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Jimin slams his feet into the stage, body carried by beats and rhythms and melodies they had created from scratch. His arm piercing through the air coming to a halt above his face. Sweat dripping from his chin, the feet moving again. His body lifting from the ground as if flying.
Jimin looks to the rest of Bangtan. They are moving with him, synched to perfection like mirrors. It’s beautiful, really it is.
Then, Jimin steps come a little to late. The wrong foot kicking, touching Jungkook’s foot who is moving correctly. The younger member of Bangtan sends him a confused gaze, checking what’s wrong with Jimin’s movements.
But Jimin almost stumbles, catching his body at the last second. Head swimming like he dove down into the water and fighting the resistance.
His arms can’t keep up with the beats. Jungkook frowns, wondering what happened to Jimin. But Jimin catches his breath again, resuming to the correct pace, hitting every beat until the song ends. He stumbled for only 10 seconds but Jungkook noticed it, because he always notices Jimin’s movements.
They end their performance, the encore, saying goodbye one by one.
Jimin stumbles again, only slightly, catching himself by grabbing ahold on Jungkook’s and Tae’s shoulders.
The lights die down and Bangtan migrates away from the crowds. Everything is buzzing with energy, staff members are clapping, assistants smiling, dancers cheering.
They let the staff clean them up, help them change into casual clothes and sent them off to their well-deserved break after the last concert of the tour.
Bangtan enters the Van and everyone is holding cool packs to their necks and faces, trying to lower their heated body temperatures. Jungkook eyed Jimin who closed his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose.
“You ok, Jiminie?“, he asked silently to not startle anyone.
Jimin nodded and kept quiet while massaging his temple and breathing deeply.
Soon, they arrive at their dorm, stumbling out of the van and hurrying to get inside the mansion they called their home.
Naturally everyone gathered in the open kitchen area. Bodies hitting the couches, seats and bar stools. Jin fetched a bottle of champagne and two big bags with Korean takeout food.
Jimin was the only one missing and Jungkook felt worry creep up his stomach.
“Have you seen Jiminie? He looked kinda bad.“, he asked the others while receiving his glass of champagne.
“I think he went to the bathroom.“, Namjoon answered. “Why, what’s wrong with him?“
The others stared at Jungkook, waiting for the youngest to tell them his concerns.
“He stumbled during the encore and was off rhythm. I’ve never seen him so out of focus. He said he was fine. But I just worry.“, Jungkook answered and looked into Bangtan's concerned faces.
“Should we go to him?“, Hobi asked and put down his glass, his ever so persistent smile fading.
They began to discuss when a loud clashing sound was heard.
“What was that?“, Jin asked looking startled.
“I don’t know. Let’s take a look.“, Yoongi answered and stood up.
“I’m coming with you.“, Jungkook said and followed his Hyung, feeling sick all of a sudden.
The bathroom door was slightly opened and a ray of light hit the dark floor.
“Jiminie, is everything ok?“, Yoongi asked and stepped near the door.
A coughing sound was heard, followed by wheezing and spitting.
Yoongi and Jungkook exchanged concerned looks and Jungkook pushed the door open.
Both of them gasped at the sight in front of them.
Jimin was half sitting, half laying on the floor next to the toilet. His head hung over the rim, mouth open, panting and spitting. The hair on his forehead was damp and clung to his skin. His face had a sickly, pale tone and his lips were quivering.
Panic was the first emotion the youngest felt.
He jumped to his friend and kneeled beside him while Yoongi fetched a washing cloth. Jungkook pushed the strands of hair out of Jimin’s face and caressed his neck while steadying his small form. He didn’t know what else he could do.
“Shhh, Jiminie, everything is going to be fine. Do you need to puke again or are you empty?“
Jimin nodded and leaned into Jungkook’s body which the younger took as an answer that he was done puking.
Yoongi took the wet cloth and cleaned Jimin’s face carefully while Jungkook steadied him.
“What happened?”, Jungkook asked and caressed Jimin’s head while letting him lean his head against Jungkook’s chest.
“I- I suddenly felt dizzy and sick during the encore.”, Jimin whispered and tried to breathe deeply as another wave of nausea hit him.
“Let’s get you sitting, hm?”, Yoongi said and reached for Jimin’s arm to pull him onto the toilet after flushing and closing the lid.
Jungkook sat down in front of Jimin and held his hands.
Yoongi used a glass from the medicine cabinet to get Jimin some water. He also searched for some medicine to help ease his stomach.
Jimin took everything without commenting.
After some minutes passed, Jimin felt better and mentioned that the nausea was gone and they could join the others.
Jungkook walked right by his side as the three entered the common room again. The chatting died down as the eyes of Hobi, Namjoon, Jin and Tae reached Jimin’s pale form.
“What’s wrong?“, Namjoon asked what everyone was thinking.
“We found him puking. I don’t know what happened but maybe he has overworked himself or something? We ate the same today so it can’t be food poisoning.“, Yoongi explained while sitting down next to Tae.
“I’m feeling better, thanks for helping me. Sorry I worried you. I’ll be fine.“, Jimin said and looked thankfully at Jungkook and Yoongi.
“Don’t mention it.“, Jungkook said smiling and hugged Jimin shortly from behind.
“When did it start, Jiminie?“, Jin asked and went to fetch some water for his sick friend.
“I felt weird for half of the concert but I don’t think it showed until the encore. But please don’t worry about me.“, Jimin added and looked uncomfortable.
“You still look sick, Jiminie.“, Jungkook said concerned.
“No, no, I’m absolutely – I’m f- “, Jimin started but couldn’t finish his sentence because he suddenly felt the nausea come back.
“Jimin?“, Jungkook asked as he stopped midsentence.
Jimin’s ears drowned all sound until he could only hear his blood rushing and his heart pumping in his chest. Black dots clouding his vision he lost his sense of balance and reached for Jungkook’s assistance, completely failing at aiming.
But Jungkook was picking up fast what was going on, grabbing Jimin’s arm and reaching for the glass in Jimin’s right hand to prevent it from falling.
Jimin’s knees gave by and the already numbed world seemed to drift away like water running through a sieve.
“Shit.”, Jungkook cursed and quickly shoved the glass into Hobi's hand who was sitting right next to where they were standing. Then his arms reached around Jimin’s body, catching his fall.
Namjoon shot towards them, knocking over the bottle of champagne but he couldn’t care less. He reached JK and Jimin right as Jungkook let Jimin’s body sink slowly to the ground.
Their leader grabbed Jimin under his arm. “Get him on the couch. Guys move!“, he ordered and Jungkook followed his leaders will without question.
Taehyung and Yoongi hurried to make space and Jin ran to the kitchen to get water, towels and something to clean the mess.
Jungkook and Namjoon laid Jimin onto the couch and Yoongi grabbed several thick pillows to elevate Jimin’s legs.
“Jiminie, wake up! Can you hear me?“, Jungkook cried while patting Jimin’s cheeks. But Jimin was out cold, face pale, lips white and his forehead sweating.
“Should I call an ambulance?“, Taehyung asked frightened.
“I don’t know. Let’s wait and when he doesn’t wake up in five we call for help. Get him to wake up, Kookie.“, Namjoon said sternly, forehead furrowed with worry while preparing some wet towels with Jin.
Jungkook panicked with the task the leader gave him. His heart was pounding like crazy and his hands were shaking. Tears welled up in his eyes as he kept on calling Jimin’s name, touching his face and slightly slapping his cheeks. How do you wake a fainted person? Jungkook didn’t know anything else besides touching his face and repeating Jimin’s name.
It seemed like hours until Jimin’s eyes fluttered and his face regained color. Everyone released deep breaths they didn’t even notice they were holding.
Then, Jungkook breathed out a wet laugh and hugged Jimin carefully while repeating his name.
“Jiminie, Jiminie, Jiminie. Thank god you woke up. Oh my god. Oh my- Jiminie are you ok?“, Jungkook rambled and Jimin blinked confused looking at the youngest.
“Kookie“, Jimin said sleepily and tried to focus on what he seemed to have missed. „What happened?” His hand wandered to the wet cloth on his forehead.
“Oh fuck, Jiminie, you just passed out on me. We thought we had to call for an ambulance.“, Jungkook whispered choking on his tears.
“Don’t cry Kookie, I’m fine again.“, Jimin said silently and gestured Yoongi that he would like to get up.
Yoongi pulled the pillows away from Jimin’s legs and helped him sit up. Jin took the wet cloth from Jimin’s and put it on the table.
Jimin was feeling groggy but the nausea seemed to have resided. Maybe the pills were finally helping. He felt a bit dizzy but it got better every minute.
Everyone gathered around him, grabbing water, food and cool packs for him.
He thanked them and promised that he felt better and would go to bed soon.
Jungkook was silent since Jimin was sitting again.
Everyone besides Jungkook helped Jimin and after some time where most of the members ate their dinner, Jimin got up to go to bed. Tae, Yoongi and Hobi have already left after Jimin sent them off to bed, promising that he was feeling alright after eating a bit.
Namjoon, Jin and Jungkook silently followed Jimin to his room. Since he still shared a room with Hobi, they were not as concerned to leave him.
Namjoon padded Jimin’s shoulder and promised him that he would clear his schedule tomorrow. Jin went to his room too. Their leader also went to bed afterwards.
Jungkook stood next to Jimin and avoided his gaze.
“Thank you, Kookie.“, Jimin said quietly and hugged Jungkook lightly. “Sleep tight.“
Jungkook only nodded and tried to ignore the burning in his eyes. He left Jimin without saying a word.
Jimin watched him leave, confused as to why Jungkook’s mood changed so much since he passed out. A feeling of guilt welling up in Jimin’s throat. He had messed up the evening.
Jungkook entered his room and threw his phone down on his bed, knocking off the water bottle on his night stand. He sat down on his bed and grabbed his hair trying to stop the tears from leaving his eyes.
Idiot, idiot, idiot, he scolded himself thinking about Jimin’s unmoving form on the couch.
“I’m such an idiot, oh gosh, what could have I done better?“, Jungkook mumbled and breathed hard.
He panicked down there in the kitchen. He simply, plainly, panicked while his best friend was knocked out cold in front of him. He was overwhelmed by the simple task of waking him up. Instead he started to cry. What would he have done if the others were away and he was the only one to help Jimin? Would he have thought of elevating Jimin’s legs? Or calling an ambulance? Or getting water? He could have caused Jimin’s death, right? Oh god.
Jungkook’s chest suddenly felt tight and the tears spilled from his eyes. He panted loudly, trying to breath in but choked on his own breath and tears.
“Kookie?”, a tender voice asked from the door. “Oh gosh, Kookie!”
Jimin sprinted to his friend and kneed in front of him.
Jungkook panted heavily, trying to force in air but failing rigorously. His hands reached for his neck, trying to clear it from whatever was choking him. His nails scraping over his skin but he didn’t even feel the burning pain he caused himself.
“Stop it! Stop! Breath, Kookie.“ Jimin said panicking as well, trying to get ahold of Jungkook’s hands.
Jimin’s hands now reached for Jungkook’s arms instead and he forced him to let go of his neck.
Jungkook gasped for air, feeling a tightness in his chest he couldn’t understand. It felt like he was having a stroke or something similar. Oh god he was dying of a heart attack! His vision was blurry from the tears but it also had black dots creeping from the outside to the center.
“Breath with me, Kookie! Feel me breathing. Please, you can’t pass out!“, Jimin pleaded and put one of Jungkook’s hands on his chest to show him his breaths. “In, one, two, three, four, five - hold - out, one, two, three, four, five.“
The anxiety stayed were it was and Jungkook was slowly starting to feel lightheaded. He raised his hands away from Jimin and tried to feel his chest, tried to examine for himself what could possibly cause that tight feeling in his lungs. He sank down on his knees, his back still touching the bed.
Jimin followed his movements quickly and fought Jungkooks tight grip on his own chest. With one hand he forced Jungkook’s right hand to go around Jimin’s body and with the other he pulled his left hand back on Jimin’s chest.
“Feel my heartbeat, Kookie. Can you feel it racing?”, he asked whispering soothingly into Jungkook’s ear. The younger boy nodded. “Can you feel your hand around my body? You’re gripping my soft sweater, the one you bought me in Tokyo. Can you feel it?” Jungkook tucked a bit on Jimin’s sweater and nodded again.
Jimin made shushing sounds to stop Jungkook’s erratic breathing and crying.
“Look at me, Kookie.”, Jimin whispered and nuzzled Jungkook’s ear with his nose to get his attention.
Jungkook took a moment to understand him but he finally turned his head and looked into Jimin’s beautiful dark eyes.
While still holding Jungkook’s hand over his own heart, Jimin touched they maknae’s forehead with his own and smiled at him.
“Now breath with me, will you?”
They repeated the breathing exercise until Jungkook’s head started to clear and he could feel the weight being lifted from his chest.
The tears were running down his cheeks and he tried to wipe them away.
Jimin reached for his face and carefully dried it for him. Jungkook blinked twice until Jimin’s face came into focus again. He sniffled and tried to analyze his friend’s face. Being so close to him wasn’t awkward at all, he felt comfortable with his friend’s skinship.
“I heard a loud thump and went to look for you since you looked so sad and passive out there.“, Jimin said tenderly and caressed Jungkook’s hands.
“Sorry.“, Jungkook said huskily. “I’m so sorry.“ He choked on a sob again.
“What on earth would you be sorry for, Kookie? I’m glad I came and could be there for you.“
“I’m such a stupid asshole for panicking as you passed out. You could have died in my arms and I wouldn’t have known what to do.“, Jungkook cried and hid his face in his hands.
“What? No! My god, Kookie, my bunny, my Kookie. You were so great down there. I woke up because I heard your voice. And besides you were a great team from what I have gathered. You worked together. You made the best out of what you had.“
“I wouldn’t have known what to do if it weren’t for our leader or the other’s.“, Jungkook explained embarrassed and tried to stop Jimin from hugging him.
“Kookie please don’t worry. It’s difficult for everyone who must do first aid. I’ve never been in a situation alone. You did good and you probably learned a lot for next time. I’m so happy you were there for me. I’m being honest.“
Jungkook realized that his sick friend was comforting him right now. Him, Jungkook, who was healthy and didn’t just puke his guts out or faint half an hour ago.
“I’m so sorry for keeping you up, please go to sleep, Jimin-ssi.“, Jungkook said sadly and looked at his hands.
Jimin didn’t hesitate to hug Jungkook once more. “I’m sorry for causing a panic attack. It’s hurting my heart to see you suffer because of my stupid body.“
Jungkook’s eyes widened in shock as he heard his friend’s words.
“Jiminie, please only worry about yourself and not me. Thank you for helping me though, I thought I was having a heart attack.“
Jimin smiled. “Sure as hell, panic attacks can be really scary. I’m glad I could help after causing it in the first place.“
“It’s not your fault. I’m fine now. Go to rest.“, Jungkook whispered and forced a little smile.
“How about we share a bed tonight? I don’t want you to be alone and I could use some Kookie-cuddles.“, Jimin proposed and smiled at his friend.
“Yeah, okay.“, Jungkook answered and nodded.
“I guess I should shower then. Can I use yours? I’m still a bit dizzy and I don’t want to drown.“, Jimin asked smiling lightly.
Jungkook nodded strongly. “Of course! I’ll be right here if you need me, Jiminie! I’ll get your pajama. You can use the towels from the white dresser.“, Jungkook said enthusiastically and got up, pulling Jimin with him. “I’ll get you something to drink too! And another blanket and pillows.”
Jimin chuckled and hugged Kookie shortly. “You’re the best, my bunny.”
After half an hour, both men were showered and changed, lying next to each other in Kookie’s large bed. Jungkook had informed Hobi that Jimin would stay with him as he fetched Jimin’s clothes.
Jimin turned off the light. Jungkook cuddled Jimin from behind, spooning him. His left arm around Jimin’s body he snuggled into his friend’s warmth.
Jimin smiled and closed his eyes, still feeling a bit of the nausea he hoped he wouldn’t get sick. But even if he did, he was sure, Kookie would care for him.