Bloom in the darkness

Chapter 5

When Jungkook reached the room, he threw open the door, his cheeks still stained with color. Jimin looked up from his book, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What's got you all flustered?" he asked, his tone teasing. Jungkook flopped onto the bed, the springs protesting with a groan. "Taehyung said I looked cute," he blurted out, his voice a mix of disbelief and pleasure.

Jimin's eyes widened, his mouth forming an 'O' of surprise. "Taehyung?" he repeated, his voice a little too casual. Jungkook nodded, his heart racing. He hadn't meant to spill the beans, but the words had just tumbled out. He had been so caught up in the moment, in the warmth of Taehyung's smile, that he had forgotten to keep his secret hidden.

The room grew quiet, the air thick with unspoken questions. Jungkook's gaze darted around the room, avoiding Jimin's eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt for not sharing his feelings sooner, for not confiding in his best friend. But the words had been said, and now they hung between them like a delicate thread, threatening to unravel the fabric of their friendship.

Jimin sat there for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he closed his book and placed it on the bedside table. "You know," he began, his voice gentle, "I'm always here for you." Jungkook's eyes snapped to his friend, his heart racing. "You can tell me anything, Kookie."

The nickname brought a small smile to Jungkook's lips, the familiarity of it a comfort in the storm of his thoughts. He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Jimin's. "You remember the doctor I talked about?" he began, his voice a little too high. "The one who comes to the garden?"

Jimin nodded, his expression still unreadable. "Taehyung," he said, his voice flat. "What about him?"

Jungkook felt his cheeks grow warmer. "Well," he stumbled, "I think I might like him. A lot." The words hung in the air like mist, waiting to be dissipated by the sun of Jimin's response. The silence grew heavier, the air thick with anticipation.

Jimin's eyes searched Jungkook's face, looking for the truth behind the confession. "Like, like-like?" he asked, his voice tentative. Jungkook nodded, his heart in his throat. "Yeah," he whispered. "Like-like."

The room remained still, the only movement the slow rise and fall of Jungkook's chest. He waited for the explosion of questions, the teasing, the disbelief. But instead, Jimin leaned over and took Jungkook's hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "It's okay," he said, his voice a balm to Jungkook's nerves. "I'm happy for you."

The relief washed over Jungkook like a tidal wave, his body going limp with the release of tension. "Really?" he breathed, his eyes searching Jimin's for any hint of doubt. Jimin's smile was wide and genuine. "Really," he said. "You deserve happiness, Kookie."

The two of them sat there, their hands entwined, the rain outside a gentle lullaby. Jungkook felt a warmth spread through him, a warmth that had nothing to do with the hospital blanket that lay across his legs. He had feared losing his best friend, but instead, he had gained an ally in his quest for happiness.

"But," Jimin began, his smile fading a fraction, "you need to be careful." Jungkook nodded, his own smile dimming at the seriousness in his friend's voice. "I know," he murmured, his eyes dropping to their joined hands.

Jimin squeezed his hand gently. "I just don't want you to get hurt," he said, his voice soft. "You've been through so much already." Jungkook squeezed back, his heart swelling with love for his friend. "I know," he said again, his voice a little stronger this time. "But I can't help how I feel."

The silence stretched out between them, filled with the unspoken understanding that had carried them through so much. Jungkook knew that Jimin was just looking out for him, that his concern was born from love. But the thought of losing Taehyung, of never getting the chance to explore the feelings that had blossomed in the hospital garden, was too much to bear.