Chapter 58

(Long chapter ahead, 4200 words, pls do comment a lot, comment in between too. Please….)

“Here, Kook,” Hyunwoo said as he placed a glass of apple juice in front of him.

Jungkook lifted his head slightly and looked at the juice. He let out a soft sigh, he didn’t really want it, but what choice did he have? Silently, he took the glass and started sipping slowly.

Hyunwoo chuckled quietly at the sight, Jungkook drinking like a baby being forced to finish his milk.

Halfway through, Jungkook stopped. He began playing with the glass, turning it between his fingers instead of drinking.

“Mister, I told you to drink it, not to play with it,” Hyunwoo said, have a done face.

“Hmm,” Jungkook hummed, still avoiding his gaze as he took a few more sips.

After a while, with the glass still having half, Jungkook finally pushed it away. “I’m full,” he said plainly.

“You’re full? Are you kidding me, Kook? You barely drank half of it,” Hyunwoo said, raising an eyebrow.

“I am really full. I can’t drink any more,” Jungkook replied, his tone nonchalant, but his eyes didn’t meet Hyunwoo’s.

Hyunwoo sighed. “Is this how you eat every day?”

Jungkook remained silent, his fingers still fiddling with the edge of the table. He didn’t want to answer. He didn’t want to lie either.

Seeing his silence, Hyunwoo softened a little. “Just a bit more, hmm?”

Jungkook gave him a deadpan look. “I really can’t,” he said, a hint of irritation in his voice. But beneath it, there was something else-exhaustion, of always being weak and pathetic.

“Fine,” Hyunwoo exhaled, leaning back. “I should probably work on your eating habits first.” He said.

“You don’t have to,” Jungkook mumbled under his breath, just loud enough for Hyunwoo to hear. “I know how to take care of myself.”

Hyunwoo looked at him long and hard. “Yeah, I see that,” he said, his voice dry but not unkind. “Jungkook, you don’t have to do this to yourself. You have us now. You don’t always need to carry the weight alone.”

Jungkook looked at hyunwoo with an eyebrow raised “‘us‘ in the sense?” Hyunwoo sighed and said “nothing, but remember this you don’t deserve any punishment or anything.”

Jungkook’s gaze dropped to the floor. “How can someone like me, a killer, not deserve punishment?” he muttered, followed by a bitter chuckle.

“Jungkook–” Hyunwoo started, but stopped when he saw him stand abruptly.

“Let’s go,” Jungkook said, going past him without looking back.

Hyunwoo sighed, standing up quietly behind him, heart aching for the boy who never let anyone see how deep the scars are running in his body.
.
.
.

They were in the ECG and ultrasound room. Wires, machines, and cold metal equipment filled the space, things Jungkook never liked. But what could he do?

“Sir, please sit on the table,” the nurse said, pointing at the examination bed.

Jungkook let out a quiet breath and sat down.

Hyunwoo stepped closer and crouched a bit so he could meet his eyes. “Nothing’s going to happen, okay? They’re just going to run a few scans. That’s it. Be calm,” he said gently.

Jungkook gave a small nod.

“Hey,” came a warm voice as the doctor walked in.

Dr. Hwang was both a cardiologist and a neurologist, which made him the perfect doctor to handle Jungkook’s checkups. Usually, different specialists handled ECGs and other scans, but Dr. Hwang always took care of Jungkook personally. Jungkook didn’t feel comfortable with anyone else. Even Dr. Hwang came to korea for Jungkook’s treatments.

“Ready, Jungkook?” the doctor asked with a smile.

Jungkook nodded.

“Alright, I need you to remove your shirt for the ECG,” Dr. Hwang said.

Jungkook bit his lip, hesitating. He knew this part would come.

“Come on, Kook,” Hyunwoo said with a soft, encouraging nod.

Still not wanting to remove it, Jungkook finally began unbuttoning his shirt slowly. As he removed it off, his scars and bruises came into view. They weren’t new to Dr. Hwang or Hyunwoo, but they were no less painful to see. His torso did have many scars but not too much.

Hyunwoo stepped forward, his face falling as he noticed some fresh bruises on Jungkook’s torso-and then, a new scar on his shoulder.

“What’s this?” he asked, voice tight as his fingers gently brushed over the mark on Jungkook’s stomach. Then he saw the scar on his shoulder and gasped. “Kook, how did you get this one? Was it… hyung(Kim)?”

“No, no,” Jungkook said quickly, avoiding his gaze. “It was during a fight with some rivals.”

Hyunwoo’s face paled. “You never tell me anything. Look at this, it’s right under your old burn mark. It’s deep, Jungkook.” he said out of frustration and worry and concern.

“I’m fine,” Jungkook mumbled.

“You’re fine, my foot,” Hyunwoo muttered, looking away in frustration.

“Doctor, you can continue,” he added with a sigh.

Dr. Hwang nodded, noticing the nurse standing frozen in surprise at Jungkook’s injuries.

“Nurse, please bring the electrodes,” he said gently.

She nodded and went to prepare the ECG setup.

“Jungkook, lie” Dr. Hwang instructed.

Jungkook obeyed, lying flat on the bed.

“I’ll place the electrodes on your chest, wrists, and ankles, alright?” the doctor said.

Jungkook nodded, already bracing himself.

Dr. Hwang carefully placed the sticky electrodes in their positions, then attached the wires. The monitor came to life, showing Jungkook’s heart rhythm.

“Try not to move, and stay relaxed,” the doctor said. “Take a deep breath.”

Jungkook nodded and inhaled deeply.

Dr. Hwang watched the monitor closely. After some minutes, he gave a small nod.

“All done with the ECG.” He said and gently removed the electrodes and helped Jungkook sit up.

“Now let’s do the ultrasound. Please move to that bed,” he said, pointing to a smaller exam bed nearby.

Jungkook stood up, still quiet, and walked over. Hyunwoo stayed close by.

“Okay?” Hyunwoo asked softly.

Jungkook gave him a tired nod.

“Lie down,” the doctor instructed.

Jungkook lay on the bed, and Dr. Hwang applied the cool gel to his chest. Jungkook didn’t flinch at all. He was just staring at the ceiling and letting the doctor to do whatever

“Just relax. I’m going to move the probe around to get a good look at your heart.” the doctor said and continued.

Jungkook stared at the ceiling, his body tense but still. The room was silent except for the faint sound of the machine.

Hyunwoo stood beside him the entire time, watching quietly, eyes filled with worry, also with care.

Dr. Hwang moved the ultrasound probe slowly across Jungkook’s chest, watching the monitor carefully. The screen displayed real-time images of Jungkook’s heart, each beat clear and rhythmic, though slightly elevated from anxiety.

“You’re doing good, Jungkook,” the doctor said in a calm, steady voice. “Just breathe normally.”

Jungkook gave a tiny nod, eyes still on the ceiling, his jaw slightly clenched. The cold gel and firm pressure of the probe weren’t comfortable, but he didn’t say a word.

Hyunwoo stood silently beside the bed, arms crossed tightly. His eyes kept flicking between Jungkook and the screen, trying to make sense of the shifting patterns.

“Hmm,” Dr. Hwang murmured thoughtfully, adjusting the angle. “I’m just going to check the valves and flow now. Almost done.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, willing himself to stay calm. The humming of the machine, the faint tapping of the probe, it all blended together into a low hum in his mind.

After a few more minutes, the doctor wiped away the gel with a soft towel and set the probe aside.

“All finished,” he said, offering a small, reassuring smile. “You did well.”

Jungkook slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. “Is everything okay?” hyunwoo asked quietly.

Dr. Hwang paused for a moment, reviewing the images. “His heart’s rhythm is a bit fast-probably from stress-but structurally everything looks stable for now. After the result let’s discuss. To see his clear heart function we’ll need to perform a SPECT scan”

Jungkook was looking at the doctor with bambi eyes, not wanting to stay here anymore. He felt suffocating here. He started wearing his shirt again.

Hyunwoo exhaled, some tension leaving his shoulders.

“Okay then, take rest for a few minutes, and we’ll perform his EEG scan next,” the doctor said gently, looking at Jungkook.

Jungkook simply gave a small nod, eyes avoiding his.

“Alright,” Dr. Hwang replied with a short smile, then turned to Hyunwoo and subtly gestured for him to step outside.

Hyunwoo nodded and looked back at Jungkook. He walked over to the bed, gently tucking a strand of Jungkook’s hair behind his ear. “Don’t stress, hmm?” he said quietly. “Just lie down and rest. I’ll be back soon.”

Jungkook didn’t meet his eyes, he simply looked away and gave a faint nod.

Hyunwoo sighed, hesitating for a second before walking out of the room.

He found Dr. Hwang waiting just outside. “Is there something wrong?” Hyunwoo asked, voice low but laced with worry.

Dr. Hwang exhaled through his nose, his tone calm and professional. “There’s nothing critically alarming so far. But the chest pain he’s been experiencing likely stems from a emotional stress and muscular tension. His heart structure looks fine, but his rhythm is slightly elevated, and he’s holding a lot of tension in his upper body. And also his physical activities can be also the reason”

Hyunwoo frowned. “So, it is serious?” He was worried.

“Not at the moment,” Dr. Hwang reassured him. “Don’t worry, he will be fine if he co-operates.”

Hyunwoo just hummed in response.

“Take him to the EEG room and try to help him fall asleep on his own. If he can’t, we may need to give him a sedative,” Dr. Hwang said calmly.

Hyunwoo nodded.

He entered the room and saw Jungkook staring at nothing, completely blanked out.

“Kook?” Hyunwoo called gently.

Jungkook looked at him, eyes heavy.

“You okay?” Hyunwoo asked.

Jungkook gave a tiny nod.

Hyunwoo sighed and walked over to him. “Let’s go to the EEG room,” he said softly.

Jungkook nodded again, wordlessly. The two of them walked together to the room, silence hanging between them.

“Sir, please try to relax. We’ll only be able to conduct the scan properly if you’re calm or asleep,” the nurse explained kindly.

Jungkook just nodded and sat on the bed.

“Jungkook, want some water?” Hyunwoo asked.

Jungkook shook his head.

Hyunwoo moved closer and sat in the chair beside the bed. “Lie down.”

Jungkook looked at him, voice low and tired. “I don’t want to. I hate this.”

His words were raw—filled with frustration and exhaustion.

“Just a few more scans, then we’ll leave, hmm?” Hyunwoo replied, trying to soothe him.

Jungkook sighed and looked away.

“Lie down,” Hyunwoo repeated gently.

Jungkook finally did as he was told, settling down on the bed with visible discomfort.

“Close your eyes and relax, okay? I’m right here,” Hyunwoo said softly.

Jungkook just stared at the ceiling, expression blank. Eventually, he closed his eyes, not because he felt calm—just tired.

Hyunwoo began gently patting Jungkook’s chest and stroking his hair. Jungkook didn’t argue or move, he just kept his eyes closed.

But he couldn’t sleep. His mind was far away, trapped in its own quiet chaos.

“Kook… sleep. Don’t think about anything,” Hyunwoo whispered.

“I can’t sleep,” Jungkook replied quietly, eyes fluttering open to meet his.

Hyunwoo sighed, checking the time. Over thirty minutes had passed, and Jungkook still hadn’t fallen asleep.

“Only if you sleep, we can proceed, Kook. Try a bit,” Hyunwoo encouraged, though his voice held fatigue now too.

Jungkook rubbed his temples, groaning softly. “I really can’t.”

Just then, the door opened. Dr. Hwang stepped in. “Still awake, Jungkook? Can’t fall asleep?”

Jungkook gave a small nod.

“Then I’ll need to give you a sedative. Are you okay with that?” the doctor asked gently.

Jungkook nodded again. Though he didn’t want it, he knew it was necessary.

Dr. Hwang prepared the injection and walked over to him. Jungkook silently rolled up his sleeve. The doctor injected the sedative carefully. Jungkook didn’t even flinch.

“Alright. Just relax. You’ll feel sleepy soon,” Dr. Hwang said with a reassuring tone.

Jungkook nodded.

“Lie back down,” Hyunwoo said.

Jungkook laid down again, and Hyunwoo resumed patting his chest lightly. Slowly, Jungkook’s eyes began to feel heavy. Within minutes, sleep took over him.

The doctor and nurse quietly prepared the EEG equipment.

“He’s asleep?” Dr. Hwang asked in a whisper.

Hyunwoo nodded.

The doctor sighed in relief and began placing the electrodes on Jungkook’s scalp, using cool gel. Jungkook flinched slightly in his sleep from the coldness but didn’t wake.

Once everything was set, the scan began. The monitor lit up with brainwave activity.

Hyunwoo stood off to the side, eyes fixed on Jungkook. A part of him didn’t like seeing him like this—so still, so quiet.

A few minutes passed.

Suddenly, the brainwave patterns on the screen shifted to irregular waves.

Dr. Hwang leaned in, watching the monitor closely.

Hyunwoo’s brows furrowed. “What is it?” he asked quietly.

“He’s experiencing a nightmare,” the doctor said after a moment. “It’s brief, but intense.”

The waves danced wildly for a few seconds longer, then slowly settled back to normal.

Hyunwoo looked at Jungkook, who was still lying motionless, face blank even in sleep.

“You’re suffering a lot, Kook…” Hyunwoo thought silently, watching over him with a heavy heart.

Soon the scan was over, and Jungkook was gently shifted into the SPECT scan room.

“Sir… should we inject the tracer while he’s still asleep, or wait?” the doctor asked quietly.

“Let’s do it now,” Hyunwoo replied without hesitation.

The doctor nodded and gestured for the nurse to prepare the injection. Once the things were ready, the doctor carefully rolled up Jungkook’s sleeve and inserted the IV needle. Jungkook stirred slightly, whispering something unintelligible in his sleep.

Hyunwoo immediately leaned over and gently patted his chest. “Shh… you’re fine, Kook. Just rest,” he whispered.

Jungkook calmed down, his breathing steady.

The doctor injected the radioactive tracer slowly. “Let him sleep for about thirty minutes. Once it circulates properly, we’ll begin the scan,” the doctor instructed quietly before stepping out of the room.

Once the doctor left, Hyunwoo sat beside Jungkook, watching him in the dim light. He reached out and took the boy’s hand gently on his own, rubbing his thumb over the bandage where the IV had been placed.

“Please be okay, Kook,” Hyunwoo murmured to the sleeping boy. “Samchoon’s really sorry for everything. For not stopping all this sooner. I should’ve protected you better…”

His voice dropped even lower, heavy with emotion.

“You have your hyungs now. They love you so much. If they knew what happened to you… if they found out what your appa did… they’d lose it. I’m scared, Kook. They’d hate me too, for keeping it as a secret. But I can’t hide it forever. One day, they’ll know. And when they do, everything will change. I promise, after that, no one will ever hurt you again.”

Hyunwoo stayed by Jungkook’s side, gently watching over him. His phone buzzed with a message from Jin “Is everything okay? How’s Kook?”

Hyunwoo stared at the screen for a moment, then replied “Everything is fine here. Don’t worry.”

But deep down, he knew nothing was fine.

After some time, the scan was also done when jungkook was asleep. Jungkook slowly stirred. His eyes blinked open, heavy and unfocused at first. He winced, groaning softly at the ache in his hand and the dull pounding in his head.

Hyunwoo, noticing, turned immediately. “Hey, Kook, you’re awake.”

Jungkook slowly sat up, groaning as he noticed the bandage on his hand. “It’s okay,” Hyunwoo said, brushing Jungkook’s hair back. “The scan is done. You did well.”

Jungkook gave a small nod, still dazed. His face was pale, and his shoulders slumped with exhaustion.

“Feeling tired?” Hyunwoo asked gently. Jungkook nodded and looked at Hyunwoo “can we go?” He asked tired. “Still an MRI is there, only one is left. After that let’s go hmm?” Hyunwoo said jungkook sighed and nodded.

“Here drink it” Hyunwoo said while handling him with his banana milk. Jungkook took it and started drinking it.

.
.
.

“Jungkook, here,” the doctor said gently, handing him a pair of soft earplugs. “The MRI machine is quite loud, so these will help. Remember, you can’t move during the scan, okay? Just try to relax and focus on your breathing. Don’t think about anything else. Here,” he held up a small device, “it is the panic button. If you feel any discomfort or get panicked, just press it. We’ll stop the scan immediately. We’ll be right here the whole time.”

Jungkook gave a small nod, clutching the button tightly as the doctor finished preparing him. He was then slowly slid into the MRI machine.

As the machine’s tunnel surrounded him, Jungkook’s breath hitched. His heart rate started rising. The coldness, the sound, all of it was closing in.

Hyunwoo stood behind the glass, eyes fixed on Jungkook, noticing the slight rise and fall of his chest. “Is everything fine?” Hyunwoo asked the doctor who was also looking at jungkook. The doctor nodded.

Inside the machine, the first loud, rhythmic pounding began. Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut and whispered to himself, “Don’t panic, idiot. It’s just a few minutes. Breathe. Just breathe.” He inhaled deeply, trying to ground himself.

But then… the noise blurred into something else.

Screams.

Flashes

Blood.

“Jungkook!” someone was shouting in his mind—desperate, angry, frightened.

The sounds grew louder. The pressure in his chest tightened. His breathing turned erratic.

“No, no, not now…” he whimpered under his breath.

Sweat beaded on his forehead. His hands shook.

His mind spiraled. The machine around him was no longer just a machine. It was a cage, and he was trapped.

He tried to hold on. He really did.

But the moment the voices became deafening, he slammed his thumb down on the panic button.

A sharp alarm rang through the control room.

Hyunwoo’s eyes widened. “Stop the scan!” he said urgently.

The machine powered down and began sliding Jungkook out. The moment he was free, Hyunwoo rushed to him.

Jungkook was pale, his chest rising and falling in panicked gasps. His hair was damp with sweat, and his eyes were unfocused.

Without a word, Hyunwoo wrapped his arms around him. “You’re okay, Kook. You’re safe. It’s over. I’m here. Just breathe, okay? I’ve got you.” His voice was steady, soothing, though his heart was pounding just as fast.

Jungkook clutched the front of Hyunwoo’s shirt tightly, shaking but not crying. His body was tense, as if it still expected to be hurt.

Dr. Hwang approached gently. “He’s had a full panic attack. Should we give him a sedative to help him sleep through the scan?”

Hyunwoo looked down at the boy trembling in his arms, then gave a slow nod. “Yeah… let’s do it.”

The nurse brought over a small oxygen mask already prepared with the sedative. Hyunwoo held Jungkook steady as the mask was gently placed over his face.

Jungkook tensed at first but didn’t resist. His eyes slowly fluttered closed as the sedative took hold, his breathing finally slowing.

Hyunwoo brushed back the strands of hair stuck to his forehead. “You did your best, Kook,” he whispered. “It’s okay to rest now.”

Once Jungkook was asleep, they gently repositioned him and resumed the scan.

Hyunwoo stayed beside the window the entire time, watching every second with his arms crossed tightly, his expression torn between guilt and deep, aching concern.

With Jin

“Ahhh, I should have gone with him!” Jin groaned for the nth time, pacing back and forth like a worried parent. “Jungkook is terrified of hospitals. What if he’s crying right now? What if he’s not okay? What if—”

“Yah! Can you please shut up for just one minute?!” Hae-in finally snapped, throwing a cushion at him.

Jin froze mid-step, blinking dramatically like she’d just offended his entire bloodline. “Mwoooo?” he said, his voice full of disbelief.

Since morning, Jin had been acting like a storm cloud hovering over everyone, drenched in pure worry. Yoongi, Hoseok, and Namjoon had all tried multiple times to convince him that Jungkook would be just fine.

But of course, our super-protective hyung was not having it.

Hae-in, watching Jin in all his chaotic concern, couldn’t help but admire how deeply he cared for Jungkook. But at the same time, a knot tightened in her stomach. If this is how he reacts to a simple checkup… what will happen when he finds out the truth? She was already imagining Kim in his death bed.

“It’s 6 p.m.,” Hae-in said with a sigh, arms crossed. “You’ve been talking about your brother non-stop since morning. Can you please calm down? It was just a checkup. He’s going to be fine! My ears are literally bleeding because of your nonstop talks. ”

Jin looked away dramatically. “How can I calm down? He’s my little brother, and he’s really scared of hospitals. I should have gone with him,” he repeated for what felt like the 10000th time.

“Here we go again” Namjoon and Hoseok groaned in sync. Meanwhile our yoongi was just laying on the couch, lyk he was enjoying the movie.

Jin glared at them.

“Jungkook isn’t that scared of hospitals anymore,” Hae-in pointed out. “He may have been when he was little, but he’s stronger now. So please—breathe. Okay?”

Jin opened his mouth, “But he—”

“One more word and you’re gone,” Hae-in said sharply, pointing a finger at him with a death glare.

Jin slowly blinked, then turned his head away like a sulky child and mumbled, “I’m calling Samchoon.”

Everyone in the room groaned and facepalmed in unison.

Jin took out his phone like he was about to launch a rescue mission. After a few rings, Hyunwoo picked up.

“Samchoon? Is everything okay? Is Jungkook alright?” Jin asked, pacing again.

“Yes, Jin. We’ve finished the scan. After Jungkook wakes up, we’ll—”

“Wakes up?! Why is he sleeping?! Did he faint?! Did something happen?!” Jin’s voice shot up.

Hae-in immediately tensed, eyes locked on Jin.

“Ahhh, no, no! He’s just sleeping, that’s all. He was tired, so we let him rest,” Hyunwoo said quickly, clearly trying to sound calm.

“I’m coming there,” Jin said as he grabbed his coat.

“No need, really, everything is under control here—” Hyunwoo tried.

“It’s okay, I’ll come,” Jin insisted and hung up before Hyunwoo could argue.

“Guys, I’m leaving,” he said walking already.

“I’ll come with you,” Yoongi offered, getting up.

“No need, Yoongs. You guys finish the meeting. Come to the mansion later, with Jimin. We need to talk.” Jin said, already halfway out the door.

Yoongi nodded. The room fell quiet for a moment.

“…Is he always like this?” Hae-in asked into the silence.

Namjoon smiled gently. “He is, noona. Jin hyung would do anything for his brothers. They’re his world.”

Hae-in nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on the door Jin had just walked through. “Then… why did he leave Jungkook alone?”

The three men exchanged confused glances.

“It was because of Jungkook’s health,” Yoongi explained softly. “After the accident, he needed specialized care. Uncle insisted Jungkook to stay with him for proper treatment. That’s why Jin hyung agreed.”

Hae-in nodded slowly, but her jaw tightened.

“But you know what?” Namjoon added gently, “Hyung never stopped worrying. He felt guilty every single day for not being there. There wasn’t a moment he didn’t miss Jungkook. When Jungkook came back after 12 years… it was like the missing part of his soul had finally returned.”

“He’s just trying to make up for all the years he couldn’t be a big brother, he was guilty for not giving that love and care for jungkook.” Hoseok said. “That’s why he hovers. That’s why he worries so much. He wants to give Jungkook everything he never gave before.”

Hae-in stared at the floor, her thoughts swirling.

A part of her wanted to cry… and the other part was already imagining the storm that would erupt when Jin learned the truth.

Heyyy guys!!!

How was the chapter? I knew I did so many hospital kinda things. If it was boring and made you feel lyk you were stuck at the same sceans. I am sorry…

And litrelly I put my all efforts to make the hospital sceans look real. Was it?

Anyway what do you think about upcoming chapters?

Guess what they finally gave me the summer holidays. I am really sooo happy.

Anyway, what you wanna see in upcoming chapters. Guys please do tell I’ll make it.

I was watching a K-Drama called The devil judge, it was really soooo amazing. I just completed 4 episode and it was like 🎉💥.

Umm… Please do comment a lot. See I wrote such a long chapter for you all. So please do comment a lot

30+ comments for next chapter.