Heartfelt Chronicles: Echoes Of Affection
"Hearts Across Eras"— 11
Having finally calmed down, Jungkook's back was no longer in pain, and his mind was no longer hazy. Later that day, Jeonghan came to check on him in the infirmary, catching him up on the events of the past two days. Jungkook had no solid memory of the explosion; everything related to that moment felt like a fleeting feeling that never stuck. Flashes of things came to mind, but they were more like nightmares than memories.
He didn’t know what to do. His mind no longer felt drunk on shock; it was just his thoughts that remained confused. Jungkook knew the attack couldn’t have been random. From his daily routines, he understood that Jeonghan parked his car there for a few minutes while he went to the convenience store to get a snack, and Jungkook went into the cafe to buy them both coffee. On that particular morning, Jeonghan couldn’t find his favored snack, so he waited outside for Jungkook.
Usually, they would meet back at the car, Jungkook being the first one back from the quiet cafe, where the baristas knew their orders by heart.
When Jeonghan returned, he saw a bald man standing near the car, walking away suspiciously. Then he saw Jungkook emerging from the shop and walking towards the car, quickly dialing his phone. Jeonghan watched as Jungkook answered and took a few steps back, but it wasn’t far enough. It was as if the attackers knew him intimately, aware of his movements at all times. If that was the case, it meant they knew he would be alone in the car for a minute or so, waiting for Jeonghan to return, indicating he was the primary target.
Jungkook had no idea why that would be; his job was mundane, and he wasn’t involved in anything crucial. The only plausible connection was his link to Hyunjin. Someone else had to have known about it, or why else would they target him?
As Jeonghan caught him up and he got lost in his thoughts, a knock sounded on the door. Jeonghan stood up and opened it, revealing Minho and Taehyung standing there. Jungkook looked at them, and his breath hitched in his throat. The two men were imposing, each with a different aura. Minho's gentle smile and kind features made him not feel as large as he was. Silent, Jungkook decided not to utter a word. Anxiety started to creep in as he fully grasped the situation. He felt frozen, his social anxiety kicking into high gear. These weren't ordinary people; they were soldiers who now knew his real identity.
Lee Minho
Hello, sir. I am Lee Minho.
He introduced, reaching his hand out to shake Jungkook's. Jungkook put his hand in Minho's, shakily, allowing him to give it a reassuring squeeze.
His voice was low in response, nearly a whisper, and Minho smiled.
Lee Minho
This is Sergeant Taehyung.
He pointed to the other man standing with him, whom Jungkook also recognized. He looked at the dark black l-haired man and drank in his appearance. Taehyung's stance was intimidating, and his face was blank, eyes icy. It didn't scare Jungkook, but he did wonder who or what had made Taehyung so upset. The air around Taehyung seemed to freeze over from his presence, and Jungkook watched as he immediately scanned the room, the gears in his head turning. Jungkook followed his gaze and saw that Taehyung was making note of the exit, the windows, and any other access points. Taehyung's entire demeanour exuded a soldier, and it was kind of reassuring.
Lee Minho
It's a pleasure to meet you, sir—
Jungkook cut his sentence.
Jungkook
Jungkook is fine.
He squeaked, trying not to freak out about the fact that he had just cut him off. He felt so rude and wondered how terrible of an impression he just made.
Lee Minho
Right. Well, Jungkook, Taehyung here is your new protection detail.
Minho corrected himself with a smile, temporarily easing Jungkook's worries about his first impression.
"Protection detail?" Jeonghan asked for Jungkook, seemingly reading his mind.
Lee Minho
Yeah. Boss Jeon wanted one of us to keep an eye on him, make sure he's safe.
Minho explained, and Jeonghan snorted a laugh.
“What'd you say to make him let Minho do it?” Taehyung turned to Jeonghan with a scowl, and Jeonghan stopped laughing.
Lee Minho
Well, Jeonghan. Hyunjin picked Taehyung himself.
Minho tried to say. Jungkook noted his features and how they shifted and changed when he spoke.
Jungkook muttered under his breath, and the three men in the room turned to look at him. He looked at them and saw Minho's face turn red, and he pursed his lips, eyes widening as he realized he'd just said that out loud. He saw the ghost of a smile flicker across Taehyung's lips, and had he not been watching him, he would have missed it. Minho cleared his throat.
Lee Minho
Anyway, *he stuttered* I thought I'd introduce you guys and give you a chance to talk.
Minho turned to Taehyung expectantly, and Taehyung looked back at him, unaware of what he was trying to do.
Minho forcefully whispered, and Taehyung rolled his eyes.
He gave a mocking smile that quickly turned into an expression of contempt as he turned to Minho, giving him a look that said 'satisfied?' Minho sighed.
Lee Minho
Sorry about him.
Minho turned back to Jungkook, and he didn't exactly know how to respond to that.
Jungkook
Uh, no. That's okay.
Jungkook replied, scratching his temple, to busy his hands with something.
Jungkook
Would either of you like some coffee?
He asked as he fiddled with his fingers nervously.
Lee Minho
I could go for a cup. What about you, Taehyung?
Minho asked, and Taehyung shrugged, signalling he didn't mind. Jungkook moved his blanket and stood up, ready to go grab them coffee.
Lee Minho
Woah, woah. Jungkook, get back into bed.
Minho ordered, and Jungkook looked confused.
Jungkook
You said you wanted coffee. I'm going to get it. *he explained*
Lee Minho
You're still not feeling well, I can go grab it.
Jungkook
No, that's okay. I'm going to get some for myself, too, and it's just down the hall—
Jungkook pointed out the door.
Lee Minho
Don't worry about the coffee, Jungkook—
Minho tried, and Jungkook patted his arm, sidestepping him and slipping on some shoes to go grab the cups of coffee from the machine down the hall. Minho sighed as he watched Jungkook go, and the two super soldiers turned to Jeonghan, who was holding back a laugh, coming out in a snort.
Minho asked, and Jeonghan shrugged.
“It's funny seeing you two meet Jungkook for the first time. He's not what you'd expect from Mr. Jeon's son, is he?” Jeonghan asked, and Minho shook his head.
“He has some social anxiety that he deals with when meeting new people, but he's awfully considerate, always putting himself last. And he's stubborn as hell. I think that just runs in the family,” Jeonghan described. “Oh, yeah. And he's super observant.”
Jeonghan added, recalling Jungkook's behavioral quirks that would be helpful for the men to know.
Taehyung
You seem to know him well.
“I've been taking care of him for around eight years. I'm one of the only people he actually talks to.”
Jeonghan explained. By actually talks to, Jeonghan was referring to Jungkook's inner feelings, the ones he doesn't bring up to others besides his dad and Taehyung. He knows all about Jungkook's past, and all about the scars that were left on him and his heart from his mother.
“Unlike you guys, I didn't have a case file to tell me about Jungkook. I learned it all by talking to him and waiting until he felt comfortable to say something back.”
Jeonghan shrugged, and the two super soldiers looked at each other. Jungkook came back into the room, holding three cups of coffee. He gave one to Minho and Taehyung, placing the third one on the coffee table where Jeonghan was sitting.
Jungkook
Oh, I couldn't hold 4 cups in my hands.
Jungkook explained and sat back down on the hospital bed. The two men slowly turned to Jeonghan, and the chauffeur quirked a brow to remind them of what he said earlier.
Jungkook
I'm sorry, I didn't know what the two of you liked, so I just got you an Americano and Taehyung a long black.
Jungkook explained as he rested his back on the pillows and pulled the sheets over himself.
Lee Minho
That's... Actually pretty good. How'd you know our coffee orders?
Minho asked, an impressed smile on his face.
Jungkook
I don't know. Lucky guess.
Jungkook shrugged and smiled slightly. He looked at Jeonghan to see him giving Jungkook a knowing look. Jeonghan knew what kind of machinations Jungkook's mind had created to figure out certain things. He didn't know how exactly Jungkook did it, but he knew that there was always something behind every little thing Jungkook did or thought up.
Lee Minho
When are you getting discharged?
Minho asked, and Jungkook thought for a second.
Jungkook
Whenever, I think?
Jungkook replied and looked to Jeonghan for help. He nodded, saying that was about accurate.
Lee Minho
Okay. Well, Taehyung here is going to help you get your stuff together and make sure you're situated in a safe house in Daegu.
Minho said, and Jungkook tilted his head to the side.
Jungkook
I'm surprised hyung isn't making me stay in the HQ.
Jungkook turned to Jeonghan, and he shrugged.
Lee Minho
He wanted you to, but Lisa said that would be the obvious place and could make the HQ more vulnerable to attack.
Minho explained, and Jungkook nodded.
Comments
Katsumi.Orbiting_. かつみ
OMG 🤣😂
2024-06-19
0
Venizia
my bunny is extremely intelligent thks for that author ❤
2024-03-31
0
Venizia
ughhhh he's so nice nd sweet nd beautiful can I bite him a little on those chubby cheeks ❤❤❤ he's gonna make tae crazy in love with him being like that nd smart ❤❤❤
2024-03-30
0