Firemen Jeon and Paramedic Kim | vk✓

Eighteen - Hotel?

One week passed.

Then two.

Then a month.

And another.

Jeongguk was finally released from the hospital after the deadly fire incident, he and Taehyung growing closer during their time spent together. His stay in the hospital changed him not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

The changes in his body drove himself mad, sometimes. When his wounds started to healed, the itching was agonizing. It was almost unbearable. Each time he dug his fingers under his bandages to scratch the patches of damaged skin, Taehyung would gently take his hands and kiss them before removing the dressing, applying ointment to ease his discomfort.

Only one good thing is, Jeongguk had agreed to meet with a psychologist specializing in the aftermath of burn injures and he found the woman quite helpful. He appreciated she didn't push him to talk about the memories he didn't want to approach yet. Somehow.. it was still fresh in his mind and each time he thought of it, he broke out into a cold sweat. They were so unnerving that he couldn't even tell Taehyung about it.

A few days before he was discharged, Taehyung insisted on taking time off so he could attend the burn aftercare courses which Jeongguk's medical team had recommended. He took the classes seriously and collected as much information as possible in addition to filling two notebooks. Jeongguk had argued with Taehyung that it wasn't necessary, since his older brother Namjoon and Seokjin will be his caregiver, but he knew Taehyung was concerned about him.

That, made Jeongguk fall in love with the paramedic even more. So he shared the love he felt for Taehyung with a tender kiss.

       🚒.        🚑.  🚒

The drive back home was long and uncomfortable for Jeongguk. His body ached and he was exhausted, but the tension in his skin was becoming overwhelming. He didn't want to complain and ask Taehyung to pull over as he just wanted to be home as soon as possible.

"Gguk-ah, you okay?" Taehyung asked, glancing from the road to look at him. 

"Fine."

"You've been a wiggle worm for the past twenty minutes. Need a break?"

"No." he said though he wanted to get out of the car desperately.

"Your bandages need to be changed, and I'm sure you need your ointments." Taehyung stated.

"I said l'll be alright, Tae!" Jeongguk argued slightly replying in high pitched tone.

"That's how you're going to get into trouble." Taehyung declared, pointing a finger at Jeongguk, "If you don't follow your after care instructions, you're going to feel worse than you do now."

"I just want to go home...." Jeongguk mumbled quietly.

"I know.. but let me help you. We'll be home, but not today. I'll bring you somewhere, I promise it's safe for us." Taehyung said taking Jeongguk's hand and lifting it to his lips, kissing the scars several times.

He wanted to pull his hand away as he watched Taehyung kiss the reminders of how disfigured he was now. Taehyung had told him many times he still found him the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on, but Jeongguk couldn't see it himself.

Because each time he would stare at the mirror and his self-loathing bubbled within him. Jeongguk wished every single day he could rewind time and go back to that tragic afternoon. Maybe he would have suggested another course of action. He wished he knew then what he knew now, but it was a dream that would never come to fruition.

Taehyung pulled into a hotel parking lot and helped Jeongguk out of the car. He was so stiff and felt as if his skin was crawling. Taehyung was incredibly patient as he helped ease him from his seat, holding his hand while they walked to the lobby hotel.

Jeongguk scanned the lobby for the closest bathroom, but when he heard Taehyung request for a room, his jaw dropped. "Tae, we're staying for the night?" he asked.

"Only long enough to clean and change your dressings." Taehyung explained, "Then we can ordered dinner and rest! My tummy is beating drums right now if you ain't hear any."

"But, it's a waste of money, Tae. Let's just get home."

"I'd spend every dime I have if it means to kept you safe and healthy." Taehyung said as he gently held the sides of Jeongguk's face in his hands. He slowly closed the distance between their faces, his lips meeting Jeongguk's in a gentle kiss.

Even the receptionist were awestruck from the couple making out in front of her.