Exes and Superher-o's

Part 18

It takes several hours, one saline drip and all Namjoon's medical knowledge before you feel normal again. The main ailment you have is power overuse, which takes time and electrolytes to fully heal.

In comparison, the others aren't as lucky. Taehyung's arm is bound in a sling, Namjoon sprained a finger, and Jungkook remains unconscious for several hours.

After a preliminary exam, Namjoon believes he broke three ribs, fractured his wrist, and suffered a slight concussion. Jungkook refuses to be brought to the hospital though, so for now, you're waiting until Jimin or Hoseok can join. You keep telling yourself things could be worse, but it's a hard fact to hold onto.

Katie is okay. So is Roa, although at least he joined the fight at the end. Katie is the most powerful super in your group and when it came time to help, she utterly choked. As difficult as this is, you try to temper your anger. Katie is only a child, after all, and battle can be stressful for the most seasoned super. You know you wouldn't be angry, had Jungkook not gotten hurt.

You've always had a blind spot when it comes to people you love. It's part of the reason you haven't seen your parents in so long. The moment you realized you had powers, you left for the Academy and tried to keep your distance. This was easier than having them used against you.

Because your parents would be used against you. You're predictable when it comes to the people you love. You'd burn the whole world down before allowing any harm to come to them. Before Seokjin, this was the main reason you kept everyone out. Better to never love than leave yourself open to manipulation.

Falling for Seokjin wasn't part of the plan, and it changed everything. After him, you couldn't help but let other people in. Those you care for might be a small list, but you'd kill or die for any of them. Seeing Jungkook hurt was more terrifying than facing your own injuries.

Even after a local doctor visits and echoes Namjoon's assessment that Jungkook isn't in immediate danger, you still feel tense. All the next day, you're quieter, but this is probably better than what you'd say otherwise.

Instead, you turn your attention to Roa, who's joined you at the lake house. Since his arrival, he's mostly kept his distance, but at least he showed up when Namjoon called a group meeting.

Seated at the table, Namjoon rubs his forehead. "Well," he says with a deep sigh. "That could've gone better."

"I'll say," you mutter.

The rest of your party nods in agreement.

Jungkook is the only one absent, knocked out by powerful sleeping meds. It was the only way to keep your handler in bed. He continues to insist his injuries are nothing despite the black and blue bruises blossomed over his skin.

Taehyung glances at you. "Jungkook will be fine."

"I know," you say stiffly. "It still shouldn't have happened."

Although you don't look in Katie's direction, she seems to understand what you mean, because she lowers her head to stare at the table.

"I – I know I messed up," she says, quiet. "I just panicked. I froze. I couldn't –"

"It's alright," Namjoon cuts in.

"You did nothing wrong," Roa adds, throwing a glare your way. It seems his crush was forgotten the instant you threatened Katie.

"Easy for you to say," you say, glaring back. "No one you care about has been hurt."

"Someone I care about is hurt," he says sharply. "Except you're the one doing the hurting, so my retaliatory responses are limited."