Work Text
At Seoul Hospital, a doctor was finishing his shift when he felt his personal cell phone vibrate. After bidding farewell to the little girl he had just treated, who had undergone a minor surgery and had her stitches removed, he gave her a small candy as a gift. He left the room, glanced around, took out his phone, and read the message that had just arrived.
<<Are you able to come tonight? My manager was notified. He’ll wait for you at the secondary entrance and escort you to the place I’ve personally selected for you. I hope you enjoy the concert>>
<<I’ll do everything I can to be there.>>
<<I love you.>>
<<Me too… so much.>>
“Dr. Kim, you know it’s forbidden to use your personal phone in the hospital. I never expected this from the head of the emergency surgery department.”
“Jiminie!!! You startled me! I thought it was the boss.”
“You should’ve seen your face, TaeTae. You looked like you’d seen a ghost!”
Kim Taehyung was a young medical prodigy. He had chosen emergency surgery as his specialty and quickly became the head of the department. He was excellent at his job and had often been called to other hospitals for consultations, helping with their most challenging cases. To everyone, he was a transparent, hardworking young man who loved his work. Rumor had it that he was still single, which led many nurses, doctors, and even patients to try to get a date with him. However, he always kindly declined, claiming he had no time for a private life. While part of that was true, the real story was a little different.
For about two years, Dr. Kim had been secretly dating Jeon Jungkook, a famous singer admired for his talent and diabolical charm. The only person who knew about this relationship was Jimin, Taehyung’s best friend since their school days, and the only one who was aware of his sexual orientation.
“Was that him?”
“He has a concert tonight, and I know he’s worried that I won’t be able to make it.”
“I get it. The last three times, you’ve had to cancel because of work… Did you finish your shift?”
“Yes, just now. I’m heading home to change. I might still make it on time!”
“Great! Go! Say hi to him for me and enjoy yourself!”
“I’ll leave the pager on! Contact me if anything urgent happens.”
“Only if absolutely necessary! See you tomorrow!”
After taking off his coat, signing out, and greeting a few nurses and colleagues, Taehyung happily made his way to his car. He rushed home to change before heading to the venue where his boyfriend was performing his solo concert. He had just finished getting ready. After a moment of indecision, he had opted for brown trousers and a white shirt. Jungkook knew that no matter how Taehyung was dressed, he always tried to look his best. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered the small gift and his pager on the kitchen table. He grabbed them quickly and headed back to his car.
He had only driven a few kilometers when his pager started buzzing like crazy, followed shortly by his phone ringing. It was Jimin.
“Jimin??”
“Taehyung, God knows how much I’m hating myself right now, but there’s been a serious accident. Multiple cars and pedestrians are involved. We don’t know how many casualties will arrive, but we need you…”
“He’ll understand…” Taehyung muttered, turning the car to the right and heading back to the hospital. As he entered the emergency room, a nurse quickly handed him gloves and a sterile gown. He could hear the sound of ambulances arriving at the ER.
“What happened?”
“According to the police and some evidence, a special transport truck ran a red light. The driver died on the spot—possibly a heart attack or fatigue. The autopsy will tell us. Many cars and pedestrians were affected. The more critical cases will be brought here, the less serious ones to other hospitals.”
Jimin had just finished explaining the situation to Taehyung when several stretchers were brought in by paramedics. Chaos ensued.
“I’m Dr. Kim, can you hear me?” he asked the woman on the stretcher, who nodded before gritting her teeth in pain when he touched her arm and leg. “She has broken limbs. Take her to Trauma 2,” he instructed, then quickly moved to a child crying in despair. “She has a head wound. It doesn’t seem serious, but have a CT scan done quickly and then send her for a check-up with Dr. Jung. Contact the parents, and check if they’re injured as well.”
“Dr. Kim, we’re on it.”
“Dr. Kim, I need your help.”
“Dr. Kim!!”
Taehyung watched in horror as the stretchers came in one after another, filling the emergency room. He moved swiftly from one stretcher to the next, performing rapid and precise checks, juggling the chaos. He focused on the most critical patients, and whenever he treated someone in less serious condition, he openly explained that the priority was given to the more critical cases. The patients would nod, admiring the love and dedication that Dr. Kim put into saving lives. He had just finished giving a quick check-up to a little girl with a broken arm when he noticed a strange movement near the entrance.
He walked over to a panicked paramedic, who was trying in vain to save the life of a young man dressed in elegant clothes. Taehyung took the paramedic’s hand and looked into his eyes, shaking his head. The young paramedic bit his lip, and Taehyung gave him a rueful smile.
“What’s your name?”
“Felix.”
“Is it your first day here? I’ve never seen you before.”
“Yes…”
“Listen, Felix-ssi. In our line of work, these things happen. Sometimes we’re lucky, sometimes we’re not. You did everything you could to bring him back to life, right?” Taehyung saw the paramedic nod. “Then don’t blame yourself. If there are other victims, bring them here with your teammates and lend a hand. Forget about him for now. Mourn his death later, after you’ve saved more lives. He’ll be the only victim you’ve lost today, okay?”
“Yes, Doctor…”
Without waiting for a reply, the paramedic rushed back to the ambulance, his newfound determination pushing him to return to the scene with his team. But while the boy might have found some hope, Taehyung felt none. Many of the victims were in critical condition, and there were no more operating rooms available. The triage team was struggling, and the hospital’s chief was doing everything possible to help.
“Dr. Kim, here soon.”
Taehyung nodded toward his graduate student and, after telling a nurse that a woman would be brought to the operating room as soon as possible, he approached Sooyoung, one of the brightest and most talented young doctors specializing in emergency surgery.
“What do we have here, Sooyoung?”
“A young man with a head injury, but it doesn’t seem too deep. He has a broken rib that pierced his lung, along with a broken arm and a leg injury.Probably there will be some organ damage too. They pulled him out of the wreckage just in time, right before the car he was in exploded. It was the first car hit by the truck. The paramedics managed to stabilize him, but it’s an emergency surgery situation. His breathing is labored, so they intubated him. The man who was with him already died. I think it’s all over... and I think he’s…”
As Sooyoung spoke, Taehyung put on new sterile gloves and a fresh coat. When he approached the boy to examine him, he froze.
There, lying on a stretcher, was Jungkook. His boyfriend, who was supposed to be performing at a concert that evening.
“Dr. Kim? Are you feeling okay?” Sooyoung asked, concerned.
“Sooyoung, call Jimin. Fast.”
While she went to find Dr.Park, Taehyung began examining Jungkook. He listened to his heart, feeling a faint yet strong pulse. He looked over the boy’s various injuries and cursed under his breath. It was clear that surgery needed to happen immediately. He had just finished adjusting the bed when he saw Jimin. Recognizing the patient, Jimin looked at Taehyung, concerned.
“I need to operate on him Jiminie, and I need your help.”
“All right. Room 2 is free. I’ll book it for you.”
In an instant, Jungkook was moved into the available operating room, ignoring the desperate calls from other nurses and doctors. Taehyung felt a chill run down his spine. He knew he had to focus, he had to be strong, but it was impossible not to feel the fear. This wasn’t just any patient lying on that table, this was Jungkook, the man he loved, his heart, his reason for living. At that moment, Taehyung realized it wouldn’t be just another surgery. The anxiety choked him, his hands trembled slightly as he tried to steady himself.
Before beginning, Taehyung did one more scan, just as a precaution. But the more he looked, the more unease grew. The areas that needed intervention were critical, and the situation was dire. Every second felt like a battle between life and death. The fear that Jungkook might slip into a coma, that he might never again smile with those bright eyes, weighed on him like a dark shadow. His mind screamed that it shouldn’t be him performing the surgery. He wasn’t prepared to risk it all. But there was no one else. Only him.
He steeled himself, pushing the rapid beating of his heart aside, and the operating room became his world. Every movement, every breath, every beat of Jungkook's heart seemed to stretch on forever. Throughout the procedure, things became more difficult than expected. The bleeding was severe. More than once, Taehyung had to perform CPR, while the tension grew unbearable. He could feel his stomach twist every time Jungkook's vitals dropped, every time it seemed like his life was slipping through his fingers. The blood transfusions came in quick succession, until the blood bags were nearly empty. But there was no time to think, no room for giving up.
Every breath Taehyung took felt heavier than the last. Every beat of Jungkook's heart, echoing in the silence of the room, pushed him to keep going, to not stop, even though he felt his strength fading. The hours stretched on. It felt as though they would never end, like time itself had frozen. His eyes never left Jungkook's face, pale and distant with every passing second. Three and a half hours later, when the surgery finally ended, the only thing Taehyung could do was close his eyes, letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
Taehyung exhaled a long sigh of relief. But couldn’t savor even a moment of peace. His eyes never left Jungkook’s body, silently praying, hoping that this time, his worst fear was finally over.
Jungkook was still alive.
“We should address the head wound, but I think it’s better to consult with Dr. Jung. I’m not experienced enough to handle this on my own right now. It shouldn’t be as serious as the other injuries…”
“You did well, TaeTae”
“Close him up, and let’s get him to the intensive care unit. I need to check on the other patients.”
After Jungkook was settled in the ICU, Jimin began setting up the equipment and connecting the various machines. As soon as Taehyung heard Jungkook’s heartbeat echo through the room, he stepped out and returned to the emergency room. He noticed the situation had slightly improved. Most of the urgent patients had been operated on or were still in surgery, leaving only less severe cases in the waiting area, many of whom could be discharged that evening. He leaned momentarily against the nurse’s counter, resting his elbows on the table. He placed his palms on his face and took a few deep breaths. He was terrified—terrified of what might happen during Jungkook’s recovery. As he mentally reviewed all the potential complications, he didn’t notice Dr. Jung, wearing a mask and surgical cap, approaching from behind.
“Dr. Kim, I see you’re exhausted. Dr.Park called for a consultation on a patient you just operated on.”
“Ah,” Taehyung said, heading toward the ICU. There, connected to several tubes, lay Jungkook, with Jimin recording his data.
“He has a head injury, and I’m unsure of the extent of the damage. I didn’t call in the operating room because, even during our surgery, we nearly lost him more than once.”
“You did well, Dr. Kim. I think it’s best to stabilize him for now,” Jimin said, handing over a newly filled folder. “Later, I’ll have him scanned and see what else needs to be done. If there’s any change or emergency, call me. I’ll be here all night to monitor the most serious cases.”
Taehyung was about to sit in the chair next to Jungkook’s bed for a moment of rest when Sooyoung entered, carrying a stack of papers.
“Dr. Kim, Dr Min said you need to handle these. They’re for the patients who passed away, as well as some contact information for the ones who were admitted. We need signatures too.”
“Okay, Sooyoung. I’ll do it right away. Is this all?”
“Actually, the chief Min only gave you a quarter of the materials. He’s handling the rest.”
“Thanks.”
Taehyung stood up to follow his graduate student when Jimin stopped him.
“I’ll stay with him until you get back. My shift ended a few minutes ago, no one will mind.”
“Thanks, Jiminie.”
With a final look at Jungkook, Taehyung left and, after sitting at his desk, began calling the relatives of the patients who had been admitted. After reassuring them about their loved ones' conditions, he signed the paperwork for the patients who had died that day. He had just finished stamping the last document when Min Yoongi, his chief, walked into his office.
“Dr. Kim, do you know the name of the patient you operated on earlier? I couldn’t find any documents, and I don’t know how to contact his family.”
“I’ll take care of it, don’t worry.”
“Do you know who he is?”
“Jeon Jungkook.”
“
That
Jeon Jungkook?”
“Yes. We should contact his agency and his brother. He doesn’t have parents, but his brother lives abroad.”
“Oh? Are you a fan of his? I wouldn’t have guessed, Dr. Kim. In any case, contact the appropriate authorities, and then go rest! You look exhausted.”
“Yes.”
As soon as Yoongi left the office, Taehyung took his agenda from his desk drawer.
“Jeon Jungkook, what are you doing with my agenda?”
“I’ll write down Seokjinnie hyung’s number in case something happens to me. I also gave him the number to my manager. Oh! I’ll write his number too!”
“But I don’t even know your hyung”
“You’ll meet him when he comes here again!”
After turning several pages, he finally found the number he was looking for. With a sigh, he took his phone and began to dial it. As he waited for someone to pick up, he was ready to hang up when a deep voice on the other end answered.
“Hello? Who’s calling in the middle of the night?”
“Excuse me... but... I need to speak to Kim Seokjin.”
“What happened? I’m Namjoon, his husband.”
“It’s about Jungkook...”
“One moment...”
Taehyung heard the man quickly raise his voice to wake up Seokjin, and soon he heard a new man’s voice.
“Hello? I’m Seokjin. Did something happen to Jungkookie?”
“I... well... I don’t know if your brother mentioned anything, but I’m Taehyung... Kim Taehyung.”
“Taehyung... Oh!! Taehyung, you’re Jungkook’s boyfriend! He told me you’re a doctor…” the realization hit him” an emergency room doctor. Did something happen to my brother?”
“I... I don’t want to explain everything over the phone, but you should take the first flight to Seoul and come here. Until you arrive, I’ll take care of him.”
“I... yes, I understand. I don’t know how I’ll stand not knowing what’s happened to him, but I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
He hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Taehyung didn’t take it badly and put the receiver back in its place. He looked at the time. It was late, and he couldn’t call Jungkook’s agency since no one would be available, but he tried anyway.
After two rings, a powerful voice answered.
“Jeon Jungkook, where the hell have you been with the manager? We canceled your last concert. The fans are upset and angry with you and us. Don’t you have anything to say?”
“Sir... I’m not Jeon Jungkook.”
“If you’re not Jungkook, then who are you? Only our idols and employees have this number.”
“This is Dr. Kim Taehyung. Jeon Jungkook had an accident... he’s in the intensive care unit right now. He hasn’t been recognized because of the injuries and the blood on his face. The car he was in was engulfed in flames and exploded. They managed to pull him out in time, but all the documents that could identify him were lost. I’ve already informed the patient’s brother.”
“I’ll come as soon as possible. You’re Dr. Kim, right? I’ll speak to you when I get there. I apologize for my rude tone when I answered... but neither Jungkook nor his manager ever answered the technical calls, and my...”
“I understand.”
Once they both hung up, Taehyung took off his coat, closed the door behind him, and walked toward the ICU. Upon entering, he saw that Jungkook’s bed was empty. He sat down in a chair and waited for him to return. He had probably gone for a CT scan. With a sigh, Taehyung closed his eyes, resting his head against the wall. He needed to rest and calm his nerves. He was just about to doze off when he heard the sound of the bed wheels. He opened his eyes and saw a nurse putting a new drip in Jungkook’s arm while Dr. Jung wrote something in the patient’s medical record.
“Dr. Jung.”
“Dr. Kim, I thought you’d gone home to rest!”
“I have someone to wait for. What’s the condition of the wound? Did the CT scan go well?”
“Also if he had a concussion the CT scan is fine. Everything seems normal, but for safety, we’ll do another one in two days. The wound is superficial. I’ve stitched it up for safety. Now, everything depends on the patient.”
“Thanks, Dr. Jung.”
“I’ll leave him in your hands then. Call me if he wakes up or if there are any abnormalities.”
“Of course.”
But Jungkook didn’t wake up that night, or the next morning, or the day after. Nurses, visitors, and doctors rotated in and out of the room.
When Seokjin arrived at the hospital after being informed of Jungkook’s condition, he went straight to the information desk and immediately asked for Dr.Kim Taehyung . But before the nurse had a chance to call him, Seokjin recognized the doctor who had just exited a room. He knew him from the photos Jungkook had sent him. When he saw him, his tired face with dark circles around his eyes, he rushed over to him.
“What happened to Jungkook? How is he? Can I see him?”
“Follow me.” They walked toward the ICU, and on the way, Taehyung explained Jungkook’s condition to Seokjin.
“He was involved in a bad accident. At first, no one recognized him because of the extent of his injuries. His face was covered in blood, and the car he was in was engulfed in flames before exploding. They pulled him out in time, but of course, all the documents that could identify him were lost. Now, everyone knows who he is, and security is having trouble controlling the fans and journalists. As for Jungkook... he’s in a coma right now.”
“Is it a pharmacological coma?”
“No. He underwent emergency surgery, and we almost lost him. He had several injuries, but I managed to stabilize him. Dr. Jung can’t explain why he’s in a coma, but we believe it’s his body’s way of reacting to the trauma, helping him heal faster.”
“God... my little brother...”
Seokjin stared at his brother’s body lying in the bed. Then he turned to Taehyung..
“Are you tired, Taehyung-ssi? Go get some rest in a real bed tonight. I’ll stay with him.”
“But...”
“Trust me! I’m sure Jungkook would want you to rest. I would’ve liked to meet you under better circumstances, but we’ll talk more tomorrow.”
“Okay... Dr. Park Jimin will be on duty. Let me know if anything happens.”
“Yes... go now.”
Taehyung reluctantly left, and Seokjin sat in the chair next to his brother’s bed. He was afraid to touch him, afraid he might disturb him. Then he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his husband, who gave him a reassuring smile.
“How could this happen...”
“I’m sure he’ll wake up soon.”
Seokjin rested his head against Namjoon’s chest, seeking warmth and reassurance. He closed his eyes and thought about many things, one of them being Dr. Kim. He smiled unconsciously, and in his mind, he could still hear the voice full of love that his brother had used to talk about Dr. Kim.
“Hyung! I did it!”
“Jungkook, it’s night. Couldn’t you at least wait until dawn to call me?”
“But Hyung! You told me to call you as soon as I had news! You didn’t think I’d take you seriously?”
“I didn’t think you’d be so impulsive! I hoped you’d have a little more common sense!”
“In any case, I finally managed to win over Taehyung. You have to meet him, Hyung! He’s the best person on Earth.”
“You’ve already sung his praises, Jungkookie. But you never showed me a picture of him...”
“And what if you fall in love with him? No... I’d prefer not to risk it.”
“Jeon Jungkook.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll send it... ah, damn, the manager’s calling. I’ll call you later, hyung. Sorry if I woke you up! I love you.”
Seokjin was about to go back to sleep next to the warmth of his husband when his phone vibrated again. He groaned, half-closing her eyes against the harsh light. When he saw it was an email from his brother with attached photos, his curiosity got the better of him. He opened the attachments, momentarily forgetting that it was the middle of the night. A smile spread across his face as he looked at the three pictures. One was of a young man smiling at a child, one showed the man sleeping peacefully, and the last was of him pouting while reading a message.
“I’m happy for you, kookie.”
“Jinnie... do you want something from the bar?”
“Yes, thanks...”
Just as Namjoon left, another doctor came in. Upon seeing him, he smiled.
“You’re Jungkookie’s brother? I’m Jimin, Taehyung’s friend. He told me to check on you.”
“No thanks... how... how’s my brother?”
Jimin placed his briefcase on the coffee table next to the bed and began checking Jungkook’s condition.
“Still stable. I hope he’ll wake up soon. Taehyung is starting to panic, and the only one who can usually calm him down is Jungkook...”
“You knew about their relationship?”
“I saw it develop! Taehyung is a very difficult person. He’s suffered a lot in the past from love because of his work. His previous boyfriends accused him of prioritizing his job over them... Taehyung loves his job, saving lives, but he also loves his friends, family, and partner. It’s just that his ex-boyfriends didn’t understand his point of view.”
“Jungkook told me that he had to cancel many appointments with Taehyung because of work, but he always spoke so proudly of his boyfriend’s work.”
“Jungkook understands the demands of Taehyung’s work. Our work is full of surprises, a bit like Jungkook’s, but not quite on the same level. They support each other, give each other strength and courage... It was fun to watch Taehyung act shy at first...”
“Do you know how they met? Jungkook never wanted to tell me.”
“I can only tell you it was hilarious... I think Jungkook would be embarrassed! If he wants, he’ll tell you when he wakes up.” With a smile, Jimin grabbed the folder from the coffee table and nodded before leaving the room, leaving Seokjin alone with his brother.
Taehyung hated his new routine. Every morning, when the sun was still low on the horizon, he would rise quietly. He dressed quickly, donning his doctor's coat, and then, while the world outside was still asleep, he would make his way to the hospital. The drive always felt endless, but nothing could distract him from thoughts of Jungkook. His mind kept drifting back to the boy he loved, to the smile that he missed with every beat of his heart.
Upon arriving at the hospital, the first thing Taehyung did was rush to Jungkook’s room. He couldn’t stay away from that bed, from that still body, which seemed to get more distant every hour. Each time he entered the room, it felt as though the air grew heavier, as if time itself had frozen alongside him. The nurses would smile politely, but no one asked questions. Taehyung’s presence had become part of the room’s routine by now.
When he entered the room, he always saw Seokjin sitting next to his brother’s bed, eyes tired but resolute. Namjoon, ever silent, would be staring out the window, lost in the sprawling cityscape of Seoul. Seokjin never said much, but whenever he did, Taehyung could tell he was worried about him, about his health. "You should rest," he often told him, but he never listened. He couldn't. Jungkook needed him, and he couldn’t leave.
It had now been two weeks, but Jungkook showed no signs of improvement or deterioration. No one knew what to think or do, but the one most affected was Taehyung. Sometimes, Seokjin would rush to call the doctors or Taehyung himself because Jungkook’s hand moved or he had a nervous reflex, but then everything would return to the way it was.
Taehyung had finished his shift but didn’t want to go home to rest. He stopped by Jungkook’s room. That day, however, the scene was different. Seokjin was asleep in the chair next to the bed, his head drooping, his hands resting on his knees. Namjoon was still gazing out at the city, searching for something in the skyline. Taehyung watched them for a moment before he gently approached, careful not to wake Seokjin.
"Hyung, Take him home," he said softly, almost like an order, though it was really a request. "I'll stay with Jungkook tonight."
Namjoon looked at him, noticing the exhaustion in Taehyung’s eyes. He didn’t respond immediately, but with a sad smile, he nodded. "Alright," he said, waking Seokjin gently. He stirred, still sleepy, but when he heard his husband’s words, he stood up without question.
“We’re on the brink, don’t wear yourself out, Taehyungie,” Seokjin said, placing a hand on Tae’s shoulder. “You’re holding up well, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
Taehyung gave him a weak smile and nodded. "I know," he replied, though his heart knew he couldn’t stop. Not while Jungkook was lying there, motionless.
When they left the room a heavy silence filled the room, broken only by the soft hum of machines and the steady rhythm of Jungkook’s heart, which, despite everything, seemed stronger than Taehyung’s had expected. Since the incident, Taehyung had rarely been alone in Jungkook’s room. Seokjin and Namjoon, or sometimes Jimin or Dr. Jung , Jungkook’s friends, or the agency’s president, were usually there. But Taehyung was tired, and he needed to be alone with Jungkook and that night, he finally had the chance.
He moved closer to the bed, his heart pounding. He sat in the chair next to Jungkook’s bed, looking at the face of the boy who seemed so peaceful, yet was fighting a battle inside no one knew about. His hands, cold and still, lay at his sides, but Taehyung noticed that occasionally, a small tremor ran through his skin. He ran a hand over his face, which now had a small beard. It was strange to see facial hair on the always-perfect Jungkook, but a small smile appeared as he imagined how Jungkook would react when he saw himself in the mirror. However, the smile didn’t last long. Taehyung gently traced the outline of Jungkook’s face, touching his eyelids, the bridge of his nose, and his closed lips. He leaned down to plant a soft kiss on his boyfriend’s lips, then sat in the chair beside him, gently holding Jungkook’s hand.
"Squeeze my hand," he whispered, as if just speaking the words might somehow make Jungkook respond. His fingers traced the contours of Jungkook’s face, following the line of his jaw, the shape of his lips, and his closed eyelids. "Please, Bun don’t leave me."
He stroked it thoughtfully before turning his gaze toward the window.
“Bun” Taehyung squeezed his hand, “I need you to wake up. I need to hear your voice, to talk to you, to lose myself again in your eyes.”
A tear slipped down his cheek, followed by more. Taehyung started crying, resting his forehead against Jungkook’s hand. He had never cried since the accident. He had tried to be strong for Jungkook, but that night, he couldn’t stop. He felt lost.
“You must wake up. For me. For Seokjin. For your fans who are waiting outside the hospital doors, praying for you. Break the curse. You promised you’d never leave me. You would be unlike anyone else. You always keep your promises, Jeon Jungkook. Keep this one too.”
Taehyung’s mind wandered back to a conversation he had once had with Jungkook
“Why should I agree to go out with you and give you my heart?”
“Because I’m Jeon Jungkook.”
Taehyung shook his head in exasperation, then turned to leave. His last shift had been particularly devastating. However, he only took a few steps before feeling arms wrap around him from behind, and a chin rested on his head.
“Because I promise you I won’t make you suffer. I can’t promise there won’t be quarrels, because a relationship without quarrels is impossible, and if it exists, it’s false. I promise I’ll respect you and your work. I promise I’ll understand when you have to cancel dates. I promise I’ll support you and your career, and I promise you will always be a priority for me. I will never leave you, Kim Taehyung.”
That night, Taehyung couldn’t sleep. He was exhausted, but his mind refused to stop. He stood up from his chair beside Jungkook’s bed and walked slowly to the window, staring out at the city of Seoul. The view was peaceful, yet felt so far away from him. He felt trapped in a dream that he couldn’t wake up from.
It was then, in that moment, that sleep finally took over.He went again near the bed and when he sat he closed his eyes. He began to dream different scenarios. He dreamed of the first meeting he had with Jungkook. It was an odd dream, where he saw himself helping a young man, dressed in a suit and sunglasses, who had been transported by a man in a panic. He laughed when he heard the story, it wasn’t every day that an idol tripped over his own feet and dislocated his ankle to escape from a fanboy and the funniest part was that the idol had to ask the same fanboy to take him to the hospital. The scene continued when he was bandaging Jungkook’s ankle, leaning against the wall with a smile on his face. But the smile quickly faded when he realized that Jungkook was looking at him with his signature bunny smile. Then the dream changed and now there was another Jungkook. A different one, yet the same. His signature bunny smile, the way he looked at him as if wanting to say a thousand things without uttering a word.
Taehyung found himself in a place that seemed empty, with a window that looked out at a gray sky, as if the world outside had paused. Jungkook was sitting there, on a chair, with an expression that seemed calm, yet restless.
"I miss you," Jungkook said, his voice a melody that resonated in Taehyung’s bones. He couldn’t stop staring at him. His heart raced. "None of this makes sense without you."
Taehyung tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come out. He stepped closer, but somehow, he couldn’t touch him. There was something distant about the scene, as if Jungkook was right there, but could not truly be reached.
"I’ve never left you," Jungkook said with a smile. "And I never will. I love you. Wake up, Taebear.”
“What?”
“Wake up.”
The dream faded, and with a jolt, Taehyung woke up, his breath coming in short gasps, his skin damp with sweat. There was no Jungkook in front of him anymore, only the empty hospital room. The first light of morning began to filter through the window, and for a moment, Taehyung thought it had all been a nightmare.
He turned to look at Jungkook , his heart in turmoil. The boy’s hands felt warmer than usual, and as Taehyung leaned in to touch them, he noticed Jungkook's eyelids fluttering. A small sign, but enough to give him hope.
"Bun" Taehyung whispered, gently squeezing his hand. "Please…"
With a deep breath, he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw Jungkookìs eyes slowly beginning to open. A faint smile, though weak, appeared on his face.
"Hi, ba…baby"
Jungkook’s words were fragile, but to Taehyung, they were stronger than anything.
Speaking was difficult for Jungkook, so Taehyung, regaining his clarity as a doctor, wet his lips with a damp handkerchief and carefully gave Jungkook a few drops of water.
“Bun I was so worried… I…”
“Baby..”
“I operated on you. You were on my operating table. I had to…” he started to cry " I had to re-re-resuscitate you. Don’t make me go through that again,Jeon Jungkook. I love you too much to lose you.”
Jungkook watched Taehyung, who looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and clearly had lost weight but still he looked like an angel to him . With the little strength he had left, Jungkook squeezed Taehyung’s hand and smiled, a smile that made Taehyung smile back also if he still shed some tears.
Jungkook paused for a moment, gathering the strength to speak. He locked his eyes with Taehyung and after a while he spoke.
“I can’t die now TaeBear ” He smiled again. “I haven’t finished loving you. I’m still just beginning.”
And with those words, Taehyung couldn’t hold back his tears anymore. He cried tears of joy, and without caring about his professionalism, he kissed Jungkook repeatedly on the face. He pulled away with a smile, then tried to regain composure.
“I need to notify Seokjin hyung, call Jimin and Dr. Jung . They’ll want to check if everything is okay. I’ll go... You stay awake, okay?”
He went into the medical room and immediately contacted Jimin and Dr. Jung , who, forgetting breakfast, rushed to Jungkook’s room. Taehyung took a deep breath and then called Seokjin, followed by the president of Jungkook’s agency.
That day, Jungkook underwent several tests. Dr. Jung confirmed that Jungkook was in perfect health and that his body had responded incredibly well to the trauma, speeding up the recovery process. Fans around the world celebrated online, and bouquets of flowers were delivered outside the hospital in a show of support. Despite the good news, there was a heavy weight hanging in the air. Jungkook’s manager had not survived the accident, and when Jungkook learned of this, it hit him like a punch to the gut. He was consumed with guilt, feeling as if his selfish desire to make a gesture of love had taken away the life of someone who had been like family to him.
Later, when Jungkook was feeling a bit more free from the physical pain, Taehyung sat beside him on the bed, careful not to disturb the drip, and began to talk with him, his voice gentle but firm.
"Why weren't you getting ready for the concert? Why did you get involved in that accident?"
Jungkook's eyes drifted downward, guilt pulling at his every word as he spoke, his voice almost a whisper.
"I wanted… I wanted to get you some flowers," Jungkook said quietly, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and regret. "It was an important day for me, and you would finally be able to come. I had reserved the best seat in the front row so you could see me better… and after the concert, I’d have brought you into my dressing room and given you flowers... you love them so much…"
"Bun," Taehyung said softly, his heart breaking for Jungkook as he watched the man struggle with his emotions.
"The manager agreed right away… We went to his mother’s shop... We took the flowers and got back in the car… no one would notice our absence…"
Taehyung saw the guilt in Jungkook’s eyes, and his heart ached with empathy. Jungkook continued, his voice distant, haunted by the memories of that day.
"I don’t remember anything... just the screeching of tires, the manager’s screams, chest pain, then darkness…"
"A truck didn’t stop at the traffic light. There were many casualties and injuries. Many cars and pedestrians were involved. You’re lucky, Jungkook. It’s a miracle. The truck driver who caused the accident had been ill while driving and died on the spot."
Jungkook’s face twisted in pain as he thought about his manager.
"The parents of my manager… I must apologize to them."
"Forget about it for now," Taehyung said softly, his voice firm but comforting. "You can think about it later, when you’re out of here."
"No… I have to do it now. Can you bring them here?"
Taehyung’s eyes softened, his heart heavy with understanding. "I’ll see what I can do… I’ll finish my shift soon. See you tomorrow, baby."
Jungkook spent another week in the hospital. After a final check-up, Dr. Jung, with the help of Jimin and Taehyung, declared Jungkook fit to be discharged. However, he was advised to avoid overexertion during the first few days. Jungkook signed the discharge papers, and as he prepared to leave, he saw Taehyung and Seokjin helping him with his luggage.
Jungkook noticed their interactions—how they were joking, working together so seamlessly—and smiled. He was pleased to see that Taehyung and Seokjin had become so close. They had gotten along so well, and it brought him a sense of comfort in the midst of all his turmoil. Just as he was about to call Seokjin over to talk to him, a soft knock came at the door.
"Yes?"
Two people entered, each holding a cheerful bouquet of flowers, but their outfits were completely black. The contrast between the flowers and their mourning attire made Jungkook’s heart sink.
"Mr. Kim… Mrs. Kim."
Jungkook tried to stand, wincing as he felt the slight pain in his chest and leg. He gritted his teeth and struggled with his crutches, bowing deeply to them. The lady helped him back into bed with a gentle but sad smile, her eyes filled with quiet sorrow.
"I don’t want your apologies, Jeon Jungkook," she said softly, her voice soothing but heavy with grief. "It’s not your fault our son is gone. I’m just glad you’re okay."
"But if it weren’t for me… my selfishness…" Jungkook whispered, his voice breaking.
"Perhaps nothing would have happened, true," she acknowledged with a small, sad smile. "But if it were fate, an accident could have happened during the concert. It’s destiny. Everyone has theirs, and my son’s was this. Don’t blame yourself for something greater than you, my boy. My son loved you. He was happy to work with you, even when you fought, and he called you self-centered and difficult. But he cared about you. He knew you two shared a bond like brothers."
Jungkook nodded, feeling the weight of the woman’s words. His guilt still weighed on him, but hearing her speak so kindly, so forgivingly, started to ease some of the burden. He stood slowly, feeling tears well in his eyes, and walked toward Mrs. Kim. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his tears falling freely. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder, crying with him. They held each other for a long moment, sharing their sorrow and the bond between them.
After a few more moments, Mrs. Kim and her husband bowed and left, and Taehyung, who had been watching quietly from the doorway, came in to help Jungkook get dressed. It was time to go home.
When they arrived at Jungkook’s apartment, Taehyung smiled softly, explaining that he and Namjoon had cleaned the place the day before so that Jungkook wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
Seokjin began preparing food in the kitchen, and Jungkook sank into the couch, feeling the exhaustion catch up with him. He sat with Taehyung, his hand finding the other’s and squeezing it gently. Taehyung gave him a reassuring smile as Jungkook kissed the back of his hand softly. He then rested his head on Taehyung’s shoulder, closing his eyes and feeling the warmth of his boyfriend’s body, the comfort that only Taehyung could provide.
"Kookie," Taehyung said, his voice soft but full of affection.
"Mm?" Jungkook responded, still not lifting his head.
"I love you," Taehyung whispered, his voice laced with sincerity.
Jungkook’s heart fluttered as a smile slowly spread across his face. He tightened his grip on Taehyung’s hand, pulling him a little closer.
"I love you too," Jungkook murmured, kissing the top of Taehyung’s head gently.
Taehyung’s heart soared, his love for Jungkook deeper than he had ever realized. He leaned down, gently pressing his lips to Jungkook's forehead in a soft, lingering kiss, reaffirming the words they had both spoken. "I love you, always," he whispered, knowing, in that moment, that no matter what came next, they would face it together.
Jungkook smiled, feeling a peace he hadn’t felt in days, his hand still clutched tightly in Taehyung’s, knowing that they would heal, not just physically, but emotionally together.