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Slip, slide, roll. Twist and turn. Jungkook panted heavily as they continued to practice the choreography for Blood, Sweat, and Tears. His body was slick with sweat and every muscle ached. Taking a quick glance around the studio and he saw that his hyungs were doing no better.
Jin looked like he was seconds away from strangling Hoseok and Taehyung looked like he wanted to collapse, practice be dammed. When the choreographer called for a fifteen-minute break, Jungkook wanted to cry with relief. The boys had been practicing for over three hours already. They had three more hours of dance practice and then at least four going over the new vocals for the next album.
Sometimes Jungkook wondered if everything was worth it, becoming a K-Pop idol and working himself to the bone. And for what, fame that could be temporary? He was broken out of his thoughts by something wet and cold being pressed against his neck. Jungkook turned around to see Yoongi holding out a water bottle for him, concern evident in his eyes.
“Are you okay?” He asked. “You seemed like you were struggling towards the end there.” Yoongi tried to sound nonchalant about it but Jungkook could tell by now when one of his hyungs were worried.
Jungkook took the offered bottle and gulped down half of it. “I’m fine. I think if anything you should worry about Namjoon-hyung and Jin-hyung. I think Jin was trying to strangle Hobi earlier.”
Yoongi smirked, “You’re right. Just take care of yourself. We don’t need you to overwork yourself.” Before Jungkook could even reply, sounds of bickering could be heard between the other members. The two looked over and Jungkook could see Namjoon back hugging Jin to prevent him from going after Hoseok. Taehyung and Jimin were cackling so hard they were on the floor with their laughter.
“Yah you brats! A little help would be nice here.” Namjoon shouted. Hoseok had a smile on his face as he tried to calm Jin down.
Yoongi sighed. “A hyungs work is never done kid.” He ruffled Jungkook’s hair and walked off to deal with the troublemakers. Jungkook chuckled to himself, warmth growing in his chest as he watched the members interact with each other. He decided then that if he could start over he would stick with Bangtan despite everything they were going through. His brothers were worth it.
All to soon the break came to an end. With one last gulp Jungkook downed the last of the water and stood up to get in formation. His vision blurred and he stumbled. Panicked, Jungkook braced himself against the wall and tried to regain his composure.
He glanced around, thankful that no one saw his moment of weakness. It wouldn’t be right to complain when everyone was struggling. Jungkook was too deep in his thoughts to see the concerned glances that were shared between Yoongi and Hoseok.
“Alright, let’s do a last run through and we’ll call it quits for the day.” The choreographer announced. Taehyung let out a whoop of excitement, earlier bouts of exhaustion all but gone when the end was near.
The music started and Jungkook easily found his place. The sudden exhaustion from earlier pushed to the back of his mind in an effort to get practice done and over with.
Things were going well, and Jungkook actually thought that this was going to be it. Halfway through the song, the exhaustion hit full force. His vision blurred and the next thing Jungkook knew he collapsed to the floor, the worried shouts of his hyungs as everything faded to black.
***
Jungkook felt his head being cradled as he returned to consciousness. He recognized that he was laying on someone’s lap and looked up to see Jimin’s worried face. Relief flashed through his eyes as Jimin noticed Jungkook’s semi-state of awareness.
“Kook-ah, can you hear me?” Jimin asked as he tenderly brushed aside some sweaty hair. Jungkook nodded and bit his lip at the sudden pain that lanced through his head. He felt bile rise in the back of his throat and pushed it back as hard as he could.
A cool cloth was placed over his head and Jungkook felt near instant relief. Jin knelt beside him, a frown marring his otherwise perfect features.
“Yah, what do you think you’re doing? If you weren’t feeling well you should have said so. You can’t be putting yourself at risk like this Kookie, not so close to comeback.” Jin said.
The last thing Jungkook wanted was a lecture, but he knew Jin was right. He took a big risk and now it was time to face the consequences. “Didn’t know.” He answered honestly.
Jimin pursed his lips, looking like he wanted to defend Jungkook but Taehyung beat him to it. “It’s not like he did it on purpose, hyung. We’ve all bee working to much. And if Jungkook said he didn’t know then it’s not his fault either.”
Namjoon had a look of concentration on his face. “When did you first start feeling bad, was it this morning?”
Jungkook shook his head. “Break.” The others glanced at each other. If Jungkook was having trouble speaking, it could be worse than they feared.
Yoongi returned with one of the company nurses and Sejin. Jungkook didn’t even realized he left the room. “Let’s get you sitting up, Jimin-sii do you mind helping? The nurse asked. Jimin quickly complied, helping to move Jungkook to a more comfortable position so that the nurse could do her work.
Sejin was getting the story from Namjoon and Jin and Yoongi lowered his face as he clenched his fists. Sejin glanced over, confused. “Yoongi-ah, what wrong?”
Yoongi took a deep breath. “I knew something was wrong with him during the break. It looked like he had trouble catching his breath and I should have gotten him help then.” The rapper couldn’t help but beat himself up over it, knowing he could have helped Jungkook earlier.
Sejin smiled knowing that despite the younger man’s gruff nature, Yoongi really did care about his members. Before he could reassure him, Namjoon beat him to it.
“Hyung you did your best. You know how Kookie can get and at least we were all here when it happened. If he was by himself it could have been a lot worse.”
“Well said Namjoon.” Sejin said. “Yoongi you did the best you could in the situation you were in. You should be proud.”
Despite the reassuring words, Yoongi couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt when it came to their youngest. If he had just said something earlier then maybe everything could have been avoided all together. Yoongi vowed that he would make it up to Jungkook later.
Before anything else could be said, the nurse came up to them to give Sejin her prognosis. “It just seems to be a case of exhaustion. And Jungkook also seems to be developing some early symptoms of the flu. He had a slight temperature but nothing that couldn’t be handled with some rest and care at home.”
Everyone seemed to breathe easier at her words.
“Then I’ll make the calls so that Jungkook-ah’s schedule is cleared for the rest of today and tomorrow.” Sejin said, already walking away to make the necessary arrangements.
“He needs someone to stay with him. What if something happens that makes it worse?” Jin asked, his concern evident. He glanced over to where Jungkook and Jimin were, Taehyung had joined them and was attempting to get the maknae to drink some water.
“I agree. It would make us all feel better if someone was to keep an eye on Kook.” Hoseok said. He saw that Yoongi was attempting to look nonchalant but was failing. It was kind of cute. “I volunteer Yoongi-hyung. He looks like he could use some rest to.”
Oi, you brat-“ Yoongi started, but before he could even finish Namjoon and Hoseok burst out into laughter. A look of confusion showed on Yoongi’s face eyes beginning to narrow in frustration.
“Hyung it’s nothing bad.” Hoseok began, “We know the soft spot you have for Jungkook is a mile long. It’s sweet that you care so much.”
Yoongi shot Hoseok a glare. “Fine, I’ll go, only to get some peace form you two.”
He gave his manager a bow and picked up his and Jungkook’s bags. “Jungkook-ah, come on. We’re through with these idiots for now.
“I’ve never been so betrayed.” Taehyung said. He threw Jungkook’s arm over his shoulders and helped him walk to the door where Yoongi was waiting.
Taehyung shot a grin towards Jungkook “Be sure to give Yoongi-hyung hell. Right now, you could get away with murder.” Jungkook let out a weak chuckle and just shook his head. He regretted the motion when his head swam and he felt sick to his stomach. Jungkook used Taehyung to steady himself before letting go and joining Yoongi at the door.
“You sure you can make it back to the dorms kid?” Yoongi asked.
“I’m not a kid, and I’ll be fine until we get home.” Jungkook murmured. “Can we go now please?”
Yoongi let it go when he heard the slight whine in Jungkook’s voice. He knew the kid must feel like absolute shit if he was actually wanting to go home, instead of trying to convince them he was fine.
“Sure kid, we can get lamb skewers for dinner to.” Yoongi took some of Jungkook’s weight despite the awkwardness given their difference in height. Thankfully there was already a cab waiting to take the two back.
Yoongi helped Jungkook get into the back securely before sliding in himself. After giving the cab driver their address, he gave Jungkook a worried look. The maknae was already leaning against the door, eyes half lidded with sleep. It was clear that exhaustion was evident now that he was able to take a closer look. The fact that all of them managed to miss such clear signs of distress wasn’t going to leave them anytime soon.
Thankfully drive to the dorms was short and before they knew it Yoongi and Jungkook had arrived home. The rapper struggled with the bags causing Jungkook to snort with laughter. Jungkook gripped the door as he got out of the taxi. His arms were weak with exhaustion and his eyes blurred from lack of sleep.
As the two made their way into their apartment, Jungkook felt the weight of the stress bleed from his shoulders and nearly slumped in the doorway before Yoongi could catch him. “Come on kid, you made it this far, at least wait until your in a bed before falling asleep.”
“Sorry hyung.” Jungkook mumbled. He shuffled across the floor, taking his shoes off before getting into the living room. He collapsed onto their couch, body sinking into it as if he would melt. Yoongi placed their bags by the door and shook his head as he noticed that the youngest was already asleep.
“At least it’s better than the floor.” Yoongi murmured to himself. He took a blanket from Jin’s room and tossed it over Jungkook. He left a glass of water and some painkillers on the table for when Jungkook woke up. Yoongi knew from experience that Jungkook would be sore when he woke up if he wasn’t already feeling it.
He went towards his room, hoping to get a nap in before the others got home. He was beginning to feel the day’s exhaustion himself. It didn’t help that he spent most of the night at the studio working on the final tracks for their new album.
As he passed by the couch, he felt a tug from the sleeve of his shirt. He saw that Jungkook was looking at him through lidded eyes. “Thank you hyung. I am sorry.”
Yoongi sighed and squeezed Jungkook’s hand once. “It’s alright kid, but we will be talking about this when the others get home. You can’t be pushing yourself like this.”
Jungkook looked away. “I know.”
Yoongi shook his head, not wanting to get into an argument when both of them weren’t at their best. Better to wait until they all were home so they could hopefully get through their youngest better. In fact, it was high time they all had a talk about their limits. Himself included. Opening the door to his room, Yoongi practically sank onto his bed. He was out before his head hit the pillow.
***
“Aww, they’re so cute! Can you send that picture to me hyung?” Yoongi grimaced as he tried to bury his head deeper to get a way from the voices.
“Sure Jimin, in fact I’m thinking of posting this for Armys. They deserve a special treat.”
“Go away” A voice said from behind Yoongi. The breath causing the hairs on the back of the neck to rise. Yoongi’s eyes snapped open and turned to see Jungkook sleeping next to him, arm thrown across him. So that’s where the extra heat came from.
Yoongi glared at Seokjin and Jimin, as if expecting them to have an explanation.
Seokjin smirked “He was already there when we got home. Seemed like he was lonely and well, He was too cute not to move.”
“You’re both horrible.” Yoongi muttered, eyes already feeling heavy again. He felt Jungkook pull him closer, and the world of sleep seemed to be pulling him under once again.
“Go back to sleep hyung. We’ll get you when dinner’s ready.” Jimin whispered, closing the door gently behind them.
And well, who was Yoongi to argue with that?