Chapter Text
“One two three and step up!, Kookie you’re out of step again!” Hoseok instructed, going through the steps of fake love, which Jungkook seem to have trouble with.
“Sorry Hyung, I just can’t get that step, can you instruct me one on one?” Jungkook asked, bending down to catch his breath
“No, let’s have a water break first” Namjoon said while the members already scattered to their own water bottles
“You are usually good at picking up the step formation Kookie, what happened today?” Jimin asked, sitting next to Jungkook, who was wiping away sweat
“I don’t know, I just can’t get my leg to make that step, it’s the memorization” He huffed, taking another sip before going over to Hoseok, who was getting ready to teach him one on one.
“Ok Kookie, can you just verbally go over the step formation?” Hoseok stood in front of Jungkook
“One two three and step up” recited Jungkook confidently, which Hoseok nodded to happily
“Alright, now follow the steps” which Jungkook did, but once he had to step his foot over the other one, it was clearly out of step. “There, that step, move your leg further”
Jungkook tried very hard, but the moment he extended his leg, he felt pain shoot up all the way to his spine, and felt an insane amount of tightness, as if someone was pulling his muscle, “Ow ow Hyung! I’m not flexible like you! “ Jungkook sounded like he was in genuine pain, pulling himself into a neutral position while gently rubbing his leg.
The members were looking at Jungkook worriedly, even Yoongi could step up like Hoseok did, it was not a problem with flexibility at all.
“Alright Kookie, how about we end dance practice today, take a hot shower to relax your muscles and we will start again tomorrow?” Hoseok looked at Jungkook who was about to protest but Jimin interrupted him
“Kookie, I’m the most flexible one in the group, overworking will make it worse, a shower will help a lot” Jungkook sighed and then nodded, moving slowly to get his bag.
-
The members ate a quick dinner, before Jungkook went to take a shower, spending as much time as he pleased since he showered last. His muscles were feeling a lot less sore, but with that comes the feeling of lethargy, he wanted nothing but to sleep in his comfy bed.
Jimin invited him to sleep on his bed because Jungkook always favors it, hoping that it would ease his muscle tension a bit. They fell asleep quite fast, being very tired from practice.
-
Jungkook shifted in bed, trying to relieve the pressure that’s on his back and the pull of muscle in his leg, when he shifted he felt a searing pain and an intense pull that forced him to whimper, waking up Jimin with all the noise and the movement
“Kook-ah why aren’t you asleep yet?” Jimin’s raspy and sleepy voice startled Jungkook “S-sorry Hyung, I was asleep but just woke up” Jungkook’s response was heavy and out of breath, which alerted Jimin and made him sprint out of bed, “Jungkook? Are you ok?” he whispered, afraid of waking up Hoseok. “My back and leg really hurt Hyung” Jungkook said, while shifting again to try and find a position that would ease the pain. Jimin stood up and got a glass of water for Jungkook, “Here drink some water and try to relax, where does it hurts exactly?” Jungkook slowly shifted to recline on the bed’s headboard, accepting the water and taking a sip before replying “My lower back and right leg, it’s like the pain is going all the way to my toes”, his voice sounding frustrated and tired. Jimin’s frown deepened, not only was Jungkook’s symptoms out of his experience, but he was an enough pain that he was not putting up a tough face. It clearly showed that his pain was a severe one. Jimin looked over at a sleeping Hoseok, contemplating waking him up, he has a lot more experience with dance related injury. Jungkook let out a whine of pain when he tried putting the glass back on the bedside table, and Jimin decided it was time to wake up Hoseok.
He gently went over to Hoseok, looking at Jungkook who closed his eyes, seeming to try and bare the pain, then back at Hoseok’s sleeping form before gently petting his arm “Hobi, please wake up.” Hoseok hummed sleepily, “What is it Jimin? I’m too sleepy” he mumbled. Jimin kept his voice calm and collected, “Hyung it’s Jungkook, he’s in pain”, that sentence was enough to have Hoseok up and alert, “Pain? Where?” Jimin stepped back to allow Hoseok to get up, “His back and leg, his symptoms don’t fit any dance injuries I know so I had to wake you up, he seems very uncomfortable.” Hoseok nodded, before heading over to Jungook, who still has his eyes closed and his breaths even and deep, a sign that he was breathing through the pain. When Hoseok sat on the bed, his weight dented the mattress, and Jungkook winced in pain, the jostling of the matters increasing his pain, “Oh sorry, did that make the pain worse Kookie?” Hoseok asked, getting off the bed slowly. Jungkook seemed surprise at hearing Hoseok’s voice, opening his eyes quickly, “H-hyung? Sorry I woke you up”
Hoseok shook his head, “Don’t apologize, we are here to make you all better, how about you lay on your stomach so we can see what’s going on with that back of yours hmm?” Hoseok was already helping Jungkook get off the pillow. Jimin Joined in and allowed Jungkook to use his arm as a pallor in one hand, the other was behind his back, helping Hoseok, who took a hold on Jungkook’s legs, gently pulling him down to lay flat on the matters, before helping him turn on his stomach. “Jiminie, get me a heating sticker, an ice pack, the muscle ointment, and the muscle relaxer pills please” Hoseok ordered, removing the pillows out of the bed and lifting Jungkook’s shirt up, exposing his back. Jimin nodded, quietly heading out to the bathroom, where they keep the medicine cabinet.
Hoseok looked at Jungkook’s back, it wasn’t red or swollen, which made him frown, “Kookie I’m going to press on your back, tell me where it hurts ok?” Jungkook nodded in reply, trying his best to relax. Hoseok warmed his hands a bit, before gently pressing on Jungkook’s upper back, watching closely for any signs of pain. Jungkook was indifferent, until Hoseok reached his lower right side, he flinched with a gasp, “Sorry Kookie, sorry, that hurt a lot didn’t it?” Jungkook nodded, trying to get up before Hoseok stopped him “No, no get back, I won’t press anymore, lay back down, Hyung will be more gentle, sorry Kookie” At that time Jimin entered with a tray of the necessary items, worried, after hearing what Hoseok said “What happened Hyung?”
Hoseok took the muscle ointment from the tray, “Jungkookie here has quite a sore back, the muscles in his right lower back are very tense” he squeezed the medicine on the tips of his finger, then extended it around his palm, “Kookie I will massage your back, it might hurt but keep taking deep breaths alright?” Jungkook nodded again, while Jimin went beside him, cold banana milk in hand, “Hyung, can he have a drink?” Hoseok nodded, starting massaging Jungkook’s back, Junkook whined in pain, squirming a bit before Jimin stopped him, “No no Kookie, don’t move, it will hurt more, here take a sip” he placed the straw near his lips, urging him to drink and relax.
Hoseok was trying very hard to relax Jungkook’s tense muscle, but it was impossibly tense, and the more pressure he used, the more pain it caused. He stopped when Jungkook was close to tears from the pain, “Jimin, help me take him to the shower”
Jimin stopped playing with Jungkook’s hair, looking questioningly at Hoseok, “He showered before sleeping Hyung”
Hoseok went over to Jungkook’s closet, taking out some clothes, “No not for hygiene purposes, his muscles are very tense, he needs a constant stream of hot water” Jimin nodded in understanding, going to the bathroom to turn on the shower, bit warmer than what Jungkook, or all of them for that matter, shower with. Hoseok went over to Jungkook, “Kookie, let’s get you in the shower, it will help a lot with the pain, Hyung will help you, can you move?”
Jungkook’s body was in an intense pain, he feels like someone stitched his back without numbing medicine, and very breath pulls on those stitches, moving was the last thing he wanted to do right now, he tried moving his upper body to sit up, face scrunching up in pain and letting out a low groan. Hoseok rushed to hold him, helping him sit up, before Jimin came to help him. They both got Jungkook up and walking, while they held his hands, “Easy Kookie easy, slow steps” Hoseok warned when a certain step hurt him more than the others. Once they made it to the shower stall, being very thankful that they don’t have a shower tub but a stall instead, Jimin took Jungkook’s shirt off, keeping his pants on, while Hoseok help his hands out for Jungkook to hold on, getting under the hot stream. “Ok Kookie, relay on me and relax, Hyung will take care of everything, try to stay standing but I will rock you slowly in slow circular motion, just relax”
Jungkook nodded, relaxing and holding tightly on Hoseok, who was almost hugging him at this point. The water stream was quite painful, making him whimper every once in a while, while Jimin stays close in case Hoseok needs help with holding Jungkook’s body up. He stayed under the shower for half an hour, feeling utterly drained and exhausted, the pain getting numb. He was almost falling asleep on his Hyungs.
Jimin noticed that the slow gentle rocking and the heat was helping Jungkook relax greatly, he was almost falling asleep. The whimpers and groans were getting quitter and softer, “Hyung I think we should get him out, he’s falling asleep.” Hoseok nodded, helping Jungkook walk out of the shower stall, while Jimin turned off the water and proceeded to help dress Jungkook in comfortable dry clothes.
Once they made it to Jimin’s bed, Jungkook was half asleep, becoming a ragdoll between their hands. Hoseok placed a heating pad on the bed, while Jimin adjusted him to lay exactly on it, before they tucked him in. he fell asleep in less than 5 minutes. “Hyung would you like some coffee? Breakfast?” Jimin asked, while Hoseok looked at the time, it was 5:56 am, “That would be great Jimin, please make me a sandwich or anything that’s a bit salty.” Jimin nodded, while Hoseok pulled his phone to read.
------
Both Jimin and Hoseok were reading, each nursing a mug of steaming hot coffee, while Jungkook slept away. They didn’t leave his side, even when the clock was striking 10 am. They were so quite that a knock on the door sounded like a bomb, which made them both jump and look at Jungkook, afraid that the knock woke him up.
Seokjin slowly entered, being surprised to find that both Hoseok and Jimin awake, “Hey guys up early?” he timidly asked, something about them was off.
Hoseok nodded, “Yeah, very early, Kookie isn’t feeling too well.” Seokjin frowned in concern, walking over to Jungkook’s bed, checking his temperature with the palm of his hand, “He doesn’t have a fever, was his throat hurting?” Jimin stood up and stretched, “No, his back was hurting very badly, took a while to get him to sleep.”
Seokjin nodded, “both of the managers are in the living room, they want to go over this week’s schedule, get changed and meet us in the living room, I will tell them about Jungkook.
------------
After the member’s meetings, the Managers deemed that it was necessary for Jungkook to head over to the hospital to get checked, they weren’t able to even get him to sit without being in severe pain.
Jungkook was sitting painfully at the paper-like material covering the bed, looking over at Sejin, who was hovering worriedly next to him. “Does it hurt that badly kookie? Did you fall yesterday or something?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.
“No Hyung-nim I didn’t fall at all, I was just practicing with the Hyungs but then it started hurting a lot, Jimin Hyung and Hoseok Hyung tried to help me yesterday but it didn’t get better” Jungkook spoke in a gentle manner, afraid that speaking too loudly would set his back off somehow. Before Sejin could reply the doctor knocked at the door, coming in after couple seconds.
“Hello there, I’m Doctor Lee, I will be assisting you today” she spoke in a motherly voice, sitting on a stool near the computer. She was an old woman with a head full of white hair, wrinkles showing the years of experience, and a smile of a mother. “ SO what’s the matter dear? I have received a couple of your test results and it appears that you’re in quite the pain, would you like to explain to me what’s been bothering you?” based on her attitude and soft voice, Jungkook felt like he was complaining to his mother about falling as a child during recess. “I was practicing with my Hyungs at the dance studio and there was a step I couldn’t do, I started having leg pain after trying couple of times but when I went back home my back started to hurt” the Doctor nodded her head “ I guess my assumption is correct but let’s have a small conformation exam shall we? If you could, please stand in front of me dear” she stood up while Sejin gently helped Jungkook step down from the raised bed, observing the pain that appeared on his face. She stood next to Jungkook, sticking her hand out for him “Hold my hand and gently bend down as far as you can” Jungkook looked startled at her, before he started to bend down, whimpering when his hands touched his calves. She let go of his hand and stood behind him, lifting his shirt up” that’s exactly what I thought, come here dear” she beckoned Sejin over “This here is a clear evidence of Scoliosis” she Gently placed her hand on Jungkook’s bulging side, “Those are the raised muscles that the spine is pushing” she walked next to Jungkook again, taking his hand in hers” you might stand up again darling, that hurt a lot doesn’t it?” Jungkook slowly stood up biting his lips in pain until he was guided by Sejin to Sit on the chair, while the doctor went back to sit on her stool.
“Based on his X-ray and my examination his Scoliosis is quite sever, with a curve of 40 degrees on the bottom and 27 degrees on the top. We usually try bracing and physical therapy but I can guarantee you that with his case those would just be a waste of his time. I suggest Surgery” at the mention of Surgery Jungkook’s eye’s widened “We can’t, we have a new album “ he mumbled nervously “is there anything I can take for the pain then I will do the surgery later” he looked at the doctor with big doe eyes, pleading.
“I’m afraid not dear, your pain is too severe, if I prescribe you meds, then you would have to take large dosages that will harm your kidney, you’re young, the surgery is the best option I can offer”
-
The members were all waiting for Sejin in the conference room with Pang-PD, they were informed that they have an emergency meeting about Jungkook’s condition, to say that they were nervous would be an understatement. Their nerves skyrocketed even more when Sejin came in with their trip planning manager, the one that plans all their overseas trips, with laptop in hand.
Pang-PD took a sip of his coffee before he started talking, “I know all of you are nervous but I assure you it’s nothing too terrible. Jungkook was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the hospital, it’s when the spine curves, pushing the muscles to one side, putting a lot of strain and pain on the body. His doctor saw it’s best that he undergoes surgery to fix it” he looked at all the members, surprise to see them calm and collected
“Senbae-nim, undergoing scoliosis surgery has a long recovery time, with our fame, I’m concerned with him having to stay for a week in a hospital were everyone knows where he is” Spoke Namjoon, fidgeting with his mug of coffee
Bang smiled, “And this is why I’m sending all of you to the U.S, he needs a week in the hospital and at least 5 months to fully recover, during that time we will take advantage and send you to train with different trainers and expand your popularity to the US, MR. Kim, what’s the plan for the trip?” he asked, gazing at the manager
“I contacted the Doctor that Dr. Lee suggested and told me he has a free opening at the end of next week, but he wants tests to be done at the beginning of the week. He was willing to take him so quickly since he is a celebrity and he assured me that his team have no clue who BTS is, matter of fact the state I planned for him isn’t very informed about Kpop, so even if they were seen in public, they won’t be recognized. I have plane tickets ready for the end of this week, and have pulled all of Jungkook’s medical documents to be sent to the doctor after he consented”
They were at awe at how fast their trip manager planned their trip and got in contact with the Doctor, but they didn’t pounder too much, focusing on the situation in hand.
“I don’t mind doing the surgery this fast, the quicker the better, and if no one will recognize us, I feel much better” Jungkook spoke softly, smiling when Jimin squeezed his hand under the table.
“It’s set then, let’s talk about scheduling”
-
Jungkook was listening to music while laying down on his side, scrapping random line on his drawing notebook, before he heard a knock on the door. “Come in” he called over his music, when Namjoon and Yoongi poked their heads inside. “Can we talk to you for a second?” Jungkook sat on his bed, lowering the music to a soft hum “Sure Hyungs” the Hyungs both came in, Yoongi taking his gaming chair while Namjoon sat near his feet. “We just want to approve everything by you for a second time without the fear of Bang-PD being there, are you sure you’re ready for this Surgery Jungkook?” asked Namjoon gently
Jungkook looked at his Hyung and smiled, “Yes Hyung I’m sure, I’m an idol, I need to be perfectly healthy, and if surgery is what will help me get over this pain, then I don’t mind”
Yoongi sighed, “Kook-ah there’s nothing wrong with saying no, or being afraid, if you need more time to think about it more, then we will give you the time you need” Jungkook smiled widely “No Hyung, I don’t need time, I’m a 100 percent sure about that decision”
Both Namjoon and Yoongi smiled back, ruffling his hear before standing to head out, “Hyungs, can I sleep with you tonight?” Jungkook asked timidly, giggling with both Hyungs attacked him in a hug.
-
The week passed by very quickly and to Jungkook it felt like he blinked and he’s already laying on the bed of the pre-operation waiting rooms with Namjoon sitting next to him.
“Are the Hyung’s still outside?” he asked while shifting on the uncomfortable bed, the papery hospital sheet is doing nothing to keep him warm
“Yeah, they will stay until you’re out of surgery”
“They should leave and have some lunch, we left very early” Jungkook was trying to keep a conversation going, to keep himself calm, which Namjoon has caught on.
“Of course, in fact Seokjin hyung is already looking for a Korean restaurants to buy you your favorite foods“ which caused both of them to start giggling before a Nurse came in, dragging a cart with her,
“So Jun- um- Joonkook? Did I say that correctly?” she asked looking confused at both of them.
Jungkook laughed softly at his name being pronounced very inaccurately but cutely while Namjoon corrected it “It’s Ju-ng-kook-“
“Oh dear I apologize I butchered your name” the nurse smiled “Alright Jungkook you’re in for a spinal fusion?” the nurse asked, heading over to pull the blood pressure cuff near Jungkook’s head, while he looked over at Namjoon confused
“Yes, he has scoliosis”
“Please conform date of birth and full name” she asked while wrapping the cuff around his bicep, “Jeon Jungkook, September 1st, 1997” the nurse looked surprised when Namjoon answered “Does he not speak English?” she asked “No ma’am he doesn’t” the nurse looked over when the machine beeped “OH it didn’t read, let’s try another cuff, you have the bicep of a sailor sweetie” The comment made Namjoon laugh loudly, translating to Jungkook quickly through laughs, which also made Jungkook giggle shyly
“I always tell him to stop exercising but he won’t listen” Namjoon smiled fondly
“I have a son the same age as he’s and he also loves exercising, let me tell you, I stay a foot away from him when I scold him” the nurse joked, wrapping the new blood pressure cuff and writing down the reading
“Thankfully we live with 5 other guys so scolding him is no problem” which made the Nurse look at them shocked, then at Jungkook “Poor you, you can’t rebel can you?” Namjoon translated to him and Jungkook smiled, speaking in a broken English, “Oh n-no, I still , um, make trouble”
“Oh yes that’s the spirit!” the nurse cheered while typing on the computer asking Jungkook questions about his health which Namjoon either translated or replied for himself.
“Alright honey, time for that big mean thing, I need to put a needle in your hand for an I.V” she explained speaking slowly so he could understand, then looked at Namjoon, “Has he ever had an I.V before?”
“Yes he has, he usually takes them well”
The nurse nodded taking Jungkook’s arm into hers, looking over his forearm for a good vein, “I will count to three and you will feel a small poke, you’re allowed to scream, curse, and do whatever you want but don’t pull your hand away no matter what ok?” Namjoon translated to Jungkook, while the Nurse was wiping the back of his hand with rubbing alcohol,
“Oh no, I won’t, m-move my hand” he said, looking at the nurse tying the tourniquet around his wrist. “Ok, now look at your brother, don’t look at me” Jungkook did as he was told, laughing when their eyes met, “Hyung this is weird why is she forcing me to look away?” Jungkook said laughing, missing the count and wincing when the needle went in
“I don’t know Kookie, just follow along” Namjoon smiled, looking at Jungkook’s hand when he winced.
“All done! Such a good boy!” the nurse cheered, connecting the catheter to the I.V line and into the bag “I will give him a shot through the IV to help calm him down, his doctor and the anesthesiologist will meet him in a while” she gave him the shot, gathering her things “Any questions?” Jungkook shook his head and the nurse left them by themselves again, shutting the curtain after her.
“She remind me of Hoseok Hyung” spoke Jungkook, settling on his side, facing Namjoon.
“This is Hoseok Hyung after 50 years” they both laughed “She’s old but has more energy than both of us combined.
“It’s like having Hoseok Hyung and Taehyung hyung in one person” joked Jungkook, yawning.
“Feeling sleepy?” Asked Namjoon.
“Yes Hyung, I feel so sleepy. Here take my phone” Jungkook handed Namjoon his phone. Namjoon kept his phone with Jungkook’s in his pocket
“Sleep Kookie, they will wake up when it’s time” Namjoon tucked Jungkook in and watched him in concern while he took a nap. Both doctors came and talked to Namjoon while Jungkook slept away, waking up when it was time for his surgery by the nurses. They pulled his bed halfway through the hall before they stopped, talking to Namjoon, “All right big brother, say goodbye” Namjoon smiled, bending down to kiss Jungkook on his forehead, “we will wait for you Kookie, you will be ok, don’t worry at all” Jungkook smiled sleepily, hugging Namjoon before letting go, and he was pushed in a room filled with tools and big lights.
He heard someone speak saying that he doesn’t speak English well, and then a man above his head, “Mr. Jeon, please tell us what’s is your birthday?” Jungkook frowned, processing only the word birthday “s-sep…tember ..1st ..19.. “ before he saw a dark cloud engulf him and he fell asleep
-
Namjoon followed a nurse away from where they took Jungkook, feeling something in his heart pull him to go and wait for Jungkook outside the operating room, before a voice startle him, “This is the exit to the waiting room” she handed him a circular device with a screen in the middle “ This will beep with updates about Mr. Jeon’s surgery, when the surgery is done we will tell you through the device and you have to head to the family room where he doctor will talk to you. You can take it anywhere in this hospital but you can’t leave the hospital” Namjoon thanked her and left to meet the guys outside.
When he walked through the door, he saw all the members sitting far away from the others, Seokjin comforting Taehyung how seems to have fallen asleep after crying, Hoseok on his phone, Yoongi reading, and Jimin looking out the window.
“Hey guys..” He gained all of their attention within half a second. Jimin jumped into a stand and held his arm in desperation, asking him a million question a minute.
“Calm down Jimin, he was ok, no he didn’t cry, and he was a bit nervous but very brave” Namjoon smiled like a proud father.
“That’s our Jungkook, very brave” Yoongi spoke, running a hand on Hoseok’s back comforting him.
“He said you guys should grab lunch” Namjoon said, heading over to take his backpack, putting Jungkook’s phone and his in it
“What if we take a long time and he’s out of surgery?” asked Seokjin, while ruffling Taehyung’s hair to wake him up
“They gave me a device with updates on his condition, we will know, let’s go eat something” Namjoon worse his backpack, taking Taehyung’s hand to help him stand.
-
They were sitting in a small sitting area that’s covered in the surgery floor with food all over the coffee table when the first update came through, they all jumped at the vibration of the device on the table. Namjoon took it and read the update, “Mr Jeon ‘s surgery just started, he is stable and doing fine” he read, then translated to the members who sighed, “he will be fine, he’s ok” encouraged Hoseok, holding a cup of coffee between his palms
-
It was 3pm when the update they all have been waiting for came through, “Mr. Jeon’s surgery is done, please head over to the family room to meet the doctor” they all jumped at the same time, scrambling to gather their stuff and head over to the family room, a small private room with couple of chairs, leaving some member standing, before Dr. Montgomery, entered with his scrubs still on,” Hello there gentlemen” he greeted “ Mr. Jeon’s surgery went well, he was a fighter and did very well. I’m impressed by him.” The members all smiled, that’s their Kookie that they know. “He is actually awake now, but he will stay in the ICU for today to monitor him closely, of course all of you could visit him when he’s settled in his own private room. Right now only 2 people could go, he’s in the recovery rooms recovering from the anesthesia. Allow me to remind you that the surgery he had is a major surgery, we straightened his spine as much as we could using metal screws and rods so he will be extremely sore and have difficulty moving, please be gentle, and don’t move him in any way that would cause his spine to move.” Namjoon did his best to translate everything to the other members, and ask questions that they have. It was decided that Namjoon and Jimin would be the ones to meet Jungkook in the recovery room first, and the other members would follow after they shower and get dinner from the Korean restaurants near the hospital.
-
Namjoon and Jimin were escorted by a nurse through labyrinth of halls to meet Jungkook in the recovery room, which was just like the pre-operation room but with much more machines. They saw a nurse sitting at a computer near Jungkook’s bed observing him, when they got closer she smiled kindly at them, “Jeon Jungkook’s family?” she questioned
“Yes, we are here to see him” Namjoon nodded while Jimin went straight to Jungkook. Jungkook was barely awake with his hair all tasseled and his face swollen. He was breathing deeply through an oxygen canola looking pale and frowning every once in a while. His body was completely covered by two thick blankets but they could see all the wires coming from his body and connected to the machines near his head.
Namjoon sat near Jimin, who was petting Jungkook’s hair talking to him, “Kookie, Hyungs are here, how do you feel?” Jungkook only mumbled while closing his eyes again
“He’s not fully awake yet, he wakes up and falls asleep again which is normal” the nurse comforted them when they looked at Jungkook sadly. They gave her a small smile and Namjoon patted Jungkook’s leg while Jimin kept playing with his hair. It was silent when the nurse startled them, talking to someone through her headpiece “yes Mr. Jeon is stable, heart rate is 79 bp, blood pressure 130/35, no vomiting or chills, he’s stable to be moved to his own private room” both of them were looking curiously at the nurse before another nurse came and disconnected some of the wires. “We will be moving him to his own room where everyone could visit him, you might follow us, we will be in room 525 if you would like to inform your other brothers.
-
After the nurses connected all the wires again and left, Jungkook become more alert to his surroundings, but with alertness comes pain. He whimpered, lifting his arm a bit that Jimin quickly took a hold of, “H-hurts..” he mumbled with a whimper “I know kookie it must hurt badly doesn’t it” Jimin comforted sadly, patting Jungkook’s head, while Namjoon came over Jungkook’s other side, holding his legs down when he started to whimper and try to pull his legs up. “H-Hyung..J-Jimin Hyung?” he asked, with a frown, confused. “it’s c-cold…” he mumbled, closing his eyes again and falling asleep
“Stay with him Jiminie, I will go ask the nurses for another blanket”
Jimin nodded and kept holding Jungkook’s hand, rubbing his hand to warm them up, he did feel cold to the touch. It took a while before Namjoon came back with a nurse, and the other members who all went to the small sitting area in the room, away from disturbing the nurses. Seokjin had a grounding hand on Taehyung, and Yoongi came over to Jimin, “go get a bite to eat, we brought back some food, also clothes for you three, go take a shower” jimin didn’t want to leave Jungkook alone at all, but something in Yoongi’s eyes told him to not argue, so he went to Hoseok to get his necessities
The nurses were taking Jungkook’s blood pressure when he started to groan , “There you are, how are you feeling?” the nurse kindly asked
Jungkook turned his head to where the nurse was standing to his right, looking at her but not registering her word, until Namjoon translated and Jungkook’s eyes found his “ C-cold..ca-can I have water?” he spoke in korean, and Namjoon quickly translated, he turned his head to his left when he heard a familiar whimper, almost a cry coming from Taehyung, but instead of seeing Taehyung, he saw Yoongi.
“Hello there Kookie” Yoongi smiled at him keeping his palm on Jungkook’s forehead who shivered under his touch. Yoongi lifted his head, looking at the nurse who was pushing meds through Jungkook’s IV, “He..He is shivering, is it normal?” he asked with an accurate but heavily accented English
The other nurse nodded, “it’s very normal for him to feel cold, perhaps some socks would help warm him up” she unfolded a heavy blanket that was sitting on a chair and covered Jungkook with. Hoseok came quickly with fluffy socks for Jungkook, gently putting them on his foot without moving his legs too much.
“Jungkook sweetie, you can’t have any water yet, but I got a sponge that’s soaked in cold water that could help you with the mouth dryness” the nurse came over, placing the sponge near jungkook’s mouth and he sighed in content with the cold water made it into his mouth. He sucked it couple of times before the nurse took it away “you can have some later dear, you can’t have too much it will make you sick” she placed the cup on his bedside table, addressing the other members “Since he had some water he is going to be more alert, encourage him to cough to get his lungs working because he had a tube to help him breath during surgery” Namjoon translated to the others and the nurses left
“Why don’t you go eat something Namjoon, have some shut eye, you did a lot today” Yoongi address Namjoon, who was tucking Jungkook in. Namjoon looked over at the members before nodding, heading over to Hoseok to take his portion of food.
Seokjin looked over at Jungkook, shivering every once in a while but awake, mumbling couple word to Yoongi, before he turned over to Taehyung who looked like he was close to tears, “Listen Tae, I will allow you to go to Kookie but please, please be gentle ok?” Taehyung nodded eagerly, and dashed to his bag to get his stuffed toy from his backpack and head over to Jungkook
He stood next to Jungkook calling kookie softly waiting to gain Jungkook’s attention, and when he did, he almost burst into tears. Jungkook looked utterly exhausted, eyes barely open, hair everywhere, and tucked under what it seems to be a million blankets yet still shivering.
“Hyung bought you this” he presented a big stuffed white rabbit, and what he got in return melted all their heart. Jungkook smiled, pushing the blankets weakly until both Taehyung and Yoongi helped him remove them, when his hands were exposed he lifted them towards the stuffed rabbit. Teahyung placed it on Jungkook’s stomach and he automatically hugged it close to him. Both Seokjin and Hoseok came over to Jungkook, rubbing his legs to warm him up, “feeling better Kookie?” Hoseok asked, to which Jungkook nodded, “Much better Hyungs” he mumbled while Yoongi covered him again without taking the stuffed rabbit away, “Sleep Kook, Hyungs will be here” and that’s all it took before Jungkook was out.
-
It was decided that Namjoon and Taehyung would stay the night with Jungkook. Taehyung took the recline chair near Jungkook’s bed, covering himself with the hospital sheet, reading a comic book. Namjoon layed down on the provided couch near the window, watching a documentary on the tv, with the volume lowered and the lights off. it was 2 am when Jungkook started to move around, both his Hyungs jumped, in case he starts to move harshly but his movements were weak and limited, he had a blood pressure cuff on his left hand, a tube in his back, two I.Vs on his right hand with a heart rate clip on his right index finger, but despise all that, he was pushing at the blankets.
When Taehyung removed the blanket Jungkook sighed, calming down instantly. Namjoon looked at Jungkook’s face, it was still pale but his cheeks tinted red, with sweat blastering his hair to his forehead, “Taehyung quickly go wet a towel” Taehyung dashed to the bathroom while Namjoon placed his hand on Jungkook’s forehead, not surprised when he touch an alarmingly warm skin. He quickly pressed the call button. “Yes, what can we help you with?” a manly voice answered. “Jungkook is running a fever, could you please come and check it?” the nurse quickly closed the call and came at the same time as Taehyung came out of the bathroom with the wet towel. He was a guy their age but taller and more musclor than even Jungkook, “what happened to him?” he asked
“He started to fidget around and it seems like he suddenly had a spike in temperature, he was asleep calmly before that” Namjoon’s voice shook slightly
The nurse nodded taking a thermamoter and placing it in Jungkook’s ear, who winced at the foreign object. “He does have a high fever, that wet towel would help greatly” Taehyung quickly placed it on Jungkook’s forehead
“I-Is it normal for him to spike a fever suddenly?” stuttered Namjoon
The nurse nodded again, “very normal, I will give him pills in a while, would you kindly wake him up until I come back?” both of them nodded when the nurse left to fetch the pills.
Namjoon went started to help arise Jungkook from his sleep, taking a couple touches and calls before he opened his eyes, blinking multiple times before he looked at Namjoon and Taehyung, “Hyung.. I don’t feel good”
*****************
Taehyung took his hand in his, feeling Jungkook’s fever seeping into his palm, “You have a fever Kookie, they will give you meds to make it better, it’s normal don’t worry ok?” Taehyung was slipping into satori from concern. Jungkook shook his head, “N-no..going to be sick..”
Namjoon ran to wet the towel again, when the nurse came with a cup of water and a pack of pills, but the moment he made it through the door and the curtains Taehyung shakily talked to him, “Koo- I um.. Jungkook is going to .. uh.. “ he doesn’t know how to tell the nurse that Jungkook feels nauseous so he motioned with his hand, acting a bit in front of the sternly focused nurse, before a an “aah” and a nod of understanding came from the nurse.
Namjoon came when the nurse was pulling a blue bag from a drawer, looking confusedly at Taehyung who explained to Namjoon that Jungkook was feeling sick. Taehyung kept mumbling reassurance to Jungkook to relax and Namjoon was holding a cold wet towel on his forehead before the nurse’s booming voice startled them,
“Alright so what will we do is move him on his side” he spoke while gathering Jungkook’s I.V lines and placing them on his stomach, moving over to remove the blankets, smiling when he saw Jungkook hugging the stuffed toy, “I will use the sheet he is laying on to pull him more towards me, then use the sheets to shift him to his side” both Namjoon and Taehyung were focused on the nurse, following his instructions. The nurse and Namjoon pulled Jungkook to their side, while Taehyung bended Jungkook’s legs. When they shifted him Jungkook let out a mumble then a groan of pain, suddenly jerking his head and vomiting into the bag that Taehyung was holding out for him.
************************
The nurse was unphased by the ordeal, fixing Jungkook’s I.Vs, and checking his surgical wound. Namjoon was shocked by the state of Jungkook’s back, it had a white dressing running from between his shoulder blades to his lower back, all filled with patches of blood, with a whole beside the wound that had a tube inserted in it, the tube was attached to a white circular machine and both were red with blood. Namjoon was so shocked he jumped when Taehyung’s sharp voice spoke to Jugkook, “Kookie calm down!” Jungkook had a death grip on Taehyungs hand, body almost arching out of bed with pouts after pouts of dry heaving. Namjoon went over to Jungkook, holding his face between his hands, “Kook, look at me, look at Hyung, take a deep breath, in through your nose and out through your mouth, come on” Namjoon kept a firm hand and gaze at Jungkook, when he calmed down sobbed, “Oh kookie don’t cry, it’s ok, you’re being so brave, so strong, you’re just overwhelmed aren’t you?” Namjoon spoke softly, placing Jungkook’s head on his neck. “Jungkook nodded with tears slipping, “I-it’s too much Hyung, it hurts, I don’t feel well” Namjoon hummed, speaking softly in his ear and playing with his hair until he calmed down enough for him to gently guided his head back to the pillow.
Taehyung moved his hands to hold the stuffed rabbit and tuck him in. the nurse gave him the pills and small sips of water, that Jungkook greedily sipped “It’s normal for him to throw up like that, it’s the combination of him not eating and the medicine, it will most likely not happen again but if it does just guide him through it. I will check on him in an hour.” The nurse left, turning the lights off again that none even realized was on to begin with. Namjoon filled a container with lukewarm water, changing Jungkook’s cold compressors every once in a while but keeping his hand on top of them on Jungkook’s forehead. Taehyung snaked his hand under Jungkook’s blanket, holding his hand and gently running his thump over the needle on the back of Jungkook’s hand. He started to gently sing random songs, his voice drifting Jungkook to sleep.
-
Seokjin came back with Hoseok, Jimin, and Yoongi with breakfast and coffee in hand, they gently opened the door, moving the curtain aside and what they saw melted their hearts; Taehyung was half laying on the bed, holding Jungkook’s hand on top of the stuffed toy, and Namjoon had one hand on Jungkook’s forehead keeping the towel in place and the other under his head, all three of them fast asleep.
“Looks like they had a rough night” whispered Yoongi, going over to wake Namjoon up
“Yeah, but they have to wake up to eat something” Seokjin was already checking Jungkook’s temperature with his hand himself, “He’s still burning up”
“That’s normal” mumbled Taehyung, with one eye still close
“Oh did we wake you up?” asked Hoseok, spreading breakfast on the table for the two to eat, “Can Kookie have some breakfast too?”
Namjoon shook his head while Yoongi helped him to his feet, stretching like a rabbit before speaking with a husky deep voice, “He can’t eat yet”
“Go wash up you two, then eat, we will take care of Kookie, your shift is done” ushered Seokjin, pushing both Namjoon and Taehyung over to Hoseok
“Oh you woke up too, Good morning Kook” Spoke Jimin, fussing over Jungkook’s blankets
Hoseok came over with Jungkook’s own personal blanket, removing the hospital blanket and covering him with his own, “Go’d mornin’ “ mumbled Jungkook
“feeling any better Kooks?” asked Hoseok placing his hand on Jungkook’s cheek gently, “better..” said jungkook, voice deep, hoarse voice, “Would you like some water?” Yoongi was already pouring water over the ice he head and dipping the sponge in it. Jungkook eagerly nodded, gaining smiled from all the members. Yoongi laughed, bringing the sponge near his mouth and he latched on immediately
“Aigoo just like a baby” teased Jimin, making the rest of the members laugh, including Jungkook,
-
The members were gathered around Jungkook’s bed talking to Jungkook’s parents before a knock disturbed them. Two female workers poked their heads in, which made Hoseok take Jungkook’s phone away to talk to his parents outside, and the members step aside, leaving only Namjoon near Jungkook.
“Hello my name is Annie, I’m the physical therapist” smiled a women in her 40s, she was quite short with a slim body and a short hair “We would like to help Mr. Jeon to move a bit”
“I’m heather, the physical therapy nurse” smiled the younger woman, both shaking hand with Namjoon and Jungkook
“should he be moving so soon after surgery?” asked Yoongi, standing near Namjoon out of conern
“Yes of course! In fact we deeply encourage it, it would help him get well faster” Jungkook looked at Namjoon while he translated frowning and shaking his head
“Hyung no, I will fall, I don’t want to” he mumbled, shaking his head even more. The nurse looked at Jungkook confused before Namjoon explained to her what Jungkook said
“Oh sweetie no, we won’t let you fall at all, you must feel very heavy and sore right? Sitting up will help you” she bent down to be eye level with Jungkook who looked like he was a hairsbreadth away from crying, “N-No, please don’t make me”
The nurse smiled, holding both his hands in hers, “how about this, we will let your brothers help, it won’t take a long time and you will feel much better honey” Jungkook whispered “ok” when Namjoon translated to him, which made all the members stand near Namjoon to help.
“Alright, we will use the sheet he’s lying on to pull him up, I want two people to sit him up, one in front of him to hold his hands, one to pull his legs down, and one ready with the vomiting bag, there’s a great chance he will puke”
The members automatically scattered to their duty, without even discussing it, Jimin and Seokjin stood at Jungkook’s side to pull him up, Yoongi was ready with a wet compressor and a puke bag, Taehyung was in front of Jungkook, Hoseok near his legs, and Namjoon near them translating
“Perfect! On the count of 3, you to gentlemen left him up, you near his leg pull them down, Jungkook dear, your job is to just breath and tell us how you feel” the therapist instructed, all of them nodded and once the nurse finished counting, both Seokjin and Jimin sat Jungkook up, Hoseok pulling his leg all the while.
Jungkook felt an intense wave of dizziness, the entire room span out of place, he held into Taehyung’s hands with a death grip, “D-Dizzy, I want to lay back down” he spoke shakily, Namjoon stood near Taehyung, “Stay for couple minutes Kook, you can do it, just couple more” Jungkook nodded, breathing deeply, while the nurse fussed behind him, covering him with another gown and making sure all the tube were not disturbed. The Hyungs kept Jungkook up, never letting go. “Head up sweetie, keep your eyes open” instructed the nurse, he didn’t even realize he closed his eyes. He opened his eyes and looked up, coming face to face with Taehyung, who had a boxy grin on his face. Jungkook smiled back, feeling a lot less dizzy but his back was super tight, “Hyung, Can I stand?” the question made the others panic, “What if it’s too soon?” “Should we let him? It’s too much isn’t?” Namjoon calmed them down and asked the nurse,
“Of course! Him standing is great!” the Hyungs looked skeptical but gave in none the less. Taehyung stepped away for a bit, Seokjin and Jimin holding his biceps, while Hoseok and Yoongi stayed around just in case Jungkook falls. Jungkook conformed that his Hyungs were ready before he stood up, automatically latching into Taehyung’s hands, “ Oh my God! Hyungs Kookie is taller!!” cheered Taehyung smiling happily at Jungkook, who gave a bunny teeth smile in return. The Hyungs all kepts cheering Jungkook for standing, walking, and even sitting in a chair. The Nurses changed his bed sheets while the Hyungs cuddled him on the chair, “Hey Kook you ok? You’re sweating” Asked Yoongi, wiping the sweat off with the towel that they have been using to keep Jungkook’s temperature down. Jungkook nodded before mumbling, “Tired, want to sleep” Seokjin pulled his blanket of his bed and tucked him in.
-
Jungkook was sitting up in bed, sucking on a popsicle with the Hyung line talking to him about the new meeting with the production team when Jimin and Taehyung came barging in with big smiles, ice crem in hand from the refresher’s room “Kookie, Kookie, look who’s coming!” all four of them looked up at the duo in surprise when a bark startled them. A large Husky dog made his way into the room with his owner, “Hello this is Anjo, he’s a therapy dog” Jungkook gave the puppy his full bunny teeth smile, petting the dog that melted on his bed, while the Hyungs where confused, who should they coo at more, the Dog or their Kookie?
-
After 3 weeks they returned to Korea after Jungkook was giving the ok to head home, they gentle guided him through the apartment but when Namjoon opened the door their house was cleaned and perfect. “Careful Kookie, slow steps” warned Seokjin who was holding Jungkook’s hand, seeming unphased that their house was not like how they left it, with a smell of freshly cooked food
“Welcome home baby” whispered a female voice
Jungkook almost gave himself a whiplash due to how fast he looked up, “Eomma!”