𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)✔

chapter 37

Author's POV

"Hyung!" Jimin's voice echoed through the quiet apartment, panic seeping into his every word as he rushed toward Jungkook, who lay motionless on the floor. His heart hammered in his chest, fear gripping him tightly as he knelt beside Jungkook.

Jimin hesitated before touching him, a soft gasp escaping his lips the moment his hand pressed against Jungkook's burning skin. He flinched, feeling the intense heat radiating off Jungkook's body. "Hyung, please wake up," he whispered, his voice trembling. He shook Jungkook gently, but there was no response.

Tears pricked at Jimin's eyes as desperation clawed at his chest. He tried to lift Jungkook, straining with all his strength, but his arms faltered under the weight. "Why are you so heavy?" Jimin muttered shakily, frustration lacing his tone. He stumbled backward, his chest heaving as he fought the rising tide of helplessness.

Without wasting another second, Jimin sprinted to the kitchen, grabbing a bowl and filling it with cold water. His hands trembled as he soaked a cloth and rushed back to Jungkook. Kneeling beside him, Jimin gently squeezed the water over Jungkook's face, droplets trickling down his cheeks. "Please, Hyung, open your eyes," Jimin pleaded, his voice cracking. But Jungkook remained still, his breathing shallow and labored.

Feeling the lump in his throat tighten, Jimin grabbed his phone with shaky hands, his first instinct to call Yoongi. However, when the call failed and the automated voice informed him that the phone was switched off, a wave of panic surged through him.

Biting his lip, he immediately dialed Taehyung's number.

"Hello, Tae! I need your help!" Jimin cried out desperately as soon as the call connected. His voice was strained, his breaths uneven.

"Jimin-ah, calm down. What's wrong? Tell me!" Taehyung's voice was steady but filled with concern, grounding Jimin momentarily.

"It's Jungkook hyung," Jimin explained, his words tumbling out in a rush. "He fainted, and he's burning up with a fever. I tried to lift him, but I can't. Can you come? Maybe bring Namjoon hyung if he's with you?"

There was a brief pause before Taehyung responded firmly, "Relax, Jimin-ah. We're on our way. Just stay with him and don't try to move him again. It's not good for you or the baby."

Jimin's grip on the phone tightened, his voice soft but resolute as he replied, "Okay. Please hurry."

Ending the call, Jimin wiped away the tears that had spilled over his cheeks. He quickly soaked another cloth in cold water and returned to Jungkook's side. He sat down beside him, placing the cloth gently on his forehead to cool the raging fever.

"Why didn't you tell me you were this tired, Hyung?" Jimin whispered, his voice trembling. His free hand stroked Jungkook's damp hair as silent tears streamed down his face, dripping onto Jungkook's skin. Guilt twisted like a knife in Jimin's chest, each second feeling heavier than the last.

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Jungkook's clammy forehead. "I'm sorry for everything," he murmured, his voice barely audible. Jimin wrapped his arms around Jungkook, pulling him close to his chest as though his embrace could offer some kind of protection.

The room was silent except for the sound of Jimin's quiet sobs and Jungkook's labored breaths. Each second felt like an eternity until the doorbell rang, shattering the stillness.

Jimin scrambled to his feet, hastily wiping his tears as he rushed to open the door. Relief washed over him at the sight of Taehyung and Namjoon standing there, their faces etched with concern.

"Help me," Jimin choked out, his voice breaking.

Without hesitation, Taehyung and Namjoon stepped inside. Together, they carefully lifted Jungkook and carried him to the car, Jimin trailing behind them, his hands clasped tightly together as he whispered silent prayers for Jungkook's recovery.