SAFE HAVEN, yoonkook

twenty six.

Jungkook held tightly onto Yoongi's hand as they entered Namjoon's laboratory. He hid behind the older male's back, watching everything warily. Sometimes he'd hear a noise and jump, moving closer to Yoongi and holding his hand tighter. There was a limit to what Yoongi could do to comfort the boy and he was stuck just whispering the occasional (hopefully) soothing few words or rubbing the back of his hand. When they reached the final door, the blonde paused and gave the brunette one last kiss on the forehead. He hoped that did something, but he couldn't be sure. Jungkook definitely didn't become less tense, he knew that for sure.

"It's only for a couple of days, alright?" He reminded the boy, giving his hand a little squeeze. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

"I trust you." The pair then entered the next room, where Namjoon was standing at one of the desks. He was running through all his equipment while occasionally checking back at his laptop.

Jungkook could only see the back of him but just the sight of him in the long, white coat brought all the memories he'd struggled to suppress rushing back. His chest ached and his lip quivered, but he did his best to hide how easily this male had affected him. His pride didn't want him to know. Namjoon then turned around, sensing the pair behind him, and gave them both a small smile in greeting. The feelings intensified.

"Ah, you came! I'm glad." Every little thing Namjoon did just made Jungkook feel worse. When they'd arrived, the brunette had told himself that he wouldn't let the scientist get to him, he wouldn't regress. And yet every time the older male would look somewhere but the boy, Jungkook could feel the ghost of feelings he'd once felt being to resurface; he wanted all of Namjoon's attention, to be his favourite again.

But he had Yoongi now; he had to remind himself that. Namjoon was nothing in comparison, and Jungkook didn't need him anymore. The brunette moved closer to the blonde, forcing him to wrap his arm around his small body as he watched the other scientist. The warmth radiating from Yoongi's body made him feel a little better. Jungkook would rather depend on Yoongi and be desperate for his attention instead.

"Does Kookie need to do any tests now?" Yoongi asked after a few seconds of silence ― they seemed longer to Jungkook. Namjoon shook his head, still smiling. He had such a kind smile, Jungkook almost wanted to believe he'd changed. But then, he always looked like that.

"No, not just yet. I've still gotta finish setting up the equipment." The door behind them opened again and Jungkook jumped, being startled by the unexpected sound of footsteps behind. His wings tensed, ready for an escape flight they weren't strong enough to do, and he moved even closer to Yoongi, which nearly caused him to fall over. When he glanced behind him, he saw it was just Jimin walking in with his arms full of more equipment. "Jimin can show you to the room that we've set up for you."

"Follow me." The shorter male said as he gestured at the pair. He didn't wait to see if they were following and just left the room. Luckily, Jungkook and Yoongi were following close behind.

Things hadn't changed much since Jungkook had last been there; he hadn't left his room much though, so maybe there were changes and he just didn't notice them. Whatever. It didn't matter that much anyway.

"Joon set up this room here for you." Jimin stopped outside a door, pushing it open to make what was very clearly a makeshift bedroom (but still better than the bed Yoongi had slept on in the early days). "There's only one bed ― if you can even call it that ― so you'll have to share. But I figure that won't be a problem..."

"Aren't dogs meant to be more excited and cheerful?" Yoongi chuckled at the younger's dull tone.

"Namjoon got better at isolating the DNA after Jungkook. I only have certain aspects." Jimin shrugged it off. "Anyway, make yourselves at home. I'm sure I'll be round to grab you guys later. If you need anything, don't hesitate to yell out... Joon doesn't."