𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐇 || 𝚃𝙰𝙴𝙺𝙾𝙾𝙺 ||

LXXVII

"your child or...your wife"

Kook stumbles back, Dr. Nandani’s words a physical blow. Yoongi and Namjoon rush forward, their arms steadying him as he sways.

"Kook!" Yoongi murmur, concern frown over his eyebrows. A heartbroken cry rips from Jin and Jimin, their voices sharp with agony, and Jennie and Aradhya try to comfort them, their own faces etched with fear and sorrow.

A storm rages in Jungkook’s head. The hospital lights become blur to his eyes, anyone's and distant alarms fading into his ears.

Nandani's words terrifying him. His brain stuck to those painful words. Air around him feels suffocating. He can feel a lump in this throat, his mouth drying.

This can't be happening. Not to them. Not to Tae, his innocent, loving Tae.

He clutches his head, fingers digging into his scalp as if to physically stop the terrifying thoughts.

The image of Tae's pale, still face flashes infront of his eyes. The image of her lying on the floor and blood around her still fresh in his mind.

The thought of their unborn child, a life they’d dreamed of together. Fear, cold and sharp pierces through him, tightening its grip around his heart.

"Why?" he finally chokes out, his voice raw and unrecognizable, a pained whisper tear from the depths of his soul. "Why do I have to choose?"

Dr. Nandani’s expression show the sorrow, her eyes reflecting the harsh reality.

"Mr. Jeon, she already lose alot of blood. She is still unconscious. We're doing everything we can, but her body is under immense strain. The baby's condition is also critical.

And to remind you again, she is in her 8th month, she isn't in labour which makes the situation even more critical. To save both would be a miracle we may not be able to achieve.

We need to prioritize the best outcome, even if it means making an painful decision." Her voice is gentle, yet firm, laced with the harsh reality of medical necessity.

Jungkook can’t think straight. His eyes brim slowly, hot tears threatening to spill. His heart aches, a relentless, throbbing pain. He never imagined this scene, this brutal choice.

His mind races, desperately searching for an option, a way to defy this cruel reality. "Isn't there… isn't there any other way?" he pleads, his voice cracking. "Can't you… can't you save them both?"

Dr. Nandani shakes her head slowly, her eyes brimming with empathy. "We are trying, Mr. Jeon. But if it comes down to it, we need your decision. Every second is crucial."

His heart beats achingly, a frantic drum against his ribs. He looks at the operating theatre doors, stark white and unforgiving. Behind them, his Tae struggles for life, fighting battles he can only imagine.

Taking a shuddering breath, Jungkook opens his eyes. He looks at Dr. Nandani, his gaze raw with a decision that tears his soul apart.

"Save… save Tae," he whispers, the words a jagged shard in his throat. "Please, save my wife."

Nandani pats his shoulder gently. "I can understand what you're feeling, but please try to be strong, Mr. Jeon. Please fill the needed formalities. Everything will be alright if God wants."

With that, she turns and disappears back into the operating theatre, the doors swinging shut, sealing Tae away once more.

Her words echo in his ears, a chilling reminder of his impossible choice. He looks to his right. There’s a small mandir.