But Beautiful

part 5

When he returned, he noticed the doctor was speaking quietly to Taehyung, mouth hovering just by his ear while his hand rest on his lower back. He watched curiously, beginning to set up the items he had retrieved.

"I was just telling Taehyung that he was doing well," the doctor began, "I commended his use of non-verbal communication cues with you. I only wish there was more than a 'yes' or 'no' option to his signs. Maybe the two of you can figure something out together. Now, let's get this started."

After Dr. Yoo watched Jungkook get Taehyung comfortable and prepped, he assisted him in properly finding the location and performing the injection, a satisfied hum leaving him as Jungkook finished the procedure.

"Couldn't have done it better myself."

"Thank you, doctor," Jungkook beamed, using sterile cloth to clean the injection site. He looked at Taehyung, same bright smile shaping his face, a hand gently laid on his shoulder. "I'll step outside so you can get yourself together," he said, the doctor helping him clear the room and waiting in the hall with him.

"You seem to be really making a difference with Taehyung," Dr. Yoo mumbled, rubbing his face with his palm. "Maybe he'll regain his desire to speak. What do you think?"

"It's possible, but I'm not going to rush it," Jungkook spoke. "Pushing someone's mental health is never going to provide progress."

"What do you think about being a therapist, yourself? You have the heart for it, clearly. Maybe you can specialize in osteopathy, have your own network of specialists and provide the patient with total care. What do you think?"

"I think I'll stick to getting my MD and then I'll think about specialties," Jungkook laughed, turning his head when Taehyung walked out. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked, approaching the patient.

Taehyung just stared at the floor, wrapping his arms around himself.

"Go ahead and take him to his room, I think he'll probably need the rest. It won't be good for him to sit at the easel after that injection."

"I will," Jungkook responded, tilting his head down to be closer to Taehyung's face level. "Want to show me to your room?" he asked, soft voice accompanying his gentle grip on his bicep.

Taehyung didn't make an effort to respond, instead beginning to walk down the hallway towards the patient dormitories. His lack of response didn't particularly worry Jungkook, but he tried to shake off the anxious feeling regarding the patient. He's just had an intense procedure, he may not feel like engaging, he thought to himself.

When they stopped in front of a room, Jungkook peeked inside to look around. "This is a pretty nice room," he commented, releasing his grip on Taehyung to allow him to enter. "Do you need anything before I leave?" he asked, watching the patient make his way slowly to his bed. He was about to leave when Taehyung pat the mattress heavily, just once. Jungkook moved towards him, kneeling in front of him to try and meet his eyes. "What is it, Taehyung? Can you tell me what you need?"

Taehyung bit his lower lip, pulling his hands up to cover his face. He sniffled quietly behind his palms, shaking his head.

"That's okay, it's okay," Jungkook breathed, gently gripping Taehyung's shoulders. "Are... are you in pain?" he asked.

Taehyung nodded.

"Okay, let me go get you some pain medication and water," Jungkook started as he stood, but Taehyung gripped his hand, shaking his head again. "No? What can I do for your pain, then? Can you tell me where it hurts?"

Taehyung nodded, shoulders beginning to shake with nearly silent sobs.

"Where does it hurt, Taehyung?" Jungkook asked, gripping Taehyung's hand back and placing his other hand atop it. Taehyung's free hand came up to touch himself on his chest, firmly planting itself in the center. "Your chest? Your chest hurts?"