My Personal Stand-in (TaeKook) 2

Kim Taehyung stayed at the hospital for another two days. His body felt excellent and he really didn’t want to stay in the hospital any longer, so he told Kim So Yeon again that he wanted to be discharged.

Kim Taehyung

Mom, I really want to be discharged from the hospital.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

Are you sure, Tae? you’ve been in a coma for two years. We need to make sure everything’s okay before you leave.

Kim Taehyung

I feel excellent! I can’t stand this place anymore.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

Alright, I’ll ask the doctor.

Kim Taehyung waited in his hospital room. That elderly man sleeping on the bed next to him would probably never wake up again. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, Kim Taehyung would think about how it was utterly silent next to him, even though there was a person lying there. It was actually quite horrifying.

That was when the hospital room door opened. He thought Kim So Yeon had come back, but to his surprise, a forty-year-old man walked in. Kim Taehyung froze with shock the moment he saw the man's face.

Kim Taehyung

😶 💭Jung Hoseok?

When Jung Hoseok saw him, he also froze for a moment

Jung Hoseok

You...You-you-you-you’re awake? 🫢

Kim Taehyung

*blinking eyes*👀

Kim Taehyung blinked, even more shocked than Jung Hoseok. He never thought that he would encounter one of his past friends just a few days after waking up.

Jung Hoseok strode over to him. This gruff man was so worked up that his entire face turned blazing red. He grabbed Kim Taehyung’s shoulder with one hand, hurting him slightly with the sheer force of his grip.

Jung Hoseok

Buddy, you won’t know me, but I know you 😄 *said excitedly*

Jung Hoseok

*pointed at the adjacent bed with his other hand, which was carrying a bag of food*

Jung Hoseok

That person is my dad. My dad has been lying there for over half a year. I saw you every time I came to visit. Ah, there’s not much we can say since my dad is already at this age, but you’re still so young. If you really did stay in a coma for the rest of your life, your mum would be devastated. I never thought that you’d actually wake up. Way to go, kid!😃

He gave Kim Taehyung a heavy pat on the shoulder, a sincere smile on his face.

Kim Taehyung

*His heart trembled, hands shaking slightly* 💭 Hoseok-hyung... 😢 *He wanted to say the words, but they stuck in his throat*

In Jung Hoseok’s eyes right now, he was only a stranger who also happened to be called Kim Taehyung.

Jung Hoseok

Buddy, what’s wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Should I call a doctor?😟

Kim Taehyung

No, no need You... don’t give up, maybe your dad will wake up one day too.🙂

Jung Hoseok

*placed his things on his father’s side, sat on a chair*

Jung Hoseok

😞 It’s hopeless. It was an old-age stroke... Now he’s just dangling here, half dead, half alive. It’s painful for the entire family, but we can’t just sit by and watch him die.

Jung Hoseok

No matter what, we can still say he’s alive right now 😔

His voice was bleak and weary, making Kim Taehyung feel especially sad. Jung Hoseok was getting by pretty well in the entertainment circle. He did varied work, from planning to management, and had connections everywhere. A lot of new kids who started their careers in the industry needed to watch their step around him. Jung Hoseok had a good salary, but daily hospital charges, providing for his family, and caring for his elderly father was a heavy burden. Only two years had passed, but Kim Taehyung felt that Jung Hoseok had aged a lot.

Kim Taehyung wanted to say some comforting words but was afraid of exposing something if he said too much. It would probably be impossible for a normal person to believe that a different soul was living in this body.

Kim Taehyung

💭 I want to comfort him... but how can I explain what’s really going on?

Kim Taehyung

💭 If I say too much, I might expose myself… and he’ll think I’m crazy.

Jung Hoseok silently glanced at him a few more times. He then sighed heavily and wiped his face, his expression pained

Kim Taehyung

What's wrong?

Jung Hoseok

Taehyung, did you know? I used to have a brother whose name was also Kim Taehyung. If he were still alive, he would be thirty-five this year... He was extremely young, extremely loyal, and an wonderful brother

Jung Hoseok

😢

Jung Hoseok

I heard from your mother that you got into an accident two years ago? That brother of mine also had an accident two years ago, but you woke up, while we can’t even find his corpse. And that job.......was one that I introduced to him too..😢😢

Jung Hoseok

*Sniffed* If I hadn’t...😢

He couldn’t finish the rest of the sentence, but his self-blame and sadness seemed to fill the air, making the atmosphere feel indescribably heavy

Kim Taehyung wanted to give Jung Hoseok a good punch and tell him off for talking nonsense

Kim Taehyung

💭 What has my death got to do with you?

Kim Taehyung

💭 I had offended Lee Soo-hyun, making it impossible to stay in the entertainment circle. Only Hoseok hyung had looked out for me, wearing himself out to help me land a job on a production team. With that production team, I had entered the Shiwan Mountain range to film a documentary. It was my own bad luck that led me into that storm. If I truly were dead, I wouldn’t know anything, but being alive and knowing that Hoseok hyung had been blaming himself for my death made me feel even worse.

Jung Hoseok wasn’t the sort of person who would normally talk this much in front of a stranger, but at this moment, he had somewhat lost control over his emotions. This young man stirred up deep feelings and made him recall too many painful memories. He quickly cleared his throat, embarrassed.

Jung Hoseok

Don’t mind what I just said, I was just thinking about the past. By the way, my name’s Jung Hoseok. If you don’t mind, you can call me Hoseok-hyung. We have a strong fateful connection. Let’s take care of each other from now on.

Kim Taehyung

Hoseok-hyung 🥺

In a slightly shaky voice, Kim Taehyung called out “Hoseok-hyung” once. He really wanted to drag Jung Hoseok out to the canteen near the hospital, order a few dishes and two liters of white wine, and drink like they used to. Jung Hoseok had always looked after him, even during their days at Sports College. After graduation, when he couldn’t find a good job, Jung Hoseok helped him get miscellaneous work on production sets. It was only later that he started doing martial arts stunt work and earning a better salary. In Kim Taehyung’s heart, Jung Hoseok was like a real brother.

Jung Hoseok

I’m speaking from the heart, don’t overthink it. You just feel unusually close and familiar to me. Maybe it’s because your name is also Kim Taehyung; you two are a bit similar🙂

Kim Taehyung

🙂

Kim Taehyung

💭 How could he know that I and that Kim Taehyung were the same person?

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

Hoseok 😃, you’re here to visit your dad

Just as Hoseok was about to speak, Kim So Yeon returned

Jung Hoseok

Oh, Aunty Kim, 😃how come you didn’t tell me that Kim Taehyung woke up? This deserves a big celebration. Ah, when can he be discharged? I’ll take you guys out to eat.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

My, you’re so busy with work, how can we bother you like this? 😅

Jung Hoseok

How is it a bother? You’re always helping the carer look after my dad, even if I spend the rest of my life, I still won’t be able to repay you for all you’ve done 😊

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

What are you saying? I’m unoccupied and doing nothing anyway. You still have to earn money to feed your family; you can’t compare yourself to an idle person like me. Don’t stand on ceremony. When you have time, visit your father more often. Perhaps your father can wake up one day too. 😊

Jung Hoseok

Yeah, and maybe we can even rub off some of your guys’ joyous air 😄

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

Hoseok, come and eat some fruit 😃

The three sat and chatted for a while. Jung Hoseok stayed for over an hour. He helped his dad change clothes, trim his hair, and then left.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

I didn’t say it in front of him because I didn’t want to bother him, but the doctor said that you can be discharged tomorrow

Kim Taehyung

That’s great 😃

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

I’ll pack up our stuff. You have a good rest; we’ll be going back home tomorrow.

Kim Taehyung

Mum, thank you for all your hard work 😊 *said softly*

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

*laughed as she smoothed down his slightly long hair*☺️

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

You’re awake now. All the hard work was worth it. 😊

They woke up early the next morning and were about to go and complete the hospital release forms, but to their surprise, Jung Hoseok arrived.

Jung Hoseok

😄 Aunty Kim, you’re not being a good friend. He’s discharging from the hospital today, but you didn’t even let me know. I had to ask a doctor to find out. Don’t say anything, and no need to be courteous with me. Today I’m going to help you guys run errands and take you two out for a celebration dinner.

Kim So Yeon felt extremely apologetic for inconveniencing him. She tried to decline quite a few times, but was no match for Jung Hoseok’s enthusiasm and ended up accepting.

Despite Kim So Yeon’s repeated attempts to decline, Jung Hoseok’s enthusiasm won out. He helped them with the discharge forms, ensuring everything went smoothly. Kim Taehyung, meanwhile, loaded their belongings into Hoseok’s car, which was no small task. After living in the hospital for two years, it felt like they were moving house rather than just checking out of a medical facility.

Kim Taehyung

💭 We would’ve been in real trouble without Hoseok-hyung. How did we accumulate so much stuff?

The morning was a whirlwind of paperwork, packing, and carrying, and by the time it was all over, everyone was exhausted. Kim So Yeon glanced at her son, concern evident in her eyes.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

Are you feeling okay, Taehyung? Don’t push yourself too hard 😟

Kim Taehyung

I’m fine, Mom ☺️

In truth, Kim Taehyung’s body felt like it was brimming with energy. After two years of lying in a hospital bed, what he needed most now wasn’t rest—it was movement, action, and exercise. His muscles craved the strain of physical activity.

Kim Taehyung

💭 I’ve spent enough time resting. Now it’s time to really live again.

As they settled into Hoseok’s car, Kim Taehyung stared out the window, watching the hospital disappear in the rearview mirror. A new chapter of his life was beginning, and though he didn’t know what lay ahead, for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face it

Jung Hoseok led them into a high-class Cantonese restaurant, insisting they enjoy a proper meal. As they stepped out of his sleek new car, Kim Taehyung couldn’t help but notice the luxury surrounding them.

Kim Taehyung

💭 Hoseok-hyung must’ve been doing really well these past two years.

Kim Taehyung

😊 💭I’m happy for him.

Once inside, Jung Hoseok spared no expense, ordering an array of dishes that filled the table with vibrant colors and mouth-watering aromas. Kim Taehyung didn’t hesitate, digging in with enthusiasm and making himself right at home

Kim Taehyung

You’ve really outdone yourself, hyung! This food is amazing 😄

Jung Hoseok

I’m glad you’re enjoying it 😊

Meanwhile, Kim So Yeon sat quietly, occasionally picking at her food but saying little. Her mind seemed elsewhere, perhaps still processing everything that had happened since Kim Taehyung’s sudden recovery. After a while, she fell into silence, letting the two men continue their conversation.

As Kim Taehyung shared stories and joked around, he noticed that Jung Hoseok’s expression gradually shifted. At first, it was subtle—a slight furrow in his brow, a lingering gaze. But soon, the look in Hoseok’s eyes grew more peculiar, as if he were searching for something in Kim Taehyung’s face.

Kim Taehyung

💭 why is he looking at me like that?

Kim Taehyung

What’s wrong? 😕

Jung Hoseok

You truly feel like... a close acquaintance to me. How can that be?

Kim Taehyung's mind raced as he quickly analyzed his previous words, searching for any misstep. He couldn’t afford to slip up now. With a lighthearted laugh, he tried to dismiss Hoseok's suspicions.

Kim Taehyung

😃 Didn't you say it before, Hoseok-hyung? We have a fateful connection.

Jung Hoseok shook his head, smiling despite himself

Jung Hoseok

Right… I must be overthinking. It’s just… you share the same name as my brother. That’s all.🙂

He sighed again, and Kim Taehyung could feel the weight of old memories in that breath. Afraid Hoseok would drift into the past once more, Taehyung quickly poured him a glass of wine.

Kim Taehyung

Here, Hyung, have some wine 😄

The two drank round after round, their faces growing flushed with the warmth of alcohol. As the tension eased, Hoseok’s curiosity returned.

Jung Hoseok

So, Kim Taehyung, what do you plan to do from now on?

Kim Taehyung

I need to find a job

Jung Hoseok

What kind of work did you do before? 😕

Kim Taehyung paused, genuinely at a loss. He turned to his mother, hoping for help

Kim Taehyung

Mum, what did I do before? 🤔

Jung Hoseok

*slapped his forehead, realizing his mistake*

Jung Hoseok

Ah, I forgot you can’t remember anything. So that means all the skills you had before are… gone?

At this, Kim So Yeon’s expression shifted. She seemed hesitant, as if remembering something she didn’t particularly want to share. Her voice softened, and there was a hint of regret in her tone.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

In the past, you posed for magazine photos and worked at motor shows as a model… You even said you wanted to be a celebrity, so you joined some kind of training program. I tried to urge you to be more realistic, but you wouldn’t listen…

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

*sighed deeply, then lowered her head, realizing she may have said too much*

Kim Taehyung was taken aback by this revelation. He hadn’t expected that the previous owner of this body had ambitions to enter the entertainment world. His body was certainly good-looking, but Seoul was overflowing with handsome young men.

He knew better than anyone how brutal the industry could be. Without something special to stand out, the dream of becoming famous was a fleeting illusion. He had seen too many young men with exceptional looks and talent who eventually faded into obscurity.

Kim Taehyung

💭 It’s not just about talent or looks... without luck, it’s all pointless.

Jung Hoseok

You wanted to be a celebrity? Well, you’re in luck—this is my trade. If you really want to, this big brother can help you 😃

Before Kim Taehyung could respond, Kim So Yeon raised her head, her voice filled with concern.

kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)

No, so many people want to become celebrities, but only a few succeed. It would be better for him to find a stable, secure job.

Kim Taehyung nodded in agreement, understanding his mother’s worries.

Kim Taehyung

Hoseok-hyung, I don’t want to become a celebrity. I know I don’t have what it takes. But if you could introduce me to some work at your company—maybe as an assistant or a crew member on a production team—I’d be grateful. I can do any kind of work

Jung Hoseok

That’s no problem. My boss just bought a model agency and set up a film studio near Sixth Ring Road. There are plenty of jobs available. As long as you’re not afraid of hard work, you’ll be able to earn enough to support you and your mom.

Kim Taehyung

Thank you, Hoseok-hyung. I really appreciate it 😊

He knew he couldn’t afford to be picky. At this point, any job would be a lifeline, and if Hoseok was offering him a way in, he had no reason to refuse. Life had to move forward, and the past—no matter how painful—would have to be left behind.

Kim So Yeon opened her mouth, but upon seeing that Kim Taehyung’s mind was set, she didn’t say anything else. However, her eyes were filled with anxiety