I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 04: Unspoken promise

The rain had softened to a light drizzle by the time Taehyung helped Jungkook to his feet. The walk to his apartment was slow, each step a careful effort as Taehyung held the boy steady, his arm gently wrapped around his shoulder. The world felt quiet, as if the city itself was holding its breath, leaving just the soft patter of rain on pavement and the faint glow of streetlights to guide their way.

Jungkook leaned into the elder's warmth, his steps unsteady, exhaustion and pain weighing him down. Taehyung adjusted his grip, bringing them closer, his touch protective yet gentle, as though he feared Jungkook might slip away with the next step. They didn't speak; words felt unnecessary, almost intrusive in the fragile silence between them.

When they reached Taehyung's flat, he helped Jungkook up the short flight of stairs, each step an unspoken reminder of the boy's vulnerability. He opened the door with one hand, keeping his other arm around Jungkook's shoulders to steady him. On the inside of the flat was dimly lit, quiet, a small sanctuary away from the world outside.

He guided Jungkook to the sofa, easing him down with a soft smile. "Sit here," he murmured, draping a blanket over him. The warmth of the flat seemed to slowly ease the tension in Jungkook's frame, and Taehyung watched as he sank into the cushions, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"I'll get something for those cuts," Taehyung said softly, his voice calm and steady. He left for a moment, gathering a small first aid kit from the bathroom, his mind racing with thoughts, yet his movements stayed slow and deliberate. Returning to the sofa, he knelt beside Jungkook, offering him a gentle, reassuring smile.

"Let's take care of these, yeah?" Taehyung's voice was quiet as he dabbed at the cuts on Jungkook's face, each touch tender, his gaze focused, careful not to cause any more discomfort. Jungkook's eyes darted away, his hands twisting in his lap, but he didn't resist, letting Taehyung tend to him.

After tending to Jungkook's bruises and cuts, Taehyung sat back for a moment, his eyes scanning Jungkook's small, hunched form. The bruises on his face were only part of the picture; the pain in Jungkook's eyes hinted at a much deeper ache. Taehyung took a deep breath, his voice soft as he spoke, "Jungkook, I need to check for any other injuries... just to make sure nothing's broken."

He reached out cautiously, his movements slow and deliberate, but the moment his hands hovered near Jungkook's shoulders, he felt him tense up, his entire body stiffening. Jungkook's eyes widened, a flash of fear crossing his face as he shrank back instinctively, his hands clenching around the blanket.

Taehyung's heart clenched at the sight. He froze, lowering his hands, his expression gentle, his voice even softer. "Hey... it's okay," he murmured, his tone soothing, free of judgement. "I won't hurt you, I promise. I just want to make sure you're alright. If... if anything is too painful, we can go to the hospital."

Jungkook's gaze flickered between Taehyung's eyes and his hands, uncertainty clouding his expression. Taehyung waited, giving him space, letting the silence settle as he maintained his gentle, open expression. Slowly, Jungkook nodded, his posture relaxing a fraction, his shoulders dropping as if he was forcing himself to trust.

Taehyung carefully resumed, his fingers barely pressing as he checked Jungkook's arms and shoulders, his movements gentle, every touch filled with care and caution. He kept his gaze averted, sensing that Jungkook felt vulnerable under direct eye contact, and quietly murmured, "You're doing great, Jungkook... just a little longer."

As he finished, Taehyung sighed in quiet relief. Thankfully, Jungkook didn't appear to have any broken bones, nor did he react to anything that suggested serious internal injuries. The relief in his chest was mingled with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, knowing that Jungkook had feared him, even if only for a moment.