Before you disappear

Chapter 28

Impressed with myself, I walked through the corridors of the hospitals back to my room. Jake, the male nurse, had offered to take me, wanting me to sit in a wheelchair no less, but I had dismissed his help. Of course, he had objected, pressing on that it wasn't a good idea to overexert myself. But as the euphoric feeling from the way my body had worked during the tests lingered on within my chest, I kept refusing and telling him I was fine walking.

But now, as I made my way back to my room, I could tell I was more tired than I had anticipated.

Worry started to surface. Wasn't I pushing JK's body too much? Sure, his body was a lot fitter than mine, but I couldn't dismiss the fact that he had suffered heart failure. I didn't know the effect that had on his body, so I had to be careful. This wasn't my body after all. I needed to make sure I found his limits, so I wouldn't put him in danger.

The beating of my heart against my ribs sent out a wave of dismay and I was forced to take a break, leaning against the wall, to catch my breath.

"Are you all right?" A voice behind me asked.

"Yeah," I said, glancing over my shoulder.

My eyes bulged and my cheeks heated up as I recognized him. Three words rushed through my mind, igniting the fangirl within me. World Wide Handsome!

Afraid he would see me blush, I turned my gaze forward again. "I'm fine," I said, though my voice sounded weaker than before and I clenched my jaw because of it.

Before I could say anything else, an arm swung around my waist.

"Let me help you," Jin said as he pulled me close. "Lean onto me."

I swallowed hard, but forced myself to act normal. Jin was like a big brother to Jungkook. I had to drop the Oh-My-God-Jin-Is-Holding-Me fangirl façade, because he wasn't actually holding me. To him, I was Jungkook.

"Thanks," I muttered as I placed my arm around his neck.

"Why are you walking here alone?" he asked. "I mean, wouldn't it be more logical that they took you back to your room, using a wheelchair? Especially after the tests you've had?"

"You know about the tests?"

"Of course. It's only logical that they're going to check your heart and its current condition after what you've been through, right?" Jin glanced at me. "And Jimin told us when we arrived at your room and you weren't there."

My heart skipped a beat at the implications of what he said. "Us?" I asked. "Is everyone here?"

"If you mean by everyone all the members, then yes. RM spoke to your parents over the phone. They'll want you to videocall them asap and let them see you're okay."

I nodded, feeling my chest tighten.

It was bad enough that I was mere minutes away of meeting all the members of BTS, but to think I had to also videocall Jungkook's parents and act like I was him... It almost sent me over the edge into the pit of stress and anxiety.

Jin stopped walking and held my body against the wall. "Why are you shaking?" His voice sounded alarmed as his eyes pierced in mine. "Are you okay? Do we need to sit down?"

I managed a smile. "I'm just a little out of breath," I said, which wasn't completely untrue.

"Come, let's sit for a moment."

"My room is just around the corner," I tried, pointing towards the corridor.

Jin shook his head as he maneuvered me towards a seat. "No, you're going to sit down right now. Get the weight off your legs."

Recognizing by the tone of his voice that objecting wouldn't make any difference, I obeyed and sat down. As soon as my body found the comfort of the seat, I could feel the strain I'd put on my body. Certain muscles in my arms and legs were shaking and my breathing was shallow.

As I leaned forward in the hopes I would get my breath back to normal, Jin placed his hand on my back. "Slow breaths, JK. In... and out."

Closing my eyes, I focused on Jin's voice guiding me while I breathed in and out. Soon, the uneasiness lessened and my breathing returned to normal. My first instinct was to tell Jin I was okay, just so he wouldn't worry, but I stopped myself. I went too far. I have to be careful.

Instead, I opened my eyes and looked at Jin. "Thanks."

"Feel better?"

I nodded slowly. "I didn't mean to scare you," I whispered, and hearing myself say that I realized I not only spoke to Jin but also to JK's body.

Jin took a deep breath, before he answered. "You need to make sure not to overexert yourself right now. Your body's had quite a beating, so see it as if you start at zero and listen to the limits your body gives you."

I nodded, unsure of what to say. He was right of course. I didn't know the extend of what JK's body could handle. I needed to approach everything with caution.

"I hate this," I muttered.

"I know you do." Jin patted me on my shoulder. "But right now, you don't have a choice." He waited until I looked at him, before continuing with a slight smile on his face. "I'm glad to see you awake and walking though."

My eyes connected with his and I noticed his smile didn't light up his eyes; there was still worry in them.

"I'm glad, too. And I'm sorry for giving you guys such a scare. If I'd known..."

Jin shook his head, stopping me from finishing that sentence. "Don't go there. It's no use to dwell on guilt or regret. None of the guys hold this against you. We just want you to focus on getting well right now."

His arm slid around my waist and he leaned in to hug me. "Please take care of yourself," he whispered in my ear.

His plead sent shivers through me. This man really cared for Jungkook. Again, I felt the heavy obligation of acting like Jungkook but also making sure his body would heal properly. I was just a temporary inhabitant because one way or another, Jungkook and I would switch back to our own bodies.

"Ready to go back to your room?"

Realizing what, or rather who, were waiting for me in my room, I took a deep breath. Then, I nodded at Jin's question and wrapped my arm around his neck once more.

"All right," he said as he pulled me up. "Let's go."

***

Author's note

Pfew... I had quite a scare just now. I couldn't upload any chapters to my story! I could only start a completely new story! For a moment, I thought my account had been hacked. Yes, the inner drama queen has made her presence known today. 

Thank heavens, I'm now able to post chapters again!

Sorry for the wait. I've been in quite a funky mood lately. :( Will try to update more frequently!