Jungkook's stomach twisted into knots as he stood in front of the tall, glass door of the medical office. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. The words "Dr. Min Yoongi, MD" etched on the plaque beside the door did little to ease his anxiety. He hadn't slept well the previous night, tossing and turning with nightmares about needles and cold, sterile rooms.
“Okay, Jungkook. You can do this,” he whispered to himself, clenching and unclenching his fists in a futile attempt to shake off his nerves.
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a cool breeze of conditioned air and the faint scent of antiseptic. The waiting room was sparsely populated with a few patients engrossed in magazines or tapping away on their phones. The receptionist, a kind-looking woman in her mid-thirties, smiled at him warmly.
"Hello, how can I help you?" she asked.
"I'm... I'm Jungkook. I have an appointment with Dr. Min," he managed to say, his voice trembling slightly.
"Of course, Jungkook. Please have a seat, and the doctor will be with you shortly."
Jungkook sat down in one of the comfortable chairs, his foot tapping nervously on the linoleum floor. The minutes felt like hours as he waited, each second amplifying his fear of the impending bloodwork. Just as he was about to lose himself in another spiral of worry, a soft voice called his name.
"Jungkook?"
He looked up to see Dr. Min Yoongi standing in the doorway. Despite his white coat and the stethoscope draped around his neck, Yoongi's presence was surprisingly comforting. His eyes were gentle, his smile reassuring.
"Hi, Dr. Min," Jungkook said, rising from his seat.
"Come on in," Yoongi gestured for Jungkook to follow him into the consultation room. As he walked behind Yoongi, Jungkook couldn’t help but notice how calm and composed the doctor seemed, his every movement deliberate and serene.
The consultation room was bright and well-organized, with medical instruments neatly arranged on a counter. A computer sat on the desk, showing Jungkook’s medical records. Yoongi motioned for him to sit on the examination table, and Jungkook complied, feeling the paper cover crinkle beneath him.
"So, Jungkook," Yoongi began, settling into his chair, "I understand you're here for a routine check-up and bloodwork?"
Jungkook nodded, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "Yeah, but... I'm really scared of needles."
Yoongi's expression softened further. "It's completely normal to feel that way. A lot of people are afraid of needles. But I promise I'll make it as quick and painless as possible."
Jungkook gave a small, nervous smile, appreciating Yoongi's effort to comfort him. Yoongi stood and moved to the counter, preparing the necessary supplies for the blood draw. He set out a tourniquet, alcohol swabs, a needle, and collection tubes.
"Okay, Jungkook," Yoongi said, coming back to him with a gentle demeanor. "First, I need you to roll up your sleeve."
Jungkook's hands shook slightly as he rolled up the sleeve of his t-shirt, exposing his arm. Yoongi's touch was light and reassuring as he tied the tourniquet around Jungkook’s upper arm.
"Take a deep breath for me," Yoongi instructed, swabbing the area with an alcohol pad. The cool sensation was a small distraction from his rising panic.
Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut, trying to focus on anything but the needle. "I... I don't know if I can do this."
"Hey, look at me," Yoongi said softly. Jungkook opened his eyes and met Yoongi’s calm, steady gaze. "You're doing great. Just keep breathing. Think of something that makes you happy. What's your favorite song?"
"Uh... Euphoria," Jungkook said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Perfect choice. Think of yourself performing it. Hear the music in your head. You're strong, Jungkook. You can do this."
Yoongi's voice was like a soothing balm to Jungkook's frayed nerves. He focused on the imaginary stage, the rush of adrenaline, the cheers of the crowd. Before he knew it, Yoongi was speaking again.
"All done."
Jungkook blinked in surprise. "Wait, really?"
"Really," Yoongi confirmed, smiling as he untied the tourniquet and placed a small bandage over the puncture site. "You did amazing."
Jungkook let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Dr. Min."
"You're welcome, Jungkook. Now, let's check your results and see what we need to do next."
Yoongi moved to the computer and pulled up Jungkook's file. As he reviewed the results, Jungkook watched him intently, noting the way Yoongi’s eyes scanned the screen with focus and precision.
"Well, it looks like you have a bit of a vitamin deficiency," Yoongi said finally, turning back to Jungkook. "Nothing serious, but it does mean you'll need a couple of vitamin injections to get you back on track."
Jungkook's heart sank. "Injections? Like... more needles?"
Yoongi nodded sympathetically. "I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's important for your health. And I'll be here with you every step of the way. I promise it won't be too bad."
Jungkook swallowed hard, trying to muster his courage. "Okay. Let's get it over with, then."
"Good man," Yoongi said with an encouraging smile. He stood and walked over to the supply cabinet, retrieving the necessary vials and syringes. "These will go into your gluteus muscle, which means they'll be a bit more uncomfortable than the blood draw, but I'll do my best to make it quick."
Jungkook nodded, his anxiety creeping back up as he turned and laid down on the examination table, his face buried in his folded arms. Yoongi's touch was gentle as he adjusted Jungkook's position and prepared the injections.
"Alright, Jungkook, just keep breathing. It’s almost over," Yoongi said, his voice calm and soothing.
The first needle pierced his skin, and Jungkook flinched, a small whimper escaping his lips. Yoongi's hand was steady, his technique quick and precise. Before Jungkook had a chance to dwell on the discomfort, the first injection was done.
"One down, one to go," Yoongi said softly, giving Jungkook a moment to catch his breath.
Jungkook clenched his teeth, bracing himself for the second injection. Yoongi’s presence was a steady anchor in the storm of his fear. He felt the prick of the needle again, followed by a burning sensation as the vitamin was administered.
"And... done," Yoongi announced, disposing of the used syringe and placing a small bandage over the injection site. "You did great, Jungkook. It's all over now."
Jungkook let out a shaky breath, feeling a wave of relief and exhaustion wash over him. "Thank you, Dr. Min. I couldn't have done it without you."
Yoongi smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You were brave, Jungkook. I’m proud of you. Remember, if you ever need anything, I'm here to help."
Jungkook sat up slowly, wincing slightly at the soreness in his backside. "I'll remember that. Thanks again."
As he left the office, Jungkook couldn't help but feel a newfound respect and gratitude for Dr. Min Yoongi. The fear of needles might never completely disappear, but knowing that he had someone as kind and understanding as Yoongi made it a little easier to face.
With a small, hopeful smile, Jungkook stepped out into the sunlight, feeling just a bit stronger than before.
