#ot7 caretakers

[interesting-interludes]

the comforts of creatures (2)

creature comforts:

↳ material/bodily comforts, such as food, warmth, or special accommodations, that contribute to physical ease and well-being

→ pairing: ot7 x fem.reader

→ genre: fantasy!au, soulmate!au, angst with a happy ending, fluff, hurt + comfort + recovery, eventual smut

→ word count: 3k

→ summary: when you wake up in a strange place, met with softness and warmth instead of the pain you’re used to, a spiral of panic is almost inevitable. and the only ones around to pull you out of it are the seven strange men who brought you here.

→ trigger/content warnings: PTSD (including low self-worth/effects of dehumanization, sensory overload), memory loss, mentions/effects of physical/psychological abuse, panic attack, lotta hurt before the comfort :( the boys trying their best

→ a/n: please mind the warnings before reading!! thank you so much for the love and feedback on the first part I really appreciate it!! 💖

previous part ← series masterlist → next part

part 2: seven strangers

At first, there’s only soft warmth.

You’re surrounded by it, cradled in it like a kitten huddled close to the rest of the litter.

For as long as you can remember, warmth has been a stranger. You almost forgot what it felt like. But right now, it somehow feels familiar. Suddenly, warmth is an old friend. 

Downy and delightfully drunk with sleep, you breathe out a content sigh and snuggle deeper into whatever is making you feel this way.

It’s so warm here, and comfy too. It makes it easier to ignore the deep ache in your muscles, the pounding in—

A jolt of icy dread hits you. Why are you so warm? Why isn’t your body lying on hard stone? It doesn’t feel right, it’s not right you’re not supposed to feel like this.

Peeling your eyes open with considerable effort, light floods your senses, making you want to shrink back to where it’s dark, back to where you belong.

It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust, but once they do, you find yourself in a very strange place. Now you see with horror what was keeping you so warm. 

The room you’re in is large, walls lined with curtained windows. The center of the room is dominated by a gigantic bed. It’s sunken into the ground, looking more like a huge fluffy pit piled high with blankets and pillows.

But the worst part is...you’re not alone.

Four other bodies are curled up against yours. One of them is pressed to your left side with an arm slung over your torso, head nestled into the crook of your neck. All you can see of him is his tan skin and few wisps of curly black hair.

The body at your right is a similar problem. They’re hugging you close with their legs intertwined with yours. A man’s body, lean yet padded with muscle.

When you look down, you see a head of silvery white hair cushioned on your stomach. And when you shift slightly, you realize that you’re using the person behind you as a pillow.

They’re all holding onto you like you might disappear.

Countless textures, the heat of their skin, the rub of their clothes, the tickling tips of their hair, it all swarms you with increasing pressure. A bombardment of scents fills your nose. Leather, cologne, a hint of tea leaves. Sweat, musk, and something heavy underneath.

It smells like the den of a hibernating animal. A scent that screams this is mine, don’t dare to touch it.

The intermingling smells seem to burn in your nostrils. Too many, so much all at once. There’s too much touching you. Too warm, too soft, too good.

And even though the curtains are drawn, the thin streams of fading sunlight that peek through bring moisture to your eyes.

All of this, on top of that same weighty feeling in your chest. It’s calmer than before, not so desperate and yearning. Still, it burns slow like the embers of a dull fire.

You wrench yourself free from the stifling embrace. Untangling your limbs, you squirm out from under them, half of you trying not to wake them and the other half desperate to escape from the suffocation.

You feel them stir. The man to your left tightens the grip of his arm, but you rip away like their touch burns. In a way, it does.

Stumbling over the mountain of pillows and stuffed animals, you distance yourself from the bed and the strangers in it as much as possible.

Something in your heart aches with the loss, but how can you miss something you don’t deserve?

Instinctively, your back hits the wall and slides along it until you find the nearest corner. Sinking down to the floor, you hug your knees to your chest and squeeze your eyes shut to block out the light.

Where are you?

The struggle to remember the events that brought you here hurts.

Memory has always been a slippery thing. It doesn’t come easy, especially when it’s always been less painful to forget. What memories do come are always fragmented, half-formed.

You can remember certain past emotions, an image here and there, maybe the shadow of a face. But never the events or places attached to them.

That is, all the memories before you were brought to the facility. Because everything that happened there...you remember vividly.

It’s all rushing back to you now. The dark, the cold, the damp. It was all you had to cling to. Why isn’t it here now?

You try again to remember how you got to this strange place, this place where there are light-bearing windows and soft, warm beds to sleep on.

Throbbing pain in your skull, tightness in your throat, but you push through it and reach into the corners of your mind.

Loud. Screaming, footsteps, gunshots. There was a creature, huge and powerful. And there was a man, beautiful but deathly.

They’d stumbled upon your room, but they didn’t hurt you. What were they doing there? And how did you end up here?

The rustle of sheets.

Your head whips up from between your knees, eyes popping open despite the too-bright light.

One of the men is shifting on the bed. It’s the one with the almost white hair. He rolls over with a sleepy groan, reaching out his arms like he’s searching for something.

When he doesn’t seem to find it, his head slowly rises from the mattress.

Don’t open your eyes, don’t open your eyes please.

But they do, just a crack. His head swivels, looking around the room.

Don’t look at me, don’t look at me, for the love of god—

He’s facing you now, shaking strands of pale hair off his face. His eyes are barely open, but you know he sees you.

You know it from the way the feeling in your chest pulses. Panic racing through your veins, breath quickening.

The man yawns and opens his arms in a welcoming gesture, something that puzzles you immensely.

“Come back to bed, babe.”

His voice is bright and sweet, but it still sends a wave of alarm through your body.

It’s a trap, your brain drills over and over. You know you’re not allowed on a bed. He must know it too, he has to. Because you’re dirty and disgusting and wrong. Beds are meant for people, for humans.

“Baby?”

You look up to find the man watching you with a strange expression. It’s concern, but you don’t recognize what that looks like.

You tear your eyes away from his, flinching with the realization that you just accidentally made eye contact. Damnit, no no no.

Curling in on yourself further, you wait for the consequences. A slap, a fist to the nose, a hand tight around your throat. Anything that hurts.

But it doesn’t come. Several beats of silence pass, your breathing picking up by the second.

You don’t dare look up again, that always makes it worse.

The man calls out a name. Then again, again, each time increasingly desperate.

The thing in the pit of your heart burns, pulsing painfully every time he says that name.

Why does he keep saying it? You don’t like it, it makes your chest ache.

Too hyper focused on all the overlapping sensations, you don’t notice the man approaching you, panic across his face.

Dropping to his knees, his eyes search your distraught face, ducking his head to try to catch your gaze.

“_____? What’s wrong? Please, tell me what’s wrong, babe,” he says, hands creeping up your arms, giving your shoulders a squeeze to try to ground you.

Immediately, you recoil away from his touch.

It’s too much. The light, the smells, the contact, the pressure inside your rib cage. All you want to do it disappear, shrivel up until you’re even more nothing than you already are.

More voices, different yet all alarmed, sounding faraway and muted in your ears. Your eyes must be closed again, because all you see is soothing darkness.

There are more hands touching you. The muffled voices are getting louder, more piercing.

It all makes your head throb. You wish it would stop, just make it stop please make it fucking stop!

Lungs feeling close to bursting, your ears suddenly perk up at the only string of words your stupid brain can process: a command.

“Look at me.”

Your eyes open, almost involuntarily.

Wide, warm eyes, high cheekbones, dark waves falling over bright skin. A man’s face hovering over you, his expression pinched with distress. Still, when your gaze meets his, a weak yet radiant smile blooms across his face.

“Good, good,” he says softly.

Momentary relief. You release a tight breath, focusing all your senses on the face in front of you, on the voice giving you delicious praise.

But then three more faces crowd your vision. They’re all looking at you so intensely, eyes wide and jaws clenched.

Panic like fireworks. Why are they all looking at you? What did you do?

The realization comes, a stab to the gut. Only one of them allowed you to look at him. And you just made eye contact with all of them.

No no no...It’s coming any second now. The pain.

They’re going to punish you for it, they’re going to hold you down and hurt you until you’re thrashing and screaming.

They know you were on the bed, they have to. They’re going to beat you bloody for it.

You can already taste the iron in your mouth. A violent swell of nausea ripples through your stomach. Can’t breathe, you can’t breathe.

They’re going to hurt you. The pain is coming again, there won’t be anything else.

Your heartbeat is thunder as you frantically scan the room.

The door isn’t far away, and it’s open.

A voice that isn’t your own says one thing in your head:

Run.

It’s been a long time since Jimin felt this content. He’s warm, he’s safe, he’s fed, and he’s got your heartbeat against his ear.

They’d made it home relatively unscathed, Jin still carrying you bridal style.

He’d refused to let go of you since you collapsed in his arms. Even when they were safely inside their own wards, even crossing the threshold of the house, he held you close to his chest and waved the maknaes off with a “go clean up” or “go eat something before you pass out.”

He finally surrendered you over to Namjoon to go fry up some meat while the rest of them washed up in the mudroom, knowing they’d be ravenous by the time they finished.

Namjoon managed to bandage your cuts and wipe your face with a wet cloth before Taehyung found him, trailing water droplets behind him, and dragged you into the den where he promptly fell asleep in a pile with the rest of the shifters.

Jin and Namjoon watched them fondly from the doorway, all of them utterly exhausted from the raid and from changing in and out of their full forms.

You were cradled in between Hoseok’s legs, Jungkook pressed to your right, Taehyung to your left, with Jimin resting his head on your stomach.

Namjoon put a hand on Jin’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. The gesture says you did good, we’re whole again.

When Jimin wakes up, he can feel the anxiety trembling in the air. The fine, sensitive hairs all over his body twitch with it.

He reaches for you, but you’re not there.

Opening his eyes, he finds you pressed into the corner, shaking.

He’ll never forget the way you looked at him. You’ve never looked so scared, never so much like a cornered animal.

But it’s not until he calls your name and you look at him with no recognition in your eyes that he knows something is very, very wrong.

You flinch away from his touch, sending a pang of hurt through his heart, covering your ears and burying your head between your legs.

Jungkook jolts awake, probably triggered by the stench of your fear. He’s by your side in an instant, quietly whimpering as he presses his nose to what’s left of your hair.

Taehyung and Hoseok follow soon after.

They all try to comfort you with soft touches and calming words, muttering “you’re safe now” and “nothing can hurt you” over and over.

But it’s like you don’t hear them. Or don’t believe it.

You can’t even look at them until Hoseok orders you to. He remembers that Jimin likes following simple orders when he’s overwhelmed, and when it works on you a spark of joy lights in his face.

Something similar lights in your eyes too, but the next second it’s gone. Replaced by more panic, your gaze darts around the room wildly.

Jimin’s teeth clench as he anticipates what’s coming next. He knows the signs of someone about to bolt.

He’s proven right seconds later when you lunge for the door, roughly pushing past them.

They’re all shocked still for a moment. Why would you run from them? They’re supposed to be your safe place, your comfort people. They finally got you back. Shouldn’t you be happy? Why would you run from your own mates?

Jungkook takes off after you, tearfully calling your name. Then Hoseok takes off after Jungkook, worried that he might scare you even more in his emotional state.

Taehyung and Jimin just sit there, deflated. When their eyes meet, they’re both thinking the same thing: helping you feel safe again is going to be a lot harder than they thought.

You can be pretty fast when you want to be, especially when you’re frightened, so you make it all the way down the stairs and into the living room before Jungkook gets to you.

He grabs your shoulders, trying to be as non-threatening as he can, anchoring you to the floor as he tries to meet your eyes.

Twitching violently and nearly hyperventilating, your breath catches when he finally manages to catch your gaze. Only to rip it away again as a strangled noise escapes your throat.

That rare sound that only leaves Jungkook when he’s distressed fills the air. Somewhere between a high-pitched trill and a harsh cry, it seems to echo all throughout the house.

It alerts the remaining hyungs, making their ears perk and their lungs hitch.

They fell that burning in their chest, a sign that one of their mates is in pain. And from the way it singes through their veins, they know that it’s not one of their mates, but several of them.

When Jungkook calls out your name, you break out of his grip and take a few unsteady steps backward, searching for the nearest exit.

By that time, the shifters have made their way into the living room, along with Jin and Namjoon. They all crowd around you, muscles tensing when they feel the air vibrate with your panic.

Whipping around, you realize that you’re surrounded and utterly outnumbered.

They watch as you crumble in on yourself, sinking to the ground again in an effort to shield yourself from an oncoming attack.

A string of jumbled syllables falls from your lips. They have to get closer to realize what you’re saying.

“Please...please,” you mutter. “Please don’t hurt me.”

It breaks their hearts.

Every time one of them touches you, you jerk back and let loose another stream of frenzied pleas.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I won’t run again. Just don’t hurt me, please. I’ll be good I promise just please don’t, don’t...”

Jungkook and Taehyung grasp your shoulders with tears in their eyes, Jimin running a soothing hand up and down your back.

“It’s okay, baby. Really, it’s okay. No one’s going to hurt you. Calm down for me, okay?” Taehyung says softly.

Your breathing slows just a little, maybe from hearing him say that he doesn’t plan on hurting you. Hesitantly, you look up at your surroundings, and the next second you’re thrown into another fit of shaking and begging.

“No no no, please...please,” you blurt out, voice trailing off at the end.

Too many touches, voices, scents. It all swirls in your brain and makes your heart and head thud rapidly. When will it stop, when will it just stop.

“Enough.”

Everyone freezes at the calm yet firm voice.

The boys turn towards it while you burrow further into yourself, waiting for a hit or command or insult, whichever comes first.

Yoongi stands at the other end of the room. His head and shoulders are drooped with exhaustion, no doubt still weak after breaking through the layers of wards single-handed.

His eyes are zeroed in on only you, brows furrowed and fists clenched. This is the first time he’s seen you in months. The cuts and old wounds, the scars, your mangled hair, the way your body is shriveled with malnourishment. It all makes his skin crawl with quiet rage.

Yoongi takes step after slow step towards you, and something about his commanding presence keeps you still.

The rest of them step aside to let him pass, holding their breath in anticipation of his next words. He’s always been the most patient, the most level-headed when one of them is having a panic attack.

He drops down to one knee, tilting your chin up with one gentle finger.

“Look at me, sweetheart,” he says, masterfully controlling his fury at seeing the state of you so none of it is directed towards you.

Still shaking, you meet his even stare. His own dark eyes soften, darting over the damage visible on your face.

“Tell me,” he begins in that same composed tone. “Who did this to you?”

a/n: thanks so much for reading!! what are your first impressions of the boys? please consider commenting your thoughts if you enjoyed! :)

taglist: @jeepersjiminie​ @scuzmunkie​ @anchovyinajar​ @btsiguess-kpop @btspurplesky​ @emu007​ @goldeneclipsedragon @serendididy​ @namjoons-bug @angryperfectionpersona​ @wittyreader​ @ariavaana​ @crazy-person​ @kyrah-williams​ @leehaechanlee​ @jinkajous​ @dolliecat​ @reallysparklychaos @xmochiloverx​ @queen-in-the-shadows​ @astrids-pandora @kapten-xouk​ @anonynim​ @massiekurrb​ @tito-the-mermaid​ 

[soft-for-yoongi]

Fever dream Taehyungie. I read some fics with this and I'm hooked.

Choose whoever you like as the caregiver and whatever other sickness you want to add. I have no problem with emeto 💜

Fever Dreams, Hyung's Don't Leave (sick TH)

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Sick: Taehyung

Caretakers: ot7, Yoongi, Jungkook, Seokjin

Tw: emeto, vom**, mentions of nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, fevers, nightmares, puking

Word count: 1744

Thanks for the request, anon!! I really enjoyed this, and I hope it's what you had in mind 🫶

--------------------------------

Cold. Taehyung was so so cold. And... where are his hyungs? One second they were right there, and now it's all dark? They were with him before he got sucked into dreamland? But now he feels freezing and so... alone. "Hyungs?" Taehyung wants to reach out but his arms feel like lead and won't cooperate.

Shadows were growing around him and his brothers were becoming distant, his cheeks are wet with tears and he wants to yell for them to come back but the sounds don't make it past his throat. Did they really leave him?

"Taehyungie!"

He woke up with a sharp gasp, almost instantly dissolving into tears that wrack his frame. Yoongi is quick to pull him into an embrace, cradling his head into his chest. Despite the younger being taller than he is, Taehyung looks so small in the rapper's arms. "You're burning up, Taetae." Yoongi says, feeling warmth radiating off of the younger's skin.

"I'm c-cold... w-wh-where are the others?" Taehyung's head perks up, eyes wide and scared. The dream felt so vivid. "Hyungie, are they gone?" Taehyung suddenly tries to stand up, pulling away from Yoongi's grasp.

"Woah, careful." Yoongi rushes to help Taehyung and sits him back down with little effort needed. "They're okay, Taehyungie." He comforts, rubbing his back in circles. "I-I need to see them, h-hyung—" Taehyung cries, gripping onto Yoongi like a lifeline.

"Shh, okay. Let me get Jinnie and the others." Yoongi takes out his phone, frantically spamming Seokjin's number. All of Taehyung's weight is up against Yoongi and the flow of tears has him biting his lip in worry. "Yoongi-ah?" Seokjin sheepishly walks into the room, rubbing his eyes and taking a split second to register Taehyung.

"Oh, Taehyungie, baby." Seokjin rushes over, petting and soothing over his hair as Taehyung instinctively reaches for the eldest. "H-hyung... I thought you left me." Taehyung mumbles, breaking out in tremors and moving to wrap an arm around his stomach.

"Of course not, baby. Gosh, you're so warm. Yoongi, what happened?" Seokjin turns to the rapper. "He was dreaming, kept calling out for us and now he's got a fever." Yoongi explains. They both look at Taehyung with pity, thinking on what to do. "We have to give him some medicine, he's way too hot." Seokjin concludes.

"No—I need to see Jiminie a-and Namjoon-hyung—" Taehyung sniffles, hiccuping between words. Yoongi sadly rubs his back, turning to Seokjin. "Aw Taehyungie... how about we go to the living room and I'll get the others?" Seokjin offers, using his thumb to wipe away the tears. Taehyung nods approvingly, somewhat calming down.

They go on either side of the younger, helping him to the lounge. Yoongi flicks on a couple lights, putting them on the dimmest setting. Taehyung reaches for Yoongi and he gladly holds him on the couch. Seokjin starts off at the closest bedroom. Jimin and Hoseok's.

"Hoseokie? Jiminie?" He calls into the dark room, walking in to find the two curled in each other's embrace, both their beds pushed together. They start to stir after a few taps. "Sorry guys, Taehyungie is sick and a bit emotional. Can you both comfort him in the living room?" Seokjin explains in a hushed voice. It wakes them up and Jimin's eyes are already glistening with worry. "Of course, hyung." Hoseok replies. Onto the next bedroom.

"Namjoon-ah?" Seokjin hears the snoring cut off. "Hmmg..? Hyung?" The leader groans. "Can you go to the living room, please? Taehyungie has a fever." He says, gaining a hum as Namjoon swings his legs out of bed. And now, the maknae.

"Kookie?" Seokjin moves straight to the bed, gently rubbing over Jungkook's thigh. "Jungkook-ah." He tries again, making the lump roll over. "Taehyung needs you, Bunny." And that finally wakes him up. "Huh..? Is he okay?" Jungkook rubs his eyes, making a move to get up. "Fever, bad dream." Seokjin summarises, letting the youngest follow him back to the living room.

Taehyung is still next to Yoongi but Jimin is giving him a kiss on the cheek, Hoseok tying back his hair and Namjoon is standing nearby, not wanting to crowd the boy. "Taehyungie-hyung?" Jungkook says when he catches sight of the second youngest. He looks up from the couch and is visibly relieved. "You g-guys didn't leave?" Taehyung's lip quivers. The six of them butt in to reassure Taehyung, telling him they love each other way too much to even fathom the idea.

"Taetae, do you feel well enough to take some medicine?" Yoongi asks, all too aware of the sticky heat coming from the singer. He's still so out of it. "Mm.. I don't know." Taehyung pouts, "does anything hurt? Your ears, throat, head, stomach?" Jimin asks, kneeling down in front of Taehyung. "Tummy.. and my head feels dizzy." Taehyung concludes, just now picking up on the nausea washing over him in waves.

He shivers and curls up to Yoongi. "Hyung... I think I'm gonna throw up." Taehyung whines, face squashed into Yoongi's shoulder. "Aish–right now?" Yoongi looks to Hoseok for help, "I'll get a bag—" Hoseok dashes off, right as Taehyung moans in discomfort, chills going up and down his spine. Seokjin leaves to grab some towels and medicine. Namjoon and Jungkook take a seat on the other couch, talking to each other worriedly.

Hoseok comes back with a puke bag, quickly handing it to Taehyung who grips it shakily. "You're okay, Taehyung-ah." Yoongi starts rubbing up and down his back, sympathising when he feels his muscles clench and a dry gag escapes. Taehyung feels like he's on a merry-go-round, he's not enjoying it. Before he was cold and lonely, now he's covered in sweat, about to heave up his dinner. What a night.

He looks up from the bag, noticing Seokjin returning and all his brother's concerned faces. It makes him think back to his fever dream and a tear slips before a nasty heave takes over. It leads to a string of drool and acidic taste in his throat. Jimin uses his small hand to wipe away the tears, moving to sit next to Taehyung. "Let it up, Tae." Yoongi slips into daegu satoori, hoping to comfort the younger some.

Taehyung sucks in a deep, shaky breath before bringing up a mouthful of sick. It gets the momentum going and before he can relax, another bout exits him. "We're right beside you, Taetae. You're doing great." Hoseok comforts, looking away from the puke bag but also trying to support his dongsaeng.

Taehyung retches, spine curling over as he vomits. He feels so hot and sticky, tshirt plastered to his back. Seokjin uses a damp cloth to wipe Taehyung's forehead, holding it on as he coughs into the bag. "Namjoon-ah, can you get the thermometer please?" Seokjin asks, tone filled with concern.

"Sure, hyung." Namjoon responds quickly. "Ughh—my tummy doesn't feel good.." Taehyung whimpers, fingers still clutching the bag. Jungkook watches with sympathy. "Poor baby, Taehyungie. You'll feel better soon." Jimin rubs the 95's knee, Yoongi tracing along his back.

Taehyung doesn't feel like he'll ever get better. He would make another statement that he's dying, but a painfully dry heave cuts him off. It highlights just how empty Taehyung now is. But his stomach sets him off anyways, into endless (about 3) empty gags. "Tae-yah it sounds like you're finished. Wanna try relax a little?" Yoongi points out, slowly easing the younger's grip on the bag.

"Yoongi's right, Taehyungie. I'm sure Jungkook's happy to give you some company on the couch?" Seokjin smiles, and Taehyung swallows down a retch before weakly nodding. Yoongi manages to take the bag, making note to keep it away from Hoseok's general direction before disposing of it.

Seokjin and Jimin wipe down Taehyung's face, just as Namjoon comes back with the thermometer, holding it out. "Ah, thanks Joonie." Seokjin says, grabbing the device and hovering it over the second youngest's forehead. It beeps and reads, "39.1° (102.4°)" Seokjin says out loud, "shit. Taehyungie, you're really warm, how about we take your shirt off?" The eldest adds.

Taehyung nods, face blank and zoned out. "Arms up," Jimin helps take off the top, leaving Taehyung exposed on the couch. "Can I lay down with Jungkookie?" Taehyung looks up at Jin, then glances at the youngest. "Of course, Kookie? Is that okay?" Seokjin turns to Jungkook, who responds with a reassuring nod. Jungkook motions for Taehyung to come closer. With Hoseok's and Jimin's aid, Taehyung gets nestled on Jungkook's chest, both of them long ways on the couch. Jungkook has an arm tucked around Taehyung securely, while he listens to the soothing rhythm of Jungkook's heartbeat.

"Promise not to be sick on me?" Jungkook jokes, retracting the statement when Taehyung frowns sadly. "I'm sorry you're not feeling well, hyungie. You can throw up on me, that's fine." Jungkook kisses Taehyung's temple, ruffling his hair at the same time. At least that gets Taehyung to whimper-laugh, his body still isn't happy with him.

Before Taehyung lets himself drift off, he opens his eyes and scans the room. He sees five pairs of eyes staring back lovingly, the elder members smiling at the fondness between the two youngests. "Don't worry, Taehyung-ah. We'll be right here when you wake up." Yoongi hums, beginning to settle on one of their armchairs, letting out a huff when Jimin sits on his lap, but not making him move either. Fully reclining the other couch, Hoseok is comfortably squished between the leader and Seokjin.

"Okay, I love you, hyungs." Taehyung murmurs softly. He surrendered to the warmth of Jungkook's embrace, the presence of his brothers soothing him to not worry about any more dreams.

Hours passed and they slept semi-comfortably. Seven people in one living room was a lot. Slowly, Taehyung stirred awake, greeted by the gentle caress of Jungkook's hand on his head. Blinking away the sleep, he found himself still tucked up to Jungkook. "Hey there, sleeping beauty." Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung grinned weakly, "did I throw up on you?" He asked, voice raspy but amused. "Not this time, hyung." Jungkook chuckled. The lounge room was bathed in a morning glow, Taehyung noticed his other hyungs, still there and their expressions more relaxed. The worry he felt during his fever-induced dream was replaced by comfort, yes he was still uneasy but he now had some support.

"I told you we wouldn't leave, Taehyungie." Jimin chims in, perched on Yoongi's lap. "Thank you, Jiminie-hyung."

[sickiesope]

I’m glad you’re back! Started reading your fics not so long ago.

Can I request a very feverish jimin, with either a throat or a stomach infection, and worried members that take care of him day and night?

Thank you sm anon I'm glad to be back too! :) I managed to get in everyone taking care of Jiminie here 💜

Downtime for Jimin

Sickie: Jimin

Catetakers: OT7

TW: emeto

Summary: Jimin hates when he gets sick.🌡

2PM:

Jimin had to sit out of dance practice after running to throw up twice. He couldn't pick up the choreography and kept missing steps. Hoseok halted it and made the younger sit down after noticing he felt warm.

"I dont know what's wrong with me" Jimin huffed. He hates missing out on dancing but he does feel a bit faint.

"I dont want you passing out on us" Hoseok tells him. He gives Jimin a trash can nearby and a bottle of water. Jimin sits on the floor leaning against the wall. He tells himself he can join again when he feels better but that doesn't happen. Hoseok ends up ending the session earlier as he sees Jimin in such poor condition.

4PM:

Jimin hates feeling like this. His stomach has been acting up all day. He started feeling warm around mid afternoon and when he threw up his lunch he knew he was done for.

"Jimin, you doing okay?" Yoongi and Taehyung wait outside the locked stall in the bathroom.

"..mhm.." Jimin moans in response. His stomach gurgles and he throws up wet chunks into the bowl.

Being sick and throwing up is one thing but doing it at your work building somehow feels much worse. Jimin worries about random people coming in and hearing his awful retches and he doesn't want anyone seeing his face after he's done. It feels too vulnerable. But today he has no other option, other than the floor in the hallway.

"How are you doing?" Taehyung asks him after the retching simmers down.

"Ugh.. I'm done.." Jimin's voice croaked. He wipes his mouth and flushes. When he finally unlocks the door they see how sickly he looks. Jimin has circles under his eyes and he's sweating lightly.

"Jiminah, you look terrible you poor thing. And you're running a pretty bad fever there." Yoongi and Taehyung help Jimin clean his face quickly.

"Ugh, let's get out of here before anyone else comes in" Jimin says worriedly. His face is flushed and his stomach still cramping, he hastily walks out. Luckily no one else was around.

----

7PM:

Jimin crawled into bed after a rough ride home. His fever rising and his appetite declined. The lights are off and it feels much later than it is and his fever makes it hard to think properly.

Jungkook tried giving him some ginger tea for his stomach. But not even five minutes later he's grabbing the bucket again, heaving up the small amount he sipped.

"Awh, I'm sorry the tea didn't help hyung" Jungkook said sadly.

"It's okay Kookie, I appreciate the gesture" Jimin says quietly, rubbing JK's hand. He really wishes his stomach would let up. He couldn't even join the guys at dinner as his stomach can't handle anything.

Jungkook goes to get a new cold wet cloth for Jimin's fever. "Try to sleep some more hyung."

---

12AM:

Jimin conked out for awhile but his head is so hot and bothered he woke again. Jin cleaned the bucket and took Jimin's temperature. He's alarmed at how high it is "whoa, you're burning up Jiminah."

Jimin doesn't say anything, he's too nauseas. His stomach is still threatening to hurl up more. He can't believe he still has anything to throw up, he lost his lunch and his breakfast long ago.

"Don't force it Jiminah" the oldest says softly.

"I c-can't help it--" Jimin cuts off with another harsh retch, splashing into the newly cleaned bucket.

"Hyung, I hate this" Jimin whined and dove his head into the bucket again. His stomach is still pushing up even though it's pretty much empty. After one more dry heave and just spitting out saliva, Jimin concludes that he's done. He wraps himself up in the blankets like a burrito and closes his eyes.

---

4AM:

Jimin keeps falling asleep and randomly waking up again. He blames it on his fever and his stomach that still churns sometimes. Jimin thought he fell asleep on the couch at work and woke up hot and uncomfortable. Nope, he's in his own bed. Namjoon took out the fan and put it in Jimin's room, hoping it would help him cool down. The breeze is nice on his sweaty face and slightly damp hair.

Namjoon also tried giving him medicine for his fever and upset tummy but he threw it up 20 minutes later. "I think Jimin should see a doctor tomorrow morning" the leader finally says.

Jimin whines in protest but the others all agree he should.

"I think so too, he might need a different medicine" Hoseok adds. Jimin doesn't like the idea but knows in the back of his head that he should.

---

8AM:

Jimin's doctor confirms he has a stomach infection. He prescribes him medication that will clear it up within a few days and in the meantime he has to take it easy. The others continue to take care of him until he's better.

[mikrokoskooks]

Hey could you please do something with joon and appendicitis!! i love your works so much! <3

Of course and Ty xx I really love yours too you are so good at writing!!! :)

Tw:Emeto, hospitals mentions of vom!t

Around 2000 and something words might be my longest fic ever haha.

Namjoon's POV

"Hey, Hyung are you alright back there, you've been quiet today," Jungkook says from his seat next to me in the car.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just tired" Of course, I'm not actually tired I just don't want to worry Jungkook or the others.

I've been feeling a bit odd lately, and little things keep happening that are making me worry about my health.

Like the last couple of days, I have completely lost my appetite and had these weird cramps in my tummy that come and go. Usually, I'd be stubborn and not tell the others how I feel but something deep down's telling me to say something.

"Actually,  I-" Is all I manage to say before being cut off by Jimin,

"Guys. I don't feel very well"

Oh no.

"Why what's wrong?" Hoseok asks from the steering wheel

"I think I'm car sick" He moans placing a hand on his tummy.

I look over at Jimin and he truly looks awful he's gone all pale and his bangs are stuck to his forehead by sweat. I don't know what's up with him but it doesn't look good. "Here take this," Yoongi says passing him an emesis bag. Jimin and some of the other members get motion sick so we always have some on hand.

While Jimin is breathing heavily into the bag the pain and burning in my stomach grows quickly and I start to feel a bit queasy myself. Jimin lets out a few fairly quiet hiccups but a particularly loud one causes him to throw up quite aggressively into the blue bag.

Taehyung rubs his aching stomach while Jin and Yoongi pat his back, Soon enough Jungkook's unbuckled his seat belt and went to Jimin as well. I don't blame them cause Jimin is clearly unwell I just wish I had said I felt ill earlier so someone could look after me like that.

You know what, I don't even think Jimin's motion sick he's never gotten it this bad before it has to be something else. Like food poisoning?

~~~

When we get back to the dorm Jimin could barely stand up straight from all the vomiting he'd done. All of the others minus me had to hold him up so he didn't fall flat on his (cute) face.

I go into the kitchen and return to the living room with an empty yogurt pot. "Minnie you were eating this earlier right?"

Jimin slowly nods his head, "It's gone off I think it's given you food poisoning," Namjoon says

"It did taste kinda funny.."

"Then why'd you eat it silly, Jin asks half-jokingly before sweetly saying, it's okay anyways we'll help you get better yeah"

See, food poisoning. No motion sickness.

~~~

It's a week later and Jimin is better after he got sick the first time it took him until yesterday to get better. He really had it bad. I, surprisingly feel completely better too. I've managed to get my appetite back and my stomach cramp still come and go but less often than before.

I haven't bothered to tell the others how I felt before because it was never truly the right time with Jimin being sick and all. I was sure it would go on its own and it did so I've nothing to worry about. Plus, we've got a performance on the tonight show with Jimmy Fallon, and I'ts not like my stomach gonna randomly flare up again, is it?

I've jinxed it

As soon as we pull up at the venue I feel my stomach cramp aggressively and gurgle just like it normally does. Unfortunately, it's so much shaper and louder than usual it causes me to groan suddenly, earning me six pairs of concerned eyes staring at me. This time it radiates to his side.

"Namjoon are you okay, Was that your stomach?"

" Yeah, I don't.. feel that well" I blurt out

"Why, what's wrong namjoon-ah?" Seokjin asks me.

"My stomach.. hurts" I whine weakly leaning my head onto the window.

Since the van is now parked Seokjin unbuckles his seatbelt and rests a hand on my forehead "There's no temperature. Have you eaten anything that might be causing this?"

I shake my head, "It's alright though, I can manage" I try to say it as confidently as possible, but there's still a clear whine in my voice.

The car is silent for a minute before Hoseok speaks up, "Okay, If you're sure Joon but if it starts to hurt more tell us ok?"

"Okay"

~~~

As we enter the building the show's staff greet us with warm smiles and waves before leading us off to Jimmy Fallon. We don't have to walk too far as he's at the end of the corridor, but the journey still gets me out of breath. My stomach's probably to blame for that.

When we make it to the end of the not-so-far corridor I feel exhausted, My stomach ache has gotten ten times worse and I could feel my lunch trying to make a reappearance. I'm starting to rethink the performance tonight.

We'd been on the show before so when Jimmy turns around he's thrilled to see us again. He smiles and welcomes us back and then starts to pull everyone into a hug. That's one thing I've always liked about Jimmy he treats us like family. He doesn't just ignore us until we perform he cares about our feelings.

Speaking of feelings, before my hug, Jimmy looks at me worriedly and asks me something. "Hey are you okay buddy, you don't look so good."

"Ah yeah, I've  just got a stomach ache."

I can hear the genuine concern In Jimmy's voice.

"Oh, are you alright to perform? You can rest if you need to."

"I'll be fine I have a very strong immune system you know," Namjoon says making a muscle gesture trying to lighten the mood.

Jimmy chuckles before going over to me a pulling me into another warm gentle hug as he lets go he whispers, "I hope you feel better soon" to me. I say thank you and then we get led to our dressing room.

The first thing others do when they get in is eat some of the food the show had provided. Now despite how good all the food looked, I decide not to eat any. Instead I go to get my makeup and hair done and then go on my phone.

Now, of all the brilliant things I could look up on the internet, I'm stuck looking up pressure points for nausea. Yes, I could just a someone for an anti-nausea pill but then they'd worry and stop me from performing.

Just as I'm about to try the point Jimin comes to check up on me, "Hi hyung, how are you feeling?"

I contemplate telling him the truth but I opt not to instead "I'm fine Jimin"

"Are you sure? You really don't look well"

I tell him I'm fine again and this time he doesn't pry anymore. I glance over at the fast food the others are eating, maybe eating would make my stomach feel less like it's... slowly curdling.

As I walk over to the table a plethora of scents waft up my nose. Now on any other day, I would have loved the smell of McDonald's and KFC frolicking in my nostrils but today my body was just not having it.

Taehyung's POV

I look up to see Namjoon walking to our table, I guess he's feeling slightly better. Before I can open my mouth to ask he makes a 180-degree turn and grabbed a plastic bag from one of the chairs. At first, I thought he was going to use it as a rubbish bag or something but then I heard him gag and my mind was changed.

Normal POV

Namjoon suddenly gags into the plastic bag, his stomach is in knots and he can feel acid moving up his throat. He gags again bringing up a large wave of sick, he barely gets a break before more vomit hits the bag.

Yoongi, Jungkook, and Taehyung all make their way over to Namjoon, they pat his back and mumble sweet nothings into his ear. The vomiting continues for another 5 minutes before the vocalist's stomach lets up. The other Jin and Hoseok watch from afar while Jimin goes to get the staff.

"You okay?" Jungkook asks "Well obviously you're not but..." he trails off. Namjoon shakes his head, "I feel sick. My tummy hurts" he moans grabbing his side. You know stuff is serious when Namjoon says tummy instead of stomach. He drops down to his knees starting to puke into the bag again.

"How long has it been hurting you?" Taehyung asks patting his back. "Two days before Jimin got sick but it wasn't this bad just on and off," Namjoon says through gritted teeth. Taehyung and Jungkook look shocked "Hyung!?" They say in unison "Why didn't u say anything?"

"Didn't... feel, that bad then" he mutters. Jimin soon comes back in with the staff and the company doctor is shocked to see how namjoon looks and it's certainly not good. The doctor checks over the youngest rapper checking his breathing and his temperature.

"39 degrees" the doctor starts tutting "that's not good where abouts does it hurt?" He asks staring at namjoon with urgency.

"It was the middles but but now it's my right side" He says keeping one hand on his abdomen and the other to point. "From what I've seen and what you've told me, it looks like Appendicitis."

The members gasp and one of the staff members whispers an 'Oh my God'. Namjoon just sits there in shock and disbelief. He opens his mouth to speak but all that comes out is a pained groan.

The doctor speaks up,"I think it would be best if you go to the hospital for surgery instantly, you can't preform tonight."

The others seem a bit sad about the news but the understand that it's definitely better for Namjoon to get surgery than to suffer. "B-but I have to perform... I" Namjoon tries to argue but stops half way swallowing thickly.

"No Namjoon." Hoseok says sternly, Jin nods and says "Your health is way more important go get your appendix out."

"Oh um okay" Namjoon says grimacing as the doctor helps him up. "What about the show" "Joon we'll be fine, we're just dancing you know, go." Yoongi comforts he himself knows the severity of appendicitis.

In the end Namjoon stops trying to find reasons to stay and gives into missing the show. He sits in the back of the doctors car and closes his eyes briefly. His stomach is really aching now and he's starting to worry.

"I won't die... will I?" The rapper mumbles. "Of course not Namjoon, don't be silly. You'll be just fine I promise" he says smiling sympatheticly. "Okay" he whispers feeling a bit more safe.

The doctor helps Joon out of the car and leads him into the ER. He explains to another doctor what's going on with Namjoon and he prepares him for surgery.

The last thing Namjoon remebes is being pushed on a gurney and then his vision goes black.

~~~

When he wakes up he's in a bright room that smells like roses and cleaning products. He tries to sit up but moans slightly at the soreness he does feels better though.

"Hi Namjoon, How u feeling?" The company doctor asks seeing he's awake "Better but also kinda sore" Namjoon replies. "That's normal to happen" Namjoon looks up at the clock the boys performance time.

"Can I go back now, I think I could make the performance" The doctor chuckles and shakes his head "No Namjoon you can't u need to rest, you can watch the show though."

The rapper nods and they turn on the room's TV. The show goes well and Namjoon smiles proudly those are his boys. Even if he can't be there with then on stage he still feels as though they're there with him in the hospital and later on they do.

Giving him hugs and hair ruffles and a Get well soon message from Jimmy Fallon. He really has the best members namjoon thinks to himself.

Sorry if the endings a bit bad my brain kinda gave up.

[blu-archer]

Not Everything Changes

Requested. Snzy Jk after playing with Bam in the rain.

Word Count: 4452

Sickie: Jk

Caretaker: OT7 [kind of, mostly Jin/Tae/Jimin]

Errors; most likely. I should be sleeping.

Enjoy! hopefully its not too much rambling and is actually coherent.

Not everything changes.

He couldn’t believe his luck – or rather lack thereof.

Sure. Maybe it hadn’t been the brightest decision to take Bam to the park when it was raining for the third consecutive day, but it was the only time he could go to the closest one without being recognized by someone new every second step. Anyway, the weather app on his phone had said it would mostly be overcast – maybe some light rain here and there.

He’d organized his entire day around that information, so it wasn’t like he was going to change it for any minor inconveniences – and that’s what that sudden downpour had been. Those heavy clouds that had blanketed the sky? Minor.

So, against his better judgment he’d gone out and had the most carefree time with Bam. He didn’t even want to think about the current state of his bathroom with how much mud and water they’d brought home last night.

But now as he sat perched for his stylists on the set for their most recent photobook, he felt miserable.

His misfortune had started with him sleeping through his alarm at 4am, not by much but considering the screeching that it made it was quite the feat to not wake up immediately. Then he’d zombie walked through his morning chores – accidentally banging into his kitchen table and dropping some of  Bam’s food onto the floor as he refilled the bowl. He hadn’t even bothered to pick up the mess, just stood there and glared tiredly at the pellets scattering his floor. Bam had dived to sniff at the mess before turning to look at Jungkook with a wagging tail. He’d just sighed and scrubbed at his nose  as he went to pull on some sweats and a hoodie before making coffee into a small flask. Then he’d set out to go to work.

Now he was freshly dried after using the company showers and getting his makeup and hair done trying not to be too obvious that his throat had started to hurt despite how much water he chugged, and his nose was beginning to run with each dab of the makeup brushes. Although he was starting to think it was a losing battle. Already he could hear his stylist ‘tsk’ at his reddening nose, trying their best not to agitate him more than he already was. He was just thankful that his hyung’s were already being fitted into their clothes and weren’t anywhere near him to notice – especially when one final stroke on his cheek had him coming undone. He could just barely hear an annoyed sigh after he had pitched into his hands and caught an itchy fit that left him even more frustrated than before.

The stylist slipped him a tissue with the sharp instruction to not wipe off too much of his makeup since they didn’t have much time and Jungkook bowed with growing embarrassment in the pit of his stomach. Wiping his nose did nothing to relieve him, but it at least stopped dripping while he was given the finishing touches before being sent to wardrobe.

“Jungkook-ah!” Jimin grinned at him as he slipped on his suite jacket, his shirt gapping open in a similar fashion to what Jungkook’s own was. “They’re doing subunit shots before the group. We’re on set 3 with the plants. Taetae is being organized with props already we were just waiting on you.”

Jungkook did his best not to seem too out of it, even if his sinuses were borderline overwhelming with the need to sneeze as he let himself be led to where he was needed. Jimin had continued speaking, rambling about what all they’d been told to do but Jungkook really hoped that it was more optional than anything else because he was not listening to a single word being said.

Before being set in position he’d sneakily tried to wipe at his nose once more with his used tissue from before, hiding it from sight as soon as his members turned to join him amongst the mini forest that had been created on the floor. The photographer was kind in directing them,  positioning them laying down amongst each other and while he appreciated not having to stand or do too much activity, being horizontal wasn’t helping to keep his nose from running. He sniffled as quietly as he could, which really wasn’t quiet at all, but he hoped that the activity surrounding them masked it for the most part.

 His hyung’s were laying to his right with Jimin closest - his head resting on Jungkook’s shoulder while Tae had been set up seated against large potted plants that’s leaves draped over him.

There was a flash of light as the photographer did some final tests and Jungkook froze with the immediate faltering of his breath. His chest heaved once more which had Jimin shooting him a questioning look but before he could answer another flash went off.

“Eh’hESHH’uh…snf*.. H’EISHhew!” He sniffled deeply and winced at how wet it had sounded. At least he had thankfully been able to raise his arm in time, but it didn’t stop him from feeling just a little bit mortified that he could have sneezed on Jimin. Not that his hyung seemed overly bothered besides the beginning crease of concern starting between his brows.

“You okay, Kook-ah?”

“Jusd-“ he sniffed once more, clearing his throat as he got back into position. “Just the lights. I think the plants are getting to me a little bit as well.”

It was a convincing enough lie to make since he didn’t want to make anyone worry or chastise him for his [albeit flawed] choices but he didn’t miss the light kick Jimin gave Taehyung, as if to just keep watch either way.  And then the shoot began.

It was exhausting. Like mind numbingly exhausting and Jungkook had been prompted to sneeze more times than he thought he could get away with, not to mention the growing ache behind his eyes that the studio lights seemed to be amplifying each minute he sat before them. Taehyung had taken to rubbing his back or shoulder each time that they were positioned close enough and Jimin had suggested doing some shots with their eyes closed in hopes that it would help the process go smoother. His tissue from early was now unusable and he had taken to trying to use his wrist before caving and asking if he could take a break just to blow his nose.

With an understanding nod from the Head photographer, he practically sprinted out of the lights towards where his manager had already acquired the much-needed tissues and winced as he saw the rest of his hyung’s seated watching the screen upload the photos of his shoot. Obviously they must have finished up already and were waiting for the group photos to begin, which he was holding up because he couldn’t handle a light going off around his sensitive nose.

“Jungkook-ssi, are you sure you’re feeling okay?” His manager at least tried to ask him quietly as he blew his nose. His skin was burning with embarrassment, already imagining the glare the stylist would give him at the amount of makeup that had been wiped off, but it was better than having a mess drip down his face.

He couldn’t even bring himself to answer properly, just nodded and coughed into the next tissue he was blowing into.

“Kook-ah!”

He turned back to the set to see Jimin and Tae moving swiftly towards him, both immediately resting a hand on his upper back or leaning onto his shoulder in a way that made him feel just a little bit more comfortable than before.

“They said they have enough to work with, so we need to get changed and move to the main set.” Taehyung explained. “Maybe you will feel better being away from these props.”

He highly doubted that, and he suspected that they felt the same with how they watched him with concerned pity. His manager handed him a bottle of water and the tissue box before disappearing to find out the next steps in the day and Jungkook took the moment to sit.

His nose was swollen to a point of it being mildly painful. He could feel heavy congestion settling in and he just wanted to go home and curl up into the warmest, softest blankets he could find before sleeping for like a week. He couldn’t – obviously. He was still scheduled to work for at least another 5 hours or so, and tomorrow called for various other schedules that he would likely have to be drugged up on medication to the point where he might not even be aware of his tasks, but it was nice to dream.

“Are we moving to the final part?” Hoseok asked, the rest of the member finally joining them. Each lingering hesitantly at the sight of Jungkook. “Is everything alright? You look sick.”

“I’mah-hheh’ekshh’u! Sor-ah-ry’IEESH’U!”

 “Sounds like a cold.” Jin mused, immediately moving to set a hand to Jungkook’s forehead. “You’re a little warm but that might be because of all these lights.”

“I’b fide.”

There was a brief silence. None of them keen to say the obvious when they watched the youngest member pitch yet another damp sneeze into a tissue. His appearance spoke for itself, despite his words. It was like they could physically see his illness rolling off him in waves and yet he was in adamant denial for some reason. It wasn’t like they’d never been sick around each other before, usually they were quite open about it.

A call from across the room forced them to move back to the wardrobe section, all of them hovering a little closer than before as they watched Jungkook apologise to one of the makeup artists with pitiful doe eyes. She merely smiled with a soft word of reassurance, then got to work reapplying everything he’d rubbed off as well as concealing the deep red that had taken over around his nostrils. 

An hour in since they’d started up again and Jungkook was proud to admit that he had managed to keep his symptoms mostly at bay. Sure, the flash of lights still made the immense tickle in his nose flare dangerously, and his hyung’s still sent him pointed looks when something did manage to slip, but he had yet to actually sneeze.

Namjoon had commented more than once on his mouth breathing when they were positioned beside one another, shooting looks to the staff as if to announce this needed to be wrapped up soon, but Jungkook just brushed it off with a forced grin. He was dressed more casually this time, so the clothes were warmer and cozy to a point where he had started to doze, lazily resting back into the couch that they were all seated on.

 It was only when the photographers called for a break to review things that he let out a heavy sigh and finally relented in closing his eyes without a fight. Letting his body melt into the cushions as he listened vaguely to the soft conversation his hyung’s made until he slipped into complete darkness.

**

“Should we wake him up?” Hoseok wondered aloud. Jungkook had finally fallen asleep after fighting against it for like last hour and his snores were gradually filling the set while they waited.

“Let him sleep. He’s definitely sick whether he wants to admit it or not.” Yoongi sipped his water, eyes analysing the puffiness that had settled in the sick boys’ face. “We should see if we can reschedule our practices tomorrow.”

“Manager-Pdnim said he has already started to organize a shift of planning in the next few days for all of us in order to get some time off for him.” Jimin said. “Or at the very least a lighter schedule for this week just to accommodate.”

“I’ll go and see if anything has been decided.” Taehyung stood gesturing towards where their manager had left too. Hoseok joined him with one final look of sympathy towards the youngest. It left the rest of them in a moment of blissful silence where they all just took a breath and let the exhaustion of the day wash over them while the crew and staff bustled around. Jin ran his hand through Jungkook’s hair, messing with the hairspray as he removed his hand to touch his own face before settling it back on Jungkook’s forehead with a frown.

“Does he have a fever hyung?”

“Maybe.” Jin shrugged. He couldn’t be entirely sure. “He’s a bit warmer than me but it still might just be because of everything that’s happened today. He’s dressed warmer than me as well.”

“He sounded miserable earlier.” Namjoon added with a sigh. He was on the other side of Jungkook and was probably the sole reason that he was still somewhat upright on the couch despite having instinctively curled closer to his leader in his sleep. “This came on rather quick.”

“There is no way that he isn’t contagious.”

“Hyung,” Jimin spoke as if he was chastising a child. “We’re not going to be busy after this. If we get sick, we get sick. He couldn’t be absent to a shoot that’s been planned for months.”

Yoongi shrugged, if not in agreement then at least to appease the younger. He didn’t really want to get sick, especially with all the work he needed to get done, but he understood that there had been no getting out of this for Jungkook. “You think they’ll let us take him straight home instead of heading to the company?”

“I think we aren’t going to give them a choice.” Jin said firmly but quietly as Jungkook shifted.

Although the attempt was in vain when Jin startled as a hand came down on his shoulder only to see Taehyung’s face splitting into a grin at seeing his hyung jump.

“Yah! My heart!”

“Aish hyung.” Hoseok laughed as he leant over the couch next to Taehyung. “Are you implying old age?”

“Ya-Yah! Don’t disrespect me!”

He reached up to wildly whack behind him but both culprits ducked out of reach with laughter. The only thing his gestures accomplished was a low moan out of Jungkook, who blinked his eyes open a couple of times before curling further into Namjoon’s side.

“Ah ah ah…” Before he could go back to sleep, Tae hastily reached over to keep him up, willingly taking the weak hit that Jin laid on him as he got closer. “We’re leaving now, Kookie.” Taehyung shook him enough to keep him roused and glanced amongst the others. “We’ve got this afternoon and tomorrow off, but Pd-nim asked if Joonie-hyung and Suga-hyung could still stop by the company before going home – and Hobi-hyung, but he knew that already. Something about not being able to put a meeting off.”

“We’ll group in the one car and you guys can take the larger one to get home then.” Namjoon nodded, encouraging Jungkook to sit upright with gentle nudges in his side. “Jungkook, you need to get changed into your clothes again.”

There was a small hand around his wrist, dragging Jungkook to his feet before he’d even properly opened his eyes. Jimin was leading him off to the wardrobe area where they had the clothes they’d arrived in, the pace perhaps a bit too hasty. He had barely managed to steady himself before forcing them to stop so that he could sneeze towards the floor. He didn’t even have the awareness nor energy to cover, just moaned with a gurgling sniff as he misted the floor twice more. A low complaint from Jimin told him that he might have accidentally caught the other in his mess but there was barely a breath in-between before Jimin’s words turned softer and more encouraging with the promises of home and warm food.

And that sounded like the best thing he’d heard all day.

Getting changed and the car ride had turned into a sleepy haze. Although he’s pretty sure that Yoongi and Seokjin helped get him into his shoes and hoodie - he vaguely remembered soft nudges and gentle words before he was loaded into the car in which he promptly fell asleep in once Taehyung and Jimin settled on either side of him.

**

He woke up to the muffled sound of rain and the low volume of his tv playing some sport channel. He turned over in bed with a low moan at having forgotten to turn his tv off before going to bed, then jolted up. His head pounded in protest, but he definitely hadn’t left it on. He remembered turning it off the day before. What he didn’t remember was how he was in his bed.

Through his sleep-sick muddled mind he started to remember that he had in fact gotten up that morning already and had gone to work. He also vaguely remembered leaving work, which meant that if there were noises in his apartment that Bam can’t make then at least one of his hyung’s was there. Witnessing the colossal, muddy mess he had left the place in the day before.

God he really should have just cleaned up straight away, even if he had already started to feel bad. At least then he wouldn’t have to face the shame of them knowing his foolish actions.

He fell back into pillows, muffling a cough that just wouldn’t ease the tickle in his throat. At least Bam had had fun at the park – despite his current situation, yesterday hadn’t been an entirely bad idea. He just didn’t think any of his hyung’s would see it like that.

Preparing himself for the worst, Jungkook managed to pull himself to his feet with his comforter wrapped around him and draping to the floor as he walked to his living room. Immediately he could make out Taehyung and Jimin on the couch with Bam, although neither seemed to be watching whatever they’d put on the tv, much more interested in the excited roughhousing of his Doberman.

He stood by the doorway hesitantly watching. The wet clothes and dirt that had scattered the floor of his bedroom that morning had been all gone and he had a suspicion that if he checked his bathroom he’d find that spotless too.  He was about to Join the 95’ers when he glanced to the kitchen and made eye contact with his eldest hyung. Jin stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his face void of emotion – there was no anger or disappointment, but there was also no sympathy. Jungkook guesses that that was a disserving reaction.

Foregoing his previous plan, he silently shuffled to join Jin, trying his best not to feel tiny under the weight of his hyung’s gaze.

“You understand that when its pouring with rain and you have a free day, preferably you stay at home.” Jin’s voice was stern and his eyes unwavering from Jungkook’s. “Where its warm and dry. You don’t go out and get drenched in it.”

“I know hyung.”

“And if you do – heaven forbid – and you feel sick, you can tell us.”

“I know..”

“Especially if we have group activities that is both extensive and enforcing close proximity to each other. It’s called being courteous and makes us aware of any possible limitations.”

“I know, Jin-hyung.”Jungkook sniffed, burying the lower half of his face into his blanket as a weak attempt to hide. “I’m sorry.”

Jin’s gaze softened. “I made you some seaweed soup. I went and bought some ingredients and medicine since your place is practically empty.” He pinched at the blanket and tugged once to prompt Jungkook to follow him to the stove. “You need to pay better attention to your health, Kook-ah. I’m not always going to be there to make sure you rest or eat well, so please. Treat yourself with a bit more care.”  

Well that definitely wasn’t something he wanted to think about, but the thought was there now. He could already feel his eyes tearing up as he sniffed and stared into the pot of resting soup.

“Aigoo… I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Jin gently pulled him into his chest, ruffling his hair with one hand and pulling him in tightly with the other. “Let’s heat you up some food and join the other two, or you can go back to bed but only once you’ve eaten and taken medicine.”

Jungkook coughed, clearing his throat but the tears he’d yet to shed made him sound croaky either way as he agreed to join them.

“Go sit down then and I’ll bring you everything.”

Jin turned to busily get bowls for the soup and rice he’d made but turned back at the hoarse “hyung”. He blinked expectantly and swiped a single tear that had finally managed to break free and streaked Jungkook’s cheek. “Hyung, could you make me some tea too.”

“Of course, Jungkook-ah.” Jin smiled. “Hyung will bring it to you.”

…

Jimin and Taehyungs approach was quite different from Jin’s – in which they barely seemed to acknowledge how stupid he had been to get sick like he did. Rather Jimin did what he always did when comforting others, latching himself onto their side and smothering them with soft pets, kind accented words and just general affection that made Jungkook a little homesick for his parents, and if he closed his eyes the lilting Busan dialect could almost transport him back to his childhood home.

Taehyung didn’t really change at all, Jungkook wasn’t even sure why he had expected him too. Instead, his friend tucked into his side and draped an arm around his shoulders, occasionally being a pest and flicking Jimin as he clung to Jungkook’s other side just to hear his soulmate complain testily.

Bam had stayed on the floor for mere seconds after Jungkook was seated and settled, then he had practically molded himself onto Jungkook and Taehyungs laps. Occasionally he lifted his head to try and lick Jungkook in the face but eventually gave up and just stared at Jimin with woeful puppy eyes.

“Can we change this to something more interesting?” Jimin prompted, paying attention to the tv for the first time. “Jungkookie, do you want to watch a movie? Something Marvel?”

“Anything you want, hyung.” He murmured softly, resting his head onto Taehyung’s shoulder.

Jimin didn’t seemed entirely pleased with the answer but grabbed the remote and went on a search for one of the older spiderman movies. It seemed like the safest option, anything potentially related to Iron man was still a sore topic after the last Avengers film.

“How are you feeling? You slept for a couple hours.” Taehyung asked just as Jin brought in a tray of steaming soup and rice with some apples sliced and put on a plate.

As if Jungkook’s appetite was big enough to eat it all right now.

“A bit better than this morning I guess, but not much different.”

“Hyung’s bringing tea now,” Jin reassured as Taehyung forcibly moved Bam entirely onto his lap so that Jin could set the tray  onto Jungkook’s. [The tray was definitely a large chopping board, but if Jin wanted it to be a tray then that’s what it would be.] “Eat so long and maybe you’ll feel better.”

Doubtful but Jungkook did as he was told as Jin returned to the kitchen and sipped gingerly at the hot soup until the steam started to bother him and he was forced to reach for the unopened tissue box on his coffee table. Scrambling to open it and then blow his nose, grimacing at the sound. His nose still tickled but at least it wasn’t running anymore.

“As long as you feel better quickly.” Taehyung said with a small smile. “You had Jiminie worried earlier.”

“You were worried too!” Jimin pursed his lips and just resumed in his clinging after he pressed play on the movie. “We were equally worried.”

“I’m sorry I worried you.” Jungkook couldn’t help the huff of laughter that left him at that. “I’ll take better care of myself from now on.” He nibbled on a spoon of rice as if to proof his point.

 “You better.”

The four of them [five if Bam counted- he did, obviously] sat through both of the Amazing Spiderman movies, none of them complaining or thinking of switching even as Jungkook periodically dozed or sneezed his way through the passing hours. By the time the credits of the second movie rolled in he was exhausted. Pitching breathy, hoarse sneezes into his palm.

 Thankfully both Jimin and Tae had readjusted so that Jungkook had more space to himself or else he probably would have sneezed on them multiple times already. He had drunk 2 and a half cups of tea but only managed the apples and half of the rest of his meal, but Jin wasn’t too hung up on it. He just let Jungkook know that it would be in the fridge waiting for him.

The medicine he’d taken at the beginning of the second movie had started to kick in, but instead of masking his symptoms, it just made him drowsy. Which didn’t help when he kept coughing and sneezing over everything.

The final straw was when he’d sneezed hard enough that he’d gotten thrown into a coughing fit so thick he could barely breathe. Jimin and Taehyung had immediately been there, rubbing his back and handing him tissues while Jin could have probably broken the record for ‘fastest person to ever retrieve glass of water within 6m distance.’ After that none of them wanted to keep him up for longer than necessary and promptly steered him back to his bedroom where he collapsed, star fished on the mattress. One of them – probably Jimin – got to work making sure he was properly covered while the other brought his tissues and water to rest on his bedside table.

He could feel each of them as they hovered and nitpicked to make sure that there wasn’t anything else he would possibly need – only caving when Jungkook repeatedly reassured that he was fine and just wanted to sleep. Then they left the room, each promising not to be far or to call if it got too late and they had to leave for something. One of them pressed a brotherly kiss to the crown of his head, their hand on his forehead checking for a fever one last time before they retreated.

The final words of “Hyung’s here if you need him” making Jungkook so comfortably warm that he had no trouble sinking into an easy sleep again.

[justmorebtsffs]

Love Yourself | Jikook

This is the first time I'm writing for Jikook. Wish me luck.

Summary: When comments from antis send Jimin's mental and physical health into a downwards spiral Jungkook is there to catch him. Angst then fluff with a happy ending.

Sickie: Park Jimin (Snow Leopard hybrid, not really that big a part of the story, hardly mentioned actually but I couldn’t think of another reason why anyone would make fun of Jimin, he’s just so pretty.)

Caretaker: Jungkook

WARNING: This is a whole 19 albeit short chapter fic so it is very long

JIMIN’S P.O.V

It’s our day off and we’ve  gathered around the table to watch a fan cover of The Truth Untold that Tae said was really good.

The fan is a female k-army, under the username ARMY-BLINK💜. Her voice is beautiful and I agree that we should definitely like the video and leave a nice anonymous comment. Tae scrolls down to the comments to type out our compliments when I see it:

@anti1357 - wow ARMY-BLINK💜, this cover is so good, especially Jimin’s part you sing some much better, you should take his place

I look away, and focus on listening to the cover again, ignoring it.

—

Jin hyung makes a delicious dinner as usual and we all eat together, but I can’t stop thinking about that comment. Of course I know about antis but I can’t believe someone would write something so rude, I mean they don’t even know if we’re going to see it.

When it’s time to go to bed Kook and I head off to our room.

“You’ve been quiet, Minnie. Something on your mind?” Kook asks, hugging me from behind as I brush my teeth.

I finally answer “No, just tired.”

He seems to accept this and heads to bed, I join him soon after.

—

I can’t sleep, do people really think I’m that bad? I have to know.

Releasing myself from Kook’s grip (not an easy feat) I open my phone and find the video, scrolling straight to the comments section. The comment is still there but now it has a reply . . . several in fact.

@anti1357 - wow ARMY-BLINK💜, this cover is so good, especially Jimin’s part you sing some much better, you should take his place

> @hybrid-hater - totally! This song is actually great without that ugly hybrid.

> > @btsucks - yeah and people say he’s the visuals, ugh! 🤮

> > > @Jimin-has-no-jams - ikr freak! 🐈🤡

I look at more comments, these ones from my latest selca titled: Sunny day with Jungkookie.

It’s a full body mirror photo of us with the sunny skyline visible from the balcony behind us. I was so happy when we took this but now the smile on my face feels foreign.

There are comments here too, many good but a lot negative. One from a supposedly army user catches my eye.

@Taekook4life - literally ewww! Beautiful Jeon Jungkook . . . with him, but like Jimin is soo ugly tho. And you can see the fat on him. Jungkook needs to just get with Kim Taehyung instead.

> @Jimin’s-jams - first of all that’s so rude, that’s muscle, from dancing, and I bet he can dance so much better than any of us can! so pls be quiet.

> > @OT6 - if they’re muscles from dancing then why’s he so terrible at dancing then, honestly he’s a joke, I bet Bang Pd just felt bad for him.

> > > @Solo-stan - he must have because Jimin can’t even sing that well, he is literally so whiny.

And there are more on each of our music videos, mainly about how freakish my ears and tail are, how I should hide them, how a hybrid like me belongs on a circus stage not a concert stage.

Jungkookie always says my ears and tail are cute, he wouldn’t lie to make me feel better would he? I look over at Jungkook then stand up to look in our mirror. They’re right, I am fat, how did I not notice before. What else have I missed, I put in my AirPods and click on a BTS Run dance practice episode.

It gets to a part where I start singing my lines, I wince. It does sound awful and whiny, and as I watch the dance I can’t help but notice that everyone else is so much better than me, my ears and tail swish awkwardly. At one point my unwieldy tail smacks Hobi-hyung. He laughs it off but can I see a hint of disgust in his face? Then I watch myself do aegyo to the camera, I don’t look cute at all, I look like a fool then Tae joins in with his signature boxy smile. He looks so cute and yet still supernaturally beautiful at the same time.

Jealousy courses through me, I’m an awful person for being jealous of him but how can I not be when someone as perfect as Kim Taehyung is who Jungkook deserves, not me.

I click over to our channel looking at the comments sections. Each video is only more of the same, dozens and dozens of them. I see some of the same names but mostly they're all different. Do this many people actually hate our music just because of me? How many more fans would the other members have if I wasn’t in the group? A lot. It’s my fault, I’m dragging them down, but I can’t leave the group, I’m far too selfish for that, and I hate it.

As I watch more Run Episodes I notice small things and realise something big: the other members don’t actually like me, Hoseok-Hyung is always correcting me in dance, I’m always picked last or second to last for a team and Jin always serves me last. And Jungkook, well I knew he was too good to be true.

(A/N poor baby is reading all the social cues wrong)

I know what I’ll do . . . I’ll make myself worthy.

My eyes are wet with tears as I open my notes app and start a list.

Lose weight (at least 2 kg so small portions only)

Improve singing & dancing (practise longer)

No aegyo (don’t embarrass Jungkook)

I set an alarm for 5:00 AM. I’ll start early with dance practice tomorrow.

—

My alarm vibrates at 5:00 AM. I’m exhausted from staying up so late last night but I can afford to delay my plan.

I change taking care to hide my cumbersome tail and pressing down my ears, it kind of hurts but it’s bearable. Then I get a taxi cab to the studio. It’s cold and I realise I forgot my coat. Oh well, dancing will warm me up.

—

About 90 minutes later my phone dings, I don’t need distractions but I catch a glimpse of the caller ID Kookie

I pick it up too hopefully. I shouldn’t bae hopeful, he’s probably just mad at me for leaving him. I’m such a horrible boyfriend, I make myself sick.

“Minnie! Where are you? I woke up and you were gone! No note or text or anything! Your coat’s still here, it's freezing out, you'll catch a cold.”

I listen carefully, the concern in his voice doesn’t sound superficial but I can’t be sure.

“I-I was just at the studio.”

“The studio, since when?”

“I got up at 5:00AM, don’t worry about me please. I just wanted to get a headstart on the routine.”

“Minnie, of course I’m going to worry . . . we were all worried.” Jungkook says, “Have you eaten? Please come back for breakfast, I’ll come pick you up myself. I miss you.”

Breakfast sounds wonderful right now but I remember the first item on my list. “It’s okay I’ve already eaten, I packed a snack. You don’t need to bother yourself this early, we'll just be coming right back.”

“Oh.” is all Jungkook says. My brain says he sounds disappointed but why would he be disappointed to not see me. Yet at the same time I feel like a terrible boyfriend for not spending time with him. Dancing more will surely make me feel better. Jungkook will be glad once I start losing some of this extra weight.

“Um well I’ll see you soon.” I say and hang up guiltily.

(A/N: Where HaVe you been?! Car gone, no note! You could’ve DiEd, you could’ve been SeEn!)

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

By the time we arrive at the studio I’m practically bouncing out of my seat with excitement to see Jiminnie. It was a nasty shock not waking up to his warm body next to me with his fuzzy tail curled around me.

I called him as soon as I found my phone and his coat which he left. On the phone he sounded weird, I don't know but definitely off, I hope he isn’t getting sick from being out in this early cold snap without a coat. He said he wanted to practise more but I don’t see why he needs to (especially at 5:00AM) when he’s already progressing fine with the moves.

When I open the door to the studio he's in the middle of the routine, we watch as he finishes it, flawlessly. He shakes his head, clearly dissatisfied and is about to start again when Namjoon-hyung clears his throat.

Minnie jumps about a metre into the air in fright. I run over and hug him, he looks pale and he has dark circles under his eyes. He’s sweaty like he’s been dancing for hours already.

What sparked all this. None of us have time to ask because the dance instructor comes in and instructs us to begin warm ups, even Jimin who is obviously very warmed up puts his all into the stretches.

I notice something though, his eyes don’t look alive like usual, they look desperate. But that’s just my imagination being overprotective. He’s fine, we all get like this sometimes.

-----

If Minnie looked worn out before practice he looks awful now. Well maybe I’m exaggerating because I’m so worried, but I mean has no one else noticed?

I walk over to Tae watching as Jimin talks to Hoseok with an almost sad expression.

“Hey Tae!” He’s on his phone

“Wha- Oh Kook! You look worried, what’s wrong?”

I step back a bit shocked, he read me so easily, maybe he can read Minnie too.

“Well, yes. Have you noticed something off about Jiminie or is it just me?”

He looks at Jimin for a moment then back to me. “He does seem tired but that is probably just from being up so early and dancing so long. I’m sure he’ll perk right up as soon as you cuddle him.”

“Yeah.” I shrug. “I guess I’m just being overprotective.

He shakes his head. “You both did very well today.”

“Thanks.” I say

JIMIN’S P.O.V

After we’re all changed from dancing it’s time for vocal practice.

I sing as well as I can, it’s still not nearly as good as the others (especially Tae) but the satisfaction I get from actually making an effort is amazing, my whole body buzzes with it.

Soon everyone’s getting up, why it’s only been  . . . 2 hours. Two hours, already! I guess time flies when you’re working hard. My stomach grumbles. I look around embarrassed but nobody seems to have heard, no one is paying attention to me. I guess that’s what happens when I just put my head down and work like I’m supposed to.

I am about to get up when I remember my pact with myself. I skipped breakfast but dinner would be impossible to skip completely without the other noticing or offending Jin-hyung so I must skip lunch. I sit back down.

Jungkook lingers by the door.

“I’ll be there in a second. I just want to get this one part.” I lie.

“Come on Jungkook-ah! They're serving udon in the cafeteria today, if we go we can get in line first.” Taehyung says

Jungkook nods excitedly and hurries out the door behind him. “Bye Jiminnie!” Not sparing a glance behind him.

My face feels hot and tears well up in my eyes. I fight them down. Why should I be crying, this is what’s supposed to happen right? Jungkook deserves someone like Tae.

I push the feelings down, I’m wasting my time here doing nothing, being useless. I hit the play button for the track and get to practising. After what seems like no time at all the track stops. What? I have it on a loop.

“Park Jimin!” It’s Jin-hyung, with Namjoon-hyung right behind him. “What are you doing?”

His intensity scares me, I fight down tears again wondering why I have too, I’m not usually this weak. “I was practising hyung.” I tell him.

“Practising! Through lunch break!” Oh no I can tell he’s about to start rapping . . .

“But you need to eat, you’ve been dancing since 5:00 AM and you probably didn’t even have a proper breakfast. How disrespectful to yourself and to me not to have the food I make every morning. You won’t be healthy if you don’t eat, you'll die! Do you want to die?”

I look down “No, hyung I just was-”

The technician comes in. “Alright, I hope you had a yummy lunch, it’s time to do the test recording. We can try the beats Namjoon-ssi was talking about earlier.

Earlier, I wonder? I was so focused on my part I didn’t hear that.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V.

“Lunch time, yess!” Hoseok-hyung says.

I smile. It has been a long morning, from worrying about Minnie to a satisfying recording session. We all get out of our seats to head for lunch, almost all of us.

I wait by the door for Jimin, he’s still looking over his part. I wait for him to get up and I start to call his name when he notices me.

“I’ll be there in a second. I just want to get this one part.” He smiles, does it not look as bright as usual?

I want to believe him, I really do but . . .

Tae taps my shoulder, “Come on Jungkook-ah! They're serving udon in the cafeteria today, if we go we can get in line first.”

I turn, if he needs to be alone then I’ll let him. He said he won’t be long and I am excited for udon, I’ll get Jiminnie his favourite so we can share. “Bye Jiminnie!”

It’s been 15 minutes and he still hasn’t come down. I cover the food so it won’t get cold, I don’t feel like eating much anyway. Lunch is lonely without Minnie, anything is lonely without Minnie.

After 20 minutes nobody else is eating either, they’re looking at me, expectantly.

Oh. “He said he’d be down soon.”

“Hmm” says Namjoon, “Should we . . .?”

“Yeah.” agrees Jin-hyung, replying to the almost silent communication.

We pack up our leftover food and get up then all at once like a six-way-telepathy, we start running. We pass TXT, who bow. We bow back as we run.

Whe Jin opens the door, music spills out. The track. Jimin is singing his part. Flawlessly, but not beautifully. Normally when I listen to him I feel my knees going weak, and I think that maybe I can sink into the music. Now it feels empty. I feel like the sound is hollowing me out inside. I watch Jimin’s face as he sings, his expression is empty too, like his music, void of personality. He looks . . . vacant. He looks awful. I feel like I’m going to cry, seeing him like this. What happened to him? Was I too harsh this morning? He doesn’t deserve to look like this, no one does.

I watch Jin walk over to the and practically slam the pause button. He looks as upset as I feel.

“Park Jimin! What are you doing?” Jimin looks up, he looks shocked and confused, he blinks and looks around Jin-hyung to Namjoon-hyung.

“I was practising hyung.” He says, his voice sounds dry. How many times has he practised his part?

“Practising! Through lunch break!” Jin-hyung looks furious. I want to tell him to be easy on Minnie, but I’m angry too. He left me all alone for lunch. He said he’d only be a second, he lied to me, and he didn’t eat.

“But you need to eat, you’ve been dancing since 5:00 AM and you probably didn’t even have a proper breakfast. How disrespectful to yourself and to me not to have the food I make every morning. You won’t be healthy if you don’t eat, you'll die! Do you want to die?”

He looks down, I wish he’d look up so he could see the concern on my face. I hope my face is conveying the depth of it.  “No, hyung I just was-”

Someone opens the door, the technician. Already? I check the time, he’s right on time, we are early.  “Alright, I hope you had a yummy lunch, it’s time to do the test recording. We can try the beats Namjoon-ssi was talking about earlier.

Jimin looks confused again.

—

When we get home Jimin goes straight to bed.

I look at Jin-hyung.

“It’s okay.” he says, “He’s tired, he can have a big breakfast tomorrow, I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thanks hyungie!”

“Of course.”

JIMIN’S P.O.V.

I open my eyes, everything feels foggy and dull. The bed is cold, Jungkook isn’t here. Feelings rise up inside me and I stifle them. Why should he be here? I hardly talked to him at all yesterday. He doesn’t deserve me and I’m not doing anything to make it any easier for him.

I look at the clock, its bright red numbers glare daggers at me. 8:00! That means only an hour and a half until scheduled. I missed my morning workout! I’m so useless I can’t even keep to a simple regimen. I sigh, I can’t go now, I just have to find extra time.

I walk into the kitchen, where something smells really good. Pancakes, eggs- I feel hunger pangs, then disgust washes over me. How can I be so greedy? I resist the hunger pangs (dancing will distract me) and debate who to sit next to. All the hyungs might notice me not eating and get worried but I shouldn’t sit next to Jungkook or should I, should I try not to be so cold. Maybe then he would love me again- what a selfish thought. That leaves . . .

They see me. “Jiminnnnnie!!!” Jungkook flings himself at me. I want to tell him that he doesn’t have to pretend in front of the other members, that they would understand but he’s crushing me too tight. “You’re up! I missed you, Jin hyung made food just for you since you didn’t get lunch or breakfast yesterday!” he turns serious, “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” I realise how stiff I sound, like Yooungi in the morning and then I realise even he looks more awake than me. “I’m still groggy.” I sit down next to Taehyung and take a glass of orange juice. I can’t make myself take food I don’t deserve.

A plate is placed in front of me anyway. “Thank you hyung.” They’re trying not to be obvious but I can easily tell that they’re watching me. Slowly I force myself to eat, fighting disgust at how much I enjoy it.

Dance practice goes the same, I work as hard as I can and manage to slip away from lunch early to practise more. By the end of the day I’m exhausted. The buzzing happiness of effort has turned into a persistent ache.

Hobi bounds up to me as we’re packing up.

“Hey, since we’re already here, why don’t we just film the dance practice video now!” He says.

The others agree. I have a theory I want to test.

“Umm, hyung I’d love to but I’m really sore. Can I just lay down in one of your studios?”

“Aww, sure. Here’s the key.” Namjoon says cooing and handing me the key. His smile fades in his eyes, I can see that he’s concerned. I brush it off and turn away.

I don’t intend on going to Namjoon’s studio. I head to the gym. I’ve been dancing all day but I still feel heavy, I need to burn the extra calories from breakfast.

After working out I race back to Namjoon’s studio (it’s the first place they’ll look for me) and curl up. It feels good and I tell myself not to get used to it. I need to push myself and make myself uncomfortable if I’m going to get better at dancing and singing.

I still have a few minutes so I tune into the live stream and scroll straight to the comments section.

My experiment was to see how many likes and positive comments the other members got without me there ruining everything.

We already have millions of likes and as I keep scrolling there are only a few negative comments. Such mean things, how could anyone say that, it’s all so stupid. I want to delete everyone so none of the members think that people don’t enjoy all of their hard work.

@Taekook4life - Awww! Taekook are looking so cute together, my dreams are coming true.

> @OT6 - Yasss QUEENS! They are slaying that choreo

> > @Solo-stan - yep, it was meant to be.

Still I can’t help the despair that crashes down on me (so selfish) people clearly like the group much better without me there. There aren’t any comments asking where I am. I look around Namjoon hyung’s studio. All the awards and records and trophies, none of it’s for me, there would be more if I wasn’t around. I should leave and yet I can’t bring myself to (again selfish).

I will work hard and maybe then I can justify continuing to drag down such a talented group. I am such a horrible person.

I vaguely hear the members open the studio door, then a warm body slam down beside me, he pulls me closer. Jungkook.

“Minnnieee!” He coos, “Are you feeling better?” His voice is soft and beautiful and his touch feels warm, cosy and safe. I wish it didn’t it would make it easier to let him go. This is the closest we’ve been in two days. Why is he doing this? Could he still possible want to be friends with me? I try to move away but his grip is iron. Then he loosens it and I move over. When I look back at him he looks confused, a bit taken aback and sad. I feel so guilty that I move just a bit closer pretending to stretch out so he won’t get suspicious.

“Yeah” I say, attempting not to sound so stiff again.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

The dance practice video goes smoothly but I miss Minnie, dancing is boring without him. At the very start of the video Namjoon told all the viewers that Jimin wasn’t feeling well so nobody was worried why he wasn’t there. I was worried. He’s seemed so tired the past few days.

We all go to Namjoon’s studio, and I go in first. Minie is laying on the couch curled up almost asleep but not quite. He’s so cute I begin to pull out my phone for a picture but he looks up groggily.

“Minnnieee!” I say pulling him close to me until he’s in my lap. “Are you feeling better?”

Jimin shifts in my arms, I hold him for a moment then decide if he wants to move I should let him. He scoots to the other end of the small couch. It’s not that big a distance but I’m a bit confused, he always loves sitting in my lap. I want my Mochi back.

He looks at me with an expression that I’ve never seen on him before. It’s confused but almost . . . hopeful? He moves back to me stretching his arms and legs out and rolling his neck. Ah, that’s why. I welcome him back into my arms.

He breaks the silence with a small “Yeah '' It takes a moment for me to realise he's answering my question from before.

Since practice is done for the day we leave the building to go get dinner somewhere. Minnie stays on my lap almost the entire time and he seems happier than he has in two days. I think we should watch a movie when we get back home.

JIMIN’S P.O.V

All through dinner I sit on Jungkook’s lap, greedily soaking up his attention. It’s hard but I manage to escape the hyungs’ notice by eating a few slices of bell pepper. I hate that I’m so happy when I’m with Jungkook. It’s not fair to him, he only wants to be friends after all. And I shouldn’t be this happy right now, I don’t have time. I need to focus on work.

~ T ~ I ~ M ~ E ~ ~ ~ S ~ K ~ I ~ P ~

Today is a meeting day. We’ll listen to the recording, decide if we’re happy with it, then plan the music video.

—

In the meeting room Namjoon plays the song for us. I feel dizzy and try not to swoon when it gets to Kook’s part. Then it gets to mine . . . It's okay but compared to the others it sounds amateurish. I worked so hard only for it to still sound like this, I want to cry. Everything is spinning so I put my head down on the table hoping to sink right into the wood surface.

I hear voices around me but they sound muffled like I’m underwater and everyone else is on the surface. They’re laughing. I would be too if I heard something that awful.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

Namjoon presses play and I can immediately tell how good it’s going to be. When we get to Jimin’s part it’s so amazing I want to start making out with him right now. I’m so absorbed that I fall out of my chair. Everyone laughs and Tae helps me up.

“Are you just becoming Jimin now?” Namjoon asks

“Yeah, Jimin is that you?” Jin jokes

“JIMIIIINN-SSSIII!!!” Hobi shouts.

I turn to look at Jimin, his head is on the table. Everyone stops laughing.

“Minnie! What’s wrong?” I ask

“Do you feel sick?” Namjoon asks

He doesn’t look up, “Just tired. I’ll be fine”

I nod and start petting his hair.

“You’ve been tired a lot lately Minnie, are you sure you’ve been getting enough sleep? You always go to the studio so early.” Jin worries.

“Yeah I’m fine.” He says that but he doesn’t look fine at all. He looks like he’s about to cry. I’m worried.

“Heavy schedules are hard on anyone. This will get better soon. Then we can do something fun together.” Hobi says brightening the mood as always. I’m still worried. I’ve never seen Jimin like this and honestly, it scares me. But then again haven’t we all gotten a bit intense at some point. I mentally battle with myself the entire rest of the day, making sure to be extra affectionate to Minnie.

He goes back to normal as if nothing happened but I keep a close eye on him.

After the song finishes he looks thoughtfully at Namjoon. “It is great but does it really need my part though?”

“Oh. Did you want to do another part? You should have told us sooner. We could-“

“No,” I can tell that he’s choosing his words carefully, “what I mean is. Does the song really need my voice?”

“What!?” Namjoon looks very confused and I’m sure I do too.

“You’re part of this group Jimin-ah, besides we’ve already finished we can’t take it out now.” Jin says, adding a joke at the end. I swear something on Jimin’s face looks like he didn’t take it that way.

JIMIN’S P.O.V

I try to brush it off like nothing happened but the hyungs, and Jungkook are all watching me now. Great, I’ve caused trouble again. I hate this feeling. I can tell they’re all disappointed with my work but too polite to say something. I wish they would.

Next, the planning for the music video begins. We don’t do it all by ourselves but it’s good to come up with a basic outline. I already did one experiment and there were less hate comments and more likes and views without me so with this in mind  I try again gently, casually suggesting, picking my words every so carefully so that they don’t realise what I’m doing. One by one I manage to either minimise or remove my parts of the music video.

Everything is going okay at least, I’m getting better in shape and somewhat improving my singing. It is a little upsetting that all my effort isn’t paying off as much as I expected because I still have a long way to but when I’m ready I start being in the music videos again. When I’m worthy of the fans.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

I’m still shocked at Jimin wanting to take his part out of the song. Is he thinking about leaving the group? He would have told me . . . Right?

——

~ T ~ I ~ M ~ E ~ ~ ~ S ~ K ~ I ~ P ~

It’s been two weeks since Jimin first went to the studio early and he’s been doing it everyday since. He’s been working so hard. He’s amazing but I hardly ever get to spend time with him anymore. We are of course with each other all the time but we’re not really focusing on eachother (for me it’s hard not to focus on him) he’s been so focused on work these days and we haven’t gone on a date in so long.

Most of the time he doesn’t eat meals with us and he comes home later so tired that he ends up falling asleep on the couch. I understand working hard but this, this is too much. I miss him. I miss my mochi. (Yeah that’s right ARMY, he’s mine! Are you jealous?)

I wake up as usual, stupidly hopeful that he’ll be there, actually resting, with me. And as usual it’s only me. I head aimlessly toward the kitchen where Jin and Hobi-hyung cook breakfast. (Namjoon-hyung was banned from the kitchen years ago)

We eat together, the hyungs chat and Tae smiles sympathetically at me. I sigh trusfratedly I want to do something for Minnie. Then I get the idea.

“Hey it’s Minnie’s birthday in two days, why don’t we throw him a surprise party?”

“Yeah”

“That’s a great idea.”

“We should have enough time to get a cake made.”

The hyungs are all in agreement and the plan is set. We won’t breathe a word of this to Jimin, he’ll be so surprised.

JIMIN’S P.OV.

Two days later: 13th October (Jimin’s Birthday)

I wake up earlier than everybody else as usual. The dorm is quiet and calm and dark and lonely. I ended up sleeping on the couch again and my tail is sore and stiff. Not only from sleeping in an awkward position but from keeping it hidden it’s a necessity but still I selfishly wish i didn’t have to. Especially today, my birthday. None of the members have mentioned anything about it.

I guess they forgot. I try to be happy that I’m not distracting them or being a nuisance anymore but I can’t. I’ve barely spent any time with Jungkook since I’ve started my new regimen. He stays up late, but I stay up later and when I get back to the dorms I’m always so tired that I fall asleep in my clothes. I shower at the company gym so I don’t wake the members.

Silently I grab some clothes from my closet and then I head out. I can’t help myself from crying. I still love Jungkook so much and I know that it’s awful but I wish he’d love me even though I’m still so ugly. But I’ve gotten so much better haven’t I? So why doesn’t he love me? Then I remember that perfect, beautiful, glorious Kim Taehyung exists. I sob again.

I don’t know why I ever thought it would be a good idea to walk today. I guess I thought it would be good to clear my head today. Now I feel awful, my body feels heavy and I have the beginnings of a headache. Then I remember that this is what it’s supposed to feel like, this must be however one else feels in order to look so perfect, right? I just had to start working a bit harder.

—-

~ T ~ I ~ M ~ E ~ ~ ~ S ~ K ~ I ~ P ~

It’s been 10 minutes since dance practice was supposed to start and not one of the members has shown up yet. The ache has settled deep into my bones. They’re probably just stuck in traffic or something. I force myself to keep dancing. Just as I’m going to break down and call Jin-hyung, choreographer-nim comes in.

“Jimin-ssi I came to tell you that your schedules have been cancelled. You can go back home and rest. You should.” He says looking slightly awkward then he leaves.

I just stand there for a moment in shock. They cancelled my schedule, the company must not want me here anymore. I mean I guess I always knew that I wasn’t good enough and all my effort is too little too late but so suddenly. I feel myself sinking to the floor. Then I get up, I can’t be sitting here uselessly.

I get to work. I do the routine over and over until I find my mind drifting off to other places while my body moves. My mind drifts off to the dorm, where I want to be lying in bed . . . With Jungkook. I want him to massage my back and kiss me and tell me he loves me. I force the happy memories down.

I’m so tired and sore that I can hardly stand. I hear the click of the door opening.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

I wake up and press the feeling of loneliness down. I’ll see Jimin soon.

We woke up early but I guess Jimin was earlier because he’s nowhere to be seen. It works out for us but still sends a stab of longing through me. After we eat breakfast we do the decorating and Namjoon and Jin-hyung go to pick up the cake while Hobi picks everyone’s outfits and cleans the kitchen and living room again. Yoongi, who for his part did a lot of the ecorating, sits at the table sipping his morning coffee. He’ll be fully awake in about half an hour.

When Jin and Namjoon come back with the cake they don’t let me see it. They were in charge of the design so it’ll actually be a surprise for me as well.

We should be leaving for the company by now but we got manager-nim to cancel our schedules for the day. I text Jimin and tell him to come home. He doesn’t reply so I text again. I even try calling him. I get worried then remember he probably just has his phone silenced so I call the choreographer because he’s probably still at the company today and tell him to go and tell Jimin that schedules will have been cancelled. I explain the surprise to him and he enthusiastically agrees.

15 minutes later I am still waiting. The choreographer should have told him by now, my Jimin should be home. I text the choreography and he says that he told him. I am very worried now.

“We have to find him, what if something happened?!” I shout

“What! Who?”

“Jimin.”

“Is he not at the studio?”

“I don’t know but he should be here by now.”

“Yeah, let’s go!”

We run downstairs and run to Tae’s car, somehow Namjoon-hyung ends up in the driver's seat and has to switch with Jin-hyung. We race off towards the company.

When we get inside we immediately split up, Namjoon takes the gym, Jin takes the cafeteria, Hobi and Yoongi take the bathrooms and recording rooms respectively.  

I take the dance studios. I go to the room we normally use first.

I hear footsteps and throw the door open.

Jimin is dancing, he does our latest routines flawlessly, but robotically and his eyes look far away. I can only see the back of him so I watch his reflection in the mirror. He looks empty, pale with dark circles under his puffy eyes. He’s crying. I run over to him.

I wrap my arms around him, encircling him in a big hug.

“It’s okay, don’t cry, I’m here.” I whisper

He sinks into my arms as if he can’t support his own weight anymore. “Jungkook, what are you doing here?” He asks.

“Didn’t the choreographer tell you? Our schedules were cancelled today.” I ask

“Yes, but I thought It was just mine.” He explains, freeing himself of my grip.

“Why would it be just yours?” I’m really confused. He doesn’t answer.

I persist, “If you knew why you didn't come home, why did you stay here.”

“I just wanted to practise some more.”

“But Minnnnie!” My voice cracks, “you’ve been practising so much, I never get to spend time with you anymore. I miss you!” I’m crying now.

JIMIN’S P.O.V

Jungkook is crying, now I’ve really done it, I’ve made him cry. I can’t do anything right. I want to ask him if he knows about the company cutting me but my worries feel silly with him in my arms.

He’s crying and I have to comfort him. It's the least I can do. I know this is necessary but I’ve been a terrible friend.

I pet his hair and rub his back until he calms down. His grip on me is tight and I can tell he won’t be letting me go anytime soon.

“Come one Kook, let's go home.” I say, I can feel less guilty cutting my practice short because it’s for a friend.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

Now I feel even worse, Jimin is clearly tired but now he has to comfort me. I make sure to keep a tight grip on Jimin so he doesn’t fall over like he looks like he could with only a single gust of wind.

I text the hyungs quickly and they drive back to the dorm. I managed to stall by telling Jimin to take a shower.

I go through his bag and realise he doesn’t have any clean clothes to change into, apparently he realises this too because I hear the bathroom door opening. He comes out shirtless, only a towel wrapped around his waist, normally I enjoy ogling at his chest but now I just stare. He’s somehow lost enough weight, you can see it. I think back to the last half month, I haven't seen him eat anything, but he must have at some point or he’d be dead by now. I let this keep me from completely spiralling out of control. Stress causes people to lose weight right? He must have been very stressed out these last few weeks but what could possibly have stressed him out to this point?

“Park Jimin!” I can only gasp but then I stop seeing how shy he looks. I remember that he’s been under so much stress that yelling won’t be of any help at all.

“Jungkook, I uh, I don’t have any fresh clothes. Can I borrow your sweatshirt, I can just wear the same pants from before?”

I’m still in shock. “Sure.” We can talk about this later. I hold Jimin close to me supporting his frail looking body with my own. He looks ready to fall asleep, or pass out, or both. I know I should probably take him to the hospital but for right now we both need a relaxed environment. I’m sure his surprise will cheer him up and we can get some food for him even if it’s only cake or sweets.

We get back to the dorm and I knock loudly on the door. I hear footsteps. I open the door and we walk into the decorated living room. Jimin doesn’t notice at first then he does. He looks around, a bit in awe.

“You did all of this . . . for me?”

I smile.

JIMIN’S P.O.V

Jungkook smiles the biggest cutest bunny smile I’ve ever seen.

“Happy Birthday hyung!” He says still smiling.

I want to kiss him, I want to kiss him so, so bad, but I resist.

Then I hear more footsteps. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMIN-SSI!!!” The hyungs and Tae appear out from behind the wall carrying a handmade banner reading “!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY WE LOVE YOU MOCHI!!!” In big colourful letters.

They all hug me. I haven't had much physical contact with any of the hyungs or Jungkook in ages, the warmth surrounds me and takes away the aching feeling.

“Annnd, guess what? We have cake!” Hobi, Tae and Kook shout.

I smile, trying to match their level of excitement but the cake could be a problem. It’s probably full of sugar and calories in the frosting alone. I can’t eat it and ruin all my hard work.

“Alright,” Jin-hyung commands, “Hobi, Yoongi you two cut and serve cake. I’ll set up the V-Live.”

V-Live, what’s the point it’s not like anyone will watch it? Then I get an idea that I can hide my face with a mask. If any of the members ask I’ll just say that I’m not feeling well, it will also give me an excuse not to eat cake.

I grab a mask from the bathroom cabinet and put it on.

Hobi-hyung sees me first. “Are you feeling alright Min?”

“Yeah, I just think I’m coming down with a small cold is all.”

“Okay, do you want some tea or anything? Hyung will make you some.”

“Oh, no it’s okay. I really don’t feel that bad.”

“That’s good but tell us if you start feeling worse.”

“Of course.” I sigh, I almost made hyung go out of the way for me again.

Jungkook is immediately concerned when he sees my mask. I assure him it’s just a tiny cold. He seems to believe me.

We greet ARMY and show the cake. People ask why I have the mask on and Jungkook answers for me.

“Minnie’s caught a little cold, he’ll be fine.”

Lots of comments of "feel better, get well soon” and “stay healthy" appear in the comments section. I actually smile. Then I see another hate comment and the smile disappears.

Jin holds the cake while we sing and I blow the candles out. We all sit down on the sofa. Hoseok snuggles next to Yoongi, Namjoon sits on the floor in front of Jin, while Jin massages his head, Tae sits next to Jungkook and I sit in Jungkook’s lap.

Cake plates are passed around until everyone but me has one. Tae begins to pass me a piece of the cake.

“Um, I’m not very hungry right now, maybe I’ll have some later.” I say trying my very best to smile. Then I remember I have the mask on.

“Do you want something else, hyung can make you some other food. It might help you feel better.” Namjoon asks. I can tell he’s concerned.

“No it’s alright I just don’t have much of an appetite today.”

Jungkook gives me a look, I know he noticed that I lost weight. I didn’t mean for him to notice in case him or any of the other members got unnecessarily worried. I purposefully wore clothes that hid it but when he saw me without a shirt it was obvious.

“Min, you should eat something. It really would help your cold.”

I nod, “I’ll eat later.”

—

A few minutes into the V-Live I almost kiss Jungkook. I’m grateful for the mask which reminds me not to. Then it happens again. I scoot farther away. The members are talking but I can’t hear anything over how chilled I suddenly feel.

Now that I’m not right up against Jungkook, I notice how cold the room is. I shiver and tuck my hands into the pockets of Jungkook’s hoodie, thankfully he let me wear it. I feel a tickle in my nose and stifle five thick wet sneezes into the crook of my elbow. The mask does most of the work but it’s all snotty now so I should probably get a new one.

I feel miserable. I almost ask Jungkook for a hug. I have to get out of here before I do something that embarrasses him. Besides, I don’t have the energy to pretend to smile anymore.

“Sorry everyone, I’m tired, I’m going to lie down for a bit, okay.”

“Alright, at least come say bye before we end the Live.” Hoseok says

“You don’t have to end the Live, just continue on without me.” I say, heading towards the room. I feel dizzy, black spots dance across my vision and then consume everything.

JUNGKOOK’S P.O.V

We’re all talking about our favourite moments with Jimin that we’ve had this year when I heard someone sneeze. It’s so quiet I can barely hear it over the conversation but then I see Jimin his elbow pressed to his face despite the mask. Though the sneezes soft I hear the mucus.

“Sorry everyone , I’m tired, I’m going to lie down for a bit, okay.” Jimin says suddenly. He looks almost as pale as Yoongi. I can hear the congestion seeping into his voice.

“Alright, at least come say bye before we end the Live.” Hoseok, like the rest of us, looks confused. He can’t just leave his own Birthday V-Live.

“You don’t have to end the Live, just continue on without me.” Jimin says, he shrugs and turns toward our room. He only makes it a few steps before he falls with a hollow thump, to the floor.

My legs are moving before my brain can process what has happened.

“Jimin," I shout shaking him, he doesn't move.

“It’s okay, he’s just fainted.” Namjoon informs us.

“He’s burning up! Someone get the thermometer, quick!” Hoseok yells.

“What could’ve caused this, he said he only had a small cold.” Jin-hyung asks.

“Well he hasn’t bee-” I start but tae cuts me off

“We should probably end the V-Live now.”

“Oh yeah.” Joon runs over to the camera. “Salanghae ARMY!” and cuts off the broadcast.

We take Jimin back to our room and set him on the bed.

“I think he just over exhausted himself.” Yoongi speculates

“Yeah, he’s been working very hard lately.” Namjoon nods.

Jin still has the V-Live app open and something catches my eye.

@Taekook4life - Oh-em-gee!!!, Taekook were so cute, shame they had to cut the live off because of that stupid whiny cat boy

> @OT6 - Yeah, did you hear Namjoon say that he fainted, how pathetic

> > @Jimin-has-no-jams - I can't believe they even let someone so weak be part of the group

> > > @hybrid-hater - seriously and like I said, freaks belong in a circus.

The comments make my blood boil. How could people still ship Tae and I when Jimin and I are in a public relationship. These people are saying such mean things I want to punch something.

“Hyungs, look” I point the comments out to them. They shrink back, aghast.

“Is this like a common thing?” asks Tae

“I don’t know, let’s check other places.” Namjoon suggests.

We check all of our most recent content and find tons more comments, some screen-names keep coming up but there are just so many.

The cover we listened to comes up in our suggested results and when I accidentally click on it instead of the video below it I see it. At first it sounds like the user is completing the singer but then it takes a turn.

@anti1357 - wow ARMY-BLINK💜, this cover is so good, especially Jimin’s part you sing some much better, you should take his place

> @hybrid-hater - totally! This song is actually great without that ugly hybrid.

> > @btsucks - yeah and people say he’s the visuals, ugh! 🤮

> > > @Jimin-has-no-jams - ikr freak! 🐈🤡

I’m full of rage but I can’t stop looking, the next thing is a selca I took with Minnie about two weeks ago.

@Taekook4life - literally ewww! Beautiful Jeon Jungkook . . . with him, but like Jimin is soo ugly tho. And you can see the fat on him. Jungkook needs to just get with Kim Taehyung instead.

> @Jimin’s-jams - first of all that’s so rude, that’s muscle, from dancing, and I bet he can dance so much better than any of us can! so pls be quiet.

> > @OT6 - if they’re muscles from dancing then why’s he so terrible at dancing then, honestly he’s a joke, I bet Bang Pd just felt bad for him.

> > > @Solo-stan - he must have because Jimin can’t even sing that well, he is literally so whiny.

We’re all horrified. Jimin must’ve seen these comments and started believing them. It all makes sense now. Why Jimin has been hiding his ears and tail and even himself. Why he didn’t want to be in the dance practice video, why he tried to take himself out of the music video and even the song.

I can feel the tears dripping down my cheeks and not only mine but the other members are crying as well, we seem to have reached the realisation at the same time.

“Gahh, we’re such bad friends, how come we didn’t see it?” Hobi wails.

“No, it’s my fault,” I say, “I’m his boyfriend, I should've seen it.”

“It’s in the past now. All we can do is to make sure that our Mochi gets better.” Namjoon says, patting the sleeping Jimin’s hair.

We all nod.

“We’ll make Jimin some soup and tea and leave you two alone.” Jin-hyung says

“Thank you.” I say quietly.

JIMIN’S P.O.V

I open my eyes and everything is blurry. Slowly my vision clears and I see a familiar face standing over me. Jungkook. A feeling of calmness washes over me, as long as he’s here I’m safe.

Then before I even realise what he’s doing he plants a kiss on my forehead. His lips are soft and warm against my skin. I try to sit up but can’t. Panic sets in, if I can’t even sit up how am I supposed to dance.

“It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here.” He motions for me to breathe with him. I do and it makes me feel better almost immediately. I try to sit up again and this time he helps me.

“Take it easy. You’re not well, Min.” He croons, helping me sit up. I am acutely aware of his hand on my back.

“Not well?” I question not only my condition but his delicate phrasing.

“You fainted, do you remember that?”

“I just remember really wanting to just sleep, then everything went black and now I’m here.”

“That’s good, I don’t think you hit your head.” He says, sounding a bit more like himself now.

I’m so tired and his voice is so soft that I can’t help bursting into tears. Before I can stop it it all comes flooding out.

“Kookie, I don’t feel good.” I hate the whine in my voice but I can’t stop it

“I know, baby, I know. Can you tell me what hurts.” He hugs me, his grip is gentle but I can still feel his warmth.

I think for a moment “Everything.” Then I feel a tickle in my nose and sneeze thickly right into his neck. My face heats up.

“I’mb ‘orry.” I sniffle pathetically. The last thing I need to do is get Jungkook sick. “I’mb a bess.”

“No, no you’re not. It’s okay, you are not a mess, you have a cold. It happens to everyone.”

“You should go, I don’t want to get you sick. I’ve caused enough trouble already.”

He looks sadly at me, “Is that how you really feel, Minnie.”

I can’t help but nod.

“You have never caused me any trouble.” He says taking a tissue from the bedside table and wiping my nose. I blush again.

“But” I sob, “I’ve been a terrible friend.”

“No. You have been dealing with a lot, the only person you've been terrible to is yourself.” He cups my face in his hands and kisses me.

I try to push him off, what is he doing?

“So what if I get sick?” He shrugs and kisses me again. “You’re my boyfriend, I love you.” He mumbles the words softly as we kiss. He must see the look of hesitation on my face because he sighs, “Minnie, I sleep right next to you. I’m going to catch this cold anyway.” He starts kissing me again and I can’t help but reciprocate the actions, an automatic reflex.

When he stops I look straight into his big doe eyes, they’re sad. I bet he wishes he didn’t love someone like me and even though I know I shouldn't be, I’m so disgustingly happy that he does. Something he said surprises me belatedly.

“You're still my boyfriend?”

He looks a bit shocked. “Yes, I mean if you still want me to be.”

“Of course.” I answer back too quickly. Again, it’s a reflex, a reflex to love, maybe, maybe, just maybe . . . . . I’m not such a very bad terrible person after all. I try to squash down this hope but it won’t go. There is still one thing though, in his arms it feels so stupid but I have to know.

“But what about Taehyung?”

His face morphs into an expression of extreme confusion, “Taehyung? . . . . .” then it changes to one of horror. “You didn’t think . . . You didn’t think that- that I-” His voice breaks into almost nothing. “No, I love you and ONLY you Jimin. Taehyung is like a brother to me, nothing more. YOU are my love, the love of my life. You are my life. You and only you. Do you understand what I just said?”

“Yes.” I say quietly. He smiles and hugs me tighter. I crush the disappointment in my chest. I selfishly want him to kiss me again. He still looks sad.

He pulls away so I can fully see his face. “Did-didn’t” he pauses, looking like he’s trying not to cry, “Didn’t you miss this bed?”

I don’t understand immediately, then I remember I’ve been sleeping on the couch for the last two weeks. The difference is vast once I actually pay attention. The bed is soft and warm and cosy with a fluffy blanket and pillow that both smell like Jungkook. I much prefer it over the couch.

“I did.” I admit. I hope he doesn’t think I’m selfish.

“Well then come back. Sleep with me tonight, we can just sleep right now if you want.”

I’m so tired but I’m afraid that if I go to sleep now that when I wake up I’ll realise that this was all a dream and Jungkook doesn’t actually love me. I wanna stay in this dream. I need a way I can dream on. I shake my head.

“Alright, we can do whatever you want.”

I shiver, still feeling cold despite the comforter.

“How about a nice warm bath?”

I nod. Jungkook helps me out of bed and to the bathroom where he starts getting the bath ready. He takes off his shirt, and then his pants leaving only his bare chest and boxers. He’s beautiful. I could never look like that.

“Like what you see?” He teases, I blush right up to my forehead.

“I could never deserve you.” I sigh the words to myself, the look on his face says he heard.

He shakes his head and comes up to me, forcing me to face my reflection in the mirror. He takes off my shirt.

“You, Park Jimin, are a masterpiece.” He whispers into my ear.

I can’t stop myself from smiling. He continues, trailing his hands over my chest, his fingers leaving a tingling sensation in their wake. “You can sing and dance beautifully and you’re incredibly cute.” He continues listing good things about me but I just focus on the sound of his voice. The voice of a man who loves me, he’s beautiful and he’s mine.

He ends his speech with a kiss on my lips. “Now come one, you’ve got goosebumps, let's get you warm.” I lean into his touch as he strips me down completely and helps me into the bath.

I sit back and let Jungkook work, pausing occasionally to kiss me, on the neck, on the shoulder, on the arm until he’s kissed almost every surface of my body.

“I saw the comments.” He says as he begins massaging shampoo into my hair.

I don’t know what to say to that but I feel the tears roll down my cheeks.

“Those people are stupid, cowardly trolls hiding behind screen names because they can’t bear to say those things to your amazingly good looking face.”

“I know.” I sob, suddenly feeling very stupid. “How could I let those people control my life like that?”

“It’s not your fault, Minne, anyone would crumble under all that pressure. You’re so strong and I hate to see you doubting yourself like this just because of some stupid shit people said on the internet. You’re beautiful just the way you are. And as for me I much prefer you healthy than stick thin. You need to stay healthy so you can do what you love. You’re never home, I’ve missed you.” He kisses my shoulder.

“I’ve missed you too.” I turn around to face him, pulling him closer and kissing him deeper. His lips are soft and warm against mine, everything I’ve missed, everything I need to feel good about myself. A warm sensation fills my body, taking the cold and the aching away. I feel a tickle in my nose try to turn away but I sneeze on Jungkook anyway.

“Ah, I’m going to give you my cold.” I half sigh, half laugh and try to pull away.

“I don’t care.” Jungkook whispers kissing me again

“I do.”

“Don’t.” He argues and for the moment, I really don’t care, until I feel goose bumps forming along my arms again.

“Kook the water’s getting cold.”

He pulls away and turns the tap to add more hot water to the bath. He resumes washing my hair, it feels good, not as good as kissing but still good all the same. He tips my head back to rinse the shampoo out. I smile at him.

“I’ve missed this,” he says, “I’ve missed us. Next time something is bothering you please just come to me or one of the hyungs but please don’t sit on it and let yourself treat yourself badly.”

“Of course.”

“You promise.”

“Yes.”

We get out of the bath and dry ourselves off, Jungkook wears only a shirt and joggers himself but gives me one of his hoodies to wear and some of my fluffy pyjama bottoms. I love Kook’s hoodies, the scent and the softness relaxes me. It reminds me of how tired I am. The bed with all its soft pillows and blankets looks more tempting than ever, I lay down.

“Do you want to sleep now?”

Once again I hesitate, I’m sure now, that this isn’t all a dream, but I don’t really want to be alone either.

“I’ll be here, right here. With you.” He says it as if he’s read my mind.

“You're sure?”

“Absolutely.” He says climbing under the covers next to me. I feel his warmth against mine. I fall asleep listening to his whispers of “I love you.”

(A/N: I'll probably do a Jungkook P.O.V. chapter and then a final one from both of their perspectives maybe. Sorry if the formatting is strange.)

[7ndipity]

Aftercare Headcanons

Ot7 x Reader

Summary: How each member would handle aftercare with their S/o

Warnings: mentions of sex(nothing explicit tho), not proofread

A/N: Thanks to the lovely anon who requested this!(note: since I did a similar list for Hobi a while back, part of his section is kinda reiterations from that post).

Masterlist

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

Jin:

Aftercare with him is pretty quiet, tbh. He tends to get a lil shy after sex, especially if it was a rougher, more intense session, so he mainly likes to just hold you and talk for a while to help you both calm down.

He’s pretty simplistic when it comes to his routine(hydrate, wash up, sleep), but he’s super cute and gentle about the whole process, cracking lame jokes here and there to make you laugh(lowkey bc it’s part of how he checks to make sure you’re in a good headspace afterwards, but also just bc it’s Jin)

Lots of soft kisses and lingering touches as the two of you clean up(loves showering with you and would totally just stay in there hugging you till the water runs cold)

Will happily make you both some snacks if you’re hungry, but he definitely needs a nap with you to fully recharge.

Yoongi:

As I’ve said before, acts of service is his main love language, so this is very much his wheelhouse.

He’s surprisingly cuddly after sex, especially if it was a more intense session. He finds quiet skinship afterwards even more important than during the act. He might restrict your hands so you can’t touch him during sex, but afterwards he’s making sure to hold them and let you touch and feel him, helping both of you ground yourselves.

He might not be the most elaborate with his routine, but he’s very serious about the basics. Like, he knows you might feel too tired to do much, but he will nag your ear off about dehydration and the dangers of UTIs if he has to till you drink some water and go to the bathroom.

He kinda melts when you look after him too, tending any scratches or marks and offering to massage any sore muscles. He’s used to being the one in the caregiver role, so when the roles reverse, he turns into the softest baby.

Hobi:

He’s so soft and giggly after sex, his hands never leaving you, playing with your hands as he leaves little kisses all over your face, speaking softly as he asks how you feel and if there’s anything you need.

He tends to go into caretaker mode a lil bit, making sure you have some water, maybe a snack if you feel up for it, carefully checking you over for any marks or sore spots that need extra care if it was a more intense session.

He almost forgets to look after himself as well until you kinda take the reins on him, treating him in much the same manner as he does you. Loves when you wash his hair for him in the shower.

After you’re both clean and back in the bed, he likes to just kinda hang out with you, watching a movie or show together, even though he almost always ends up falling asleep while you play with his hair.

Namjoon:

Honestly, he gets a little shy/nervous during aftercare? He knows he has a tendency of getting pretty rough even during softer sessions, so once he calms down and his head clears, he wants to make sure you’re okay and that he didn’t go overboard.

Handles you so tenderly and with so much gentleness. Takes a lot of pride in getting to look after you in such intimate ways, washing and drying your body, helping you get dressed, making sure you eat and drink something before you fall asleep, etc.

Absolutely melts at the way you take care of him afterwards too, always ready with gentle reassurances and soothing touches as you work out any soreness he has(could honestly lead to a super soft round two if you’re not careful)

He doesn’t usually fall asleep that quickly after sex, so once you’re both clean and settled in the bed or wherever, he likes to talk for a while till one of you falls asleep, tending to get a little sentimental as he goes on.

Jimin:

He’s so sweet and comforting after sex, aftercare with him would be full of the softest touches and kisses, refusing to leave your side for more than a minute(unless you want some time by yourself, then he’s waiting impatiently for the second you say okay so he can tackle you for another cuddle session)

Likes just getting to lay with you for a while as you come down, talking quietly while running his hands over your body absent-mindedly or playing with your fingers to help you both ground yourselves.

Takes looking after you quite seriously though, making sure you drink enough water and do some stretches to relieve any soreness in your limbs before moving on to the shower to clean up(where he will continue to hug/cling to you as you help wash each other)

Gets quite tired afterwards, but will only fall asleep once he’s sure you’re both okay and tended to, either holding you close to his chest or vice versa.

Taehyung:

He’s usually super sleepy after sex, so initial aftercare is pretty basic, but still super important for both of you.

He tends to get really clingy, needing to hold you close as the two of you talk and get your bearings, seeking reassurance that you’re okay and that you both feel good, that you love him, etc.

Honestly, you might have to take the reigns a little bit to make sure you’re both clean and hydrated and taken care of in those ways before he falls asleep on you(he just feels soo subby to me, I can’t)

In the morning/after a nap however, you’re waking up to a bubble bath, food, massages, the full royal treatment. He basically waits on you hand and foot for the next couple hours to make up for his initial lack of focus.

Jungkook:

He is so soft but serious about aftercare. He knows he can be more than a little rough when he’s lost in the moment, so he tries to counter that by being extra gentle with you afterwards.

He has the whole thing down to a system, it’s almost like a post workout routine for him, (lowkey the type to high-five you afterwards like “good job babe”🙄)

He’s honestly kinda hyper about the whole thing? Like, as soon as he manages to catch his breath, he’s immediately up and all over the place, getting you both some water, helping you to the bathroom to wash up(will straight up carry you if your legs are shaky) grabbing some fresh sheets if needed.

It’s only once you’re both clean and tended to that he kinda starts to slump and gets tired and cuddly, snuggling close to you before dozing off.

Taglist: @sopebubbles-replies @btsw1fe @this-must-be-my-tardis @whitefoxgirl @bethanysnow @coffeedepressionsoup @main-bangtansmauyeondan @feminympho @captainorangegoose @k4ngelz

[bonny-kookoo]

OT7: Tongue Tied (Intro)

In which you're not supposed to be the solution for all of the problems- but maybe you're just that; the missing piece.

Tags/Warnings: SFW, Hybrid!BTS x Hybrid!Reader, Wolf!BTS, Dog!Reader, strangers to ???, fluff, some angst, insecurities & very openly emotional reader

Length: long

A/N: the next chapters will, one by one, focus more on each member getting closer to the mc.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"She will stay in a separate space we've been renovating for her at the company building." The manager says, well aware that the seven boys are very much not on board with the whole plan. "So you'll basically just have to interact with her for the camera and on certain schedules. Listen, I know you don't like the idea but it's the best way of making you guys seem.. less.. dangerous, after all that happened." He carefully phrases.

Jungkook scoffs. Namjoon clenches his jaw at that reaction, ready to scold. Taehyung sighs, tired of the constant fighting.

It was something the company had been fearing for quite some time now. And now, it's come to a point where even the public has noticed the growing tensions within the hybrid band- everyone on edge, easily irritated by each other. Originally, everyone had always thought it would be fine if they 'grew up' alongside each other, especially with Jungkook having been so young when he joined the company and group. But it didn't really matter down the line, it seems like, because by now, the air is constantly thick with frustration.

For the fans all over the world, the group full of hybrids, a somewhat traditional 'packing wolves, has been nothing but perfect and a shining representation of how far hybrids can come nowadays in terms of reaching success and wealth. But behind closed doors, it's headaches, fights, arguments and stress for everyone involved.

From trying to somehow keep track of their heats to re-scheduling things over and over again because the person interviewing or hosting at the event might be an unmated hybrid that could set off any of the guys at just a glance. They're all of a category two, technically independent and mostly human- but sometimes, staff would like to argue against that. Jungkook and Jimin can be harder to control than a horde of toddlers sometimes, while Yoongi and Namjoon are sometimes just plain scary. Taehyung literally does what he wants together with Seokjin, and Hoseok usually keeps to himself. Its all a mess, really.

Especially now that the cracks had begun to show to the public as well.

"Why a category five though?" Jin argues from the side. "You've been complaining about us for years now. And we're the most 'normal' one might say." He air quotes as he speaks.

"If they see you being kind to a category five like her-" the manager explains himself, "-they highly likely will calm down."

"Or start letting their frustrations out on her." Namjoon disagrees. "If they smell just a hint of any of us liking her in any way they'll go rabid."

"So what? It's not like she'll properly understand the situation, or talk about it to anybody." The manager shakes his head. "She will live at the company building, like I said. That's top security around her twenty-four-seven, and she will also have regular caretakers- staff will look after her for you, you don't have to interact with her at all apart from scheduled activities. It'll be fine." He tries, and everyone sighs.

Well- it's not like they've got the last word either way.

---

Jungkook is a sensitive person.

Not as in weak, but as in, his senses are very much sharp enough to notice even the slightest changes in something. And so when the first furniture is delivered, first boxes with what he assumes to be the new hybrid's personal items, there's something in the air he can't quite put a finger on.

"Oh, Jungkook-ssi!" One of the staff almost runs into him, as he stands alone in the dark and rather small space you'll be living in soon. "I almost locked you in. Is there something you need?" She asks, and he shakes his head.

Something about the faint scent of yours clinging to some of the items placed, like the blankets and pillows and stuffed animals, makes him wonder what will happen from now on. You're being used for higher gain- and in a way, he wonders if you'll know that, or if you're not able to understand the complexity of the situation like his managers had claimed. A category five doesn't mean you're mentally challenged, after all. You're just a bit more hybrid than he, or the rest of the guys are.

And somehow, it all just suddenly feels so fucked up to him.

"No, sorry, I just wanted to.. look around I guess." He offers the staff member who nods kindly, before he leaves to go home.

Somehow feeling a little heavy inside.

---

"Am I the only one who thinks this is fucked up?" Yoongi sighs as they all laze around in the living room area of the dorm they share. "We don't even know where the fuck they get that hybrid from."

"With the way they're talking about her it feels as if she must be from a carecenter or something alike." Seokjin offers from the side. "After all, they did mention that she needs help in looking after herself." He notes, and Taehyung chimes in at that.

"I mean I get the idea but.. it's still odd to 'use' her for that. And what if she doesn't even like us?" He shakes his head. "Category five's are pretty obvious in what they're thinking. It's not like they can just tell her to act the part."

Everyone falls silent at that. The wolf hybrid has a point here- if she doesn't play the part well, what will happen then?

"Well- not that I care." Hoseok announces, getting up. "And neither should you guys. We're getting paid to entertain people, nothing more." He simply mumbles to himself, leaving to go to bed. And he's probably right too- the less the guys think about what the situation means to you, the better. And done the line, the space given to you at the company building is definitely better than any shelter or carecenter you're probably currently residing at.

Jungkook however isn't convinced. He's still remembering that odd feeling he had earlier standing in between all those things that smelled like you.

And he's got a feeling that this whole 'plan' will probably not go the way they all planned it to.

---

Despite everyone's varying levels of interest in you at first, it's pretty clear that today, the date you'll be officially moving in, the entire pack is equally as eager to get a glimpse of you.

"Remind me why you're all in my studio?" Namjoon sighs, watching everyone camp out in his small space, both Jimin and Taehyung peeking out the door.

"They're here! There right there, they just brought them in-!" Jimin whispers sharply, and suddenly even Namjoon gets up to maybe catch a glance.

"She must be young." Taehyung mumbles, watching how an elderly woman in a 'Seoul Hybrid Care Project'-jacket holds your hand as you walk next to her. Your tail is a little curled and clearly one of a canine hybrid- your ears somewhat folded downwards.

"Maybe she's just short." Namjoon argues quietly, Jungkook pushing a bit to get a glimpse too. "I mean- if she was too young to attend late shows and schedule that would be pretty dumb wouldn't it?" He wonders, and the others hum in agreement, watching as your tail lowers, your mood visibly changing as soon as it's evident you'll be staying.

They all start to feel a little bad once they have to watch you cling to the caretaker- probably your only familiar person, who attempts to make you understand that you'll stay here now. It's the first taste of what you as a category five are like- there's no covering up your emotions whatsoever, you visibly and clearly make it known that you're not happy about this situation.

The only thing that soothes the pack a little it the sight of the staff gently wiping your tear stained cheeks before leading you into your new living space, door closing behind you. Though it's odd- because somehow, the entire pack feels closer than they've been in a few years by now, everyone equally both interested and mildly worried for you.

"Okay I can't be the only one who feels this though." Taehyung suddenly perks up, the ball of squeezed together wolf hybrids breaking up as they all get back into the studio, door closing. "Right?"

"She's a category five Taehyung!" Namjoon scolds.

At that, everyone falls silent for a moment.

Because while they can't deny what Taehyung mentioned was true-

Namjoon also had a point.

---

You are, in fact, not actually that young, merely months behind Jungkook.

And Seokjin's very sharp sense of observation tells him that you're not at all unaware of your surroundings whatsoever. It seems like you want to talk often but then remember something that makes you shut up before you can even open your mouth. You're however otherwise clearly aware of what's going on, interested and curious about things you don't know. It must be frustrating to not be able to voice out your thoughts, he thinks to himself, already wondering if there could be a different way of communicating with you.

Turns out you are indeed a domestic dog hybrid, chosen for your rather reserved but friendly nature. You've been born to a mother than wanted to stay anonymous, having given you up as a newborn pup at a shelter, presumably because you're the result of infidelity.

Taehyung is, to no one's surprise, the first one to try and interact with you in the practice room. You seem a bit hesitant at first but it's very clear that you're easily warming up to him, your tail wagging every time Jimin says something that makes Taehyung laugh. The two wolves are sitting close to you, and you seem alright with that, albeit a little shy.

Which is to be expected, considering its been barely a week since you moved into the company building, and you've also never really met them.

"What're you looking for, hm?" Taehyung wonders as he watches you search around for something. You look at him at that, unsure, like you're fighting internally with yourself.

"Maybe she's too shy to say it out loud?" Jungkook wonders, sitting down close to you as well now. "You wanna whisper it maybe?" He tries, leaning in and pointing to his hybrid ear-

And to everyone's surprise you do actually sit up on your knees, cupping your hands over his ears before you whisper something.

And of course, everyone is eager to know what it was, since it makes the youngest look so caught off guard, cheeks red as he gets up to fetch a bottle of water from a table nearby.

They distract themselves for the time being by starting to actually practice, occasionally watching your reaction to their choreography. Being watched by you is actually not that weird at all- if anything, it makes them all work a bit harder as if to impress you, underline their deaths as the perfect idols they are.

Though, at the end of the day, they're also just a pack of young wolves, and it's clear.

Jungkook let's himself fall onto his back close to you, huffing in exhaustion making everyone laugh. The air feels oddly light today, as if the stress isn't actually that bad this time around. And it's especially evident in the way everyone laughs when you reach out to pet Jungkooks head as if to tell him that he worked hard, making the idol shy again.

Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

---

It's your first public appearance.

Described to the public as a 'charity case', you've been somewhat officially shown in behind the scenes footage every now and then, many fans having already found some info on you from the internet. The reactions are mixed, but mostly positive- many claiming that the band and company are showing how kind the world can be by taking you in. It's probably because the company itself had made it clear that you do not actually live with the boys, but in a separate place with personal caretakers, eliminating the possibility of causing a dating rumor for now, though that might happen naturally at some point.

However, all is better than having to defend the guys fighting amongst each other like dogs over food.

The level of comfort around you varies amongst the members, which is to be expected- but it's already clear that you're very good at wrapping people around your little finger. Seokjin is holding your hand as they all walk through the airport together, and you never let go of it once, staying close to the oldest. He's become somewhat of a guardian figure for you- his calm and carefree attitude drawing you in.

He helps you buckle your seatbelt on the plane, and helps you out of your jacket like it's second nature, though he does roll his eyes at Hoseok commenting how he looks like a father. "Well at least I'm helping her, you all just ignore her or play around!" He scolds, tension rising when Taehyung starts to argue from the corner.

"Hey, no one asked you to play the part!" He barks. "We got staff for that.." he scoffs to himself, while Namjoon shakes his head.

"Guys please.." he begs quietly, though the barking doesn't die down.

"So we're just supposed to act like we care but toss her aside? How cruel is that?" Jin argues back, making Jungkook whine from close by.

"Hyung, don't shout like that-" He worries, and Seokjin is ready to really shout now, when Yoongi gets up and walks over to unbuckle your seatbelt. Only now does everyone take a moment to notice you quietly crying to yourself.

"Come on, I'll get you some tissues.." the wolf mumbles quietly to you, effectively removing you from the crossfire to have you sit next to himself instead.

It's quiet at that, except for the soft sound of you blowing your nose and whimpering a bit as Yoongi offers his silent support to you. Jin sighs as he sits back down, sound signaling the start of the flight.

It stays quiet like this until the seatbelts are allowed to be removed, an apologetic looking Jungkook walking up next to where Yoongi sits next to you. You're asleep already, having taken the rapper up on the silent offer to sleep on his lap, a pillow on his thighs offering comfort for your head. "M' sorry." The youngest mumbles quietly, running a hand over your head.

"We've got to stop, at least around her." Namjoon says, calmly. "Our pack issues are one thing, but unloading all that on her is just unfair."

"I didn't mean to shout like that.." seokjin sighs from his seat.

"And I didn't mean to get so angry either.." Taehyung apologizes.

"What's even wrong with us in the first place?" Hoseok asks, shaking his head to himself. "Its like we're just fighting these days, nothing else."

"Cause we do." Jungkook says, still petting your head. It's clear that the youngest is pretty attached to you already. "We're just complaining and arguing.." he mumbles softly, watching you sleep.

"Why.?" Jin asks himself mostly.

"Doesn't matter." Yoongi quietly offers. "But we gotta figure this shit out without getting her caught in the middle like that." He reminds everyone. "She can't talk and tell us to stop-"

"She can, though." Jungkook perks up, ears standing tall.

"What?" Namjoon is interested now. Category five hybrids typically don't talk.

"The water bottle on Tuesday. She told me what she wanted when I asked her to, you know, tell me quietly." Jungkook explains. "I think she's just- embarrassed, maybe?"

"Of what?" Hoseok wonders. "Talking in that category is impressive."

"Yeah but she- I guess she's got some trouble pronouncing words. She didn't say 'water' for example, but something like 'wadu'." He tells his packmates.

"Thats cute though." Taehyung laughs from his seat, the others chuckling as well. "Maybe at the center she got made fun of." He tries to justify.

"Could be." Namjoon nods. "But with some practice she could surely work on that issue. It would help tremendously if she at least communicates in single words." He says, and everyone agrees.

"You know.." yoongi smiles to himself, looking down on you still sleeping. "...I think she's doing something entirely different than just polishing our image already."

"Huh?" Hoseok asks.

"Dont you notice?" The rapper asks the pack. "Everytime it's about her, we agree. No fighting. We suddenly problem-solve and actually talk." He explains.

"...I-" Namjoon stares at you at that revelation, realizing it as well. "You're right."

Maybe you're not just a publicity stunt after all-

But an actual solution for the root of the problem.

[sickonthedancefloor]

All Hands On Deck - part 2

Sickies: OT7 Caretakers: Themselves + Managers

Part: [one]

Hoseok didn’t think he was ready for this. Here he had Jungkook, weirdly both pale and green-tinted, in a wet, vomit-sprayed tee and looking on the verge of crying. Before Jungkook could even consider apologizing, Hoseok merely shushed him softly, reaching a hand up to swipe his cheeks in comfort before tears could even begin to fall. His youngest dongsaeng, despite being taller and more muscular than him already, looked so small standing next to him with how sick he was. There was something about his big eyes being so watery and upset that pulled at Hoseok’s heartstrings immediately.

He was very weak for his members.

“It’s okay, Jungkook-ah, let’s get you changed and in bed. Sound good?”

He received a small hum in agreement, as the younger dancer dropped his face against Hoseok’s shoulder. Oh no… not vomit on the Balenciaga… It was honestly inevitable. He’d definitely have to ask one of the managers for their cleaning trick to get it out later for sure. But first… His hand rubbed small circles on Jungkook’s back as he walked him away from the bathroom, away from the new noises of vomiting from behind the door. It seemed to upset Jungkook further to hear it, and the last thing Hoseok wanted to do was have him sick again, and in the hallway where the clean-up would be harder. The two shuffled awkwardly and slow, but it didn’t seem to nauseate the youngest further, so Hoseok was alright with the pace.

“H-hyung,” Jungkook murmured. “Jin-hyung’s—”

“Hm? Jin-hyung?”

Jungkook pointed at the door. Ah… that made sense.

“Oh, you mean Jin-hyung’s room?” Hoseok guessed. That got a soft laugh and a thumbs up. Perfect, honestly; Jin’s door was closer, anyway. Hoseok merely shuffled to Jin’s room, leading Jungkook inside. Jungkook looked at the bed, but Hoseok merely held onto him, grabbing his shirt. “Come on, let’s get you changed into something cleaner. Okay, hands up.”

Jungkook looked so little. As Hoseok pulled the shirt from him, he couldn’t help but coo at how he scrunched his face. Once off, Hoseok just turned it inside out and dropped it near the door, before helping Jungkook out of his baggy jeans. He was like a child again, like that young teen who was so shy but still crawled into their beds when he felt too lonely or upset or just wanted comfort. Cute. Once in just his boxers, Hoseok led him to sit on the bed, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Stay right here, I’m gonna see what Jin’s got that you can fit.” For good measure, he moved the desk trash can next to the bed.

Hoseok tossed Jungkook’s pants, and his own sweatshirt (feeling too warm for it now anyway, he guessed someone turned the heater up for one of their sick members) to the pile and went to rummage through Jin’s closet for something light. He managed to dig up a simple dark tee and basketball shorts, and dressed Jungkook quickly as he noticed his eyes shutting. He was more than thankful that Jin and Jungkook fit the same clothes; it made it easier, for sure. Hoseok tugged the blanket back as he eased their maknae to lay down, then just ran his hands through Jungkook’s hair until the younger fell asleep.

Once he seemed settled, Hoseok sighed, leaning his head on the side of the bedframe. What a day… It was already giving him a headache, but he was glad to at least be helpful.

~*~

In the bathroom, on the other hand, Jin wished for peace. But all he received was a sharp stench of putrid, vile vomit that seemed rather discomforting being two distinctively different scents of yuck. He honestly didn’t think puke could have identifying smells, but whatever Taehyung was expelling before him had some odd, creamy scent to it that made his own stomach feel uncomfortable. But just taking a sharp breath upward, he merely continued to rub Taehyung’s back, thankful that his curls were at least short enough to stay out of his face.

Taehyung’s vomiting was calmer than Jungkook’s in a sense. Less loud, bouncy motions but more harsh, almost twitching gasps as he coughed up whatever wanted to make its way up his esophagus. He had tried to speak twice, barely getting out Jin’s name, and a broken apology, before he merely gave up. Taehyung had a shaky hand braced on his knee, fingers white-knuckled gripping his sweatpants as if it was the only lifeline he had between staying upright and falling into the porcelain nightmare (oh god, Jin realized, that was going to be a nightmare to clean).

“It’s okay, Taehyung-ah,” Jin said calmly. His hand on Taehyung’s back formed a fist and he rubbed his knuckles with a little more force on Taehyung’s back. Something more of a sensation, hopefully a bit of a distraction. “Try to take a breath now, hm?”

Taehyung coughed up a mouthful and then spit. Jin took the opportunity to flush, hoping to reduce some of the smell. But ever the diligent dongsaeng, Taehyung tried to take a breath. His shoulders slumped and he eased back. And took a second breath.

“H-hyung…”

“I’m here, Taehyung-ah. You’re okay. Just keep breathing—or… that, I guess.”

On Taehyung’s next breath, he gagged and immediately lifted himself back to the toilet, regurgitating out another thick mouthful of sludge. His hand on Jin’s hand merely loosened his grip and he swatted at him, albeit shaky and weakly.

“I know, I know. Not funny. But you always laugh at my jokes.”

Taehyung swatted him again, and coughed. He heaved again, but nothing came out.

“See, my jokes cured you.”

But another heave, and a mouthful of pure bile escaped. Taehyung was running on empty, and Jin could see it. He continued rubbing his back, encouraging him to take another breath. It took Taehyung another few minutes of dry heaving before he managed to sink back, forehead dropping on the toilet. Jin smiled.

“Good job, you stopped. Let’s wait a few minutes before we move, just in case.”

Taehyung just nodded as his eyes closed, his body trying to succumb to at least a few moments rest before Jin made him move. Jin let him have these extra moments in peace, just keeping one hand rubbing his back but now in slow circles. It gave Jin time to send a one-handed text message to Namjoon, letting him know their second youngest was also ill. This was already proving to be a disaster. They were going to need back-up, that was for sure.

~*~

From his spot on the couch, Yoongi looked towards the bathrooms on the left. He’d begun rubbing the sleep from his eyes when he heard Jungkook, but he was wide awake the moment Taehyung also disappeared. This already wasn’t good, and they hadn’t bought that much juk. They’d need more… and given whatever the two had, Yoongi figured he may as well begin messing with inventory.

He yawned as he stood, stretching his arms upward. The noise was enough to have Namjoon looking at him with a frown. “You’re not sick too, are you?”

Yoongi shook his head. “Wouldn’t dream of getting sick before you, Joon. I’m just going to make some juk. I have a feeling we’re going to need more, if Hobi-ah hasn’t come back from checking on them.” He really, really hoped Hoseok wasn’t also sick; that man hated throwing up, the last thing they really needed was an anxiety attack flaring up from anyone over illness. At least, for now, Namjoon and Jimin seemed alright, so after reassuring their leader that he was okay, Yoongi merely trekked his way into the kitchen and went to pull out the big pot. He’d make enough juk to last them a few days; thankfully it wasn’t hard at all. Opening the kitchen, he went to work, glad that Hoseok had organized their kitchen prior.

As Yoongi began cutting green onions, he realized he wasn’t alone. Despite seeming exhausted, Namjoon was out standing by the counter, frowning at his phone as he reread Jin’s updates. “Ah… Hyung, what can I do to help?”

Yoongi smiled. “Can you go check on Hobi and Jungkook? Hobi might need some help. Juk should be ready within the hour.”

An easy task. Namjoon gave a thumbs up and headed down the hall to peer in Jungkook’s room, then Hoseok and Jimin’s, only to find both empty. He just decided to search each room to find them, peering briefly into Yoongi’s empty bedroom before he landed on Jin’s. And there he saw Hoseok running his hand through Jungkook’s hair, Jungkook curled up next to him with his head in his lap on their oldest hyung’s bed. When Hoseok spotted Namjoon in the doorway, he smiled, holding a finger to his lips.

“Did he just fall asleep?”

Hoseok nodded. “I wanted to wait a little before giving him medication in case he could eat anything.”

“Yoongi-hyung’s making juk.” He wheeled over the desk chair to sit in, so he wouldn’t move the bed. “He thinks we’re going to need more.”

With a sigh, Hoseok nodded again. “I wouldn’t be surprised… Someone else is going to get it, I bet. When it’s done, let me know?” It only took a few minutes more before Jungkook began snoring, and the two sighed in relief. He was out. The rappers spent a few moments discussing their gameplan on if more of them came down with this—double line the trash cans, keep their two sick members comfortable, try to keep their medications on schedule. Check everyone just to be safe. Hoseok texted the managers their update while Namjoon headed out to give Jin and Yoongi their new update. The juk would take a bit, so he didn’t rush.

As he made it to the bathroom closest to his room, he knocked lightly. “Jin-hyung? You in there?”

“Ahhh, Namjoon-ah! Yeah, I’m in here. Careful if you open the door, Taehyungie’s legs—”

Namjoon was not careful. Upon immediate push of the door, he immediately knocked the wood onto Taehyung’s legs. Similar to Hoseok and Jungkook, Taehyung had taken Jin’s lap as a pillow, but with a damp towel over his eyes. He groaned but otherwise did not move, and Jin immediately began to fuss as Namjoon apologized.

“Is he sick too, Jin-hyung?”

“He spent ten minutes vomiting and now he won’t get up. And he won’t let me get up. Joon-ah, I can’t help him from down here! We don’t even have a traditional Korean bathroom, I could have just hosed down the mess but no, we have to clean it up! I could have just hosed Taehyung off of me—”

With that, Namjoon laughed, squeezing in and kneeling next to them. Taeyhung, while not as tall as Jin or Namjoon, had put on a significant amount of muscle on his frame, rivaling Jin in terms of weight already. And so much of it was muscle; but his reluctance to move overtook Jin’s attempt to keep him from the floor. It was a lose-lose situation for Jin. Taehyung’s button-up had vomit stains all along the front, and was damp with sweat. Jin had wiped his face already, but the younger vocalist seemed comfortable with the cloth blocking the light.

“Headache, Tae-yah?” Namjoon asked.

He received a mumbled ‘yes’. Fever confirmed by touch. Chills, possibly from the floor, possibly the fever. With a sigh, Jin rubbed his back again.

“Come on, let’s try to make it to the room with Joon, yeah?”

Taehyung grumbles again. “’m dirty…”

“It’s okay buddy, you’ve been sick. You want to try and take a bath?”

That gets the young singer to groan, his hand reaching up to press the cold cloth over his eyes. “I don’t want to move… Every time I move I get woozy.”

Jin sighed, stroking his hair. “Well, let’s at least try to get you changed and clean so you’re more comfortable.”

“Not… not yet.” Taehyung grumbled. He kicked a foot lazily to the side, but it bumped Namjoon’s leg—exactly what he was planning. “Go ‘way.”

Namjoon chuckled softly, patting Taehyung’s shoulder from where he sat. He was pretty sure Jin would catch it, being in proximity of now two vomiting members, but he wasn’t going to stress out over it. As Jin leaned his head back against the wall, he reached a hand over to swat at Namjoon too.

“Just bring him some fresh clothes? We’ll be out when we can, okay?”

Namjoon nodded and scurried out, returning five minutes later with a fresh pair of pajamas. On his way out, he added: “Oh, Jungkook’s taken over your bed.”

“Aish!”

[crystalsnow95z]

This was written long ago that I planned to edit but decided I'll keep it as is since I'm behind on all my requests and its fitting with the season. This is one I wrote just for me.

Sickie; jungkook, Taehyung and Hobi

Warning; vom!t

Caretaker: ot7

Jungkook gathers leaves as Hobi talks to the camera, doing a bangtan bomb after finishing up their latest photo shoot. He first goes after Namjoon, but he notices him and points to Hobi.

Jungkook smiles mischievously, nodding and shoving the leaves into the back of Hobi's hanbok. He giggled loudly as he bolts towards the woods.

"Get back here, you little punk!" Hobi runs after Jungkook, trying to remove the leaves as he runs after the mankae. Jungkook trips, not able to notice the rabbit hole because of the blanket of leaves,tumbling to the ground.

Hobi tries to skid to a stop, but slips on the leaves, falling on his tailbone. "Aiish.. Jaykay are you hurt?"

"My ankle hurts a bit, but I think I'm okay." Jungkook rolls his ankle, checking to see if it was sprained. "Are you?"

"I'm fine..just a sore bottom..You're such a brat!" Hobi throws leaves at Jungkook.

"Are you guys okay?" Taehyung ran to catch up with them when he heard the crash of them falling, relaxing when he saw Jungkook throw leaves back at Hobi, the two playing.

"Yeah. Just be careful.. it's slippery.. it must've rained recently here.." Hobi warns. "I'm surprised you didn't fall too.."

Taehyung offers his hand to Hobi, but when he tries to pull him up, the older slips on the wet leaves once more, bringing the vocalist down with him. "Aiish!"

"I'm sorry, Taehyungie!" Hobi apologizes, hugging him close. "I'm sorry are you okay?"

"I'm okay.. you helped cushion my fall..Ah Jiminie stay away! Its dangerous!" Taehyung shouts fearful of him suffering the same fate as them when he sees Jimin running to check on them.

"We're okay Jimin-sii. Don't worry!" Jungkook reassures him.

Jimin slows down, relaxing. "I got worried when I heard Tete. What happened?"

"The leaves are slippery.. so I fell chasing Jungkook because he shoved dead leaves down my back." Hobi narrows his eyes with mock anger, throwing more dead leaves at the youngest.

"Rapmonie-hyung encouraged it." Jungkook says with a giggle, tossing the leaves back at him.

"Gukkie you got me too!"Tae whines, shoving a handful of leaves down the front of Jungkook's shirt despite the youngers struggle against it.

"You guys are ruining your outfits." Jimin laughs, nearly falling. "Come on we're supposed to be wrapping up."

"They are wrapped up.. in each other." Jin jokes.

Jimin jumps at the sudden sound of Jin's voice. "Hyung when did you get here?"

"Joon-ah sent me to look for you." Jin replies, smiling fondly at the younger members, seeing Taekook double teaming J-hope, burying him with the autumn leaves as he laughs.

"Okay, I'll pull up Tete. You can pull up Jaykay." Jimin and Jin work together to separate the youngest members.

"It's time to go. We still have practice to do." Jin says, brushing leaves from Jungkook's clothes. "You're soaked.. go change so we can go. All three of you."

"Okay Seokjinnie hyung." Hobi takes Jungkook's hand to pull himself up, everyone leaving to continue the rest of their busy schedule.

"5..6..7..8.." Hobi tried counting over the music, but his voice wasn't carrying as loud as it usually does. He thought nothing of it, just motioning for staff to turn the music down. They've been working nonstop for their new album, and between practice, making the studio recordings, music videos, and photoshoots, he wasn't surprised his throat was getting sore.

The team went over the choreography once more without vocals, then again Jimin started the song strong, but when jungkook tried to follow his voice cracked when he tried to hit the higher notes, coughing.

"Jungkook, are you okay?" Jimin quickly finds him a water bottle.

"My throat hasn't recovered since we recorded.." Jungkook frowns, taking the water from Jimin. "Thanks jimin-sii.."

"Sing at a lower range for now, okay? We'll focus on the timing." Namjoon gives him a sympathic smile. He's been doing vocal lessons on top of recordings.. I should've told him to lay off the lessons until we finished recording..

"Alright, Namjoonie-hyung." Jungkook takes a drink of water, the coolness soothing his throat. "I hope it's better by next week.."

"You should be fine by then as long as you rest your voice as much as possible." Yoongi reassures him.

"I'll make you some tea when we get home." Jin offers, looking at both Jungkook and Hobi. Even if Hobi didn't say it out loud he could hear the strain in his voice.

"Thanks hyungie. That'd be great." Hobi smiles.

The seven members start up practice again, changing notes to be lower for Jungkook. Everything was going smoothly until Hobi started slowing down halfway through the fifth song, wrapping his arm around his middle, making Jungkook smack into him, Hobi losing his balance.

"Are you okay Hyungie? I'm sorry I didn't notice you stopped moving." Jungkook dropped to his knees next to Hobi, checking him for injuries.

"Yeah.. yeah I think I just need to eat something..my stomach started cramping up. I should've had something other than coffee.."

"I'll find you something.." Jimin quickly leaves the room.

"Here, drink some water for now." Yoongi gives Hobi a water bottle, helping him take small sips. "Any better?"

Hoseok nods, relaxing with the pain dies down. "Sorry..I didn't mean to worry you guys.."

Jimin returns to the room with a banana, letting go of the breath he didn't know he was holding when he sees that Hobi was no longer clutching his stomach. "Here Hyungie."

"Thanks Minnie.." Hoba gently peels the banana open, taking a few bites. "I'm feeling better now.. let's take a few minutes break and start again.."

Practice started again and everything was fine for an hour, until another member started showing signs of pain. Taehyungs movements started getting smaller and smaller, until it was unacceptable to Hobi.

"Taehyung-Ah, It's fine to practice like that right before a concert but you have to give it your all right now. I know you're tired but so is everyone else." Hobi scolds him, eyes widening when Taehyung suddenly sits on the ground his knees giving in.

"I'm sorry..i can't move well..my stomach just hurts hyung.." Taehyung whines softly,wrapping his arms around his middle. Hobi feels his stomach drop to the floor, feeling guilty for not noticing how pale or how shaky the husky toned vocalist became.

"What? When did it start hurting?" Yoongi blinks slowly, taken back by Taehyung's sudden confession rushing to his side reaching to touch his bloated stomach, feeling his muscles constrict under his hand. "Aiish Taehyungie.."

"This morning it was a little upset.. I didnt want to complain, especially not after Hobi-hyungie and Jungkook not feeling well either, but I can't do this. It keeps getting worse.."Taehyung says groaning when his stomach gurgles.

"Aiigo, Voo, you should've said something earlier.. You shouldn't push yourself so hard.." Jin sits next to him. How could he have missed how quickly his health declined. "Do you feel like you're gonna throw up?"

"I don't think so.. I just want to lie down and try to sleep the pain away." Taehyung whispers, closing his eyes tightly as another ripple of pain hits.

"I'll get someone to take you home." Jin looks to the staff members.

"Can I go with him, hy..hyung?" Jungkook clears his throat when his voice breaks. "I don't think I can continue singing anyway..it was only high notes before.. but now it's hurting to talk.."

"We could end practice early today." Namjoon suggests. "Jungkook and Taehyung both aren't in good condition and I know everyone else is tired too."

Hobi nods in agreement. He didn't think it was just a lost voice with Jungkook. The young vocalist was also out of breath much quicker than usual, and his voice was weakening at an alarming rate and his own stomach was still aching."We got the choreography perfect today and yesterday. We'll be fine if we cut out a few hours."

Jin and Namjoon lead Taehyung to the bedroom, pulling the blanket back, easing him into his bed. "Here Tae lay down, Yoongi is going to get you medicine.." Jin rubs his neck gently as Namjoon gets a trashcan to put by the side of the bed.

I don't understand..just yesterday he was playing with Hoba and Jungkookie..

Jin frowns, feeling sweat on the back of Taehyung’s neck. "Namjoon-ah I think he's starting to run a fever. Could you get a thermometer?"

"Of course Hyung." Namjoon leaves the room, brushing past Yoongi.

"Here I got some medicine for you, Taehyungie." Yoongi presents the medicine bottle, measuring a dosage of medicine out.

While Yoongi preps the medicine, Jin helps Taehyung sit up, feeling his body sway. "Woah, I got you.."

Taehyung felt dizzy when he got up, leaning heavily against Jin's broad shoulder. His stomach churned as soon as he was upright again, pushing up the toast from breakfast. "Hyu..hyung.."

"F*ck..Sh*t.." Yoongi quickly picks up the trash can from the floor when Taehyung burps, pushing up the sick. "It's okay.. you'll feel better once it's out.."

Taehyung hugs the trashcan as he empties his stomach into it with a loud retch, splashing sick into the plastic liner. Jin scratches lightly across his back, feeling his spine arch as his stomach pushes up thick bile.

"Taehyung.." Namjoon stops in the doorway, eyes widening when he sees how pale Taehyung became in such a short time. He thought he was doing better after he was asleep the whole car ride home without any problems, but he was foolish to think a short rest was enough to make a difference.

"Go get me a wet cloth and a bowl of water, please. His temperature is rising fast." Jin orders, Namjoon quickly leaving the room again. "It's okay, hyung will get you feeling better, just try to take deep breaths, okay?"

Taehyung goes to reply, but another wet burp comes instead, more sick filling the small bin. He presses the trash tighter against his stomach, trying to ease the pain with pressure. "It..it hurts.."

"I know baby.. I know.. you're doing so good.. you're almost done.." Jin encourages him gently, rubbing his palm up and down Taehyung’s sweaty back.

Yoongi holds Tae's bangs out of his face. "I'll get you a heat pack when you finish. It'll help with the pain.."

Namjoon returns to the room, giving Jin the wet cloth and placing the bowl on the side table. Jin thanks him, using it to wipe the sweat that was pooling on the back of Taehyung’s neck.

The amount of sick that came from Taehyung started to dwindle down,making the three older men start to relax as the younger took deep breaths, the tension in his shoulders ebbing away.

"I..I'm done.." Taes voice comes out as a hoarse whisper, loosening his grip on the bin. "Water...?"

"Here baby." Jin opens the water bottle for him. "Rinse out your mouth first then drink okay?"

Taehyung nods, taking in a mouthful of water and swishing it around a bit before spitting it out, trying to rid himself of the awful taste, then taking a few mouthfuls, cautious not to drink to much in fear of making himself sick once more.

"Can you swallow some medicine for me, Vuu?" Jin asks gently, rubbing his stomach.

"I think so.." Tae says hoarsely, accepting the medicine cup Yoongi offered him, swallowing it down quickly. "I'm sorry you had to see that.."

"Don't worry about it." Yoongi brushes off his apology. "Do you feel any better?"

"My throat and stomach hurt..and it's cold.. could I have the heat Yoongi-hyung..?" Taehyung asks, rubbing his hand across his sore stomach, muscles screaming in pain from the force of kicking everything out of it.

"Of course. I'll go get it." Yoongi leaves the room without hesitation. On his way to his room, he jumps at the sudden loud coughing coming from Jungkook "Are you okay, Jungkook?"

Jungkook made the 'okay' sign with his hand, continuing to cough into his blanket. Taehyungie-hyung was throwing up.. I can't distract them from taking care of him. Not for a cough.. I'll just take some medicine and go to bed early.. "I took a drink of water, and it went down wrong.." Jungkook says, pointing to the water bottle on the table.

Bullsh*t.. the lid is still on it.

Yoongi didn't call him out on it, though. He could worry about Jungkook later. Right now, he told Taehyung he would get him a heating pad to help his stomach. "Well, take some medicine just in case. Taehyungie is sick, and you were all over him yesterday."

"Okay Hyung."

Yoongi goes back on his quest, getting the item and returning to Taehyung ,plugging in the heating pad and placing it across Taehyung lower abdomen. "You can't use it for too long though, okay?"He says as a gentle reminder he couldn't take heat well.

Taehyung nods, the heat easing the pain away, his body relaxing"Thanks Hyung..that feels better.."

"Good..try to get some sleep, okay? Namjoon-ah." He motions for the rapper to lean closer."Go check up on Jungkookie, please? He was coughing really badly." Yoongi whispers by his ear, not wanting Taehyung to hear.

Namjoon nods,taking the medicine from the table and going to his room. "Tae is doing better. He was falling asleep when I left." He starts the conversation lightly. Jungkook had the awful habit of hiding his pain, not wanting to add more stress to the older members.

"Do you think we need to take him to a doctor?"

Namjoon could hear Jungkook holding back a cough.

"We'll see if the medicine helps. It might just be a stomach bug and he'll be okay in the morning. How about you? You were coughing a lot during practice. Are you feeling okay?"

"I just have a sore throat. My stomach doesn't hurt like Taehyungie-Hyungie, or do I feel feverish. I think I just overdid it." Jungkook tried negating his worries, down playing how he felt. He left out the pounding headache that he had all day and the fact that despite fact he hardly ate anything all day, the smell of Jimin and Hobi cooking in the kitchen made his stomach queasy "But Yoongi-hyung wants me to take medicine just in case.."

"Yeah he told me that, so I brought it with me." Namjoon feels the tension leave his shoulders when jungkook brings it up on his own, relieved he wouldn't have to fight with him to take it. He pours the younger the small cup of medicine, handing it to him

Jungkook takes it with a shaky hand, swallowing the medicine quickly hoping that Namjoon didn't notice.

"I'm tired, so I'm going to rest until dinner is finished. Its been a long week and its rare we get time to rest.." Namjoon says in hopes Jungkook would lay down and get the sleep he needs so he can recover and he falls for the trap.

"I'll lay down too. I'm a bit sleepy.." Jungkook lays down with a big yawn head hitting his makeshift pillow not taking more than a few minutes to fall asleep, snoring softly.

Namjoon gets up from his bed slowly, using the thermometer to confirm the low grade fever jumping back to avoid Jungkook coughing on him. "We're down two members.."

"Jaykay...jungkook-ah dinner is ready. Do you think you could eat?" Hobi goes into the room to check on him. Namjoon told him about his fever and that his cough became worse, but remembering the youngest vocalist only had one piece of toast with jam that morning made him unable to comfortably let him sleep.

"Mm..? Hoseok..ah..hyung..I'm not hungry.." Jungkook's voice sounded worse than earlier, coming out weak and scratchy. He was hardly awake, eyes not even open as he tried to turn him down.

"But you haven't eaten in twelve hours. Could you at least try to eat some soup?" Hobi tries encouraging him, gently running his hand up and down jungkook's side.

Jungkook stretches out, coughing into his arm. "Okay..okay..I'm up.." He could hear the worry in Hobi's voice and the older was right. He couldn't go to bed without eating something. What if I do have what Taehyungie-hyungie has? I don't want to throw up without anything in me..

Hobi helped Jungkook sit up, placing a tray of soup in front of him. "Do you want me to feed you?"

Jungkook tried to eat it on his own, but when he picked up the spoon the itch in his throat worsened, making him cough, spilling the soup onto the tray when it makes his chest rattle. Hobi quickly pulled the tray off.

"Aiish.. you scared me." Hobi sighs in relief when he sees none of the broth got on Jungkook.

"I'm.. I'm sorry.." Jungkook says between coughs.

"It's okay baby. It was an accident. I just didn't want it to spill on you. Let me do it. Okay?" J-hope feeds Jungkook bite by bite.

Meanwhile in another room, Jimin was helping with the second youngest, carrying a tray with him.

"I made you some soup. You don't have to eat it if you arent up to it though." Jimin says sympathically when he sees Taehyung was awake in his room, coughing Into the pillow he wrapped around.

"I don't know lf I can..but..I'll try.." Taehyung sits up slowly, closing his eyes when his head spins."If I don't eat I can't get better..and I feel awful.." He whines to himself, fighting against the dizziness.

"I know.. it's okay. Just a few bites for now okay?" Jimin scoops up some bean sprouts with the spoon, blowing on it before offering it to Taehyung.

Taehyung opens his mouth, taking in the bite, then another instantly regretting the second when he gags, having to force it back down with a hard swallow. He turns away from it, the smell of food making him feel worse. "No.. no.."

"Sh*t.. I'm sorry.. I'll take it away.. I'm sorry." Jimin quickly takes the bowl from the room. "Hyungie, Taehyung’s too sick for food.. His lips turned white after a couple bites, and he hardly forced it down.. what are we gonna do?"

"We'll get him some mineral water or something to replace food until his stomach settles. Why don't you go help Hoba? He didn't eat yet. He said he wanted to check on Jungkookie first." Jin heart sinks at the fact he couldn't even hold down soup, but didn't want Jimin knowing how worried he felt, quickly changing the subject.

"Alright. I'll go check on them." Jimin leaves to Jungkooks room relieved to see at least one of their patients eating. "Hobi-hyungie let me do it. You almost fainted at practice.. you need to eat."

"Oh..right.. I need to eat too." Hobi says, despite the fact he didn't feel hungry. It must be all the stress..

Hobi lied to himself. He refused to admit he was getting sick. Not when the two youngest were coughing up a storm and unable to eat. He leaves to the kitchen to get some kimchi Kongnamul guk.

"Oh good, you are eating. I was worried you'd be too busy caring for the others. I already had to force Jimin to sit and eat before seeing Voo." Jin smiles when he sees J-hope take a bite."

The warm broth soothed his sore throat, taking a few bites before talking. "What about Namjoonie and Yoongi-hyung?"

"Namjoon-ah said he wanted to sleep more and Yoongi went to the store." Jin explained. "I'll get Yoongi when he gets back and Namjoon when he wakes up. He's been working all nighters on the bonus track trying to make it usable before the album drop. I'm surprised he's not the one sick."

Hobi only eats half of the soup he put in the bowl, filling up quickly. The food felt uncomfortable in his stomach. "I'm finished. I'm gonna go lay down too. I want to get up early to help Joon with the song."

"Good idea. I wish I was better at songwriting so I could help." Jin admits. "Good luck."

Yoongi was a light sleeper, jolting awake when he hears the toliet seat smack against the porcelain bowl. "Aiigo..Taehyungie.." he rushed to the bathroom, slowing for a moment perplexed when he heard J-hope gagging, not Taehyung. "Hoba?"

It didn't matter which it was. He still opens the bathroom door, kneeling beside the ailing teammate. "It's okay, hyung is here.." Yoongi gently pulls Hobi's hair back with an elastic hair tie, rubbing his back.

Hobi goes to speak, but ends up burping up sick, eyes watering as the smell of his own Vomit sends his stomach whirling, pushing up mouthfuls of thick bile without breaks to breathe.

"Breathe Hoseok..you'll hurt yourself.." Yoongi urges Hobi. "Please try.."

Hobi tries to obey, but when he breaths in, his throat fills with sick, spraying it all over the toliet. He whimpers, head spinning making it hard to even keep sitting up right. "Hyung.." he whimpered, feeling himself sway despite his death grip around the toliet bowl. Yoongi wraps around him to keep him upright.

"I got you.. it's okay.." Yoongi could feel Hobi trembling in his arms as he pushes up everything he had left in his stomach, continuing to dry heave even after he had nothing left to give.

"Hoba..hoba...Hoseok-ah.... hey..you need to breathe.." Yoongi's voice was filled with panic when he feels Hobi get heavier in his arms. "Sh*t.. Hyungie! HYUNG..."

The sound of Yoongi's scream wakes up the house, Namjoon, Jin, Jimin and Taehyung rushing to see what was wrong.

"What happened Yoongi?" Jin is the first to ask, eyes widening when he sees Hobi Iimp in his arms.

"Hoba fainted.. he just..kept trying to throw up without taking a breath and then he just stopped.." Yoongi explains talking quickly, cradling the now unconscious Hobi in his arms as Hobi's body works overtime to catch up on oxygen it desperately needed.

"We can get him to a hospital if he doesn't wake up within a minute or two.. he probably just hyperventilated." Jin speaks calmly despite his heart thumping hard in his chest, eyes dilated in fear."Taehyungie, you should be in bed." Jin scolds him. "Jiminie, Joonie take him to bed. Me and Yoongi can handle this."

"No.. no let me stay until Hobi-hyung wakes up..I'm okay." Taehyung begs with tears filling his eye,ignoring the fact without the doorframe to lean on he wouldn't be able to stand. "Please..?"

"Tete..Tete, hyung.. is okay..i..I just.." Hobi tried to speak, but he was still struggling to catch his breath, continuing to pant with each word"Go..go..back.. to bed.. I'll..I'll come lay with you in a minute.." The last part came easier, sitting upright to help himself breathe easier.

"Are you sure you're okay Hoba?" Namjoon asks, looking over Hobi. "You still look pale."

"Yeah. I'm fine. I just..freaked out because I couldn't breathe which only made it worse..I'm sorry..I didn't mean to scare everyone.." Hobi bows his head, shakily making it to his feet. "I'm feeling better now.."

"I still think you should go to a hospital.." Yoongi speaks softly, breath still coming out strained.

Hobi hugs onto Yoongi. "I'm sorry I scared you.. I'm okay though. I feel sore, but I don't feel like I'll be sick anymore.."

"But what if it doesn't last? What if you do later?" Jimin frets, eyes widening with fear.

"If I do then I'll go.. until then I'll cuddle with Tete." Hobi smiles.

[soft-for-yoongi]

Hello author!

2. 🏝☀️🥵🌡😵‍💫🤢🤮🚑 My idea is here with Jungkook sick and OT7 Caretakers, if possible! (I miss them :( So, they're enjoying a vacation together, in a private place. Its hot, and Jungkook cant handle well with it. He starts to feel week, dizzy and pale. Feeling like a low blood pressure. Everyone looks at him worried. Jungkook faints while drinking some water and after he's wakes and is a little conscious, throw up the water he has drank. The members get desperate and go rushing to a hospital, calling a ambulance, bc maybe jk gets a insolation

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Sick: Jungkook

Caretaker: OT7

Tw: emeto, vom**, puking, dizziness, fainting, heat stroke, mentions of hospital, ambulance called

Word count: 795

Emojis: 2. 🏝☀️🥵🌡😵‍💫🤢🤮🚑

Yayaya two people requested sick jk with this prompt so I combined them again!! I hope you enjoy and it's what you wanted!!

(I'm also unsure of how many more I'm going to write but I think around 2-3 more!)

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Searing heat, thick humidity, a private and breathtaking oasis by the beach. With only seven of them present, there are no intrusive cameras or rigid schedules, just pure relaxation. And that's why Jungkook is so upset he's not feeling well. The thought of ruining the holiday is ten times worse than the dizzying nausea and sweat trailing his back.

Jungkook's hand shakes as he brings a water bottle to his lips, he's hiding under his hair so the others can't see how pale and sickly he's looking (and feeling). They're at this small private beach, practically in the backyard of their temporary house. Taehyung and Jimin are playing about in the water, throwing soggy sand at each other. Jungkook was with them originally, playing in the warm, crystal-clear water before the heat started taking a toll on him.

He couldn't deny the nausea and slowly made his way back to the blanket and shade they set up. With every step, his legs felt like jelly, and the world was spinning around him. He plopped onto the blanket, and now he clutches onto the water bottle with his remaining strength.

The others are frolicking about in the sand and water, laughter a comforting sound. Jungkook hoped the shade would help but now he just feels isolated and achy. Just as he was about to take another sip of water, the beach towel rustles next to him. Jungkook turns to find Namjoon, who's sat down with a book in his hand, now looking at him with concern.

"Jungkook you don't look so good, are you feeling okay?" Namjoon reaches a hand to touch the youngest's cheek, feeling unnatural warmth. Jungkook tried to laugh it off, but it came out weak and shaky. "Yeah, I just need some rest." He replies, Namjoon isn't convinced. "No, Jungkook I think you should lay down. You really don't look good." Namjoon's brows pinch together. Jungkook swallows audibly, his head is really starting to pound.

Jungkook has no clue what Namjoon just said. His ears are buzzing and he's struggling to keep up right. He can see a few others start to walk over, confusion on their faces. He registers the water in his hand and goes to take a sip, but it just ends up spilling down his front. Woah, he doesn't feel good. He feels blood pumping in his ears before losing consciousness.

"—unkook! Jungkook, hey. Nono don't sit up—" Jungkook feels his stomach lurch, hands on his body and the worried voices of his bandmates. All he can do is whimper before throwing up to his side and then clutch the nearest person. "H-hyungie—" Jungkook cries, beads of sweat on his forehead. "Kookie, Kookie shh, calm down, Jinnie-hyung has called an ambulance. You're gonna be okay." Jimin smooths Jungkook's hair and Namjoon fans his face with his book.

"I'm gonna be sick- don' feel good.." Jungkook mumbles, Yoongi thinks quick and he grabs one of their empty snack containers and shoves it under his chin. Taehyung takes a bit of a clean towel and pours some water on it to rest at the back of Jungkook's neck and try cool him down. He burps and buries his face into the container.

He pukes clear liquid and Jimin trails his hand up and down his back. His head throbs with each gag and the bright sun still hurts his eyes even in the shade. Letting out a miserable groan, the others are jittery with worry. "Guys the ambulance is here, make room for them." Hoseok instructs and the members move out the way, except for Namjoon who holds Jungkook and the container steady.

Jungkook still manages to be shy and embarrassed as the paramedics check his vitals and ask a couple questions. "Jungkook-ssi how are you feeling right now? Still like before?" A middle aged woman asks, "n-not as bad.." Jungkook turns to Namjoon, hoping he can provide some more details. "He was super pale and dissociated. He's thrown up twice now but I think it was just the heat that got to him." Namjoon explains.

The paramedics strap something to Jungkook's arm and say that they should take him in to administer an IV. "So this is a mild case of heat stroke, two of you are able to ride with him to the hospital if you'd like." One of them suggests.

Seokjin and Taehyung are quick to volunteer and the others promise to meet them at the hospital. In the ambulance Jungkook feels a mixture of emotions, shy but also too sick to suppress his need for his hyung's dotting. He holds Taehyung's hand and asks Seokjin to play with his hair. Looking forward to feeling better, Jungkook vows to always stay hydrated when going to the beach.

[xoxiu]

twinkle - ot7 x reader

epilogue table of contents masterlist join the taglist discord

summary: she had just wanted attention, that’s why she kept texting the strange number, updating him on everything in her life. little did she know how dangerous this relationship actually was. it had been jimin’s idea to kidnap the girl, but the ability to travel across the world to actually do it had been all hoseok’s doing. convenient how some things work, right? they knew that they were destined to have their baby with them, whether she wanted it or not.

tags/warnings: kidnapping, forced age regression, spanking, noncon, mafia au, drug use, stockholm syndrome, caregiver!bts, little!reader, nonsexual, diapers, panic attacks, fluff and angst, sickfic, referenced child abuse, unrequited love

taglist: @0funsite0, @frieschan

a/n: this chapter is more of a one-shot update i wrote 4-5 years after posting the first chapter

Ophelia was happy. All she knew was that she had her Daddies, and that she was finally safe. Those years of fending for herself were over, as she had seven caretaker tending to her every want and need. 

She recently developed a very nasty and long cold. Daddies moved a mattress down into the living room so they could keep an eye on her. At least two of them, usually Seokjin and Jimin, would sleep on the couches, and sometimes Namjoon or Hoseok would sleep on the mattress with her. 

Currently, Ophelia was laying down on the mattress, drinking a bottle full of juice and watching whatever anime Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung were watching. It was very rare that Ophelia ever got juice, and was savoring every second of the fruit punch taste. She played with the nipple of the bottle as she watched what appeared to be vampires on the TV fight with swords and magic. 

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Jin walked over to Ophelia, already hearing the wheezing sounds from her nose before he even got next to her. Ophelia didn't reply, only staring back at Jin with watery eyes. "Oh, honey."

"You might have to take her to Jackson-hyung," Jimin spoke up, "poor thing's been wiping her nose all day and coughing more than usual."

"That's what I had planned," Jin replied, taking the bottle away from Ophelia and replacing it with a pacifier. "He arranged to meet us at his office at noon today to see Ophelia."

It was already 10:30, and the drive into Seoul would be just over an hour, so Seokjin had to get Ophelia ready quick. It would be him and Namjoon taking her to the hospital to see Doctor Jackson and get her sinus issues checked out. 

Seokjin placed Ophelia on his hip, and she immediately buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"Bunny..." she mumbled, reaching a hand out towards Jungkook. Seokjin chuckled at how she was mimicking their nickname for Jungkook. She was just too adorable.

"No, no, baby. No bunny right now," Seokjin told the little, "We have to make sure you're healthy before you can have your bunny."

Ophelia pouted behind the pink pacifier in her mouth, and reached a hand out to Jungkook as Seokjin took her away. Jungkook playfully reached a hand out towards Ophelia in return, mimicking her sad pout as well. 

Throughout the years, Jungkook and Ophelia grew a special bond. Jungkook was the youngest Daddy, who did more play than discipline. Ophelia liked the he treated her as an equal almost, and loved that he always took her side whenever she was in trouble. 'She's just a baby,' he would say, 'She doesn't know any better.'

Seokjin took Ophelia out to the car, where Namjoon was already waiting in the passenger seat. Seokjin placed the little in her carseat and strapped her in snug. In the front seat, Namjoon reached into the center console for her iPad, unlocking it and turning on the YouTube Kids app.

"Here you go, Lia," Namjoon said. After a minuscule moment of silence, Seokjin looked at Ophelia in the rearview window.

"Ophelia," the girl in question shot her head up with wide eyes. She wasn't used to being called her legal name, unless she was in trouble. "Daddy just gave you that to play with. What do you say?"

"Thank you, Daddy." Ophelia said, but from behind the pacifier it sounded more like 'Tank chu 'addy'.

The car ride was mild at best. The only noise was from the cutesy songs coming from Ophelia's iPad (as well as the voices of Russian children, a weird and new part of YouTube that Ophelia has explored). Namjoon and Seokjin caught each other up on Ophelia's symptoms so they were on the same page at her appointment. The car came to a stop outside of Seoul National University Hospital, and Ophelia began to fuss and become distressed at the sight of the building. 

"Li li, it's okay," Namjoon said, turning around in his seat. "It's only for a few minutes, trust me."

Namjoon got out first and took Ophelia into his arms. He pulled her hood up as the breeze picked up, making the air slightly chilly. The three walked in through doors, and Lia was surprised to see very few people throughout the halls. She assumed the hospital would be filled with people and noise, but it was rather calming. 

They eventually entered a room where a man in a white coat was standing near a door on the opposite side of the room. 

"Jackson!" Seokjin smiled at the man, "It's so nice of you to do this for us."

"No problem at all," Jackson said, eventually locking eyes with Ophelia. She immediately turned to hide in Namjoon's shoulder, who only ran a hand through her hair in return.

"Oh my god, you guys. She is just the cutest thing," Jackson said in awe. He walked over to get a better look at Ophelia. "Hi, there. What's your name, sweetheart."

Ophelia attempted to nearly merge into Namjoon, wanting to get away from the stranger named Jackson. She didn't want to talk to him, see him, or let him touch her. He was scary. 

"Someone's just a little shy," Namjoon said, patting Ophelia's diapered bum. "This is Ophelia."

Ophelia was sat on a cold hospital bed as Namjoon and Seokjin sat in the chairs next to her. She immediately reached out to be held by them, but Namjoon wasn't sure if she would be allowed on his lap during her examination. He reached a hand out to hold Ophelia's, and that seemed to calm her nerves enough. 

"Okay, so I heard the little one has a bit of a sinus issue," Jackson said with a smile, "What exactly is she experiencing? A runny nose? Congestion?"

"She's had a constant runny nose, and every time she blows it there's blood and a lot of mucus. She also has been wheezing a lot, like she almost can't breathe through her nose with how congested she is." Seokjin looked over at the little, who was pulling her hoodie strings to hide her face in her hood. 

"Oh, and she's had a major headache and cough, too." Namjoon added on. 

Jackson hummed as he typed on his computer. "And how long has this been going on?"

"The runny nose? At least two months. The cough and headache just started recently." Namjoon replied as he reached out to pull the hood off from around Ophelia's face. She whined and kicked her feet in protest. Jackson seemed to pick up on her discomfort.

"How about you put her on your lap while I check her nose and such?"

Ophelia immediately reached out to be picked up by Namjoon. He held her on his lap while putting his hands over her's, forcing them to remain in her lap. Jackson approached them with a little black magnifying glass type device, and instructed Ophelia to stay 'extra super still' while he looked in her nose.

"Yup, it's definitely dry and inflamed. Nothing some nasal spray can't fix, thought." Jackson said, throwing away the tip of the tool.

Ophelia sat in her car seat sucking on the green apple lollipop Jackson had given her. She had a wide smile and giggled as they drove away. 

"Well, baby, how about we get you some McDonald's for being so good?" Seokjin asked, already knowing the answer. 

"MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS!" Namjoon chanted from the passenger side, causing Ophelia to giggle harder. 

"Can we get Bunny McDonald's, too?"

"Of course we can, honey."

Ophelia had the best Daddies.

[mikrokoskooks]

Just Dance, It'll be okay

Sickie: Taehyung

Caretaker: Ot7

Tw: Emeto, scat, medically inaccurate, slight blood.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

For Today's RUN BTS, the guys would be doing just dance. They'd been split into 2 teams: Hoseok, Taehyung, and Jungkook in one and Jin Yoongi Joon and Jimin in the other.

All they had to do was score high points on the dances and then the winning team would be rewarded with a special gift from the staff. That be totally easy, right? 

Wrong. They almost weren't able to film because Taehyung kept complaining about how his stomach felt sore and heavy. Now usually, the members would've let him stay in the dorm but filming that episode was the only thing they had left to do that day sit the boys decide they should all just go and Taehyung could just rest between takes if he needed to.

So now, Taehyung's busting his guts trying to keep up with Jungkook and Hobi's dance moves. "How are you guys dancing so fast?" he says in deep amazement." It's just skill hyung." Jungkook giggles.

"4 stars not too bad" Hoseok chuckles to himself, all his years of dancing were to thank for such a high score. "Good job Hoba four stars are great, but my team's definitely gonna get 5," Jin says, playfully hitting Hoseok's shoulder. "Oh, you're so on hyung!" The twos banter is soon interrupted by Taehyung mumbling something about needing the bathroom and him swiftly walking off.

While eavesdropping on his hyungs conversation the vocalist's stomach started bubbling, causing everything inside of him to be stirred up and pushed down. When he arrived at the toilets he managed to catch a quick glimpse of himself in the mirror before running into a stall. He didn't look too bad.

The second Taehyung sits on the toilet his stomach cramps and warm mush begins to leave his body at a rapid pace. He can't remember the last time he had the runs but he's pretty sure it never sucked this much. Luckily for him though, it ends as quickly as it started.

As Tae washes his hands he looks at his face in the mirror again he looks bad now, his face was pale, his cheeks were flushed and to top it all off he was beginning to feel nauseous. God, how was he going to keep filming this episode?

After giving himself a small pep talk taehyung walks back into the filming room his hand placed discreetly on his stomach. "Hey Taehyung, how're you feeling?" Namjoon asks he'd been waiting for the boy to see how he was holding up since earlier.

"I don't feel that well hyung, Taehyung mumbled, can we.. go home, please. Namjoon looks at the second youngest, it's true he doesn't look well at all but they only have one dance left to film so they can't leave yet.

"Aw, Taehyungie, I'm so sorry but we can't leave yet, Namjoon starts guiltily, We have one dance left to film then we can go okay?" Taehyung doesn't say anything he only nods his head gently and walks off plastering on a fake smile ready for the cameras.

Namjoon truly does feel bad for not taking Taehyung home but the director is strict and won't let them without a valid reason and something tells him a stomach ache won't count as a good enough excuse. Hopefully, Tae could cope with one last dance.

>>>

If the was a hole in the ground right now taehyung would 100 per cent let it swallow him. This last dance was taking a real toll on his already aching belly. The dance had way too many spins and jumps in it and it was making him feel extremely unwell.

As the song starts to come to a close the boy can't withstand the pain anymore and doubles over cradling his abdomen, causing his teammates to look at him in complete shock and worry. "Woah there, are you okay tae?" "My s-stomach hurts"

Hoseok and Jungkook and everyone else except Namjoon had forgotten the main vocalist wasn't feeling the best. Jimin runs over to the boy and hugs him before cooing "My poor Taehyungie" Taehyung hugs his friend back and pulls away shortly after.

"Can we go home now, please?" No one hesitates to say yes as they grab their stuff and leave. The car ride back to the dorm is filled with lots of apologies to Taehyung, which are answered with a simple "It's okay" Or "it's fine".

Taehyung knows how tight the director is so he can't blame Namjoon or anyone else for the fact he couldn't go home early. But that was the least of his concerns at the moment, what he was really worried about was what was wrong with him.

He assumes it's just a stomach bug, he has all the symptoms after all; Nausea stomach cramps, diarrhoea and he was pretty sure he was running a fever. How he managed to catch this bug was unknown but it didn't feel good at all.

>>>

As the car pulls into the driveway the ailing boy lets out a sigh of relief. He was beginning to get carsick before but now that the car had stopped his nausea had calmed down too.

"So how are you feeling now Taehyung-ah," Seokjin asks. "My stomach really hurts hyung and I feel sick." The oldest takes in the information and tries to think of a reasonable diagnosis for his dongsaeng.

He opens his mouth to speak before being cut off by Yoongi, "Maybe you just need to take a fat shit? He says bluntly Everyone looks at the rapper in disbelief there is no way he's just said that.

"I already did earlier, I had the runs" Taehyung says his face turning read with embaressment. Hoseok walks over to the boy and feels his forehead, he clicks his tounge. "I think you've caught a tummy bug Tae"

Taehyung hums and lays down on the sofa before gagging and suddenly bolting up. "I- I'm gonna be sick" he mumbles Jungkook quickly runs and grabs a waste bin for his hyung.

The vocalist grabs it and begins to retch into it bringing up a large amount vomit followed by a thin stream of acid that burns his throat.

The members all mutter sweet muses and kind words to him but they're drowned out by the sound of sick hitting the bin.

Eventually, Tae places the bin on the ground and curls up on himself. The guys exchange nervous glances before Jimin speaks up, "I think you should eat something sweetie" Taehyung groans and shakes his head "I'm not hungry"

"Taehyung I really think you should eat something," Yoongi explains he was starting to get worried. Yoongi was never one to publicly show sensitivity but with the members he always would, especially the maknae line. "Alright hyung.."

>>>

All the members sit around the dining table eating the bulgogi that Jin had just made with the help of Jungkook. Well almost everyone, Taehyung did manage to eat a couple mouthfuls of food but then decided to stop. His stomach hurt way too much.

A small fruit fly flies past jimin causing him to look up in doing so he spots his fellow 95 liner staring blankly at the food in front of him "How come you're not eating?" "I think I've lost my appetite" Tae answers resting his head on the table.

"Aw you poor thing, Namjoon says sweetly, maybe you should go for a nap" The younger boy nods and starts to get up but then he's hit by a sudden wave of nausea just like earlier. He walks swiftly to the sink and begins to bring up the few bits of his dinner.

Nobody moves over to help him, not because they don't toof it's just that they're In too much shock and worry to move.

As he continues to puke Taehyung senses an odd taste in his mouth which makes him feel dizzy. He clamps his hand over his mouth and swallows repetitively before glancing down at small streaks of blood that were in the sink. He had just vomited blood.

Everyone notices the colour drain from Taehyungs face and exchange nervous glances. Jungkook speaks up "Taehyungie hyung, are you okay?" Taehyung just points to the sink he can't bring himself to speak. The youngest walks over and looks cautiously at what he's pointing at before saying "We're gonna need a hospital."

After looking at the vomit Jungkook starts to feel a little sick himself but ignores it and leads Taehyung out to get his shoes on. The others stand up to leave too and as they do take a glance at the messed-up sink. Now they see why they were going.

>>>

After a chaotic ride to the hospital, they made it. As soon as they walk in a nurse is already waiting for them turns out Jungkook had called them in advance while helping tae with his shoes.

Taehyung is immediately checked out and diagnosed with appendicitis which he needs surgery for straight away. The nurse also tells the group that they brought him in at the right time as his appendix was almost at the point of bursting.

Everyone gives the sicky boy a gentle hug before he's brought onto the surgery room. "He'll be alright,seokjin says with a smile, Taehyung's super strong" Namjoon and Hoseok hum in agreement.

>>>

Taehyung opens his eyes and looks around in confusion, why was he in a hospital bed and why did he feel so sore? He tries to sit up but is stopped by someone who gently pushes him back down. They smell like frosting it was Yoongi.

"Woah there buddy, you don't want to rip your stitches." Taehyung looks around at his hyungs and Jungkook were they going mad, he doesn't have stitches. "What?" "You got your appendix out Tae, as Yoongi hyung and Jimin" Hoseok explains.

"So Yoongi hyung and Jiminie are my appendicitis sunbaenims?" Taehyung asks still pretty high on anaesthetic. They all laugh at Tae's cuteness. "Yes Tae Tae, yes we are" Jimin giggles.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Just wanna say I think this is the longest fic I've ever written. Like girl, idek how many words there are but I hope you all enjoyed this 💜

Edit: wait now I'm looking at it and it don't look that long TwT the struggles real💀

[sickiesope]

Can you please write a ff where Jimin gets hurt while they’re recording for Run BTS? He tries to hide it but he just can’t ignore the pain? The caretakers will be the other members.

Thanks 💛

Or can you write a ff where all the members are sick and then take care of each other? And Jimin ends up forgetting about his health and gets worse?

Thank you so much in advance 💛

Thank you for these amazing requests!! 💜 when writing this story I ended up leaning towards the second prompt, about all the members being sick and I tried my best getting in everyone taking care of each other. This was fun to do!!

Sick x7

Sickies: OT7

Caretakers: OT7 but mostly Jimin

TW: emeto

Summary: Jimin's going back and forth taking care of everyone else, forgetting about himself.

A stomach bug has been going around and the members have all gradually fallen ill. Jin and Yoongi were first to get it and were sick for two days. They're doing better now but still lay low. It spread and reached the rest of the members throughout the week. Hoseok and Namjoon caught it next from their hyungs, and then the maknae line. Right now the youngest three are in the worst of it, especially Jimin. But Jimin doesn't want to been seen as "weak". He can absolutely still care for his members, even if he's tired and already threw up twice today. He just wants them to feel better.

Taehyung woke up feeling sick and he's been stuck in his bed throwing up in the garbage bin. He didn't even get up for breakfast. He has no appetite anyway and his head is splitting.

"Welp, sounds like it's made it all around" Hoseok sighs. Hoseok has been throwing up both from the virus and from everything going on around him.

Jungkook is pale and holding onto his tummy, he realized he finally caught it too. His stomach churns and Jungkook threw up in the kitchen sink and when Hoseok saw it he got queasy and threw up too. Hoseok went all over the floor and him and JK are both vomiting in the kitchen. After that they just looked at each other, both in shock and sympathetic to another. It felt quite weird and kind of awkward.

"Oh hyung, I'm so sorry!" Jungkook chokes out.

"No Kookie, it's okay" Hoseok says feebly "I just have a weak stomach."

Jin and Jimin are shocked at the sight when they enter. Hoseok is bent over trying to catch his breath and Jungkook is crying.

"Oh gosh, what happened?!" Jimin escorted Hoseok back to his bedroom, as he's too squeamish to be around the mess.

Jin takes Jungkook's hand and puts him to bed. "Awh you poor things."

Jimin runs back to the kitchen, attempting to clean the floor. He also wants to make tea for everyone that wants.

"Jimin, you shouldn't be running around like that. You're sick too" Yoongi says. He squats down beside him, helping him clean. Jimin sighs, he knows the older is right. He just wants to be useful, he hates sitting around too much. Maybe cleaning up vomit isn't the most suitable thing right now, but he just wants to help. Namjoon joins in on cleaning the kitchen. It makes him feel queasy too and it smells so bad but he keeps at it.

They can still hear Taehyung and Jungkook retching from their rooms.

Jimin pours a glass of water for Taehyung and finds the hot pad for JK. Jimin walks briskly, holding each thing in both hands. He quickly gives Taehyung the water and JK the pad. Taehyung watches Jimin dashing around with weary eyes and sips the water slowly. He wants to get up and help Jimin but he feels too nauseas to move.

Jimin comes back to ask him "how are you feeling?"

"Tired.." Taehyung says hoarsely "hyung you don't look so great yourself."

"Don't worry about me" Jimin says nonchalantly "I'm gonna check on Kookie."

Jungkook is still too busy puking, the hot pad sitting on his bedside. The splashing sounds almost make Jimin want to vomit again. "Hyung.." JK gags and Jimin winces at the vomit ripping from his throat into the bin. Jimin backs up out again, he's getting sicker by the minute. In the hallway Taehyung and Jungkook are both heard puking and Jimin can't stand the noises echoing from their doors. A sudden retch from Hoseok's room randomly appears again. This is a nightmare.

Jimin runs away and finds the bathroom door is closed. "Dammit" he mutters. Namjoon can be heard heaving into the toilet. The rapper thought he was doing better but his stomach had a little more sour contents to get rid of. And cleaning up kitchen floor vomit sure didn't help. Jin is in there with him rubbing his back.

Jimin runs to the kitchen with his hand clamped over his mouth. He looks into the sink that Yoongi just cleaned from Jungkook. He takes a heavy shaky breath, then gags and spits out clear liquid and then heaves out a heavier wave with his lunch mixed in. Jimin pants and sighs deeply. His stomach hurts and he feels nauseous. But he still had to make tea. He's looking for the kettle with his blurry vision and doesn't hear Namjoon come up behind him, rubbing his back.

"You should be -- *cough* taking it easy, Jiminie" the leader says to him.

"B-but, I'm fine" Jimin sputters and spits out more water.

"You're barely standing upright" Namjoon points out. Jimin is leaning hard on the sink. He looks down and spits out more saliva that keeps building up in his mouth; another hint that he has more to bring up. Jimin retches and his stomach squeezes out the rest of his undigested lunch.

"Oh my god.." Jimin pants.

"You should lie down, I freed the couch for you." Namjoon offers.

"Thanks hyung, but I'll lie down later. I want to help Tae --" Jimin gags again and turns back to the sink. His stressed stomach lurches, tossing out everything. Jimin runs the water, trying to clean the mess he made. It doesn't do much but Jimin's so nauseous he can hardly think straight. Namjoon gently moves him to the couch and the leader cleans the sink himself. He doesn't like seeing Jimin so sick and stumbling everywhere. He's worried he might faint.

After he's done Namjoon gets a glass of water for Jimin. But when he gets back the couch is empty. "Oh my god, seriously?" Namjoon huffs. "Jimin? Jimin!" he's a bit irritated that Jimin just got up and ran off again when he's falling apart.

Jimin is back in Jungkook's room, he's feeling his forehead and asking him questions "How are you feeling? Does your tummy still hurt? Do you want water?"

Jungkook looks at Jimin's pale complexion "umm hyung, do you feel okay? You look pretty pale"

"I'm good, Kookie. Do you want some tea?"

"Um, I don't know if I can stomach that right now.. but you sure you're alright?

"Yes Kookie, I'm fine. Here, let me clean this" Jimin takes the garbage bin Jungkook was throwing up in. Right when Jimin leaves JK's room, Hoseok walks back out. Hoseok gets a short look at the vomit soiled bin Jimin's holding and his stomach turns again. "Oh my god" he gags into his hand and runs to the now free bathroom.

Yoongi follows behind the dancer. This whole thing feels unreal. Jimin feels bad for accidentally setting Hobi off again. Hopefully some tea can help. Jimin's going back and forth taking care of everyone else, forgetting about himself.

Jimin returns to the kitchen where he's greeted by Jin and Namjoon standing there looking at him. Their arms are crossed but their facial expressions soft.

"Come on, Jiminah, you're taking a rest right now." The oldest tells him. "Joon was right, you look terrible."

"Hyungg" Jimin whined "I still have to do this for Kookie" Jin takes it from him to clean without a second thought. Jimin is surprised but relieved that he doesn't have to clean up more vomit. His stomach is especially relieved.

"B-but I still have to m-make tea.."

"No, Jiminah. You have to rest up." Namjoon takes him to bed and tucks him in "I don't want to see you get up again. Just close your eyes and relax, let the hyungs help" he smiles warmly. He doesn't scold his tired sick doseang.

"You tucked me in so tight I can't move" Jimin lightly teases, yawning.

"Good." Namjoon chuckles, ruffling his hair.

[taevbears]

Magic Shop - 01

Your magical journey begins with a fateful encounter and a beloved companion.

⤑ pairing: (eventual) OT7 x female witch!reader ⤑ genre: magic au, slow burn, action/adventure ⤑ rating: 18+ ⤑ word count: 8.3k ⤑ warnings: DUB-CON, implied SA, side character death, systematic oppression, religious themes, violence, brief smut (foreplay and fingering), mention of blood, just a lot of dark themes in general, our reader is a smart cookie but also an idiot when it comes to the boys. ⤑ note: Hello lol. So I'm not exactly new to fanfiction, but I am new to writing BTS fanfiction. Anyway, spooky season is around the corner and this story has been in my head for a while now. This chapter is also heavily inspired but this game called Dragon Age: Origins (though you don't need to play it to read this story). Also big shoutout to @angelicyoongie for the tips and encouragement throughout my writing process ♡

Chapters: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 (final)

The Devoted teaches that all magic is a source of wicked power, and those who inherit the abilities to manipulate unnatural forces are cursed.

For centuries, word of its immorality has spread throughout the lands. Until, one day, it’s become a universal truth. For magic, like all things twisted and evil, come from the Veil. A hidden realm between the spiritual and mortal worlds. A place of whims and fantasy. Of unspeakable horrors and sins.

To many, the Veil is a mystery.

Some describe it as a place where dreams manifest. A cluster of visions, intermingling together, creating a world of sleep and wake. Images that show one’s true desires and their darkest secrets.

Others say it’s a world for the passing. Where all souls end up once they leave the mortal realm. Lucky ones find a way to be reincarnated to a new life. Most are aimless wanderers, no longer attached to the memories of their previous lives. But there are some unfortunate ones who become restless spirits, gone too soon or burdened with regret. Eventually, the despair and fury overcome them, tainting their souls with a miserable, contagious darkness.

Mages, who are most attuned with their magic in the Veil, are also the most susceptible to corruption. The tainting is subtle at first. Whispered insecurities, fears, regrets, and doubts, chipping away at one’s sense of self. Until it molds and twists into a hatred that fills the hearts of mages and overflows into the mortal realm like a plague.

History speaks of those who have succumbed to the tempting darkness of their own abilities. Those who have sacrificed the blood of innocents for their unholy rituals. Who transformed humans into beasts, and who single-handedly usurped grand cities in their lust for power and greed.

They’re called the Wicked.

Left unchecked, all those born with magic could become tainted by their own power. Even those with the purest of souls.

Thus, it’s declared that all mages are condemned to be locked away in isolated castles and towers. Away from the humans, who deem them as dangers to their society, and heavily guarded by the Wardens of the Devoted, the sentries who have taken an oath to protect humankind and eliminate mages from becoming Wicked.

On a high cliff, overseeing the inky waters of a dark lake and beyond the ominous deep woods is Blackstone Castle. It’s one of the few hidden fortresses where those with an affinity to magic are taken upon the awakening of their abilities. Its tall, looming towers and sturdy, ancient structures are all you’ve ever known. Within its lonely, dreary walls and corridors is what you call home.

Like many cursed children, you’ve awakened your power at a young age. Too young to even remember the faces of your parents before you were cruelly ripped away from them.

Under the care of the Circle of Magi – enchanters who work as caretakers, teachers, and groundskeepers within the castle – and the ever-vigilant gaze of the Blackstone Wardens, you’ve learned to cultivate your art and make it into something incredible. Something beautiful.

Through years of study and practice, your passion and relentless determination has driven you to the top of your class. You’re a promising apprentice, yet to be defeated in a dueling match of incantations and spells. Your hard work has earned you many praises from your mentors, as well as the weary caution from the armored wardens.

After all, in the eyes of the Devoted, you’re an abomination. And your beautiful, remarkable talent is vile. Atrocious. Evil.

Someone like you – a young, feisty apprentice of high regard, who embraces the curse of magic as a blessing – is the perfect, dangerous concoction of becoming Wicked.

There’s only one way the enchanters and the wardens can determine a young mage’s abilities and their resistance to temptation within the Veil. A secret rite of passage that turns an apprentice into a full-fledged mage. A final test that all Blackstone students spend their youth anticipating and preparing for.

The Harrowing.

All mage apprentices must face this inevitable trial, but very few know what it truly entails. Those who’ve done it and succeeded are forbidden to speak about it. And those who’ve failed are never seen or heard of again.

At any given moment, an apprentice will be beckoned for this evaluation, and will have no other choice but to obey its call. And yours could be any day now.

“Mina,” a voice gently calls in the middle of the night. Your eyes flutter open, glancing at the handsome warden standing by the doorway. Light from the hallway shines behind him, almost giving him an angelic appearance. He addresses the girl sleeping in the bunk next to you. “Mina, wake up.”

Your roommate stirs at the sound of her name. “Seokjin?”

“It’s your time.”

In the darkness, you see Mina stiffen and a tense silence passes between them. You all know what those words mean. You watch as she takes a shaky breath and then proceeds to step out of bed. Some of the other girls in your tiny dorm sit up on their bunks to see her go. She returns your stares with an unspoken goodbye.

Your gaze turns to Seokjin just then. The handsome warden smiles sadly, watching as she tries not to tremble before him. Mina pauses by your bed, giving a half-hearted smile, one that carries the weight of the years of friendship between you two, before she leaves the dorm.

It’s the last time you’ll ever see her.

“She’s the fourth girl that went missing this month,” Hoseok comments, picking up pieces of grilled lamb and putting them on your plate. “Ever since Seokjin was transferred here, girls who do their Harrowing have disappeared more frequently.”

“Are you saying Seokjin has something to do with it?” you question, putting the meat right back on his plate. You refuse to eat more than your share when your best friend hasn’t even touched his food.

“I’m saying it’s suspicious.”

“It is really odd,” you agree, chewing thoughtfully. “But it’s Seokjin. I don’t think he has anything to do with the missing girls.”

Hoseok snorts. “You say that because you have a soft spot for him.”

“I saw him cowering over a moth that flew over his head the other night, Hoseok. I don’t think it’s that much of a reach to believe he’s harmless.”

Over a week has passed since Mina was summoned. No one has seen her around the castle after that night. As her roommate, the two of you would dream and whisper about passing that secret test together.

It’s the next big milestone; a graduation from your apprenticeship. Passing your Harrowing will bring you one step closer to becoming a true mage. Your new status will unlock new books and spells within the libraries. You can become a member of the Circle, whether to educate students, care for the little ones, or upkeep your favorite parts of Blackstone. The wardens will be less strict with you, given that you’d be living proof of your willpower and resistance to temptations. And that mysterious realm, with all its secrets and treasures, will be opened to you for the first time.

More than anything, you were ready for it. Both of you were.

But then, that night happened.

Suddenly, you wake up in the morning and see her empty bunk beside you. The bed is made and the pillow is cold. It hasn’t been touched. Not since she left. The other girls that share the dorm wonder about her, as she was friends with everyone she meets. But no one knows for sure what happened. If she’s still in the castle, why hasn’t she come by to see you all?  Is she just busy with her new tasks and duties? Is something else going on?

While you’re lost in thought, Hoseok adds some meat back on your plate. He knows you’ve been unsettled since your roommate disappeared. You’ve told him as much when she didn’t return the next morning. And while you appreciate his subtle ways of taking care of you, you catch him in the act and return it back to him.

“Hoseok, please.”

“Sorry, I’m just…” he trails off with a heavy sigh, putting the utensils down. “I’m worried. The disappearances. Our own Harrowings. All the changes that come afterwards. Aren’t you scared?”

You are. More than you’re willing to admit.

You and Hoseok have been friends since you were kids. There’s rarely a day when the two of you aren’t seen together. Although you’ve been in Blackstone for as long as you can remember, he’s one of the very few you consider a friend.

Here, beneath the tree you and Hoseok are sitting under, holds so many first memories for you: your first kiss, your first confession, a sacred vow, a proposition. All of it with Hoseok.

But Hoseok doesn’t love you that way.

He told you so himself, catapulting your friendship into a strange limbo between platonic and romantic. One where you’ll seek each other out for comfort and affection, sometimes in ways that are too intimate for just friends. One where you can talk to each other about anything and everything, carrying each other’s secrets, knowing exactly what spots and kinks get him going behind that beautiful, sunny smile. One where Hoseok wouldn’t deny it if someone mistook you as his girlfriend, but in private, when it’s just you and him, he’d ask if the two of you are still friends.

Hoseok doesn’t love you that way because he likes Mina.

But he was afraid of messing up with her. So, he’d come to you. His best friend, a safe zone. Someone he trusted won’t break his heart.

And you let him because there’s one secret that Hoseok doesn’t know about. That maybe, perhaps, there’s a part of you that holds onto the hope of something more.

It’s confusing, this dance that you and Hoseok have shared over the years. Both of you value your friendship so much. But once you pass your Harrowing, you’ll no longer be an apprentice. You’ll be moved out of the dorm and into the enchanters’ corridors. You’ll be assigned new tasks and duties within the castle. Your schedule will be completely different from Hoseok’s. 

You won’t see him as often as you do now. And that’s what terrifies you the most.

“I don’t have a reason to be,” you finally answer with a confident smile. A convincing lie.

He laughs in a way that makes your heart melt. “Wow, my best friend is very brave.”

You try not to let your smile falter and shovel some food in your mouth. The topic of Mina still lingers over your head. Hoseok must be heartbroken, even if he seems more occupied fretting over you. It feels absurd to move on from the fact that she isn’t around anymore, but Mina is one of the many girls who left without a trace.

“Anyway,” Hoseok continues, picking at his food again. “Just promise me you’ll be careful around Seokjin, okay?

“You have nothing to worry about, Hoseok,” you assure him with a small smile. Perhaps you really do have a soft spot for the handsome warden. “I trust him.”

“Yeah, but–”

“Wait, Hoseok,” you interrupt, turning your gaze away from him. “Did you hear that?”

Both of you fall quiet. The courtyard is busy with fellow apprentices on their break from morning lectures. Beyond the chatter, however, is a loud rustling coming from the bushes nearby. His eyes widen as he whispers, “Do you think it’s a bear?”

“A bear–” you sputter, standing to your feet. “No, I don’t think so.”

You carefully walk toward the sound, eyeing the shrubs before you. One of them pinpoints exactly where the source of the noise is coming from.

“What if it’s a tiger?” Hoseok asks urgently, tailing closely after you. His grip around your shoulders is almost painful.

Neither of those animals are revealed as you push the shapely plants with your hand. Instead, hidden in the small opening, is a tiny kitten.

It hisses the moment it sees you two, warning you both to stay away.

“Hey, it’s okay,” you coo softly, trying to calm it down. It looks like a stray. Its black fur is covered with blood, dirt, and grime. It must’ve gotten attacked by another animal nearby.

“Poor little guy,” Hoseok says, peering over your shoulder. “How did you get here?”

The kitten continues to hiss and growl, distrusting eyes glaring up at you.

“It’s hurt,” you point out, noting how one of its front legs is stiff.

“I might have something in my pouch,” Hoseok mutters, looking over at the tree where you both abandoned your things. “Wait here, I’ll go get it.”

As he leaves, you crouch down to get a little closer. The kitten tenses, but isn’t able to go anywhere with its injured limb. It keeps its gaze on you, licking its leg to soothe itself and crying in pain.

The sound breaks your heart.

Before Hoseok could return, you close your eyes and hover your hand over the kitten’s arm. It growls, baring its teeth and trying to swipe at you with its good paw. Immediately, it freezes when a warmth is transferred from you to the kitten. It blinks up at you with surprised, feline eyes.

“Better?” you ask, feeling a bit dizzy. Healing magic is difficult and draining, especially since you’re not a trained healer. By the time Hoseok returns with both of your things, the kitten’s pained mewling stopped and it’s able to move its arm.

Hoseok crouches beside you, carefully feeding it some of the grilled lamb the two of you kept passing each other. A heart-shaped smile appears on his lips when the kitten sniffs at the meat and accepts it.

“I dipped some healing potion in the meat. He’ll be good as new by tomorrow morning,” he explains before playfully scolding, “You should’ve waited before you attempted healing magic. It only took me a minute to get my bag.”

“I had to do something, Hoseok,” you pout, though happy that the kitten was eating from his hand. Break is nearly over when the cloudy skies above quickly darken. “Let’s get you somewhere warm.”

The kitten seems hesitant at first, still seeming wary as its eyes gauge you and Hoseok. It seems settled in its hiding spot under the bushes too, but it changes its mind when the first raindrops fall on its head.

You gather the little thing in your arms, and you and Hoseok head inside before you’re all caught in the rain.

“Familiars,” the instructor says, just as you and Hoseok enter the lecture room. She has her back toward the class, writing out the term on the chalkboard. “Animals tend to be drawn toward magic, and sometimes, a special bond is formed between these creatures and people like us. For thousands of years, familiars have been known to be a mage’s greatest companion. They’re friends from the Veil, serving to guide and protect you as you develop your magical powers.”

Perched on her desk is the instructor’s familiar: a great, grey owl with a large, round face, a small beak, and beady eyes. It sleeps as the lesson goes on, both familiar and instructor unaware of the two of you quietly sneaking in while the class is in session.

Your new friend is with Hoseok, sleeping peacefully in his arms. You suppose you’re not the first person to bring a stray into the castle. Several other students have acquired their own pets: birds and reptiles perched on shoulders, rodents tucked in pockets, cats and dogs on laps. Small critters who’ve helped ease the loneliness that comes within the castle.

“What’s fascinating is that you don’t choose what your familiar looks like. Whatever creature they are, whatever shape they appear, they’re the ones that choose you,” she continues, looking at her beloved owl. She chuckles as she goes into a tangent. “Why, I had an old roommate who was allergic to hers–”

“What should we name our son?” Hoseok suddenly whispers, gently caressing the kitten’s cheek. You hear it purring under his touch.

You can’t help but smile. “He’s our son now? I didn’t know we were keeping him.”

“Look at his face, though. Wouldn’t the three of us make a cute family?” He shifts in his seat so that you could get a better look at your newly-founded son. With its fur cleaned up and the remedies seeming to help, it’s like a new kitten. Seeing it relaxed and happy in Hoseok’s arms is a stark difference from the scared, injured animal you found only an hour before.

“If he chooses to stay,” you say, reaching over to pet the top of its head and smiling when it leans toward your touch, “then we can name him.”

“The only way a mage can choose a familiar is by striking up a contract within the Veil. But be warned,” the instructor cautions, finally turning her attention to the class, “this is highly advised against. For if these creatures are dedicating their devotion, knowledge, and livelihoods to you, they will want something of equal value in return.”

Your eyes scan the lecture room, lingering toward the desk where he normally sits. A small frown forms on your lips when you see it’s empty again.

Where’s Namjoon?

“These kinds of contracts are considered dark magic, prone to turn you Wicked. Just like the mortal realm, there are good and bad spirits in the Veil. Some familiars, especially those who remember you from previous lives, will approach you with a genuine eagerness to help. Others will see you as a chance to corrupt the world that hurt them, manipulating and possessing you to do unspeakable evils. You’ll never know who or what you’re dealing with in the Veil, and there’s no going back once a contract has been made.”

“Hey, Hoseok.”

“Hm?”

“What happened to Namjoon? He wasn’t in any of the lectures this morning either.”

He glances up at the desk where Namjoon sits, causing the kitten to mewl in protest when he stops petting it. “I don’t know.”

Dread sinks in your heart. First Mina, now Namjoon is missing too?

“History speaks of the mages who’ve caused destruction and ruin to humankind, but some historians believe it was their familiars who influenced them into becoming Wicked,” she says, looking back at hers. “After all, why would a mage question the intentions of their greatest companion?”

The owl opens its eyes and hoots. A quiet warning.

The instructor smiles brightly and turns back to the class. “Now then, let’s open our books to where we last left off.”

If there’s one place you’d know to find Namjoon, it’d be here.

Tall shelves surround you, full of books in a variety of colors and volumes. Within many of their pages tell the history between humans and mages, skewed toward the teachings of the Devoted. Some contain spell books, most that are inaccessible to you as an apprentice. And some are leisure readings, often with a witch as the main villain of the story.

You spend a lot of time here. Probably more than at your own dorm. The quiet ambiance has helped you go through your studies and reviews of your notes and lessons over the years.

He’s always here as well. The library with all its written knowledge at his fingertips is his favorite part of the castle.

“Figured I’d find you here,” you remark once you spot him. He’s sitting at a table with a couple of his friends. They nudge at him when they see you approaching, knowing smiles and amused eyes lighting their faces. You ignore them as you cross your arms and glare at Namjoon. “You weren’t in class.”

“I wasn’t,” he acknowledges, raising an eyebrow before a twitch of a smirk tugs on his lips. “Why? Did you miss me?”

“Of course not,” you scoff, standing your ground as he gets up from his seat. He’s so tall, he practically towers over you. “I just want to know why you didn’t show up.”

It’s not just his physique that makes him so big, but his presence, the way that he can command a room to pay attention to him. Many of your fellow students admire him, even Hoseok. He’s incredibly intelligent too, one of the smartest and most naturally-gifted apprentices his mentors sing praises about. His knowledge on the arcane arts and its history is unmatchable.

And you absolutely loathe it.

You, who has been in Blackstone Castle your whole life, climbed to the top of your class through your own blood, sweat, and tears. Whereas Namjoon, who was transferred to Blackstone at nineteen, came to the top because magic comes easily for him. It could take you hours to master one spell while he gets it on his first try. He aces his exams with his nose stuck in unrelated books and poems, while you spend hours trying to maintain your high scores.

He’s the worst. The most mildly-infuriating, petty walking disaster of a genius you’ve ever come across.

“Sorry, baby. You won’t be seeing me much at the lectures anymore.”

You blink at surprise. “What? Why?”

“Didn’t you hear?” one of his friends pipes up. “Our Namjoon passed his Harrowing this morning. The wardens said that he finished it in under an hour! That’s the fastest anyone has ever completed theirs!”

Your eyes widen. “You did the Harrowing?”

A small, tiny sense of relief blooms in your heart when he nods his head. Your academic rival didn’t go missing. He passed his Harrowing and he’s still here, now working at the library to become a scholar.

“Do you guys mind? I’d like to talk to her for a minute,” Namjoon says to his friends without taking his eyes off you. The two exchange looks with each other and agree to give you some privacy. But you don’t let your guard down, even after they leave.

“What is it, Joon?”

“I heard about Mina,” he starts carefully, his voice sincere. “Are you okay? I know she was your roommate.”

“I’m… a little shaken,” you admit, uncrossing your arms. It feels almost strange being this vulnerable with him, but if Namjoon already did his, then yours and Hoseok’s would be right around the corner. “I don’t know what happened to her. No one tells us anything. Do you know? What happened to her, I mean?”

A look of guilt flashes in his eyes. “I can’t tell you.”

You sigh. “Of course you can’t.”

“Listen, be careful when you go to the Veil,” he warns, eyeing around him as if he’s afraid someone will listen in. There’s hardly anyone else here except the scholars and a handful of students, but you and Namjoon are nowhere near eavesdrop distance from them. “There are dark energies everywhere. Not just in that realm.”

You frown at his warning and think back to what Hoseok said about Seokjin. About all the disappearances that’s been happening lately. About Mina.

“I can handle myself, Namjoon.”

There’s a warmth in his aura, in the deep dimples of his smile, in the way he looks at you then. He squeezes your arm gently. “I know you can. Just promise you’ll come back to me, okay?”

It isn’t until later that night when you and Seokjin finally talk.

“Who’s this?”

“A new friend,” you explain, waving him over to sit next to you. On your lap is the black kitten, bumping its tiny head against your hand for pets. “Hoseok and I found him this morning, but we haven’t thought of a name yet.”

The kitten looks over at him, curiosity shining in its bright eyes, and mewls. The cute sound makes both you and Seokjin gush. “Sounds like you’re planning to keep him.”

“Only if he wants to stay.” You watch as Seokjin holds out his hand, letting the kitten sniff him, before he gently rubs its head with his fingertips. It purrs under his touch, closing its eyes with content. “I hope he does.”

“Maybe he’ll become your … familiar?” He glances at you, checking if he used the correct word. He’s the only warden you know of who even bothers learning a mage’s terminology.

Like all the other Blackstone Wardens, he’s in uniform. Heavy armor made of material resistant to magic. Hidden within his reach are spell-breaking weapons and poisons meant to hinder your abilities. Things that could temporarily mute or blind you mid-incantation. 

Had it been any other warden, you wouldn’t feel comfortable being this close to them.

From the moment a mage is set to live in their towers, wardens are assigned to guard them, watch them, and “handle” them if they show signs of becoming Wicked. Most, if not all, the wardens are Devoted – members of the ruling religious organization that believe people with your gift are the ban of all things evil.

Thus, many of them, in your humble opinion, are assholes.

You’ve heard the rumors. The open secret of what happens to mouthy, pretty mages and wardens with too much power and too little heart. 

It’s atrociously easy for wardens to call an innocent apprentice Wicked. It’s equally alarming how many self-righteous Devotees take advantage of their position over people like you, coercing victims to do what they want or have them face the deadly consequences of false accusations. You’ve seen with your own eyes how fellow apprentices cry themselves to sleep at night, or become distant and fearful after surviving these awful predators. How some willingly refuse to do their Harrowing if their assailant is present, as this assessment would be when an apprentice is the most vulnerable.

Not Seokjin, though.

He’s … different from the others. He’s safe.

Safe enough that you know you can trust him.

“Jin…” Although your voice is quiet, it’s loud enough for him to hear. Loud enough for him to turn his attention to you. “Can you promise me something?”

He looks up at you. His eyes are so warm and pretty. They practically have stars in them. “What is it?”

“When I do my Harrowing, will you protect me?”

“You know I can’t interfere with your test,” he replies, his voice quiet.

“I know. I meant,” you fidget slightly. “my body. Could you watch over me? Make sure nothing happens to me when I’m in the Veil.”

“Of course.” He extends a pinky toward you. A gesture that makes you smile as you wrap your own pinky around his. He returns your smile and vows, “I’ll always protect you.”

As the days pass, the concern over Mina has died down. Instead, you hear rumors of another failed Harrowing. Another girl disappearing. But no one has any answers as to why this is happening.

The black kitten stayed with you and Hoseok for a couple more days until it fully healed. Then, without a word, it left too. But not without giving you a small token of appreciation.

That next morning, you found a Dzi bead on your pillow. A small, protective charm meant to bring the wearer good fortune, health, and luck.

Ironically, you had the gift in your hand when Seokjin came to your dorm again. He calls out your name, gently shaking your shoulder and stirring you from your sleep. There’s a sad smile on his handsome face as he tells you, “It’s your time.”

You must’ve fallen back to sleep.

On the edge of dreaming and waking, you could’ve sworn you heard a strange sound. Your brows furrow in wonder, but your eyes remain close.

You’re exhausted. The lulls of sleep call you like a siren song. Your body feels heavy, your head feels dizzy. All you want to do is lay still on the soft, cozy bed you’re on and let your dreams drift you away.

But something – someone – keeps you on the brink of consciousness. Again, you hear a peculiar sound. Louder this time than before.

Music?

When you open your eyes, you’re greeted with a familiar sight. Cold, dark stones cemented into an ominous, impenetrable tower. Cobble-pebbled patterns decorate the high ceilings. Moonlight shines through a single, small window and casts baleful shadows with its serene light.

Blackstone Castle. Or rather, a place that looks like it.

Growing up here, you know every nook and cranny of this place, and yet…

Something feels off.

It’s too spacious. Too quiet.

No snores of creaking beds from the other apprentices. No heavy, armored footsteps from the wardens during their nightly patrols. No stifled giggles or hushed voices from the enchanters as they pass through the corridors.

This isn’t a room you recognize, and this bed is far too comfortable to call your own.

Compared to your stiff bunk in the dorm, this canopy bed feels like a cloud. Soft. Fluffy. The sheets feel like silk against your bare skin. It reminds you of how tired you are to begin with. How heavenly a decent sleep sounds.

But the strange, distant melody keeps you from drifting completely.

And it’s only then that you realize you’re not alone.

There’s a weight over you, heavy and wrapped around you tightly. It keeps you secured to the cloud, trapping you in its hold. Warm breath tickets the back of your neck, and you could feel the rise and fall of a muscular chest against your bare back.

Terror strikes you wide awake.

Here you are, in a room you don’t recognize, sleeping on a stranger’s bed. Naked, and with no recollection of how you even got there.

Heart racing, you slowly flip over to face the stranger. A sharp gasp falls from your lips when you recognize who it is. “Seokjin?!”

The handsome warden grunts in response. Without opening his eyes, and with his voice in a deep, sleepy rumble, he tiredly asks, “What time is it?”

“Jin, what– how did we–” you stumble over your words as you sit up, pulling the sheets over your chest. “I can’t remember–”

Seokjin opens his eyes this time. Deep brown stares back at you. Ones that usually sparkle whenever he turns his gaze toward you. Ones that are full of warmth and stars.

One that makes you realize something is very off about Seokjin.

Instead, the eyes that look at you are cold and hollow, completely void of light. Terrifying, and yet, you can’t look away from them.

You try not to shiver when Seokjin raises his head from the pillow and sits up to face you. The sheets fall off his chest and down to his thin waist unceremoniously. A mischievous smirk dances on his lips as he leans toward you. “Shall I remind you?”

“We shouldn’t,” you whisper, darting your gaze at anything but him and his broad shoulders, his plush lips, his muscular abdomen. You know Seokjin is handsome – hell, he knows it, too – but this isn’t… He wouldn’t…

“Why not?” he asks, nearly pouting. His hand cups your face, thumb gently brushing your cheek. “You trust me, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” you reply. And it’s the truth. You trust Seokjin more than anyone.

He leans closer. The emptiness in his eyes are replaced with odd glints of gold. Mesmerizing. Hypnotizing.  You barely hear his command. 

“Then give in, little one.”

Your eyes flutter close as he presses soft kisses against your cheek, then along your jaw. The bedsheets no longer feel like fine silk against your fingers, but thin and transparent, even before he pries your hands open and lets the covering fall to your waist. You feel your heart to your throat as his lips travel to your neck, to your collarbone, to your breast. 

It’s like your body has a mind of its own as your nod in consent, easily falling back on the cloud with the handsome warden on top of you.

Drifting. You feel yourself drifting.

A haze muddles your thoughts as Seokjin continues to press kisses against your skin. It feels good. You can feel yourself arching for more, preening to be held and touched. He smirks as he travels lower, dipping to your hips where he tugs off the remaining covers.

The melody in the background stutters, as if someone fumbled with the notes. It’s jarring enough to snap you out of the trance. To realize that Seokjin’s touch is burning as he pins you to the bed. To see that the eyes looking down at you are inhuman.

This isn’t Seokjin.

Seokjin is your warden. Your friend. The man you trust the most. He would never take advantage of you like this.

Snapping out of it, you shove down the building arousal and look around the room. Something is wrong. You have to get out of here. All your things are thrown on the floor, and there’s nothing within reach that you can use to defend yourself. 

You’ll have to improvise.

Shutting your eyes, you try to keep focused. Little whimpers and shaky gasps escape your lips when you feel his mouth work against your core. His tongue and fingers distract you, eliciting waves of desire and pleasure.

The Seokjin look-alike sits up to peer down at you, brown eyes almost golden now as he seems to feed off your energy. Long fingers are still inside you, curling and pumping in and out, distracting him enough for you to strike.

Strength and light flow from your fingertips. Using that energy, you shove the stranger on top of you. The magic burns its bare chest as a demonic scream escapes its lips.

Your heart nearly stops when you hear the sound.

It’s Wicked.

When the imposter recoils, you stumble out of the bed and grab a simple black dress from the floor. There’s a small weight in one of the pockets, and when you reach inside, you recognize the shape of the kitten’s gift – something that won’t help you now. You don’t dare look back or think about how your legs are shaking as you throw your clothes on and run out the door. Your feet are flying without direction, lungs burning and legs aching, until you’re certain you’re far away from it. Until you’re certain it isn’t chasing you down.

So that’s Wicked. You’ve heard the enchanters talk about those doomed beings. Embodied vices of lust, pride, greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, and wrath that taint the mages, letting their powers corrupt them, until they are no longer human.

Your head doesn’t feel as hazy and your body doesn’t feel as lethargic since you’ve exited that room. It was a very close call. That entity with Seokjin’s face… You shudder to think of what could’ve happened if you stayed a minute longer.

Catching your breath, you take a moment to look at your surroundings. The hallways are similar to the castle, but long and winding. It almost makes you feel dizzy looking down at them. Lanterns and doorways mirror each other in endless paths.

You straighten up and reach toward a random door, opening it and stepping inside.

Only to find yourself in a similar hallway.

What?

With a frown, you reach for another door. One on your right this time, instead of directly in front of you.

But it’s the same damn thing. Same endless, dark hallways. Same dimly-lit lanterns. Same identical doorways. No matter how many you go through, you’re stuck in a loop.

Panic crawls beneath your skin when a low growl emits from the hallway.

That Wicked is still after you, and it’s angry.

Who knows if the next door you choose will lead you closer to it. Or if it will have you stuck in a repeating maze until it catches up.

Just when it feels like all hope is lost, you hear it. 

The melody from earlier. It sounds like it’s coming through one of the doors.

With nothing else to lose, you open it and step inside, knowing that the Wicked will get you if you stay where you are. You’re in an identical hallway, but this time, the music comes from a different door. Then, another door. And another door.

You’ve lost count of how many you’ve gone through. Could be dozens. Could be hundreds. But every time, it feels like you’re getting a bit closer and closer to the source.

And then, finally, you open a door and no longer find yourself in a dreary hallway.

Emerald-green walls paint the candle-lit room, causing haunting shadows to dance with the burning glow of the fires. A fence with a tarp cages a black, grand piano. And inside is a man with pale skin that contrasts his black hair.

Of all the things in the room, his aura seems to shine the brightest.

He doesn’t notice you as his fingers continue to play the beautiful instrument, its melody drawing you closer and closer.

You’re practically standing next to the pianist when the song ends and he finally addresses you. “Can I help you with something?”

“I…” you pause, almost forgetting why you’re here. “You play so beautifully.”

His eyes flicker away for a brief moment, taken aback by the sudden compliment. Even more so with how such a simple sentence stirs something he’s forgotten so long ago. He rephrases his question. “What do you want?”

You don’t answer him right away. The two of you stare at each other as the candle wax burns and the shadows around the room continue to sway. Then, you reach into the pocket of your dress and pull out the token the kitten gifted you, resting it on top of your piano. 

His eyes widen when he sees it. Then, he takes it in his hand.

“There’s something after me.”

Dark eyes linger off the charm and onto your face. His gaze is intense but strangely familiar. “He won’t get you in here. This area isn’t in his boundaries.”

“But I can’t stay here, either.”

The pianist raises an eyebrow at you, seeming surprised by your statement. You suppose he had expected you to accept his refuge, but you know you’re losing precious time. You know that you’re in the Veil and this is your Harrowing.

“You’re a smart one,” he says after a moment, almost impressed. To your dismay, he hands back the token and turns back to his piano. A new melody begins. “I won’t keep you here, but I can’t help you. Your protection charm is no use to me here.”

The door you came from opens. Back to where that monster with Seokjin’s face is waiting for you. Back to where you can almost feel the bloodlust from the other side.

“I’m willing to bargain.”

That catches his attention. His hands still, the music stops. The shadows against the wall seem to pause and stare at you, silent witnesses to what’s about to happen. Words from the instructor echo in your head, but it’s too late. The words already left your mouth.

And the pianist, with his dark, intense, feline eyes – tinted with a golden amber reflected from the candlelight – stands before you. “What’s your offer?”

“Ah, little one. You finally came out of hiding,” the one with Seokjin’s face smiles devilishly as you approach him. “Shall we continue where we left off?”

Thrown to the wolves, you feel terrified. You have nothing but the clothes on your back, a beaded charm, and a half-assed plan. None of your lectures, nothing you’ve ever read or practiced, could have prepared you for this. The monster at the crossroad. The hungry wolf hunting you down like prey.

But you can’t be scared. Not now when the enemy is right in front of you.

“You’re the one responsible for all the missing girls.”

His broad shoulders shake with sadistic laughter. 

“That I am! You impress me, little one. Those stupid girls never even escaped that room. Always falling into their desires, they don’t realize how much time has passed. How cold their physical bodies become while their souls are in my hands. They practically beg me to turn them Wicked, to devour their humanity,” he shamelessly admits, bringing his hands to cup his jawline. “This face of that warden you all desire – he’s made the hunting so much easier. Isn’t that right, friend?”

He’s addressing the pianist now. You turn to him with a frown. “You killed those girls too?”

“I see he hasn’t told you of our arrangement,” the wolf says, staring at his partner. “His music lures in the ones who get away. Baits them right into his little cage where he can trap them for as long as he desires.”

“Sorry,” the pianist finally speaks. “I have a new contract now.”

The wolf’s smile falters. “You’re betraying me? For this human?”

“You killed my friends!” you tell the wolf, drawing his attention back to you. Thinking about Mina. Thinking about all the other apprentices who’ve failed their Harrowings because of them. Those who never became mages, who’ve lost their dreams and their humanity. “I’ll make you pay for what you’ve done!”

“We shall see,” the wolf replies, bearing its large teeth at you. In an inhuman speed, the wolf lunges at you. The pianist pushes you out of the way at the last second as the two demons tumble to the ground.

“Find a weapon!” the pianist yells, crying out in pain when the wolf bites into his shoulder. You scramble to your feet, looking for a wand, a staff, something. The crossroads doesn’t provide you much of anything, and your hand encloses around the charm in your pocket, anxious and stressed.

Until you realize the charm has changed shape.

In a mysterious realm where willpower is the key to survival, you don’t have time to question it as you cast a spell to knock the wolf off the pianist. The Seokjin-lookalike lands roughly on the dirt-pathed ground, but you don’t give it time to recover as two more spells fire from your wand.

“Stupid girl!” the demon roars, moving to attack, its fingers extending into claws. You manage to put up a barrier at the last second, shielding yourself and the pianist. The wolf roars in frustration, running back and body slamming against your shield. To your horror, the transparent spell begins to crack.

“Listen, you have to drop your barrier,” the pianist tells you as the attacks become harder and faster, causing jagged rips along your magic. “Drop it and attack him on my count.”

You look at him like he’s insane. “You were partners with this guy! How will I know you won’t betray me?”

“You don’t,” he says as the wolf continues its relentless attacks. It won’t be long until it shatters completely. “But we made a contract.”

“Okay.”

“Okay,” he echoes, nodding his head. Your defense is breaking. One more hit, and you’re done. “One… two…”

On three, just as the wolf is about to give the final blow, you strike. A bright ball of light shoots from your wand, bigger than any spell you’ve cast so far. It sends the wolf back and knocks him out for good.

It’s over.

Out of breath, you collapse on the ground. The wand you use changes back into a charm, and the pianist stands beside you in shock. He holds his arm as blood seeps through his white shirt, but he doesn’t pay any mind to it as he states, “You … You actually did it. You defeated him.”

“Yeah…” you sigh, equally in disbelief. You’ve never had to fire off that many spells at once. You’re exhausted, dead on your feet, but you finally notice the injury on the pianist’s arm. “Wait, let me heal you.”

“You still want to help me? After what I’ve done?”

“We made a contract,” you remind him, holding out hand and letting the warmth spread from you to him. You feel even dizzier, more so than when you helped the kitten. “This is the second time I had to do this for you, you know.”

“You know it’s me, huh?” A small smile appears on the pianist’s mouth. His dark eyes – ones identical to the black kitten – seem to be full of admiration when he looks at you. “You really are a clever girl.”

The Devoted teaches that all magic is a source of wicked power, and that those born with the abilities to manipulate those unnatural forces are cursed.

But they’re wrong.

History remembers the wicked and their dark rituals, their forbidden magic, and their insatiable vices. They completely erase the wisdom and beauty bestowed upon their world through magic. They forget about the brave mages who fought along historic heroes in their quests, or the wise healers in villages that the Devoted haven’t influenced. They tear away young children from their families, imprison potential spell-casters from the world, shun them for their gift, hunt them down for simply existing.

Over the years, young apprentices would come to the Veil, fresh and unprepared to face the entities that rule this realm. It’s a sadistic rite of passage that the Devoted created to prove a young mage’s worth. Throwing their spirits to the wolves, defenseless and scared, as the Wicked feeds off their energies, eager to corrupt and consume. Leaving the physical forms behind, vulnerable, unconscious, and in the mercy of those sending them to the Veil. 

The pianist has been in this realm for a very long time. He no longer remembers his past, nor does he care about the person he was. All he knows is his piano and the music he creates that fills his lonely eternity with life and magic.

For far too long, he’s seen apprentice after apprentice fail their Harrowing. He’s seen the look of defeat in their eyes once a mage awakens and finds themselves in this world. He’s seen Wicked, like his old partner, toy with these lost souls like predators that play with their meals. He’s grown numb to the horrors and anguish that surrounds him with their defeat.

His partner, the wolf, has become greedy with their arrangement. A deal that they made long ago: should an apprentice escape the wolf’s den and find themselves in the music room, the wolf can’t touch them. Not when they’re still within his boundaries.

Sometimes, they hide too long. Their physical bodies become cold, and their connection to the mortal realm weakens. That’s what happened to your friend, Mina, who sought sanctuary from the wolf, but didn’t leave until it was too late. Her soul is forever trapped like a bird in a cage. And the wolf, constantly on the prowl of those who got away, waits just outside the border with all the patience in the world.

His somber melodies play as souls like hers begin to accept that she’ll never return to her body. They play in triumph as souls like Namjoon, who enters a different part of the Veil, faces his fears and vanquishes his own demon. They play for souls like yours, luring you away from the wolf, bringing you safely to him.

He first met you in a different form, one of a small cat on the brink of death. For just a few days, he sees through its eyes the person you are: brave, kind, and clever. You have a potential he hasn’t seen in another apprentice in years.

The feeling only amplifies when you find him in the Veil and offer the token he had gifted you, placing it on his piano in exchange for his aid against his greedy partner. One that he returns back to you with a spell of transformation, allowing you to change its shape once and for a short time.

You’re incredibly special. That much is clear to him from the moment he met you.

However, he’s starting to suspect you’re more special to him than he thought.

“What do you want?” you ask him in response to his question, holding his gaze. 

It almost sounds naÏve coming from your mouth, but something tells him that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

“You,” he simply says. “You’re what I want.”

“That’s a high demand for one Wicked. Name something else.”

“Who’s to say this is the only Wicked you’ll face? There are many dangers here, but some of the most vile creatures are the humans from your realm.”

It makes his blood boil. Feelings that he hasn’t felt in so long surfacing.

You’re quiet for a moment, then you propose, “Well, if it’s me that you want, then it’s only fair that you become mine too. I don’t want just help for this Wicked. I want you to be my partner.”

The pianist looks at your extended hand and the certainty in your eyes. His large hand practically swallows yours as he shakes it. “I accept.” 

And so, a deal between two souls is made.

When you wake from your Harrowing, you find yourself in the arms of the handsome warden, who took care of you just as he promised he would. You’re engulfed in a hug from your best friend, screaming his congratulations and relieved that you’re safe. A sentiment he shares with your academic rival, who throws you a proud, dimpled smile when your eyes meet his.

No longer an apprentice, there are new changes with your schedule around the castle. But there’s one thing you’re adamant about keeping the same: you and Hoseok, beneath the old tree that’s become a favorite spot for you two.

And it’s in that place where you and the pianist meet again.

“Oh, our son is back!” Hoseok exclaims, smiling brightly at the black kitten. It meows at him, as if saying that he’s home. He reaches over and scratches the top of its head. “I guess it wants to stay with us. Have you thought of a name yet?”

“Yeah.” You give your new familiar a knowing smile, remembering the bright, shining aura he had in the Veil. “Let’s call him Yoongi.”

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Series Masterlist | Next

[btshurtcomfortprompts]

Category: Sickfic (Tonsillitis)

Sickie: Jungkook

Caretakers: OT7

Prompt: It starts with Jungkook getting a bad cold in the winter as soon as the weather changes, and he’s miserable for a bit but he recovers quickly. But a few weeks later, he comes down with another sore throat and he’s not sure how he got sick again so soon. On his third cold, which he catches less than a month later, he starts to worry– especially with how much his throat is hurting. His hyungs tease him about his weak immune system but they’re clearly worried too. Jungkook goes to the doctor and gets diagnosed with tonsillitis. And then, mere weeks after he’s recovered from that, he gets sick AGAIN. This time, the pain in his throat is almost unbearable and he ends up having to get his tonsils out. Of course, he’s very anxious about how it will affect his singing/performance/etc. and of course, his hyungs take very good care of him during his recovery.