Before you disappear

Chapter 33

Jungkook woke up from a strange sound. His mind was foggy as he tried to connect the sound to whatever was making the sound and where it came from. Was it outside? No, it sounded close by. Someone down the hall with a radio?

He forced himself to open his eyes. Then the sound stopped, quickly followed by a small beep. What the heck?

He turned on his side and noticed the light of a phone on the nightstand turning off. Within a second, he sat upright and grabbed the device. Did someone just tried to call him? He tapped on the screen and read 'four missed calls'.

It must be her, right?

With a heavy beating heart, he opened the list of missed calls, only to discover he couldn't call back. The number was private.

That was something their company had done once BTS started to become too big; they shielded their personal phone numbers so it wouldn't easily get leaked to the press or eager fans wanting to have a private word with one of their idols.

I need to make sure that the next time this thing rings, I hear it and I can answer it.

So, Jungkook turned the volume of the phone higher and hoped that the girl would try to call back soon. He watched the screen dim and then go black, half expecting but definitely fiercely hoping she would try again right away.

No such thing.

A groan escaped his lips. Being patient wasn't something he was known for but unfortunately that was all he could do right now. As he checked the time, noticing it was already half past 9, he wondered what time he would get breakfast. Given the fact his stomach was growling, it seemed long overdue.

The door opened and instinctively, Jungkook pulled the sheets high up bumping against his breasts. His breath faltered as he looked down. For a moment he forgot he was actually inside a woman's body.

Keep it together, JK.

He shook his head, pushing the trail of thoughts away and smiled as a nurse entered with a plate of food.

"Ah, you're awake. Good." She smiled. "I came by about an hour ago, but you were still so far away I didn't have the heart to wake you. You must've gone to sleep late last night. Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook nodded slowly. "I couldn't fall asleep," he confessed. "I guess, I just missed being home."

"That's not uncommon," she told him as she placed the plate onto his lap. "A lot of people have a hard time sleeping in a hospital. It's the smell, the constant sounds, and all the white leaving every trace of personality outside."

He raised his eyebrows at her, and as she noticed she started laughing.

"Oh, my complaining doesn't mean I hate my job or something," she said. "I thoroughly enjoy working here, but I also see the effect of this place of people. Since most are here with poor health, I do think a pretty environment, nice smells and the feeling of being at home can help bring their health to a better level. So, yes, there are a few things I would do differently as you might've picked up on."

Jungkook looked at the plate on his lap. His mouth started to water. "There's nothing wrong with that," he mumbled as he picked up a sandwich with jelly.

"Well, enjoy your breakfast," the nurse said. "Oh, and just so you know, visiting hours start in about 30 minutes. I'm sure your friend will be here by then, so if you want to take a shower beforehand and need some help, just press the button."

Jungkook stopped listening after the word 'shower', instantly feeling a heat flush towards his face. He always loved to shower right after waking up, but today, in this body, he wasn't sure if he'd feel the same. Plus, wouldn't it be weird? Perhaps he could just go in and out with his eyes closed, so he could give her privacy.

A hand touched his arm. As if shocked by electricity, Jungkook pulled his arm back.

"I'm sorry, you seemed deep in thought. I just wanted to make sure you understood what I was saying?" She pointed at a red button to the side of his bed.

Jungkook scraped his throat. "I'll be fine. Thank you."

"Enjoy your breakfast then."

He nodded, and watched the nurse leave, simultaneously making a mental note that whatever would happen, if he wanted to take a shower, he would not press that red button.

After breakfast, Jungkook had laid back down and seemingly fell asleep once more, because when he opened his eyes next, his friend was sitting next to him.

"I didn't want to wake you," she confessed. "Especially because I wanted you ready for the news I brought."

Fully alert, Jungkook pushed himself up into a sitting position. "What news?"

"Are you sure you're up for it? I mean, you might need to-"

"What news?"

She sighed. "Well, you know about the tour being postponed, but rumor has it that they're about ready to pick it up again. Apparently, JK is doing better but nothing it is confirmed and as he hasn't even posted a message, or done a Vlive yet, none of the fans want to put too much weight on these rumors." She shrugged. "Then again, once he does come live, it could very well be that the same day or the next they move to the next city for the tour."

"Which is..?"

She tilted her head. "Which city?" She shook her head. "I'm not sure. The initial tour schedule said they'd perform in Paris last night, but I don't know if they can keep to that schedule. After all, the venue has to have capacity as well."

Jungkook glanced at the phone on his nightstand. If the unknown number who'd called him several times, was her... would that be the reason why she called? He could only imagine her freaking out about having to continue the tour. It would also explain why she, he, hadn't come online or done a Vlive yet.

If I'd woken up in the hospital, I would want to let ARMY know instantly that I was fine.

He folded his hands and bit the inside of his lip. The more he thought about her in his position, the more he wanted to reach out to her and make everything back to the way it was. He wanted to be Jungkook again, and he was sure she wanted to be herself again also.

Feelings of discomfort rose inside him. He rubbed his eyes and pushed his hands through his long hair, wrapped in a ponytail.

"You look like you could use a shower."

Jungkook choked at her words, as he inhaled and swallowed at the same time. Coughing, he tapped on his chest and leaned forward.

"Whoa whoa, calm down." His friend rose from her seat and tapped him on his back. "I didn't mean anything by that."

He waved his hand dismissively, hoping she'd sit back down. "It's okay," he managed to say, scraping his throat. He grabbed the bottle of water that stood on the nightstand and took a few sips. "You just caught me by surprise, that's all."

He stretched his arms and felt the tightness in his body. "I do think you're right though. I'm craving a shower right now."

"Then go do that," she pushed him gently.

He eyed her carefully. "Will you be here, waiting?"

"Do you want me to?"

He shook his head. "No," he said, quickly adding, "I mean, you can if you want but you don't have to."

She smiled. "It's okay. I haven't even had breakfast yet, and Jake just sent me a message, inviting me for lunch. So, shall I come back after?"

Jungkook nodded. "Take your time. I'm fine. I'll be here when you get back."

***

Author's note

So, I've been battling a nasty cold the past few days, which is way I haven't been able to publish another chapter. 

I've been catching up on some K-drama's on Netflix. I love watching them. Most recent gem? That would be 'Rain or Shine', also called 'Just between lovers'. Go check it out if you like the male lead to have Suga vibes! I ADORED IT.

I'll try to keep to 2 times a week from now on: Wednesdays and Saturdays! You're still with me? :)