As Jungkook stood in the corner of the room, his mind was a whirl of thoughts. His body trembled from the weight of his own exhaustion, but he was determined to keep standing, to keep going. Jimin was still unconscious, his paralyzed body resting motionless on the bed, awaiting the final steps of his healing process. Jungkook had already given so much, but now was the time to give more.

Jin, the ever-wise and calm figure, noticed the strain on Jungkook's face, the way he was barely holding himself up. He knew the toll the ritual had taken on the younger man—Jungkook was hanging by a thread, physically and emotionally. His breathing was shallow, his posture slumped, and his eyes were clouded with pain. Still, the resolve in his gaze remained.

"Jungkook," Jin said gently, his voice filled with both concern and a sense of authority. "You've already given so much. But now we have to focus on Jimin's recovery. His spine needs to be repaired for when his soul returns. It's time."

Jungkook looked up at him, barely holding back the exhaustion that threatened to overtake him. "Surgery? You mean Jimin's... spine?" His voice barely audible.

Jin nodded. "Yes. The ritual worked, but now we need to stabilize and strengthen his spine, especially his lower back. You are his doctor ofcourse you know his body was weakened by the paralysis, and we can't afford to wait any longer. We need to make sure that when Jimin's soul returns after healing, his body can fully support it."

Jungkook's face hardened. He knew Jin was right. Jimin's body had suffered enough. He had given so much already, and now it was Jungkook's turn to give everything he had left.

"Alright," Jungkook said, his voice low and determined. "Let's do it. But I'm the one who will perform the surgery. I'll do it for him."

Jin hesitated, but the fierce look in Jungkook's eyes left no room for argument. He understood the pain his friend and mate was in, but he also understood that there was no stopping Jungkook when it came to Jimin.

"Okay. You're the head surgeon after all. I'll assist you," Jin agreed, his voice laced with respect. "But you need to rest as much as you can before we start. You're not in the best shape, and this surgery will require all your focus."

Jungkook shook his head. "I don't need rest. We don't have time. We'll do this now."

"I'll do it, let's go." Jungkook said quietly, his voice hoarse from the strain. He forced himself to take a step toward Jimin, his body betraying him with every movement. His hands were unsteady, but he reached for the surgical instruments, positioning them on the table with care. His breath was shaky as he tried to focus. The pain was unbearable, but he would endure it. He had no choice. He was barely holding himself as he started taking deep breaths, Jungkook chucked down half bottle of water and stood firmly gathering his left strength.

Jin watched with a somber expression as Jungkook prepared. He could see the toll the ritual had taken on his friend—his once sharp, efficient movements were now sluggish, his hands trembling as he adjusted the surgical tools. But Jin also knew Jungkook's strength. He had never seen anyone more dedicated to their loved ones.

"Are you sure you can handle this, Jungkook?" Jin asked, his tone laced with concern. He could feel the weight of responsibility in the air. This wasn't just any surgery—it was one that required precision, strength, and clarity of mind.

Jungkook swallowed hard, pushing aside the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. He clenched his jaw, steadying his breath. "I can do this," he replied firmly, though the strain in his voice was evident. "I have to. For Jimin. I know what I'm doing hyung."

Jin sighed but nodded, not wanting to add to the burden Jungkook already carried. He moved to stand beside Jungkook, ready to assist in any way possible. He could see how much this meant to the younger man—and he understood.

"Alright," Jin said, his tone now turning professional. "We need to reinforce his spine, focus on the lower vertebrae. We'll need to work quickly but carefully."

Jungkook nodded again, his focus narrowing. The world around him seemed to blur, the pain threatening to pull him into unconsciousness, but he forced himself to concentrate. His hands were unsteady, but the years of medical training kicked in. As much as his body screamed in protest, he knew he had to keep going. He fisted his knuckles and started again this time steadily without shaking the instruments.

He glanced at Jin, his expression strained. "Let's begin."

Jungkook positioned himself at Jimin's side, his hands hovering over his Alpha's lower back, where the paralysis had caused the most damage. The surgery would be delicate—Jimin's spine needed to be reinforced with precision, his vertebrae realigned and strengthened so that, when Jimin's soul returned, his body would be able to accept it without issue.

Jungkook could feel the sharp pang of weakness threatening to overtake him, but he forced himself to take control. He steadied his breath, his hands shaking as he prepared to make the first incision.

The first cut was made with a steady hand—Jungkook's exceptional skills and training took over. But with each movement, the pain in his body intensified. It felt as though his muscles were tearing apart, his bones splintering. Every nerve in his body screamed in agony, but he pressed on, his focus fixed solely on Jimin's body. He had to get this right.

Jin moved beside him, watching carefully as the procedure began. "You're doing well, Jungkook," Jin murmured, but even his voice couldn't mask the worry he felt. He could see how much pain Jungkook was in, how each movement was draining the last of his strength.

Jungkook didn't respond. His focus was locked on the task at hand. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breath came in short, painful gasps. He could feel the strain in every muscle, every joint—his body was not his own anymore. But despite all of that, he continued. He could feel Jimin's presence in the air—his mate's soul was still somewhere near, still linked to him. That connection kept him going.

The incision was deeper now, and Jungkook could feel the blood flow beneath his fingers, the sharp sting of the wound sending waves of nausea through his body. He gritted his teeth, refusing to let the pain overtake him. "I can do this," he whispered to himself, his voice strained.

Jin didn't ask him to stop. He simply worked alongside him, his own concentration unyielding as they carefully navigated the delicate procedure.

As Jungkook worked, his mind wandered to Jimin. He could still feel his Alpha's presence, still feel the faint tug of their bond, even though Jimin's soul was still healing. Jungkook had always been the protector, the one who kept everything together. But now, as he fought to hold on to consciousness and complete the surgery, he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could endure.

Jin glanced over at Jungkook again, noticing the strain. "Jungkookah," he said gently, "take a breath. Little more. You're doing great. Just focus."

Jungkook gave a slight nod but didn't pause. He couldn't afford to stop now. His hands were trembling, the surgical tools slipping slightly in his grip, but he managed to steady them again. Every second felt like a lifetime. Every movement was a battle. The pain in his body, the exhaustion in his mind—it was all becoming too much to bear. But he was sure that he won't he can't afford doing any critical mistake and he didn't.

But he didn't give up. He couldn't. Not when Jimin was so close to being healed, not when their future together depended on this. The huge and complicated surgery continues.

To be continued.....

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