✔ || Save Me [[SEQUEL to DISTRACT ME]]

Chapter 45

Jeongguk's eyes snapped open, and he wondered what caused him to rouse so suddenly.

And then he heard it again.

A dull thump, followed by a hiss.

He jerked upright and turned on the lamp sitting on his nightstand, blinking in the sudden light. Once his eyes adjusted, they widened in shock at the sight before him.

"Taehyung?!"

The elder writhed, his spine arching off the floor as he gasped in ragged breaths. His eyes were blown open, his pupils struggling to dilate.

Is he epileptic?

A loud cry echoed out of the elder's chest and Jeongguk flew to his side, hands hovering over his squirming body. If this was a seizure, would it really be a good idea to touch him? The maknae crouched hopelessly, unsure if anything he did would help or hurt. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand, fully prepared to dial 119.

"Tae?" He begged.

Slowly, the episode quieted, Taehyung periodically spasming as his body relaxed. Jeongguk watched carefully, gripping his phone so tightly that the glass creaked under the force. Finally, finally Taehyung blinked and focused on him. "Jagi?" he croaked.

"Tae," Jeongguk sobbed, throwing himself into the elder's open arms. "What was that?"

"Another -" Taehyung winced as Jeongguk helped him sit up. "Another episode."

"That was a lot worse than they've been in the past," Jeongguk deadpanned.

Taehyung's eyes swept warily through their room. Jeongguk waited for him to make whatever decision there was to make, chewing the inside of his cheek in nerves.

"I'm sorry," the elder suddenly mumbled.

Jeongguk blinked. "What?"

Taehyung suddenly lurched forward and pressed a chaste kiss to the maknae's lips. Jeongguk didn't even have time to react before the elder pulled away and said fiercely, "No matter what happens, I love you. Okay?"

Jeongguk hesitated, working his jaw. "I love you too, but -"

"Stop," Taehyung ordered. "Whatever is going to happen can't be stopped. It'd be stupid to try."

"You're freaking me out," Jeongguk said carefully.

"I know," Taehyung's eyes flashed sadly, manically. "I know, jagiya. I'm sorry."

With that, he kissed the maknae again, and it tasted like goodbye. Desperate, Jeongguk laced his fingers in the elder's hair, holding him against his lips. All too soon, the elder pulled away, a sad smile playing across his lips.

"Taehyung," Jeongguk begged quietly.

"Go get ready for the day, jagi," Taehyung said softly, his eyes devouring the maknae like a last meal.

"What about you?" Jeongguk croaked.

Taehyung bit his lip. "I - I'm going to just sit in here a bit longer. I'll be out in a bit."

"Promise?"

The elder just smiled gently in response, eyebrows furrowing in concentration. "Go, jagi. I'm sorry."

Something in him forced Jeongguk to obey, and he numbly realized that Taehyung was using magic on him.

Taehyung had never told him that he could still control people. What else didn't Jeongguk know?

He couldn't bring himself to be mad at the boy for using magic on him. He was only afraid.

As soon as the door shut behind the maknae, Taehyung released his hold on him with a heavy sigh.