Stigma: Killer Love

Chapter Three

The doctor and nurses assured the Jeon family that Taehyung would be fine. His throwing up and fainting was a result of stress and dehydration that would be fixed with some rest and an IV drip. Officer Jeon and Jungkook offered to stay over night with Taehyung until he woke while Mrs Jeon and Junghyun went home to prepare the bed for Taehyung.

“Jeon, can I speak to you for a moment?” The doctor said after one half of the family had left.

“I’m coming back, okay Jungkook?” Jeon ruffled his son’s hair and stepped out into the corridor with Dr Park. “What’s wrong, Park?”

“Well. I’m not sure who that boy is to you, but you need to have a chat with his parents.”

“What do you mean?” The police officer was now confused.

“There are bruises covering his back, arms and stomach.”

“Well he was found fighting some kids earlier on today.” Officer Jeon explained.

“Well, he must be a frequent and bad fighter. Some of those bruises are at least a week old. We did an x-ray just in case and found traces of past fractures on both of his arms and legs.” Dr Park crossed his arms.

“What are you suggesting?” Officer Jeon had many thoughts running through his head and none of them were good.

“I’m suggesting that some one has been beating this kid up. The lack of bruising on his face says someone didn’t want to be caught.” Dr Park sighed.

“Thanks, Park. I’ll look in to it.” Officer Jeon walked back into the room with questions swimming in his head. He was more curious about the boy in the bed than he had been when he first saw him.

“What did Jimin’s dad say?” Jungkook said as he fixed Taehyung’s hair.

“He was just talking to me about signing as Taehyung’s guardian, since we don’t know who his parents are.” Officer Jeon lied.

“Oh, that must be sad.” Jungkook whispered.

“Yes, it is.”

***

“Hyung, would you just let me help you put on your shoes.” Jungkook laughed. His dad was out signing the release forms and his mother and brother were on their way to the hospital. Jungkook on the other hand was trying to help Taehyung get dressed. The latter was too weak to do it himself, and he had blatantly refused the nurses’ help.

“I can do it myself.” Taehyung muttered.

“That’s what you said about your pants and you almost ended up face planting on the floor.” Jungkook laughed again and Taehyung couldn’t help but notice how nice his laugh sounded. It had been a while since he heard someone laugh so freely.

“Fine, just hurry up.” Taehyung slowly folded his arms across his chest and watched the younger boy put on his shoes for him. He was glad that he was able to put on his own t-shirt and jacket.

Jungkook took a step back to admire his work before he started clearing up the things in the room. There were empty packets of chips and half-drunk cups of coffee and tea. Taehyung watched Jungkook busy himself around the room before he opened his mouth.