Taekook One-shots/Short Stories 💜💚

🤫The Strength of Silence💪

   The scent of disinfectant bit into Jeongguk's nostrils, a sharp contrast to the image of blooming lilacs blurred by condensation on the windowpane. He traced a finger across the cool glass, the warmth of the late afternoon sun a cruel mockery of the icy dread that had settled in his chest. 

   The rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring Jimin's frail body was a constant reminder of the precariousness of the situation, each beep a grain of sand slipping through the hourglass.

   He should be there for Jimin, truly there, but his mind was a whirlwind of "what ifs" and regrets. He thought of the clumsy model airplane he'd built for Jimin as a teenager, the one that still sat on Jimin's bedside table at home. It was a testament to their enduring bond, but was it enough? Was any of it enough?

His phone vibrated, a welcome interruption to the suffocating silence. It was Taehyung, a burst of sunshine in text form. "Just finished my shift. Be there soon! Save a seat for me!"

  A faint smile touched Jeongguk's lips. He remembered how Taehyung, just last week, had charmed the grumpy barista into giving them an extra shot in their lattes just by flashing that boxy grin of his. Jeongguk, on the other hand, would have probably mumbled his order and shrunk back into the corner.

   He'd always envied Taehyung's effortless warmth and his ability to connect with people on a level Jeongguk could only dream of.

   The door creaked open, and Taehyung entered, a whirlwind of energy that momentarily dispelled the gloom.  He wore his usual bright smile, but his eyes held a deep concern that mirrored Jeongguk's own.  Without a word, Taehyung crossed the room and pulled Jeongguk into a hug, the familiar scent of Taehyung's cologne – something fresh and comforting – offering a momentary respite.

"Hey, I'm here," Taehyung said softly, pulling back to look at Jeongguk with those kind eyes. "How's Jimin?"
Jeongguk gestured to the bed, where Jimin lay asleep, his breathing shallow, his face pale.  The rise and fall of Jimin's chest was agonizingly slow, each breath a victory against the relentless disease consuming him from within.

"He's... hanging in there," Jeongguk replied, his voice a hoarse whisper. "The doctor said..." He trailed off, unable to voice the prognosis, the words too heavy to bear.

  Taehyung nodded, his expression grim. "He needs you, Jeongguk. We both do."
Jeongguk swallowed hard, the lump in his throat growing. "I don't know how to be strong like you, Tae. I wish I could be more like you."

   Taehyung's smile softened. "Strength isn't always about putting on a brave face," he said, his voice gentle. "Sometimes it's about showing up, being present. Just be here, Jeongguk. That's enough."

   But was it? Jeongguk's fear whispered insidious doubts in his ear. He thought of the years he'd spent holding back, afraid to express his true feelings, afraid of vulnerability.  He'd always admired Taehyung – his kindness, his ability to bring people together – but beneath that admiration lurked a deep-seated fear of inadequacy, which stemmed from a childhood marked by his parents' constant comparisons to his seemingly perfect older brother.

  "Do you think he knows?" Jeongguk asked, his voice barely audible. "Do you think he knows how much we care?"
Taehyung placed a reassuring hand on Jeongguk's shoulder. "He knows," he said, his voice firm. "Remember when you stayed up all night helping him with that history project? He still talks about it."

   A faint smile touched Jeongguk's lips as he recalled the memory, the frantic rush to finish the project, and the shared laughter over silly historical memes. This exhaustion had morphed into a strange sort of camaraderie. It was a small memory, a seemingly insignificant blip in the grand scheme of things, but it was a testament to their bond.

  The wind outside picked up, howling like a mournful spirit, rattling the windows of the sterile room. Jimin stirred in his sleep, a flicker of consciousness in his eyes. Panic clawed at Jeongguk's throat.  This could be it. This could be their last chance.
Taehyung squeezed his shoulder, a silent anchor in the storm. "Let's tell him," he said, his eyes shining with determination. "He deserves to hear it."

  Jeongguk nodded, a surge of resolve coursing through him. He approached Jimin's bedside, his heart pounding against his ribs like a drum.  He took a deep breath, the stale hospital air catching in his throat, and began to speak.

  He spoke of shared childhood adventures, scraped knees, whispered secrets, laughter, tears, and everything in between. He spoke of the time Jimin had defended him against bullies, the time they'd snuck into a concert they weren't supposed to attend, and the countless hours spent dreaming of a future that now seemed so uncertain.

Taehyung joined in, his voice a warm counterpoint to Jeongguk's, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences, inside jokes, and unspoken understandings. He spoke of Jimin's infectious laughter, unwavering loyalty, and ability to find joy in the smallest things.

  The wind continued its mournful cry, but inside the room, a different kind of energy was building, a warmth that radiated from their shared memories and love. 

  As Jeongguk spoke, he realized that love wasn't about grand gestures or perfectly crafted words. It was about showing up, being present, and sharing the burden of fear and uncertainty. It was about the clumsy model airplane, the shared laughter, the whispered confessions in a sterile hospital room.

  Jimin's eyes fluttered open, a weak smile gracing his lips.  He reached out a frail hand, his touch feather-light against Jeongguk's.  "Thank you," he whispered, his voice hoarse but filled with gratitude. "I love you both."
Tears welled up in Jeongguk's eyes, releasing pent-up emotions he hadn't even realized he was holding back. He squeezed Jimin's hand, his voice thick with emotion. "We love you too, Jimin."

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Jeongguk felt a sense of peace settle over him.  He knew that the bond they shared would endure no matter what the future held. He would carry Jimin's memory in his heart, and with Taehyung by his side, he would face the winds of life together.

---
Hope you like this story.
Please Vote and Comment.

💜💚