So, I've never been the most active member here in this community but I want to let you know about this.
Basically, at the beginning of this year I got back into anime and that's what I've been focusing on - just watching animes. I didnât unstan BTS or anything but I've just been more interested in animes again lately.
I had two BTS fic ideas in mind that I wanted to post this month, but quite frankly, I started writing one of those but never continued it.
I don't know if/when motivation to write strikes again. Maybe I'll get back to it when the boys are more active again. Maybe I won't ever write anything again. I don't know. But, for now I guess I'll be on a hiatus.
a tae headcanon i have is that he's very vocal about feeling unwell, as long as he's not feeling too bad but when he gets worse, he'll get veryyy quiet.
so as long as he's complaining about being sick, he'll be fine but when he gets quiet, you should worry.
a tae headcanon i have is that he's very vocal about feeling unwell, as long as he's not feeling too bad but when he gets worse, he'll get veryyy quiet.
so as long as he's complaining about being sick, he'll be fine but when he gets quiet, you should worry.
everyone, i wish you all a happy new year!! it's almost 5 am for me now and i'd like to say some more things but i'm too tired so i just hope that this coming year will be better for everyone and i really appreciate this little community we have here
Iâm watching 2019 BTS bbq. And Yoongi and Hoseok talk about the time Yoongi took Hobi to the emergency room. I know Iâve briefly heard about it during BV s2 letters but itâs totally confirmed Yoongi is the whoooooole caretaking package. Iâll be continuing to write him as the best caretaker next to Jimin.
i hope you donât mind me adding onto this đ„ș but yoongi REALLY is the whole caretaking package. i wanted to bring up the time (in 2011) when he saw a co-trainee getting extremely sick in the middle of the night (the trainee mentioned it was food poisoning and he was throwing up, lightheaded, just incredibly ill), and yoongi told him to wipe his face, clean up, and he would take him to the hospital.
yoongi helped him put on his jacket. he called them a taxi and helped him to the car (even though it took a long time to get into the car since they had to stop multiple times because the trainee felt too sick). he filled out all his all paper work at the hospital. he stayed with him until he woke up and felt better (the trainee said he woke up and saw yoongi dozing off in the chair next to him đ„ș). he even paid for his hospital bills, even though yoongi didnât have much money back then.
yoongi is so patient, so kind, and so caring.
heâs a literal angel and definitely an amazing caretaker and hyung đ„ș
Req:Â Hi! Could I request something with Jungkook overworking himself practicing for his solo performance and makes himself sick but he still thinks heâs fine and tries to keep practicing late by himself but it just gets worse and he ends up having to call one of his hyungâs to help and bring him back home to take care of him đ„ș sorry this request is super specific lol you can obviously change things as you see fit, I just had this scenario in my head and really want a fic of it now đ
Jungkook kneels in front of the couch. He gives Taehyung a sympathetic smile as he runs his fingers through Taehyung's dark curls.
"What hurts, TaeTae?" Jungkook murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to his warm forehead.
Taehyung pouts, "everything."
"Hmm," Jungkook hums, "Let me take your temperature, and then we'll decide what to do."
Because they needed the thermometer earlier, it still lays on the coffee table. Jungkook holds it up and tells his boyfriend to open his mouth. Taehyung obliges easily and holds the device under his tongue.
The beeping indicates that the reading is done and Jungkook takes the thermometer out.Â
"It's slightly elevated, 37.8," Jungkook informs.
Taehyung pouts and lets out a miserable whine. He makes grabby hands at Jungkook, and the younger man pulls him into a hug.
Jungkook chuckles, "it's not that bad, Tae."
"It feels that bad, though," Taehyung whimpers and pushes deeper into the embrace.
With a little bit of difficulty, Jungkook manages to pull away. Taehyung moans, upset at his boyfriend for 'leaving him to die alone'. Jungkook can only laugh about it, amused by Taehyung's antics.
"Do you want to eat something? I can heat up the soup if you want me to," Jungkook offers with a soft smile.
"Noooo," Taehyung moans nasally, "I had soup for breakfast and lunch already. I want something else!"
"Well, then what do you want?"
Taehyung thinks about it for a moment before his face lights up with an idea. "Chicken! I want chicken!"
Jungkook can't keep the laughter in. His boyfriend, who's been complaining all day about how terrible he's feeling, is now requesting to eat chicken. Not something you'd expect a sick person to crave.
Jungkook coos and leans in to press a soft kiss to Taehyungâs cheek. "All right, I'll order us chicken."
While they wait for their food to deliver, they browse through Netflix, trying to choose a movie to watch. Finally, Taehyung decides he wants to see Spirited Away, and even though they've already seen it a thousand times, Jungkook obviously agrees.
Their food arrives quickly and Jungkook puts everything they need on the coffee table so that they can enjoy dinner while watching the movie. They sit on the couch, side by side, Taehyung wrapped up in a blanket as they happily munch on their food.
Once they're done, Jungkook puts the dishes in the sink. He's too lazy to do them right away, deciding that this is a task for future-Jungkook and instead joins his boyfriend on the couch again. Taehyung, expectedly, demands cuddles and Jungkook happily obeys.
Together, they lie on the couch, cuddled up into each other's arms. It's warm and comfortable and Taehyung dozes off. Jungkook dips his head down to kiss Taehyungâs forehead, checking his temperature at the same time. He doesnât feel very warm and as long as Taehyung is complaining, he'll be fine. Jungkook knows he only needs to start worrying when Taehyung doesnât complain and suffers in silence instead.
"I love you," he mumbles against Taehyung's forehead.
To Jungkooks surprise, he can feel Taehyung smile against his collarbone. He was sure Taehyung is sleeping. Then he hears the near-silent murmur,Â
OMGGGG, your fic: i want to ki__ you was PERFECT!! my favorite story so far, it was beautiful, how tae took care of kook, i loved it !! You are amazing !! I love how you write !! Thank you very much, you are the best, and the story about the two of them was also so cute đ
anonnie i will cry đ this is so so sweet, thank you so much for telling me this! i'm SO happy that you enjoyed it so much and that you like my writing so much?? THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU đ
Where Taehyung and Jungkookâs relationship deepens.
Sickie: Jungkook and Taehyung a little bit
Caretaker: Taehyung
Word Count: 3377
TW: none I guess
Here is part 1
Taehyung wakes up early after a rather restless night. He didn't sleep very well, his blocked nose making it difficult to breathe and get comfortable. And then there's Jungkook sleeping next to him, curled into Taehyung's side, which made it impossible to change positions. The younger also has a fever that's even making Taehyung burn.
Carefully shifting around, Taehyung finds a position that's a bit more comfortable but he can't fall asleep anymore. He turns his gaze towards Jungkook and notices how flushed he looks. Brushing Jungkook's hair out of his face, Taehyung gently presses a hand to his forehead. He feels warm, just as expected.
Jungkook stirs at the contact. He mumbles something in his sleep but, luckily, doesnât quite wake up.Â
He does, however, wake up when Taehyung gets out of bed a few moments later.
"Oh, sorry, I didnât mean to wake you up," Taehyung apologizes.
Jungkook frowns at him confusedly, his usually sparkly eyes look dull now. He opens his mouth and a few coughs escape.
"It's fine," Taehyung reassures the dazed boy, "just rest some more."
Without protest, Jungkook lays his head back down on the pillow and seems to fall asleep again right away. Taehyung is worried about how out of it Jungkook was but sleep will do him good. Lots of rest is important to get well.
Taehyung limps to his bed and grabs his phone. He texts Jimin, asking him to bring both him and Jungkook breakfast and ask for fever reducers that he can give the younger, as well as something for his blocked nose. Taehyung feels like he doesnât appreciate breathing through his nose enough until he has a cold and is unable to do that.
Jungkook is still sleeping when Taehyung eats his breakfast. Jimin brought Jungkook a bowl of soup, which is currently getting cold on the nightstand between their beds.Â
Taehyung realizes that Jungkook sleeps a lot when he's unwell. When he wakes up, it's only for short periods of time and he's confused about what's going on before he dozes off again. Taehyung doesn't know if that's normal - he thinks it isn't - but he doesn't want to worry too much, so he just tries to work through it.
Before the soup is completely cold, Taehyung decides to wake up Jungkook.
"Jungkook." Taehyung shakes his shoulder and Jungkook opens his eyes immediately as if he wasn't sleeping. He looks around himself in a daze and sighs. It triggers a coughing fit and Taehyung struggles to help him sit up.
"You okay now?" Taehyung makes sure when Jungkook calms down. The younger man nods, taking a few deep breaths.Â
Taehyung hands him a water bottle, making Jungkook drink a few sips. It seems like the beverage helps him clear his mind, Jungkook looking a little bit more aware when he hands back the bottle.
Taehyung exchanges the drink for the bowl of soup, placing it in Jungkook's lap. "Try to eat a little bit. You can take some medicine afterward," he promises.
Jungkook eats slowly. And about halfway through, he drops the spoon into the bowl and sighs, too tired to continue eating.
"Are you done?" Taehyung asks to make sure. Jungkook shrugs. His ears are red and he looks at his lap - he's embarrassed.
"Do you want me to help you?" The question is hesitant but if that's what Jungkook needs, Taehyung will do it.
"Please," Jungkook nods. He's not very hungry but he feels weak, and he knows he should eat.
Taehyung sits down next to him and feeds him the soup slowly. The moment is soft and intimate and it's so weird. Only a day ago they were still arguing and now he's feeding Jungkook soup.
Taehyung thinks he'd do that for everyone. He's just being a good person and there's nothing more to this.
Once theyâre done, Taehyung hands Jungkook the fever reducers, promising him that they'll make him feel better. The medicine makes Jungkook drowsy and soon he's asleep.
-
Jungkook wakes up again in the early evening hours. He's still exhausted but it's obvious that he's much more aware of his surroundings this time.
"Hey," Taehyung greets when he notices that the younger man is awake, "how are you feeling?"
With difficulty, Jungkook turns on his side to be able to see Taehyung when he answers, "I don't know. Weak and achy."
Taehyung looks sympathetic when he hums in understanding. He shuffles over to Jungkook's bed and reaches out his hand to check the younger's temperature. Taehyung stops himself but when Jungkook doesn't protest Taehyung presses his palm to Jungkook's forehead, then his cheek.
"You feel pretty warm," he relays, "do you want to eat something?"
"I'm not really hungry," Jungkook mumbles, "but I'll try some soup."
"All right. I'll order you more soup and in the meantime, you should take a shower," Taehyung suggests.
Jungkook agrees and gets up slowly. He sits on the edge of the bed for a while, seemingly gathering himself. Taehyung observes him closely.Â
"Can you do it on your own? Or should I ask one of your friends to come and help you?" Jungkook looks pale and unsteady, just from sitting up and Taehyung can't help him with his injured ankle.
Jungkook seems to think about the offer but shakes his head, "I can do it on my own." He pushes his body off of the bed and shuffles into the bathroom.
"Jungkook!" Taehyung calls out to catch the younger man's attention before he closes the door, "leave the door unlocked. Just in case."
Jungkook smiles at him. "You're such a worrywart," he teases lightly.
Taehyung laughs, "looks like you're feeling a bit better."
-
Thereâs a knock on the door and Taehyung knows it'll be their dinner. He slowly hobbles to the door with his crutches and lets in Seokjin and Namjoon.
"Hello!" Seokjin greets cheerily. "How are you doing?" he inquires as he sets the food-filled tray on the nightstand.
Taehyung sits back down on the bed, "I've been okay."
"Where's JK?" Namjoon asks when he can't see his friend and teammate anywhere.
Pointing at the bathroom, Taehyung tells him he's taking a shower.
"Have you two been getting along?" Jin grins but to his surprise Taehyung shrugs and nods. "We havenât really fought anymore. We're doing quite well, I guess."
"Ahh, that's good," Namjoon hums.
Suddenly they hear a loud noise from the bathroom. And then it's silent. All three men jump up and run to the bathroom door.
Taehyungâs hand hovers over the doorknob as he calls out frantically, "JK?! Are you okay? Is everything all right?"
The continued silence makes them even more anxious. When they can't hear an answer Taehyung announces that he'll come in before he pushes the door open.
"Shit!" He curses when he sees the body on the floor.
Namjoon and Seokjin push past Taehyung to help Jungkook, who lays passed out in front of the shower. Jin grabs a bath towel and throws it over Jungkook's body, while Namjoon moves him onto his back.
"Hey, Jk." Namjoon pats his pale cheek lightly, trying to rouse the younger man. To their relief, it doesnât take long for Jungkook to regain consciousness. With a groan, his eyes flutter open. Jungkook's head lolls from side to side.
Namjoon pulls his wet hair back. "Jungkook? You back with us?" he asks worriedly.Â
Jungkook blinks up at him in confusion, a small pained noise escaping his lips.
"You fainted after taking a shower," Namjoon explains before Jungkook can even ask what happened. Jungkook lets out a deep breath and tries to sit up but Namjoon stops him, "Stay down. Don't try to sit up yet."
Seokjin must've left the room because he comes back in with a bottle of water. He hands it to Namjoon and kneels down next to the two men on the floor. He smiles sweetly at Jungkook, who looks uncomfortable and still a bit dazed.
After a while, they help him sit up and lean him back against the shower. Namjoon hands him the water and Jungkook takes a few careful sips, the drink helping him clear his mind.
"Do you feel a bit better?" Seokjin asks when Jungkook regains a bit of color. Jungkook nods.
"Then let's get you dressed. I'll help you," Namjoon proposes, noticing the goosebumps on Jungkook's skin and the small shivers. Sitting on the cold tiles with only a towel partially covering him, while he's already sick, surely isnât a good idea.
As promised, Namjoon helps Jungkook get dressed. He kicked out Taehyung and Seokjin, claiming that they don't need their help and Jungkook'll feel a bit more comfortable with only one of his closest friends helping him in such a vulnerable state.
-
"It's probably just because Jungkook's not feeling so well and he hasnât been eating much. No need to worry, Tae," Seokjin assures the worried boy.
Taehyung nods quietly, still a bit spooked at finding Jungkook passed out on the floor. He's glad Seokjin and Namjoon were there when it happened, he wouldnât have known what to do. He wouldnât even have been able to help.
Before he can get lost in his thoughts, the bathroom door opens, and Namjoon aides Jungkook to his bed. Jungkook's legs feel weak and he's grateful for the help, although he's also a little bit embarrassed about it all.
"Stay in bed and rest," Namjoon instructs as he tucks Jungkook in, "feel better soon."
After making sure that Taehyung and Jungkook will be fine on their own, Namjoon and Seokjin leave again.Â
Taehyung moves to sit next to Jungkook so that he can help him with his soup. Jungkook's hand is shaky and he's so drained, this sickness taking all of his usual energy out of him.
"Are you feeling okay?" Taehyung asks when Jungkook gets restless, constantly shifting around.
"I feel really warm," Jungkook explains. He rolls the sleeves of his sweater up and pulls at the collar to fan himself. He's sweating, and flushed, and so uncomfortable with how his clothes stick to his skin.
Thinking about the risks of helping Jungkook undress, (Can I handle seeing his well-built body, glistening with sweat?), Taehyung finally offers to help him out of his top so he'll be more comfortable.
Fortunately, the blanket partially covers Jungkook's body and Taehyung has to concentrate on feeding Jungkook the soup, so he doesnât have time to admire the muscles and smooth skin.
Once they're done and Taehyung is putting the bowl aside, Jungkook groans and pulls the duvet up to his shoulders. He's pale when Taehyung turns to look at him and, if the tremors are anything to go by, he would assume that Jungkook is feeling rather cold again.
Without thinking much about it, Taehyung lifts the blanket and cuddles up to Jungkook. He hopes sharing body heat will calm the chills and help Jungkook relax.
They quietly lie like that for a while but neither of the two falls asleep. It's comfortable, though, and almost feels normal now.
"Do you want to watch a movie?" Taehyung proposes. He pulls out his phone when Jungkook nods. "What do you want to watch?"
"Can we watch Iron Man?" Jungkook quietly requests.
Taehyung smiles, happy to fulfill Jungkook's wish he searches up the film.
It's not ideal, watching a movie on the phone but with the way they're cuddled up to each other, they both can see well enough. Taehyung can feel Jungkook's temperature rising from where his head rests in the crook of Taehyungâs neck. His cheeks are a feverish rose color, and his eyes look glassy where they stare straight ahead.
Sighing, Taehyung pauses the movie and puts his phone aside. He grabs the water and helps Jungkook drink. The younger man gulps it down greedily.
Jungkook pushes himself deeper into Taehyung's side with a moan. He's feeling bad, his joints and muscles achy and weak.
"Turn around," Taehyung instructs, pushing gently against Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook obliges and Taehyung tries to relieve the aches with a massage. It seems to work because after a while Jungkook dozes off. His breaths are deep and even but he occasionally has to cough. Taehyung pushes Jungkook's sweaty hair out of his face and pulls him back into a hug. Taehyung likes to hold something when he sleeps and he doesnât mind holding another person, even if it's Jeon Jungkook.
It goes like that for pretty much the whole week. Just Taehyung and Jungkook in their cabin together. Taehyung got over his small cold within a few days but his leg would take another week or so to heal. Jungkook got a little bit better day by day, spending most of his time asleep to rest and recharge.
â
On the last day of the sports camp, the two trainers prepared a bonfire for everyone. They bought meat and vegetables and all kinds of food and drinks for everyone. The coaches didnât outright forbid alcohol, however, they gave a fair warning not to overdo it.
"Are you sure you're feeling well enough to go? You still have a bit of a temperature," Taehyung voices his concern as Jungkook puts on his jacket.
"Yes, I'm sure." Jungkook rolls his eyes. "Seriously, I feel better and I really want to go. I won't stay too long."
Taehyung bites his lip, "okay. Okay, then let's go. But let me know when you want to go back or if you start feeling worse."
Ever since Jungkook's teammates told him about the bonfire, he insisted on going. Taehyung is less than thrilled about that but he doesnât want to ruin their last night at camp. The whole week has been a disaster for both of them and their coaches offered to send them home more than once. They deserve to enjoy this last night.
So now here they are, sitting side by side on one of the benches in front of the high, warm flames. Taehyung has a beer bottle in his hands, while Jungkook opted for water only since he took medicine earlier and he doesnât want to mess that up by mixing it with alcohol.
"It's a beautiful night." Jungkook looks up into the night sky decorated with millions of stars. "You can see the stars."
"Yeah, it's beautiful," Taehyung agrees.
Jungkook hums. "It's cold, though. Or maybe that's just the fever rising again," he chuckles.
Taehyung laughs at the attempt of a joke. "I hope it's not that. It is pretty cold."
Jungkook leans his head on Taehyungâs shoulder and the older man stiffens, not expecting the affectionate gesture. After a moment he relaxes and leans his head atop of Jungkook's, enjoying the warmth.
"I'm going back," Jungkook mumbles, "I'm tired and cold."
Immediately, Taehyung chugs down the rest of his beer. "Okay, let's go." He gets up and if it werenât for the crutches, he would offer Jungkook a hand.
It takes Jungkook a moment to realize that Taehyung is offering to go with him. His eyes widen in surprise and he waves his hands to stop Taehyung, "Oh, no! You don't need to come with me. It's fine. I'll be fine."
"What? No, of course, I'll come with you," Taehyung argues, "Besides, I'm cold and a bit tired as well. So, let's go."
Not leaving any more room for protests, Taehyung starts walking away and Jungkook has no other option but to follow. They walk in silence along the path leading back to the cabins. The other students put up beautiful lights along the way so it'll be easier to find the way back.
When their cabin comes in sight, Jungkook stops walking. Taehyung stops next to him but before he can ask, Jungkook speaks up. "Tae...," he interrupts himself and Taehyung can hear him mutter to himself quietly, "Oh, this is so weird. I'm not prepared for this."
Taehyung gives him an encouraging smile when Jungkook glances up shyly. If he didnât need to hold the crutches, Taehyung would grab Jungkook's hands and squeeze them.
Jungkook takes a deep breath and starts talking again. "This week, it made me realize that you're not all that bad. You're actually pretty good company and I like being around you," he stops again, inhaling, then, "I like you."
Taehyung is stunned. He didnât expect that. The two did grow closer in that one week. Spending so much time together and being dependent on one another does that to you. But he didnât think Jungkook's feelings were more than that. Not just those of a superficial arrangement due to the circumstances.
Taehyung doesnât know what to say.Â
Hundreds of thoughts are running through his mind but, at the same time, it's blank and no words leave his lips. So Jungkook rushes to clarify, "It's okay if you don't feel the same! You don't have to! I just- I'd like to stay close with you. So maybe-, maybe we can be friends?"
And Jungkook looks at him with those big eyes. They're pleading and shining with their usual spark but there's also something scared and vulnerable in them.Â
But who is Taehyung to reject him? To deny him that small request?
Taehyung's signature grin spreads on his face, "I would like that. Let's be friends."
â
It's been a few weeks since the sports camp and Taehyung and Jungkook kept their word of being friends. They've been hanging out a lot together. Sometimes, just the two of them and other times, with their closest friends.
Tonight is such a night where the two friend groups are hanging out together. The seven men met in Seokjin and Yoongi's shared apartment earlier that night. The two eldest cooked for everyone and after enjoying the tasty food, they're now playing video games.
"That's cheating!" Jungkook yells offended.
Taehyung grins, "it's not!"
"It definitely is!"
"No, it's not," Taehyung defends, "I won fair and square."
Jungkook pouts, "it is cheating. Go look it up."
Taehyung laughs and pokes Jungkook's puffed cheek. "Oh, I will. I know the law, baby."
"You're wasting too much time on social media." Jungkook rolls his eyes in mock annoyance.
"Well, I have to waste my time on something else if I can't waste it on you." Taehyung smiles coyly.
The others groan and roll their eyes at the flirty teasing.
"When will you two finally make it official?" Seokjin sighs.
--
Taehyung and Jungkook are on their way back to the dorms. The December air is crisp and it's snowing lightly. The music from the Christmas fair is still audible in the distance and the Christmas lighting illuminates the darkness with a soft, warm glow. It's a beautiful night.
The two men laugh softly as they walk down the streets, hand in hand. Even though it's cold out, they both feel warm. It might be because of the alcohol they consumed but rather, it's the warmth that engulfs their whole bodies whenever they're with each other.
"Hey, JK," Taehyung starts gently. They stop walking and Taehyung turns to look directly into Jungkook's surprised eyes. "I like you. A lot."
Jungkook blushes and tries to hide his smile in the scarf wrapped around his neck. "I also like you a lot," he responds quietly.
He glances at Taehyung's lips, licking his own cold ones. And then they both lean in, noses brushing against one another. They can feel the other's warm breath on their freezing faces and then their lips brush, pressing together in a soft and sweet kiss a second later. It instantly warms them up, their lips feeling like they're on fire and it spreads through their whole bodies.
They pull away from each other, stupidly sweet smiles on their faces and they laugh softly.
Taehyung's giggle is interrupted when his nose tingles and he suddenly pitches forward with a loud sneeze.
Jungkook looks at him in surprise, then laughs. "Are you getting sick?"
Taehyung rubs his nose with the sleeve of his jacket, hiding the blush and the grin spreading on his lips. "Now it's your turn to take care of me... boyfriend."
Jungkook pulls Taehyung into a hug. With a smile on his face, he mumbles, "I'll take good care of you. Boyfriend.
Where soccer captain Taehyung and basketball captain Jungkook have to work through their differences.
Sickie: Jungkook and Taehyung a little bit
Caretaker: Taehyung and Jungkook kind of
Word Count: 8505
TW: blood, slight description of injury
Hereâs part 2Â
(BIG BIG THANK YOU TO @katiesdailystruggle FOR PROOFREADING THIS!!! seriously, thank you so much for taking the time to do that đ)
"Why are you still here? You know it's our turn-" Taehyung stops himself when the basketball captain, Jeon Jungkook, walks right up into his face. They're the same height but Jungkook is much buffer. Taehyung doesn't back down because of that, though.
"What? It's your what?" He sneers, clearly enjoying this. Riling up Taehyung seems to be his favorite pastime. It has been like that ever since the younger one became the captain of the basketball team. Taehyung doesn't remember why or when exactly it happened, but somehow this rivalry started between the basketball and soccer team that has the two captains constantly arguing with each other.
Taehyung's face turns red in anger as he grits out, "It's our turn in the locker room."
"We have the right to be here until we're done." Jungkook shrugs and throws his towel over his shoulder.
"No. You're supposed to be done by the time we get here." Taehyung tries hard to stay calm, but the younger is just so infuriating that Taehyung really wants to punch him when he laughs out loud.
"But I'm not," Jungkook challenges, "what are you going to do about it, Kim?"
Jungkook pushes him back until Taehyung's back hits the cold metal of the locker behind him. The football captain doesn't back down. He pushes out his chest and makes himself bigger to try and intimidate the younger. Jungkook doesn't care though, he copies Taehyung's stance and the tension thickens between them.
"Go take a shower so you can finally leave. You reek." Taehyung pinches his nose in mock disgust and pushes against Jungkook's chest.
Jungkook chuckles and turns back around to his locker, grabbing his shampoo and body wash.
â
It's tight in the locker room with eleven men squeezed into the small space at once. It's also loud with all of them talking to each other.Â
And even though Taehyung was just teasing Jungkook when he told him he stinks, it wasn't a complete lie. The changing room tends to get smelly and stuffy when the men return to the small room after hours of practice.
"Can someone open a window, please?" Hoseok, another football player, begs loudly. His teammate Mark is quick to open the small windows to let in some fresh air.
While the basketball players shower, the soccer players change into their training outfits. It quickly becomes apparent when the basketball players are done, the noise level going up by a few notches when they trudge back into the changing room.
Taehyung is pulling on his socks when he dares to glance up. His eyes get stuck on the muscular back of the man in front of him. He can also see an array of tattoos on Jungkook's right arm.
Jimin notices how his best friend is staring off into space. He is about to wave his hand in front of Taehyung's face when he realizes that he isn't spacing out. No, not at all. Instead, he is staring very intensely at Jungkook's back. Jimin has to admit the basketball captain is quite the sight.
He whistles suggestively to tease Taehyung, who immediately snaps out of it. A deep blush rises on his cheeks and he throws out his arm to elbow Jimin.
Jungkook hears the small commotion behind him. He looks over his shoulder and notices how Taehyung's head snaps down a little too quickly as he pretends to adjust his socks. Again. The blush on the football player doesn't go unnoticed by Jungkook.
He smirks and once he feels Taehyung's eyes on his back again he decides to give him a little show. Jungkook slowly unties the towel around his waist and slides it down; inch by inch. Once it's halfway down his butt he stops and pulls it back up, trying hard not to laugh when he hears Taehyungâs quiet groan.Â
Jungkook puts on his briefs before he throws the towel onto the bench behind himself. Or tries to. Instead, it lands directly in Taehyung's lap and the soccer captain is not amused about it. He throws it back at the younger, full force.
"Are you fucking stupid?!" Jungkook cries out, one hand on his lower back where a red welt is already forming from where the towel hit him.
Taehyung just shrugs innocently and Jungkook decides to drop it instead of starting an argument. Grumbling, he turns back around to look for a T-shirt inside his gym bag.
"Hey, JK!" Yugyeom, one of the basketball players yells to get the captain's attention, "Do you still have that ball in your locker? Bambam, Minho, and I want to practice some more but none of us have a ball. And we can't take the ones from the gym anymore," he trails off, his eyes wide and hands folded together in a begging gesture.
Jungkook nods and grabs the heavy orange ball, "just make sure to return it tomorrow."
Without a second glance, he tosses it over to his team member. Unfortunately, Taehyung chooses that exact moment to stand up. He only has a second to register Jungkook's horrified expression right before the hard rubber hits Taehyung right in the face. The thud of the ball hitting the floor echos loudly inside the silent changing room. Someone gasps and then the room fills with Jungkook's laughter. More people start laughing.
Taehyung doesnât think any of this is funny. He's furious and Jimin tries to stop him when he stalks up to Jungkook. Without a warning, Taehyung swings his fist directly into Jungkook's face. It connects with the younger's jaw. Jungkook can taste blood on his tongue.
"What the-!" Before he can finish his sentence, Taehyung is at him again. The room fills with loud screams and the smell of sweat once again.
Both the football and basketball players try to pry the two apart and stop the fight. They end up pushing each other instead while the two captains still exchange blows.
The shrill noise of a whistle sounds through the locker room, breaking everyone apart. Jungkook shifts off of Taehyung's body, which he had pinned to the floor, as the other players move to create a path for coach Song. The football coach looks very displeased when he approaches the two. With raised eyebrows, he takes in their disheveled appearances. Both athletes already have bruises forming on their faces. Jungkook's lip is swollen and bleeding and Taehyung has blood running down from his nose.
"What," coach Song starts, voice scarily calm and low, "is going on here?"Â
His sharp eyes fixate on the two captains and narrow dangerously when he doesn't get an answer right away.
Both Taehyung and Jungkook push themselves off the floor and stand with their backs pressed against the lockers, shoulders tense and gaze towards the floor.
Song clicks his tongue, "that's not what I asked."
"We fought," Jungkook mumbles, explaining the obvious. Unconsciously, his hand moves up to touch his hair; a nervous habit of his. But as soon as he realizes it he drops it, instead, fidgeting with his fingers.
"You fought?" The coach hums knowingly, "and why is that?"Â
It's not like that feud between them is an unknown thing. Everyone on campus knows that the two team captains can't stand each other. But it has never gotten this bad. There is the occasional verbal exchange and that tends to get loud and threats get thrown around, but it never ended in a physical altercation up until now.
"He started it!"
"It was an accident!" They exclaim at the same time, trying to defend themselves.
Coach Song rubs his temples with an annoyed frown. "You're both dismissed for now. We'll have a conversation about this tomorrow, together with coach Kim," the man sighs and turns to leave the changing room.
"I said you're dismissed. The rest of you," the coach looks around the other men, "be ready for practice in 5." With that, he leaves and one after another the guys start moving, getting dressed, and cleaning up.
"Oh, great," Taehyung grumbles and sends Jungkook a glare.
"Not my fault you're getting physical all of a sudden," Jungkook tells him, just as annoyed.
Taehyung wants to lunge at him again, but this time Jackson and Kibum grab him and hold him back. "Tae, man, relax. He's not worth it," Jackson tells him and loosens his grip when the younger calms down. Jungkook scoffs as he walks past them to grab his bag and finally leave.
â
The next afternoon Taehyung, Jungkook, and both of their trainers hold the meeting they were warned about the day before.
"That's-This is insane! It wasnât even a big fight! It was just a small scuffle!" Jungkook argues after hearing their punishment. But his black eye and bruised jaw beg to differ.
As a consequence of the fight, both coaches decide to take away their status as captain of their teams. They're also both suspended for the next six games.
"He's right. That's too harsh." As much as Taehyung dislikes the (ex-)basketball captain, this is something they agree on.
Coach Kim turns to Song with raised eyebrows and then back to the two athletes, looking impressed when he says: "You two agreeing on something? That's a first."
Jungkook throws his head back and whines, "Coach Kim, please!"
"Coach Song, I'm begging. Don't do this, please!" Taehyung slips off the chair and kneels in front of his trainer.
"This isn't up for debate. You two are dismissed." Both coaches simply ignore their pleading and whining.Â
Coach Song waves his hand at them, shooing them out of the room. Realizing that thereâs no point in making a fuss, both boys get up to leave.
"Oh, right! Taehyung-ah, Jungkook-ah, don't forget about the sports camp. We're leaving this Friday," the football coach reminds them before they can walk out of the door.
Right. The biannual sports camp. They totally forgot about that and, to be honest, they're both a bit surprised that they weren't expelled from that as well as part of their punishment. They wouldnât mind that much, though spending a whole week in a cabin in the forest together wasn't exactly heavenly. The rest of their teams usually enjoy it a lot since they all get along pretty well.
â
"Alright, everyone! Gather around!" Coach Kim yells over the chatter of the athletes. He's standing on the front porch of the big cabin with a clipboard in hand, looking over the crowd that just left the bus that brought them here. Coach Song is standing next to him and he's about to pull out his whistle to get everyoneâs attention but they quiet down and look at the two men expectantly.
"Everyone, welcome to our second sports camp of the year! Unfortunately, we're a bit late with it being October already but we're hoping the weather keeps up for this week," coach Song starts explaining and turns to the basketball trainer to continue.
Coach Kim clears his throat before he announces that they'll start with the distribution of rooms.Â
"Bambam and Yugyeom, you're in cabin 1." The two basketball players holler and high-five each other happily.
"Momo and Nayeon in cabin 2." They hug each other, very happy about sharing a room.
Taehyung stops paying attention to what the basketball coach is saying until he hears his name being called out.
"Taehyung and," the footballer played swears he sees a smirk on the man's face, "Jungkook. You're in cabin 7."
Before the words even register in Taehyung's mind, Jungkook is already complaining about it. "Coach, please! Didn't you punish me enough already? Isnât this too cruel?"
Coach Kim just laughs and tells him it's not a punishment. Jungkook and Taehyung feel like it's one, though.
"Before you ask: no, you can't change rooms with someone else," coach Song smiles at them, but it shuts them both up.
The trainers announce the rest of the rooms and then hand out the keys, telling everyone to come back to the big cabin for lunch in an hour.
Despite the warning, Jungkook decides that's enough time to ask the other guys if one of them is willing to change roommates with him.Â
However, after half an hour he's asked each of them and no one was willing to change. So he begrudgingly goes to the cabin assigned to him and his archnemesis Taehyung.
The cabins are small yet cozy and each of them has its own bathroom. Luckily there are two separate beds, instead of a bunk bed or one big bed, in Taehyung and Jungkook's cabin.
"I donât like sleeping in the middle of the room, so I chose the one up against the wall. I hope you don't mind," Taehyung trails off and moves the blanket from where he stands in front of the bed.
And really, there's no issue with that at all. Jungkook doesnât mind, but this is Taehyung and nothing ever goes smoothly with them so he looks at the other man and says: "I do mind. I wanted that bed."
"Oh." For a second Taehyung looks like he feels guilty for choosing a bed without talking to Jungkook first but it is gone just as quickly, "Too bad. I was here first." He continues adjusting the bedding and ignores Jungkook completely.
"That's not fair," Jungkook complains, "Rock-paper-scissors. Winner gets to choose the bed." He smirks as he holds out his first, ready to win.
Taehyung sighs but accepts anyway. "Only one round," he says, staring into Jungkook's eyes. They're a deep brown but they shine brightly, almost like small galaxies and Taehyung gets lost in them for a moment. Jungkook's voice starting the chant brings him back to reality.
"Gawi bawi bo!"
Taehyung shows scissors while Jungkook's fist is balled up to show rock.
"Let's play three rounds! Whoever has two wins can choose!" Taehyung quickly tries to retract his earlier statement but Jungkook shakes his head. He grins as he drops his bag on the bed Taehyung tried to prepare for himself.
"Note to self," Taehyung groans, "never play rock-paper-scissors against that jerk again."
The hour passes by quickly. During lunch, everyone can sit wherever they want, but Taehyung and Jungkook still end up sitting at the same table, although not next to each other, due to mutual friends.
"Ah, hot!" Jungkook drops the ladle back into the pot when the steam burns his hand.
"Jungkook-ah, let hyung do it." Seokjin grabs the ladle instead and scoops hotpot into Jungkook's bowl for him. Jungkook thanks the soccer player and happily continues eating.
Lunch is a quiet affair, at least concerning Taehyung and Jungkook's constant arguing. They're probably too busy eating and enjoying the meal the chef prepared for the athletes.
After eating, they all gather in the backyard at the request of their coaches. They prepared some games, claiming it's important to strengthen the trust and teamwork between all of them.
They start with a game of tug-of-war, teams evenly divided between basketball and football players. Taehyung is at the front of his line and Jungkook spearheads the basketball team's side, the two of them staring into each otherâs eyes.
"Any last words, Kim?" Jungkook sneers, tightening his hold on the rope.
"Stop talking and let's start already." Taehyung adjusts his grip and stance, ready to win the game.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!" Solar yells to start the tug-of-war.
It doesnât even take half a minute before Jungkook's side wins. Taehyung ends up stumbling into a puddle of mud, his clothes dirty and wet. Coach Song announces the second game right away and Taehyung complains about being unable to clean up.
When the second game turns out to be a three-legged race Taehyung doesn't mind it so much anymore. Pair games are to be done by the cabin mates and Taehyung makes sure to hold on tight to his partner, Jungkook, and get him dirty as well.
The pair loses the game by far. They end up stumbling through the finish line as the very last ones, unable to put their stubbornness aside and work together.
"I can't believe you can't even walk properly," Jungkook criticizes, blaming their loss on Taehyung entirely.
"It's not my fault you kept trying to run off on your own. I hope your kneecaps bruise." Taehyung pokes his tongue out and joins the group assembling for the next game.
"Okay, the next game is called human knot. Does everyone know what that is?" Coach Song asks and when they all answer in the affirmative he tells them to start.
It's a mess as they all try to grab someone's hand and hold onto it and it gets even messier when they try to untangle themselves. Jungkook tugs on his right hand to see who he's holding onto. He's surprised when he looks into the familiar eyes of one Kim Taehyung. The older groans when he realizes it as well. They look down at their hands and realize that they both grabbed each otherâs hands and arenât even included in the big circle the human knot is supposed to create.
"Oh c'mon, this can't be for real," Taehyung groans in annoyance.
Jungkook clears his throat, getting Taehyung's attention back, "uh, you can let go now."
Taehyung lets go of the other's hands immediately and they stand off to the side to watch the rest of their team members untangle themselves, occasionally giving them advice.
When it starts raining they all seek shelter in the big cabin. Thereâs a huge room in the basement, stocked with various games like a pool table and karaoke.Â
"Ooh, let's have a singing competition! Winner gets a prize!" Kibum suggests and they all agree. The athletes entertain themselves like that until dinner.
After dinner, the trainers announce the plan for the next day. "In the morning there will be a blindfolded obstacle course that you'll work through with your roommate."
"After the lunch break, there will be a scavenger hunt. You'll get a list of tasks you'll need to complete and a camera to take pictures with. That should take up the whole afternoon so that's all for tomorrow," coach Song explains and dismisses them with a reminder that there's a night curfew set for 11 pm.
â
The blindfolded obstacle course is not going well for Taehyung and Jungkook. The coaches made sure to make the course as safe as possible but somehow, Jungkook still manages to find a pole he can let Taehyung walk into.
Taehyung rips the blindfold from his eyes angrily. "You're such an ass, you know that, Jeon?" He scowls at his partner and if looks could kill Jungkook would drop dead right then and there.
"Oops," Jungkook grins, shrugging his shoulders. "Put the blindfold back on, we're not done with the course yet."
But Taehyung refuses, "no. No way. You put it on now."
Jungkook gulps. He didnât take into account that he'd have to walk the course as well and that Taehyung's probably going to get back at him.
As much as Jungkook enjoyed making Taehyung trip and walk into things before, he now regrets it. He curses when he hits his shin. Again. Jungkook is sure it'll bruise.
Jungkookâs foot catches on something and he loses his balance, falling onto the wet grass underneath. Luckily, he can catch himself with his hands. Jungkook pulls the blindfold down and pushes himself back so heâs crouching, balancing his weight on his feet. He glares up at Taehyung who looks very unapologetic.
"Asshole," Jungkook mutters.
He gets back up and reluctantly pulls the blindfold back over his eyes. Taehyung leads him through the rest of the course quickly, Jungkook constantly tripping.
-
This time, they all sit divided by their respective sports teams at lunch. It's loud as they converse with each other but the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.
"So JK, how's it going with your roommate?" BamBam giggles knowingly, as it's very obvious how things are between the two former captains.
Jungkook rolls his eyes and glances at the boy in question. Surprisingly, Taehyung is already looking at him. Jungkook is sure he sees the older blush before he turns his head quickly, pretending he wasnât looking at the basketball player.
"Could be worse, I guess," he eventually answers, not elaborating on it. The team just accepts it, most of them already have their attention elsewhere anyway.
The conversations are interrupted by coach Song tapping his spoon against a glass to call for everybodyâs attention.Â
"Everyone, please listen up!" he speaks loudly, "After lunch, the scavenger hunt will begin. We put up a table with disposable cameras and a list of tasks by the entrance," they all turn their heads to see what he's talking about, "This is another activity to be done with your cabin roommate. Everything is explained on the task paper, however, should there be any more questions coach Kim and I will be here to answer them for you before we start."
Coach Kim adds: "Please try to get along and take care of each other!"
"You hear that, Tae? Try not to kill your roommate and bury him in the forest," Dahyun snickers, and the rest of the team laugh out loud.
Taehyung rolls his eyes at her, "HaHa. Very funny."
-
Taehyung and Jungkook stand in front of the cabin awkwardly. The scavenger hunt will begin at exactly 2 pm so there's still time for everyone to read the paper and ask questions if there are any.Â
Jungkook is fiddling with the camera while Taehyung is reading the paper to make sure he understands everything.
"So basically, we just have to find and do these things on this list and take pictures of it. This shouldnât be too hard," Taehyung explains.
Jungkook nods, "yeah, sure. Whatâs first?"
"Uh," Taehyung looks at the paper and reads out loud, "First, find a pine cone. That should be easy."
Before Jungkook can agree, they hear a whistle from the porch of the big cabin. Both trainers are standing there, waiting for everyone to turn their attention to them.
"All right, everyone! I hope you all dressed appropriately," coach Kim laughs, "The hunt will start shortly but before that, I want to make sure everybody understands the tasks. Or are there any questions?"
They all shake their heads, letting the coaches know that everything is clear and they're ready to leave.
"Great. You have two hours to complete everything. We want to see everyone back inside this cabin by 4 pm. Stay on the paths, take care of each other, and good luck!" And with that, they're dismissed and sent off into the forest.
Instead of following everyone else down the large gravel path, Jungkook pulls Taehyung towards a smaller path leading into the forest as the foot of the mountain.
"If we're alone the others can't find the things on the list before we do and we'll be done faster," he explains just as Taehyung wants to protest. Mulling it over for a second, Taehyung has to agree that it's a good idea and just walks alongside the other, looking for a pine cone to complete the first task.
-
An hour into the hunt, Taehyung and Jungkook had already finished most of the tasks. It's been going pretty smoothly, with no major arguments and only a little bit of teasing and bickering here and there.
"Okay, the next task is..." Taehyung looks at the list, reading the challenge out loud, "to find berries."
The boys walk down the empty path, keeping an eye out for anything that resembles a berry. There are already leaves on the ground and the whole forest looks like it's burning with hues of orange, red, and yellow. It's hard to find anything in the autumn woods.
"Here!" Taehyung yells out loud, pointing at a bush with bright red little balls on it.
"Good enough. Let's take a picture and keep going." Jungkook takes a picture with the camera quickly.
"You think they're edible?" the younger wonders, looking at the berries on the bush.
"Don't try it, maybe they're poisonous," Taehyung argues, then thinks about it for another moment, "actually, maybe you should."
"Hey, coaches said you should take care of me!" Jungkook exclaims jokingly, "Also, I'm not dumb, I won't try some weird berries that I don't even know."
Taehyung laughs but quickly sobers up again, reminding himself who he's talking to and that he shouldn't be laughing at Jeon Jungkook's jokes out of all people.
"I don't know about the 'I'm not dumb'-part...," Taehyung teases.
Jungkook clutches at his chest in mock hurt, "what is that supposed to mean? I will let you know that my grades are pretty decent!"
"Whatever, let's keep going," Taehyung ends the bickering and glances up at the sky, "I want to finish this and get back before it starts raining and it looks like it'll start soon."
"Yeah, you're right," Jungkook agrees, also looking up at the darkening sky decorated with grey, rain-heavy clouds, "let's keep moving."
Another twenty minutes or so later the downpour starts, accompanied by thunder. Taehyung jumps at the noise, surprised by how loud it is.
"Are you scared, Kim?" Jungkook smirks.
Taehyung shoves his shoulder and shakes his head, "no. Anyways, shall we turn around?"
"Hmm, we're not done, yet, are we?"
"Not quite but it doesn't matter considering the weather," Taehyung points out and continues, "It's raining, it's getting darker and it's cold. Let's just go back."
Miraculously, Jungkook agrees instead of starting an argument but he has to admit to himself that Taehyung is right and even his competitive spirit can't win against that. They turn around and walk back the way they came from, which seems easy enough. Until they come to a crossroad.
"So," Taehyung starts, "how do we get back?"
The older honestly didn't pay attention to which way they went, too focused on the tasks at hand. He realizes now that it was a mistake but hopes that Jungkook remembers the way back.
"I think it's this way." Jungkook points to the left path but he doesn't sound very confident in his decision.
"You think?" Taehyung asks and tries to remember the way himself. They've been walking up this whole time and the left path does seem to lead back down from the mountain so maybe it's worth a try.
Jungkook scoffs at the doubt in Taehyung's tone, even though he isn't sure about it himself. "Well do you have a better idea? Did you suddenly remember?"
"No...," Taehyung admits meekly.
They walk down the path Jungkook decided on. The weather is steadily getting worse, the rain getting stronger and the temperatures getting colder the later it gets. Both men are completely soaked through, hair matted to their foreheads due to the wetness and their shoes are covered in mud.
They must've been walking for an hour already and they were getting nowhere. The camp still isn't even in sight and all they can see are trees and bushes.
"Ugh! This isn't the right way! We should've been back by now!" Taehyung yells out in frustration. He's tired and cold and his feet are aching.Â
They stop walking to look around them but there isn't anything that tells them the way. There aren't even any signs that could lead them back towards camp.
"We took a lot of smaller by-paths instead of the main pathways. Maybe we should look for one of those and follow it...," Jungkook suggests and uses the sleeve of his jacket to rub at his runny nose.
"Yeah, what a great idea," Taehyung replies sarcastically, pushing his wet hair out of his face again.
Jungkook groans in annoyance, "well, do you have a better idea, Kim?"
Taehyung stays quiet for a moment before he quietly replies: "Maybe it's worth a try."
"They should've just let us take our phones with us. Then we wouldn't be in this mess now," Taehyung grumbles as they keep walking, looking for a junction that'll lead them to one of the smaller paths down the mountain.
"Hey, Kim," Jungkook stops walking, squinting at something off to the side of the way they're walking on, "there's another way down this slope. It seems to go downwards."
Taehyung stops next to him and sees the trail the younger is talking about. It indeed looks like it's leading to the foot of the mountain. They're lost already anyway and Taehyung doesn't think this situation could get any worse than this.
"Yeah, let's try that one then," he mumbles and follows Jungkook down the slope to reach the path below.
It's muddy and slippery but Jungkook gets down just fine, only his shoes and pants getting dirty.
Taehyung is almost at the bottom when he suddenly slips. His ankle twists as he tries to catch himself and he falls, landing face-first in the mud.
"Fuck!" Taehyung yells out profanities and clutches his ankle, face contorted in pain. Jungkook curses as he crouches down to take a look at Taehyung's foot.Â
"Let me see." He carefully rolls up the bottom of Taehyung's soiled pants and moves his hands out of the way. Taehyung's ankle is already swollen and painful looking, "Can you move it?" Taehyung tries to roll his ankle but it's painful. Luckily it doesn't seem to be broken, though, or he wouldn't have been able to move it at all.
"Fuck. I can't believe this is happening. This day just keeps getting worse," Taehyung complains, angry at himself and Jungkook and the whole world.
Jungkook ignores him, pondering on what to do. Eventually, he decides to take off his jacket to create a makeshift bandage to stabilize the injured limb. It's not ideal but it's not like he has a first-aid box with him.
Taehyung's focus shifts from his injury to Jungkook, who's now only wearing a black T-shirt that clings to his well-defined body. Taehyung definitely isn't staring.
"Like what you see?" Jungkook teases lightheartedly when he notices.
Jungkook hopes that Taehyung does like what heâs seeing. And it's only because he's working hard to maintain this body and not because he wants Taehyung to like him. Not at all.
Taehyung shakes his head and furrows his brows, ignoring the quip. "What the fuck are you doing? Are you crazy?!"
It's freezing, now that the sun almost completely set, and it's still raining heavily. The windbreaker Jungkook was wearing protected him at least a little bit against the terrible weather. However, Jungkook simply ignores Taehyung's protests and rips the arms off of his jacket.
"You're out of your mind!" Taehyung yells at him, "Are you fucking stupid?!"
"You're the one who's too stupid to walk," Jungkook mutters, concentrating on tying the ripped up jacket around the injured ankle.
"Well, who's fault is this?" Taehyung starts another argument, "If it wasn't for you none of this would be happening! That fight wouldn't have happened! We wouldn't be roommates! We wouldn't have gotten lost and we wouldnât be here together now! And this stupid injury wouldn't have happened either!" The older cries out all of his frustration.
"And who started the fight that got us into this mess?!" Jungkook counters, getting worked up as well.
Taehyung's face turns red in anger. "You literally threw a basketball at me! Did you ever get hit by one?! Do you even know how bad that hurts?!"
"I didn't even throw it at you! You just punched me out of nowhere! And just for your information, yes, I've gotten hit by basketballs plenty of times."
"Well, that explains a lot of things. You probably don't have any brain cells left because of that. Maybe you should stop playing basketball!"
This time, Jungkook is the one tempted to hit Taehyung. But he doesn't. Instead, he takes a few deep breaths and tightens the knot around Taehyung's ankle a little harder than needed. The older yelps and grabs for his hurting leg as he glares at Jungkook.
Jungkook ignores it and turns, so he's crouching with his back towards Taehyung, "whatever. Shut up and hop on my back."
"I- You- What?" Taehyung stutters, "No! Just- Just help me up."
Rolling his eyes, Jungkook obliges anyway. He grabs Taehyung's arm and pulls him up into a standing position. It's a little bit shaky and Taehyung leans on Jungkook for support. He tries to take a step but immediately realizes that no, this won't work. He can't walk at all. So, Taehyung stands there with a pout on his face, angry at himself for hurting his ankle and angry at Jungkook for getting him into this situation in the first place.
Jungkook sighs and offers Taehyung a ride on his back again. This time, he agrees and jumps on Jungkook's back. For a second, Taehyung thinks about thanking him for his help but shakes his head instead and tells himself that, no, this is all that idiot's fault and he doesn't deserve a thank you.
They've been walking for a while now and Taehyung can feel how cold Jungkook's body is. He can also feel his muscles seizing with each shiver and cough he lets out.Â
Honestly, Taehyung isn't doing much better. His nose must be a bright red from constantly rubbing it against Jungkook's shoulder or his own sleeve.
"You can't carry me all the way back to camp. We don't even know how far it is," Taehyung mumbles into Jungkook's ear.
"We-," Jungkook clears his throat when his voice cracks and starts again, "We don't. But you clearly can't walk so do you have a better idea?"
"Well, noâŠ."
"Then stop complaining."
-
They've been following the trail for a while now. Jungkook is still carrying Taehyung on his back, but it's clear how tired he is. They both are.
"Do you even know where you're going?" Taehyung looks around himself, with no clue as to where they are or where they are going. Luckily, the rain started to let up a little bit so it's only a soft drizzle now.
"No," Jungkook admits, "do you know the way?" The question is rhetorical but Taehyung answers him regardless: "No. But-"
"Then finally shut your mouth," Jungkook interrupts him angrily, "At least I'm trying! All you do is complain!"
Taehyung huffs, "Again, if it weren't for you we wouldn't be lost in the first place."
Jungkook stops walking but he doesn't throw Taehyung off his back. "Literally, how is any of this my fault?! You're just as much at fault!"
"It just is!" Taehyung yells into his ear and Jungkook winces at the loud noise. "Everything's always your fault!"
"Oh, shut up already or I'll drop you and leave you here." The threat is empty but Taehyung doesn't want to test him.
"Noooo~ Please don't!" He begs, acting cute to relieve some of the tension he created. "But please hurry up."
-
They continue walking for what feels like hours. The rain stopped but it's still cold and dark outside. They should've been back hours ago. The others back in the camp must be worried or angry at them. Maybe the trainers even organized a search party by now.
Taehyung and Jungkook are both freezing. They keep sniffling, their red noses runny and their throats raw from coughing. They both know they'll probably get sick. That's really not how they wanted to spend the week in sports camp.
"Huh?" Taehyung perks up and it catches Jungkook's attention. "Isn't that the big cabin?" He wonders out loud, pointing somewhere ahead of them.
Jungkook looks up and squints into the direction Taehyung is pointing at. And there, through the dark, he can see the faint lights of the big cabin.
"You're right! It is!" He yells excitedly. Jungkook hikes Taehyung higher up on his back and, with a new spurt of energy, he grabs Taehyung's thighs tightly and sprints towards camp.
â
Jungkook is back in his and Taehyung's cabin. He's still freezing cold, unable to get warm, even after taking a hot shower and changing into warm, comfortable clothes. Curling up under the thick duvet doesn't cease the shivering, either.
When they arrived back at the cabin, they surprisingly didn't get scolded. Coach Song was relieved to see them back at camp.
Coach Kim had left with a small group to go and look for them but the football trainer had sent him a text message when the two boys stumbled into the hut.
Taehyung and Jungkook had been the last ones to arrive back. A glance at the clock told them that they had been wandering around the woods for a good three and a half hours.
When the basketball trainer had gotten back, he sent Jungkook off to his cabin with a tray full of dinner. Taehyung, however, had to stay with them. As trainers of sports teams, coach Song and coach Kim have pretty decent medical knowledge and can treat Taehyung's injury well enough before they'd have him see a doctor in the morning.
It's another hour later, Jungkook half asleep already, when the door opens again and Taehyung hobbles in with the help of Seokjin and Hoseok.
"Ah, sorry. We didn't mean to wake you," Hoseok apologizes to Jungkook when he stirs and looks up at the newcomers sleepily.
Jungkook pulls the blanket higher and pushes his face into it. "Wasn'sleep," he slurs hoarsely. He clears his throat and swallows painfully. He has a sore throat and having to breathe through his mouth because his nose is blocked isnât helping. Jungkook closes his eyes and tries to ignore the commotion in favor of going back to sleep, but the whispers keep him awake.
"All right, done," Seokjin says as he adjusts the pillows under Taehyung's foot one last time and, eventually, pulls the blanket over him. "Goodnight, rest well."
Taehyung tells them goodnight as well, but Jungkook only manages a mutter of incoherent noises.
After that, Jungkook falls asleep rather quickly and Taehyung is so exhausted, he doesn't stay up for much longer, either.
-
Jungkook wakes up in the middle of the night. He's coughing so hard he has to sit up to be able to breathe and, even then, it's hard to get air into his lungs. When the coughing finally lets up, he sucks in a deep breath and rubs his chest.Â
The long sleeve he decided to wear for the night now sticks to his clammy skin uncomfortably. Jungkook groans at how miserable he's feeling already.
He fluffs up his pillows so he's laying a little bit higher than usual, his stuffed-up sinuses thanking him when he lays back down. There's already a pounding in his head and behind his eyes and Jungkook moans at how heavy his body feels when he turns on his side, pressing his aching head into the soft cushion.
Jungkook hates being sick. He hates how he always ends up feeling downright terrible. Because no matter how small of a sickness it is, it always knocks him off his feet entirely. Somehow, his body fights even the smallest of colds with a high fever and his lungs try to eject themselves whenever he has a cough. And not to mention the bone-shattering ache in his limbs that make it hard to move. But the worst of it all is the dizziness that always comes with any illness. It renders him helpless and leaves him dependent on other peopleâs care.
He's already dreading the next few days because Jungkook knows that the only person with him is Taehyung and he's not looking forward to needing the older one's help at all.
â
"Jungkook," Taehyung whisper-yells, "Jungkook. Wake up."
It's already past noon and Jungkook is still asleep.
Taehyung wasnât so lucky. The soccer team's trainer woke him up early in the morning. They drove to the city to get his injury assessed by a doctor. He came back to camp two hours later, with a bandage around his ankle and crutches to help him walk.
"You have my number so you can text me, or your friends if you need anything," coach Song told him when he accompanied him back to his cabin. "Are you sure you want to stay, though? You won't be able to attend most of the activities with this injury."
Taehyung nodded, "yes, I do want to stay. I think it's good for the team to spend this time together."
Song agreed and was about to leave the cabin when he turned back around again. "Since you're hurt and Jungkook is sick, you two can use this time you'll be spending together in this cabin to reconcile. It'll do you both good!" And with that, he left them alone.
"Jungkook, wake up!" Taehyung demands loudly and finally, it works.
Jungkook stirs and slowly sits up. He's staring straight ahead of him in a daze and smacks his lips. One side of his hair is matted to his head from going to sleep with wet hair but even when he's so disheveled he still looks cute. Taehyung shakes his head. Stop thinking stuff like that.
"Finally," Taehyung groans, acting annoyed, "I'm hungry. Do you want something as well?"
Jungkook is a little more awake now and he's not happy about it. "You woke me up because of that?"
"Well, yes. I just thought-," Jungkook interrupts Taehyung, "Stop thinking then. I'm not hungry and I don't want to eat. Just leave me alone."
"What a grump," Taehyung murmurs under his breath and if Jungkook hears him, he ignores it.
-
Thereâs a loud knock on the door right before it opens. Jimin walks in with a tray, a bright smile on his lips. Behind him, Yoongi follows him inside, with only a bowl and spoon in his hands.
"Dinner is ready!" Jimin announces loudly.
"Yay!" Taehyung cheers, "Thank you, Jiminie!"
Yoongi walks up to Jungkook's bedside, "here, I brought you something, too. Thought some soup would do you good."
"Thank you, hyung." Jungkook's voice is quiet, his throat raw and painful.
"Alright, I'll be going then," Yoongi bids his farewell again, "Get well soon. Both of you."
Jimin leaves with him but not without hugging Taehyung tightly and reminding him to text him whenever he needs anything.
They eat in silence then. Taehyung eating all of the meat and vegetables his best friend brought him, while Jungkook only manages a few spoonfuls of the chicken rice soup before he puts it aside. Taehyung finds it odd, knowing how much the younger one usually eats. He really must be feeling bad, he thinks.
"I'll take a nap, so-," a cough interrupts Jungkook and he clears his throat before he continues, "so don't bother me again."
"Yeah, whatever," Taehyung mutters nasally. He didnât get away scot-free from yesterdayâs predicament, either. He's definitely not doing as bad as Jungkook, but he does have a stuffed up nose and a small cough as well.
Jungkook has only been asleep for around an hour when Taehyung debates waking him up again. He really needs to use the bathroom and he has trouble using the crutches, obviously not used to them yet. But is this worth waking up Jungkook for? And asking him for help? Taehyung wonders if he can take that blow to his ego or if he should just struggle his way to the bathroom with the crutches.
Deciding that he doesnât want to deal with the younger man's wrath, Taehyung sits up and grabs his crutches that lean against the wall by his bed. At first, it goes quite well. He's taking slow steps, one crutch, and one foot at a time. But then he gets too confident. Taehyung takes bigger and faster steps. And that's when it happens. He's moving the left crutch before the right one is properly positioned and suddenly he's on the floor.
The noise Taehyung makes and the thud from the fall wake up Jungkook. Usually, he's a heavy sleeper and it's incredibly hard to wake him up but when he's unwell, his sleep is so light, even a needle falling to the floor could wake him up.
He's a little bit dazed at first, staring off into space before his mind catches up. He can hear Taehyungâs grunts from the bathroom and realizes what must've happened. Jungkook coughs into his elbow and gets up slowly, hoping he doesnât have a fever yet that is bad enough to make him dizzy. He feels a little unsteady on his feet and his head pounds in time with his heartbeats but his vision doesnât swim and the world doesnât tilt.
"Taehyung? Are you alright?"
Jungkook finds him on the floor of the bathroom, crutches on either side of him as Taehyung cradles his injured leg. He looks up, eyes wide in surprise.
"I- Yes. Uh, can you help me up? Please?" Taehyung asks shyly.
It's a bit of a struggle but Jungkook manages to get a good grip on him. Being so close to each other, Taehyung can feel how warm and sweaty the other is. He tries to be helpful when Jungkook pulls him up, so it won't be too hard for him.
"Damn," Jungkook grunts, "You're heavy."
The sympathy he felt for the younger man just a second ago all but evaporates. Taehyung bites his tongue but he does send him a glare.
They stand awkwardly in the bathroom after Jungkook leans him against the wall and hands him his crutches.
"Uh, what are you doing?" Taehyung questions.
"Waiting for you? I don't want to pick you up again." I don't want you to fall again, is what Jungkook is trying to say.
"Then wait outside. I need to pee," Taehyung tells him bluntly.
Jungkook throws up his arms in mock surrender and coughs into his shoulder. "Just making sure you're alright but okay!"
When Taehyung comes back into the room, he notices that Jungkook is curled up beneath his blanket. He frowns at him as he sits down on his own bed, pushing his blanket aside because of how warm it is in the room.
"Are you alright?" Taehyung asks him then. It's obvious that he's not. Jungkook is pale and sweaty, he looks beyond exhausted and he keeps coughing. But still, Taehyung wants to make sure.
Jungkook shoots his concern down, though. "Mind your own business, Kim," he croaks, "and don't bother me."
Taehyung rolls his eyes and leaves him be. He didnât think Jungkook could get even grumpier, but sick-Jungkook trumps that.
Even in his sleep, Jungkook keeps coughing and sniffling. Taehyung can hear him moving around restlessly, but when he turns to look at the younger man, he's definitely asleep. To ignore him, Taehyung puts in his earphones, watches videos, and listens to music all afternoon.
-
After eating a late dinner (this time he didn't ask anyone to get something for Jungkook as well), Taehyung is pretty tired and ready to sleep. He turns off the music and puts his cell and earphones aside.Â
Snuggling into his soft pillow, Taehyung closes his eyes. He's about to fall asleep when a harsh coughing fit from the other bed makes him bolt upright. Jungkook is still asleep, though, and Taehyung tries to get comfortable again when he calms down. His eyes feel heavy and his mind is starting to drift off when he's startled back into awareness by another coughing fit.
It goes like that for a good hour before Taehyung groans in frustration and sits up. Jungkook keeps tossing and turning and Taehyung is so tired and frustrated, he grabs his pillow and throws it at his roommate. Â
It wakes Jungkook up immediately. He sits up in bed, and even through the dim light, Taehyung can see the confused furrow of his brow. He doesn't say anything, though. Doesn't start a fight or yell at Taehyung, and that worries him.
Jungkook leans forward, putting his head in his hands. His whole body shakes when he coughs deeply. Once he calms down Taehyung asks: "Woah, hey, are you okay? That doesnât sound good."
When Jungkook doesn't answer, Taehyung carefully gets up and hobbles the few steps over to the other bed.Â
"Jungkook?" he tries again. Still no answer.Â
Taehyung sits down on the edge of the bed and squints. Even through the dark, he can see how shitty the younger man looks.
He's so pale except for his cheeks that are flushed pink from the fever and his red, raw nose. Even his lips lost all of their colors.
"Hey, JK," Taehyung whispers to get his attention.
It takes a moment, but Jungkook turns his head to look at him. The small movement seems to make him dizzy because he closes his eyes and takes deep breaths. Taehyung can see the beads of sweat gathering at his hairline and Taehyung is sure that if he wasn't so pale already, he would've lost all color in his face right now. When Jungkook finally opens his eyes, they're glassy and unfocused.
"I'll be right back," Taehyung promises, "just wait a second."
He gets up and stumbles to his backpack to retrieve a water bottle. He gets back to Jungkook's bed unscathed and unscrews the bottle. Taehyung hands it to the younger man, who grabs it with shaky hands. Jungkook seems a little more aware after a few sips of water and it calms Taehyung down a little bit. He was getting really worried about him.
"How are you feeling?" Taehyung puts the bottle on the nightstand.
"Not very well," Jungkook admits quietly, nasal voice a telltale sign of his nose being blocked. He has his gaze fixed on his lap, avoiding eye contact with Taehyung. "I'll try to sleep it off."
"You've been keeping me awake with all that coughing, tossing, and turning," Taehyung tells him.
Jungkook looks like a kicked puppy when he hangs his head, seemingly ashamed or upset for keeping Taehyung awake. "I'm sorry," he rasps.
Taehyung just brushes it off and he's about to hop back into his own bed when he notices the strong shivers rocking Jungkook's whole body. His teeth are chattering and he seems to be so cold, even with the thick duvet pulled up to his chin. Taehyung sighs, "scoot over."
"What?" The younger man looks surprised, not expecting something like this at all.
Taehyung nudges him until Jungkook moves, making space for a second person. He turns the bedside light off and gets comfortable in bed, wrapping all of his limbs around Jungkook to spoon him and hopefully warm him up.Â
Taehyung can feel how tense he is, but after a short while he relaxes and his breathing becomes deeper, easier. And Taehyung thinks he's asleep until he hears the quiet, "Thank you."
It isnât until Taehyung is sure that the younger man is actually sleeping soundly that he nuzzles his face into Jungkook's neck. "Thank you, too."
turnnoffyourmind
romaincrisis
theartofmadeline
snowghoul
baratheonpilled
