The Fast and the Curious (TaeKook)

Panic Triggers

Seoul, Korea
Seoul Hospital

The peace that Taehyung was in was shortlived when Jungkook came back to his hospital room. Taehyung's heartbeat raced at the thought of cuddling with this muscle of a man.

"The nurse will be bringing in food for us." Jungkook said as he sat down comfortably on the couch. He took his phone out and texted his mother to say that he's not coming home that night. He put his phone down on the side table after and then looked at Taehyung.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better, I guess. Did Jimin tell you what happened?"

"Yes and I must say, everything you found out must have been a lot to take in, all in one day."

"Story of my life." Taehyung sighed.

Just then, they hear a knock on the door and the nurse comes in with their food.  Jungkook took the tray from the nurse and sets it on the hospital bed table. 

Taehyung moves a bit, giving some space for Jungkook to sit beside him.  Jungkook takes the bowl of soup first and puts it in front of Taehyung.

"Kook, I can do that by myself you know." Taehyung gighled.

Jungkook got goosebumps hearing Tae call him Kook and the giggle that came with it. He felt butterflies in his stomach.

"Go eat too." Taehyung said.

The two fell silent while eating, creating an awkward atmosphere in the room. Taehyung decided to change the mood a bit and diverted all the attention on Jungkook.

"So, tell me, how did a Jeon Jungkook aka Golden Maknae get into street racing?"

Jungkook was taken aback. Of all the things that Taehyung could ask about him, he never expected for the older to have an interest on his street racing all of a sudden.

"You're not writing an exposé about me, are you?"

Taehyung laughed at Jungkook's remark.

"Kook, I'm not an investigative journalist. I review cars for a living."

"I was just kidding." Jungkook scrunched his nose and smiled.  Taehyung caught the expression and found it so adorable. He pushed back the thought and waited for Jungkook to tell him his story.

"I never really planned getting into street racing, but eight months ago when I lost my father over cancer, the grief took a toll on me.  I was mentally and emotionally unstable, so I desperately tried to look for an outlet to channel the pain, anger and frustration I was feeling.

One day, a client of ours invited me to watch a race as he was so excited to break-in the car we set up for him. I was fascinated by the whole scene in front of me. So, I tried it. Man, it was euphoric. I let loose all the pent up emotions and just focused on crossing the finish line.  And, everytime I win, the exhilaration I feel, conquered all the negative thoughts in my head.  So, it became a drug for me. A drug that takes away all the pain.

Plus, the prize money helps pay the bills so it's a win-win situation."

"Wow, that was intense. But, I get what you mean. And, I'm sorry about your father."

"It's okay. He's better off now. At least there's no more pain for him."

"That's true. Though, the sad reality is, while they are free from the pain, we're burdened with the trauma and forces us to do things that could numb the pain away even it provides just a temporary respite from all the sufferings. Then, you end up getting hurt more and even hurt others in the ptocess."

Taehyung's mood instantly changes; sadness painted all over his face.

"Hey, you okay there, Tae?"

Tears suddenly fall on Taehyung's cheeks and his breathing becomes uneven. Jungkook noticed it immediately, so he moves the table away and sits on in front of Taehyung.  He gently cups his cheeks and wipes the tears away with his thumbs.

"Tae, look at me.  You're okay, everything's okay."

Jungkook puts one of Taehyung's hands on his chest.

"Can you feel my breathing?"

Taehyung nods.

"Follow my pace, Tae. Breathe with me."

Tarhyung stares at Jungkook's eyes as his tears continue to fall, but breathing slowly normalizing.

"That's it, Tae. You're doing good."

A few minutes more and Taehyung calms down.

"I-I'm s-sorry, Jungkook." Taehyung said as he starts fidgeting.

"It's okay. You feeling better?"

"Thank you."

"Do you want to finish your food?"

Taehyung shook his head.

Jungkook stood up and made Taehyung lie down.  He tucked Taehyung in and was about to go to the couch when he felt a tug in his hoodie.

"Cuddles?" Taehyung said shyly.

Jungkook smiled and nodded. So, he climbed on Taehyung's bed and laid down beside him. Taehyung rested his head on the crook of Jungkook's neck as he placed his arm on Jungkook's waist and moved closer.

Jungkook placed his right arm under Taehyung's head; left arm on his waist. A few minutes later, he heard soft snores signaling that Taehyung was already asleep.  Jungkook smiled. He loved the closeness and the warmth he was feeling. He rested his chin comfortably on Taehyung's head.

Jungkook pondered about Taehyung's threatened panic attack earlier.  He wants to know what triggered it, what kind of trauma he went through.  He will do everything to find out so he would know how to make them go away. In the meantime, he's content in making Taehyung feel safe in his arms. He smiles and hugs Taehyung closer, as he slowly drifts off to sleep.

💜💜💜