Our Story

Chapter 30: The Surgery

The air was thick with tension in the hospital in Seoul, where the Kim family had managed to arrange for Taehyung's surgery. The normally bustling halls were hushed as family and friends gathered, each bearing their own weight of worry and hope. This was no ordinary day; it was the day that would determine the course of Taehyung's future.

Dr. Zeak, a renowned neurosurgeon, had flown in from London to perform the delicate operation. The presence of such a specialist provided a glimmer of reassurance, but it did little to ease the collective anxiety of those waiting.

Taehyung's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, stood with a grave demeanor. They had always been pillars of strength, but today, the cracks in their armor were visible. Namjoon, Taehyung's brother and the vice president of their company, paced back and forth, his usual calm replaced by restless energy. Kim Seokjin, Taehyung's brother-in-law and the COO, held onto Namjoon's arm, his eyes betraying a mixture of fear and determination. Seokjin's pregnancy was a secret only a few knew, adding another layer of stress to his already burdened heart.

Jungkook's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeon, were there as well, standing close to their son, offering silent support. They had come to love Taehyung as their own and their concern mirrored that of the Kims.

Jimin, Taehyung's best friend and now interim CEO, stood with Min Yoongi, the new director of legal affairs. Both men were visibly shaken, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on their shoulders. Jimin, usually so composed and efficient, looked lost, his eyes flickering with unshed tears.

Inside the preparation room, Taehyung was getting ready for surgery. The room was sterile, filled with the soft hum of medical equipment. Jungkook stood beside him, his heart aching with every beat. The nurses moved around them, preparing Taehyung for what lay ahead.

When the nurse approached with scissors to cut Taehyung's hair, a tear slipped down his cheek. His once stoic and dominating demeanor had crumbled in the face of his vulnerability. The sight of his hair falling to the floor made the reality of the situation hit even harder. Jungkook leaned in, kissing Taehyung's forehead tenderly.

"You're still the most handsome man in the world," Jungkook whispered, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

Taehyung's eyes welled up, and he clung to Jungkook's hand as if it were his lifeline. As they began to wheel Taehyung out of the room and towards the operating room, he held onto Jungkook's hand tightly, his knuckles white from the grip.

"Please don't leave me," Taehyung pleaded, his voice breaking.

Jungkook squeezed his hand, bending down so they were face to face. "I'm not leaving you," he said firmly, his eyes locking onto Taehyung's. "But please, don't forget me."

The memory of their consultation with Dr. Zeak flashed through Jungkook's mind. The doctor had cautioned them about the risks of the surgery, including the possibility that Taehyung might lose some memories. The idea of Taehyung forgetting him had been almost too much to bear. Jungkook remembered the moment Taehyung had stormed out of the doctor's office, declaring that he didn't want the surgery if it meant losing his memories.

It had taken all of Jungkook's resolve to pull Taehyung aside and convince him. "You're getting this surgery," he had said, his voice firm and unyielding. "I don't care if you forget who I am. I'm not going anywhere. I will be here, and I will remind you every day if I have to. You're going to get better."

"I'm going to remember you, I promise," Taehyung whispered now, his voice filled with both fear and determination. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he clutched Jungkook's hand. "Please, just be here when I wake up. Please don't go anywhere. I don't care if it takes 25 hours. Please, don't leave me."

"I'm not leaving, baby," Jungkook vowed, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

They reached the doors of the operating room. This was as far as Jungkook could go. The nurses gently pried Taehyung's hand from his, and Jungkook felt a part of himself being pulled away as Taehyung was wheeled through the doors. He stood there, watching until the doors swung shut, the reality of the moment crashing down on him.

He turned to see his and Taehyung's families, along with Jimin and Yoongi, all watching him with a mixture of hope and sorrow. Jungkook felt their collective pain, their silent prayers for a safe outcome. He walked over to them, feeling the weight of their expectations and his own fears.

"We wait," he said simply, his voice barely more than a whisper. They nodded, understanding that there was nothing more they could do but wait and hope.

Time seemed to slow down as they took their seats in the waiting area. Jungkook sat down, his head in his hands, praying silently for Taehyung's safe return. The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity.

Jimin and Yoongi sat close by, offering silent support. Jimin occasionally glanced at Jungkook, his eyes filled with concern for his friend. Yoongi, normally so composed and reserved, looked uncharacteristically anxious.

Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim held hands tightly, their usually stoic faces etched with worry. Namjoon and Seokjin sat nearby, Seokjin resting his hand on Namjoon's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Jungkook's parents sat quietly, their eyes never leaving their son.

The hours ticked by, each one feeling heavier than the last. Every time a nurse or doctor walked by, Jungkook's heart would leap, only to sink again when they passed without stopping. The waiting was almost unbearable, each moment filled with both dread and hope.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dr. Zeak appeared in the waiting area. His expression was calm but serious, his eyes scanning the faces of those gathered.

Jungkook stood up immediately, his heart pounding in his chest. "Doctor, how is he?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and hope.

Dr. Zeak took a deep breath before speaking. "The surgery went well," he said, and the collective sigh of relief was almost palpable. "Taehyung is in recovery now. It will be some time before we know the full extent of his recovery, but he's stable."

Jungkook felt his knees go weak with relief, and he swayed slightly. Namjoon was at his side in an instant, steadying him.

"Can we see him?" Mrs. Kim asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Dr. Zeak nodded. "He'll be moved to a private room shortly. You can see him then, but he'll need time to rest and recover."

The group let out a collective breath, the tension easing slightly. Jungkook felt tears of relief welling up in his eyes as he thanked the doctor. He knew the journey was far from over, but for now, Taehyung was safe. And that was all that mattered.