Just For A Few Days (Namkook)

Chapter 20: "I do care for you, Jungkook"

A dash of flame was set at the wick of the scented candle jar and the alluring scent diffused through the air particles filling up the room with a familiar fragrance. It was the same one from the field of roses in Everland that two lovers visited for the first time. The colours of the roses matched with that of their dreams but life had never been more cruel to part them away.

"It smells so nice and refreshing!" Jungkook exclaimed sniffing in some of the scent from the candle jar that he just lighted to place on a coffee table in Jun-ho's room.
"It's rose from Everland." A man almost engrossed in the items of a box on his lap spoke up.
"Uncle Jung is so thoughtful to send this care package for you, dad. I guess you don't have his number, shall I ring him up?"

A large box of scented candles, latest edition of business magazines, healthy snacks and a medicine planner kit was delivered to an ailing Jun-ho by Hoseok and Ryeon during their visit to Jeons' residence in the evening. The sender of the parcel was Jung Ha-min, Hoseok's father though.

"Just convey my gratitude to your uncle Jung, Kookie."

Jungkook pouted at his father's response as the later always avoids speaking to his best friend's father ever since he has noticed. As per his knowledge goes, he has never seen the two together in one frame but surprisingly, they both seem to care for each other which Jungkook has considered as a sympathetic nature from both the ends.

"Okay, dad. I will call him tomorrow. Now sleep tight." Jungkook walked towards his father to take the box from bed to the nearby cabinet. With the last pill of the day, he tucked Jun-ho with a blanket wishing him a 'good night'.

"Kookie" The elder one called for the departing man.
"Yes dad"
"I saw Hoseok was teasing you with a girl you met. Is that really a girl?"

Jungkook started tapping his fingers on his sweatpants as a sign of tension that was arising in his head. Hoseok was actually pulling his leg referring to a girl who Jungkook mentioned as 'someone I bumped into' about two months ago whereas the reality was quite the opposite.

"Hobi hyung keeps saying funny things all the time. Just ignore his words, dad." Jun-ho let out a small chuckle at his son's reaction along with two red ears and a pink pair of cheeks.
"I know it's not a girl. Just make sure he doesn't hurt my Kookie."
"Dad!"
"I'm your father, kiddo. I admit I haven't been a supportive one in the past for my eldest but trust me, I curse the day I spoke with so much rudeness and hatred to your brother. I hurt my Jinnie so bad but it wasn't me, Kookie. It was the words of a man who faced a-"

Jungkook ran to hug his father who was on the verge of breaking down. This might trigger another health issue realising which Jungkook didn't let him speak further.

"I know you love hyung and myself too much, dad. I know you can never mean those bad things for him and Yoongi hyung. They love you, dad and they want you in their family as much as you do. Just don't get upset with anything that is way in the past." Jungkook spoke on Jun-ho's shoulder while the later was catching his breath after coming back from the edge of spilling out all the secrets of his life.

"Thank you for understanding, my child. But I truly mean what I said. Don't ever change your decision if the society expects you to, Kookie. No matter what happens, I will be there to support your decision."

Jungkook made the embrace firmer realising how deep the words were of Jun-ho and the level of genuineness in the speech. The guilt of being an unsupportive parent to Seokjin being the reason of his health deterioration was deniable to Jungkook but he only wanted to believe his father's recent words of supporting him in all his decisions.

"I would tell you everything when time comes, dad. Right now, I don't know what's waiting for me." In the wave of emotional confrontation, Jungkook started seeking refuge in his father's arms when the uncertain future with Namjoon came to his mind.