The Escort S2

Part 86: the gathering place

Jimin's POV

"I can't see him like this, Suga! Not again!" I sob, tearfully pulling my knees into my chest in the passenger's seat of our fast-moving vehicle as my husband drives. "Goddamn that Triton Bastard!" I shout bringing a handful of ratty tissues to my weeping eyes.

Suga stays silent with one hand on the steering wheel while placing his other hand on my knee.

"Damn Kookie for Not Being There! Why The Fuck Did He Leave Him Alone So Soon! You Just Wait Until I Get a Piece of his Ass. Ugg!" I berate Kookie for 30 more seconds and the vehicle goes quiet except for the familiar sound of the SUV's powerful wheels moving along the speedway.

"Jiminie, are you done?" Suga says calmly. How can he be so calm when everything is falling apart? The hell with him and his calmness.

I cross my arms across my chest and look out the window saying nothing. To make matters worse, it's a gloomy day with a dark sky. Everything seems to be going to shit. No one knows what it was like back then. Tae's eyes were dead. Cold and lifeless. He didn't speak or eat for nearly a week. His body was there and that was it. My sobs soon dry up and I take in and let out rough breaths of air. It hurts so bad.

"Jimin, sweetie," Suga says quietly rubbing my arm, "don't you think Kookie is being harder on himself than you could ever be? As for Triton, he will face a harsh South Korean legal system." He then speaks words that surprise me.

"You can and will see him," he says as my head jerks to him. He's right. Tae's my best mate and I'd never refuse to be with him. It's just that the fight ahead scares the shit out of me. "I know you and you love your best friend. Jiminie, not only does Tae need you, but all his family and friends, and especially Kookie." I turn my head back to the mindless view outside my window.

I sniffle and reach for my water container and take a long cool sip. Quietly without looking at my husband I speak. "We were going shopping for his wedding tux and honeymoon outfits tomorrow. He was so excited last night w-when we t-talked." I burst into tears.

"And you will Jimin, just not now. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you. You're reliving part of Tae's terror again. But, dear, in the past you were alone. Today you have me and so much support. Namjoon said Kookie asked for you and he's a mess but trying to hold it together." A heavy weight settles in my chest as I think of Kookie. He and Tae love each other so much. I clear my throat and wipe my eyes.

"Oh, Suga, I shouldn't have said that about Kookie. He loves Tae so much and I know he's suffering. I can't imagine how hard this must be for him. I-I was just so angry at what happened and mostly scared. You're right. I'm not alone. The support is enormous."

"I know, Jimin. It's okay to be sad, angry, and scared."

"l will take care of him until he's better. My Tae-Tae will get better."

"Yes, he will, sweetie."

Jungkook's POV

More than a week has passed, and Tae is only saying minimal words to me and Jimin. It's an improvement but not enough. I want him back completely. He mostly shows a soft smile to others. Gone is his joy, laughter, the light in his eyes, and his beautiful boxy smile. My heart aches.

Dr. Yu told me that his emotional break was severe given his past trauma. He also said to give him time and that being around his family and friends was the best medicine.

Tae had refused food for days, but he is now allowing Jimin, JJ, and I to feed him. This is huge and Jimin says it's a sign that he is beginning to emerge.