Peaches & Cream: Somewhere Between Hello and Goodbye

Ch. 1: The Infinity Necklace

"I love you too, Koo," a faint whisper comes out of my parted lips as Jungkook's eyes slowly close from the anesthesia spreading through his system, blocking any remaining signals of consciousness. Just an hour ago, this room was filled with our laughter as his teasing request to ruin our friendship bounced off the four walls, fueling the flush rising up my cheeks. Now, the same room is still, as if time itself has stopped, the walls, echoing merely the beeps of the heart monitor.

As my body becomes numb to the cold floor, I lose track of time, dissociating into the far abyss. And as my eyes rest shut, it's as if I can still feel his warm embrace, the way his grip tightens around my waist with every restless move I try to make. While hundreds of souls pass by my lifeless form under the dim lights of the main hallway, nothing but the scent of Jungkook's vanilla musk lingers in the cold air. Koo, please tell me this isn't real.

"Mira, honey, wake up," a familiar voice whispers, bringing me back to reality as I feel a hand on my shivering shoulders.

"Koo?" I reply momentarily, red, puffy eyes looking up in search of his being. One that was certainly no longer there, as my helpless hope ceased to exist upon seeing Tae's worried face. Feeling my eyes swell with tears, his arms encompass my distressed self as my fatigued body gives into his warm embrace. Stroking my curls, his touch is gentle, cautious even.

"It's going to be okay Mira. Jungkook is a tough guy, he will be fine, alright?" he assures, wiping the tears rolling down my face, before turning his attention to Jimin's out-of-breath state as he rushes towards us.

"Sorry, the traffic was really bad," Jimin explains to Tae before looking past his form as his eyes search my crouched body.

"Mira, how are you? Do you want some water? I can grab you something from the cafeteria ..." he goes on as the head surgeon and their team of staff exit Jungkook's room. Hearing the door close behind them, my eyes shoot up, slight hope regenerating within those tired orbs.

"How is he? Can I see him? Please," my voice was faint and shaky. Before proceeding with the prognosis the doctor clears her throat, looking over Jungkook's records.

"The head injury experienced by Mr. Jeon has resulted in trauma that escalated dramatically, leaving him in a temporary coma. It is important to note that before our operation, the effects of the incident were seen in his inability to access the short-term memory in his brain. Despite meeting us just a few hours ago, Mr. Jeon was in visible distress, alarmed at the sight of "unrecognizable" doctors and nurses," she explains, maintaining eye contact with all three of us, anticipating the potential inquiries that could come up.

"Fortunately, his vitals are good, which means that Mr. Jeon's recovery shouldn't take longer than, I reckon, a week or two,"

"What about his memory? Will he be able to recover it?" Jimin buds in, eyes still monitoring my state. Which to be truthful, was in complete shock. My body was experiencing everything and nothing all at once. At that moment, I could cry, hyperventilate, scream, yell, curse, and all of the above. But I didn't, instead, my eyes were trying to sneak even the slightest glimpse of Jungkook through the little window.

"Doctor, could I please see him?" I plead, looking back at Tae and Jimin for their mutual help.

"I'm sorry miss, but visitations are not allowed until the following day," she says firmly, before being interrupted by Tae's attempt at negotiation.

"Please, doctor, could we stay just for tonight? We will leave first thing tomorrow morning. His family is all in Busan," he explains.

Looking back at the staff, the doctor clears her throat again before turning her gaze back on me with slightly furrowed brows.