Flower Shop | BTS

Chapter 10

The following Monday, Hoseok and Jimin arrived at Dr. Wexler's office in New York.

"Good evening, Doctor," smiled Hoseok as he pulled a chair and sat on it, followed by Jimin.

"Good evening, gentlemen. Taehyung told me that you needed some medical advice," Dr. Wexler said.

"Yes, indeed, we recently received the results of my friend's biopsy. It claims that he is diagnosed with ABMC-"

"ARMS," Hoseok mumbled softly, correcting Jimin.

"Yes, that- and the survival rates kind of concern us. Plus, I made a little research and Google said that removing the leg from the pelvis down was necessary," Jimin continued explaining.

"Why didn't you contact a doctor earlier, if that's the case?" questioned Dr. Wexler.

"We tried, but it didn't go so well," Hoseok mumbled.

"May I see the biopsy reports?" the doctor asked politely and carefully, noticing Hoseok's behavior ever since Jimin mentioned the leg dismantlement.

Hoseok handed him the file, and while the doctor was analyzing the records, Hoseok was sitting at the edge of his seat, biting his bottom lip nervously. He disliked how removing the leg was a valid option and wished for the doctor's disapproval of that. He loathed how it sounded with Jimin's sympathetic tone of voice, and shuddered, imagining it.

The doctor settled the reports on his desk before sighing heavily and asking Hoseok to lie down on the medical table, half-naked, to examine the tumor.

After much scrutinized examing, Dr. Wexler told Hoseok to wear his pants, as went back to his desk. When Hoseok sat back down in front of him, the doctor started speaking, "I guarantee you that the statistics you had been given are unacceptable, and you don't need an amputation."

The boys beamed at that, smiling from ear to ear in relief.

"Also, I want to ask of you one thing," stated Dr. Wexler.

"Of course, ask anything," Jimin enthusiastically replied.

"You see, I am conducting a clinical trial for rhabdomyosarcoma, and by examing your feet, your case would be a major help," Dr. Wexler carefully approached.

"What's the use of this trial," asked Hoseok.

"It is to provide a longer-term, disease-free survival. However, unlike the standard three-drug chemotherapy regimen, this one includes seven drugs. With this method, I could almost assure you that the late effects of this treatment would only be temporary rather than perpetual," the doctor explained.

Hoseok then remembered his dancing career as a choreographer and asked, "What would the effects be?"

"Most likely weakened mobility or a foot dysfunction," said the doctor "However, please don't misunderstand me. You are not forced into being part of this trial. I can provide you with my number, and you could notify me of your decision tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you! We understand," ended Jimin.

After arriving back home, the boys sprawled themselves on the couch, completely exhausted and worn out from their trip. They lounged in silence until Hoseok broke it, saying, "What do you think of this trial thing?"

"Honestly Hoseok, this is the first time someone mentioned a future past your cancer. But it is your choice, regardless," Jimin replied thoughtfully.

"I say we trust him. His determination throughout the meeting revived my hope of proceeding in my career. I want to live, and I want to dance," Hoseok expressed, and with that, their conversation ended as they trudged towards their room.

They both fall asleep, fed with much hope and optimism to briefly overwhelm the endless fear that they now grew accustomed to, thanks to Hoseok's doomed condition. The fear of losing each other and destroying their sacred brotherhood is now -momentarily- on hold.