Work Text:
"Jungkook, I'm fine", Taehyung grumbled, as Jungkook was pulling him by the hand towards the couch.
"You're bleeding", Jungkook retorted, forcing him to sit down, and then ran to grab the first-aid kit.
"It's just a scratch!", Taehyung exclaimed. Jungkook ignored him, setting the first-aid kit on the couch next to Taehyung, as he pulled Taehyung's hand towards him. "I was transferring my roses to a bigger pot and I didn't notice one of the thorns, it's fine". Jungkook ignored him again, carefully cleaning the cut in his palm, before tenderly putting a bandage over it. Taehyung chuckled at the brief glare Jungkook shot towards the potted roses outside. "Do I have to remind you that I'm older than you?"
"No", Jungkook shook his head, Taehyung glaring at him. "Hyung", he added.
"Then why are you overreacting?", Taehyung asked.
"Because I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt", Jungkook shut his eyes. He grabbed the first-aid kit and put it back where he found it, before making his way back and sat down next to Taehyung.
"I appreciate it", Taehyung stroked the nape of Jungkook's neck, the younger looking at him. "And that's exactly how I feel. Considering what you do for a living, I'm terrified everyday that I won't get to hear from you, or someone else will contact me to say that something happened to you", his voice broke and he teared up. Taehyung blinked, trying to shoo the tears away. "Promise me you're careful, please"
"I am, hyung, I promise", Jungkook took Taehyung's free hand in both of his. Taehyung noticed his expression change.
"What?", Taehyung prompted.
"New case", Jungkook mumbled. "I can't say much, but the offender is kidnapping and torturing people, before he kills them. We have only found the victims after he has disposed of them, but no way to track him down"
"Wow, that's dark", Taehyung grimaced.
"Homicide is swamped with cases, so this one was passed to us", Jungkook sighed. "We got this case, like, yesterday, and have already found 2 bodies. If I include the bodies that Homicide found, the first one 2 weeks ago...", he shook his head. "He has hurt too many people"
"You'll get him", Taehyung nudged him with his shoulder. "He hasn't met Jeon Jungkook yet. You're gonna be his downfall". Jungkook tried to hide his smile -Taehyung always encouraged and hyped him up. It had been like that since they were kids. Taehyung was the only one who hang out with him at school, because Jungkook was shy and timid but the other kids found him intimidating for some reason. Taehyung was the only one who supported him and edged him on, when even his parents didn't believe he'll make it into the police academy. As for Jungkook, he was the only one who stood up for Taehyung when the latter was getting bullied for being poor (he wasn't poor, the other kids' parents were filthy rich, but that's besides the point) during the break at school, not caring that the bullies were older and maybe bigger than him -he still intimidated them away. Jungkook was the only one who supported Taehyung in his dream to become a florist, the boy showing his love for flowers ever since he was little, despite his family coaxing him to become a doctor or a lawyer because he was smart and he wasn't taking advantage of that . They had been there for each other through thick and thin, just the 2 of them. And then Jin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon and Jimin came along. Jin being Jungkook's Sergeant, Yoongi and Jimin are paramedics and are often among the ones dispatched when Jin's team requests EMT assistance, Namjoon being a doctor and Hoseok being a nurse at the ER where Yoongi and Jimin drop off patients. That's how the 7 of them came together.
"As always, thank you, hyung", Jungkook smiled. "Now come on, let's eat". He reached forward towards the table and dragged it closer, the takeout containers already set on it, with 2 pairs of chopsticks and 2 Sprite cans on top of coasters. They ate in silence, before Jungkook got up and took the empty containers and the cans and put them in the bag they came in, while Taehyung washed the chopsticks.
"Wanna stay over?", Taehyung asked.
"I'd love to, hyung", Jungkook replied. "But I have to get up early and I don't want to wake you". He knew that Taehyung wouldn't let him sleep on the couch, and since Taehyung is a light sleeper, he would definitely wake up as Jungkook would get out of bed.
"Okay, I understand", Taehyung let out a sad smile. He followed Jungkook, as the younger made his way to the door, stopping to put on his jacket and shoes. Jungkook went in for a hug and Taehyung was happy to comply. "Let me know when you get home"
"I will message you, hyung, don't worry", Jungkook nodded, pulling away and slipping his phone in his pocket. He briefly went to the kitchen to grab the bag, which he would throw in the trash on his way out, before coming back to the door. "See you tomorrow"
"See you tomorrow", Taehyung repeated. Jungkook walked out and Taehyung closed his door when he couldn't see him anymore. He was staring at his phone every few seconds, even as he was brushing his teeth, until Jungkook's message came 10 minutes later.
"No, hyung", Jungkook shook his head, gently pushing Taehyung's hand, which was holding his wallet, down. "Coffee's on me today, you treated me last time". Last time being yesterday. Taehyung was about to complain, but Jungkook had already taken his wallet out and paid.
"Next time, my treat", Taehyung pointed a finger at him as if warning him, holding his cup and opening the coffee shop's door, waiting for Jungkook to exit before he followed. They sipped and walked towards Taehyung's shop. Taehyung crouched down to unlock before he straightened up again, pulling the door open.
"I'll get going then", Jungkook said, giving Taehyung's cup back.
"See you later", Taehyung smiled. "Be careful out there"
"I will, hyung", Jungkook nodded, before he turned around and started walking towards the station, which wasn't too far away. No one noticed a figure at the far corner opposite Taehyung's shop. He waited a while, before he approached to check on Taehyung through the window. Taehyung was busy arranging some potted flowers and pre-made sample bouquets on shelves. The door was open, and the person managed to enter without Taehyung noticing him, since he had his back towards it. A van parked in front of the shop didn't allow anyone outside to see anything. Taehyung was hit at the back of the head, groaning as he fell to the ground, but it wasn't enough to knock him unconscious. His ears were ringing and there were blind spots in his vision, but he blindly threw his leg back and managed to kick the man on the knee, the latter stumbling back. This allowed Taehyung to turn around and look before the man was on his feet again, ready for another attack. Taehyung struggled but got back to his feet ready to defend himself as the guy was launching himself towards him. They both fell backwards on the shelves, knocking off the pots, which fell to the ground and broke, soil spilling everywhere. Taehyung tried to push him off, both falling on the ground, and Taehyung managed to roll them around and get on top. The man's hands went to his neck, and Taehyung punched him in the nose in an attempt to get free. His dizziness was getting worse, weakening his defenses, and the guy neck-chopped him. Taehyung, distracted, was knocked unconscious by a nearby pot the man smashed against the right side of his head. Taehyung's eyes closed and he fell unconscious on the guy. The man rolled them again, and with Taehyung unable to provide resistance, he started dragging the boy towards the van. He tied Taehyung's limbs at lower back level, together, so Taehyung wouldn't be able to escape or fight back when he regained consciousness. Then, he jumped in the driver's seat and drove off.
"Sergeant Kim", Jin said as he picked up the desk phone that was ringing. His eyes widened as he listened to the person calling from the front desk, before he looked at Jungkook.
"What is it, hyung?", Jungkook frowned, as Jin was putting the phone down.
"There was an attack", Jin began.
"Another victim?", Jungkook murmured.
"It appears that way. We have to go", Jin was hesitating. There was no easy way to say this . The Detectives and the other Officers present were also clueless. Jin approached Jungkook before voicing it out loud. "It's Taehyung"
"What-", Jungkook blurted out, his hand on the desk for support as he felt his world collapse. Even the others present were shocked. They had seen Taehyung a few times and they all got along well, even if just the 7 boys were close with one another. Jungkook, in a trance, turned around and began running out of the office. The others rushed after him, all arriving at Taehyung's shop on foot. Jungkook was the first to arrive and take in the scene in front of him: The shop a mess, broken pots, flowers that had been brutally stepped on, soil everywhere, and traces of blood. Jungkook stumbled back with tears in his eyes, before his knees buckled. "N-No", he cried.
"Oh my", Jin exclaimed in a low voice when he saw the condition of Taehyung's shop. A look towards the other Officers was enough for them to go in and check the scene carefully, call the CSIs to come too. He knelt by Jungkook's side. "Come on", he gently pulled Jungkook up and away, making him turn his back to the shop. "Jungkook, look at me". He waited patiently until Jungkook returned his gaze. It took him a while to focus, still in shock. "We're gonna find him"
"Are we ?", Jungkook rebutted. "Ever since this psychopath surfaced, the police only managed to find bodies...", his voice trailed off. He wanted to add 'Why would it be different now? ', but he couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.
"We are", Jin said with conviction. "You have to believe we are. For Taehyung's sake", he paused to examine Jungkook's face. The younger was just staring at him. "Taehyung needs you ". There was a visible shift in Jungkook's whole face.
"You're right, hyung", Jungkook sniffled, wiping his tears with the back of his hands. He looked determined, focused, in control. "Let's get to work"
"Let's get back to the station, the CSIs just arrived", Jin was looking behind Jungkook, a police jeep had pulled up and people wearing 'CSI' jackets and caps came out and headed inside to sweep the shop for evidence, one holding a camera. Jin and his team greeted them before making their way back to the station. The waiting until someone from the CSI team called was nerve-wracking.
"Officer Jeon", Jungkook said, hastily picking up the phone. No one spoke, as Jungkook was listening to the person on the other end of the line.
"Well?", Jin prompted, when Jungkook put the phone down.
"The blood matches 2 people", Jungkook replied. It didn't take a rocket scientist to understand that one is Taehyung's, even though he has no criminal record. But the fact that the blood belonged to 2 people meant that Taehyung fought back . Jin and Jungkook wouldn't admit it, with everything going on, but they they were proud of Taehyung, because no other victim had managed to make the offender bleed, and now they had his blood. No matter how many times Jungkook called or texted, Taehyung didn't get back to him, and his stomach churned.
"Do we have a match for the offender?", a Detective asked. Jungkook nodded and started typing on his computer. Jin and the others huddled around and behind him to see.
"He broke out of prison and we haven't been able to find him and put him back in 2 weeks now? And the people he has hurt...", an Officer shook her head, appalled.
Taehyung slowly opened his eyes. His whole body ached, his hands and feet tied at his back, his head throbbing. He squinted.
"Someone is awake", the man chanted. His voice made Taehyung's blood ran cold and he tried to turn on his other side. The man kicked him to 'help' him, Taehyung groaning.
"Who are you?", Taehyung managed to keep his voice stable, looking boldly at the man even though he was scared of him.
"No need for you to know that", the man snarled.
"What do you want from me?" Taehyung asked then. He didn't know him, but he had a suspicion as to who this person may be...
"Nothing, really... I'm just bored, so I'll play with you for a little", the man snickered. "Let's see if Jungkook will save you". Taehyung froze.
"How do you know Jungkook?", Taehyung blurted out.
"As if I wouldn't know Jungkook", the man teased. "He walked with you from the coffee shop to your shop and then left for work. He has been trying to get ahold of you too", he smiled sardonically as he held Taehyung's phone in the owner's line of vision. Okay, Taehyung definitely knew who this person is now... His smile disappeared, his eyes turned black, as he started stomping on Taehyung, the latter trying to muffle his moans of pain but was unsuccessful.
Jungkook's phone chimed with a new message. He almost dropped it when he saw the sender's name: ~Taehyungie hyung~ .
"What?", Jin eyed him carefully, before he and the others came and peeked, as Jungkook tapped to open the message. Jungkook paled as he watched Taehyung getting stomped on.
"H-hyung", Jungkook's voice shook, as was the hand holding the device.
"Can you track the video's IP address or Taehyung's phone?", Jin asked an Officer. Jungkook took this as a sign to send the video to his coworker.
"No", the Officer shook his head regretfully, after trying. Jungkook tried to call Taehyung again, but no one picked up.
"Hi, Jimin", Jin accepted the younger's call.
"Hello, hyung", Jimin said.
"We found out about Taehyung", Namjoon's voice was heard. So, Jimin had Jin on speaker.
"Me and Jimin were coming from a call and passed by Taehyung's trashed shop and saw the police tape", Yoongi spoke, leaning closer to Jimin's phone.
"What can you tell us?", Hoseok asked, knowing that, because it was a police investigation, they couldn't disclose much information.
"Sorry you had to find out like this, I didn't manage to call you to let you know earlier", Jin sighed. "Not much... We know who has him, but we don't know where. That psychopath escaped prison at least 2 weeks ago and, despite him being on a kidnapping-torturing-and-killing-people spree ever since, we haven't been able to track him down. And, until today, we didn't even have his blood"
"So, you're saying that a maniac serial killer has taken Taehyung", Namjoon mumbled.
"Unfortunately, yes", Jin exhaled heavely. "He used Taehyung's phone to send us a video of himself stomping on him, and we were unable to track down the location"
"What?!", Hoseok shrieked, slapping his hand over his mouth immediately.
"Oh my God", Jimin exclaimed in a low voice.
"How is Jungkook holding up?", Yoongi asked.
"He's keeping it together. When we heard and ran to Taehyung's shop he was so out of it, and I don't blame him. But I managed to calm him down and get him to focus by saying that Taehyung needs him, which is true...", Jin's voice trailed off. The others nodded as they listened.
"We're hoping for the best", Namjoon sighed, and the others hummed in agreement.
"We'll let you get back to work. Keep us posted please, hyung", Jimin requested.
"Will do", Jin reassured. The call ended. Jungkook was leaning against his desk, his eyes wide and glued on the floor. "Jungkook?", he called on him, approaching.
"How are we going to find him, hyung?", Jungkook asked.
"I don't know", Jin admitted. "But we will". Jungkook's phone began ringing and looking at the caller ID he knew it wasn't Taehyung. He turned his screen towards Jin, the oldest signaling the others to be quiet, as Jungkook was accepting the call and putting his phone on speaker.
"What? You're not even gonna talk?", the man teased. "I have your Taehyung hyung~ ", he singsonged at the end.
"If you hurt him-", Jungkook began.
"I already have, as you saw", the man cut him off, on the brink of laughing. "And I'm not done yet". Jungkook could hear him smiling, and he felt chills down his spine.
"What do you want?", Jungkook asked, trying to not think of Taehyung tied up, getting stomped on...
"Just to see if you'll find him before he ends up like the others. You almost got me yesterday", the man mocked. Deafening silence on Jungkook's end, himself, Jin and the others exchanging questioning glances. "Oh, don't play dumb! Don't tell me you haven't figured it out!". Pause. "You haven't", he stated, before he started laughing. "You better hurry up, Jungkook", he spat his name.
"No, Jungkook, don't come for me!", Taehyung yelled.
"Shut up", the man growled, kicking him. Taehyung groaned.
"Is he... still alive?", Jungkook managed to not yell, when he couldn't hear Taehyung anymore. He didn't ask if Taehyung is 'okay' because he clearly wasn't.
"He's fine, I just drugged him", the man brushed him off and hang up. Jungkook's eyes were wide. What did he drug him with ... What was the dosage ...
"We have to find him", Jungkook's pleading eyes wandered around the room. Everyone nodded.
"He said that we almost got him yesterday", a Detective recalled.
"I don't understand", Jin shook his head. "We didn't see him yesterday, we didn't even know who he was"
"Maybe we should go through the victims' folders, the answer must be in there", an Officer suggested. Homicide had made sure that they had gotten a copy of all the evidence.
"Let's get on it", Jin nodded, each grabbing a handful of folders, while an Officer brought a white board with markers close, ready to write down whatever felt like they were on the right track.
"Oh, you're awake", the man stared at Taehyung as the boy was opening his eyes. Taehyung, disoriented from the drug-induced slumber he was in, he glanced around him. He wasn't laying down, with his limbs tied together at waist level. He was standing this time, sort of . He was on his knees, his hands tied with ropes not above his head but wider than shoulder-width apart, a chain around his midsection, with heavy weights securing it to the ground and making sure Taehyung couldn't move. "It's no use", he approached, when Taehyung tried to pull on his hands, but the ropes were not budging.
"You're clearly gonna kill me eventually... Why are you keeping me alive?", Taehyung asked. He was thankful that the man didn't have super-hearing, because he would definitely be able to hear his thumping heart.
"I enjoy the whole process", the man shrugged, his smile making the hairs at the back of Taehyung's neck to erect. "When I have nothing else to do with you, I'll kill you, don't worry. And then, move on to the next person". Taehyung was appalled but he didn't want to aggravate him. "But until then, I'll have fun with you". He went towards a table at the end of the room, but because it was dark, Taehyung couldn't see what was on top of it. He came back with a knife and Taehyung's phone. Taehyung's eyes instantly went to the knife. The man examined him, walking in front of him and examining his face with the help of the light Taehyung was under. The man began recording with Taehyung's phone, as he held the knife in his right hand and came closer to Taehyung.
Jungkook's phone chimed again, the boy's eyes snapping towards it. He hastily grabbed it from the nearby desk he had left it on.
"It's another video", Jungkook's voice shook. The others gathered around him, and he tapped on it to play. They all watched, as the man was recording how he placed the tip of the knife against Taehyung's right cheek. Before he dragged it slowly, diagonally, towards the right corners of his lips. Taehyung's eyes were squeezed shut and he cried out. The boy tried to move away, and the guy threw the knife on the ground and used the back of his right hand to slap Taehyung on the right side of his face. The sheer force of the slap caused Taehyung to turn on the other side, exposing his right side profile and the blooded ear. Just as the video finished, Jungkook tapped to call Taehyung's phone, but his call went unanswered. An incoming call from Taehyung's phone came, and he picked up, trying not to scream in the process, putting it on speaker again.
"You liked my surprise?", the man asked. Silence. "You youngsters don't appreciate anything nowadays", he spat. Taehyung's whimpering was barely audible so either the man was farther away from him, or Taehyung was not doing well... They didn't know if he had done something more to Taehyung, besides the videos he was sending, or if he decided Taehyung was his punching bag while he was drugged... "Time is ticking~", he chanted, before he hang up. Jin reached and placed his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to compose himself, while blinking the tears away.
"We've looked at all the files. I don't see anything that can help us", an Officer sighed.
"We'll find a way", it was Jungkook who spoke. "We have to". The others nodded. Jungkook tapped on the video again.
"Jungkook, you don't have to rewatch this", Jin mumbled. Jungkook rewinded the video and watched it again. "Jungkook-"
"The watch", Jungkook murmured.
"What?", Jin blurted out, coming closer and looking at where Jungkook was pointing. At some point in the video, the camera is panning from Taehyung's hands to his waist and then to the weights on the ground.
"The watch", Jungkook repeated. He had noticed the silver watch next to the yellow-ish rope.
"What about it?", Jin asked.
"It was my gift to Taehyungie hyung after I graduated from the academy, as a token of appreciation because he was the only one who believed in me", Jungkook replied. Jin nodded, familiar with their whole story, but he didn't see the point. "He never takes it off and it was custom-made"
"Okay...?", Jin encouraged.
"There is a tracker inside", Jungkook informed. Jin's face lit up.
"Wait, does Taehyung-", Jin began.
"He is aware and okay with it", Jungkook reassured. "I guess I was a bit paranoid since I started working as an Officer, and I got him this watch as a gift... But I promised that I would only track it if need be, hoping that I would never have to...", his voice trailed off.
"You have the tracking info?", Jin asked. Jungkook nodded, searching the notes in his phone. "Good thing you were paranoid", Jungkook approached a Detective already situated in front of a computer, ready to type in the tracking info and begin a city-wide search. Jin briefly called Jimin to inform him, the younger reassuring that he'll let the others know and they would all be on standby.
"Tick Tock", the man singsonged, eyeing Taehyung. "Maybe your friend is not coming for you"
"He better not", Taehyung mumbled. "You're gonna kill him, aren't you?"
"How come he , someone who works in law enforcement and is supposed to be smart, hasn't figured out how close he was to finding me yesterday, and you can read my intentions?", the man wondered.
"He is smart", Taehyung rebutted. "And you're easy to read". The man's smirk faded.
"Easy, huh?", the man questioned. "What am I about to do?", he got closer and lowered himself to be on Taehyung's eye level. Taehyung's eyes didn't leave his, not immediately . Only when he felt a sharp pain in his lower right abdomen, Taehyung's eyes widened and he screamed, before he lowered his gaze. The man had grabbed the knife from the ground and had stabbed him. Warm liquid was dieing his pastel peach button-up shirt scarlet, and spreading to his pants. His tears mixed with the blood on his left cheek, and trickling down his jaw and onto his shirt. Taehyung screamed again when the man twisted the knife slightly, before he pulled it out. And then slammed it back in. Taehyung screamed again, but the bloodloss and the torturous day didn't allow for much, Taehyung's scream fading and his eyes slowly drooping closed. The door was kicked open and Jungkook launched himself on the man.
"You fucking bastard!", Jungkook yelled, punching him in the face repeatedly, breaking his nose.
"You're too late", the man laughed, spitting blood on the ground. Jungkook kicked him to force him to turn onto his stomach, before he handcuffed him.
"We'll take it from here", the female Officer said, as she and the other male Officer in Jin's team rushed and grabbed the man, and dragged him away.
"Oh, Tae", Jin exclaimed when he saw the state Taehyung was in. Jungkook nearly tripped in his haste as he ran to Taehyung, cutting the rope and freeing his hands. Taehyung almost fell forward, and with the knife still in him, that could have turned badly. But Jungkook managed to catch him and make him lay back. Jin rushed and tried to free Taehyung from the chain around his waist.
"Hyung, hold him still", Jungkook inquired. Jin did as told, making sure the knife didn't move. Jungkook pulled on the chain a bit to create some room, even though that meant it dug a little into Taehyung's hip on the other side, and held the chain against the floor before he kicked his foot down. His boot managed to snap one of the rings, and now Taehyung was chain-free. Jungkook kicked the chain away, bringing Taehyung's legs to a more normal position, as he dropped on his knees.
"Dispatch, this is Sergeant Kim", Jin's voice faded as he walked away from the 2, to wait for the EMTs and escort them in.
"H-hyung", Jungkook's voice broke, as he caressed Taehyung's cheek, not caring that his palm got blooded up. Taehyung's eyes opened slightly, and he turned his head to look at him.
"You came", Taehyung's voice was barely heard. If Jungkook wasn't so close, he wouldn't have heard him.
"Of course I did", Jungkook rushed.
"You fucking idiot", Taehyung mumbled, just as Jin was running in with Yoongi and Jimin, the latter 2 dragging a stretcher while carrying 2 medical backpacks.
"Oh my", Jimin whispered as he and Yoongi knelt by Taehyung's side, one on each.
"Let's secure the knife first", Yoongi suggested, with Jimin nodding. Opening one bag, Yoongi took out rolls of bandages and placed them around the knife, while Jimin reached under Taehyung's waist and passed some gauzes around Taehyung's midsection a few times, the knife now secured and it'd be up to the doctors to remove it.
"Let's get him on the stretcher now", Jimin said. Yoongi, Jimin and Jungkook turned Taehyung on his side, as Jin pushed the stretcher under the younger, and then they rolled him back onto his back. On a silent count to 3, the 4 raised the stretcher off the ground and ran towards the ambulance, Jin reaching to open the back doors. Taehyung was loaded in and with Jin nodding his consent, Jungkook climbed behind Yoongi, as Jimin ran to the driver's seat. After wearing his seatbelt, he stepped on the gas and used his radio to call in the incoming incident. Yoongi began hooking Taehyung on monitors to keep track of his vitals while they're on the way to the hospital, and giving him a small dose of morphine for the pain.
"I'm right here, hyung", Jungkook reassured, taking Taehyung's left hand in both of his. Taehyung was too weak to squeeze back, but his fingers curled in slightly. He turned his head to look at Jungkook, his eyes slowly drooping closed, just when the monitor started beeping rapidly. Jungkook's heart sank.
"He's in shock", Yoongi declared. Jimin briefly turned to look through the little window between his and the passenger's headrest, before turning his attention back to the road. Yoongi began CPR, Jungkook just looking at Taehyung's face through blurry vision. "Come on, Tae!", he yelled, slightly out of breath. He stopped chest compressions to check the monitor. Nothing . Yoongi grabbed the defibrillator and shocked him. He continued chest compressions before he shocked him again.
"Hyung, I can take over chest compressions", Jungkook offered. Yoongi nodded, and just held the paddles, while Jungkook was on the 3rd round of chest compressions. "Please, hold on!", he begged, feeling Taehyung's ribs cracking under his hands.
"Jungkook, don't stop", Yoongi urged. "It doesn't matter if you broke his ribs". He pushed a shot of epinephrine, before telling Jungkook to get his hands off so he can shock Taehyung again. No dice . "We're losing him"
"No, we're not", Jungkook rebutted, continuing chest compressions, just as Yoongi was getting ready to use the defibrillator for the 4th time, which he did after another round of Epi. Jungkook was about to start chest compressions again, when the monitor started beeping steadily, indicating that Taehyung's heart was beating again. "Oh, thank the heavens", he exhaled shakily in relief. Taehyung's eyes fluttered open. They arrived at the hospital shortly after, Jimin jumping out and running to open the doors, as the 3 unloaded Taehyung from the ambulance. Namjoon and Hoseok were right at the emergency room doors, which they opened as Yoongi and Jimin placed the stretcher on the gurney the first 2 had brought with them, and then push it towards one of the rooms. Jungkook was running behind them, but stayed out of the room to let them work. Yoongi and Jimin helped Namjoon and Hoseok to get Taehyung off the stretcher, which Yoongi and Jimin took back and exited the room, while another doctor and 2 nurses went in, and the curtains closed. It wasn't for long... In less than 2 minutes, the curtains were pulled open along with the door, as an unconscious Taehyung was pushed towards the elevators. Namjoon and Hoseok, despite being assigned to ER, were heading to the operating room with the younger because there's no way in hell they'd just sit and wait when they can help. The elevator doors closed, with Jin running in the emergency room just then.
"Taehyung?", Jin asked.
"Rushed to the OR", Jimin replied. "Namjoon hyung and Hoseok hyung are with him"
"They didn't manage to say anything", Jungkook mumbled.
"Jungkook, why don't you go and wash up?", Yoongi eyed the younger's hands. Jungkook lowered his gaze to his hands, seeing them blooded up from Taehyung's cheek, as well as the blood oozing from the stab wound, despite the amount of gauzes, (Yoongi had been wearing gloves, so his hands were not stained) when they performed CPR.
"R-right", Jungkook blurted out, looking around for a bathroom. Jin placed a hand on his shoulder and gently guided him to the nearest bathroom, staying by his side at all times. A few minutes later, they were back. They stared at the elevator doors, waiting for any sign of Hoseok, Namjoon and/or Taehyung. And waiting...
"Hyung", Jungkook jumped to his feet, as soon as he saw the elevator doors open. The others mimicked him shortly after, even Yoongi and Jimin were there, having taken their ambulance off service, while Jin was notified by the rest of his team that they had the offender covered and would keep him posted, after asking how Taehyung is doing. The 4 waited patiently, while Taehyung was getting hooked on monitors and IVs. They had put a hospital gown on him, and he looked so pale under the white covers and the white room, the cut on his left cheek had been stitched up, while the dried-up blood by his right ear had been cleaned up. He was sleeping peacefully, and looked like that he was pain-free finally.
"Not here", Namjoon shook his head, when the others took a few steps towards him and Hoseok, as soon as they were out of the room.
"Follow us", Hoseok motioned towards the doctor's lounge. There was no one there right now, and they closed the door behind them so they could discuss comfortably. Hoseok's green scrubs were stained with blood at his lower abdomen, while Namjoon's were black and they couldn't see any blood on them. Namjoon and Hoseok sat down on one couch, the other 4 splitting between the couch and an armchair.
"He's gonna make a full recovery", Namjoon said, but it didn't sound reassuring.
"Namjoon", Jin called. Namjoon inhaled deeply.
"The knife cut into his appendix, which ruptured", Namjoon began. "We had to remove it. There were 2 stab wounds, a few centimeters apart, and since we didn't know if the knife had been dropped or anything, we had to get ahead of a possible infection and are giving him broad-spectrum antibiotics", he paused.
"That psycho better hope he goes to jail. If I see him before that, he's dead", Jungkook mumbled.
"Jungkook, you know better than that. He's gonna pay for what he did", Jimin spoke.
"Does that make up for the people he kidnapped, tortured and killed, hyung?", Jungkook rebutted.
"Unfortunately no, it doesn't", Jin piped up, with Jimin nodding regretfully. "But the whole police department will make sure he never escapes again, I promise you"
"Namjoon?", Yoongi called, noticing that the younger was hesitating. The others' attention went back to him.
"We almost lost Taehyung on the table", it was Hoseok who spoke. Jungkook almost chocked on air, the memory of him and Yoongi performing CPR in the ambulance, before Taehyung was brought to the hospital, and the machine blairing angrily coming to mind. "There was excessive bloodloss, and that put strain on his heart, but we managed to bring him back and gave him a few units of blood from our blood bank to help replenish the amount he lost". The others' eyes, minus Namjoon's, briefly went to the dark red stain on Hoseok's scrubs, now slightly hidden because he was sitting down.
"So he's gonna be okay, hyung?", Jungkook's gaze was pleading, and so was his tone.
"He is", Namjoon nodded, and this time it was reassuring. "We have to wait until he wakes up, because what he went through is traumatizing, both physically and emotionally, to see if and what kind of help he may need"
"How long till he wakes up?", Jungkook asked.
"It'll take a few days, his body went into shock and needs time to heal", Namjoon replied, examining Jungkook's face as he spoke. Jungkook sank back to the couch, burying his face in his hands. Jin reached and rubbed the nape of Jungkook's neck, while Yoongi's and Jimin's hands went to the youngest's knees.
"It's my fault", Jungkook's voice was muffled from his hands. Jin gently pried off Jungkook's hands, Jungkook raising his head to meet his hyungs' eyes. "It's my fault", he repeated. "I put the people I love in danger because I'm a cop"
"No", Jin said sternly, the others shaking their heads. "Don't do this. It's not your fault, or anyone else's besides that psychopath's". Jungkook looked at his hyungs, before he sighed.
"Do you want to stay with Taehyung?", Hoseok asked.
"Yes please", Jungkook nodded frantically. The boys stood up and exited the doctor's lounge. "I'll stay quiet, I promise"
"If you need anything, we're here", Namjoon smiled.
"I know. Thank you, hyung", Jungkook bowed towards Hoseok and Namjoon.
"I have to get back to the station", Jin mumbled. "I'll pressure this son of a bitch for his statement before he's sent off"
"Please keep me posted, hyung", Jungkook inquired.
"Will do", Jin nodded. "Same goes for you". Jungkook nodded in return.
"Hyung", Jungkook turned to Yoongi and Jimin. "You should get back to work, too. People need you"
"Are you sure you don't want us to stay?", Yoongi asked. He and Jimin didn't want to leave Jungkook alone, he needed them too.
"I'm fine, thank you", Jungkook reassured, with a genuine smile.
"Okay, if you insist", Jimin said after he exchanged a glance with Yoongi. Jungkook bowed, before he entered Taehyung's room and sat on the chair by his bed, gently taking ahold of the boy's right hand. From outside, the boys couldn't see his teary eyes as he was looking at Taehyung, with his back towards them.
"We'll keep each other up to speed", Hoseok eyed Jungkook, before he looked at Jin, Yoongi and Jimin. The boys nodded, before Jin, Yoongi and Jimin turned around to leave, while Hoseok and Namjoon stayed outside of the room staring at the 2 boys, until another incoming incident called them away.
Taehyung slowly opened his eyes, squinting at the bright lights at first. His gaze darted around the room, before his brain registered his right hand being held. He slowly turned his head to his right, unable to hide his fond smile when he saw a sleeping Jungkook, his hands and head against the bed. Taehyung, feeling his throat dry, scanned the room for some water. There were no bottles on the left bedside table, but there were a few on the right one. Taehyung tried to reach with his left hand so he wouldn't wake up Jungkook, but his abdominal muscles did not agree. His eyes squeezed shut and he groaned. Jungkook snapped awake.
"Hyung!", Jungkook exclaimed, jumping up to his feet, and his hold on Taehyung's hand tightening.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I was just trying to get some water", Taehyung groaned, reopening his eyes. Jungkook let go of Taehyung's hands, grabbing a water bottle and pushing a straw in, before he brought it to Taehyung's lips. Taehyung took a few sips, before he nodded to show Jungkook he had enough. Jungkook put the bottle back on the bedside table, before he sat down and took Taehyung's hand in his again.
"When did you wake up, and how are you feeling, hyung?", Jungkook asked, his thumbs rubbing Taehyung's knuckles soothingly.
"I just did. I've been better, but I'm healing", Taehyung admitted. "You came for me"
"Of course I did-", Jungkook began.
"You fucking idiot", Taehyung interrupted him. "I told you not to come". Jungkook's eyes were slightly wide, taken aback by that. "I didn't want you to risk your life for me. He was gonna kill you"
"I put my life on the line for people on a daily basis, of course I would come", Jungkook retorted. "I just wish it didn't have to come to this point...", Jungkook paused and lowered his gaze. When he raised his head again, there were tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, hyung, it's all my fault!", he sobbed.
"Jungkook, no", Taehyung rushed. He wormed his hand out of Jungkook's hold, just to cup Jungkook's left cheek, his thumb rubbing against his cheekbone. "You're not a danger to be around, and none of this was your fault! I'm so insanely proud of you and this whole thing will not change our friendship! Nothing has changed between us and I want you by my side for the rest of my life!". Jungkook hiccuped as he brought his left hand over Taehyung's on his own cheek.
"When the attack on your shop was called in and Jin hyung told me", Jungkook's voice trailed off. He sniffled, as he lowered Taehyung's hand from his cheek but kept ahold of it. "And then we arrived and saw...", he shook his head. "I was in a trance and Jin hyung got through to me, emphasizing that you need me. I let Officer Jeon Jungkook take over, because that's who you needed, not best friend Jeon Jungkook. I kept calling and messaging your number, but no luck . Until he sent a video of him stomping on y-you", his voice shook. "He proceeded to call, mentioning how we got close to finding him the day before, and he had it in for me ever since, trying to taunt me and tease me if I'll get to you before it's too late"
"You got close to finding him ?", Taehyung repeated.
"Yes, and we had no idea how. We didn't even know who he was until his blood was found along with yours at your shop", Jungkook admitted. "We searched through all the files that Homicide had sent over about the case, but we couldn't figure out where we might have gotten close. And then came another video, of him putting the knife on your cheek and s-slicing", he exhaled shakily, one hand briefly going to Taehyung's stitched up left cheek. "And then threw the knife on the ground and slapped you, before the video ended"
"At least he didn't record stabbing me and sent that too", Taehyung mumbled. "He had approached me, grabbed the knife from the ground and stabbed me... I don't remember much after that, besides you arriving..."
"After getting him away from you and cuffing him up, Jin hyung and I rushed to untie you. Yoongi hyung, Hoseok hyung, Namjoon hyung and Jimin hyung had been looped in, and Yoongi hyung and Jimin hyung were the ones dispatched. They secured the knife until we got you to the hospital, before they loaded you in the ambulance. I was at the back with you and Yoongi hyung. While on the way, you... went into cardiac arrest, but we managed to bring you back", Jungkook paused, trying to regain his composure. Taehyung squeezed Jungkook's hand apologetically. "Once we reached the hospital, you were initially brought in a treatment room, until they had to rush you to an operating room. Namjoon hyung and Hoseok hyung were with you"
"What was the 'verdict'?", Taehyung asked.
"The knife punctured your appendix and they couldn't save it, so it had to be taken out. They noticed 2 stab wounds so they assumed he took the knife out and stabbed you again", Jungkook replied.
"He did", Taehyung confirmed.
"They made sure to hang antibiotics, along with your regular saline and other IVs, to prevent possible infections...", Jungkook recalled.
"What are you not telling me?", Taehyung was examining the younger's face, Jungkook wasn't looking him in the eyes.
"You went into cardiac arrest again", Jungkook mumbled, still avoiding Taehyung's gaze. "While on the operating table". He finally looked up again. "The bloodloss kicked your heart into overdrive but thankfully they managed to bring you back. You've been in recovery ever since"
"How long?", Taehyung wondered.
"3 days", Jungkook responded. Taehyung closed his eyes for a few minutes.
"What about him ? Did you figure out what he meant that you were close to catching him ?", Taehyung asked, after opening his eyes again.
"We did... You remember how the district was moved to a bigger and more recently, hence safer and more steady, constructed building last week?", Jungkook began. Taehyung nodded. "It turned out he had found refuge at our previous building, which we haven't used since we settled in the new one. That's where he had took you, and we did pass by, but didn't have a reason to search the premise". Taehyung was nodding in understanding as he listened.
"How did you find me-", Taehyung paused. "The watch", he added, lowering his gaze at his right wrist.
"The watch", Jungkook confirmed, nodding.
"You're a smart cookie, aren't you?", Taehyung smiled fondly. "My smart Kookie, my bestie", he reached and placed his right hand at Jungkook's nape, pulling him towards him. Jungkook was careful not to put any weight on him, as Taehyung threw his left hand, carefully as there was an oxymeter hooked on his left index finger and there were IV needles in his forearm, around Jungkook's back. They stayed like this for a while, until the sobs subsided.
Taehyung stayed at the hospital for a few days for observation. The boys visited frequently, and it was a struggle to get Jungkook away, but the youngest listened after a lot of persuasion. And he definitely had to get to the station, to write and hand in his report. When Taehyung was discharged, he was advized to not live alone because he would be needing help for everything for the first 2 weeks. And rest. A lot of rest . So Jungkook practically moved in at his apartment, and Taehyung didn't really mind. One day, when Jungkook apologized even for Taehyung's shop paying the prize, even though it wasn't his fault, Taehyung dismissed him that it didn't matter. Even though he was devastated to see the mess, after insisting Jungkook stops by before he got him home because he wanted to see his shop, he shrugged and said 'I can start over. Things like this can be rebuilt, it's no problem '. A week after Taehyung was discharged, Jungkook was notified that he had passed his test and his training was complete, so he was ready for a promotion. Jungkook, all things considered, had forgotten about it, but he was requested to be present at headquarters in his formal clothes in 2 days, at 9am sharp.
The day came. It was 8:30am, and Jungkook was already outside of the room the ceremony would take place. At 8:40am, the doors were opened, allowing people to walk in and take their seats, Jungkook trying to get rid of the nerves, exhaling heavily every few seconds. Jin and the rest of his team were there in their formal attire too, sitting in the first row. The Commissioner began his speech, before he called Jungkook to come on the podium. Jungkook bowed 90° degrees, the Commissioner bowing back, before he rushed to return the Commissioner's handshake. He then straightened up, while the Commissioner came closer with a pin, which he attached on Jungkook, next to the ones already there. Jungkook and the Commissioner bowed again, before Jungkook turned and bowed to the audience. When he straightened up again, the Commissioner began clapping, and the audience stood up and followed suit. Jungkook couldn't help but open his mouth slightly in surprise when, in the front row, he saw not only Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon and Jimin there, but also Taehyung. All of his hyungs there, clapping, looking at him fondly and proudly. As things quieted down, thanking people who approached him for coming and congratulating him, he and his hyungs were the only people in the room now.
"So proud of you!", Jimin exclaimed, as he hugged him.
"Thank you for coming!", Jungkook hugged back.
"Congratulations!", Hoseok threw his hands around the youngest's back next.
"You didn't even mention it", Yoongi pretended to be mad, as he hugged Jungkook after Hoseok.
"If it wasn't for Jin hyung, we wouldn't have found out", Namjoon glared at Jungkook, before he burst out laughing and pulled him in his embrace.
"I had kind of forgotten about it", Jungkook mumbled, pulling back to look at Jin, with whom he exchanged a bow and a handshake.
"Come here", Jin pulled him for a hug immediately. Once Jin had released him, Jungkook's attention went to Taehyung.
"What are you doing here, hyung?", Jungkook asked, hugging Taehyung cautiously -he was still recovering. "You should be resting!"
"I am", Taehyung reassured. Jungkook pulled away to examine his face. "Congratulations on your promotion, Detective Jeon Jungkook!", he beamed. "Wow, it does have a nice ring to it!". The others chuckled, nodding in agreement, Jungkook turning bright red and lowering his gaze at the compliment. "And as for your question... I wouldn't miss this for the world"