Red Room || Taekook

0️⃣2️⃣

The last bell rang at Hybe University, signalling the end of the day for university students. Yeonjun rushed to the Arts Building, which was conveniently located next to the Business Building, to wait for his brother.

Yeonjun had been waiting for Taehyung for over 5 minutes when his phone started ringing. He quickly pulled his phone from his pants' side pocket and noticed his brother's name on the screen. His heart almost skipped a beat; he was frightened and hoped that nothing horrible had happened to his beloved sibling.

"Tae, are you okay?" Yeonjun asked as he answered the phone without saying hello. Taehyung, on the other hand, simply rolled his eyes, as if his younger brother could see him.

"Don't worry, Yeonie, I'm fine. I just called to tell you to go home first," Taehyung said on the other line.

"Why? Didn't dad say we have guests tonight, so we need to go home soon after university?" Yeonjun responded.

"I already informed mom. I have a meeting with the photography club. You know I'm the head of this org, so I have to be there," Taehyung replied, causing Yeonjun to groan.

Taehyung excelled academically, and his heart condition did not prevent him from accomplishing his goals. He's been the unbeatable top student of their batch for four years already. He was the head of the photographic club for three years. He is extremely skilled and intelligent, not to mention stunningly beautiful. He's almost flawless, except for his heart, which is betraying him for some reason.

"I'll wait for you then," Yeonjun said.

"It's okay, Yeonie; Jiminie will be here as well. He's the vice president of this club after all," Taehyung responded with a giggle.

Yeonjun urged, "Who's going to drive you home then? No. I'll wait here."
"I told you Jimin is with me. His parents will also join the dinner later, so we'll head home together" Taehyung responded. Yeonjun let out another sigh.

"Fine, but don't overwork yourself, okay?" Yeonjun warned him.

"I'm okay, Yeonjun. You don't have to worry too much about me. Remember, it's been almost two years and I haven't had any heart attacks or what. I'm okay, I promise," Taehyung pointed out to his brother.

Taehyung has suffered from chest pain for two years. Thankfully, his heart has since behaved and is not causing him any problems. It's already been an absolute blessing for him, but it's left those closest to him even more concerned. They never let their defences down and allowed Taehyung to do anything he wanted. Having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not only difficult for the person who is ill, but also for others around them.

"That doesn't mean you can do whatever you want; just... be okay. I have to go. Bye," Yeonjun stated as he ended the call, not allowing Taehyung to speak. Yeonjun did not want to appear weak in front of his brother; instead, he wanted to be his brother's strength. It's just that it aches knowing that his sibling wasn't as strong and free as other kids his age.

Taehyung, on the other hand, only looked at his phone screen with a forced small smile on his lips, while Yeonjun stopped the call without saying goodbye. Taehyung is aware of his brother's concern and protection for him, and he nearly appears to be the younger brother rather than Yeonjun.

"Hey, is everything okay?" Jimin asked, causing Taehyung to regain his composure.

Jimin was Taehyung's childhood best friend. The two grew close because of their fathers. Mr. Park and Mr. Kim have been friends since high school, along with their five other friends, who will be attending Taehyung's residence later that night.

Mr. Park and Mr. Kim continued to communicate after graduating from high school, in contrast to their friends. Even for college, the two attended the same university. They made the decision to start a business of their own after graduating. Even after getting married and starting a family of their own, the two continued to make time for each other. In simple terms, they continued to communicate to the point that their families grew close to one another.

"Yeah. Should we head to the meeting room? We need to be right on time for dinner" Taehyung said.

"Why did you request a meeting?" Jimin inquired as the two began walking across the empty hallway towards the meeting room.

"Well, it's our university's year-end week. You know we only have a month before graduation. I wanted to make my last year as president of the photography department memorable. So yeah." Taehyung went on to say

Jimin held Taehyung's arm and stood in front of him, causing the other to stop walking as well.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked. Jimin simply stared at him, observing his best friend.

"Chim, I'm fine. I'm not stressing or overworking myself," Taehyung said, knowing exactly what Jimin was doing.

"I'm just concerned, Tae. Just because your heart has been behaving for two years already doesn't mean you can let your guards down," said Jimin.

Jimin, like Yeonjun, has shown concern for Taehyung's health. He is the one who looks after Taehyung when they are inside the university, ensuring that nothing unwanted happens to him. Taehyung felt suffocated by their overprotectiveness, but he understood they were only worried about him and understood where they were coming from. He is grateful to those who care about him, but he wishes that one day they would let him enjoy life as a 20-year-old adult.

"I know Jimin, and I can't thank you enough for looking after me since we were kids, but I promise I'm fine," Taehyung stated, beaming brightly at Jimin.

"Fine, but I'm only giving you 30 minutes, okay? And... tell me if you feel anything. As in anything, good?" Jimin asked, ruffling Taehyung's hair. Jimin stood motionless as he noticed the changes in Taehyung's face.

"Hey! Are you okay? Do you feel anything? Tell me," Jimin asked as he examined Taehyung.

"Jiminie..." Taehyung stated in a serious tone, making Jimin even more concerned.

"What is it, Taehyung?! Oh my god! I'll call Auntie Ye Jin!" Jimin exclaimed, taking out his phone with a shaking hand. Taehyung instantly gripped Jimin's hand, preventing him from calling Taehyung's mother.

"Jiminie, I'm hungry," Taehyung remarked, smiling innocently as if he hadn't done anything to the man standing in front of him with shaking hands and a pale face, clearly worried about his best friend.

"What the hell, Tae! You scare the shit out of me!" Jimin responded, gently punching Taehyung on the arm.

"Because you're too serious. I told you I'm fine," Taehyung responded, wrapping his hands around his best friend's arm and leading him to the small convenience store on their campus.

"Don't you fucking do that again, you evil!" Jimin exclaimed as the two continued to walk, laughing.