want to focus on enjoying what IS coming out and the efforts from the fandom too

[mediapiays]

The decline in sales this year for kpop artists is interesting...

Care to elaborate or engage in speculation?

And what it means for Jimin?

It's a combination of China finally cracking down on fans bulk buying albums and the growth of kpop finally slowing down. Many groups have seen a decline in sales (txt, aespa, seventeen) and spotify streams haven't been too hot either.

Yes, magnetic did great but it didn't have the longevity or peak of omg or super shy or cupid. Lesserafim did see a new peak in streams with their latest comeback but it didn't have the longevity of perfect night or antifragile. Aespa is experiencing their peak rn but it just feel like the kpop bubble has burst and the growth will decline from now on.

As for what it means for jimin, I think that pjm2 will get similar numbers to face in terms of sales. I can't say much about streams because armys are unpredictable and I know pjms can carry the streams but I don't wanna overestimate although I think it will do as much or slightly better first day numbers than face.

[koowthv]

[lokisasylum]

The gap is increasing, make sure to create more accs to continue voting, we got a lot of terrain to cover.

But one thing to take into consideration is that once you vote with 10 accounts, make sure to wait between intervals of 1 hour before voting again to avoid being restricted.

[solarwynd]

So I'm genuinely wondering - he's under your label, he's insanely popular in your favoured market - why are you treating him like this? It's too much to not be deliberate. So why? It's not popularity - RM and Hobi are way less popular than Jimin and they got treated better. So what's the deal? I just don't understand

im going to say it and there's a conversation to have that pjms just don't want to have.

simple answer is because they care about their solo work and put importance to it way more than jimin does.

and no I don't mean jimin doesn't work hard or half asses I mean it the ambitious way where rapline genuinley want to be successful as a soloist where for jimin this is all just temporary to go back to BTS 🤷‍♀️

This isn’t a new convo, so you not shaking anything with this cause I’ve seen other people also bring this up as well

BH is supposed to support the members careers and give the adequate resources to be successful in their endeavors regardless of anything else, period. Idk how you people have started to believe that company support equals how bad you wanna be a soloist outside of BTS. Be fucking for real. And If rapline was that much more concerned about being “ambitious soloists” than being in BTS they would’ve left already to pursue that, but just like Jimin their priority is also BTS so they’re still in the fucking group. That’s why that reunion exists. Rapline simply just had a head start and more opportunities to do solo work that Jimin and the rest of vocal line were not afforded before now. And then you have TH and Jin for example. Neither which have said or alluded to having any big soloist aspirations in music outside BTS. Even TH said that he works better in the group and singing on a song on his own is hard after putting out Layover, but both have still gotten far better promotion than Jimin ever has with his two albums.

All these excuses y’all continue to give on account of why HYBE has been treating him like shit when he’s simply not who Bang PDs has in his plans to be big. They throw rapline their lil bones whenever they have their comebacks and they don’t have to monitor any of them if they go beyond a certain pre approved metric, because they never do. So again no it has nothing to do with them taking their solo careers more seriously.

But why does Jimin’s love for the group have to be used against him to say he’s not serious about having a solo career in the first place? Why does a member have to supposedly be entirely self concerned and willing to put the group on the back burner to be seen as ambitious? Why can’t Jimin exist as a member of BTS while also still putting in the obvious work he has been doing in solo era if that’s what he’s choosing to do at the moment and not have his work be delegitimized just cause y’all continue to put rapline on some imaginary ass pedestal?

[taehyungfirst]

https://www.tumblr.com/taehyungfirst/761334965165244416/httpsxcompannkpopstatus1833674318628233417-w

Lol i’m not a fan of pjms either but sometimes people just believe things because they want it to be true not because they actually think it’s true. This account was created today and the website looks like something a 3rd grader designed. Also why on earth would they even post who their clients are? Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of using the services? Hybe is a big corporation that doesn’t need to enlist the help of nugu companies like this one. They’ve been doing dirty deals for years and are not stupid enough to leave trails like this. I feel like everyone just jumps at every rumor they see about Jm’s numbers because they want to stick it to pjms but please, this is obviously fake. That website had Usain Bolt on it for crying out loud. What is Usain bolt’s business with streaming services😂

Tbh I haven’t opened the article because Pann articles are written by kpop stans so I don’t take it seriously, and I don’t know what website you’re referring to so I’m assuming it’s something in the article.

I hope Usain Bolt is having a good comeback soon ~

[joyswonderland1108]

Soo..

Pjms have this project for Jimin which is NOT a re-comeback 

And as always hoes are mad. 

When people were expressing how much Army are hypocrites for shading Jimin’s re-comeback event just for them to be happy about a J-hope re-comeback during the same month aka the holy month of Festa that is supposed to be for OT7 and not for solo projects.. 💀 People were calling them names and telling them they’re mad as if Hobi’s re-comeback won’t include Jimin’s songs.

Now i hope you read the previous paragraph really well because guess what, now that there is a Jimin project, again as i said NOT a re-comeback they’re asking to wait for more details and to not spread misinformation, bitches are mad saying that “solos” are trying to ruin JJK1 i-

First of all motherfuckers if they’re solos, specifically Jimin solos, then whether they do a re-comeback, a streaming party or whatever the fuck they’re still solos and won’t interfere with any member’s release because them being solos would mean that they wouldn’t participate in streaming for any other member even with no Jimin related event you fuckwad.

Second of ALL, y’all be mad at Jimin stans for being defensive over Jimin and saying that another member’s re-comeback will still have Jimin songs in it, so why tf can’t you use this same logic and think that an eventual Jimin re-comeback would still have other members songs as well? When FACE dropped on my mama i’ve seen playlists that had equal amounts of Jimin songs and other member’s songs, i especially saw a lot of Jikook focused playlists for FACE where, if Like Crazy was repeated 10 times, Stay Alive was repeated 10 times, if Set me free pt2 was repeated 12 times, Euphoria was repeated 12 times, it was all equal and was both a boost for Jimin AND Jungkook, and this one is for motherfucking Akgaes barking about how this is an event extending during JJK1 aka his album release, but oh wait..

Speaking of an album release, THIRD OF FUCKING ALL!!! There is no official announcement, can’t people learn from the previous shit already? People took a Naver article bullshitting about an eventual release and ran with it, forgetting that Hybe never even confirmed that and to make it worse this happened before with Jimin himself, the one and only y’all bitches are mad about, it was again a Naver article claiming his album release was set on February then ended up being released a month later. 

Same fucking Naver claiming that Tae’s album release was upcoming too and that article was even older than the article about JK so people really over here looking for drama where there isn’t. If there’s any JK release without any official announcement at the very least a whole month before then i’d just assume it might be a single or a collab which again even a re-comeback project won’t interfere with it! 

As a Jimin and Jungkook stan i’m always so baffled at how people can barely use their brains and it makes me wonder how tf are these people supposed to be in college or have any type of diploma with a malfunctioning brain that can’t use common sense and basic logic, are some of these people supposed to be “professionals” that other people trust? We’re doomed if people can’t even sit for a minute and think shit through before spitting venom. 

Again and again AND FUCKING AGAIN, this ain’t no re-comeback so y’all shut your asses and do your own shit, y’all make me want to crucify you!