Chapter Text
Jimin struggled to wake up, the fatigue in his body stubborn. He could hear his shipmates already up and running, the sound of footsteps on the ship deck on top of him were overbearing. Annoyed, Jimin finally opened his eyes and turned to his side, eyes caught the writing on his left wrist. Jimin smiled as he traced the lines of the tattoo, jeon jungkook, was written in all black ink. "Good morning Jungkook-ah." He said before pressing a small kiss to his wrist.
Jimin feigned sleep when he heard footsteps approaching his room, he curled closer to his body when he heard his door slam open. "Rise and shine, Park Jimin." The low baritone of Kim Taehyung's voice burned his ears, Jimin groaned as he rolled in bed, the swaying of the ship not helping him sleep what so ever. Jimin heard Taehyung walk over before shaking him, he pulled off the covers from Jimin, immediately exposing his body to the cold sea air.
"You jackass." Jimin groaned to the pillow before turning to look at his mischievous best friend. Taehyung was smiling innocently before he turned to walk out of the door.
"You better wake up, Park." Jimin heard Namjoon scream from the deck, he heard stomping from up top before he felt flakes of wood drop on top of his face, Jimin put his hands against his face. Rubbing it once, twice, before deciding to finally get up.
He walked out of bed and turned left straight to the stairs. It was barely dawn he could see, the seagulls were flying above their ships, and the waves were calm. Jimin took notice of the rest of his crew on board. Taehyung was helping Hoseok scrub the decks, Jimin walked past them, giving both a pat on the back, before walking towards the forecastle deck. Both Hoseok and Taehyung gave him acknowledging nods before turning back to clean.
Jimin leaned against the wodden rails right behind the bowsprit. Jimin closed his eye as he felt the salty air around him. The sounds of waves crashing against each other, the sound of wind blowing against the half opened sail, the sound of seagulls flying past him. They reminded Jimin of why he fell in love with the ocean, of the deep and dark abyss beneath him. The possibilities were endless from where he stood. And with his five crewmen, they've traveled half the word. Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Afrika, name it and they've probably been there. Setting off to sail when he was barely eighteen, it's been five years since then and Jimin didn't regret it one bit.
Of course, there was some he missed during his journey. He opened his eyes, they were facing east, he could tell because the sun was rising right in front of his eyes. Jimin took hold of his left wrist, fingers tracing the familiar inking. He brought his wrist close to his mouth before pressing a soft kiss against it.
"I'll show you this beautiful scenery one day Jungkook," he paused, another kiss leaving his mouth, "one day." He said voice barely above a whisper.
Jimin jumped when he felt a hand against his shoulder, he turned to look at the hand owner, smiling when he saw it was Namjoon, "Our last day at sea." Namjoon said with a sad tone, Jimin was about to reply when he heard footsteps from behind him.
He looked back to see the rest of the crew walking towards them, he smiled at Taehyung who quickly occupied the space to his left, Hoseok following in suit. He heard Namjoon talking to Yoongi and Seokjin on his right. Jimin smiled sadly at his crew before focusing his attention to the sunrise.
"The last time we saw a sunrise together like this was when we set sail for the first time." Yoongi said, hands around Seokjin and Namjoon's shoulders. They laughed at the memory.
Namjoon's half assed commands at them. Yoongi's never doing his chores, opting to sitting at the crow's nest instead. Hoseok's unskilled hands always accidentally tangling the lanyard. Taehyung's never ending flu because he couldn't adapt to the sea's air and humidity. Seokjin's monotone food menu during their first year. And Jimin's inaccurate mapping. How they've grown from five years ago, and just like that their time was coming to an end. They promised each other it would be a five year journey. Going everywhere and anywhere they could. And in a blink of an eye, the five years have passed, here they were still on the sea but on the way to a familiar place. On the way home.
The sun rise was beautiful. The red and yellow hue the star admitted was reflected by the moving water. The colors blended together, the blackness of the unlit sea slowly started taking color, a tint of yellow and orange started showing. The sunshine reached the bow of the ship before ascending up until his whole body was covered in a yellow-ish hue. Jimin looked at his shipmates, they all had similar looks on their faces. A small smile and sad eyes. Jimin looked back at the ever rising sun before slapping his hands on Namjoon and Taehyung's back.
"Come on now. We gotta get ready to set sail." The others looked at him with fond smiles, "Destination? Busan. ETA? Sunday, 6.30 AM." Jimin looked at the rest with a grin on his face. They all nodded at each other before walking to do their individual tasks. Until he was the only one left at the forecastle, Jimin walked back towards his room.
He took out a pen and paper, and started writing his letter for Jungkook. It had become a sort of routine for Jimin. He had dozens of sealed envelopes inside his drawer, all addressed towards on man. Jimin tapped the pen lightly against his chin, thinking about what to write. Jimin lips quirked as he pressed the pen against the paper.
to the boy who owns my heart,
i'm not sure why i'm still writing this. but i've done so for the past five years so why stop now. my journey at sea has almost come to an end, for now. one day, i'll comeback and show you all about the beauty of the ocean.
i'm not sure if the day where you read these letters of mine would come, i highly doubt the possibility. but i still hope for it.
i've sailed across the world jungkook, looking for you. and it made me wonder.
are you looking for me too?
do you even exist?
those are questions which answers i cant obtain right now. but until then, i will never stop looking.
sincerely, the boy lost at sea; Park Jimin.
Jimin was about to fold the letter and put it in the envelope when his door was pushed open. He quickly folded the letter in his hand.
He heard a sigh, "Jimin, are you writing for him again?" Jimin turned to look at Taehyung who had a sympathetic expression on his face. Jimin furrowed his eyebrows.
"Is it a crime, Taehyung?" Jimin said tiredly, they've been on this topic a hundred times before.
"You don't even know his address," Taehyung stood behind his chair, "I just don't want you to get hurt Jimin-ah." He put his hands on Jimin's shoulder, massaging them slowly. Jimin eased into the touch, the aching in his stomach grew whenever Taehyung talked about his soulmate.
"I know that." Jimin nodded, Taehyung slipped his hands down Jimin's chest, before settling his chin on Jimin's head, "I know that." Taehyung left a small kiss on Jimin's head.
"Come one, Seokjin said to call you for breakfast and Hoseok needed help with the sail." Jimin nodded. He folded the letter into the envelope, shoving it in his drawer before following Taehyung out.
That night, Jimin was on lookout to see if they were sailing in the right direction. Jimin's favorite shifts were always the ones at the early hours of the morning, he laid the blanket down in the crow's nest before throwing his body on it.
Between 1 AM to 3 AM were Jimin's favorite times. The sea was calm and the breeze was pleasant and slow. The salty taste of the wind always left him feeling buzzed. But during those times, Jimin liked nothing more than to lay down and look at the sky. The sprinkle of bright stars against the dark background always took his breath away.
Jimin liked to look at the sky, making all sorts of constellations on his own. He liked to spend these times alone but more often than not, Jimin liked to imagine Jungkook right next to him, laying down beside him in the small crow's nest, making constellations and talking till the sun rose. He had never seen Jungkook so most of his imaginations were from the neck down. But Jimin didn't care.
He believed in destiny. He knew Jungkook was out there waiting, and maybe also searching for him. Jimin didn't want to rush, he knew that when the time comes then it will come. And he would see Jungkook for the very first time. He couldn't wait for that time to arrive, but he'd stay patient for Jungkook. Knowing that it would be worth it at the end.
Jimin looked out towards the sea, his watch telling him it was barely past 2 AM. Jimin sighed, he checked the compass one last time before laying back down. Jimin laid his head on his right hand before lifting up his left arm. He closed his right eye, scanning the sky for new constellations.
"Jeon Jungkook." He said, voice soft. "I don't think you can hear me. But, I just want you to know that, whatever it takes. However long it takes. I will never stop searching for you." Jimin dropped his left arm, placing it under his head as well.
"Maybe right now at this moment. You're laying down looking at the stars as well. We may enjoy these moments separately as of right now. But, I can't wait until we spend it together." Jimin closed his eyes, breathing softly.
He still had a long night until they arrived at the Busan pier, but with his heart warm, Jimin's sure he could get through it.
***
"Land!" He shouted after looking through his telescope. Jimin dropped down the crow's nest from the pole before running towars the cabins, "We're here!" He shouted knocking at the door, before rushing towards Namjoon's room. He knocked until he door was opened by a fully dressed Namjoon.
"Land has been sighted, Captain." He said while saluting. Namjoon nodded before patting his head.
"Let's dock this baby for one last time." Jimin nodded while grinning, he followed Namjoon around the same time the cabin doors opened. They all exchanged looks and nods before walking towards the deck for the last time.
Busan hadn't changed, it was still the same old busy port town it was when Jimin left five years ago. When they arrived at the pier, Jimin jumped down first, the town he was in familiar but strange. He walked on the old wodden planks with his sling bag heavy against his back. Namjoon followed after him.
"They're having the moon lauch on friday right?" Jimin turned his body to face Namjoon.
"What moon launch?" He said fixing the bag on his back.
"My dad said the youngest korean astronaut was going to the moon for the first time." Jimin looked taken back at the fact, a heat somehow made it to his stomach.
"How did I not know about this?" Namjoon shrugged, before turning towards the others.
"The ship will be anchored here from now on, I will have the taxes taken cared of and a cleaner would come once a week to clean it." The crew nodded before looking at each other, an uncomfortable silence fell upon them.
"I guess it's goodbye for now." Taehyung had said successfully breaking the silence, the others nodded sadly. Jimin felt emotional and being the sap he was brought all of them in for a group hug. He felt tears dripped down his face as he cried quietly and held them close enough until their heads bumped into each other. Jimin heard sniffles from Namjoon to his right.
"Thank you for a great five years guys," he said when he pulled back from the hug, "until next time?" He asked voice hopeful. The rest of the crew nodded.
"Until next time." Yoongi had said with finality, his own eyes glossy before he dragged a crying Hoseok towards the beach.
Jimin looked back and forth between Namjoon and Seokjin one last time. He pulled them both in a bone crushing hug, Taehyung watching from the sidelines. "Thank you." He said softly pulling back to take a look of the two elder's faces. Jimin laughed at their tear stained cheeks, saying his final goodbyes, before walking away with Taehyung.
They walked towards Jimin's house because it was close to the beach, they spent the walk mostly in silence, aside from the occasional sniffles and coughs from Taehyung. It was a five minute walk, they passed by a fish market on their journey, Jimin was familiar with the area and the people, some of them even greeted him when he passed by. Jimin politely answered their greetings before continuing walking. Taehyung was hunched beside him, even their 7 AM shadows looked sad. Jimin sighed before putting an arm around Taehyung, letting his friend cry on his shoulder when they stepped far enough outside of the fish market. Jimin smiled fondly when he felt tears wet his shirt clad shoulder. He rubbed Taehyung's head softly before shushing him, "We'll see them again soon. It's okay." He said which made Taehyung cry harder. Jimin laughed at his best friend before lifting Taehyung's face. He had him cupped between his hands. Jimin pushed his palms until Taehyung's face contorted into an ugly duck face. He saw Taehyung laughing as well before taking his hands away.
"Now, let's go home." Taehyung eagerly nodded, before straightening up. Their walk became less sad, as they started conversing instead of walking in silence.
Before they knew it, they arrived on the doorstep of Jimin's childhood home. The wooden door had aged, the original dark brown changed to a lighter shade of brown. But during his five years away from the house, his mother still managed to keep the roses beside the doorstep alive. Jimin's hand was shaking as he brought it up to knock on the door. His knuckles turned white from the force of how he clenched them. He felt Taehyung put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, Jimin turned to look at his best friend and brother who gave him an encouraging smile and nod. He retuned the gesture before letting out a shaky breath. He knocked three times, the sound echoed to inside the house. Jimin heard footsteps come closer and closer until the brown door was pulled open.
There stood his mother -- Kim Jisoo -- looking like she hasn't aged a day, Jimin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. His heart was hammering against his chest when he saw realization in his mother's eyes. Jisoo put her hands in front of her mouth, choking out a gasp as tears formed in her eyes. Jimin gave her a small smile, tears started forming in his eyes as well. He dropped the bag on his shoulder before walking towards his mother, he felt the woman melt in his arms when he snaked his arms around her waist. Jimin buried his face against his mother's neck as she sobbed against his. Their chests heaving up and down, Jimin pulled the old woman closer to him, breathing her familiar scent, tears fell from his eyes and his nose was runny. He pulled back to press a kiss against his mother's forehead.
"I missed you." His mother nodded before taking his face in her hands, nodding as she pulled Jimin's face closer to also leave a kiss on his forehead.
"I missed you too." Jimin was pulled back into the hug as his mother started petting his hair, rubbing it up and down softly.
"Honey! Honey, come here quick!" He heard his mother shout, "And bring Jihyun!" She added as an afterthought.
They pulled back when they heard a series of footsteps from inside the house, Jimin saw his dad and younger brother running towards the door. When they arrived, he smiled and waved at their stunned faces. His father, seemingly not believing his eyes, grabbed Jimin's face. He smiled when his father ruffled his hair and pulled him to a hug. This hug was less emotional and more quick. When they separated, Jimin gave his little brother a hug as well. When Jimin saw his mother and father talking to Taehyung, he picked up the bag he dropped before walking inside the house.
Somehow, the house stayed the same for five years, aside for the decaying wooden furniture and some of the walls cracking. Jimin took in a breath, the house smelled of something that could only be described as home. He walked past the hallway towards his room, pictures decorated them. The framed family photos they took when Jimin and Taehyung were only 14, when Taehyung first joined the Park family. When Jimin was still dreaming about the blue ocean and sky, not old enough to actually follow his dreams. He stopped by a photo of him as a child, Jimin traced his index finger over photo Jimin's smiling face, his own mouth turning in a smile. He continued walking until he arrived at a dark blue door, Park Jimin, the white plate that hung in front of the door had read. Jimin turned the doorknob, he walked in expecting dust to fill his nose, but was met by a perfectly clean room, almost spotless, he walked inside the room. It was left exactly like it was five years ago, but the one inch thick layer of dust Jimin expected hadn't been there.
"Neat right?" Jimin jumped at the voice of his mother, turning around to face her leaning against the doorframe. "I cleaned it once a week." She said triumphantly, Jimin snorted at his mother's proud face, before dropping his bag on the floor.
"Thanks mom." His mother nodded before walking towards him.
She stopped right in front of Jimin, her hand went to ruffle his hair before she placed both of them on his shoulders. "How my son has grown," Jimin smiled shyly at his mother, "I'm so proud of you for following your dream." His mother placed a hand on his cheek. Jimin grabbed the hand before nuzzling his face against her palm.
"Did you find him?" She said so softly that Jimin almost didn't hear. Jimin looked at his mother with a sad smile before shaking his head.
His mother sighed before rubbing his back, "It's okay. The day will come, you just have to be patient and wait for it." Jimin nodded smiling softly.
"I would join you guys for breakfast, but I had lookout duty this morning so I'm really tired." He said apologetically, his mother ever understanding, just smiled at him before telling him to rest and leaving.
Jimin laid down on his bed, he looked at the white ceilings, way to plain to call his own. Jimin decided when he woke up he was going to decorate the lonely white ceiling.
The sky was dark when Jimin woke up, he could see the sun setting from the window in his room. He twisted his body, shivering because he didn't have his blanket on. Jimin groaned as he rubbed his eyes trying to tune out the sleepiness still inside him. He covered his yawning mouth before sitting up, he looked around his room still not used to the clean surrounding of white walls and tiles instead of old wooden planks surrounding the room. The room smelled of cleaning supplies instead of the musty smell of wood. He laid back down in bed to look at the ceiling, and came to a brilliant idea.
Jimin ran outside his room towards the storage room, he passed by his mother cooking and Taehyung speaking to Jihyun. He gave them all a quick greeting before he opened the back door, Jimin searched the old shed for a ladder. He smiled triumphantly when he saw the familiar color of metal. He grabbed the ladder from behind the shed before carrying it with him back inside the house. His mother and brothers turned their heads at the noises Jimin was making but he just smiled sheepishly at them before continuing his walk.
He reached his room quite fast, he placed the ladder in the middle of the room before walking towards the bag he left on the floor this morning. He emptied it of it's belongings before searching for his brown sketchbook. Jimin cheered when he saw the familiar brown hardcover. He flipped the pages of book, glad he decided to fill the lines with glow in the dark ink. He smiled at his brilliant doings before pulling the bindings off the book. He took of the strings, pages now disarrayed. Jimin picked out his the best maps he drew. He ended up with a numerous amount of maps that mostly consisted of small islands within the Polynesian triangle. He smiled proudly at his picks before standing up to search for scissors and tape.
When he walked pass the mess of his belongings, Jimin walked pass a white string bag. He picked up the light but full bag, puling the string to inspect what was inside it. Jimin was surprised to be met with piles of envelopes, he scoffed remembering the letters he wrote for Jungkook during his journey at sea. Jimin tied the bag again before deciding to place it inside his closet. When he finished putting it away, Jimin resumed looking for the scissors. He rummaged around his drawers before finding both the scissors and double sided tape in the drawer filled with school supplies. Jimin whooped loudly before going back to his map pile.
He flipped it all backwards to stick on the tapes in all four corners. When he was done, he brought it all together before climbing the ladder. Jimin moved around a couple of times, he decided that he wasn't sticking to a regular pattern, placing the maps randomly on his ceiling. When he finished Jimin turned off all the lights in his room, he grinned when he saw the island outlines glowing. Without realizing, Jimin had recreated the Polynesian triangle right on his ceiling, proud of what he produced, Jimin gave himself a self pat in the back and turned the lights back on before cleaning his room.
When he went to returned the ladder, dinner time had come, he walked back in the house before taking a seat at the dining table. The whole family was already seated. Jimin's seat was beside Taehyung's, his mother across from him with Jihyun by her side. His father was seated at the head of the table.
As a welcome home dinner, his mother had made a full Korean styled dinner. Jimin turned to look at Taehyung, they exchanged looks while grinning before looking back at the food. Jimin faced his father, waiting until he started the dinner that night. But, instead of eating like Jimin expected him to do, his father cleared his throat.
"This dinner is to welcome back Jimin and Taehyung." Jimin grinned at his mother who prepared everything, "And what a better way to welcome sailors than with a full traditional feast!" Jimin laughed at his father, he heard Taehyung groaned out a whiny, Dad, from beside him.
"Taehyung, you joined this family when you were only fourteen." Jimin looked over to see Taehyung smiling sheepishly, "and we couldn't be happier you joined this small family of ours." Taehyung nodded at their father, before letting out a small, thank you.
"Now," his father glanced at him, "let's start eating!" Jimin grinned, waiting for his father's first bite before digging into the food in front of him.
Dinner passed smoothly, Jimin and Taehyung both shared stories of their journey on sea. The whole family seemed genuinely interested at the topic. They talked for hours, the five year separation they had was barely visible. Jimin felt like they were gone for three weeks tops. His family's comfortable atmosphere hadn't changed one bit. Jimin fondly looked at his family at the end of dinner. They had finished the food and put dishes in the kitchen before returning to the dining table and continued talking.
At the end of the night, Jimin was sure. The one thing he missed the most when he was out at sea was his family. At least his birth family, he found a new family when he started sailing. And he's sure they would be the family Jimin missed next.
They talked until it was almost midnight, they bid their goodbyes because his father had work in the morning and his mother had to go to the market tomorrow. They walked towards their personal rooms, Jimin said goodnight to Taehyung that roomed across from him before entering his own rooom. He flicked off the light switch before walking towards his bed.
Jimin dropped down in bed staring up at his newly decorated ceiling. He dreamed of their visit to the beautiful Polynesian countries that night. And Jimin couldn't wait for the day he goes to visit again, maybe this time he had his soulmate by his side.
***
Jimin adapted to life quite quickly back on land. As much as Jimin missed the sea, he could do without the waves moving underneath his feet with every passing step he took. And Busan being a port town, was the perfect place for them to go back to. The air was similar to that of the sea and it was near the beach.
He was currently laying down on the couch in the family room, he had his legs dangling down from one edge as he flipped through the next page of the book he was reading -- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson --, his dad was seated at the one person couch watching the 6 PM News. Jimin was so engrossed in his book that he could barely hear the TV that was at full volume, he was about to start the next chapter when he heard the TV spokeswoman say something eerily familiar. Jimin leaned back to look at the TV screen.
Young Astronaut Jeon Jungkook.
Jimin, not believing his eys dropped down to the floor, his book already forgotten. "Dad, turn up the volume!" His dad was taken back, and tried to change the volume settings but the bar was already filled. Jimin groaned in frustration before he dragged himself near the TV. It was an interview, Jimin realized. The woman held the microphone to Jungkook's lips as she asked about how he felt with his first mission. The boy, 21 years old according to the tag on the screen, replied that he was nervous but also excited because it was always his dream to go in space. Jimin smiled fondly at the stranger, his heart clenched when he heard the boy laugh, his smile showed his bunny teeth and Jimin wanted to pinched his cheeks. The woman ended the interview and Jungkook said a small, "fighting!" Before he waved at the camera. Jimin was left in awe at the end, still sat three feet apart from the TV. He could feel eyes boring at the back of his head, he turned it sheepishly to look at his whole family now gathered at the family room looking at him with anticipation.
Jimin giggles softly before rubbing the back of his neck, "I think that was my soulmate?" He said unsure, he watched as his family's face slowly contorted into joy, grins broke out, so did cheers and before Jimin knew it he was engulfed by the whole family hugging him closely. He heard his mother sob from his right and his father's laughter from his left. Jimin smiled as his family pulled him closer, congratulations were shouted to his ear, he stayed limp in the center of the group hug, hands shaking, his heart beating quickly, his stomach churning with something Jimin couldn't recognized. His family pulled back and he stared at them before letting out a sigh of relief. He excused himself from the middle, still not believing that just happened. He walked to his room.
The minute he was in Jimin pressed his back against the door and slid down. He stayed seated on the floor with his hands running through his hair. His soulmate existed. There were times where Jimin doubted that, he was 23 and he was still soulmate less. His parents were concerned, what if Jimin was like those people, whose soulmate died before they'd even met. Jimin was glad he wasn't, he's not sure how he would cope with his soulmate gone from the world. But there Jeon Jungkook was, alive and breathing. And healthy by the looks of it. His soulmate was out there making history, and Jimin wanted to know more about it. He walked towards his desk where his laptop sat. He waited for it to boot before immediately opening Naver. Without much needed effort, Jimin already found the article he needed. Jungkook was on the front page, the sidebar were all about him. And he was the number one searched person. It was like Naver turned into a Jungkook fan club and Jimin wasn't complaining -- he would join too if he could --, he clicked on the very first article. It was the one with the most hits.
The World's Youngest Astronaut, Jeon Jungkook (21), Out to Make History.
Jeon Jungkook, born in Busan, South Korea (1997/09/01) is embarked on a journey to become not only South Korea's but also the world's youngest astronaut. Jeon (21) was at the tender age of eighteen when he was recruited by the Korean Astronaut Program. He exceeded expectations and got 50,000 votes from the audience. The young prodigy was accepted in KAIST University when he was only sixteen (16) years old, majored in Mechanical Engineering, he attended the prestigious school for two years before his essay about the space time continuum brought attention to the Astronaut Program. Teamed up with NASA, the winning pair, Jeon and Park (31) was set on a mission to be the first Koreans ever on the moon.
The pair will be on a two to three week long journey, after their moon landing they will stop by the International Space Station to rest and refuel before they set off for earth.
The Busan born's high IQ of 145, great agility, and ability to adapt were all his key points in surviving the space program. He did astonishingly well in all of his test and even made a new records on all training facilities he'd been to.
We sat down with the now 21 year old and him some question;
Q: How does it feel to become the world's youngest astronaut?
A: I'm actually quite scared of that title [laughs], when I was still in training and people said that I always brush them off. But now the title's actually mine and it feels really surreal.
Q: What was your inspiration during your training? What pushed you to become the best of the best?
A: Um [pause] My family, they were my biggest supporters so they're the ones that really pushed me to do this.
Q: What about a significant other? Your soulmate perhaps?
After this question, Jeon seemed reluctant to answer the question, he briefly looked at his wrist before he shook his head. To watch the full interview with the full manuscript, click [here].
Our day with Jeon Jungkook went quite fast. When asked about his partner in the program the 21 year old stated, "Hyungsoo-hyung and I are really close, the ten year age gap doesn't matter to us. He takes really good care of me."
The two are really close it seems, if Park Hyungsoo wasn't happily married with two sons, maybe they would've been considered as a couple. The Space Program president aslo informed us that "the two had really great chemistry, they're the best pair for this mission."
We wish for nothing but the best for the duo. The Mission will be conducted on Friday, July 19th. It will be broadcasted by every major Korean Television channel. Let's wish for a successful mission for them.
For more information about the launch, please refer to NASA's official website [here].
Jimin closed his laptop after reading almost all articles about Jungkook on the internet, his soulmate was not only a genius but also a prodigy and a history maker. How was he supposed to compare to that? He was just a high school graduate, with no degree but with a lot of love to for the sea. Jimin's not sure he's ready to present himself to Jungkook, not when all he's even done in life was a speck of dust compared to Jungkook's achievements. Jimin felt sick to his stomach, he was breathing hardly and his heart hurt. Jimin lived his life trying hard to accept himself, but he felt small and unimportant compared to Jungkook. Jimin tried to calm his breathing, slowly inhaling and exhaling. He checked the clock and it said 10 PM. He had been on the internet for over 3 hours. Jimin turned to look at the window. Although a little far away, Jimin could still see the beach from his room. It was empty from the looks of it. Without much consideration, Jimin was already out of the door on the way to the beach at the chilly night.
The walk there was fast because he was familiar with the area, the beach was his safe haven, a place he always went to when he needed time and space to think. He walked between the narrow alleyways that surrounded Busan. When the air stopped smelling like pollution and started smelling like salt, Jimin knew he was nearby. He walked past the closed fish market, walking slowly letting the moonlight hit him. It was dark around him, the moon was the only source of light. He kept his pace slow as he walked, the sound of gravel underneath his sneakers was the only thing he could hear.
Five minutes later, he arrived at the beach. Jimin tighten the coat around him as he walked on the sad. He searched for something to sit on, he squinted his eyes and saw a blanket laid down to his right. Jimin walked towards it with a smile before throwing his body onto the thin fabric. He sat up and looked at the sea. His mind was filled with his soulmate as always.
His soulmate now had not only a name, but also a face, a body, and a profession. Jimin sighed as he thought about Jungkook once again. He wondered if Jungkook would accept his joblessness. Jimin knew he was good looking, if Jungkook didn't want him because of that then it's his lost. But Jimin's so afraid of not being accepted for who he was, for what he loved. Jimin loved the sea, the beach, and everything surrounding that topic. He always imagined him and Jungkook going on adventures together, but knowing Jungkook's current job. He's not sure he could enjoy that. He's not even sure if Jungkook would claim him as a soulmate when he tells him the fact that his soulmate was unemployed.
Jimin pulled his knees to his chest before placing his forehead on it sighing, Jimin turned his head when he heard the sound of footsteps on the sand. His eyes met Kim Taehyung's frozen midstep, looking like a kid that got caught stealing from the cookie jar. Jimin let out a breathless laugh before patting the spot beside him. Taehyung smiled his signature box grin before running towards him. He felt him ruffle his hair as he sat down. Jimin, arms still around his kness looked at Taehyung who was leaning on his hand engrossed by the view. "What are you doing here, Tae?" He said softly.
Taehyung shrugged before he spared a glance at Jimin, "I knew you'd be here, so I came along." He turned to look back at the sea before sighing.
"I know you're scared, Jimin."
Jimin turned to look at his brother in shock with wide eyes, before finally nodding.
"But you've finally found him, Jimin-ah." Jimin felt Taehyung's hand on his right shoulder. He turned to see Taehyung already looking at him. "You have to contact him somehow." Jimin looked at Taehyung sadly, unsure of how he could do that.
"Send him a video maybe?" Jimin took it in consideration before he nodded, pulling Taehyung into a hug.
"What if he doesn't accept me?" He said muffled against Taehyung's shoulder.
"Then for a genius with a 145 IQ, he's a real idiot." Jimin let out a laugh, hugging Taehyung tighter.
He pulled back to look at his brother, "Thank you." He said sincerely. Taehyung nodded before standing up. Jimin looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Now, let's go back. I didn't bring a coat and I'm freezing." He said rubbing his hand up and down against his arms. It was then Jimin realized Taehyung was just wearing a sweater. He extended his hand so he could he pulled up. When he was standing up Jimin started walking away.
"Idiot." He muttered.
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing."
"You just called me an idiot didn't you?"
"I would never!"
"Park Jimin!"
Jimin laughed as he ran away from Taehyung, his chest felt ten times lighter.
***
Despite agreeing with Taehyung that he was going to send Jungkook a video message, he still hadn't done it. It was easier said than done.
Jimin had searched up ways to communicate with astronauts and got the shocking news that they had internet in space, albeit a tad slow, it was internet nonetheless. Astronauts also could access their private emails and twitter while up in the airless void. But Taehyung being the smartass he was, suggested Jimin to do neither. He had found out the NASA headquarters in Seoul's address and suggested -- more like demanded-- Jimin visit the headquarters and send a private message to Jungkook from there. Jimin himself wasn't sure it was possible but Kim Taehyung once said nothing was impossible in the name of love. Jimin hoped this was one of them.
So here Jimin was, one day before the launching, packing his bags for a month trip in Seoul. He had contacted Seokjin who offered them a place to stay. Yes, them. Taehyung decided because it was his idea, he had the privilege to tag along in Jimin's journey or love mission as Kim Taehyung so smartly nicknamed it. Their train to Seoul was departing on 3 PM so he and Taehyung had 20 minutes to arrive at the station. Their parents were sending them off. His mother was a bit pissed because they had just came home but when Jimin explained everything she wished him luck and slipped some more money in his pockets.
Jimin and Taehyung bid their family goodbyes before riding the bus to the Busan Station. The trip was short and they walked calmly towards the train they were taking.
Once they were on the train, Jimin gave Taehyung one look before putting on his eye covers, "If this doesn't work I'm beating your ass." Jimin closed his eyes trying hard to get as much sleep as he could.
"On the bright side, we get to have a month trip in Seoul!" Jimin ignored his brother, and tuned out the world around him.
***
Seokjin picked them up from the station, they hugged in reunion after being apart for less than a week. They chatted in Seokjin's car, Seokjin was updating them on how the others were doing. Yoongi and Hoseok went back to their home in Daegu after a week in Seoul, while Seokjin and Namjoon stayed in Seoul. Jimin was giddy, he couldn't wait to see Namjoon again, they kept talking through out the whole trip to Seokjin and Namjoon's shared house.
When they arrived, Jimin was in awe with the big house they had. He sometimes forgot Namjoon was an entrepreneur on break during their five years together. Namjoon was once named one of the most influential entrepreneurs by the Forbes Magazine. So was Seokjin as the founder of the EatJin food chain. He even recently opened one in America. Taehyung and he were the only jobless one, and they've had both Namjoon and Seokjin offering them jobs but both had declined. Jimin decide after he saw Jungkook's profile that he was going to study Oceanology in Busan University. And Taehyung hearing about Jimin's new goal decided he was applying for Mechanical Engineering in the same University. They were both studying for the test next year.
Jimin walked in the house and was greeted by a now purple haired Namjoon, "What a short lived separation." Jimin hugged his friend before running his hand through his new hair. Namjoon laughed and said he was trying the color out. Jimin complimented him before they started walking. Namjoon gave a quick tour about the house's important parts, like bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen, and all the other necessities.
Jimin settled in quite nicely to his temporary room. He excused himself from the others with the excuse of wanting to sleep.
But he couldn't sleep that night, Jimin kept tossing and turning until it was 10 PM, he was nervous about his soulmate's mission. He wondered why he was so nervous when he wasn't the one doing it. Maybe it was a soulmate bond, Jimin didn't know nor did he understood it. He kept trying to calm his heart, and the butterflies in his stomach. He closed his eyes and evened out his breathing.
Jimin let out a small sigh, "You can do this, Jungkook." He whispered and all the weight on his body lifted. His heart was calmer and his stomach wasn't buzzing uncomfortably. Jimin smiled as he closed his eyes. A small goodnight to his soulmate on his lips.
***
The launch went successfully, Jimin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding when NASA confirmed the rocketship was out of the atmosphere and were on the right track. The whole house cheered when it was announced, Taehyung immediately hugged him. Namjoon and Seokjin excused themselves afterwards to get ready for work. Jimin and Taehyung looked at each other before nodding. It was the day where they were going to the NASA headquarters. It wasn't far according to Namjoon when he asked that morning. They both supported Taehyung's idea and even lent them one of their cars.
They started driving there on 2 PM, Jimin's still not sure why Taehyung was so confident that his plan would work out. It's not like they could waltz into NASA's headquarters complaining about Jimin's soulmate problem and get an all clear to send Jungkook a video. It didn't make sense. But then again, a lot of things with Taehyung didn't make sense.
So here they were, two men unfamiliar with the surroundings, driving in Seoul for the first time absolutely lost if it werent for the GPS updating that they were on the right path every thirty seconds. Jimin was tapping his feet, he was nervous, very very nervous. Throughout the journey he kept asking Taehyung on how they could possibly follow through with the plan. Taehyung just kept repeating for Jimin to trust him, so Jimin did and stopped asking questions.
"Are you secretly a NASA employee faking to be my brother?"
"Jimin." He said warningly.
Jimin's mouth clamped shut as he said he was sorry. Taehyung had an oddly serious expression on his face. The GPS showed that they were arriving at the building. Jimin could see an all white building with a dome on top of it. The NASA logo was already showing even in such a distance. It took less than a minute for them to park. Jimin held his breath as they walked towards the main entrance. He looked at Taehyung nervously who had a serene expression. Jimin was confused, this was the person that was afraid of sailing because of sharks. It didn't make sense, and Jimin was used to it. But seeing Taehyung take full control of the situation with confidence kinda took Jimin back. They were stopped by security at front, Jimin wanted nothing more than to run back to the car and forget this ever happened. But Taehyung stood firmly even as Jimin pulled at his arm. His brother placed a hand on top of his to stop Jimin's movements.
Jimin watched as Taehyung pull out his phone, the guard and Jimin both looked at him suspiciously. Jimin observed his brother with a keen eye, he saw Taehyung scrolling on his contacts list before stopping at the letter K. He watched as Taehyung pressed the contact's number, they -- Jimin and the guard -- both waited as they hear the dial tone ring. Jimin licked his lips as a nervous habit, Taehyung still looked as confident as ever. He saw a smile bloom on his brother's face.
"Ah, Uncle? Yeah, I'm at the front can you pick us up?" Jimin strained his neck so he could listen to the other half of the conversation.
"Yep, Okay. See you soon!" Taehyung hung up before smiling at the security guard.
Not even five minutes later, the doors were suddenly opened from the inside, all three heads turned to look at the source of the sound. Out came a man barely 40 in age. He was wearing a white dress shirt with a tie loosely around the collar. Jimin turned to look at his brother who had a grin now.
"Uncle!" Taehyung screamed before waving his hands, the man ran towards them waving also. Jimin watched as the man and his brother hug, his jaw dropped. He looked at the exchange with his breath held, the security guard looked just as confused as he was. Jimin waited until the man and Taehyung finished their little moment before crossing his arms and staring at Taehyung waiting for an answer. Taehyung smilled at him before raising an eyebrow.
"Well?" Jimin demanded, still confused.
"What?" Jimin pointed at Taehyung and the man hands still around each other's shoulders. "Oh! Jimin this is my uncle!"
Jimin immediately dropped his attitude, he walked towards Taehyung's uncle before introducing himself as Taehyung's brother. Taehyung explained that Jimin's family was his Godfamily and they took him in. His uncle looked at Jimin gratefully before shaking his hand. Taehyung's uncle said a couple words to the guards and they were let in. They followed him inside the building, the walls were decorated with newspaper article, artists interpretations of planets, and framed photos of rocketships. Actually walking inside of NASA's headquarters compared to thinking about it is two very different experiences and Jimin felt sick. He looked at Taehyung who had a smug look on his face. Taehyung noticed Jimin staring so he scoffed.
"I told you to trust me." Jimin laughed and bumped his shoulder with Taehyung's, the two joked as they followed Taehyung's uncle.
"So," Jimin and Taehyung stopped joking around when Taehyung's uncle started speaking, "Jimin right?" Jimin nooded unsure, "Taehyung said Jungkook is your soulmate." Jimin nodded once again.
"Okay, well we can't give you a live video call as of this moment, but you can send him a recorded video." Taehyung's uncle kept walking in front of them as he spoke, "The video will be sent within an hour after you recorded it, if we dont have any technical issues," Jimin followed Taehyung's uncle until he stopped in front of a room with a plain grey door.
"This is the log room, Astronaut Jeon and Park both film logs to update on their progress with the program here every week. You can use this room to record your video for him and we'll send it when you're done!"
Jimin felt tears cloud his eyes as he realized he could actually talk to Jungkook and his soulmate could finally acknowledge his existence. Jimin pulled Taehyung's uncle into a hug, the elder man seemed taken back before hugging Jimin back.
"Thank you." He said as tears fell from his eyes. Taehyung's uncle pulled away before smiling at Jimin. He nodded at Jimin encouragingly.
"You're welcome, keep it under 10 minutes if you want it sent quickly." Jimin nodded at Taehyung's uncle before he looked at his brother. Taehyung hugged Jimin close as they both cry.
"I'm really gonna do this." Taehyung nodded before wiping the stray tears dropping from Jimin's eyes.
"Go get your man!" Jimin laughed at Taehyung before turning the door knob.
"I will." Jimin walked it and it was instantly silent. The room was small, it had a camera perched on top of tripod in front of a small desk, the camera was equipped with a microphone. There was also bright lights behind it.
Jimin sighed quietly before walking towards the desk, he grabbed the camera with shaking hands and turned it on. He changed the settings to video before he started recording. Jimin inhaled and exhaled loudly before walking towards the chair. He sat down and looked at the camera, red light staring back at him. Jimin put a hand over his beating heart before breathing in and out. He looked down and ran a hand through his hair before sighing one final time. Jimin looked up and took a breath.
"To the boy on the moon,"
A pause.
"Hello, Jeon Jungkook."