134340 |JJK FF|

Chapter 38

It was two and a half years ago that this illness came to notice.

First, it was brushed aside as curable mental illnesses. The patients themselves thought so, they could feel their hearts beating louder and faster, their minds reeling with thoughts they would brush off normally and their breathing get more erratic. Sensory issues and unreasonable anxiety were the most cited complaints by the patients. And they were treated accordingly, with utmost care and hospitality.

But why, why, why was it that none of the felines got better over time? Why did they seem to get worse with each passing day?

At that time, Jeon Jeongguk was sure it was just bad luck, just a coincidence that it was the felines whose dead bodies were always dumped in the sea. As did the news reporters. He almost didn't believe it when it was announced a worldwide pandemic.

After the initial disbelief, the unease started. Why was it that almost every feline family at least had one casualty because of this illness, it had only been a couple of months since this whole business started!

Two months turned to three, then to four, then to five. The panic was evident now. Some people demanded the sick be locked up, some demanded the doctors do their jobs properly. Each day, there would be a new story to tell, with a dissatisfying ending.

The felines tried all sorts of prevention methods, from wearing masks to not touching outside food and water, to eventually stopping stepping outside their houses. But this illness didn't seem to care it was causing a massive impact on their lifestyle, it got to them eventually.

The more careless ones, however, protested for the retrieval of the new rules of their clan leaders. It wasn't long until their bodies sank into the sea as their dear ones wept in the background.

No matter what prevention measures they tried to enforce, this mysterious illness still attacked, and once you had it, there was no hope for them to get better. All the patients could hope was that their remaining time was long enough to satisfy them. It hardly ever was.

The tension between the felines and the other species grew. Felines were sure this was a ploy to get rid of their population, as they knew they had lots of enemies. Jeongguk was glad this never affected his friendship with some select felines despite it being an... unusual friendship.

"This is stupid!"

Min Yoongi had groaned at that time, his voice echoing through his chattering hall. "I'd have been better off being born as a rock hybrid. At least they don't have to worry about their brains decaying,"

Seokjin had chuckled, "It's not like you go out all day. You prefer sleeping in any way, lock down had never been a matter with you. It's Taehyung who's been griping,"

"I just miss having the option. How is it for him, then?" Yoongi had asked. The felines were advised to keep distance amongst themselves, so it had been a while since he'd seen the tiger hybrid.

"He's considering breaking into a hospital to give the doctors a piece of his mind. He's... still grieving about his grandmother," the Jeongguk from another lifeline had said.

"You think I should visit him soon?" Hoseok had asked, "I want to make sure he's as fine as he says,"

Jeongguk liked to think those were simpler times, but really, it had been a fight for living all this time.

"I wish I could head to the market now. Gotta stack up my fish stash,"

Seokjin had gasped dramatically at Yoongi's proclamation, "And let you catch the evil crazy bug? No way!"