Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 4 - coldest night

The storm had battered the old building all day. The rain had fallen relentlessly, the wind howling through the broken windows and rattling the rusted metal of the structure. Inside, the cold was pervasive, a constant, biting chill that seeped through every crack and crevice. The concrete floor offered no respite from the biting cold, and the thin blankets they had scavenged were barely enough to provide any warmth.

Jungkook shivered uncontrollably as he huddled in the usual corner, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. He had tried to make himself as small as possible, hoping that if he could just stay still, he could keep the cold at bay. It wasn’t working. His teeth chattered, and his breath came out in frosty puffs, visible even in the dim light coming from the moon.

Namjoon, on the other hand, seemed unaffected by the temperature. He was seated at the opposite wall as usual, his posture relaxed but his eyes scanning the room, alert and vigilant. Jungkook noticed the way Namjoon’s gaze flicked over to him every so often, though he did his best to ignore it.

The storm outside seemed to grow fiercer with each passing hour, the wind howling like a beast. The sound of the storm seemed to amplify the chill, making the inside of the building feel colder than ever. Jungkook tried to focus on anything else, but the cold was all-consuming, numbing his fingers and toes.

After what felt like an eternity of shivering, Jungkook hesitated, trying to muster the courage to ask for help. He was still wary of Namjoon, still afraid of the man who had repeatedly threatened him yesterday. But the cold was becoming unbearable, and afterall Namjoon had agreed to protect him. Wasn't this also part of the protection—agreement?

Finally, Jungkook took a deep breath and glanced up at Namjoon. The man was still in his usual spot, leaning back against the wall with an unreadable expression. Jungkook’s mouth opened, but the words caught in his throat. He was about to say something when Namjoon’s voice cut through the silence.

“You’re cold.”

It wasn’t a question, just a simple observation, but it made Jungkook’s heart skip a beat. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Namjoon’s eyes softened slightly, though he quickly masked it with a scowl. He reached next to him and grabbed his jacket Jungkook hadn't even noticed before—a worn leather piece that had seen better days. He unzipped it and tossed it to Jungkook across the room.

“Here,” Namjoon said, his tone cold. “Put this on.”

Jungkook looked at the jacket, momentarily stunned. He was used to the rough treatment, the harsh words, but this… this was different. He hesitated for a moment before reaching for the jacket. It was surprisingly warm, and he could already feel the heat radiating from it.

“Are you sure?” Jungkook asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Namjoon’s eyes flicked to him, and for a moment, there was a softness in his gaze that Jungkook hadn’t seen before. It was fleeting, quickly replaced by his usual hard look. “I’m not giving it to you because I care,” Namjoon said gruffly. “Just don’t make a habit of asking for handouts.”

Jungkook nodded, trying to hide his relief. He slipped the jacket on, and it was like being wrapped in a warm embrace. The leather was rough, but it was infinitely better than the cold concrete.

Namjoon’s eyes lingered on Jungkook for a moment longer before he turned away, pretending to focus on something else. But Jungkook could see the small, almost imperceptible smile that tugged at the corner of Namjoon’s lips, a sign that perhaps, despite his efforts to appear indifferent, he was softening just a little.

Jungkook settled into the warmth of the jacket, feeling a bit more comfortable now. He shifted on the floor, trying to get as cozy as he could and find a position that wouldn't make him feel the bruises. The storm outside continued its furious assault, but inside the room, there was a small pocket of warmth that made things a little more bearable.

As the night wore on, Jungkook found himself drifting in and out of a restless sleep. The sound of the storm was a constant backdrop, but the warmth of the jacket made it easier to stay comfortable. He glanced over at Namjoon occasionally, seeing the man still sat against the wall, his eyes closed but his posture still tense. Was he asleep? He didn't look like it... Doesn't this man ever need to sleep?

Despite the situation, Jungkook felt a glimmer of gratitude and something else he couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t just the warmth of the jacket, but the small gesture of kindness that had come from someone who seemed so hardened. It was a small sign of humanity, and it made Jungkook wonder about the man who had become his unlikely protector.

The storm raged on outside, but for a moment, inside that small room, there was peace, held together by the warmth of a worn leather jacket and the silent understanding that even in the harshest of circumstances, there was still room for compassion.