Fated by 'I Do'

Chapter 47: Hope is where the heart is

The crisp air of the park was a welcome change for Jungkook, who had been advised by his doctor to take regular walks to prepare for the arrival of his baby. His small belly peeked out slightly from the hoodie he wore, a constant reminder of the precious life growing within him. He sipped on the fresh juice that Jin had lovingly prepared, savoring its tangy sweetness.

The Jeon family had insisted he stay at the mansion until his delivery, and though he missed the quiet of his own space, he couldn't deny the comfort of having everyone around. Taehyung, his ever-doting husband, was standing a little farther away, engrossed in a phone call with a client.

Jungkook's steps slowed as his attention was drawn to a commotion ahead. His eyes widened in alarm when he saw a small girl, no older than three, standing in the middle of the road. Her cries of "Eomma! Eomma!" tore through the air, her tiny frame trembling with fear as a car barreled toward her.

Time seemed to slow for Jungkook. His chest tightened, and he felt a surge of protectiveness that transcended logic. The girl's desperate cries resonated deeply within him, and he could almost hear his own baby's voice, calling for him in fear.

"Wait, baby! Eomma is coming to you!" Jungkook yelled, his voice trembling as he sprang into action.

Taehyung, distracted by Jungkook's sudden shout, turned to see his husband sprinting toward the road. His heart dropped when he saw the oncoming car. "Jungkook! Stop!" he shouted, his phone slipping from his hand as he raced after him.

But Jungkook was already there. With a determined leap, he scooped the crying girl into his arms just as the car screeched toward them. The driver swerved but couldn't completely avoid them. The vehicle grazed Jungkook, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Jungkook shielded the little girl with his body, his head hitting a stone as he landed. The juice bottle he had been holding rolled away, spilling its contents onto the pavement.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung's voice was raw with panic as he reached his husband. Dropping to his knees, he carefully turned Jungkook onto his back, his hands trembling as he checked for injuries. The little girl, unharmed but terrified, clung to Jungkook's chest, her sobs muffled against him.

"Jungkook, open your eyes!" Taehyung pleaded, gently patting his husband's cheek. "Please, baby, talk to me."

Jungkook groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "Tae..." he murmured weakly, his hand instinctively moving to his belly. "The baby... is the baby okay?"

Taehyung exhaled shakily, his hand covering Jungkook's. "You're both okay. You're going to be fine," he reassured, though his own fear was evident in his voice.

The girl's mother rushed over, her face pale with terror. She grabbed her daughter from Jungkook's arms, holding her tightly as tears streamed down her face. "Thank you," she sobbed, bowing deeply to Jungkook and Taehyung.

Taehyung turned to the growing crowd. "Someone call an ambulance!" he yelled, his voice firm despite the panic gripping him.

As the sirens wailed in the distance, Taehyung stayed by Jungkook's side, stroking his hair softly. "You're so brave, but please, no more heroics," he whispered, tears brimming in his eyes.

Jungkook managed a faint smile, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... couldn't let her get hurt. She reminded me of... our baby."

Taehyung kissed his forehead, his voice choked with emotion. "I know, love. I know."

~×~×~×~

Jungkook's body went limp in Taehyung's arms, his breathing shallow, his skin alarmingly cold. Taehyung's panic surged as he gently shook his husband. "Jungkook, please! Wake up, baby! Stay with me!" he cried, his voice breaking.