One shots | Kim Taehyung

His first love | Part 2 | KTH

A nervous energy crackled in your veins as you clutched the physical therapy report in your hand. The day's rounds had been long, but the news you carried for Taehyung was worth every stolen moment of sleep.  Bursting into his room, you found him perched on the edge of the bed, a deep frown etched on his face and pout on his lips. 

"Taehyung?" you said, a playful lilt in your voice. "What's got you looking like a scolded puppy?"

He glanced up, a flicker of surprise followed by a ghost of a smile. "Y/n," he said, his voice still a little hoarse. "Just... tired of these sterile walls, I guess. Feels like I've been here for ages."

A chuckle escaped your lips. "Three days, Taehyung," you corrected gently. "But trust me, I know how those days can feel like an eternity."

His eyes widened slightly. "Three days? It feels longer."

Smiling warmly, you approached the bed and pulled up a chair. "Well," you began, taking a deep breath. "I have some news from your physical therapist. They've been running some tests, and..." you paused for effect, watching a flicker of hope ignite in his eyes.

"And...?" he prompted, leaning forward eagerly.

"The good news is, Taehyung, there's a chance you'll walk again," you announced, a genuine smile blooming on your face.

His breath hitched, his eyes welling up with sudden tears. "Walk again?" he echoed, his voice thick with emotion.

"Yes," you confirmed, reaching out to squeeze his hand gently. "It won't be immediate, of course. There will be extensive physical therapy, and it might take months, even years, to regain full function. But the good news is, the nerve damage isn't as severe as we initially feared."

Tears streamed freely down his face now, a mixture of relief and joy washing over him. He gripped your hand tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "I can walk again? Really?"

"Yes, Taehyung," you repeated, your own voice thick with emotion. "There's a long road ahead, but you're not alone. We'll get you through this, step by step." 

He squeezed your hand back, a silent thank you hanging in the air. In that moment, the sterile room faded away, replaced by a shared world of hope and determination. 

"And the even better news?" you continued, a mischievous glint in your eyes. "You're getting discharged tomorrow morning."

His eyes widened further, a smile finally breaking through his tears. "Discharged?  Seriously?"

"Absolutely," you confirmed. "You'll need to continue physical therapy on an outpatient basis, but you can finally escape these walls and start your road to recovery at home." 

A wave of relief and excitement washed over him. The prospect of freedom, of fresh air, of starting his new normal, was intoxicating. He looked at you, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Dr. Lee" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything."

You smiled back, your heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with medicine. "It's my duty, Taehyung." you said.

The joy on Taehyung's face faltered as your words about discharge sunk in. His smile flattened, replaced by a flicker of something akin to fear. You noticed the shift, a furrow creasing your brow.

"Taehyung?" you asked, concern lacing your voice. "Is everything alright? You seemed so happy about going home."

He avoided your gaze, a shadow crossing his features. "Home," he muttered, the word hollow on his lips. "It's just a place, really. An apartment."