AN Au where Yoongi's a doctor who runs a very successful business. He operates a machine that wipes away people's sad memories.

His friend, Jimin, comes in for an appointment, asking to remove a unrequited love from his mind.

The next day, Jimin doesn't remember Yoongi anymore.

Tags: You know the pain is coming, Sci-fi, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind, regret, heartache, Doctor Yoongi, Ballerino Jimin, ANGST, Childhood friends to Strangers to Lovers, Sad feels, POV switches, Happy endings only.

Yoongi sits at a cafe, thinking about his life. Until about five years ago, he was struggling to pay off medical school, working long nights at a hospital--

But then came the MRI-2 machine. In many ways it was much like its predecessor, allowing a look inside the mind.

Only, it was stronger, more precise. It became possible to isolate memories and thoughts, and delete them if necessary.

And out of every doctor in the city, Yoongi became the best at it, acing the training, and every test after. He could make anyone forget anything.

Naturally, there are many that are opposed to it, and more than one protest has been stationed right outside his office.

But Yoongi doesn't think he's doing wrong. He's helping people, in many cases, forget tragic, horrific pasts, so that they can finally live their lives.

"Hyung?"

There's hand waving in his face.

It's Jimin, smiling at him softly, his head blocking out the sun.

"Did you wait long?" Jimin asks, sitting down. "Class ran a bit long."

Yoongi shakes his head. "I'm good. How's your ankle?"

Jimin boops him on the nose.

"I didn't realize I was visiting Dr. Min today," Jimin laughs. "Where's my friend? I want to see him."

Yoongi's been friends with Jimin for a long time, since they were both wearing onesies and playing in the dirt, sucking on pacifiers.

"It's my job to worry about you."

Yoongi's got half a mind to pull Jimin's shoe off so he can have a look at the offending appendage.

"I'm fine," Jimin hums. "It's been six months. I'm all healed up. You're not even my doctor!"

Even so-- Yoongi can't help him self.

"HYUNG! WE'RE IN PUBLIC! MY SHOE!!!"

Jimin's face is beet red, and he hides behind his hands. His naked foot is in Yoongi's lap. The doctor gives it a quick exam.

There's nothing wrong with it, no swelling. Jimin's been taking it easy, which is truly a feat (no pun intended) given his position in company.

Jimin's the lead dancer, the primo ballerino as it were. This season, they're preforming the magic flute. Traditionally, the most difficult role is given to the top dancer, usually a female--

But Jimin has no equal, and he's the one chosen to play the queen of the night.

"You really are taking it easy," Yoongi hums. "I'm proud-"

He gazes up and catches the look in Jimin's eyes. The boy isn't embarrassed or angry, instead, he seems sad, lost even. Only, the expression fades.

"Are you done looking at my foot, hyung?" Jimin says, wiggling his toes

"If I knew we we're going to do this, I would've drawn faces on my sock to entertain you!"

Yoongi let's the foot go, and Jimin quickly redresses it, shoving it back into his Balenciaga sneaker.

"Just for that," Jimin says, folding his arms. "It's your treat today!"

"I was gonna treat you anyway," Yoongi says.

There's a subtle shift in the atmosphere, and Jimin doesn't seem to want to look at him, staring out at the street, people walking by.

"Hyung," Jimin say softly. "Can I ask you for a favor? It's a really big one."

Yoongi smiles. "What? Do you need someone to put another IKEA bookshelf together for you?"

Jimin takes a sip of his coffee. "You're the best in the city at wiping memories, right?"

Yoongi's taken aback. "Yea. Top five, I guess."

"I wouldn't ask," Jimin says. "But I- I really-"

Yoongi takes Jimin's hand, giving it a squeeze. "Sure. But, what exactly do you need to forget."

Jimin sighs. "It's-- I'm in love with someone who doesn't have any feelings for me. I know I should suck it up, but I, sometimes it hurts so bad, I can't sleep at night."

It's the first that Yoongi's ever heard of it. Frankly, he's shocked. He can't believe someone wouldn't love Jimin back-

"Hey," Yoongi say softly. "Of course, I'll help you."

Jimin smiles wistfully. "I really wish I didn't have to ask you, but no one else will do it."

"They say unrequited love isn't painful enough to warrant the risk of a memory wipe," Jimin says.

Yoongi smiles at his friend, patting him on the shoulder. "Just come by my office tomorrow. I schedule a slot for you. Forget this person and move on. It's gonna be fine."

~~~~~~

The next day, Jimin shows up early. He changes into a gown, removing all the metal on his person.

"It's gonna be fine," Yoongi assures him.

Jimin's tearful. He pulls Yoongi in for a long hug, and is reluctant to let him go.

"Hey," Yoongi whispers, rubbing his back.

"I promise, nothing will go wrong. I won't zap away five years of dance training!"

Usually, Jimin would laugh at that. The boy doesn't even smile, instead, he looks at Yoongi. His conflict is a storm, apparent in his eyes. Can he do this? Can he really do this?

"Jimin?" Yoongi whispers, still holding the boy. "This is for the best. You can start fresh, not be hung up on someone who doesn't love you."

Jimin stares deep into Yoongi's eyes, his mouth opening and closing, but no words come out. His hands pulling on Yoongi's sleeve.

"Okay," Jimin says finally.

"Alright, I'll be waiting behind the glass. You'll be in and out in an hour."

Jimin nods. "Okay.... goodbye, hyung-"

Then Jimin's gone, disappearing behind the door.

Yoongi's a tad confused, but he ignores it. Jimin probably didn't understand.

Yoongi's gonna be there the whole time. He speaks to Jimin through the microphone.

Jimin lies down on the table, the thin band of the MRI-2 machine circling his head.

"Okay, Jimin, we're gonna start calibrating," Yoongi says. "I want you to think about when you first met them."

"Okay," Jimin says, keeping still as possible.

Yoongi watches the screen. Jimin's brain, previously red and blue, lights up purple. That's the color he's going to try to zap out.

"Good," Yoongi says. "Keep thinking about them, their face, memories of them."

"O-Okay."

The machine's got a lock on it, whirling softly inside.

"I'm gonna send you to sleep," Yoongi says. "When you wake up, you might not even remember why you came here!"

"That's-- that's good," Jimin whispers.

Again, Yoongi's gut tells him something is wrong, but he ignores it.

"Sweet dreams, Jiminie," Yoongi says. He presses the button, and Jimin's eyes lids start drooping-- and stray tear escapes.

"Goodbye, hyung."

Yoongi takes a deep breath and begins, directing the machine to the correct color patterns in Jimin's brain, burning them out.

The doctor is careful, keeping with in the lines, only taking out what he has to, leaving the rest intact. But-- there's a lot of them, memories.

Whoever this person is, they've been in Jimin's life for a long time. And the pain, it runs deep, memories twisted in his mind.

It takes longer than an hour. It's nearly three before the machine finally gives it the 99% clear.

Yoongi's heart is going a mile a minute. It shouldn't have taken that long. It was almost like Jimin was fighting to remember--

"Should we wake him up?" a nurse asks.

Yoongi's shaking. He doesn't know why. "He should wake up on his own."

Jimin's still asleep.

"I'll give him a jolt," Yoongi says weakly.

The machine whirs in the other direction. It takes another minute before Jimin's eyes finally open.

"Rise and shine, Jiminie."

Jimin starts moving slowly. He's really out of it, which is normal. "Where am I?"

"You're at my clinic remember?" Yoongi says. "We just removed an unrequited love from your memory."

Jimin doesn't answer for a long minute. "I think it worked and I still remember how to dance."

Yoongi sighs in relief. "Get up slowly, okay. I'm gonna wash up and check in with you."

Jimin smiles. "Okay, doctor."

Yoongi rushes to the bathroom, quickly washing his hands. Then he heads to the recovery room.

Jimin's there, eating a cookie and drinking juice.

"How are you feeling?" Yoongi asks. "Does it hurt anywhere?"

Jimin shakes his head. He seems much more alert now. "No! I'm great-" Jimin's eyes flicker to Yoongi's name tag. "Dr. Min."

Yoongi pauses. Jimin's joking with him, right?

"It's my job to worry about you, Jiminie!"

Jimin seems a bit confused, but then he smiles. "Well of course, you're my doctor."

Yoongi sighs. "Take it easy for the rest of the day. If you have a headache, take a few aspirin."

Jimin smiles at him, swinging his legs. "Can do, sir! I'm gonna go home and sleep."

Yoongi goes in for a hug. "I told you that you were gonna be okay!"

It all seems right for a moment, but Jimin frowns, pushing Yoongi away. "What are you doing?"

"I'm just giving you a hug," Yoongi says. "You can finally move on!"

Jimin stares at him like he's crazy.

The boy flushes, rubbing his head sheepishly. "I-um-I'm not really a huggy person. I really don't like hugging strangers. It's nothing against you."

Yoongi's stomach twists. "Umm- I know you don't like hugging strangers, but what does that have to do with me."

Jimin laughs. "Well, I mean-- I don't-- Lemme just shake your hand. You really did help me out, you know?"

Yoongi's heart is going wild. His head hurts. He can't breathe. "Jimin, look at me. What's my name? Who am I?"

Jimin makes a face. "Your Dr. Min, and your my doctor?"

There's a knock at the door. It's Taehyung and the nurse behind him.

"This gentleman is here to pick the patient up,"

"Tae," Yoongi says. "Something's wrong. Jimin doesn't remember me. I think something went-"

"Tae!?" Jimin says. "Hey.!"

Jimin remembers Taehyung though.

"Jimin, I want you to focus," Yoongi says. "Look at me. Who am I?"

Jimin seems really confused. "Is this a prank? That's not very professional. But I like your style-"

Taehyung pulls Jimin up. "I'll handle the paperwork, okay. You go wait in the car. I know you're tired."

Jimin salutes him. "Aye, aye captain!"

When Yoongi tries to follow, Taehyung blocks the way.

"What are you doing?" Yoongi says. "Something's wrong. He's all confused. He needs to go back under, stay for evaluation."

Taehyung looks devastated. "There's nothing wrong."

"Tae! He doesn't remember me!" Yoongi says. "I think I accident-"

Taehyung sheds a tear. "Listen. Jimin didn't want to do this. He didn't have a choice. He went to six other doctors." The boy hands Yoongi a letter. "This should explain everything."

"Tae-"

Taehyung rushes out.

Yoongi's trembling as he opens the letter.

It's Jimin's handwriting.

'Hyung, I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me and let me move on. By the time I wake up, I won't remember you anymore-" splotches where the ink runs, '-I will always love you though."

Oh no.

~~~ TBC ~~~

It's been two weeks. Yoongi's read the note a hundred times over. There's nothing more though, such a brief, bitter goodbye.

What could've been going through Jimin's mind as he decided this?

"Why didn't he just tell me," Yoongi says weakly.

It's too late now.

Yoongi wonders if he should contact one of his coworkers, have his memory erased too, so that he won't remember what he's lost either--

But then, Yoongi recalls something. His success rate: 99%, and the one person that ended up remembering everything a few months after.

Yoongi picks up the phone and makes a call. He wonders if she'll even see him at all

~~~~~~

It's surreal. He hasn't laid eyes on Lee Jieun for years. She hasn't aged a day, sitting at the cafe, drinking her tea. She regards him warmly, a smile on her face.

"Dr. Min!"

"How have you been?" Yoongi says softly. "I'm surprised you answered my call."

The woman shakes her head. "I'm not mad at you for what happened. I made a decision to forget. It's not your responsibility."

So why does Yoongi feel so guilty now. He takes a seat and orders.

"But you didn't forget," Yoongi says. "You're the outlier."

She sighs. "I realized, I didn't want to forget him after all."

Her husband had went down in a plane crash, and after a year of grieving, she decided to have her memory erased.

"But-" Yoongi struggles. "How?"

The woman draws little figures into the glass table. "What do you mean?"

"How did you remember?" Yoongi asks.

Ms. Lee makes a face, scratching her chin. "I-- being under the machine, it's like being trapped in a bad dream that starts out good."

Yoongi's chest tightens.

"You took out the good memories first," Ms. Lee explains. "Breakfast the morning after, laying on the rug in the sun- and I knew if you took them away, I would never be happy again, even if I wasn't happy right now- So I ran from it."

Yoongi can only imagine Jimin running.

"I started to forget everything," she continues. "then finally the accident, I was on the plane, and everything crumbled in front of me- I almost forgot, but I made myself an island in my head. I told myself to come back to it, and find him again."

That doesn't make any sense.

"An island?" Yoongi manages. "In your head?"

The woman shrugs. "Thing usually don't make sense in dreams. But it worked, I remembered him again, and I'm glad I did. He didn't deserve to be forgot and now, I'm healing."

"Do you think other people make islands too?"

Jieun drinks her tea. "I think if a person really wants to remember, they'll remember, but most people want to forget. My husband's gone, but he saved my life that day, and I don't want to forget him. Is that why you called me?"

Yoongi shakes his head. "No! Not at all! I just-"

"-I'm sorry for calling you and bringing this up again. It must be very painful for you. I'll-"

Ms. Lee hands him a tissue. He's crying, he didn't even realize.

"If you're thinking about going through with it, ask yourself if can you give up the good too?" She says softly.

Yoongi shakes his head. "I don't want to forget him. Not even if I have miss him for the rest of my life."

The woman understands him in a profound way. In that moment, they're the same, sharing the same pain.

"I forgive you, Dr. Min."

She offers him another tissue.

~~~~~~

Yoongi realizes how foolish and completely stupid he is. What he's doing, he could lose his medical license for this.

He could get sued

But here he is, a pint of Jimin's favorite ice cream in his arms, ringing the boy's doorbell.

Jimin should be home. It's his day off.

The dancer answers, surprised and delighted. "Dr. Min? What are you doing here?"

Yoongi nearly breaks down, telling Jimin everything. But that isn't what he came here for- "I-uh- I thought I should check in with how you're doing. You're not answering my secretary, so-"

"I am so sorry," Jimin huffs. "I've just been so busy. I meant to call him back! I didn't think you even made house calls."

Yoongi doesn't.

"I'm just-" Yoongi heart hurts so much, staring at his ex-friend, "I'm just worried. You seemed confused at the appointment."

Jimin laughs, and way his eyes crinkle up, lighting up like tiny starbursts.

"You don't have to be polite, Dr. Min," Jimin says. "I was blitzed out of it. But I'm okay now. I feel much better!"

The ballet dancer gestures him to come inside. Yoongi steps him cautiously.

The doctor's been in Jimin's apartment plenty of times. It's the same, but different-- any trace of Yoongi's existence is gone, pictures of them on vacation replaced by other photos, gifts Yoongi gave him. All gone.

Jimin'd planned it so carefully.

He doesn't want to remember.

And who is Yoongi to tell him any different.

"What's that you got there?" Jimin says, pointing at the grocery bag.

"I-um-I got you some ice cream for a morality boost," Yoongi says weakly. "Rocky road, if you want it."

Jimin gasps. "Seriously! You're the best!"

The dancer makes grabby hands, taking it off Yoongi's arm. "I love rocky road! It's my favorite!"

Yoongi follows Jimin to the kitchen. The boy dishes out two servings, sliding one over.

At first bite, Jimin frowns. He takes another bite. "Hmm, it's not as good as I remember."

The human mind, such a strange thing. Perhaps Jimin only loved the ice cream because he loved Yoongi- and now, with out the memory of it, how they used to sneak into fridge, steal the flavor from Mrs. Park's personal stash, and eat it while reading comics- it's not the same.

"This is my favorite brand too," Jimin sighs. "Hmm-"

"Maybe they changed the recipe," Yoongi offers, heart thudding.

Jimin laughs, taking another bite. "I bet they put fake sugar in it!"

"Maybe... so- um-" Yoongi's desperate to change the topic. "Are you having any headaches?"

Jimin shakes his head.

"Any nightmares or confusion," Yoongi asks. "Any pain at all?"

Jimin thinks about it for a moment. "No. I've been sleeping pretty good lately. You did a great job, Dr. Min!"

If Jimin's happy, maybe Yoongi should just accept it. "I'm glad to hear it."

"I've gotta say," Jimin hums, giving him a thumbs up. "You're one of the best doctors I've ever met. You're so caring! I'm gonna recc' all my friends to see you!"

Please dont.

"If you're feeling alright, I should probably go," Yoongi says. "Call me if anything."

"Sure thing!" Jimin says, following Yoongi to the door. "Hey, um, as a thank you, I'm- I dunno if you know this-- I'm a dancer. I'm in the magic flute. If you want a ticket to see our last show this season, I could sent one to your office, or two, one for you and a date."

"I dunno about that," Yoongi sputters. "I'm not a big fan of live theater-"

"Oh," Jimin says. "But maybe your girlfriend-slash-boyfriend likes the ballet? I could send one for them."

Is Jimin-

"I don't have a boyfriend," Yoongi says weakly.

Is Jimin really-

Jimin lights up. "Oh good!" then he realizes his mistake, turning red. "I mean-- I just mean it's good that I don't have to-- so the tickets can go to someone else-- not cause you're single or anything."

"I should get going," Yoongi says quickly, racing down the stairs.

And to his surprise, Jimin follows after him, no shoes or anything. "Hyung! Wait!"

Yoongi feels a strong pull on his arm, and then-- He's warm, something holding him tight. Jimin's hugging him, so fiercely that his bones might break.

What is going on!?

"Jimin?"

Jimin won't let go, even after Yoongi gently tries to push away. Instead, his grip is even tighter. Jimin's eyes are screwed shut, and he holds onto Yoongi for deal life.

"Jimin, what are you doing?" Yoongi manages, going completely still, heart beating frantically.

It's another twenty seconds before Jimin lets him go. It's clear the boy is as confused as he is.

"Umm," Jimin stares at his own hands, as if he doesn't have control of them. "I don't-- I just wanted to thank you for the ice cream and um- for helping me."

Jimin so lost.

"Sure!" Yoongi says.

"I didn't mean to... overstep," Jimin struggles. He takes a nervous pace back. "I'm just thankful. I hope you don't think I'm--"

"Not at all," Yoongi says weakly. "You're welcome! A-And call me if anything!"

Jimin races back up the stairs. "O-Okay!"

They stare at each other for a moment longer, then Jimin runs back into his apartment, shutting the door.

What just happened?

Jimin would never ever hug a stranger, not that kind of hug-

Yoongi's conflicted. On one hand, Jimin's made his choice but on the other-

He sees a boat, and its on the stormy sea. The boat could survive, if only it could get to the island, a small patch of land, barely a speck, offering its protection.

Yoongi only has to guide the boat there.

~~~ TBC ~~~

"Don't see him again."

Yoongi's burning under the heated gaze of the other. He's thankful for the desk between them.

"Tae, I was just doing a routine check up."

Taehyung's shaking. "Can you let him go? Surely, you're not this selfish. He doesn't want to remember."

"He never told me," Yoongi says.

"He told you with everything he was," Taehyung says. "Just leave him alone now. Let him move on. Especially since, you can't even admit your own feelings."

Yoongi wants to defy, object, anything in his own defense. But he drops his gaze.

"I won't call him again," Yoongi says.

Taehyung stands. He looks so sad and defeated. "Thank you."

Then he's gone, closing the office door behind him.

Yoongi watches from the window, as Taehyung exits the building, past the protesters, getting into his car and driving off.

Yoongi decides to shut down the clinic for the day. He passes the protesters too. Some of them are there just to take selcas and feel like political heroes.

But others, people that Yoongi now sympathize with, are those who were forgotten.

Yoongi quickly drives off.

For the next two weeks, Yoongi keeps his promise.

It's hard. He feels like calling Jimin all the time, and texting him about shows he's watching on Netflix, sending him funny pictures-- a huge chunk of his life is gone.

But he resists, painful as it is, he doesn't make contact.

He's doing good. He thinks he almost sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

But that's when Jimin calls him. Yoongi hasn't deleted the contact, and a picture of Jimin and him in Hawaii appears on the screen, a buzzing red phone underneath.

Yoongi's heart goes wild.

He doesn't know if he should answer or not, and by the time he's decided, the thing goes to voicemail.

"Fuck," Yoongi huffs, waiting for the message to come through--

There's no message. Instead, Jimin calls a second time. It can only mean he's in trouble. Yoongi just knows.

"Where are you?" Yoongi answers. "Are you hurt?"

"D-Dr. Min, is that you?" Jimin's voice is unsteady.

"Yes, it's me?" Yoongi says. "What's wrong?"

There's a pause. "H-How do you know--"

There's feelings Yoongi can't describe, that only come from knowing someone for so long.

"You're hurt," Yoongi says. "Just tell me where you are, I'll come get you."

Jimin's voice is raw, as if he's been crying. "I-I don't even know why I called you first! I just realized that-- I'm at my dance studio, I think I twisted my ankle-"

"I'll be there in fifteen."

"O-Okay," Jimin sputters. "I'll text you the address-"

Yoongi hangs up. He quickly grabs his coat, shoving his arm through. He races to his car, and drives to Jimin's studio. He's so worried, running up the stairs to the dance room.

"Jimin!" Yoongi shouts. "Are you in here?"

At first, there's no answer, and ever second, Yoongi's going more crazy.

"In here!" Jimin says.

He's in the back office. Yoongi walks in, hitting the lights. Jimin's sitting on the bench, looking plenty embarrassed.

"Hello, D-Dr. Min. I'm sorry I called you- you must think-"

"-I know we don't really know each other that well. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'll pay you for-"

Yoongi doesn't even hear the rest. He carefully takes Jimin's left foot, unwrapping the ballet shoe from it, so as to get a better look.

"How did you know which foot-"

The swelling isn't that bad.

"Can you rotate it?" Yoongi asks. "Is the pain, sharp or dull?"

Jimin moves his foot slowly. "It's dull."

Oh gosh, the state of the skin on his toes.

"Jimin, you said you were gonna go easy," Yoongi huffs. "You know you have a bad ankle."

Jimin seems confused. "W-When did I say I was gonna go easy? A-And how do you know I have a bad ankle?"

Yoongi pauses.

"And how did you get here?" Jimin asks. "I f-forgot to send you the directions on where my dance room was in the building. I don't-"

Oh boy, Yoongi fucked up.

Jimin promised Yoongi that he'd go easy on practice-- but that was when he still remembered him.

"I-um-" Yoongi comes up with an excuse. "I did a physical before I wiped your memory. I saw that their was a healed injury on your ankle."

"Oh!" Jimin hums. "Yea, six months ago."

There's a dangerous pause. "But how did you find me."

Yoongi's heart races. "There's a directory downstairs and... your work address is on your medical files-"

Such thin, weak lies.

Jimin buys them though, hitting his forehead with his hand. "Gosh, is there? I didn't notice."

"Come on," Yoongi says, helping Jimin up. "I don't think it's twisted or broken. It just looks like a really bad sprain. I'll patch you up."

Jimin doesn't shy away, letting Yoongi pick him up bridal style, flushing an angry shade of red. "Thank you so much, Dr. Min."

Jimin's quiet during the car ride. Yoongi's so nervous, his knuckles are white as he grips the steering wheel.

"How are you feeling... Mr. Park?" Yoongi manages.

"I'm okay," Jimin answers in a small voice. "I'm really sorry to bother you-- you can send me an invoice later."

Yoongi's stomach twists at the though. How can he accept Jimin's money? But, if he doesn't, how can he explain it away? They're not best friends, they're strangers-

"Sure," Yoongi says. "Let's just focus on the sprain for now."

"O-Okay," Jimin answers shyly. "Thank you."

Yoongi drives Jimin to his apartment instead of the clinic to avoid bumping into protesters. Belatedly, he realizes it's foolish. There's still bits and pieces of evidence there, memories tied to things, and reminders that they loved each other.

Yoongi carries Jimin inside.

Luckily, there's no pictures, solid evidence. Yoongi'd gotten rid of it all, hiding it in a box in his closet. It wasn't because he had the foresight, that he knew Jimin was going to be in apartment one day.

He just couldn't look at them anymore. It'd been too painful.

"Oh," Jimin hums, spreading out on his couch, just like he used to, when they binged watched t.v. together. "This is so cozy. I dunno why, I just feel right at home. Where did you buy this sofa?"

"Umm, I dunno-" Yoongi says

Jimin'd picked it out, actually.

"It's nice!"

"I'm gonna get the medi-reader," Yoongi answers. "Don't move."

Jimin's only motion is to sink further into the couch. "I love this. I wanna buy one for my house-"

He's sitting in his spot. He doesn't even know. "It's like it's molded to my body!"

Yoongi doesn't answer.

Instead, he just grabs the medical supplies. He runs the scanning device over the area--

"Just like I thought," Yoongi says. "Nothing's broken, just a sprain."

He sprays over Jimin's foot with a cell-serum that will heal the scabs on the knuckles of his toes.

"I'll wrap it."

Yoongi, braces the injury on a splint and wraps it up tight.

"I'll get you a crutch tomorrow," Yoongi sighs.

"That's alright," Jimin sighs. "I can manage. I should probably get out of your hair. I'll just call a taxi."

That'd be the best choice only-

"Or you could stay."

They stare at each other, in fear and confusion.

Jimin flushes, looking away finally. "Y-You're a really good doctor, you know? I just feel so safe with you! I bet they teach you how to do this in medical school. I-um- only if you're-- I can stay."

"I'll set up the guest room."

Once, Yoongi's done, putting on the sheets, he helps Jimin wash up and get ready for bed.

He even tucks Jimin in-- and he almost smooths Jimin's hair over, but he holds back.

"Dr. Min, you're really a great, doctor," Jimin yawns. "You're so caring. I feel all better already."

"Get some rest, Mr. Park," Yoongi says softly.

"Doctor," Jimin struggles. "I have to tell you something. You said to call if I had any side effects. I was gonna but I got so busy-"

Side effects.

"Sometimes, I get really confused," Jimin admits. "And sad for no reason-"

Oh.

"I'll just be looking at cup or something," Jimin says. "And I'll start really missing someone, but when I think about it, I don't know who it is."

Oh fuck.

Jimin's eyes slide shut. "But I don't feel like that... when I'm with you, Dr. Min. Is that strange?"

"Jimin, I'm so sorry," Yoongi whispers.

Jimin's asleep, perfectly at peace.

Yoongi's shaking as he walks out of the room, shutting the lights before closing the door.

How painful it is, to miss someone who's right in front of you and love someone who's gone.

~~~ TBC ~~~

"Hyung!"

It's dark and someone's shaking him.

"Hyung, wake up!"

Yoongi forces his eyes open. He's grumpy, but immediately pacified by the vision before him.

It's Jimin, blanket wrapped around him, cheeks tear stained.

"Jiminie? What's wrong?" Yoongi grumbles.

Things fall in and out of focus. Yoongi scrambles around for his glasses, pushing them into place.

And then he's hit with reality. This Jimin is not his Jiminie-- this person doesn't remember him at all. And Jimin seems to realize this at the same time, eyes going wide.

"Oh," Jimin flushes, confusion on his face. "I'm so sorry, I woke you up. I dunno what's gotten in to me!"

"What's wrong?" Yoongi asks softly.

"I just had a really bad dream," Jimin says, tears falling freely. "What was I thinking? I was gonna ask if I could sleep with you."

Jimin gets more flustered. "I mean like sleep in the same bed with you, obviously! That's not much better is it!?"

Yoongi's heart is going crazy. "How's your ankle?"

"Oh!" Jimin shakes his head. "I'm fine-- I should get back to bed. I'm so sorry for waking you up, Dr. Min."

Yoongi grabs the boy's forearm before he can leave. "Wait-"

They stare at one another in clear pain. Jimin's so lost right now, so confused--

"It's okay," Yoongi says. "We can share the bed if you want. I don't mind."

Jimin opens his mouth as if to protest, but it dies.

There's a clear list of reasons. They're strangers. Jimin hardly knows him. He really doesn't want to impose. Yoongi's been kind enough already-

But Jimin can't seem to say any of it. Instead he curls in to the sheets, right into Yoongi's arms. "I'm usually not like this-"

Jimin's face is a furious shade of red. He stares at the wall in embarrassment. "It was a really bad nightmare, Dr. Min. I promise, I don't just cuddle in bed with any random person-- I'm not like that. I-I just feel safe with you... cause you're a medical professional."

Yoongi knows that's not it. Jimin doesn't know it himself, why he trusts the other-- that much is obvious.

"You don't have to explain yourself, Mr. Park," Yoongi says, careful not to knock into Jimin's sprained foot. "Let's just get some rest shall we? What did you dream about?"

Jimin's eyes are already shut, and he's almost asleep already.

"Jimin?"

The boy sheds a tear, breathing faintly. "I don't remember, hyung."

And like that, he's out, falling back into peaceful slumber. Yoongi settles down too, holding the other just a little tighter.

~~~~~~

"You're such a good cook!" Jimin hums, gobbling up his breakfast, an omelet with a side of stew.

"Thanks!" Yoongi says. "I'm glad you like it."

Jimin giggles. "It reminds me of my mom's-"

Well, that is where Yoongi got the recipe.

"-makes me a little homesick."

"You can come by any time," Yoongi offers weakly, "I'll cook for you."

Jimin flushes. "Ah, I wish we met before this! I really need a friend like you-"

Oh, how Yoongi's heart stings. "Friend?"

"At least I hope we are?" Jimin says. "I'd like to be-"

"Sure," Yoongi replies.

There's a knock at the door.

"Ah, that's probably my assistant with the crutches," Yoongi says, hopping up.

"Perfect," Jimin says.

Yoongi heads for the door, pulling it open- there's a split second where he feels something's off. His assistant wouldn't knock this loudly-

It's Taehyung, and he looks livid. "Where is he?"

"He's just having breakfast-"

Taehyung lowers his voice. He stares Yoongi dead in the eye. It's painful to look back. "You gave me your word."

"Look, I didn't call him. He called me. He was hurt! What was I supposed to do?"

"Don't lie," Taehyung huffs. "Why would he call-"

"Dr. Min!?" Jimin calls from the kitchen. "Is everything okay? Do you need help with the crutches?"

"Jimin!?" Taehyung calls back.

"Tae! What are you doing here!?"

Taehyung pushes past Yoongi, running down the hall.

Jimin's happy to see his friend. "How did you know I was here?"

Taehyung pauses, his face blanching. "I-um-Yoongi called me- I mean Dr. Min called me to come get you."

Jimin makes a face. "Really?"

Yoongi covers for the boy. "Yea, I figured you'd need a friend to drive you."

"That's really thoughtful of you," Jimin says slowly. "Why don't you sit down, Tae? We're still waiting on crutches to be delivered."

Taehyung does his best to play casual. Yoongi can't breathe as he sits back down.

"Have you eaten yet, Mr. Kim?" he says calmly.

"Yes, I have," Taehyung say cooly. "You have a lovely home."

Thankfully, it's not much longer. The crutches arrive in fifteen minutes, and then Jimin's ready to go.

"Thank you for all your help," Jimin gushes. "You're really amazing, Dr. Min. Is it alright if I call you hyung?"

"Sure," Yoongi says.

Jimin quickly puts on his coat. He gives Yoongi another hug, this one brief. "You're a life saver."

Taehyung casts one more lingering glance, and they're both gone.

This is a nightmare. Yoongi's stuck in an impossible situation. He doesn't know what to do.

For the rest of the week, Yoongi closes down the clinic. He can't wipe anyone's memory without figuring out how to handle his own issues first. Is it even right to wipe people's memories in the first place? He's not sure anymore.

And more than that, what about Jimin?

Jimin's so happy to have Yoongi as his friend. He has no idea the history they have, and the heart ache-

"Maybe I can make sure he doesn't fall in love with me," Yoongi says. "Or should I just break it off."

He talks to his pillow, which offers no useful advice.

But what's more, Yoongi really misses Jimin. He'd taken a lot of their friendship for granted. Now that he has it again, it's hard to let go.

All the little texts and phone calls and emails- ah, fuck.

"I love him," Yoongi admits to his pillow. "What do I do?"

He needs to tell Jimin. He needs to tell Jimin everything.

It's then that he gets a picture for Jimin. He's drinking coffee in the photo, from a red mug with a chick on it.

Yoongi has the other one, the same style except with a cat.

'What are you up to, hyung?'

'I'm just resting. Are you free? Can you come over so we can talk? How's your ankle?' Yoongi quickly types back.

'I'm with Tae. We're watching a movie, but I can get out of it! I'll be over!'

'It's okay if you're busy. Maybe another time.'

Jimin doesn't text back.

Maybe he went back to watching the movie... or what if he's on his way now. Yoongi's not ready to confess everything yet-

'Jimin? How's the movie? What are you watching?'

No response.

This is weird. Maybe turned his phone off. Surely, he's not coming over, right?

It's a few hours later, Yoongi's almost forgotten about it. Jimin's not his best friend anymore- of course, he'd probably just leave it on read.

Yoongi's cooking dinner, wondering how he'll break everything to Jimin, when there's a knock at the door, loud and angry.

It must be Taehyung again. Yoongi rushes to the door.

"What is it this-"

It's not Taehyung. It's Jimin. He looks furious. He hobbles in, his sprain mostly healed up.

"Jimin," Yoongi says. "What are you doing here?"

Jimin looks crazy, hair half brushed, button not lining up.

"Where is it!?" the dancer screams.

"You really shouldn't be walking around like this," Yoongi struggles.

Jimin ignores him, running into Yoongi's kitchen. He starts opening the cupboards, looking through all the dishes and... mugs.

Oh shit.

Jimin's already found it.

He's holding one of the matching mugs they bought on their friend trip to Malta.

"You really have it, Tae was telling the truth" Jimin cries. "How do you have this?"

"Jimin," Yoongi manages. OH GOD TAEHYUNG MUST HAVE TOLD HIM EVERYTHING. "Please, let me explain."

"Can you explain why I keep looking at some fucking cup and crying!?" Jimin screams. He's so heartbroken that he keels over, no more strength.

Yoongi tries to help him up, but Jimin actually takes a swing at him.

"You're sick!" Jimin shout. "Tae told me! He told me!"

Yoongi reels back, his heart going wild. "Jimin. I'm so sorry."

"I- I was gonna ask you out," Jimin sobs. "But then Tae told me... you're the person-- you're the person I had wiped from my memory. Why did you- Why couldn't you-"

"I'll leave you alone, Jimin. I promise."

"Why did you have to be so nice to me!" Jimin cries forlornly. It's like he's about to die. "WHY AM I STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU WHEN I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER YOU!?"

Yoongi sinks down, braced against the wall. He has no strength to stand either. "I was gonna tell you. I just-"

"I didn't know that you loved me," Yoongi says. "You never said anything-- you asked me to take away your pain... and when you woke up, you didn't remember me."

Jimin's holding the mug so hard, his knuckle are white.

"I shouldn't left you alone after that but-"

"I couldn't let you go," Yoongi cries helplessly.

Jimin stares at Yoongi, so hurt and confused. "Why can't you let me go, hyung?"

Why, indeed.

"Because I'm in love with you too, Jimin."

~~~ TBC ~~~