#linked chapter 19

"Why are you dressed like that?"  Jimin breaks the awkward quiet that had been occupying Taehyung's living room ever since the two men entered and took seats across from each other. "Is that a hospital gown you're wearing?" 

"Yes." 

"Why? What happened?"

"Do you really wanna know?," Yoongi arches a brow at him. 

"No, not particularly," the other one shrugs, his expression showing not even the slightest spark of curiosity. 

"Well, not to be dramatic, but I almost died because of you."

"Now you're exaggerating." 

"Not so sure. I mean, you played a rather significant role in bruising my rib and all. Which then got infected. So ..."

"Oh."

"Yeah." 

"I – I didn't mean to," Jimin stammers, what appears to be genuine guilt overshadowing his unreally perfect features. 

"Yeah. I know. It's okay. I get it." 

"You do!?" 

"Why you were so protective of her?" Yoongi tilts his head, eying the other one inquisitively. "Yes, I do. I understand."  

"Really?"

"Yes. Because I know about y/n's past now. And I love her, too, you know."  

"Oh, do you now?" Jimin scoffs, leaning into the sofa's backrest as he shakes his head, a wintry grin stretching his full lips. 

"Yes." Yoongi shifts in Taehyung's armchair, elbows propped up on his knees now, hands folded, his right foot tapping anxiously. For a few seconds, he falls silent, gathering the courage to speak his next words.