LOVE, LIE | ✓

46- [ words and whispers]

- Echoes of words, where love takes flight,
Trust drapes softly in whispers of night.

"You guys are ridiculously stubborn but disgustingly cute," Seokjin sigh, a hand pressed to his forehead as if he was overwhelmed by the sheer cuteness.

Jimin grinned, catching Namjoon chuckling behind Seokjin. "If I had to give out a 'Couple of the Year' award, it'd definitely be you two."

"But honestly Jimin, you have no idea what this idiot would've done if you didn't wake up," Seokjin said, shaking his head. His tone was light, but the words carried weight.

Jimin glanced over at Taehyung, who was quietly peeling an apple, his eyes focused downward. His fingers worked steadily, though the tips of his ears were tinged with red.

"I... I don't know what he would've done," Jimin said softly. His voice trailed off as his mind wandered to the past eleven months. Most of it was a blur, a collection of hazy memories, fragmented pieces. But everything before the accident, that was sharp, filled with lingering regrets.

Taehyung looked up, reading Jimin as easily as he always did. His lips twitched into a grin, all teeth, breaking through the somber atmosphere. "If you all must know," He began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I've been hitting the gym."

Jimin blinked, a little caught off guard. "No way, you didn't!"

Taehyung's eyes widened in mock offense, flexing his arm dramatically. "What? I did! See? Biceps!"

Jimin, unable to stop himself, giggled into his hand. "You look skinnier than the last time I saw you!"

He gasped, clutching his chest as if he'd been mortally wounded. "Excuse me? I went up two sizes! I could choke you with my biceps right now."

Jimin doubled over in laughter, his hand covering his mouth as he tried to muffle it. "Stop! I can't!"

"Little Jimin, stop laughing at me!" Taehyung squinted, but his lips betrayed him as a wide smile spread across his face. His heart felt lighter, seeing Jimin so full of life again.

"They're so cute together, I could cry," Seokjin cooed, clutching his chest dramatically.

Namjoon rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Jin, I swear I can see actual hearts in your eyes."

Before Seokjin could retort, a loud voice cut through the room.

"OH MY GOD! HI, JIMIN!"

Jungkook burst in, his smile as wide as the bouquet in his hands. "I brought you flowers!"

Yoongi, ever the quiet opportunist, snatched them from Jungkook's hands. "He means we brought you flowers."

Jungkook gave him a look but didn't argue. "It's the same thing."

"No, it's not," Yoongi deadpanned, as he handed the flowers to Jimin.

Jungkook huffed, rolling his eyes before turning his attention back to Jimin. "How are you feeling, hyung?"

"Better," Jimin replied, offering a small, tired smile. "Just a bit worn out."

"You look way better than yesterday," Jungkook said, his voice more genuine now. "The doctor said you might be discharged within the week, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah, that's the plan."

"That's great news," Namjoon added, his voice calm and warm, like always.

His smile grew, a bit more real. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."

"So... you'll be heading home with Taehyung?" Namjoon asked carefully, his eyes flicking to the quiet figure still perched at the bedside.