FOOLS

Chapter 25

Namjoon was discharged soon after he woke up. He felt weird staying in a room doing nothing for too long. He missed his team and wanted to get back on his feet. His heart wavered though, Jungkook still hasn't woken up yet. He was grateful that his mother volunteered to stay with Jungkook to watch over him. It would be a good distraction for her too while Namjoon helps her settle in his new apartment that he leased after coming up with his plan. In that vision, Jungkook would move in with him as well.

Back in Jungkook's room, Namjoon's mother had finished putting some flowers in the vase and wipe the tables of dust. She had been doing that everyday for two weeks, wiping and cleaning. It kept her busy, to unclutter her mind. Being alone with the boy made her nervous and the guilt was eating her alive. Sometimes, her eyes would avert to the boy and she would cry. But she decided some days ago that she would wipe his forehead and arms.

As the towel graze over the bruised on his cheek, her hand shook a little. She wondered how many bruises had faded from his skin and how many scars he had from childhood. She laughed bitterly, the childhood he was robbed of. She knew nothing about the boy, other than his name and that he was the son of the woman. She didn't know how Namjoon came to find him, or what he was doing at the manor that day, or why he would risk his life for the brother he should hate.

And to some degree, maybe she shouldn't like this boy. He wasn't her blood, he was the product of her husband's adulterous act. But she couldn't bring herself to even think negatively of him. He as only a child, misguided and hurt. She can see traces of Namjoon's boyish innocent on him which made her heart swell up more.

"I know I said this everyday, but I'm sorry." she began, still wiping his face. "That man took everything from you. And I can't bring it back. But I want to try. Even though I don't know much about you and even though I'm sure you don't trust me, I want to give you the things that you need. So please wake up. Namjoon and the rest are very worried about you. And I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I hope you will live a good life."

She moved on to his arms. "Wow, such strong arms you have. Namjoon's are so flimsy still," she chuckled, knowing her son would whine if he hears this. "You must be a good eater. I'll cook you so much food when you wake up. Don't let your hyung cook for you, he might burn the frying pan. Hmm, I wonder what you like to eat." she asked the sleeping boy, almost laughing to herself because he wouldn't be able to answer.

But then she heard something. The monitor then went wild, mountain peaked through the roof. "Lamb skewer," said a weak voice. At first, she thought she was going crazy. But she saw his mouth opening and closing.

"Lamb skewer? You have expensive taste." she cried. Jungkook's eyes opened as he sat up suddenly to hug the woman. She was stunned but instantly wrapped her arms to support him. He was shaking as well.

"Don't cry, please." he begged. "None of this is your fault. I never blamed you, Mrs. Kim." the boy spoke soundlessly. It only made her weep harder.

"Thank you. Thank you for being alive." To her surprise, Jungkook didn't let go. He was enjoying her warmth, one of a mother that he never received. When he did pull back, he apologized for being so forward. She shook her head, "It's okay. Let me go get the doctor."

"Okay," he said in a small voice."

"I'll come back." she promised, already aware of his fear. He noticed her puffy eyes, no one had ever cried for him before. As promised, she did come back, with the doctors. She remained in the room while they did some tests on him. They discussed the results with her, that his vitals are fine and he needs to stay there for a few days to heal. She left Namjoon a voicemail and went back to the boy.

"You've been here every day, right?" Jungkook asked. "The nurse told me just now. Thank you for staying with me."

"Please don't thank me, I don't deserve it." she admitted.

"I see where Namjoon gets his kindness from. You've raised him well. I wish I had the chance to be your son."

"Jungkook,"

"I'm sorry, maybe that wasn't appropriate to say. You probably don't even like me because of my origin."

"You were born into a life you didn't ask for, your origin is not your fault. I'm thankful for your existence because now Namjoon has the brother he always wanted." Jungkook flashed her a wide grin. They then began talking about how Namjoon found him, leaving out all the illegal activities. He told her Namjoon found him while investigating his father and that he worked at the arcade. For the most part, his life story was mundane and he enjoyed it.

As the afternoon rolled around, there was a knock on the door. It was Hoseok, who was on duty to take Namjoon's mom home. He gave Jungkook a small smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Better. Thank you, hyung." Then the room was back to silence. Namjoon's mother sense the uneasiness between the two and excused herself to the car, but not before promising that she'll be back tomorrow.

"I still can't get behind the idea of letting you go just like that," Hoseok began, hands on his hips, "but you did save my best friend's life, and I'm grateful for that. So thank you, you're a good person."

"Thank you for saying that. But I know I'm not good, I've just been trying to fix my ways." Jungkook answered. "Like I've promised, I will find a way to repay my mistakes."

"I believe you. And when you get better, let's go for a drink, okay?"

The boy's eyes grew wider, twinkling with so much happiness. "Okay, hyung."