But Beautiful

part 59

Jungkook took a deep breath before raising his hand to knock on Dr. Jang’s office door. He was needlessly worried, but somehow the idea of such a big conversation that held such big potential felt scary.

Jonathan opened the office door, smiling his giant, crooked smile at Jungkook before moving aside to let him in. “Hey, Dr. Jeon.”

The psychiatrist smiled, as well, pushing her glasses up higher on her nose as she gestured for Jungkook to sit on the couch beside Taehyung, across from her chair and next to the one the counselor was sitting in. “Thank you for joining us.”

“Of course,” Jungkook replied, sitting beside Taehyung and smiling at the fact that both of them reached for one another’s hand at the same time.

“We wanted to discuss Taehyung’s discharge from inpatient treatment,” Dr. Jang began, continuing when Jungkook acknowledged it, “after discussing things with both Taehyung and Jonathan, and having a lengthy and detailed discussion with Dr. Yoo, I feel confident that he’s ready to explore outpatient therapy. I have very few concerns about this decision, although I know he won’t be doing this alone.”

“Can I ask what the concerns are?” Jungkook questioned.

“My concerns lie with his transition to society since he’s been away from it so long. I also want him to do meaningful things with his life, but he doesn’t have any ideas about working or even schooling. These are a couple of my concerns, along with what could potentially happen if he decides not to continue therapy.”

“We’re not like, worried, really,” Jonathan started, “but more like, cautiously optimistic. I have no doubt in my mind Taehyung is ready for this, more than ready, even. But I think the most important part of life outside of the rehab is the aftercare he’ll continue to need and his ability to stick with it. I’ve only known Taehyung a few months, and I absolutely believe he’ll be safe outside of these walls, but he has to continue the treatment to prevent relapses of any kind. I’m more than happy to keep working with him, and he and I have discussed that we’ll continue working together, but as someone who will be close to him outside the rehab, Dr. Jang and I both wanted to discuss these concerns with you, while Taehyung is present.”

“Understandable,” Jungkook agreed, looking at Taehyung. He was proud of him; engaged, looking at the person who was talking.

“What do you want to say, Taehyung?” Dr. Jang asked the patient, smiling at him in support.

“I’m going to continue therapy,” Taehyung started, voice quiet but clear. “I’m comfortable with Jon and you and want to keep working together. I know I don’t really have a goal in life, because leaving here was the only goal I had even set while I’ve been here. I want to do something, be a productive member of society or whatnot, and I will. I just need to decide what to do.”

“And he won’t be alone,” Jungkook added, looking at Taehyung and squeezing his hand. “I’ll definitely encourage him to keep up with aftercare and explore his interests.”

“I don’t doubt that you will,” Jonathan said, “and I believe that Taehyung is ready for this new chapter. He’s ready to break free from this place and spread his wings!”

Jungkook chuckled, Dr. Jang laughing at his dramatics as she turned her attention to Taehyung. “I know you haven’t decided anything, and will have Dr. Jeon help you with exploring your interests, but is there something specific you want to do when you’re released?”

Taehyung nodded after a moment, saying, “I’m going to be living with Jungkookie, but I don’t want to be a financial burden to him. I need to get a job but I’m not sure doing what, but I will try.”