Jungkook couldn't muster the energy to rise and switch on the lights in his bedroom or apartment. He was too consumed by sickness, caught in a state between wakefulness and sleep, dehydrated yet too fatigued to venture out of bed for water and food.

His body weighed heavily upon him, and though he longed for relief, the thought of burdening someone by calling for help held him back.

Despite his inner encouragement to take action, he remained immobile in the moment.

Then, suddenly, he heard the sound of movement filling his apartment, resonating in the living room and drawing closer. Startled, he lifted the quilt from his head, only to glimpse a figure coming toward him through the darkness, illuminating the room and causing him to reflexively shield his eyes from the harsh light.

And Jungkook sat up as if on cue, sensing a presence beside him on the bed. As he opened his eyes, he was met with the sight of his beautiful Taehyung wearing expressions of worry and concern, quickly leaning in to embrace Jungkook's feverish body. Jungkook melted into the embrace without hesitation.

"Baby... you're here..." Jungkook whispered weakly, his voice barely audible. Taehyung hugged him tighter, feeling a wave of relief wash over him at the sight of Jungkook.

"What have you done?" Taehyung asked, breaking the embrace and cupping Jungkook's warm face, concern etched in his features as he gazed at his weakened partner.

"I don't know, but I feel better now that you're here." Jungkook replied softly, laying his head back onto Taehyung's shoulder, seeking more of his comforting embrace. Taehyung let his hand gently run through Jungkook's hair, while his other hand remained securely behind Jungkook's back, offering support and reassurance.

"This is what you get when you don't take care of yourself. I knew you didn't wear clothes nicely or eat well. Do I always have to remind you to take care of yourself? You act like a careless child. How could you take care of everyone else but you? You just—" Taehyung continued scolding Jungkook, his words filled with concern and frustration, yet he couldn't help but be drawn into Jungkook's embrace, feeling the weight and warmth of his body pressing against his own. Lost in the moment, Taehyung snuggled closer, closing his eyes as he held onto Jungkook tightly.

"Keep scolding me, baby, I deserve it, but I just want you here." Jungkook whispered weakly, his voice tinged with vulnerability, almost childlike in its plea. Taehyung's heart softened at Jungkook's words, and he snuggled in even closer, comforting his partner.

"I will be." Taehyung whispered back, tilting his head to press a firm kiss on Jungkook's warm head. At that moment, Jungkook seemed to shed half of his illness, comforted by Taehyung's affectionate gesture.

"I brought you your medicine, and I'll cook for you before that. You'll be back to your old self soon, okay? I'll take care of you." Taehyung spoke gently, his hand caressing Jungkook's back as Jungkook let himself sink deeper into his embrace, finding solace in his partner's words alone.

"I missed holding you, baby." Jungkook whispered, his voice filled with longing, causing a pang in Taehyung's heart.

"We'll talk about that later, your health is my priority right now." Taehyung replied, determined to focus on taking care of Jungkook and ensuring his well-being above all else.

~♡~

"I was so scared when I heard the news. Jungkook told me about your condition, said you were fine, but I couldn't help myself from coming here." Stacy spoke, breaking the hug with V, who remained silent, slightly shocked by her presence.

"You're fine, right?" Stacy asked again, her hands cupping his cheeks as she searched his eyes for reassurance.

"I am." V replied, and her genuine smile eased some of his tension.

"Can I come in? I promise I'll leave soon; I just really want to talk to you." she asked, her eyes pleading with him. Unable to resist, V moved aside, granting her permission to enter.

Stacy hesitated, taking in her surroundings. It was her first time at his shared apartment with his twin, a situation that usually kept them hanging out elsewhere or at her place.

"Is your brother home?" she asked, turning to see V as he entered the dining room and carefully making his way towards her.

"He just left."

Stacy sighed softly, glancing down as she retrieved her sling bag. V, mindful of his injury, sat down carefully, and Stacy instinctively moved to support him, settling beside him on the couch.

"I noticed your steps, you may not be completely fine." she observed, her concern evident. V sighed, acknowledging the discomfort.

"It's been weeks. I do feel pain when I move my back or belly, but I'm managing."

"I don't know if I should ask this, but how severe was that?" Stacy's concern was palpable as she glanced at V's wound under his sweater.

"Not too severe." he replied, his gaze dropping to the injury. "The knife pierced through my muscles on the side, and some of my intestines." Stacy gasped in shock at the revelation.

"You think it's not severe?" Her disbelief mingled with concern, but V just offered her an apologetic smile.

"I was too late when I found this out, but I couldn't sleep the entire night thinking about how you could be. Luckily, I met Jungkook in class, but I still couldn't help myself—"

"It's okay, I'm glad you came." V reassured her casually, his tone calm despite the gravity of the situation. Stacy quietly regarded him, her emotions evident in her expression.

"Time is unpredictable."

"It is."

"V..." After a pause, Stacy began, and V turned to look at her.

"We couldn't talk after we broke up, though I always wanted to. Is everything okay in your life?" Her question hung in the air, and V's gaze drifted away as he pondered. Some aspects were alright, while others remained unchanged.

"I think not much has changed. There's always something in our lives we wish was fine, so maybe, as always." V replied honestly. Stacy nodded, understanding his sentiment.

"How about you?" V inquired, and Stacy sighed, her gaze dropping to her hand.

"Do you want me to be honest?" Stacy asked, seeking permission, and V nodded, giving her the assurance to continue.

"Not quite well. I know it sounds a bit eccentric, seeing how you're struggling and all," Stacy admitted.

"It's okay, go on," V encouraged, his tone gentle.

"I couldn't accept our breakup at first. It always weighed on me. At times, I thought I wasn't enough. I've never been good at dating, and I thought maybe I could figure it out with you, but..." Stacy trailed off, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Stacy, I've always made it clear. We broke up not because you weren't enough. We broke up because I knew I was hurting you in the process of trying not to hurt you. I've always admired and respected you as a great woman, but I can't guarantee the love part, which I believe you deserve the most." V replied sincerely, his words carrying a depth of honesty. Stacy's gaze softened at his words.

"Maybe that's why I fell in love with you." she whispered, and V looked slightly taken aback by her confession.

"You're seriously a very genuine person. You have your own limits, you set your rules and follow them, and you don't easily let yourself be influenced. Oh, to be loved by you, V. I envy the person who might get your love." Stacy whispered softly, her admiration evident. V's expression softened, though he tried to maintain composure.

"V..." Stacy reached out, placing her hand on his cheek, and V met her gaze quietly.

"I'm not here to reopen old wounds. I don't blame you or anyone. Maybe every person has a part to play, and I understand your reasons. I'm also glad you confronted me that time. I'll always cherish the time we spent, the moments we had, the kisses we shared, or the little dates. But maybe what happened was just a part of my experiences. It took me a while to come to terms with it, but I now understand why you did it, and I'll respect that, just as you always respected me. You're a true gentleman. And maybe taking it as a good sign, I've always admired you, but now I've decided to take a new step, and I'm so happy to share it with you. Yeah, I've just found someone, and it's my first date with him tomorrow." Stacy revealed, her voice steady with resolve. As she spoke, V listened attentively, and at the end of her confession, he gently took her hand into his own, a silent gesture of understanding and support.

"And I'm so happy for you. I hope this person gives you what you mostly deserve, love." V responded genuinely, his words carrying warmth. Stacy's smile widened, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"Yes, I wish the same. But am I greedy if I want him to respect me the same way you did?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. V chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"You make me seem like someone that I'm not."

"Yeah, maybe. You're more than you know." Stacy replied softly, her gaze lingering on V's face. He returned her smile.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world. As I always wanted to." V whispered, his sincerity evident. Stacy's smile grew wider, and she leaned in, pressing a chaste kiss on top of his forehead.

"Thank you so much for everything, and I hope you recover well." she whispered softly before standing up. V squeezed her hand gently, a silent gesture of care, as she prepared to leave.

"Sorry for taking your time. I should be—" Stacy began, but she was interrupted by the buzzing of the doorbell.

"Oh, I'll take that," Stacy said, quickly shouldering her bag again and hurrying to answer the door. As she swung it open, she was met with the sight of the adorable blonde in his cute winter outfit: a pastel yellow sweater paired with loose jeans and shoes, looking stunning as always.

"Oh, hey!" Stacy greeted him with a smile, and Jimin's blank expression transformed upon seeing her standing there.

Jimin couldn't find his words, his gaze shifting back into the house to find Dowoo carefully standing up from the couch and turning to face Jimin's direction, while Stacy remained at the door.

"You must be here to take care of him. Then I guess I should be getting going." Stacy said, addressing Jimin before turning to face V for a final nod of understanding.

"Bye V, take care of yourself." Stacy said finally, waving her hand as she walked away and V reciprocated the gesture with a wave of his own.

"Bye, take care." V replied softly, watching her leave with a sense of fondness. Jimin remained in a trance for a moment until he shook himself out of it and decided to enter the apartment, closing the door behind him.

His gaze fell on V, and though he was relieved to see him, there was a flicker of something in his eyes as he noticed the faint stains of pink lip gloss on V's forehead.

V decided to approach him, but before he could say anything, Jimin swiftly turned away and headed for the kitchen, placing his bag on the counter before opening the fridge.

"She was just here to see me," V spoke up, breaking the silence, unsure of how to broach the topic. Jimin remained unfazed, pretending to be engrossed in finding a water bottle to drink.

"She was here just for a while." V repeated, trying to clarify, but Jimin sighed heavily, closing his eyes briefly.

"And why are you telling me this?" Jimin finally broke his silence, his tone laced with frustration. V frowned slightly at his response.

"I'm telling you because I wanted to—"

"Cool." Jimin cut him off, placing the water bottle in the fridge and shutting the door. He started to walk away, brushing past V, but V reached out and caught his arm.

"Hey, what's with that attitude?" V questioned, his expression puzzled. Jimin looked up at him, his gaze sharp with skepticism.

"And what's with that explanation?" Jimin countered.

"What do you mean by explanation? I just shared because I was supposed to." V replied, his own frustration beginning to show.

"Since when are you supposed to share everything with me, Kim Dowoo?" Jimin questioned, attempting to free his arm from V's grip, but V tightened his hold once more.

"All of this because you found her here?" As V asked, Jimin's frustration was palpable.

"Do I look like I give a damn?" Jimin asked, his expression remaining blank, which only deepened V's frown.

"She was just here for a talk, and that's it. She left."

"Do you think I care?"

"You seem to care a lot." V retorted in a passively aggressive tone, but Jimin finally broke free from his grip in a swift motion.

"You wish." Jimin replied coolly, attempting to walk away once more. But V was quick to grab his wrist, pulling him back. Jimin was slightly taken aback by the sudden move but quickly regained his composure, his expression stern.

"We're not finished talking." V stated firmly, his gaze unwavering. Jimin turned his head to face V, his expression challenging.

"No, maybe you two were not done talking before I came in. Might have disturbed your little conversation, right?" Jimin retorted, stepping in to wipe the lip gloss off V's forehead and showing his fingers to him.

V looked down at Jimin's hand, still unfazed, fully aware of why Jimin was upset.

"All of this drama because of this?" V questioned, causing Jimin to narrow his eyes in disbelief.

"A drama?" Jimin repeated incredulously.

"What do you call it then? Saying you don't care and constantly caring? What do you think it is?" V asked, his tone earnest. Jimin scoffed, pulling his wrist away from V's grip.

"I call it stupidity, Kim Dowoo. Why do you think I'll ever be threatened to lose someone I never had or will ever have? Stop shoving it in my face. You two met? Good. You talked? Good. Now if you fucking excuse me—" Jimin's words were laced with anguish, and V felt a pang of pain in his chest.

"What do you mean by someone you never had?" V pressed, his voice tinged with concern. Jimin chuckled bitterly, rolling his eyes as he tried to turn away.

"Oh, leave it—"

"No, we're not leaving until you say things out loud. Let me hear you, Jimin." V insisted, his tone firm and Jimin snapped, frustration evident in his expression.

"Hear me saying what? What now, Dowoo? As far as I know, you are aware of my feelings, so what is there for me to let you know? In fact, it's me. It's me who doesn't know a damn thing about you. I don't know what you feel because you never said. What am I to you? A friend? A special childhood friend? Is that all? With this economy, I shouldn't be minding anything, right? So why are you so worried about what I feel? It's me and my feelings, right?" Jimin's frustration poured out, his words cutting through the tension.

"Wasn't it you? Wasn't it you who had labeled us before? Now why is it a bother to you?" V's voice held a hint of hurt, and Jimin could see emotions flickering across V's face as he spoke.

"Dowoo, I don't wanna go back to the same argument that never took us anywhere—" Jimin attempted to diffuse the situation, but V interrupted him.

"Then why are you running away? Like you always do." V questioned, his tone tinged with frustration. Jimin kept trying to turn around, but V had had enough.

"You aren't supposed to stand that long, Dowoo. Sit down, I'll make something for you to eat." Jimin attempted to deflect, but V wasn't having it.

"No, we're having this damn conversation right now, Jimin. And if you dare step away at any moment, we're done talking, forever." V warned through gritted teeth, his determination palpable as he stood squarely in front of Jimin, locking eyes with him, forcing Jimin to freeze in his place.

"Do you always talk like that? What hatred is it that you're nurturing inside of you? Why?" V's frustration and sadness seeped through his questions as he gripped Jimin's shoulder, shaking him gently, while Jimin felt like his resolve was melting away, unable to fight back anymore.

"Hatred? After all that we went through, you think it was all hatred?" Jimin's voice wavered, his lips trembling as he struggled to comprehend those words. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he looked up at V, the challenge in his gaze mirroring the turmoil in his heart.

"Then how come you never saw that I was always there for you? You always had me, Jimin. But you will always find words to go against it, even if I always put you first. But I suppose you'll never see, because to you, I'll always be the bad guy." V poured out his frustration, his voice laden with hurt, while Jimin's tears flowed freely.

"And that's all you could see? That's all you could see, Dowoo?" Jimin choked out, his voice breaking with emotion.

"Because that's what you want me to see. You know what, Jimin?" V's anguish was visible as he looked at Jimin, his eyes pleading for understanding. Jimin sensed something heavy was about to come out of V's lips, something he wasn't prepared for.

"You know what I remember? I remember you saying you loved me. Jimin, you told me you loved me.." V reminded Jimin of the argument before the tragic night and Jimin's tears increased, his lips trembling with emotion.

"But I won't make you feel that I know, because you never saw what I wanted you to see—"

"Then what am I supposed to do? What?!" Jimin finally broke into sobs, his voice filled with anguish and frustration.

As Jimin cried, V's gaze softened, his own heart aching in tandem with Jimin's pain.

"Just say it to me once, Jimin. I want to hear it from you." V pleaded, his voice filled with longing, while Jimin struggled to compose himself amidst his tears.

"Say what? What is there for me to say? Say that I have loved you all my life and I still do, and I can never love anyone else the way I do. I love you, I love you, I love you. Does this still change the fact that I will never be accepted by you as more than just a friend and that you'll never accept that you might—" Jimin's words were cut off as V grabbed the sides of his neck, pulling him closer until there was only a mere gap of inches between them. V's eyes were brimming with emotions as he looked down at Jimin's tear-filled eyes with his own, tracing every feature of Jimin's face, feeling a whirlwind of emotions churning inside his chest after hearing those heartfelt words.

How could he reciprocate? How could he tell Jimin that he loved him so deeply, and that just looking at him like this made him want to break down in tears himself?

Jimin gulped, feeling a lump forming in his throat as he stared into Dowoo's piercing eyes, witnessing the torrent of emotions swirling within V's soft, yet tear-filled gaze.

Dowoo continued to draw himself closer, as if yearning to soak in Jimin's essence as much as possible.

"Dowoo... Stop..." Jimin whispered, his voice trembling with fear and uncertainty, like a frightened animal pleading for mercy. He feared that Dowoo would draw him closer only to push him away, and the thought terrified him. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, Jimin pushed Dowoo away instead, causing him to frown, his heart feeling like it was being ripped from his chest.

"I can't, I can't because I know I can't have you." Jimin confessed tearfully, unable to hold back his emotions any longer. He pressed the back of his hand to his mouth, taking hesitant steps backwards as he bared his insecurities for all to see.

"You always had me, Jimin. How do I say this? You always had me." V reassured, taking hesitant steps towards Jimin.

"No, I never had you. It was just in my mind. I always had a part of you in my mind that I made my everything, but that's not what I want, Dowoo. And you won't understand!" Jimin protested, tears streaming down his cheeks, his heart breaking with every word.

"What is it that I won't understand?" V asked softly, stepping closer to Jimin, tears welling up in his own eyes.

"If I can't have all of you, then I want none of you." Jimin declared, his voice trembling with emotion, tears flowing freely until V couldn't take it anymore.

And V always wanted him to see his everything, and for that, he had to give him his everything.

"Fuck it, come here." V whispered fiercely, and in an instant, he pulled Jimin closer by the sides of his neck and pressed his lips forcefully against Jimin's. Jimin's eyes widened in shock, overwhelmed by the suddenness of the kiss, but V didn't relent. He kissed Jimin passionately, pouring all of his pent-up emotions into the kiss, while Jimin felt too weak to resist, too overwhelmed to react.

As V kissed Jimin with a fervor born of longing and desperation, he realized that he wanted Jimin to see his everything, to understand the depth of his love and devotion. And to achieve that, he knew he had to give Jimin his everything in return. In that moment, as their lips met and their hearts entwined, V silently vowed to give Jimin every part of himself, to lay bare his soul and share his deepest desires and fears. For V knew that only by opening himself up completely to Jimin could he hope to bridge the gap between them and truly connect on a level that transcended words.

And he desperately wanted to convey this by breaking away for once, without being kissed back.

"I fucking love you, Jimin. I fucking loved you as always." V whispered as he connected their foreheads, closing his eyes, while Jimin struggled to keep himself upright.

Was V really saying that?

"How do I tell you that you always had me? And you'll always have me." V continued, opening his eyes to gaze into Jimin's tear-filled, shocked eyes.

Jimin could confirm that it was real when he saw tears filled with genuine love reflecting in Dowoo's eyes for the first time in his life. V had let his guard down for him, wanting Jimin to see his vulnerability and finally believe that his love was always true.

It's not something to brush off lightly because V made the decision to express his feelings for the first time, lifting a heavy weight from Jimin's chest. With each passing moment, the burden felt lighter, less of a suffering.

Tears glistened in Jimin's eyes as he gazed at V with admiration, overwhelmed by his love for him.

Nothing could stop him from rising on his toes and wrapping his arms around V's neck, who reciprocated by embracing his waist and meeting his lips with equal passion and emotion.

Though initiated by Jimin, V eagerly reciprocated, losing himself in the moment and forgetting past pain, consumed only by his love for Jimin and the sweet taste of strawberry chapstick.

They were both deeply in love; there was no denying it.

As the kiss intensified, Jimin expressed his love by tangling his fingers in V's hair, every moment shared deeply felt by both.

Love overflowed in that kiss, settling all the chaos of years and months into a moment of pure affection, ending things on a note of love they both desired.

~♡~

"Kookie?" Taehyung whispered softly, but all he received in response were gentle snores emanating from Jungkook, who had fallen asleep on top of him.

Taehyung adjusted himself into a fowler position, lying partially reclined with Jungkook's head resting on his chest, cradled in his arms. He could feel the warmth of Jungkook's body gradually fading as the medication he gave him began to take effect.

Jungkook, in his weakened state, clung to Taehyung like a child, and Taehyung embraced the role of caregiver wholeheartedly, ensuring Jungkook was well-fed and properly medicated.

As Taehyung covered Jungkook with a quilt and gently played with his hair, Jungkook sought an even more comfortable position, nestling closer into Taehyung's embrace.

Despite noticing Jungkook beginning to sweat, Taehyung refrained from disturbing his rest, opting instead to continue his soothing gestures until Jungkook was lost in a deep, peaceful sleep.

Taehyung's heart sank as he realized the extent of Jungkook's illness, his mind filled with regret over his recent actions. Had he been too harsh?

Feeling a pang of pain in his chest each time he saw Jungkook suffering, Taehyung pushed aside memories of their past. Despite Jungkook's efforts to prove his honesty and take responsibility for their relationship, Taehyung knew he needed to do his part to mend their bond.

With Jungkook nestled close, Taehyung reflected on why he loved him so deeply. Jungkook's unwavering devotion and selflessness were evident in every gesture, reaffirming Taehyung's commitment to their love.

Tenderly, Taehyung pressed his lips to Jungkook's forehead, holding him tightly, unwilling to let go. He was determined not to lose Jungkook, knowing their love was worth fighting for.

And he'll always fight for him.

───♡───

Finally!!! Yes, I'm so fucking relieved that this happened now I can do whatever I want with the fluffy and romance that's on the way. You'll gonna love it!

Keep commenting!!

Hope you guys enjoyed it!