TAEKOOK ONESHOT (PART 2)

Chapter 7

Six months had passed since Taehyung and Jungkook began therapy under the care of Dr. Yoon. Physically, the boys were completely healed—there were no more bruises or visible scars on their young bodies. Taehyung, being so young and innocent, had adjusted relatively well to his new life. His sweet, childlike nature allowed him to embrace the present, forgetting the past more easily than Jungkook. He adored spending time with Jimin, playing with his toys, and giggling endlessly about little things. Taehyung seemed almost carefree, his baby language and cheerful personality bringing life to the house.

But for Jungkook, it was not the same.

Every week, he would sit across from Dr. Yoon in the familiar, cozy therapy room. His arms often stayed crossed, his guard still up, though less so than it had been in the beginning. At first, Jungkook barely said anything. He would answer only in short, clipped sentences or simply nod when asked a question. But in the past month, there had been small changes—subtle shifts in his behavior that gave Dr. Yoon hope.

Jungkook had started making eye contact more often. He was beginning to talk—just a little—about his feelings, his thoughts. It wasn't much, but it was enough for Dr. Yoon to see that he was trying. She knew pushing him too hard could make him retreat, so she gave him the time he needed. The sessions were always at his pace.

One day during therapy, Jungkook sat on the couch, looking out of the window instead of at Dr. Yoon.

"How are you feeling today, Jungkook?" Dr. Yoon asked gently, her tone as warm as ever.

Jungkook hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of his sweatshirt. "Fine," he mumbled.

Dr. Yoon nodded. "I noticed you said Taehyung made a new drawing this week. He loves drawing, doesn't he?"

Jungkook's lips curled slightly into a faint smile. "Yeah. He drew a house. Said it was ours—with Jiminie, Mr. and Mrs. Park, and... me."

"And how did that make you feel?"

Jungkook shrugged. "Good, I guess." Then, after a pause, he added quietly, "I'm glad he's happy."

Dr. Yoon leaned forward slightly, her voice soft and encouraging. "That's a big thing, Jungkook. You've been taking such good care of him, even when it's been so hard for you. But I wonder... who's taking care of you?"

Jungkook stiffened slightly at her question. His hands clenched into fists on his lap. "I don't need anyone to take care of me," he said defensively.

"That's what you believe," Dr. Yoon said gently. "But I think it's been hard for you to carry so much alone. And that's okay, Jungkook. It's okay to need support. It's okay to feel sad, or angry, or scared. You've been through so much, and you don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Jungkook didn't respond. He looked down at his hands, his jaw clenched, but his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Dr. Yoon didn't push further. Instead, she let the silence fill the room, giving him the space to process her words.

That night, back at the Park household, Jungkook lay awake in bed. Taehyung was fast asleep beside him, clutching a stuffed bear to his chest. Jungkook stared at the ceiling, his mind racing.

He thought about Dr. Yoon's words. He thought about his parents—their faces, their voices, the warmth of their hugs. He thought about the last time he saw them, the fear in their eyes, and the chaos that had changed everything.

His chest tightened. He wanted to forget, to bury the memories, but they wouldn't go away. Every time he closed his eyes, they came rushing back, threatening to drown him.