Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 15

☾⋆⁺₊🎧✧ lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıı

playιng: [River flows in you] - [Yiruma]

˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ *˚˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ *˚˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･˚ ‧₊ .:･˚₊ ˚ ‧₊ .:･

As Jungkook and Jimin arrive back at the farmhouse, the tension from the trip still lingers in the air. Jimin has spent the entire drive praying silently for Taehyung, worried that his friend's actions might be causing more harm than good. Why is Taehyung trying to ruin everything before things even start? Jimin wonders anxiously, but he doesn't dare voice his thoughts out loud.

Jungkook, on the other hand, appears calm again. He's made up his mind to stop caring as he did before, and he's determined not to let anything—especially Taehyung—get under his skin. As they walk toward the house, Jimin tries to catch up to Jungkook, his steps quickening.

"Jungkook," Jimin calls softly, his voice laced with concern. "I'm sure Taehyung had a reason for not showing up."

Jungkook stops for a moment, turning to face Jimin with a hard expression. "Jimin, stop making excuses for him. He's not going to change."

Jimin bites his lip, unsure of how to respond. He knows Jungkook is hurt, but he also knows that pushing further would only make things worse. So, he stays silent, following Jungkook into the house.

As they step into the living room, Jungkook immediately notices the unusual gathering. His heart skips a beat when he sees his father sitting on the couch, looking pale and weak, with a doctor by his side. Panic floods his system as he rushes to his father's side, his calm facade quickly crumbling.

"Dad," Jungkook breathes out, dropping to his knees beside the couch. He takes his father's hand, his voice trembling with worry. "What happened?"

His mother steps forward, her face etched with concern. "His blood pressure shot up... he had trouble breathing. Thankfully, Taehyung called for the doctor in time."

Jungkook's eyes well up with tears, his voice cracking as he asks, "Why didn't anyone call me?"

His father squeezes his hand gently, offering a weak smile. "I told them not to call you. Taehyung insisted, but I said no."

Jungkook looks at his father in disbelief. "But why, Dad?"

"It's nothing serious," his father reassures him. "My medicines had run out, and I forgot to get new ones, so I missed my morning dose. That's all."

Jungkook's mother chimes in, her voice soft but steady. "Our family doctor is out of the country. Taehyung had to go to the city to find a doctor and now he's gone to get the medicines."

Jungkook looks at his father, then at the doctor, seeking confirmation. The doctor nods, speaking calmly, "It seems like your father has been under a lot of stress lately, which is why his blood pressure spiked. But don't worry, he'll be fine now. I've given him an injection to stabilize him."

Jungkook's heart aches with guilt. He looks at his father with tears brimming in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me you were having such serious health issues?"

His father shakes his head, his voice gentle but firm. "I didn't want to worry you, son. You've already got so much on your plate."

"But because of me, you've been under so much stress," Jungkook whispers, his guilt deepening. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you more with the business."

His father squeezes his hand again, a reassuring smile on his face. "No, Jungkook... it's not your fault. Your father is just getting old. But I'm lucky—I've got you and Taehyung to look after me."