Chapter 4

Jungkook lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as his mind wandered to Taehyung, unable to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest since he saw Taehyung's emotionless face.

He let out a sigh of frustration. It was only his first day, and he was already feeling like this. He slipped out of his room and walked aimlessly. As he turned a corner, he stumbled upon the familiar garden.

This place held so many precious memories....They used to sit here for hours, talking and laughing. The garden is beautiful with plants, flowers, a small pond and a winding path. Jungkook followed the path, his eyes drawn to a figure sitting on a bench ahead.

Taehyung.

Taehyung's gaze was transfixed on the water's glassy surface, his expression a mask that revealed nothing.

Jungkook felt an urge to turn back, to flee from there. But, his feet seemed to move of their own accord, drawing him closer to Taehyung.

As he approached, Jungkook's heart began to thrum in his chest. He slowed his pace, his eyes locked on Taehyung's profile, drinking in the sharp lines and curves of his face. Jungkook sat down beside Taehyung.

The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions.

"I didn't know you'd be here " Jungkook said, his eyes remained fixed on Taehyung, searching for any sign, any hint of what was going on behind those eyes.

He looks so fragile.

Has he lost weight?

Still pretty.

Taehyung didn't respond, didn't even flinch. Jungkook shifted uncomfortably, trying again.

"H-How..."

"Taebear... it's time for your medicine " Jiwon's voice cut through the silence as she walked towards Taehyung.

She smiled at Jungkook, but he could only manage a strained, polite smile in return.

Taehyung's response was almost robotic. He slowly rose from the bench, his movements stiff and mechanical. Without a word, he began to walk towards Jiwon.

Medicine?....for what?

Jungkook watched, feeling helpless, as Taehyung disappeared into the mansion with Jiwon.

____________________

Jiwon came out from Taehyung's room, and Jungkook's eyes met hers.

"Jiwon-ssi..." he called, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jiwon looked up, a warm smile spread across her face.

"Young Master Jungkook..."

"Please, don't call me that" Jungkook said, his eyes locked on hers. "You used to call me Kook."

Jiwon's smile faltered for a moment before she replied,

"You used to call me Ahjumma."

Jungkook's expression softened. "I've missed you, Ahjumma."

"Me too, Kook." Jiwon said , looking at Jungkook with a warm smile.

Jungkook's gaze drifted toward Taehyung's room, his heart racing with concern.

"Ahjumma, is Taehyung alright?"

"umm..he is-"

Before Jiwon could respond, a voice interrupted them. "Jiwon-ssi, is Taehyung asleep?"

Jungkook and Jiwon turned to face the owner of the voice. A tall, handsome man stood before them, his eyes fixed on Jiwon.

"No, he's painting. You can go inside." Jiwon said with a smile.

Jungkook's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions.

Who is this man?

The stranger's gaze shifted to Jungkook. "You're Jungkook, right?"

Jungkook nodded curtly. "Yes, and you are?"

"I'm Park Hyunshik," the man replied with a smile.

"See you later." He said and walked towards Taehyung's room.

As Hyunshik entered Taehyung's room, Jungkook turned to Jiwon.

Jungkook's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, his voice laced with concern, "Ahjumma, who is he? ....And what's going on?" His eyes searched Jiwon's face, seeking answers.

Jiwon's smile faltered. "Kook, Taehyung is... unwell. And He is taehyung's doctor" she said gently, looking at Jungkook.

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as a wave of worry washed over him.

"Unwell?" he repeated, his voice trembling.

"What do you mean? What's wrong with him, Ahjumma?"

"Kook, I'm not supposed to share everything, but... my Taebear is suffering. He's been suffering for years, and it's been tearing me apart to watch him." Her gaze locked onto Jungkook's, filled with a deep sadness.

"He's not the same Taehyung you knew, Kook. He... " Her voice trembled with emotions as she looked at Jungkook.

Jungkook's heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Jiwon.

"C-can I... can I see him?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jiwon nodded slowly, a sorrowful smile spreading across her face.

"You can, but only after Dr.park checks on him.." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Jungkook with more questions than answers

_____________________

Taehyung sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the canvas in front of him.

His brushstrokes had been bold and vibrant once, but now they seemed dull and lifeless.

Hyunshik entered the room with a warm smile.

"Tae..."

Taehyung turned to hyunshik, his expression blank.

"Hyung..." Taehyung mumbled, fidgeting with his hands.

Hyunshik's footsteps were soft and deliberate as he approached Taehyung. He sat down in the chair beside the bed, his presence warm and comforting.

"How are you feeling, Tae?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Taehyung shrugged, not looking up.

Hyunshik nodded "I see... Well, let's take a look at your latest work."

Taehyung gestured to the canvas, his eyes still downcast. Hyunshik looked at the painting, his eyes narrowed as he studied it.

"It's...different and .....beautiful " Hyunshik said gently. He can see the pain and struggle in every stroke.

Taehyung didn't respond.

Hyunshik's eyes drifted to taehyung's restless hands. But it was the sight of the red, raw marks on Taehyung's wrists that made Hyunshik's expression darken. A frown etched itself on his face, and his eyes flashed with a mix of worry and frustration.

"Who did this to you, Tae? " Hyunshik asked, trying to suppress the anger.

Taehyung didn't respond but a lone tear fell from his eyes made Hyunshik curse the world in his mind.

"H-He came back..." Taehyung mumbled, his voice cracked with pain. Hyunshik knew exactly who Taehyung is talking about.

"Hmm....Are you not happy?" Hyunshik asked carefully.

"........I.... I'm scared.." Taehyung said, making hyunshik sigh.

" It's okay to be scared, Tae...- "

"I don't know if I can do this anymore.." Taehyung whispered, his voice cracking.

"You can, Tae... I'm here to help you" Taehyung looked at hyunshik blankly, his eyes empty.

He knew that look, that empty stare that seemed to scream 'what's the point?'

Like Jiwon, hyunshik is also helpless. They can't do anything against them. Then what's the point of giving him hope.

Yet, hyunshik couldn't bring himself to look away, to abandon Taehyung. His eyes remained locked on Taehyung's, a silent plea to hold on, to keep fighting, even when all seemed lost.

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