A love beyond words

32

Taehyung sat motionless in the hospital waiting room, his gaze fixed on the door ahead. Tears streamed down his face unchecked, a testament to his anguish. His eyes, once bright and vibrant, now seemed dull and lifeless.

Jimin sat beside him, overcome with emotion. Hysterical sobs racked his body.

Namjoon, seated across from them, watched Taehyung with concern etched on his face. He considered approaching his boss but thought better of it, respecting Taehyung's need for space.

The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by Jimin's heartbreaking cries.

Taehyung's thoughts were consumed by Jungkook, lying injured in the hospital bed.

"Please, God," Taehyung whispered.

Few hours ago:

As Jungkook finished his soul-stirring performance of "Euphoria," he opened his mouth to speak, but before any words could escape, laser beams from a sniper's rifle danced across his body.

Taehyung's heart stopped.

Bodyguards sprang into action, rushing to shield Jungkook and pushing him aside. But it was too late. A bullet pierced Jungkook's chest, and his body crumpled to the ground, blood pooling around him.

Taehyung was frozen in horror, his eyes locked onto Jungkook's, which still gazed back at him.

Chaos erupted. Fans screamed, rushing to exit the stadium.

Taehyung, however, sprinted toward the stage, his legs carrying him on autopilot.

Jimin appeared beside him, equally distraught.

"Kook!" Taehyung wailed.

He dropped to his knees, grasping Jungkook's blood-stained hand.

"Jungkook, darling, wake up!" Taehyung pleaded.

Tears streamed down his face.

Staff scrambled to call an ambulance.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Paramedics rushed in, carefully lifting Jungkook onto a stretcher.

Taehyung attempted to follow but Namjoon restrained him.

"Let Jimin go with him; we'll follow by car," Namjoon advised.

Jimin nodded, his face etched with worry, and climbed into the ambulance.

Taehyung's state of mind made him unfit to drive.

Namjoon took the wheel.

The car sped toward Seoul City Hospital.

Present

Jungkook was rushed directly to the operation theatre, and the agonizing wait began. Three hours ticked by, but there was no update on his condition.

Outside the hospital, paparazzi swarmed, their cameras and microphones at the ready. Some genuinely expressed concern for Jungkook's well-being, while others sought sensational headlines.

The dramatic scene at the stadium had been captured live: Taehyung, CEO of Kim Entertainment, sprinting toward Jungkook, overcome with emotion, and wailing at the sight of his blood-soaked body.

However, Namjoon's swift action ensured the hospital remained secure. Additional security personnel, deployed on his orders, formed a barrier between the paparazzi and the hospital entrance.

Inside the operation theatre, the medical team battled to preserve Jungkook's life. The door swung open, and a weary yet composed doctor emerged.

Jimin, still sniffling, anxiously inquired, "How's Jungkook, Doctor?"

Taehyung stood beside him, his eyes locked onto the doctor, patience etched on his face.

The doctor took a deep breath.

"We've successfully removed the bullet from Mr. Jeon's body," he announced.

Taehyung's eyes widened, hope flickering.

"Thankfully, the bullet missed his heart," the doctor continued, "but the next 24 hours are critical. We'll keep him under close observation."

Taehyung's voice barely above a whisper asked, "Can we see him, please?"

The doctor's sympathetic gaze met Taehyung's.

"Not now, Mr. Kim," he replied gently. "We'll transfer Mr. Jeon to another ward. You can visit him in three hours."

Jimin nodded, understanding.

Taehyung's face fell, but he acquiesced.

The doctor nodded and departed, leaving Taehyung and Jimin suspended in limbo.

Namjoon approached, concern etched on his face.

"What did the doctor say?" he asked.

Jimin filled him in.

"The bullet's out, but the next 24 hours are crucial," Jimin summarized.

Taehyung's eyes never left the operation theatre doors.

The ward boys emerged, carefully maneuvering Jungkook's stretcher out of the operation theatre. Namjoon's request had ensured a VIP room, ensuring Jungkook's comfort and privacy.

As the stretcher passed, Taehyung's eyes locked onto Jungkook's frail form. His face was pale, almost lifeless, and dull. Wires snaked across his chest, an oxygen mask covered his nose and mouth, and a drip fed into his hand.

Taehyung's composure shattered.

He crumpled, overcome by emotion.

Namjoon sprang into action, enveloping Taehyung in a warm embrace.

Taehyung sobbed uncontrollably, his body shaking.

Namjoon held him tight.

"Let it out, tae," Namjoon whispered.

Jimin witnessed the heart-wrenching scene.

Overwhelmed, he hastily retreated to the restroom.

Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to compose himself.

In the VIP room, medical staff scurried around Jungkook.

Monitors beeped.

Taehyung's cries gradually subsided.

Namjoon released him.

Taehyung's red-rimmed eyes met Namjoon's.

"Thank you, hyung," Taehyung whispered.

Namjoon nodded.

"We're here for you, and Jungkook," he reassured.

The door creaked open.

Jimin re-entered.

Eyes puffy.

"Sorry," Jimin murmured.

Taehyung opened his arms.

Jimin rushed into the hug.

"We'll get through this together," Taehyung vowed.