Winter In My Heart (Jikook/Kookmin)

59

As soon as Jimin woke up, pain shot through his stomach, sharp and unbearable. He clutched at his abdomen, unable to endure it any longer. Turning his head, he saw Jungkook sleeping soundly beside him, his arm draped protectively over Jimin’s waist. Carefully, Jimin slipped out from under Jungkook’s arm, wincing as the movement made the pain worse. He reached for his bag, fumbling for the small bottle of pills. He swallowed one quickly, hoping for relief, and then lay back down, curling up and wrapping his arms around Jungkook again.

“You’re awake?” Jungkook mumbled, his voice groggy.

“No…” Jimin replied, burying his face into Jungkook’s neck, inhaling the familiar scent. “You smell…”

Jungkook chuckled softly, pulling Jimin closer despite the comment. He hadn’t bathed the night before, and he was a bit sweaty, but Jimin still snuggled into him, unfazed.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked, his tone shifting as he felt something was off. “You’re trembling.”

He tried to gently push Jimin back to look at his face, but Jimin held on tighter, not wanting to let go.

“Hyung…” Jimin whispered weakly.

“Mochi, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“It hurts…” Jimin’s voice trembled, barely audible. This was different. Normally, the pills would work, and the pain would subside. But today, the pain remained, relentless and terrifying.

Jungkook’s heart raced as he pushed Jimin back, sitting up to get a proper look at him. Jimin was curled up, his face contorted in pain, sweat beading on his forehead. His lips were pale, almost ashen.

“God, Mochi… We need to get to the hospital,” Jungkook said, his voice filled with urgency.

Without wasting another second, Jungkook scooped Jimin into his arms, cradling him bridal style. He could feel how light and weak his brother had become, a stark contrast to the vibrant person he once was. Panic surged through him as he rushed down the stairs.

“What’s happening?” Mr. Jeon called out, seeing his son’s distressed expression as he hurried down with Jimin in his arms.

“I-I don’t know. Dad, we need to go to the hospital—now!” Jungkook shouted, his voice cracking with fear.

Mr. Jeon nodded, quickly grabbing his keys. He would follow after picking up his wife from the market. But for now, Jungkook had to get Jimin help.

---

At the hospital, Jungkook, Mr. Jeon, and Mrs. Jeon waited anxiously outside Jimin’s room. It had been half an hour, but each minute felt like an eternity. Jimin had always been sickly as a child, prone to fevers and colds. They had gotten used to it, but this—this was something different. Jungkook’s mind raced, filled with dread at the sight of his brother's frail body.

The door to the room opened, and a doctor in his 40s approached them. His expression was serious.

“Can I speak with Jimin’s family?” he asked.

“I’m his father,” Mr. Jeon said, standing up immediately.

“I’d like to speak in my office, if that’s alright,” the doctor said carefully.

Jungkook’s stomach sank. Why the office? What was so serious that it couldn’t be discussed here?

“I’m coming too,” Jungkook said firmly, his eyes narrowing with worry.

“And you are?” the doctor asked.

“His brother,” Jungkook replied.

“I’m his mother,” Mrs. Jeon added, her voice shaky.