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Jimin sat by his grandfather’s side, the familiar sound of harsh coughing echoing in the quiet room. His worry was evident as he reached out to hold his grandfather’s hand.

"Harabeoji, are you okay?" Jimin asked gently, trying to mask the concern in his voice. His grandfather had been coughing for over a week now, and Jimin’s anxiety had only grown with each passing day.

"No need to worry, Jiminie," Harabeoji said with a weak smile. "Harabeoji is okay. Just a little cough."

Jimin shook his head, his voice trembling with urgency. "No, you’re not. Let’s go to the hospital."

Harabeoji’s expression softened, but he shook his head slowly. "It’s not necessary, Jiminie. It’s just a cough."

But Jimin’s patience was wearing thin. The relentless cough had grown worse, especially at night, and it was becoming unbearable for him to hear. "Please, Harabeoji. I can’t bear to see you like this. The cough gets worse at night. We need to get you checked out."

Namjoon stood beside Jimin, his expression serious as he observed Harabeoji. "That’s right, Harabeoji. You don’t seem alright. You look pale, and you’re thinner. Maybe you haven’t been eating well."

Harabeoji’s face showed a mix of sadness and concern. He reached out to gently stroke Jimin’s hair, his hand trembling slightly. "You two are worried about me too much. Harabeoji is alright. Don’t worry."

As he looked at Jimin, Harabeoji’s heart ached with the thought of his grandson’s future. He couldn’t help but wonder who would take care of Jimin if he were gone. The idea of leaving Jimin alone, without someone to support and care for him, was a heavy burden on his heart.

Jimin, sensing the gravity of the situation, persisted. "Please, Harabeoji... We need to get you checked. It’s not just a cough anymore. We need to make sure you’re truly okay."

"Not today, Jiminie," Harabeoji said with a weary sigh. "Maybe tomorrow. Let me take a rest."

Jimin's frustration was palpable, but before he could protest further, Namjoon interjected with a chuckle. "I think Jiminie gets this stubborn attitude from you, Harabeoji."

Namjoon’s words brought a smile to Harabeoji’s face, even in his weakened state. He and Jimin had always shared a stubborn streak, both determined to handle things on their own without burdening others.

Jimin bristled at Namjoon's teasing. "Hyung, I’m not stubborn!" he objected, his tone defensive. "I’m just doing what I can."

Namjoon shook his head, still smiling. "Nahhh, you’re stubborn!"

Harabeoji’s eyes softened as he looked at Jimin. "That’s true. My stubborn Jiminie, just like me."

Jimin’s resistance melted into a reluctant smile as he listened to the playful exchange. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the familiar banter between Namjoon and Harabeoji brought a sense of comfort and normalcy.

As Harabeoji agreed with Namjoon's observation, Jimin couldn’t help but sulk. He crossed his arms and pouted, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment at being called stubborn.

Harabeoji noticed Jimin’s dejected expression and couldn’t help but chuckle. Despite his own discomfort, he reached out and gently pulled Jimin into his arms, wrapping him in a comforting embrace.

“There, there,” Harabeoji said softly, his voice filled with affection. “Even if you are stubborn, you’re my stubborn Jiminie.”

Jimin’s pout softened as he rested his head against his grandfather’s chest, feeling the warmth and reassurance of his embrace. The simple gesture eased his frustration and reminded him of the strong bond they shared.

“I guess you’re right, Harabeoji,” Jimin murmured, his voice muffled but sincere. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Harabeoji stroked Jimin’s back, his laughter turning into a tender smile. “And I appreciate that, Jiminie. But sometimes, we all need a little rest and patience.”

Namjoon watched the tender moment with a smile, appreciating the close relationship between Jimin and his grandfather. The playful banter had brought them closer, and despite the challenges ahead, their love and support for each other were evident.

Jimin finally relaxed in Harabeoji’s arms, feeling a renewed sense of calm. “Okay, Harabeoji. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the hospital, alright?.”

Harabeoji nodded, his smile warm and reassuring. “Thank you, Jiminie. That sounds like a good plan.”

With a sense of comfort settling over them, Jimin felt a little lighter, knowing that even in tough times, the love and support of those around him made all the difference.

************

Jimin lay curled up next to his grandfather, wrapped in the familiar comfort of his arms. The peacefulness of sleep surrounded him, but it was abruptly disturbed by the harsh sound of Harabeoji’s coughing.

Jimin’s eyes fluttered open, his senses immediately alert. His hands groped frantically on the bed, trying to find his grandfather. "Harabeoji... Where are you? Are you okay?" he called out, his voice trembling with worry.

There was no immediate response, only the sound of Harabeoji's persistent coughing. Jimin’s heart raced as he moved in the direction of the coughs, his hands outstretched to find his grandfather.

Jimin held his grandfather tightly, his heart pounding with fear. He could feel something sticky on Harabeoji’s face, but in his panic, he couldn’t discern what it was. The absence of Harabeoji’s coughing and the way his body seemed to weaken in Jimin’s arms made him frantic.

“Harabeoji...” Jimin’s voice quivered as he tried to hold onto his grandfather. When he realized Harabeoji had fainted, his fear escalated. He screamed for help, his voice echoing with desperation. “Hyung... Namjoon hyung! Help me!”

Namjoon, hearing the urgency in Jimin’s voice, sprinted to Harabeoji’s room. The sight that greeted him was terrifying—Harabeoji lying in Jimin’s arms, with blood flowing from his mouth and nose.

Namjoon’s face went pale as he took in the scene. “Jiminie!” he called out, rushing to their side. His hands shook as he knelt beside them, trying to assess the situation.

Namjoon’s face was filled with concern as he checked Harabeoji’s condition. The old man looked extremely weak, his face an unsettling shade of pale. The sight made Namjoon’s heart race.

“God, Harabeoji!” Namjoon muttered, trying to remain calm despite the gravity of the situation.

Jimin, panic evident in his voice, clutched at Namjoon’s arm. “Hyung, what happened? What happened to Harabeoji?”

Namjoon took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice for Jimin’s sake. “Jimin, we need to take Harabeoji to the hospital right now.”

Jimin’s eyes were wide with confusion and fear as he struggled to understand the gravity of the situation. Tears streamed down his face, his voice trembling with distress. “What? Why? What happens? Hyung…”

Namjoon, trying to provide clarity amidst the chaos, spoke with a sense of urgency. “There’s blood, Jimin. It’s coming from Harabeoji’s mouth and nose.”

Jimin’s breath hitched as he processed Namjoon’s words. “W-what?”

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