Terrible Things

Chapter 25 - Then

December 30th

5 years ago

"The party has arrived," Hoseok yells, his voice echoing down the hallway. I roll my eyes, stepping out of the living room to see him shaking the snow off his coat.

"Do you have to cause a scene?"

He slips off his boots, a smile lighting up his face. "You know it," he says, shooting me a wink.

I groan, rubbing my hands down my face. "You're too much."

"Aw, but that's why you love me."

"Mhm," I hum. "Sure I do."

He picks a box up off the floor, cradling the blue package in his arms as he makes his way to my side. "Has the party started already?"

I shake my head. "Namjoon and Jin only got here a few minutes ago. They're in the living room with Jungkook and Taehyung."

"Where's your other half?" He asks, peering around me. "I know Jimin wouldn't miss this party. We all know he's been going a little crazy about it all month."

"You have no idea," I mumble, leading him to the kitchen. He sets his present on the table with the rest of them, adding to the substantial pile. "He's at an appointment, but he should be back soon."

The living room is lively as ever, the two boys chasing each other around the furniture, Taehyung a lot less steady on his legs than Jungkook. He stumbles every few steps, my heart clenching, but he always rights himself, carrying on the chase just as determined as before.

"For his wrist?" Hoseok asks, sitting in the chair across from Namjoon. He waves hi to the couple before turning back to me. "How is it anyway?"

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms in front of me. I felt antsy, unable to sit still for longer than a few moment. I'd probably feel better when Jimin got back. He always seemed to ground me. "As good as can be expected," I sigh. "They're going to take some more scans and see about getting the cast removed soon."

Jungkook turns suddenly, Taehyung crashing into his chest. The older reaches out, his arms wrapping around Taehyung before he can fall. I watch carefully, looking for any sign to step in, but soon they're off again, the momentary pause forgotten.

"He must be going crazy," Namjoon comments. "Not being able to pick up Taehyung or really do anything."

"I couldn't even imagine trying to raise a child one-handed," Jin speaks up, shuddering in his spot next to Namjoon.

"He's not doing it all by himself, you guys. Yoongi's been helping him," Hoseok defends me. "He cut back on his studio time, and when he does go, he usually takes Taehyung with him."

They turn to me, the mouths open. "Wow," Jin breathes. "What character development"

"Jimin is a miracle worker," Namjoon observes, nodding to himself.

"Wow, thanks guys," I scoff, turning back to the boys. They're sitting on Taehyung's play mat, little cars clutched in their fists as they make them drive down make-believe roads. "I think he's stressing himself out too much."

"Jimin? Stressing himself out? No way," Hoseok gasps.

"Never would've thought," Jin sneaks in.

"What a surprise," Namjoon joins in on the joke.

I throw each of the a glare. I let my head fall back against the wall, sighing deeply. "I'm actually worried," I confide. "He always seems so tired these days. And he's lost a little bit of weight." I chew on my lip, finally voicing my concerns. "He barely makes time to eat and always tells me he's not hungry. I just don't know what to do."