Love Me Back | Jikook ✔️

Chapter 5

The next morning, Namjoon, Jin, Hoseok, and Jimin made their way to the hospital, each of them silently hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

Jimin's heart pounded with a mix of fear and nervousness. He had agreed to see a doctor, but he dreaded what the diagnosis might mean for him.

At the hospital, Jimin was led through a series of examinations. The doctor, a specialist in rare diseases, asked him numerous questions about his symptoms and medical history.

Jimin did his best to answer truthfully, though he kept his feelings for Jungkook carefully concealed.

After a thorough examination and a chest X-ray, the doctor returned with the results. The grave expression on his face left little room for optimism.

"I’m afraid the diagnosis is clear," the doctor said, his voice calm but serious. "You have hanahaki disease. The X-rays show the growth of flower petals in your lungs, and it’s clear that your condition has been worsening. We need to discuss your options."

Namjoon, Jin, and Hoseok exchanged worried glances, their fears confirmed. Jimin felt a lump in his throat, the weight of the diagnosis pressing down on him. He had known this was a possibility, but hearing it confirmed was devastating.

"What are the options?" Jin asked, his voice steady despite the concern in his eyes.

The doctor sighed, folding his hands on the desk. "There are two main options. The first is surgery to remove the flowers. However, this procedure also removes the feelings that caused the disease in the first place. The second option is to let the disease run its course, but this is dangerous and can be fatal if left untreated."

Jimin’s heart sank. He had known about the surgery, but hearing it spelled out so bluntly made it all the more real. He couldn’t imagine living without his feelings for Jungkook, even if those feelings were unrequited. But he also knew he couldn’t let his friends suffer from his stubbornness.

"I... I can’t have the surgery," Jimin said quietly, his voice trembling. "I can’t lose my feelings."

The room fell silent as the others processed his words. Namjoon was the first to speak, his voice gentle but firm. "Jimin, your health is more important than anything. We can’t lose you."

Jimin shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "I know, but I just can’t do it. Please understand."

Hoseok stepped forward, his eyes filled with empathy. "Jimin, we get it. But there has to be another way. Maybe... maybe if you talk to the person you love, things will change."

Jimin’s breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t bear the thought of revealing his feelings for Jungkook, not when it could ruin their friendship and disrupt the entire group. "No, it’s not that simple," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

The doctor cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "While surgery is the most definitive treatment, there are some experimental therapies that might help slow the progression of the disease. They’re not guaranteed, but they might buy you some time."

Jin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Let’s explore those options then. Anything that might help Jimin."

Jimin felt a surge of gratitude for his friends’ support, but he also felt a deep sense of guilt. He was putting them through so much, all because he couldn’t let go of his feelings for Jungkook.

After discussing the possible treatments with the doctor, the group left the hospital with a mixture of hope. As they made their way back to the dorm, Namjoon turned to Jimin.

"We’re going to get through this together," he said, his voice filled with determination. "No matter what it takes."

Jimin nodded, grateful for their support but also aware of the burden he was placing on them. He knew he couldn’t keep hiding the truth forever, but for now, he would focus on the treatments and try to find a way to manage his feelings without losing them completely.