Last summer - Jihope & Taekook ✅

Chapter 23: Hospital

AT JUNGKOOK'S PLACE

When the ambulance arrived, Tae had to let go of Jungkook to allow the paramedics to examine him.

While they did their job, Tae went up the stairs and located Jungkook's room. He opened a closet and found a bag, where he quickly packed as much of Jungkook's clothes and stuff as he could fit. Hesitating just a second he finally took the fluffy stuffed bunny from his bed and put it in the bag. He carried the bag downstairs.

Tae was determined to never let anything like this happen to Jungkook ever again. He had to stop him from going back to this place.

In the hallway the paramedics had brought out a stretcher and were about to lift a groaning Jungkook onto it.

"Can I come with him to the hospital?" Tae asked shyly.

"Are you a relative?" one of the staff asked.

"I am... sort of... his boyfriend." Tae said, hesitating a bit.

"What about his parents?" the staff asked.

"It's his dad who did this to him." Tae said in a serious tone.

"Oh. Okay. You'd better come with us then. And we'll need to inform the police."

Tae took the bag he had packed for Jungkook, picked up Jungkook's school bag and shoes from the hallway floor and followed them out to the ambulance. He was allowed to sit in the back and hold Jungkook's hand. Jungkook was still crying and groaning from pain.

At the hospital Tae had to sit in the waiting room, while Jungkook was taken care of. He tried to phone Jimin to tell him what happened but Jimin's phone seemed dead for some reason.

After almost two hours Tae was finally allowed into Jungkook's room. He was lying in a hospital bed, patched up as well as was possible under the circumstances.

The wound to the head was stitched and bandaged, his swollen eye and bruises had been treated and the blood had been cleaned away. Tae had been told that several ribs had been broken and that Jungkook was heavily bruised on his legs and arms, not only his face.

His dad had hurt him really bad. It was just pure luck that none of his vital organs had been severely damaged.

Jungkook looked quite dreadful, but Tae's heart filled with love at the sight of him.

When Jungkook heard Tae entering he looked up at Tae and tried to smile.

"Tae. Thank you." he said.

"Jungkookie." Tae said in a low voice, sitting down by his bedside.

"I called your number, Tae. You're the only one who knows. About my dad. I'm glad you found me." Jungkook said.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Tae asked cautiously.

Jungkook nodded and swallowed.

"It was him. My dad. Tae, he... eh... he found out I am gay." Jungkook said, starting to cry silently.

"Oh, Kookie." Tae said, taking his hand in his.

"He... had been drinking... he was furious. Out of his mind. He's been... abusive... since I was a kid, but I've never seen him like that. I was sure he would kill me this time, Tae." Jungkook said sobbing.

"He almost did, Jungkook." Tae said.

"All I could think about was that I would never get to go on a date with you if he killed me, Tae."

Tae started tearing up as well, hearing that. He stroked the back of Jungkook's hand with his fingers, looking him in the eyes.

"Jungkook, baby" Tae said in a serious tone. "I can't allow you to go back there. You understand that, don't you?"

"I have nowhere else, Tae. If I had, I would have left long ago." Jungkook said in a sad voice, looking away.

"You have a place to go now. When they let you out of here, you'll come home with me. I know we haven't even been on a date yet, but please accept it. At least temporary, Jungkook. Until you find somewhere else." Tae said.

"Oh, Tae. That's kind. I'd very much like to come with you, if it's okay." Jungkook said.

"I... I brought some of your stuff. While the medics checked on you I went up to your room and packed some clothes and... your stuffed bunny." Tae said.

Jungkook smiled and then chuckled.

"Haha, Tae, you are such a cutie. Thanks. Thanks for bringing that old bunny. It's sort of a memory of my mum." Jungkook said a bit more seriously.

"By the way... ehrm... I told the medical staff... that I am... your boyfriend. Sorry, I know we never agreed on anything like that, but I was afraid they wouldn't let me come otherwise." Tae said blushing.

"So, do I take that as you asking me to be your boyfriend, Tae?" Jungkook said, chuckling slightly and stroking Tae's hand.

"Will you? Will you be my boyfriend, Kookie?" Tae asked sincerely.

"There is nothing I want more than to be your boyfriend, Taetae." Jungkook answered.

Tae looked Jungkook in the eyes, both of them smiling. Jungkook lifted his hand and reached out for Tae, tugging at Tae's arm to show he wanted him to move in closer. Tae moved his chair in as close to the bed as possible and let his hand softly stroke the side of Jungkook's neck and his jawline. Jungkook now brought his hand to the back of Tae's neck and pulled him in slowly. When they were inches apart they both closed their eyes and Tae kissed Jungkook's lips, very carefully, not to hurt him. Jungkook kissed him back.

"Boyfriend." Jungkook whispered against Tae's lips and smiled.