Celestial Encounters : A BTS One Shot Series

9 - RM & Jimin

River and Stars

The late afternoon sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling city of Seoul. RM, leader of BTS, stood by the window of their dorm, looking out at the vibrant streets below. The pressures of their upcoming album release, the endless stream of interviews, rehearsals, and the weight of leadership had left him feeling utterly drained. His usually bright and energetic demeanor was subdued, the spark in his eyes dulled by exhaustion.

Jimin, ever perceptive and caring, had noticed the change in RM's demeanor over the past few days. He had seen the toll the relentless schedule was taking on his friend. Determined to lift RM's spirits, Jimin had spent the previous night planning a special surprise. He knew exactly what RM needed - a break from the noise and chaos, a chance to reconnect with nature and breathe freely.

As RM sat on the couch, massaging his temples, Jimin approached with a mischievous grin. "Hyung," he said softly, "I have a surprise for you."

RM looked up, curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

Jimin's grin widened. "You'll see. But first, you need to change into something comfortable. We're going on an adventure."

Despite his fatigue, RM couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. He trusted Jimin implicitly, knowing that whatever he had planned would be thoughtful and rejuvenating. RM quickly changed into a pair of casual jeans and a loose shirt, feeling a bit lighter already.

Jimin led him to the garage, where two bicycles stood waiting. "We're going cycling by the Han River," Jimin announced, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the perfect way to unwind."

The mention of the Han River brought a smile to RM's face. It had been a long time since he had taken the time to enjoy the simple pleasure of a bike ride. They mounted their bicycles and set off, the cool breeze refreshing against their skin.

As they pedaled along the scenic riverside, the weight on RM's shoulders seemed to lift. The rhythmic motion of cycling, the sound of the river flowing beside them, and the sight of the sun setting in a blaze of colors were soothing. They rode in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the chirping of birds and the occasional laughter of children playing nearby.

After a while, they reached a quiet, secluded spot where Jimin had set up a cozy picnic. A checkered blanket was spread out on the grass, laden with an array of delicious treats. There were sandwiches, fresh fruit, homemade kimbap, and even a bottle of chilled lemonade. Jimin had thought of everything.

"Wow, Jimin-ah, this is amazing," RM said, genuinely touched by the effort Jimin had put into this. "You did all this for me?"

Jimin shrugged, a bashful smile on his face. "You work so hard, hyung. You deserve a break. I just wanted to do something nice for you."

They settled down on the blanket, the tranquility of the moment enveloping them. They ate and talked, sharing stories and reminiscing about their journey together. The bond they shared, forged through years of hard work, triumphs, and challenges, felt even stronger in this peaceful setting.

As the sky darkened and stars began to twinkle above, Jimin lay back on the blanket, gazing up at the night sky. "Look at the stars, hyung. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

RM lay down beside him, following his gaze. The stars were indeed beautiful, scattered across the sky like glittering jewels. It was a sight he hadn't taken the time to appreciate in a long while. "Yeah," he murmured, "it really is."

They lay there in companionable silence, the world around them fading into the background. The stresses and worries that had weighed heavily on RM's mind seemed distant and insignificant in the face of such natural beauty. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated peace.

After a while, RM turned his head to look at Jimin. The younger man's face was serene, his eyes reflecting the starlight. RM felt a surge of gratitude and affection for his friend. Jimin had always been the heart of their group, the one who brought warmth and comfort to those around him. And tonight, he had reminded RM of the importance of taking a step back, of finding joy in the simple things.

"Jimin-ah," RM said softly, "thank you. For everything. This... this means a lot to me."

Jimin turned to him, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You don't have to thank me, hyung. I just want you to be happy. We all do."

RM reached out, taking Jimin's hand in his. "I am happy. And it's because of you. You've reminded me of what's important. Sometimes I get so caught up in the chaos that I forget to take a moment for myself. But you... you always know how to bring me back."

Jimin squeezed his hand, his smile widening. "That's what friends are for, right?"

They stayed like that for a while, hand in hand, gazing up at the stars. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but here, in their little bubble of tranquility, they felt a world away from the hustle and bustle. It was a night to remember, a night that would stay with RM long after the stars had faded and the sun had risen.

Eventually, the cool night air prompted them to pack up their picnic and head back. They rode their bicycles slowly, savoring the last moments of their evening together. As they reached the dorm, RM felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose. The exhaustion that had plagued him earlier was replaced with a feeling of contentment and gratitude.

Before they went inside, RM turned to Jimin once more. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Jimin. You always know exactly what I need, even before I do."

Jimin chuckled, a light, musical sound that made RM's heart feel even lighter. "That's because we're family, hyung. And family takes care of each other."

With a final hug, they made their way inside, their hearts full and spirits lifted. RM knew that the challenges ahead would still be there, but he also knew that with friends like Jimin by his side, he could face anything. Tonight had been a reminder of the simple joys in life, of the importance of taking a moment to breathe and appreciate the beauty around him.

And as RM lay in bed that night, he felt a profound sense of peace. The stars might have disappeared from the sky, but their light lingered in his heart, a beacon of hope and happiness, all thanks to Jimin and his thoughtful surprise.