Unloved | tk

ch52

"You know, I made jjajamayeong the other day. It's your favorite, isn't it?" Jungkook's voice was filled with a bittersweet mixture of fondness and sorrow as he chatted with Taehyung's unconscious form. He let out a small, sad chuckle, trying to keep the mood light despite the heavy silence in the room. "I cooked it myself, and you missed it. It wasn't the same without you."

Jungkook's thought back to Bam, who would always loyally be stationed by the door, refusing to move. "Bam misses you too. It's strange, but he seems more attached to you than to me. He hasn't left that spot since you've been here, and he's been giving me a hard time with his meals. He just waits, hoping you'll walk through that door."

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Jungkook continued, his voice wavering. "What I'm trying to say is...our life is a mess without you. Everything feels off. Please, Taehyung, come back to us," he whispered, the last word almost swallowed by the lump in his throat. A tear escaped his eye, trailing down his cheek. He sniffled, hastily wiping it away with the back of his hand.

"Your jerk of a father has another court proceeding today," Jungkook added, his voice edged with frustration. "That means it's been 14 days and 13 hours since you've been like this. I have to be at the court, but Yoongi hyung will stay with you. He'll take care of you, okay?" His fingers gently brushed against Taehyung's pale skin, lingering for a moment as if trying to transfer some warmth and life back into him.

"I miss your smile... so much," Jungkook murmured, his voice breaking. "I love you, Taehyung." The room fell into a poignant silence, the weight of Jungkook's words hanging in the air as he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Taehyung's forehead.

Jungkook wiped away the tears that stained his cheeks, his fingers trembling as they brushed against his skin. The quiet hum of the hospital machinery filled the room, a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. Just then, the door creaked open, and Yoongi stepped into the ward with a calm demeanor that belied the gravity of the situation.

"Jimin's downstairs," Yoongi said softly, breaking the silence. His voice was a soothing balm to Jungkook's frayed nerves.

Jungkook looked up, his eyes red and swollen from crying. "What about Bam?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The worry for his beloved pet gnawed at him, a small but persistent concern amidst the sea of larger fears.

"He's living with Namjoon at his apartment," Yoongi reassured him with a gentle smile. "No need to worry about him. He's in good hands."

Jungkook nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at the news. He turned his attention back to Taehyung, lying motionless in the hospital bed. The sight of his friend, so vulnerable and fragile, caused a fresh wave of emotion to crash over him. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss on Taehyung's forehead, the gesture filled with affection and a touch of sorrow.

"I'll come back in no time," Jungkook whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. He wanted to believe that Taehyung could hear him, that his words might somehow reach through the fog of unconsciousness and provide comfort.

As he straightened up, a sad smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He lingered for a moment, memorizing the sight of Taehyung's peaceful face before reluctantly turning away. He sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his heart.

With one last glance at Taehyung, Jungkook followed Yoongi out of the ward. They walked down the sterile hospital corridors in silence, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on their weary faces. When they reached the waiting area, Jimin was there, his face etched with worry and fatigue. Jungkook took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversations and decisions that lay ahead.