Backstage (Taekook)

Chapter 6

“You're back, where's Jungkook?”

Jimin asked, as a nervous Taehyung sat down right where he sat before. The latter came back in the middle of a performance, thus wasn't noticed by the rest of the audience.

“U-Uh... He was having a bad stomachache, I waited for a while and he told me to get back first, he should be back soon when he's done.”

“A bad stomachache? I'll go check on him.”

Jimin stood up from his seat, only to get pulled back down by Seokjin, seated right in the middle of those two.

“Jiminie ah, stop exaggerating, Taehyungie already said Jungkookie will be back soon. Besides, who checks on someone when they're doing their business!”

“Business? No, he's just having a stomachache, nothing else.” Taehyung seemed eager to explain, which Yoongi raised an eyebrow at.

“Are you keeping something from us? Is he perhaps not feeling well, and still wants to perform later?”

Taehyung gulped at his words, just remembering that maybe Jungkook really isn't in the condition to perform.

“Yeah, he's not feeling too well, he couldn't even walk properly, and he seemed to have a headache too.”

“And you just left him there and came back alone?” Jimin became shifty.

Taehyung was at a lost for words, looking around to see Jungkook coming into his sight, approaching the group's position in the audience.

He stood up quickly and moved to the left end where Hoseok was seated. Jimin felt even more pissed than before when he saw that, thinking it was directed towards himself.

“Taehyung ah, you-”

“Calm down, Jungkookie is right there.” Seokjin held on to Jimin's shoulder, the latter turning back to the direction where Taehyung came from.

Taehyung bit his lip, quickly placing a hand on his zipper, checking if it's fixed. It was a sudden thought that made him uncomfortable.

Jimin watched as Jungkook sat down beside Seokjin, the original seat he was at. He slouched slightly, placing a hand on Jungkook's.

“Jungkook ah, I heard from Taehyung that you weren't feeling well. I'll let the managers know that I'm taking you to the doctors.”

Jungkook turned to look at the mentioned hyung, who just subtly looked away upon eye contact. Jungkook clicked and moved his tongue, obviously feeling pissed.

“Jiminie hyung, that won't be necessary, I'm fine with performing later.”

Jimin took a glance when Jungkook looked at the other, sensing the tension between those two.

“Jungkook, Jimin may be exaggerating but he meant well, if you really don't feel good, don't force yourself.” Seokjin said, unintentionally listening into the conversation.

“I said I'm fine, hyung!”

“What's with you? Jimin and Jin hyung is being concerned, why the hell are you showing an attitude?”

Jungkook took a second to compose himself.

“I'm sorry, but I'm really fine, you all really don't have to fuss over me. The one who should wouldn't.”

“What are you talking about?” Namjoon asked, which Jungkook shrugged his shoulders in response.

Taehyung kept absolutely silent, his heart sinking when he heard that. Jungkook obviously meant him. Even though the rest of the members doesn't know, saying things like that would definitely raise suspicions.

“Myself. I don't even fuss over myself like that, but you hyungs are acting like I'm on my last breath.” Jungkook chuckled, which the rest of the members sighed to.

-

The event ended with the boys' performance. Everyone else in the audience left the venue separately after the closure. The boys remained in the changing room to take a break right after performance.

“Jungkook ah, you okay? I better get you to the doctors, you've really gotta stop acting tough.”

Jimin placed a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, after seeing the state that the boy was in after the show. During the performance, he noticed Jungkook clenching his teeth during the intense dance sequences, as if he was pushing himself to not show his discomfort.

“You're still at it, hyung? I told you, I'm really fine.”

“Hey, stop being so stubborn, or I'll let the managers step in.”

“Either way, I'm gonna have to pay the hospital a visit, right?”