Anger never builds; it only tears down. In the heat of a single moment, it can feel like strength, an armor to hide behind. But when the fire fades, all that's left are the ashes of what once mattered. Anger doesn't solve anything-it devours patienc...
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Chapter 08: The Odd Feelings
Taehyung fortunately woke up 3 days after the accident. The unfamiliar white sterile ceiling was the first thing he had seen. The harsh fluorescent lights overhead seemed to mock his fragile state, casting long, stark shadows across the room.
“──ehyung,” he could hear someone calling him but his brain couldn't really function yet. “Taehyung, can you hear me?” the voice was somehow familiar, but his mind was a fog.
The blinding light was blocked by someone's face as he tried to process everything; that person's face was illuminated through the light. It was Jungkook. Relief washed over him, a wave of gratitude for this man who had become his anchor in the storm.
“Are you okay? Just wait here; I'll call the doctor to do a follow-up check-up for you.” He lowkey nodded his head, and he heard Jungkook's footsteps fade away.
He couldn't feel his body, his energy felt like it was low, and his brain was late to function. Suddenly, an unfamiliar face covered the blinding light once again, and he checked his eyes using a thin flashlight that was almost similar to a ballpoint pen.
“Alright, Mr. Kim, how are you feeling?” The doctor’s voice was gruff, but there was a hint of kindness in his eyes.
“I… I’m a bit fuzzy,” Taehyung managed to croak out.
“That’s normal after the anesthesia,” the doctor said, tapping his pen against his notepad. “You’ve been lucky, you know? The accident could have been much worse. You’re a tough one.”
“I… I think I’m just tired,” Taehyung mumbled.
“Well, that’s good,” the doctor said, smiling. “It means you’re recovering. We’ll do another x-ray once you’re fully awake and alert. For now, just rest.”
“Thank you,” Jungkook thanked the doctor.
“I'll go now,” the doctor then left Taehyung's room.
“I'm sorry that you had to go through this, but I hope you'll recover soon enough,” Jungkook said as he sat down back in the chair beside Taehyung.
Well, Taehyung hoped that as well, but resting this long kind of satisfied him. As the days went by, Taehyung finally recovered. He got bruises here and there, but at least, they would fade when the time passed by. Also, Jungkook took care of him for all of those days when he was confined in the hospital.
Jungkook would still leave to go to work, but he would come back right away to take care of him, which made Taehyung feel happy. He would bring Taehyung his favorite takeout and was so caring toward him. It was a strange feeling, being so dependent on another person, but Jungkook's gentle care made it bearable, even pleasant.
As of now, they were waiting for the result of his x-ray to come while Jungkook was busy putting their things in the bag and Taehyung was just sitting on the bed. Jungkook already paid for the hospital bill as well.
“Mr. Jeon,” the doctor went inside the room. “The x-rays look good. No fractures, no major damage. You’re a lucky guy. I’d still recommend a monthly check-up just to make sure everything is healing properly, but you’re free to go home.”
“Thank you, doc.” Jungkook slightly bowed his head.
“You're welcome, I'll take a leave now, then.” the doctor left them.
“It seemed like we don't need to worry that much, so, I guess we should also leave.” Jungkook walked in front of Taehyung and Taehyung nodded his head.
Jungkook assisted Taehyung in standing up because he wasn't able to walk while he was recovering. Jungkook had his arms around Taehyung's sides and helped him to stand on his feet.
“Let's get going, shall we?” Jungkook had a warm smile on his face and extended his hand as a gesture for Taehyung to hold it.
“Okay,” Taehyung uttered with a raspy voice and accepted it.
As they arrived outside of the hospital, a black car stopped in front of him. Since Taehyung had just gotten into an accident, he felt traumatized, thinking he had to get inside the car.
“Are you scared?” Jungkook asked him, noticing his nervousness as Taehyung tightened his grip on his hand.
Taehyung looked at him with a fearful face and chewed his bottom lip.
“Well, if you're uncomfortable, we could walk, though it would take us a lot of time, but I don't mind; I think it would also help you get used to walking once again.” Jungkook stated.
But walking sounded tiring; Taehyung swallowed hard as he thought about what he should do.
“I'll get along whatever your decision would be, as long as you're comfortable.” Jungkook told him.
“L-let's get inside the car,” Taehyung uttered.
“Are you sure?” Jungkook asked him for assurance.
Taehyung doesn't want to, but he feels like he can't walk that far.
“Yes, I think I'll just sleep throughout the drive, I was kind of sleepy.” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck with his other hand.
Well, he was not lying, he was sleepy. But he hoped that idea would work.
“If that's what you want,” Jungkook opened the door car for him and let him get inside.
Jungkook followed after him since Taehyung wouldn't let go of his hand. Taehyung closed his eyes, tightening his grip on Jungkook's hand and hoping everything would be fine.
“You can lay your head on my shoulder, I think that would make you feel more comfortable,” Jungkook suggested.
Taehyung did what Jungkook told him and laid his head on his shoulder. Well, it was indeed as comfortable as Jungkook said and the way Jungkook's thumb caressed the back of his hand was soothing his uneasiness.
He felt a strange warmth bloom in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite place. He felt a soft smile curving his lips as he drifted off to sleep, the warmth of Jungkook's presence enveloping him like a comforting blanket. He hates to admit it, but there was something swarming in his stomach that made him feel at ease; well, he hoped Jungkook wouldn't notice that. He doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of the man whom he was close to killing.
