Hoseok was more or less nervous to go to school this morning. He couldn't even brush his teeth properly; his hand was shaking so much that he kept stabbing his gums. He even had to put his pants on sitting down. Hoseok's legs felt like jello and he couldn't handle it. Damn you Jeon Jungkook. 

Albeit, Hoseok made it to school without any trouble. He was getting his things out of his locker, also waiting for Jin. He hadn't talked to Jin since yesterday; not even a text. That didn't matter though. Jin was most likely with his boyfriend.

"Okay, what the hell happened yesterday? Do not leave out any details, Jung Hoseok." Jin had came stomping over to his friend, and leaned against the lockers.

Hoseok shut his locker and sighed audibly. Jin rolled his eyes at him. "We went out for coffee, that's it."

"What did you guys talk about? C'mon Hoseok!"

"You're annoying, you know that right?"

"Yes, now tell me!"

Hoseok sighed and continued, "We didn't talk about much. Everything was going fine until he said a joke," Jin quietly gasped for dramatic affect, "I blurted out that he was cute on accident. Jin, I was so fucking embarrassed. Then, he did this even cuter thing: He awkwardly accepted it. He said I wasn't too bad myself, too. We talked some more and I took him home. The end."

Jin squeaked out of excitement and started slapping his friend's shoulder like crazy. Hoseok pushed his hands off, but that didn't stop Jin from touching him.

"That's so cute! Tell me what happened when you took him home." Jin smiled widely, and Hoseok thought the guy would tear his face in half.

"Nothing."

"Something."

"Not even."

"You're blushing, so something happened."

Hoseok glared and groaned, hitting his head on the locker. He sighed and gave in, "Fine. I kissed his nose and left. I was going for his lips, but then I realized it wasn't a date and we weren't together. Happy now?"

Jin looked like he could explode. Hoseok prays he doesn't. He doesn't know why Jin is so happy about this. It's not like his and Jungkook's social status will escalate higher than friends. Although, I wish it would.

"I can't wait to tell Joonie about this!"

"Tell me what?"

Jin turned around and saw his boyfriend. He jumped into his arms and immediately attached his lips to Namjoon's. Hoseok has come to realize that Namjoon visits Jin before school starts. It's strange to him because Namjoon doesn't have a morning class, so why would he wake up at 7am just to see Jin? Because he's whipped.

Hoseok bid them goodbye even though they didn't hear him. He began walking to his first period. As soon as he walked in, he was surprised to see Jungkook in there. The boy was already seated and nervously looking down at his phone. Hoseok could tell he was nervous because his leg was bouncing and he was chewing on his nails.

Hoseok sat next to him and tapped his shoulder. Jungkook jumped a bit and looked next to him at Hoseok. His face calmed a little.

"Kook, what's wrong?" Hoseok asked concernedly.

"N-nothing, uh, h-hyung. Well, it's nothing - ah - serious... hopefully." Jungkook shakily responded.

"It's okay, just tell me." Hoseok placed a comforting hand on his arm. Jungkook looked down at his hand and licked his lips.

Jungkook looked back up and said, "I'm worried. About Tae, that is. He- he went home last night and didn't text me that he made it safely. N-now he isn't here t-today, and I just- hyung, I'm scared. I told him to not go home and that he didn't have to, but- ah, he's so hardheaded."

Hoseok processed everything Jungkook said and took it into consideration. He had an idea of the reason why Taehyung shouldn't have gone home, but he didn't know anything and wasn't going to ask.

"I'm not going to ask for anything personal. But, I think Taehyung is fine. He's okay. He probably caught a cold last night. You should know his immune system isn't the best."

Jungkook just nodded and checked his phone again. He gasped and quickly typed in his passcode. Hoseok leaned back to give him his privacy. But he was pulled back forward, even closer than before, by Jungkook. The younger held tightly onto Hoseok's leather jacket, and if he wasn't so damn cute Hoseok would've yelled at him for touching it.

"Hyung! He's okay! I was going to cry if he didn't respond!" Jungkook was smiling so much and Hoseok couldn't help but smile back. However, he noticed that Jungkook was already crying. Hopefully tears of joy.

Hoseok used his thumb to wipe a tear and show it to the boy. "You're already crying, Kook."

Jungkook looked at the tear drop surprisingly. How did he not notice his vision get blurry? How did he not feel the wetness? Maybe he was too excited.

"Oh, sorry. I'm just so happy," Jungkook wiped the rest away. "but, Tae said he's not coming to school. He... um hurt his leg. He's at the hospital getting it checked out and stuff, so I'm gonna see him after school."

"Would you like me to drive you?" Hoseok offered.

Jungkook shook his head. "No, it's fine. I can take a bus there."

The bell rang before Hoseok could argue. Students strolled sluggishly into the classroom, filling it up.

-

"You didn't have to give me a ride, hyung."

"I wanted to. Besides, I thought it'd be nice if I see him, too."

"But I thought- never mind."

"It's an unspoken agreement we have."

Jungkook nodded as they entered the hospital. They approached the front desk and Jungkook asked to see Taehyung.

"May I ask your relation to the patient?"

"I'm his stepbrother, and this is my boyfriend. Where's his room? I'm in a rush."

The man told them the room number and Jungkook started speed walking with Hoseok following right behind (he completely disregarded the fact that Jungkook called him his boyfriend only to see his best friend).

They reached the room in no time and Jungkook knocked on the door. He heard a faint 'come in' and both boys entered.

Taehyung was laying in the bed with a leg in a thick cast and bruises all over him. There was only one on his face, which made Jungkook relieved.

"Taetae!"

"Kookie!"

Jungkook rushed over and pulled his best friend into a tight embrace. Jungkook was crying again and Taehyung could tell since he felt wet spots on the hospital gown he was wearing.

"Jungkookie, don't cry. I'm fine, I'm okay. See? I'm alive and happy." Taehyung reassured the crying boy. He rubbed his back and kissed the side of Jungkook's head.

Hoseok quietly sat in a chair in the corner of the room. He watched fondly as the two best friends held each other a bit longer.

Jungkook lifted his head up, but didn't break the hug. "T-tae... I was so worried! You didn't answer my calls or texts! What happened when you got home?"

Taehyung looked behind Jungkook at Hoseok. The older was occupied with his phone. Taehyung looked back at his friend with an eyebrow quirked.

"I'll explain. Hyung, c-could you give us some privacy? I'm sorry, it's just-"

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. I'll be in the waiting room. Glad you're okay, Taehyung." Hoseok flashed a quick smile and left the room, shutting the door behind him.

"Who first?"

"Tae."

"Fine," Taehyung sighed and scooted over to make room for Jungkook. He laid down on the bed and the two boys faced each other. Taehyung continued, "when I got home, dad asked the usual. I told him I was with you and he just... slapped me."

Taehyung pointed to the bruise on his cheek, then went on, "He usually never cares if I'm with you. But this time, he thought I was lying. I don't know why, and you know there's no chance in hell I'll ask. I tried running upstairs to my room, but he pulled me by my hair and caused me to tumble backwards down the stairs. I landed on my leg wrong and that's how I ended up here."

Jungkook buried his face into Taehyung's chest. He hates what his dad does to his best friend. Taehyung didn't deserve it. All he ever did was try to make his dad happy for him by getting good grades, making several honor rolls, and so much more. Yet, the man was never satisfied.

"I'm so sorry, Taetae. Listen to me when I tell you not to go home next time! Did your dad just drop you off here?"

"Kind of. He signed me in and stuff, then left. That asshole."

"Did the doctors ask how you got the bruises?"

"Told them I fell down the stairs."

Jungkook draped an arm around Taehyung and pulled him close. He's always so scared for his best friend. That's why he never wanted Taehyung to go home. He always convinced Tae to stay the night when the boy didn't ask himself.

"I want to protect you with my life, Taetae. I need to wrap you in bubble wrap and keep you in my room. Your dad is gonna have to go through me to get to my Taetae." Jungkook stated and looked up at Taehyung.

Taehyung giggled and booped Jungkook's nose. "You're so cute when you try to act tough. Thank you, though. Where would I be without you, Jungkookie?"

"In a ditch."

"True."

The two best friends just laid in silence for a while, cuddling each other. Taehyung then realized something.

"Why is Hoseok here?"

Jungkook's eyes widen. He really hoped he didn't have to explain. Despite there not being much to tell, he still hoped Taehyung didn't ask.

"Darn, I thought you'd forget. He gave me a ride here. I politely declined when he offered this morning, but he wouldn't stop asking so I just agreed to appease him."

"He offered? Wow, Hoseok never offers anything."

"He didn't offer you anything?"

"Not really. I told you: Our relationship felt like we weren't really dating."

"Right. I'm sorry I asked."

"Don't be. Call me crazy, but I think he likes you."

"You're crazy. He doesn't like me. He can't like me-"

"Because y'all don't talk and blah blah blah. I get it. This should be a bonding time. Go get me some lime jello from the cafeteria with him. Get three cups if you can."

Jungkook rolled his eyes and got off the bed. "Why do I always listen to you?" He left the room and went into the waiting room a couple of doors down. He saw Hoseok sat in the corner, scrolling through his phone.

The older looked flawless under the dim lighting of the room. His black hair fell over his eyes in such a perfect way, Jungkook thought he might've done it that way on purpose. Hoseok's leather jacket looked extra good on him and Jungkook didn't know it was possible. He's always wanted to try the jacket on, simply because it was Hoseok's jacket. Jungkook knew it might be slightly big on him since Hoseok has a bigger frame than him. Jungkook was small with noodle arms.

He also wondered if the leather jacket was warm and smelled like Hoseok. Probably, though, since the older was always wearing it. God, Jungkook just wants to try it once-

"Jungkook? Kook?"

Jungkook came to and blushed a maddening red. He had been caught staring at a hot guy and Jungkook didn't think he would ever have to go through such embarrassment.

"Oh, s-sorry. Tae wants us to go get him some jello. You don't have to go if you don't want to, of course! I was just going to go down the street, instead of the cafeteria here. Hospital food isn't that great, you know? So I'm not sure- I'm rambling again, aren't I?" Jungkook quickly shut his mouth as Hoseok was giving him the look.

"Just a little, but it's fine. You're pretty cute when you ramble." The words flew out of Hoseok's mouth so easily. Almost naturally, and that scared Hoseok. The last time he called Jungkook cute didn't go so well. Why was this time any different?

"T-thank you... I think. Let's go." Jungkook rushed out the room and started walking towards the exit of the hospital.

Hoseok shook his head while chuckling and follows the younger.

-
"I only told you to get three. Dammit Jungkook, don't you listen to me?!"

"I do, but I also read between the lines. If I only bought three cups, you would finish them within an hour, and complain you want more. Obviously, me being the greatest friend you have, would waste my time by getting you more. Hence, why I bought six. You're welcome, by the way."

Taehyung rolled his eyes at Jungkook and opened up a jello cup. He offered some to Jungkook, but he declined.

Jungkook watched as his best friend happily ate the lime flavored treat. He sighed softly and yawned. He had only been at the hospital for a total of 2 hours, but he was so tired.

"Taetae, how long are you going to be here?" Jungkook finally asked.

"Doc said about a week for my bruises to heal and my leg to be stabilized."

"You wouldn't mind if I leave right now, would you? I don't want to leave you, but I'm tired. I'm sure hyung wants to go home, too. I've been selfish by letting him stay here with me. Ugh, I should've told him to go home." Jungkook fiddled with his fingernails, picking at them. He does this when he feels guilty.

Taehyung sighed and took hold of his best friend's hands. "Kookie, it's fine. You'll be back tomorrow, I know you will," Taehyung kissed both of Jungkook's hands, "now let your boyfriend take you home." Taehyung winked at him and Jungkook glared.

Jungkook slapped Taehyung's shoulder as the latter laughed. "Tae! Shut up! He's not my boyfriend! You're infuriating!"

Taehyung laughed louder, and said, "He's not your boyfriend yet! Now leave, I'm kicking you out!"

-

Hoseok walked the younger to his front door and both boys felt a wave of deja vu. Jungkook hoped the older would make contact again like last time, but he didn't know why. While Hoseok hoped to not embarrass himself like that again.

"I am extremely sorry, again. I didn't mean for you to stay that long. You could have left whenever, hyung." Jungkook apologized for the umpteenth time.

Hoseok just waved him off with a small smile, "It's completely fine. Stop apologizing, Kook. It's not like I had anything better to do, anyway. Besides, how would you have gotten home?"

"The bus."

"Gross, don't take the bus anymore. I'll just give you a ride whenever you need it, okay? Don't be scared to ask." Hoseok offered the younger a sweet smile.

Jungkook looked down at his shoes so Hoseok wouldn't have to see his rosy cheeks. He just nodded and bit his lip.

It was quiet for a few moments. Jungkook really wanted Hoseok to do something. Jungkook himself could initiate something, but he didn't want to. He really wanted Hoseok to do so.

"Um, see you at school tomorrow?" Hoseok said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

Jungkook quickly looked up and nodded. He bore his eyes into the older's, praying he'd get the hint. Unfortunately, Hoseok did not get the message as he smiled and said a quick goodbye. Jungkook watched as Hoseok walked away from him. The male got onto his motorcycle after strapping on a helmet. He revved the engine and drove off into the fading sunlight.

Jungkook sighed and went into his house.

"WHO WAS THAT HOTTIE?"

a/n: v long chapter and i'm so sorry about that. i just had a lot planned for this chapter and i didn't want to separate it into different chapters when it's all in one day ok ily thank you :)