But Beautiful

part 26

Taehyung was sitting on his bed, knees up to his chin with his arms around his legs, staring at the floor. Jungkook took a deep breath, cautiously approaching him and gesturing with a hand.

"Can I sit?" he asked, which Taehyung responded to with a nod. "Thank you. I asked the patient next door about your belongings," he began, continuing with caution as he inched closer to Taehyung, "and he told me Dr. Lim wanted them, apparently, and he gave them to him. I confronted him," he continued, voice steady as he slowly opened his arms to the patient, welcoming him in for a hug. "I didn't know he put you in solitary last night," he spoke, empathy in his tone as he sighed in relief, Taehyung leaning into his arms to be embraced. "I confronted him about that, too. Dr. Yoo was away, but when I told him what was going on, he returned. That's why I was so long," he added, nuzzling his nose against the top of Taehyung's head. "And Dr. Lim was fired."

The patient drew back, looking into Jungkook's eyes for the first time that day. With an inscrutable look, he leaned closer and pressed his lips against Jungkook's. The resident pulled away, trying to keep a soothing hand on his back so he could prevent him from feeling rejected.

"Tae, you know I can't," he said quietly, the patient again curling into himself, but not moving away from the arms around him.

Dr. Yoo knocked on the door a couple of times, stepping into the room. "Sorry to disturb," he began, extending his hand forward to offer Taehyung his belongings back. "I came to return this to you, and to wish you guys a happy outing."

Jungkook's cheeks warmed, unsure of whether or not his mentor saw the patient kiss him, but he smiled at him nonetheless. "Thank you for bringing these back," he began when he saw Taehyung take them, "and as long as Taehyung is still up to it, we'll go to the street fair. Again, I'm sorry I had to call you back."

"Don't worry. This facility is my priority, and I won't have anybody try to bring it down for any reason. My patients come first, and afterwards my staff. I won't let either disrespect anyone else. I hope Taehyung is up to it," the doctor spoke, giving the patient's shoulder a squeeze. "You deserve to have fun today. Here, why don't I..." he trailed off, pulling his wallet from his pocket. He took a few bills out, setting them on Taehyung's notebook that rested on his folded legs. "You can use this for whatever you want, I want you to have fun."

The patient looked up at the doctor, meeting his gaze with the tilt of his head. He looked back down to the money, holding it in his hand before he leaned into Jungkook's side, flipping the pages until it landed on the one where he addressed Dr. Lim and his allowances.

"I think he's worried you'll expect something in return," Jungkook offered, nodding along as Taehyung did.

"I won't," his mentor promised. "The only thing I want is for you to have fun, Taehyung. Your progress is worth its weight in gold. Sixty bucks is a small price to pay for what I hope is a good time."

The patient again looked at the doctor, giving him a small smile before looking down, folding the bills carefully and putting them into his pocket.

"Having looked at me twice, and given me a smile, has brightened my day immensely," the doctor said with his own smile. "Please, keep up the good work and do enjoy yourself. I have a wheelchair by the exit to make things easier. I'm proud of your physical journey and proud of the hard work you've put in the last few months. Put it in practice."

Jungkook watched the two interact, heart soaring at Taehyung's vulnerability in looking at Dr. Yoo. This is exactly what I'm hoping for! He thought, Taehyung realizing there's strength and control in letting his guard down.

"Thank you, sir," Jungkook said, bowing his head before turning his attention back to the patient still leaning against his body. "Are you still interested in going out? Feel up to it?"