Truly Madly Deeply (namjin) (jinkook)

XIV Death by a Thousand cuts

After his speech, we all gave Namjoon a rousing round of applause as our summa cum laude. Now that we are starting our new journey, we are all ecstatic. Whatever tomorrow may bring, I honestly don't care as long as Seokjin is there. Following the ceremony, all of my friends gather in the same spot, making it easy for us to greet each other and meet each other's families.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Seokjin's parents, but Namjoon's father was unable to attend since he was away on a business trip with his closest friend when Namjoon's mother unexpectedly received a call. She gasped and cried. She learned that her husband and his business partner had been involved in a car accident and that they had to be taken to the hospital due to critical conditions.

Except for our parents, we all went to the hospital. We wish to comfort Namjoon. What a sweet and bitter day! This day was meant to be a happy occasion. But now that we're in the hospital, Mr. Kim is in serious condition, while his closest friend was already dead when paramedics arrived.

After a while, we noticed a young lady walking towards where we were standing with her mother. They're sobbing. Namjoon gave the women hugs as soon as he saw them. We are unable to hear what he is saying. I turned to look at Seokjin and noticed that he was also crying. I approached him and comforted him with a hug.

"Stop crying, Jinnie! Let's pray for Mr. Kim to recover quickly."

He felt comfortable in my embrace, and I just let him do that.

A short while ago, Namjoon's mother instructed us to return home and relax, but we informed her that we would stay until Mr. Kim awoke. She thanked us for standing by him. All of us are sitting and waiting for news. After an hour, the surgeon emerged from the operating room, requested the presence of the family, and announced that they would move Mr. Kim to his room. He broke his neck, ribs, and legs, and it will take him a long time to heal. Mrs. Kim sobbed on Namjoon's chest. He is trying to be strong for her mother. From time to time, he looks at Seokjin and gives him a sad smile. Jinnie, in return, wants to comfort his boyfriend but is holding back because he doesn't want to create a scene that will make it awkward for Namjoon and the two women standing beside him.

We all went to the private room as the doctor instructed. Since we had been waiting for almost six hours, several of us went to the cafe in the lobby to get something to eat and bring something for others. I stayed with Seokjin, Namjoon, and the mother and daughter.

When we heard groaning, Namjoon's dad woke up, and we pressed the button to alert the nurse and doctor. After a few minutes, they came and checked on Mr. Kim's vital signs. Then we were informed that Namjoon's dad is in far from critical condition; "he needs therapy after discharge and a lot of rest until he fully recovers. We will come back after an hour to check his vital signs, and if the result is good and stable within 24 hours, he can be released after three days." The doctor announced.

After the doctor and nurse had departed, Mr. Kim called for his wife. Namjoon then came over and asked us to leave them for a while so that they could have an important conversation before requesting the two women to stay with them. I ask Jin to go where the others are waiting in the hospital lobby so they can have some privacy.

After an hour of waiting, Yoongi receives a call from Namjoon.

"Guys, Namjoon advised us to rest at home. You're coming with us, Seokjin. Let's return tomorrow; our parents are waiting for us. We should see them now." Yoongi declared.

Seokjin receives a text from Namjoon telling him to go home and that they will talk later. Jin is not happy about it, but he needs to go home and meet his parents. They are waiting at Jimin's home.

...

Namjoon picked up Seokjin from Jimin's house the following day. They visited Serendipity Cafe and ordered coffee and sandwiches. Namjoon had a deep conversation with Seokjin after they had finished eating. Namjoon held her hands and said, "Babe, you know I've loved you since our senior year of high school; I love you and want to be with you forever."

"After you left last night, Dad spoke with us. Before the accident, Uncle Wooshik asked Dad that no matter what happened, he would never leave Seohyun and that if possible, he would like me to marry Seohyun. He says this as if he believes something horrible is about to happen. Daddy vowed to care for her and treat him like his own daughter. And the accident has occurred. My father wants me to fulfill his promise to his best friend.

"I know it's not fair for you and me, but I must fulfill my father's promise. To uphold my father's name and his words, I have to do this. I love you, Jin, but we must respect and appreciate our parents because of the sacrifices they made for us, and they are not getting any younger. If there is ever a chance to show how much we love them, why don't we do it now while there is still a chance?"

Namjoon's eyes were constantly streaming with tears, as were Jin's. Seokjin felt as though the heavens had fallen on him and was at a loss for words. That was their situation while they remained in the cafe up until Namjoon's mother called.

"I must bring you home, baby. I have no idea what will happen after this, so I request you to be strong even without me. I will not hold you back, so you can see what is right for you. Since you treated me so well and made me feel genuine love, you don't deserve to go through all of this. Jin, never forget how much I love you! You will remain in my heart, and nothing can erase the beautiful memories we both share. I wish for your happiness, and I'm letting you free, my love."

Namjoon hugged Jin tightly, and they left the cafe to take Jin to his house. The entire journey is silent till they arrive at Jimin's residence.

Namjoon bids Jin goodbye, and he kisses him for the last time.