Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

21

The day had started like any other, but it quickly turned into Jimin's worst nightmare. He had only stepped away for a minute, leaving his curious little boy, Jae, alone in the kitchen. Jae, always eager to do things himself, had tried to reach the cereal box on the high rack. But the moment he pulled the chair over and climbed up, it tipped. Jae lost his balance, falling hard and hitting his forehead on the edge of the dining table. Blood poured from the cut, and Jimin’s heart sank into panic.

As soon as they arrived at the hospital, Jimin couldn’t stop blaming himself. His hands trembled as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He felt his entire world crumble as he watched the nurses bandage his little boy. The guilt was overwhelming—how could he have been so careless?

"Jimin."

Jungkook's voice cut through his thoughts, and Jimin looked up to see him rushing into the hospital room, his face lined with concern. Jungkook immediately spotted Jimin sitting by Jae's bedside, holding their son's tiny hand.

Jimin’s sobs broke the silence. “This is my fault,” he cried, unable to meet Jungkook’s eyes. “Jae got hurt because of me.”

Jungkook knelt down beside him, reaching out to gently massage Jimin's shoulder. "Love, no. It was an accident," he whispered, though his own heart was heavy seeing Jae in that condition.

"But he’s hurt... I should’ve been there." Jimin’s voice cracked, his tears flowing harder.

Jungkook's smile was sad as he looked at Jimin, his eyes reflecting the same pain. "Accidents happen. Don't beat yourself up."

But Jimin couldn’t forgive himself.

---

Hours passed, and Jimin didn’t leave Jae’s side. The little boy had needed five stitches on his forehead, and although Jimin’s heart broke at the sight of the bandage wrapped around Jae’s head, relief washed over him when Jae finally woke up.

A small, fragile smile appeared on Jimin’s face as Jae blinked up at him.

"Jiminie Appa, stop crying," Jae said, his voice soft but cheerful. "Jae is not hurt. See?" He patted his bandaged forehead proudly.

"Jae! Don't touch it! It’ll start bleeding again!" Jimin scolded him lightly, though his tone was laced with love and worry.

Jungkook, standing beside Jimin, watched their son with admiration. Despite everything, Jae was as brave as ever.

"Jiminie Appa is worried about you," Jungkook said gently, trying to explain why Jimin had been crying nonstop since the accident.

Jimin turned to Jungkook, his voice laced with frustration and exhaustion. "Of course, I’m worried. He’s my son."

Jae, sensing his Appa’s distress, reached out and cupped Jimin's cheeks with his small hands. "Jae is sorry, Jiminie
Appa."

The words startled Jimin. He wasn’t expecting an apology from his son, and for a moment, he was speechless.

Jae continued, his little eyes locked onto Jimin’s face. "Jae made Jiminie Appa worry."

Tears welled up again in Jimin’s eyes. "Jae, don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault. It was mine. I left you alone."

But Jae shook his head, insisting. "No, Jae didn’t listen to Appa. That’s why Jae got this." He pointed to the bandage on his forehead.

Jimin remembered clearly. He had told Jae to wait while he answered a phone call. But Jae, being the independent and determined little boy he was, had gone ahead and tried to get the cereal himself. Jae wanted to do everything on his own, just like his Appa. But today, that had led to an accident.

Jungkook stepped in softly. "Jae, sometimes it's okay to ask for help. You don't always have to do things alone. Relying on someone isn’t a bad thing."

Jae looked at Jungkook and nodded. "I know, Kookie Appa."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Both turned to see a tall man with a warm smile and a noticeable dimple on his cheek. He entered the room with a polite bow.

"Good morning. I’m Kim Namjoon from the Korea Medical Association."

Jimin frowned, confused. "Who?" he asked, glancing at Jungkook for clarification.

Namjoon’s face remained neutral, though his eyes betrayed a sense of unease. "I’m sorry to intrude, sir. I received a report regarding a case of child abuse."

Both Jimin and Jungkook’s faces twisted in shock. They exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what they had just heard.

"Child abuse?" Jimin repeated, his voice filled with disbelief.

Jungkook stepped forward protectively, his brow furrowing. "There must be some mistake," he said, tension creeping into his voice.