Cold Hearts, Warmer Ties

Jungkook's POV

The dimly lit room was quiet, save for the low hum of computers and the occasional tapping of keyboards. The walls were lined with screens displaying a barrage of data, maps, and codes that flashed like a constant stream of vital information. Jungkook stood at the head of it all, his eyes darting between the screens, his mind working at an intense pace. He was used to this—leading operations, making decisions, saving lives—but the weight of it never grew lighter.

"Status report," Jungkook's voice was low but firm. His team, comprising Soobin, Hyunjin, and Taehyun, gathered around him, their faces showing the same exhaustion he felt deep in his bones.

Soobin spoke up first, his voice strained. "We've cleared the final breach point. Intel confirms the mission is a success."

Hyunjin was tending to a minor wound on his arm, wrapping a bandage around it. Taehyun was seated, holding an ice pack to his head, bruised but not broken.

"Good job, everyone," Jungkook said, though the pride in his voice was laced with fatigue. They had pulled through once again, but it had cost them. "Let's wrap it up and head out. Debrief tomorrow."

As the others began packing up, Jungkook reached for his phone. It had been buzzing incessantly, but he'd ignored it during the mission. Now, the urgency in his chest returned as he unlocked the screen. A message from Taehyung popped up.

_"Dad... he's in surgery. They said it's critical. I don't know what to do, Jungkook. Please come."_

Jungkook's heart dropped. His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, the room around him faded away. The exhaustion, the bruises, the mission—all of it seemed insignificant compared to those words. Taehyung’s father… their father now, after everything they had been through, was fighting for his life.

He clenched his fist, trying to push away the rising panic, but the worry gnawed at him. Without a second thought, Jungkook turned to his team.

"I need to go," he said, his voice tight. "It's an emergency."

Soobin, who had just finished packing his gear, glanced at him with concern. "Hyung, let me drive you. You’re not in the right state of mind, and I might be of help there."

Jungkook looked at him, ready to decline, but his mind was clouded with fear for Taehyung. Nodding, he agreed. "Alright."

The drive was quiet. Jungkook stared out the window, the city lights blurring past him, but his thoughts were miles away. He couldn’t stop thinking about Taehyung's father, the man who had welcomed him like family. He remembered the dinners they’d shared, the stories they’d told. Taehyung’s dad had been like a second father to him, showing him warmth when he needed it most. Jungkook had just started to feel like he had a family again, and now this…

The thought of losing him was unbearable.

"He's always been so strong," Jungkook muttered to himself, but Soobin heard him.

"He'll pull through, hyung," Soobin said softly. "You’ll be there for him and for Taehyung hyung."

Jungkook didn’t reply. His chest was heavy with worry. He couldn’t imagine what Taehyung was going through. He had to be strong for him.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Jungkook's hands trembled as he pushed the door open. He hurried toward the area where Taehyung’s father was undergoing surgery. His eyes scanned the hallway, searching. Then he saw it—a silhouette, standing alone.

Taehyung.

The moment Taehyung saw Jungkook, he ran toward him, his legs barely carrying him as he crashed into Jungkook’s arms. He clung to him, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Jungkook... I... I’m scared," Taehyung whispered between gasping breaths. His hands gripped Jungkook’s jacket as if holding onto him was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Jungkook's heart ached. He had never seen Taehyung like this. His usually strong, composed Taehyung was crumbling, and it was breaking him.

"I’m here," Jungkook said softly, holding Taehyung tightly, his chin resting on the top of his head. "I’m here. I won’t leave you."

As he held Taehyung, memories flooded back—of Jin, Namjoon, and Jimin arriving at the hospital just hours before, their faces pale with fear. They had all rushed to be by Taehyung’s side, expecting to find him shattered. Jin had even broken down in tears, fearing the worst, but Taehyung had held it together. For his brother, for his father. He had been strong, too strong.

But now, as Taehyung clung to Jungkook, the façade cracked, and all the emotions he had been holding in came rushing out. His body trembled as he whispered through his sobs, "I’m so scared… What if I lose him, Jungkook? What if I lose him?"

Jungkook’s chest tightened. He knew this kind of fear all too well—the fear of losing family, of feeling helpless. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his own emotions in check. He couldn’t afford to break down now, not when Taehyung needed him the most.

Jungkook pulled back slightly, cupping Taehyung’s face in his hands. "You won’t lose him," he said, his voice strong but soft. "Our father is going to get through this. I know he will."

Taehyung shook his head, still crying, his words barely audible. "What if… what if he doesn’t? I don’t think I can do this…"

"You’re not alone in this, Tae," Jungkook whispered, wiping the tears from Taehyung’s cheeks with his thumb. "He’s not just your father, he’s mine too. We’ll get through this together, okay? I promise you that."

Jungkook gently kissed Taehyung’s forehead, holding him close once more. "I pray every moment for him, Tae. I promise you, he will get well. Our father will come back to us. We’ll all be together again. He’s not just your dad—he’s mine too."

For a moment, the world felt still. Taehyung’s sobs quieted, and he clung to Jungkook, letting his warmth offer a shred of comfort in the storm. They stayed like that, holding on to each other, as though the strength they needed could only be found in one another.

The sound of footsteps broke the silence. Jungkook turned his head to see the surgeon approaching, his expression unreadable. Time seemed to slow, and every second felt like an eternity as the doctor stood before them.

Jungkook’s heart pounded in his chest as he held Taehyung's hand tighter, bracing for whatever news was to come.

The surgeon took a breath.

“I have news…”