Fated by 'I Do'

Chapter 48: Friendship with Love

It had been a week since the harrowing incident that shook Taehyung and Jungkook's lives. Today, Jungkook was finally being discharged from the hospital. He lay quietly on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, while Taehyung busied himself packing up their belongings. Every now and then, Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, his heart aching at the sight of his still-fragile husband.

Once everything was packed, Taehyung helped Jungkook out of his hospital gown and into his soft, comfortable clothes. Taking extra care, he gently applied moisturizer to Jungkook's sensitive skin, murmuring soothing words as he worked. Jungkook stayed quiet but leaned into Taehyung’s tender touch, a small sign of comfort.

When Jungkook was ready, Taehyung bent down and carefully lifted him in his arms. "I've got you, Bun," he whispered, kissing his temple. Jin followed behind, carrying their hospital bag, while Bo-ah held the medicine bags prescribed for Jungkook's recovery. The doctor met them at the door to reiterate strict instructions: Jungkook needed to avoid stress and take utmost care of himself, as any further complications could jeopardize both his life and the baby's. The warning lingered heavily in everyone's hearts.

As they made their way to the car, Taehyung gently placed Jungkook in the backseat between Jin and Bo-ah for extra support. He made sure Jungkook was comfortable before shutting the door. With a final glance at the hospital that had been their second home for the past week, Taehyung settled into the passenger seat beside Yoongi, who had volunteered to drive.

The drive back to the Jeon mansion was filled with a quiet determination to heal and move forward. Though the week had been grueling, it also reinforced the love and care surrounding Jungkook, a promise from their family to protect him and the precious life he carried at all costs.

~×~×~×~

As the car pulled up at the Jeon Mansion driveway, Namjoon and Hoseok were pacing anxiously, their faces filled with worry. When the door opened, Taehyung stepped out carefully, cradling Jungkook in his arms as though he were the most delicate treasure. Namjoon rushed forward, his heart aching at the sight of his pale son. Gently, he pressed a kiss to Jungkook's forehead, whispering, "Welcome home, my precious boy." He stepped aside to let Taehyung carry him inside.

Inside the mansion, Seok Woo, Yoonji, and Jimin were waiting in the living room. Jimin, holding baby Byeol in his arms, was the first to rush over, his face alight with relief. "Kookie, you're home!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling. Jungkook gave a tired smile as he was gently laid down on the couch.

Yoonji quickly approached, carrying a tray with a tall glass of banana and apple smoothie, as per the doctor’s strict dietary orders. "Here, Kookie," she said softly, offering the glass. Jungkook scrunched his nose immediately, his lips jutting out in a pout. "Noona, I hate the smell! I don't want this," he whined dramatically. "I want a strawberry smoothie!"

The room erupted in chuckles, Bo-ah and Seok Woo laughing the loudest. "Strawberry smoothie, huh?" Bo-ah teased, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "That’s Taehyung’s favorite, isn’t it?"

Jungkook blinked innocently, rubbing his small bump. "It’s not me! It’s the baby’s choice," he insisted, his voice laced with adorable stubbornness. Taehyung, standing nearby with a fond smirk, crossed his arms. "Oh, is that so, bun? My baby suddenly has my cravings now?" he teased.

Bo-ah’s laughter softened as she turned to Seok Woo. "You know, I craved tangerines when I was pregnant with Yoongi and Taehyung. I hated them before, but I couldn’t stop eating them. It was your favorite fruit, wasn’t it?" Seok Woo nodded, his face warm with memory. "It’s fascinating how cravings reflect such connections," he said, his gaze softening as he looked at Jungkook.