✓BunBun Mine // taekook

Chapter 20

Jungkook's heart leaped at the sight of the tanned figure, as if struck by lightning. His body seemed to go numb in an instant. A simple white cotton scarf was wrapped around his slender frame like a veil, barely covering his brows and almost touching his lashes. Yet, he had no trouble focusing on that familiar, noble, and charming face.

It felt to him that Taehyung had become even more graceful in just a month. The greater the distance, the more Jungkook’s thirsty eyes seemed to rediscover Taehyung in a new light. A pure, serene smile appeared on his face, which had lost its brightness over the long days of irregular meals, lack of sleep, and neglect. His thin lips spread on both sides, unable to express just how much peace filled his heart. He could only say that a piece of his solace belonged to his Taehyungie hyung.

How long had it been since Taehyung had scolded him, hadn’t playfully hit him! In these past 30 days, Jungkook had remembered each of those moments from his childhood up to now, cherishing each sweet, tender memory of Taehyung’s care.

One memory especially stirred his heart.

FLASHBACK

After finishing elementary school and entering the high grade, one day, Jungkook went to his aunt’s house at Kim's Haven as per of Jimin’s suggestion. At the mansion, both Taehyung and Jin were present that time. Namjoon had brought large pieces of sugarcane from the market that day. Jungkook didn’t know how much the others liked sugarcane, but he loved it so much that, just like his mouth watered at the sight of his dear banana milk, the same happened when he saw sugarcane.

Jin, knowing well about his nephew's preferences, brought small pieces of sugarcane inside and handed one to Jungkook, saying, “My Jungkookie will be the first to taste it and tell us if it’s sweet or bland.”

Encouraged by his aunt's affection, Jungkook took a hasty bite of the sugarcane, but he bit down carelessly. Instantly, he cried out in pain, dropping the piece onto the floor. Taehyung, who had been in his room, came rushing at the sound, along with everyone else.

Jungkook’s tooth had broken, and crimson blood was dripping from his mouth. Seeing this, Jimin burst into laughter, and so did Yeonjun. Jin gave both of them a sharp look, scolding them, “You two troublemakers! My poor Jungkookie's tooth is broken, and you’re laughing?” At the stern tone of their mom, both brother’s laughter faded, and their expressions grew serious.

Taehyung rushed forward with concern, asking urgently,

“Does it hurt, Bunbun?”

Jungkook’s vision began to blur, and speaking became a struggle. Two large tear drops welled up in his large size of doe eyes and slid down his cheeks to neck. Grabbing the edge of Taehyung’s brown-colored t-shirt, he said,

“B…blood! I’m scared of the blood, h-hyungie!”

Without a second thought, Taehyung pulled Jungkook close, pressing his small face against his sturdy chest. In a soft, calming voice, he reassured him, “Can you still see the blood? Are you really seeing it?”

Burying his lips against Taehyung’s chest, twelve-year-old Jungkook fell completely silent. Meanwhile, Jin rushed in with the first aid box. Seeing it in his mother’s hands, Taehyung softened his tone, speaking tenderly, “Keep your head up and close your eyes, alright, Bunbun? Close both eyes tight and hold my hand firmly, you won’t see any blood, and you won’t feel scared. Will you listen to me?”

The pain in his tooth was so severe that Jungkook couldn’t utter any word, he just nodded. Taehyung held him tightly, supporting his quivering body with his arms. Jin cleaned the blood with some cotton and gave him a painkiller. When he moved to remove the broken tooth, Taehyung quickly intervened, “You take care of Jungkook, Mom. I’ll take care of this.”