Till death do us part [ j.jk × p.jm ]

chapter- 57

Namjoon approached quietly, his footsteps careful as he took in the sight before him. The usually unshakable Jungkook was on his knees in the dirt, holding Jimin protectively in his arms. Jimin's slender frame was trembling violently, his arms wrapped tightly around Jungkook's waist like he was afraid to let go. His face was buried in Jungkook's chest, muffled sobs shaking his entire body.

Jungkook held him just as tightly, one hand cradling the back of Jimin's head while the other gently stroked his back in slow, soothing motions. His own face was streaked with soot and blood, but his expression was focused, a mix of fierce protectiveness and quiet heartbreak.

Namjoon stopped a few steps away, his chest tightening at the scene. He'd seen fear before, but this was different. Jimin's grip on Jungkook was desperate, his body wracked with sobs that told Namjoon all he needed to know. This wasn't something that would pass with a night's rest.

He crouched down beside them, keeping his voice soft. "Jungkook," he said, his eyes searching the younger man's face for any sign of his own condition. "You okay?"

Jungkook didn't look at him at first, his focus entirely on Jimin. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice low but steady. "Jimin's not."

Namjoon nodded slowly, his gaze moving to Jimin. The Jimin's hands clutched at Jungkook's shirt, his knuckles white with tension. Namjoon's heart ached at the sight. "He's had a shock," Namjoon said gently, his tone careful. "It's going to take time for him to feel safe again."

Jungkook finally glanced at him, his jaw tight. "I'll stay with him," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I'll make sure he's okay."

Namjoon placed a steadying hand on Jungkook's shoulder, noting how the younger man flinched slightly from the contact. "You both need to get checked out," he reminded him softly. "But you're right. He's going to need you more than ever now."

Jungkook looked back down at Jimin, who was still shaking in his arms. He tightened his hold, his voice softening as he murmured, "We're safe now. It's over. I won't let anything happen to you."

Jimin didn't respond with words, but his grip on Jungkook tightened even more. His sobs began to slow, though his breathing remained shaky. Jungkook's protective embrace didn't falter, even as his own injuries screamed for attention.

Namjoon sighed quietly, standing up and signaling to the nearby paramedics to hold off for a moment. He knew they'd both need care, but pulling Jimin away now would only make things worse.

As Namjoon looked down at them, a grim realization settled in his chest. Jimin was going to need time-maybe a lot of it-to heal from this. But watching Jungkook kneeling there, shielding Jimin from the world as if he could bear the weight of Jimin's pain himself, Namjoon knew one thing for sure.

At least Jimin wasn't alone.

The paramedics approached cautiously, their steps crunching softly on the gravel. Jungkook, still kneeling, held Jimin tightly. His body was tense, but his focus remained entirely on the younger man in his arms.

One of the paramedics stopped nearby. "We need to check both of you for injuries," she said gently, her tone calm but firm.

Jungkook gave a short nod but didn't move. "Start with him," he said, his voice rough from the strain of the night.

Another medic crouched in front of Jimin. "Can you tell me if you're hurt?"

Jimin didn't respond immediately, his head still tucked against Jungkook's chest. Jungkook gave him a slight squeeze. "Jimin, let them check, okay? Just for a minute."

Jimin raised his head slightly, his eyes glazed but lucid enough to nod faintly. The medic carefully checked him over, asking simple questions about pain or discomfort, but Jimin shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm fine."