A love beyond words

33

As they sat outside the VIP room, anxiously awaiting the opportunity to see Jungkook, a tall, dignified man in his early sixties approached them. His greying hair and worried expression commanded attention. Tears brimmed in his eyes, betraying his efforts to compose himself.

This was Jeon Junseo, Jungkook's father.

Trailing behind him was a broad-shouldered man whose expression conveyed indifference, as if he'd rather be anywhere else.

Jeon Junseo rushed toward Jimin, grasping his arms frantically.

"How's Jungkook?" he implored, his voice trembling. "Is my son okay?"

Deep worry etched his face.

Jimin's eyes met Taehyung's before responding.

"Mr. Jeon, Jungkook's out of surgery," Jimin began gently. "The doctor says the next 24 hours are critical."

Jeon Junseo's grip on Jimin's arms tightened.

"What happened?" he demanded.

Taehyung intervened.

"There was a shooting incident at the concert, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung explained.

Jeon Junseo's eyes widened.

"Who...who did this?" he stammered.

The broad-shouldered man stepped forward.

"Let's focus on Jungkook's recovery, Father," he said gruffly.

Jeon Junseo's gaze shifted to the man, his expression a mix of warning and plea.

"Of course, Seokjin," Junseo said, nodding.

Kim Seokjin, Junseo's older son and Jungkook's brother, smirked.

"And what's the Chairman of Kim Corporation doing here?" Seokjin asked.

Taehyung's expression turned guarded.

Jimin's eyes darted between Seokjin and Taehyung, worry etched on his face.

Junseo intervened.

"He's my son, Kim Seokjin, older brother of Jungkook," Junseo said firmly.

Junseo's glare silenced Seokjin.Seokjin scoffed under his breath."Brother, my ass."

Taehyung nodded at Junseo, ignoring Seokjin's jibe.

"I'm here for Jungkook, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung reassured.

Junseo's eyes softened and nodded his head but Seokjin's presence seemed to darken the atmosphere.

After an agonizing wait, a nurse emerged from the room, her expression sympathetic.

"You can see Mr. Jeon now, but please maintain a safe distance," she instructed before departing.

Jeon Junseo's hands trembled as he pushed open the door.

His eyes fell upon Jungkook, his vibrant son now surrounded by wires and machines.

Junseo's composure crumbled.

Tears streamed down his face.

How could this be?

His kind-hearted, lively Jungkook, laid low by senseless violence.

Seokjin followed his father into the room.

The stark contrast between Jungkook's past vitality and current frailty hung in the air.

Taehyung stood on the left side of the bed, flanked by Namjoon and Jimin.

Their faces reflected concern and empathy.

On the right side, Jeon Junseo and Seokjin formed a striking contrast.

Junseo's anguish deepened but Seokjin's expression remained impassive.

Jungkook's chest rose and fell, the steady beep of monitors the only sound.

Taehyung's eyes locked onto Jungkook's face. His gaze burned with unspoken emotions.

Junseo approached the bed. "Jungkook, my son," he whispered.

Taehyung and Jimin, though no longer crying, bore telltale signs of emotional turmoil - red, puffy eyes and tear-stained faces.

Jeon Junseo whispered tenderly, "Get well soon, my son."

Seokjin's reaction was jarring.

"Stop crying, Dad," he said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "It's not like he's going to die."

Taehyung's head snapped up, his gaze locking onto Seokjin.

"If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut, Mr. Kim Seokjin," Taehyung warned.

Seokjin smirked.

"Or else what, Mr. Kim?" he retorted.

Namjoon intervened.

"Please, Taehyung, not now," he said.

His hand on Taehyung's shoulder. "We're here for Jungkook." Taehyung nodded. His eyes returned to Jungkook.

"Get well soon, my darling," he whispered.

"I long to tell you so much, to hear your voice."

"I yearn to see your pretty, bright eyes - the ones that light up my world."

Jimin's eyes welled up anew. Jeon Junseo's tears flowed freely but Seokjin's expression remained icy.

As they stepped out of the hospital room, the tension was palpable. Seokjin had already departed, forcibly dragging his father away, citing concerns about his father's health. "If you stay here any longer, Father, you'll fall ill too," Seokjin insisted, his expression unyielding. Jeon Junseo protested weakly, but Seokjin's grip remained firm.

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, his focus shifting to Namjoon. "I want to know who did this," he stated, his voice icy and commanding. "I want that person behind bars, Namjoon. Use every resource available, leave no stone unturned. I want justice for Jungkook." His gaze burned with determination.

Namjoon nodded gravely. "We're working on it, Taehyung. Security's been increased around the hospital, and the police are investigating. We'll find the perpetrator soon."

Jimin, seated beside Taehyung, spoke up, his voice laced with concern. "What if it's not just some random fan? What if someone's targeting Jungkook specifically?" Taehyung's expression darkened. "Then we'll deal with it accordingly. No one touches Jungkook and gets away with it."

Namjoon placed a reassuring hand on Taehyung's shoulder. "We'll protect Jungkook, and bring the culprit to justice." Taehyung's jaw clenched. "I'll make sure of it."

Just then, a hospital staff member approached. "Mr. Kim?" "Yes?" Taehyung replied. "The doctor wants to update you on Jungkook's condition." Taehyung rose, his eyes locked onto the hospital room door. "I'll go."

Jimin stood alongside him. "I'll come with you." Namjoon nodded. "I'll stay here, keep an eye on things."

As Taehyung and Jimin departed, Namjoon's phone buzzed. He answered, listening intently. "Any leads?" he asked, his voice low. The caller's response was inaudible, but Namjoon's expression turned resolute. "Keep me posted." He ended the call, his eyes fixed on the hospital room door, his thoughts consumed by the investigation unfolding.