But Beautiful

part 44

The first day back after the weekend was only mildly challenging to navigate. After Jungkook and Taehyung had spent their days alone together intensely, on an emotional and physical level, Jungkook had to remind him that their time in the facility had to be spent exclusively as a physiatrist and patient. Taehyung pouted a while at first, but they eventually fell into the routine from before, boosted by Taehyung's increased energy towards healing and Jungkook's nonstop encouragement.

Dr. Yoo continued to support Jungkook throughout the week, allowing him to take Taehyung on another overnight the next Saturday.

When Taehyung was buckled into the passenger seat, he turned to Jungkook with the biggest smile. The one that stole Jungkook's breath the first time he saw it; rectangular, his cheeks rounded, his eyes nearly closed. "Jungkookie, I'm excited to be alone together again," he cheerfully said.

"I'm so happy we can be alone together, too, my love," Jungkook replied with no less joy than Taehyung. "I thought, since it's almost closed, we could go to the street fair one more time," he offered.

"Can we leave the wheelchair in the car? I think I can walk better now," the other gushed, happiness radiating off of him.

"Sure," Jungkook agreed with a laugh, beginning to drive towards the festivities. "Can I bring the crutches, just in case?"

Taehyung made a face, turning to look at Jungkook as he drove. "Can't you just carry me if I get too tired?"

Laughter louder than before, Jungkook exclaimed, "what! You hate when I carry you!"

"Not anymore," Taehyung simply said, bear tucked in his arms.

With a pleased hum, Jungkook nodded. "Okay, baby."

When they arrived at the fair, Taehyung got out of the car before Jungkook could, the man shaking his head at his partner's excitement.

"Jungkookie, do you think that my mug is still here?" he asked curiously, the memory hitting Jungkook suddenly.

"Oh, my god," Jungkook said, rubbing a hand over his face as Taehyung watched him, confused. "You remember when I told you that I went back and got your mug, but left it in the car because I didn't know if you wanted it right away?"

Taehyung stared, blinking before slowly shaking his head. "No, I don't remember," he admitted with a frown.

"It was when I told you that I wanted something more," Jungkook began, "after I had talked to you about my feelings, you wrote to me that you were afraid it was a trick."

Realization came over Taehyung's face, the man letting out a breathy laugh. "Oh, I remember now," he replied.

"Yeah, well, when I got home I had taken it inside, and until now I completely forgot about it," Jungkook laughed. "So I've got your mug, but I'll be happy to sit while you make another, if you'd like?"

Taehyung looked thoughtful before nodding, holding out his hand and wiggling his fingers. Jungkook took his hand, heart skipping a beat as Taehyung threaded their fingers together. "I want to," he began, swinging their arms between them carefree, "but you have to paint one with me. Matching mugs!"

"I can do that, happily," Jungkook replied, bringing his hand to his mouth to kiss it.

                    

After walking around for about an hour, Taehyung began to slow. He stopped walking, bending in half and resting his palms on his thighs, taking a deep breath.

"Are you hurting?" Jungkook asked, stopping right beside him and looking at him worriedly.

"Not too much," Taehyung whispered. "I keep feeling like something is pulling, though," he commented, looking up at Jungkook with eyebrows furrowed. "Like it's tight."