Meraki | jikook

Chapter XII

Be My Guiding Light

I’m afraid to tell you Jeon Jeongguk couldn’t make it.

Jimin sprang awake into a sitting position, a loud gasp leaving his mouth as he struggled to get air into his lungs. His chest heaved and his head spun as he brought a shaky hand to his heart, his violently thumping heart in order to calm it down. The royal physician rushed toward him, bringing a vial of some pink liquid to his lips. Jimin swallowed the contents before looking at the physician with wide pained eyes. Before he could open his mouth and question about Jeongguk however, the physician flashed him a small reassuring smile.

“You need not fear, dear prince. The arrow was very close but did not pierce his heart. He is still asleep due to the sedatives we gave him but he will be okay.”

Just a bad dream.

Jimin rubbed a hand down his face and sighed, teary eyes blinking at his sheets. He felt a large hand caress his arm and Jimin unconsciously leaned into the familiar touch, taking comfort from his brother’s warmth. He felt Taehyung’s lips press onto the top of his head. Jimin was so thankful for having his brothers to always help him through tough times. The prince jolted in his younger brother’s arms once he realized Seokjin was gone.

“Seokjin hyung and appa-” Jimin choked on his own words, teary eyes looking up at Taehyung for any sort of information. The youngest prince shook his head, lips drawn into a sad smile.

“Jin hyung’s body wasn’t found,” he spoke softly. “I had guards scour the entire battleground but they returned with no information about Jin hyung.” Jimin furrowed his brows, staring at the sheets draped across the lower half of his body. “You need to know one more thing Jiminie, Namjoon is missing as well.” Jimin snapped his head to look at his brother. “All this means that you’ll have to step up to the throne. After Jin hyung, it’s you, you’re in line to the throne.”

“I- you know you’re much better at this than I could ever be Taehyung.” Every word that escaped Jimin’s mouth was filled with anxiety and worry. “I wouldn’t make a good king, everyone thinks I’m weak, how would they accept me as their king? You should do it Tae. You should sit on the throne. I’m probably just better off being in the shadows as I’m supposed to-"

Taehyung gently whacked his brother’s head. Jimin winced but smiled through his teary eyes, smiled as much as his pain would allow him to.

“I’ll talk to you about this later. Go see Jeongguk, that will help you clear your head a little. I’ll be right here with Yoongi if you need me, okay?”

Jimin sighed but gave a nod, knowing whatever Taehyung had said was right. He needed to go see Jeongguk, he needed to be sure with his own eyes that the knight was fine. He gingerly pulled the sheets off of himself and stood up, back aching from having laid down for long. He stretched his arms above his head and grimaced when he felt a few pops. He started walking towards the doors leading to the critical unit when he felt a gentle grip on his wrist. Jimin turned around only to be pulled into a chest. The warm embrace made him feel at ease.

“Just know,” the softest of whispers echoed through his ears, “you’re stronger than you think you are. You’re one of the strongest people in my life. Just know, whenever you need me, no matter what, I will always be here for you.”

“I know,” Jimin fisted the back of his younger brother’s tunic. “And I hope you know I’ll do the same for you, my little dongsaeng.”