Intertwined: Two fates | Book:-1 | Jikook | ✔

74 - My fault

Seconds stretched into hours and the overcast night sky was aglow with the radiance of the city's bustling activity. But inside Jungkook's hospital room, it was pitch-black as if darkness itself had descended and filled every corner of the space.

A dim ray of light spilled in through the gap of the curtain, falling right beside his feet where he sat on the chair beside the bed, his entire body immersed within the shadows-motionless still.

His gaze was fixed on the unconscious man in front of him, tracing over soft lines and curves of his features covered by the oxygen mask before falling to the bandages around his neck, then his pale wrist that was connected with IV drips and heartbeat monitor...

With the monotone beeps filling his ears, Jungkook stared at the steady motion of Jimin's chest, almost obsessed, as though it was the only way he could confirm that the omega was still alive and breathing.

His buzzing mind kept repeating the apology he had heard from Doctor Nam earlier.

For the sake of Jimin's dignity, he had wiped the omega's body down in a hurry and dressed him in one of the spare hospital gowns before he pressed on the nurse button. He was certain that the nurse had gotten the shock of her life when she entered to find Jungkook clutching the unconscious man in his arms, his eyes wild in fear and terror. She'd given him a few words and comfort and ran out to call Doctor Nam.

And when the elderly doctor came, Jungkook had haltingly described what had happened-such a pathetic and stuttering mess he was-but thank God the doctor had understood without Jungkook going into the details.

However, his face had immediately turned grave, and the words doctor said had been echoing in Jungkook's mind ever since. Just like a curse.

"My deepest apologies, Mr. Jeon. This is all our fault. We should have told you without any delay but because your condition has just shown signs of improving this morning, we one-sidedly decided to keep it for the sake of your recovery."

The 'we' he was talking about was none other than him and Jackson. Aside from the two of them who were the doctors in charge of Jungkook, there was no third person who knew it.

What did he say again?

Jimin's gland was... rejecting him? Rejecting his pheromones because... Jungkook had hurt him so badly?

Jungkook was dazed, distraught and panicked. He almost could not digest what the doctor told him. His first reaction had been disbelief because how... how was it possible for Jimin to reject him-his true mate, his other half that was created just for him?

But reality had slapped him so hard that he had no choice but to face the truth. Because Jimin had swallowed his essence that was thick with pheromones, his body had gone into shock and he had been unconscious ever since.

Doctor Nam could not even ascertain when he would wake up, because such a case where rejection happened between true mates was unheard of before...

"It is a kind of traumatic reaction," Doctor Nam had explained kindly-or sympathetically-upon seeing how aghast Jungkook was by the news. "Just like how humans can suffer from PTSD after a horrible accident, it can also occur to glands. However, this situation will not be permanent. We have planned a few treatments such as medication and therapy that may promote his recovery. Please rest assured, Mr. Jeon, I will do everything to make sure that nothing will happen to the bond between the two of you." After saying this, hesitation crossed Doctor Nam's face. "I am sure that I have emailed it to Mr. Park, but why..."

Jungkook could no longer hear the rest of the sentence. His mind was repeating the two words 'traumatic reaction' again and again..

His mate, his true mate, the love of his life... was traumatized by that one accident where he had lost control of himself. It was a fact Jungkook could not change no matter what. Even if he was not lucid, even if he was under the influence of drugs, even if everyone tried to tell him that it was not his fault... the fact remained unchanged. He had hurt his omega with his own hands, and now...