Chapter 11: The Jealous Game

After the heartfelt dinner, Jimin hoped for a fresh start with Suga, but the reality of their lives quickly intruded. Suga, determined to regain his focus, dove headfirst into work, attending meetings and strategizing new plans for the gang. While Jimin understood the pressures Suga faced, he couldn't help but feel a sense of distance growing between them once more.

Days turned into weeks, and their interactions became fewer and more formal. Jimin missed the playful banter they once shared, the moments filled with laughter that made his heart race. Instead, he found himself watching as Suga became increasingly consumed by his responsibilities, often leaving him feeling sidelined.

Frustrated and feeling neglected, Jimin decided it was time to teach Suga a lesson. If Suga couldn’t make time for him, then perhaps a little jealousy would open his eyes to what he was missing. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Jimin set his plan in motion.

One afternoon, while Suga was busy in his office, Jimin received a call from Jackson, a childhood friend who had recently returned to town. Jackson was the CEO of a successful tech company, charming, confident, and accustomed to commanding attention. The two had always shared a close bond, but Jimin sensed that their friendship would serve as the perfect bait to stir Suga’s jealousy.

“Hey, Jimin! It’s been ages!” Jackson’s voice was bright and infectious. “I’m in town for a few days. Do you want to catch up?”

“Of course!” Jimin replied, excitement bubbling within him. “How about we meet at Suga’s place? He’s around, too.”

“Sounds good! I’ve always wanted to see the place you’ve been talking about,” Jackson said, his tone light and playful.

Jimin could hardly contain his anticipation as he hung up the phone. The stage was set. He envisioned Suga’s reaction when he saw him laughing and chatting with Jackson, who had a knack for capturing the attention of everyone around him.

Later that day, as Jimin prepared for Jackson’s visit, he chose an outfit that accentuated his best features—fitted jeans and a snug t-shirt that showed off his toned physique. He wanted to look irresistible, not just for Jackson, but to remind Suga of what he was missing.

When Jackson arrived, he immediately brought a surge of energy into the room. With his charming smile and easy-going demeanor, he greeted Jimin with a warm hug that lingered a moment too long. “You look great, Jimin! Just like I remember.”

“Thanks! You haven’t changed a bit,” Jimin said, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As they settled into the cozy living room, Jimin couldn’t help but notice the way Jackson’s presence filled the space. He was animated and engaging, recounting tales from their childhood, and Jimin found himself laughing freely, momentarily forgetting about Suga’s distant demeanor.

Meanwhile, Suga was buried in his work, oblivious to the world outside his office. As he scribbled notes for an upcoming operation, a voice broke through his concentration.

“Hey, Suga! Jimin has a visitor!” Namjoon called from the doorway, a knowing smile on his face.

Suga barely looked up, mumbling, “Who?”

“Jackson,” Namjoon replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Your childhood friend, the big CEO.”

Suga’s heart sank, a sudden weight settling in his chest. He felt a twinge of jealousy, even though he hadn’t seen Jackson in years. What was he doing here? He forced himself to shake it off, but the feeling lingered as he reluctantly rose from his chair.

As Suga stepped into the living room, he froze at the sight before him. Jimin was seated on the couch, his laughter mingling with Jackson’s, the two of them leaning toward each other as they shared a joke. Suga’s breath hitched in his throat, and a heat of possessiveness surged within him.

“Jackson! It’s been a long time,” Suga said, forcing a smile as he approached, trying to mask the jealousy boiling under the surface.

Jackson stood up, extending his hand. “Suga! Great to see you! Jimin has told me so much about you and your gang.”

“Yeah, I hope it was all good things,” Suga replied, his tone light but edged with tension.

“Oh, definitely! He speaks very highly of you,” Jackson replied, flashing a charming smile. “I can see why—you're impressive.”

Suga’s jaw tightened slightly. He was determined not to let Jackson’s charm get to him, but he couldn’t help but feel the distance grow between him and Jimin as the two of them shared glances filled with familiarity. Jimin’s eyes sparkled with excitement, the kind that Suga hadn’t seen in a while.

As the evening progressed, Jimin and Jackson effortlessly fell into conversation, discussing everything from business ventures to their favorite childhood memories. Suga tried to join in, but it felt like he was standing outside a window, watching something that belonged to him slip away.

“Remember when we built that treehouse?” Jackson asked, laughter in his voice. “And you were too scared to climb up?”

“Oh, come on! I was not scared!” Jimin protested, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but he couldn’t help but laugh.

Suga’s heart sank further. He hated the way Jackson could make Jimin laugh so freely, and he could feel his irritation rising with every shared moment. Determined not to let Jackson take the spotlight, Suga cleared his throat, forcing a casual tone. “So, what brings you back to town, Jackson?”

“Just some business stuff,” Jackson replied, his gaze flickering to Suga before returning to Jimin. “But I wanted to reconnect with my favorite childhood friend.”

As the evening wore on, Suga could feel the tension building inside him. Jimin was completely engaged with Jackson, and it felt as though Suga was fading into the background. The laughter and easy banter only deepened the chasm of jealousy within him.

At one point, Jackson leaned closer to Jimin, their shoulders touching as they whispered conspiratorially about a childhood prank. Suga’s jaw clenched, and he couldn’t help but interject. “Jimin, can I talk to you for a minute?”

The suddenness of Suga’s request made Jimin blink, surprise flashing across his face. “Uh, sure.”

As they stepped into the kitchen, Suga couldn’t contain his frustration any longer. “What’s going on with you two?” he asked, trying to keep his tone steady but feeling the heat of jealousy rise.

“What do you mean?” Jimin replied, frowning in confusion.

“You’re all over him! It’s like I’m not even here!” Suga snapped, his voice sharper than intended.

“Are you seriously getting jealous over Jackson?” Jimin asked, crossing his arms, a mix of annoyance and disbelief on his face. “He’s my childhood friend, Suga. We’re just catching up!”

Suga took a deep breath, trying to rein in his emotions. “I know that, but it feels different. You haven’t looked at me like that in weeks. You used to laugh with me like that.”

Jimin’s expression softened, and for a moment, he could see the vulnerability beneath Suga’s anger. “I thought you were too busy with work to care about how I felt. I didn’t want to bother you.”

Suga’s heart sank at Jimin’s words. “I’m not trying to ignore you! I just… I get overwhelmed sometimes.”

“You don’t have to push me away,” Jimin said, his voice steady. “I’m here for you, but you need to let me in.”

Suga looked into Jimin’s eyes, realizing how foolish he had been. He had allowed jealousy and frustration to cloud his judgment, driving a wedge between them when all he wanted was to connect.

“I’m sorry,” Suga said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. “I didn’t mean to push you away. I just… I care about you, and seeing you with him made me realize how much I’ve missed.”

Jimin’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, their proximity making the air around them thick with tension. “Then show me. Don’t let your work come between us.”

Just as Suga opened his mouth to respond, Jackson entered the kitchen, a broad grin on his face. “Hey, you two! What are you talking about? Planning a secret scheme without me?”

Suga stepped back, the moment shattered. “Just discussing some business,” he replied, his tone turning curt as the irritation bubbled back to the surface.

Jackson laughed, oblivious to the tension. “Well, I hope you’re not keeping secrets! Jimin and I were just reminiscing about our epic childhood adventures. You should join us!”

As they returned to the living room, Suga felt a growing sense of dread. He knew he had to step up and show Jimin that he could be the partner he needed, but the jealousy gnawed at him, making it difficult to shake off the insecurity.

The evening unfolded with Jackson effortlessly stealing the spotlight, while Suga’s frustration simmered just beneath the surface. Jimin laughed, engaged and animated, but Suga’s heart felt heavy, torn between wanting to be part of the fun and the fear of losing Jimin to someone who seemed so naturally charming.

As the night wore on, Suga realized that he had to confront his feelings head-on. He couldn’t let jealousy dictate his actions any longer. He had to find a way to make Jimin feel cherished again, to remind him of the bond they shared.

With a determined glint in his eyes, Suga resolved to step out of the shadows and reclaim what was his, beginning with a plan to surprise Jimin with a gesture that would show just how much he cared.

In the dance of jealousy and connection, Suga knew that he had to fight for what mattered most—his relationship with Jimin—and he was ready to take the plunge, no matter the consequences.

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