HEARTBEAT

The room was quiet—too quiet.

Rain tapped softly against the windows of the Jeon residence, a rhythmic whisper that filled the otherwise empty space. A pale figure lay curled under a thin blanket on the couch, trembling. Taehyung’s lips were slightly parted, his breath shallow, skin flushed with a feverish glow. His eyes fluttered open now and then, searching the dimly lit room, but there was no sign of the man he longed to see.

He lifted his phone with shaking fingers and stared at the last message.

“I’ll be home late. Big meeting. Love you, baby.”

—Jungkook. 5:02 PM.

It was now past 11.

Taehyung sighed soundlessly. His throat hurt. His body hurt. His head throbbed. But the ache that weighed the most was the one in his chest.

He didn’t need words to show pain. His silence screamed louder than a voice ever could.

_________________

Jungkook kicked off his shoes by the door, drenched and tired, cursing the storm and the late meeting that dragged on. His tie hung loose around his neck, and his briefcase slipped from his fingers. He glanced at the clock.

11:38 PM.

“Taehyung?” he called softly, dropping his coat. “Baby, I’m home.”

No response.

A cold chill ran down his spine.

He moved quickly through the hallway, past the kitchen, into the living room-and there he saw him.

His Taehyung. Curled up like a fragile petal, cheeks flushed with fever, body trembling even in his sleep.

“Oh my God…” Jungkook rushed to him, dropping to his knees.

“Baby, why didn’t you call me-why didn’t you…?” He stopped himself.

Of course, he didn’t. He couldn’t.

Jungkook cursed under his breath, guilt choking him. His husband was sick, alone, suffering-and he hadn’t even noticed.

He gently touched Taehyung’s cheek. Burning.

Taehyung stirred at the touch, eyes barely open, lips trembling but no sound escaping.

“I’m here now, baby.... I’m so sorry,” Jungkook whispered, his voice breaking. “You should’ve texted. I should’ve checked. I should’ve been here.”

He scooped Taehyung into his arms, bridal style, and carried him to their bedroom. The sheets were cool, and he quickly laid Taehyung down, wrapping him gently in soft blankets.

He grabbed the thermometer—102.6°F.

His hands trembled slightly as he wiped Taehyung’s face with a damp cloth, murmuring soothing words.

Jungkook gave him medicine, slowly helping him sip water, then crawled into bed beside him, pulling Taehyung into his arms carefully.

Taehyung blinked up at him with glossy eyes, then gently raised his fingers.

“Why… late?”

Jungkook’s chest caved at the shaky sign language. He caught Taehyung’s hand and kissed it.

“Work,” Jungkook murmured.

Taehyung’s lower lip wobbled.

“I missed you,” Jungkook added.

Taehyung nuzzled into his chest with a soft, relieved breath. The warmth of Jungkook’s embrace melted the fever’s cruelty a little.

“I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere,” Jungkook whispered against his soft hair.

They lay there, just breathing, hearts speaking in the quiet where words failed.

__________________________

The next morning, sunlight peeked in through the curtains.

Taehyung blinked slowly awake, still tucked into Jungkook’s arms, who had been watching him the whole time.

“Good morning, my angel,” Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung smiled- a tiny, weak smile but it reached his eyes.

“You look better,” Jungkook said, brushing hair from Taehyung’s forehead. “Fever’s gone down. You scared me last night.”

Taehyung reached up and traced letters on Jungkook’s palm.

“Stay?”

Jungkook caught his hand and kissed it again. “Always.”

He cupped Taehyung’s face and leaned down, placing a tender kiss on his lips.

And in the quiet that followed, there was no sound.

But there was love.

Loud, endless, wordless love.

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