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Even with their busy schedule, they didn’t get sick that often, and when they did they usually just had to deal with it. But they were still human, and of course there were times when they were completely run down and needed some time off. It wasn’t ideal, but that’s just how it was. Seokjin didn’t think it would be that bad though, he just felt a little under the weather the day before, and felt slightly sick.
Usually it was solved by taking some vitamins, and getting an early night sleep, and so late evening found him doing just that. It was the earliest he’d gone to bed in a while, yet he knew that his body needed it for the best chance at getting better as soon as possible. He barely remembered falling asleep, passing out as soon as his head hit the pillow. He was more tired than he realised, but it wasn’t too surprising with how busy they were, on top of whatever his body was trying to fight off.
----
It felt like it had only been a few hours when he next opened his eyes, groaning softly to himself at how heavy they felt. The pressure in his head made it painful to keep them open, and his body felt stiff as he lifted his hands to rub tiredly at his eyes. It took him a few seconds to register that he’d woken because of someone knocking at his door, which continued for a couple seconds before it opened. “I’ve been knocking for like five minutes, what are you-”
He looked up to Namjoon who had paused, eyes flickering over where he was buried under the sheets. The younger scrunched up his nose, taking a step closer to him. “You look horrible.” He said as he reached out, pressing the back of his hand to Seokjin’s forehead as the other scowled at him. But he didn’t have the energy to push his hand away, instead scoffing in protest.
“I never look horrible.” Seokjin muttered, surprising even himself with how scratchy and hoarse his voice was, ignoring Namjoon’s look of concern. “I’m fine, Joon. I just woke up, I just need a drink or something.” He said, moving away from his hand to try and sit up, not able to fight the groan of pain at the way his body protested.
“Yeah, no. You’re burning up, and you can barely get up.” He told him as he pulled his hand back, taking out his phone to check the time as he chewed his lip. “We’re meant to be leaving in ten minutes, I came to get you because I thought you’d be up by now.” Namjoon said, shaking his head a little to himself. “But yeah, not happening. You’re either gonna crash within five minutes, or you’re gonna get more sick. Go back to sleep, I’ll tell the managers what’s going on.”
The staff were usually understanding, since it wasn’t a common occurrence, but they secretly all hated feeling like they were letting everyone down, even if it wasn’t their fault and nobody was blaming them. Seokjin gave a noise of protest, forcing himself to try to sit up further, forcing back a grunt at his efforts. “No, no. I’m fine, I can’t- I can’t miss a whole day of schedule, Joon. I’ll be fine once I’m up and about.” He muttered.
Namjoon eyed him for a few seconds, before letting out a small sigh. He knew how it felt to have to miss anything, especially when they couldn’t control it. But Seokjin really didn’t look good, and he didn’t want the older to push himself too much. He licked over his lower lip, lifting his hand to scratch at the back of his neck before he spoke up. “Okay, well, uh… What about just for the morning?” He offered. “We’re meant to come back here for lunch before the schedule continues in the afternoon anyway. You can sleep until then, and then if you’re feeling better then you can come for the rest of the day.”
The older seemed to consider this for a few seconds, debating on it before the ache in his bones and how tired he was got the best of him, and he let out a defeated sigh. “Fine.” Seokjin muttered, shifting a little to be able to lay back down, feeling his body relaxing with relief that he wasn’t actually going to get up. “But I’m joining after lunch, I’ll be fine by then.” He mumbled as Namjoon walked back to the door, nodding in amusement.
“Sure, sure.” He said, watching as Seokjin settled down, shaking his head to himself. “Make sure you get some sleep, and call one of us or the managers if you need anything.” Namjoon told him before he left the room. And despite having slept for so long already, it didn’t take long for Seokjin to doze back off again, tired despite having only just woken up.
----
The next time he woke was with a soft grunt, blinking a few times to adjust to light coming in through the edge of the curtains. His head didn’t feel much clearer, and his tongue felt like sandpaper in his mouth with how dry his throat was. He forced himself to sit up against the headboard, rubbing at his eyes as he looked around for his phone. The first thing that caught his attention was the glass of water and note on his bedside table, and he quickly grabbed the water, taking a few sips. He let out a relieved sigh once he was done drinking, trading the glass for the note.
‘you looked tired so I didn’t wanna wake you before we left :( but if you wake up, make sure you have a drink!!! take care and get better please!’
Seokjin smiled lightly at the note, and it only grew wider as he eyed the heart drawn cutely on the edge of the paper. It didn’t have a name on it but he knew exactly who it was from, the handwriting of the youngest standing out, and it was just something that he would do. He put it to the side as he reached over to grab his phone, ignoring the dull pounding in his head, needing to check the time and for anything important. Dread filled him when he pressed on the screen, the time telling him that it was quarter past one in the afternoon.
Usually when they came home for lunch, they arrived at half twelve and had an hour, where Seokjin would put something together for them to eat, sometimes with the help of someone else, before they left. He’d planned to be organised, be ready and also have lunch ready for when the others arrived home. They weren’t children, they’d manage to find or make lunch for themselves, but it was just something he was so used to doing. And he’d had free time, he had wanted to make something nice and filling today since he had time.
He moved to push the covers off him so he could get up, but was stopped by a light knock on his bedroom door, and he looked up at the closed door as if he’d be able to see through it. Seokjin cleared his throat, wincing at the pain that came with it, before he spoke up. “I, uh- yeah, come in.” He said, watching as the door opened.
He didn’t know who he had expected it to be, but he was surprised to see Jungkook poke his head around the doorway, eyes wide and a smile spreading across his lips when he spotted Seokjin sitting up. “You’re up!” He said, using his foot to close the door behind him as he carried a tray over to the bed, Seokjin unable to see what was on it from where he was on the bed. “How are you feeling?”
Seokjin gave a hum, frowning a little as he shifted. “I’m… okay. Thank you for the water.” He said softly, continuing to watch curiously as the younger stopped at the side of the bed, his heart melting when he lowered the tray onto the free side of the bed to reveal the food on it, along with some juice and pills.
“Okay? You still don’t look too good.” Jungkook said with a soft pout, sitting himself on the edge of the bed, glancing down at the tray he’d placed there. “But I brought you lunch! I made for everyone else too, don’t worry, I didn’t leave them to starve.” He teased. “ I made you, um- I made you soup, because it’ll probably settle easiest if you’re not well. Juice, too. And these.” He said, picking up the pills and handing them over, along with the juice.
The older decided to take them before saying anything else, cringing slightly at the feeling of them going down, his throat still scratchy and it felt tight. “Thank you.” Seokjin said softly, and it must have been obvious how he was debating which way was easiest to grab the soup, and Jungkook quickly shifted to lift the tray over to him. He smiled lightly as it was put in his lap after he’d got comfortable, glancing to the younger as he picked up the spoon. “...You’ve already ate, right?” He asked, not able to help his concern.
Jungkook smiled widely, nodding quickly as he moved to sit beside him, also leaning up against the headboard. “Yeah, I already ate. We’re gonna get going soon, so I wanted to make sure you had something first. You always make us all lunch and everything, so I wanted to be the one to bring you lunch this time.” He said sweetly.
Seokjin couldn’t help the soft smile that spread across his lips at his words. He knew they all had a soft spot for the youngest of the group, but lately his ‘soft spot’ just seemed like… more. He didn’t like to give it much thought, even with the way he couldn’t stop thinking about how easy it would be to just kiss him, how soft his lips would be. So he ignored it. He knew none of them were actually homophobic or anything, he was convinced most (if not all) were gay to a certain extent, but anything between the oldest and the youngest of the group was weird in his mind because of how long they’ve all known each other. Of course it was new, he never thought of him like that when he was literally a child, and he was a grown adult now but… he didn’t want to weird any of them out.
His thoughts suddenly took a turn, and a small frown appeared on his face, looking over to Jungkook. “Wait, what do you mean you’re going soon? I’m coming with you guys, I was only resting for the morning and then joining after lunch.” He said, taking a few quick mouthfuls of soup before trying to move the tray and get up. “I need to get ready, I was meant to be up and ready before you guys got back, I didn’t think I’d sleep that long… I was meant to have lunch ready too, but-”
A hand on his shoulder stopped him from moving, pushing him gently back against the headboard. He quickly looked over to the younger, who shook his head at him. “It’s one day, it’s fine. You need to rest, I know you’ve probably slept more than enough but you should at least take a break from being on your feet for today. Have a warm bath or something, just stay home.” Jungkook told him, ignoring the look he was getting. “Do you want to get rid of it quickly, or be stuck feeling horrible for days while following the schedule?”
Seokjin huffed, knowing he didn’t want to be feeling like this for days, but he also hated the thought of just… sitting at home for a day while the others were out working. “I feel better already. I think I was just tired.” He mumbled, picking up the spoon to take a mouthful as he avoided looking at the younger, knowing it was an obvious lie. “I’ll be fine, really. It’s not even a whole day anymore, since I missed all morning.”
There was a brief silence before Jungkook let out a sigh, and shifted around at his side, and he turned to look at him. He pouted in confusion when he noticed the other stripping himself of his hoodie, watching him as he settled back comfortably. “What are you doing?” He asked, since he hadn’t actually said anything.
“Um, getting comfortable? Everyone’s already aware there’s only gonna be six of us today, so one of us might as well stay home. And since you’re so set on going… I’ll just tell them I don’t feel like it.” Jungkook said smugly, able to feel the glare he was getting, even though he’d leaned his head back and had his eyes closed.
“Don’t be stupid, you wouldn’t get yourself into trouble like that. You can’t just ditch halfway through the day because you ‘don’t feel like it’.” Seokjin muttered, having a mouthful of soup before he continued. He’d gotten off because he was sick, so it was different than if they decided to just… not show up. Of course they wouldn’t get into extreme trouble, but to ditch without having at least asked for a day off beforehand… it certainly wasn’t worth it. “Plus, adding me back in won’t be that much trouble, it’s just going back to how it is literally every day.”
Jungkook gave a light noise of protest, reaching out to nudge his side, though did so gently since he wasn’t well and had the tray in his lap. “Shut up, come on. Please, just stay here. It’s just one day, I know it probably drags but you’ll get better so much faster.” He whined in complaint, sitting up and shifting to face him. “I want you to be better, please?”
He couldn’t help how his heart melted in his chest, both at how he was so worried about him and also the wide, begging eyes mixed in with the pout on his lips. “Ah, so cute…” Seokjin cooed as if he was unaffected, reaching up to pinch the others cheek. “Look at you, so worried about me. Aren’t you missing me, huh? Are you sure you don’t just want rid of me for a day?”
What he certainly didn’t expect was for Jungkook to reach up and take the hand that was pinching his cheek, grasping it in both of his own, ignoring the teasing. “Of course I miss you! Practice isn’t the same without you there.” He mumbled softly, absentmindedly playing with Seokjin’s fingers. “But yeah, I’m worried. I want you to be better, I don’t like the thought of you being sick, or just not feeling well. And I’d prefer to miss you for just one day rather than knowing you feel like shit for longer because you didn’t relax and give your body a break like you deserve and need.”
For the first time in a long time, Seokjin didn’t really know what to say, staring at him silently. He wasn’t expecting that of all things the younger could have said, and it seemed his silence amused him, getting out a soft laugh as he used one hand to carefully move the tray with the basically empty bowl out of his lap and to the side of the bed. His other hand didn’t let go of Seokjin’s, who didn’t pull his away either. Once the tray was gone his hand joined the other again, returning to playing with his fingers, occasionally intertwining them with his own.
The silence seemed to drag on but it wasn’t uncomfortable, it almost felt… as if they were talking. Like Jungkook was reading his mind, all the thoughts he’d been having. His heart was pounding in his chest, yet he felt calm, always soothed by the others' presence. His hands holding his own so gently, skin brushing over his own so softly, as if the careful touches were words that neither of them could bring themselves to say.
Seokjin eventually swallowed thickly, lifting his head to look at the younger. He watched as Jungkook stared down at their hands with such a soft expression, and he found himself opening his mouth before he could stop. “Yeah.” He said, though it came out as more of a whisper, his voice cracking ever so slightly at the end.
His eyes flickered up to meet his own, and despite the fact they’d held eye contact many times a day for many years, his chest warmed like it was the first time the other had ever looked at him. A small smile tugged up at the corner of Jungkook’s lips, tilting his head slightly. “...yeah?” He questioned, since there hadn’t been much context to the randomly spoken phrase. Though he couldn’t help wonder if he was just imagining how he sounded… hopeful?
It took him a few seconds, not even sure himself what he’d been saying yes to, but he eventually gave a small nod. “I- um, yeah. I’ll… stay home. For today.” Seokjin said, chewing his lower lip slightly as he watched Jungkook’s face fall for a fraction of a second, before he put on a light smile and looked back down to their hands. He took a deep breath, bringing his other hand up to take one of Jungkook’s hands in his own this time, gently tracing over the inked patterns on his skin. “And… yeah. Just- Just…” He licked his lips nervously, squeezing the youngers hand in his own before looking back up at him, finding him already looking at him with a fond smile. “Yeah?”
Jungkook seemed to understand despite it not making sense, and his smile quickly grew, spreading into a grin. “Yeah.” He nodded, squeezing his hand in return. “Yeah.” He repeated, the two of them silently staring at each other for a few seconds, Jungkook’s thumb tracing over the back of Seokjin’s hand before he cleared his throat. “Right, come on. Lay down, at least.” He said softly, shifting so he could give the older space to shuffle back under the covers, propping up the pillows for him.
They had to let go of each other's hands to be able to move, but once he was settled he watched as Jungkook reached out, gently brushing the back of his fingers over his cheek, so gently. They both knew they needed to talk, properly, at some point. But for now, they just… knew. Neither had said anything, but they both felt it, knew as if they’d shared everything through the tender touches. The hand against his cheek was gone faster than he liked, but from the sigh Jungkook gave it seemed he didn’t want to have to move away either.
“I have to go, I don’t want the others on my ass about being late.” He mumbled with a cute pout, reaching up to brush Seokjin’s hair from his forehead, staring at him silently for a few seconds before he moved to get up. “Rest, I’ll run you a bath. We’ll be gone, but it should be about fifteen minutes, okay? Check it before you get in, don’t want you burning.” Jungkook teased, picking up the tray, heading for the door.
“Mmh, I will. And thank you.” Seokjin said softly, tilting his head to the side to be able to watch him from where he was laying down. “For lunch, and for just… yeah. Good luck with today, and say hi to the others for me too.” He murmured.
Jungkook gave a small nod, smiling at him. “Yeah, of course, don’t mention it. And I know they secretly miss you, nobody can replace your company, even in a group. Be careful, you can call any of us if you need anything.” He said, Seokjin giving a weak wave as the younger turned to leave the room. But he didn’t entirely, stopping halfway out the doorway. “Oh. And-” He added, a sly grin spreading across his lips. “Get better soon, yeah? I can’t kiss you until you’re feeling better, so hurry up.” The other said, before he disappeared out the room, door closing behind him.
Seokjin was left with his mouth hanging open slightly in surprise, ears flushed red as he took a minute to fully process the words. He cleared his throat eventually, tips of his ears still burning as he cuddled into his blankets, not able to stop the shy smile to himself that appeared on his lips at the thought. He’d definitely need to work on feeling better as quickly as humanly possible.
(and if he cuddled into the hoodie the younger had left on his bed, nobody had to know)
----
By the time he woke up the next morning, he was feeling much better. Except… he did feel a little warm. It took him a minute to realise that he wasn’t producing the heat, the weight of an arm draped over his middle and soft snores at his side. A smile tugged at his lips as he carefully rolled over to face him, watching as the younger's face scrunched up in confusion when the movement woke him up. “Good morning.” Seokjin greeted, quietly.
Jungkook hummed, a sleepy smile playing on his lips. “Good morning.” He said back, his hand gently brushing over Seokjin’s side, before resting his arm lightly around his waist. “How are you feeling? You look much better…” He murmured, tongue flicking out to wet over his lower lip, and Seokjin couldn’t decide if the action was purposeful or not.
“I feel… better. Much better.” The older admitted once he managed to look away from his lips, eyes flickering up to meet his eyes again. He didn’t miss the way Jungkook slowly leaned in, as he gave a low hum in acknowledgment. He seemed to be giving him time to move away if he wished, but Seokjin certainly wasn’t going anywhere, apart from leaning in to meet him.
It felt far too overdue as their lips met, one of Seokjin’s hands coming up to gently cup the side of his face, holding him close in return for how the younger gently held his waist. The kiss wasn’t rushed, both of them happy to take their time, lips slowly brushing against each other.
“This isn’t a good idea, you know.” Seokjin murmured against his lips, brushing his thumb lightly over Jungkook’s cheek when he felt him tense at the words, quickly continuing. “You could still get sick, even if I’m feeling better. Might not be all clear.”
Jungkook gave a soft huff, having thought Seokjin was about to reject him, or tell him they should stop. He pulled back a little to be able to look at him, eyes flicking over him, taking him in. “Mmh, doesn’t matter.” He eventually stated, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. “Waited long enough, don’t wanna wait any longer.”
That certainly wasn’t something Seokjin could argue with, a smile spreading across his face before he leaned in, moving closer to him as he kissed him again. If they were a little late for being up for breakfast, then it would certainly be worth it, they’d been silently waiting too long for this.