As the day finally arrived for Hana to go home, Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and reluctance. He’d watched her overcome her injury and grow stronger day by day, and though he was happy to see her healthy, he knew he’d miss her bright, cheerful presence. But there was one last thing he had to do for her before she left --get that autograph she’d been asking for. The promise he’d made to her now felt like a daunting task.
Hana, beaming as she packed her things, looked up at him expectantly. “Dr. Kookie, you didn’t forget, right?” She held her little autograph book tightly, her eyes full of excitement.
Jungkook cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. “Of course not.But, you know… actors are busy, and Mr. Kim—”
“Please?” she whispered, squeezing the notebook even tighter, as if it could somehow summon Taehyung’s autograph on its own.
Jungkook sighed, caving under the weight of her hopeful gaze. How could he say no to her, especially after everything she’d been through? But approaching Taehyung about it that was the part that had him stumped.
“All right,” he said softly. “I’ll ask.”
Taking a deep breath, he walked down the hall to Taehyung’s room. After a quick knock, he opened the door to find Taehyung sitting by the window, flipping through his phone. The actor looked up, surprised and amused to see Jungkook hesitating at the door.
“Well, Dr. Jeon! This is a rare visit,” Taehyung said with a small grin, his gaze playful. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Jungkook shifted awkwardly, clearing his throat. “Actually… I came to ask for a favor.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “One of my young patients, Hana, is going home today. She’s a big fan of yours and… well, she’s been asking for your autograph. I promised her I’d ask.”
Taehyung’s eyes softened at the mention of a young fan. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?” he replied, standing up with a warm smile. “Of course, I’d be happy to give her one. And I can come meet her if she’d like.”
Jungkook’s shoulders relaxed with relief. “She’d love that,” he replied, his own smile breaking through.
A few minutes later, Hana was sitting beside Taehyung, barely able to contain her excitement as he signed her notebook. Taehyung chatted with her, asking about her favorite shows and even telling a few funny stories that had her giggling. Jungkook watched from the side, surprised at how naturally Taehyung connected with her, bringing out even more of her bubbly personality.
After she thanked him, clutching the signed notebook like a treasure, Taehyung turned to Jungkook, his gaze mischievous. “Anything else, Dr. Jeon? Perhaps you want an autograph too?” he teased.
Jungkook felt his cheeks warm, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. “I think I’ll survive without one,” he replied with a small smile. But as he escorted Hana out, he couldn’t help but glance back, catching Taehyung’s warm expression, as if something unspoken had settled between them in that simple exchange.
~
Ever since overhearing the nurses’ gossip, Jungkook had become hyper-aware of Taehyung’s gaze. Before, he’d brushed it off as nothing — just a patient watching their doctor go about their work. But now, each time he entered Taehyung's room, he could feel those eyes on him, attentive and unblinking, as if Taehyung were trying to read between every word he said and every movement he made.
When Jungkook adjusted the IV or checked Taehyung's charts, he sensed that quiet intensity, and though he tried to ignore it, the weight of Taehyung’s attention made his every action feel magnified. His calm, professional facade felt harder to maintain under the scrutiny.
