Chapter Text
Jungkook trembled as he took a step forward, moving out away from the group's hold with his head down. His mother glared down at him while his father stood behind her, arms folded across his chest and a subtle smirk playing on his lips. It caused a shiver to wrack down his spine.
He didn’t want the others to leave, knowing what was going to happen once they did. His parents have finally found a reason to dish out their next punishment. It was probably on their minds for a while and now they had a good enough reason in their eyes to let loose.
“Jungkook.”
Jungkook flinched at his mother’s voice that broke through the heavy silence that hung in the air. He knew he was taking too long to answer, his brain working a mile a minute to try and come up with a reason to get him out of the mess he was in, but he was having a hard time thinking through the overwhelming panic that was wracking his body. His mind felt like slush and his lungs burned and Jungkook was trying his best to hold it in.
Jungkook sucked in a shaky breath before letting it out, but his chest was so tight he didn’t know if it even helped. He peeked at his mother, now standing with her arms folded across her chest. He could hear the shuffling from the group behind him and an idea popped into his head that he hoped would work.
“We were working in a school project together and lost track of time,” Jungkook was glad his voice didn’t crack as he spoke with what he hoped was confidence. Jungkook knew by stating this to her he was hinting to the others what his parents were doing, but he couldn’t be bothered with it right now. He needed to try and get out of this situation. He’d think about the others later.
His mother’s gaze flitted over to the group behind him, looking them up and down before looking back at Jungkook. The expression that morphed onto her face showed him just how much she believed him, which was none at all. “With older students? I didn’t know the school mixed upper and lower classmen together.”
Jungkook’s voice cracked slightly as he spoke next, “W-well, it’s a project with the underclassmen, but they thought their upperclassmen friends might give an insight to the project topic.”
“I see. And what’s the topic about?” his mother questioned, lips pursing.
Jungkook’s eyes flitted over to the group as he tried to come up with an idea, he could see the concern and fear in their eyes and had to look away. He looked back to his mother who began to tap her foot impatiently, a smirk making her way onto her features. “It was on the relationship between those with an age gap and those without and the differences between them and how they interact.”
Jungkook’s heart thudded in his chest as the silence wrapped around them again. His mother stood, looking down at him before nodding, “I see. When’s it due?”
Jungkook let out a breath of relief and relaxed his shoulders, “In two weeks. I wanted to get a head start on it.”
His mother adjusted the coat around her shoulders and let out a thin smile, “I want regular updates on it then.”
Jungkook nodded, “Of course, mother.”
His mother turned to the group and began speaking in english, her voice now a pleasant tone as she addressed them. She shook hands with each of them, Jungkook’s father coming to do the same as the group stood stiff, stealing glances over at Jungkook.
They kept the conversation short and eventually the group was saying goodbye. Jungkook made sure to keep it professional under the heavy gaze of his parents, keeping the touch to an absolute minimum and only shook their hands politely with a small bow. The other seemed to understand and followed along.
Jungkook could tell they were hesitant to leave, shuffling in the door and gazing at him in concern. Jungkook, despite the fear encasing him, felt a spark of happiness light in his chest at it. He was worried they’d leave him once they found out, but instead they seemed to not want to leave instead. It made Jungkook release a small smile that was hidden from his parents and gave a slight shake of his head.
Jungkook could tell they objected, but they eventually moved to leave, waving as they went. As soon as the door clicked closed, a heavy tension enveloped around them and Jungkook shivered.
It was silent, so silent it was deafening, not even the sounds of breathing could be heard. Jungkook was terrified and he couldn’t force himself to let go of the door knob and turn around to face his parents.
Jungkook doesn't think his lie about the project was enough to convince them. He’s never sure with his parents. Even if it did convince them, they could decide to just punish him either way like they have done so many times before. The only difference was the severity of their punishments. If they knew about the lie Jungkook might be lucky enough to even walk tomorrow and if they didn’t, well then hopefully he’ll still be able to eat from all the pain his abdomen will endure. Or breathe. They might give him a few strong kicks to his ribs. That will break a few, maybe fracture a few more.
Jungkook just hopes it won’t result in another punctured lung again. He almost died the last time, barely making it to the phone before he passed out from the pain. He was told he coded on the way to the ER and was just rushed into surgery where he coded again from all his other sustained injuries. He was later informed that if he hadn't called when he did he would have died from suffocating in his own blood.
Jungkook sometimes thinks back on that moment and wished he would have.
It was yet another thing his parents paid to keep quiet, not like the hospital really tried to fight it anyway. They’d long been on retainer for his parents' money by then. They already knew the drill the second they saw his face appear in the ER and the paperwork was swept right under the table and forged to hide their discretions. It was basically a habit at that point.
Maybe it would be better to get another punctured lung. Maybe after, then the pain would stop. Jungkook thought that that’d be nice, to have the pain stop, to not be his parents punching bag anymore. It’d be nice not to wake up everyday with bruises lining his body and aches in his muscles from being someone's stress relief.
It’d be so nice.
Jungkook felt his chest tighten at the thought and tears spring in his eyes. He just wanted it to stop, he just wanted it to be over. Why can’t it just stop? Why can’t he ever just catch a damn break?
Jungkook’s body shuddered as he heard the heavy steps of his father's dress shoes making their way towards him. He tightened his hold on the door knob but didn’t try to fight it. Struggling would only make it worse. He learned that the hard way a long time ago.
Jungkook felt his father's hand weave through the strains of his hair and grip tightly. Jungkook winced and pushed his head back to try and relieve the pressure, but otherwise didn’t react. He didn’t move, he didn’t even breathe. He just waited.
His father yanked his hand back, causing Jungkook to yelp and stumble backwards. He couldn’t catch himself and fell to the ground. His father kept a tight grip on his hair, making it so his upper body was raised off the ground, the threads of his hair straining against his scalp and sending pain jolting throughout his head.
Jungkook gripped onto his father’s wrists on instinct, trying to stop the pain. He was kicked in the hip in retaliation and Jungkook felt tears well up in his eyes and had to fight to keep them from overflowing.
His father pulled his hair harder and raised him off the floor. Jungkook struggled to get his feet under him as he was dragged up into his apartment, his mother already waiting with the door open, arms crossed over her chest, a smug expression resting on her face.
The door slammed shut as soon as they were past the threshold and Jungkook's father pushed him forward, releasing him at the same time. Jungkook couldn’t get his bearings and went down, his lip smacking onto the edge of his living room table as he went. He cried out, clutching his face as he felt warm liquid build up in his mouth and spill through his fingers.
Jungkook closed his eyes trying to fight through the pain and curled into himself as his mother’s voice rang though the apartment, “Do you really think were that stupid, Jungkook-ah?”
It was cold, it was cutting, and it sent fear straight up Jungkook’s spine causing him to tremble. He didn’t respond, he just continued to lie there with his eyes closed, hand covering his mouth to prevent his sobs from escaping and waiting for the pain to start again and just wishing that he could just disappear.
Jungkook felt a foot place itself on his shoulder and push him so he was flat on his stomach, then his mother's high heel stiletto dug itself between his shoulder blades, straight into his spine. Jungkook gasped and grit his teeth as overwhelming pain flooded his back. He thrashed around, trying to get out from under it, but it only made the pain increase as she dug her heel in harder and Jungkook couldn’t help but let out a muffled scream through his teeth. “I’m not dumb enough to believe a silly little diversion Jungkook-ah. I don’t like being lied to,” She pressed her heel in harder, “What do you have to say for yourself?”
I’m sorry..” Jungkook bit out between a sob. Tears were pouring down his face now and Jungkook clenched his fists as he looked up at his mother with a pleading expression, “I’m sorry… please, i’m sorry.”
His mother hummed and lifted her foot and Jungkook wilted onto the floor in relief, openingly crying now. It was short lived as his father swiftly brought his foot up and slammed it into his left side, a sickening crack following immediately after. Jungkook gasped, but was unable to draw in a breath, a choked noise leaving his body instead as he curled away, moving his arm down to block his side as another kick came down. It hit his wrist harshly and pain ran up his arm.
Jungkook tried to crawl away, but his father grabbed his ankles and began to drag him back. Jungkook gripped the leg of the couch with his right hand, but released it when his mother quickly kicked at his fingers with her shoe.
His father stood above him now with a smirk curled on his lips. He leaned down and grabbed the front of his shirt and lifted him up until Jungkook was only inches from his face. Jungkook grabbed his father's arms trying to pull them off, but his father was much stronger and he only tightened his grip and grinned and Jungkook’s breath hitched at it. His father lifted him up higher before he slammed him back down to the floor. Jungkook’s head hit the ground with a heavy thud, sending white-hot pain through his head and causing his vision to blur. His grip weakened as his father did it again and Jungkook wasn’t able to draw any strength anymore.
His father released him and he stayed slumped against the floor. His heart pounded and his ears rang as he laid there in a daze. He wondered, idly, if they were finished now that they had their fun.
It was becoming harder to focus as time went on, the pain increasing every minute. He could feel something wet sliding through his hair but he couldn’t focus enough to tell what it was, his mind too much of a muddled mess and overwhelmed with pain. He heard his mother speaking but it sounded muffled in his ears. He knew he needed to answer, but he didn’t even know what she said. He tried to remember, tried to pull up something from nothing, but it was no use.
Jungkook closed his eyes and swallowed thickly. He was having a hard time trying to speak to her through the cotton in his throat, his tongue felt heavy in his mouth, and his spit was like molasses that glued everything together. He licked his lips and got a taste of iron from the cut on his lip.
Jungkook’s eyes fluttered open and he tried to sit up, but couldn't find the strength to move. He smacked his lips together, trying to see through the warped view his mind gave him. He couldn’t think straight.
He closed his eyes again as the fog surrounding his mind became heavier and he felt a blackness creeping into it. He was going to pass out and he welcomed it with open arms, wanting anything to stop the pain.
His body relaxed against the floor as he sunk deeper into the darkness. He could hear his mother speaking again, but he didn’t care anymore, he just let go and let the blackness finally overtake him.
When Jungkook woke up next he was alone. Nausea built in his stomach and licked at his lips and he tried to move to get up when a sharp pain jolted through his side, amping the nausea and he could only fight through the pain enough to turn onto his side and release the contents of his stomach onto the floor.
Jungkook coughed and sputtered and his body heaved as his dinner from yesterday made a reappearance. He clutched his side as pain wracked through his abdomen, unable to stop gagging until nothing but bile was left.
When his stomach stopped trying to make a reappearance, the exhaustion hit and the only thing Jungkook could do was fall to the side to keep out of his vomit, and onto the floor beside it. He dissolved into tears when the movement sent more painful spasms up his side. Jungkook’s head was killing him, his fingers hurt, his abdomen in excruciating pain, his lip throbbed and stung from his bile, and he found he couldn’t move his left wrist where his father kicked him.
His head was still muddled as he moved to lay on his back. He was dizzy and the light from the window hurt his eyes. He closed them and sighed in relief when the pain dulled. He could feel himself sinking back into the darkness and he didn’t fight it. The last thing he heard was the muffled sound of his phone ringing before everything went black.
Jungkook woke to the sound of heavy banging and winced as it aggravated his head. He groaned and shifted causing him to gasp as pain ran up his side. He opened his eyes and had to immediately close them again from the harsh light.
The banging suddenly stopped and Jungkook sighed in relief. He just wanted to sleep away the pain. He didn’t want to deal with anything else.
Jungkook turned his head to rest his cheek against the floor and tried to sink back into the darkness. He was almost there when another loud bang rang through the room and he jolted in shock and grunted as pain washed over him again. The sounds of multiple feet thudded throughout the room and grew louder as they grew closer. Jungkook opened his eyes to see the groups surrounding him with various expressions, all something resembling concern, resting on their faces.
Jackson was bent directly above him, everyone else in an arc behind him, and Jungkook flinched as it reminded him of the same position his father was in yesterday as he beat him. His eyes automatically closed in fear and he hunched up, muffling a cry of pain as he prepared for another hit.
Jungkook flinched again when he felt an unsuspecting touch to his cheek. He looked up to see Jackson with a pained expression on his face, his hand raised in the air above him. Slowly, Jackson lowered it again and now that Jungkook could see who it was he didn’t react, keeping his eyes locked on the older’s.
“Hyung?” Jungkook croaked out and winced as the dryness angered his throat. It felt like he swallowed sand and he tried to clear his throat with little success and coughed from the irritation. He saw one of the guys leave his vision and come back a few minutes later with a glass of water.
Jackson reached his arm under Jungkook and slowly began to lift him into a sitting position, but stopped when Jungkook let out a gasp of pain and placed an arm near his side.
Jungkook was lowered back to the ground and they began speaking between each other in english, panic evident in their tone. Jungkook was lost at what they were saying, but when he heard the word hospital he panicked and tried to grip at Jacksons leg. “N-no hos-s-pital...”
Jackson looked down horrified, “Jungkook you’re hurt. You need to get seen.”
Jungkook shook his head with a pleading expression, “No, no, no. No hospital. I’m fine.”
“Jungkook you are not fine,” BamBam forced himself to the front of the group, anger lacing his features. “You’re lying here in a pool of your own blood, next to your own vomit, and in so much pain you can’t even sit up. You are not fine.”
Jungkook swallowed and closed his eyes, the light was starting to hurt them again, “I am fine. Used to it.”
Silence enveloped the room after his statement and Jungkook relaxed at it. He just wanted to go back to sleep and all the noise from everyone was getting in the way. Now that it was gone Jungkook had no trouble falling back into his dreamland and by the time the noise started up again he was already out.
Jungkook woke next to the sound of methodical beeping that grated on his brain, and the smell of disinfectant that clung inside his nose. He opened his eyes and had to blink several times to clear the gunk that built up there before he looked around and instantly recognized the white walls of the hospital room he was in.
Jungkook looked down and noticed he had a cast on his left arm and his fingers were taped together on his right. His head felt heavy and he lifted a hand and brought it up and gently touched his fingers to the bandage wrapped around it.
Jungkook doesn’t know why he was in a hospital, he doesn’t even remember ever calling for help. His head felt fuzzy and even when he tried to recall a memory or anything to tell him how he got here, it didn’t work. He doesn’t remember anything after he woke up the first time, but he doesn’t think he ever called for medical services, and his parents wouldn’t even consider it, that's for damn sure, so it doesn’t make sense how he got here.
And so if he didn’t and his parents certainly didn’t, then who did?
Jungkook’s question was answered as soon as the door opened, making his head fly up, and the group stumbled in, bodies hunched over and giggling as if they were doing something they shouldn’t be. Jungkook felt endeared for all of 2 seconds before everything came back to him making him glare at them coldly. The groups saw him and turned into excited puppies until they saw his expression and huddled together with guilty expressions on their faces.
“I thought I said no hospitals,” Jungkook asked through gritted teeth. “So why am I here?”
Jackson opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off when the door swung open again and the doctor strolled with his head down, looking intently at a clipboard. The group shuffled back with panicked expressions of their faces, causing Jungkook to look at them confused.
The doctor took that time to look up, instantly seeing them, and donned an exasperated look on his face. “Again? You guys know you aren't allowed to be in here yet. How many times do we have to tell you?”
Jungkook snorted, anger instantly forgotten, causing everyone to glance over at him in surprise. “You guys seriously? Sneaking in? Really?”
The guys shuffled sheepishly in place and gave him their best innocent expressions. Jungkook held back another snort as he looked towards the doctor. “It’s fine. I don’t mind them here.”
The doctor shook his head, clearly done with whatever shenanigans the boys pulled while he was out and moved closer to give him a quick exam. It didn’t take long and when he was done the doctor sat back at the end of the bed and grabbed the clipboard again and began speaking. It was right then and there that Jungkook realized he could understand him, his brain slow on the uptake. “Lets see here… you've got a truck load of injuries here; fractured wrist, broken ribs, split head, bruised fingers and hip.... Can you tell me how this happened?”
The doctor set the board on his lap and clasped his hands together, looking at him with an expectant gaze that made Jungkook very nervous. He shifted in the bed and bit his lip to prevent himself from crying out in pain. He looked down at the blanket wrapped around his legs and picked at a loose thread as he answered, “...Fell down the stairs.”
“But your friends here said they found you lying in a pool of your own blood, next to some vomit on the top floor of your apartment and in a state of semi consciousness. It looked as if you hadn’t moved from that spot. Are you sure that's what happened?”
“...Yes.”
Jungkook waited in silence to see what the doctor would do next. He was nervous that the doctor would ask more questions, but he only sighed and flipped through the clipboard on his lap. “Okay well most of your injuries are minor and will heal in about 2 weeks. No concussion but you might be sensitive to light and have headaches for a few days. Your arm will be in a cast for about 4-6 weeks but it should heal with no issues. Your fingers will be healed in about 2 weeks. They are taped to provide support but there should be no problems with them long term if you give them time to heal.” The doctor flipped another page. “What I’m most concerned with is your ribs. You have 2 broken and 1 fractured on your left side. Luckily nothing was pierced but you’ll be in some pain. This injury will be your long term recovery. It’ll take about 2 months to fully heal. I'll be giving a packet when you're released to let you know in depth what to look for and be aware of. Other than that there should be no major issues as long as you give your body to heal.”
“Now…” The doctor put down the clipboard and had a careful smile playing on his lips. “I called your parents,” Jungkook tensed at the tone of voice the doctor used. “I have to say they are very influential people, very busy so it seems. They gave me permission to treat you to the best of my ability and explained that they couldn’t make it today. However, I need them here to sign the release forms so you can leave.”
Jungkook swallowed, “I’m not sure when they’ll be able to come. Their work takes them out of the country a lot. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were gone.”
The doctor hummed in acknowledgment and wrote something down on the paper. “Okay. Well is there a guardian or someone approved who could come to get you?”
Jungkook shook his head. “No, not that I’m aware of. You’ll have to ask my parents. They handle those types of affairs.”
The doctor nodded and scribbled away on his clipboard again. His tone held a knowing edge that grated on Jungkook’s nerves. “Do they have to handle the affairs...often?”
Jungkook felt a pang of irritation at the doctor's persistence in his questioning. He would have clenched his fists if he was able to, but settled for instead biting at the inside of his mouth to keep his anger at bay. “Not that I’m aware of. Again you’ll have to ask them.”
The doctor hummed again and stood, making his way towards the door. He hadn’t even opened the door before he was spinning around and moving to stand at the end of Jungkook’s bed, an unsettling look on his face. “You see… I’m not convinced. When taking X-rays for your injuries, on the scans, we noticed a lot of old injuries. Types of injuries spanning back years and many that never properly healed. Even for a clumsy kid, this is unusual, “ Jungkook looked down at his lap, biting his lip harder as the doctor continued. He felt a prick and the taste of iron flooded his mouth. “Jungkook… Are you sure there is nothing you want to tell me? We have the resources, we have the means to help you, but we need to know. Are you in trouble?”
Jungkook’s tone was curt even as fear settled in his gut. “No…”
“If you're lying cause you're afraid, we can protect you. We ca-”
“No!”Jungkook glared at the doctor, seething. He knew there would be no chance of anything working out. The damn doctor needed to stop pushing. Jungkook knows once he sees the first snippet of money from his mother, he won’t care anymore. They never do. Doctors are all the same. “Get out,” Jungkook muttered through clenched teeth, voice barely above a whisper. When the doctor didn’t move he growled, “Get out!”
The doctor sighed and finally left, leaving the room in a deafening silence.
The air was tense as Jungkook lowered his head to look at his lap, his matted black locks hiding his eyes from the rest of the group as he fought off tears. The anger had dissipated into nothing once the doctor left, leaving only defeat in its place and Jungkook trembled with it.
The group slowly surrounded his bed, but said nothing. They probably didn’t know what to say, probably didn’t even know what to do. Jungkook doubted they’d ever face a situation like this. He didn’t blame them for their silence, but he was still terrified of it. The doctor had basically all but confirmed what was going on behind closed doors in the Jeon household and Jungkook feared what would happen now they had enough puzzle pieces to put together the bigger picture. Jungkook knew he had hinted at it earlier when he was in front of his parents, but now they were alone and it was the perfect opportunity to confront him now that the reminder brought it to the forefront of their minds. And Jungkook was stuck in this bed, unable to do anything but wait for it all to come undone.
And that’s what scared him the most.
BamBam shifted in place to the left of Jungkook, causing him to tense as BamBam’s voice filtered through the air, loud in the silence surrounding them. “Jungkook….” Jungkook felt tears well up again, the broken tone the elder carried weakening his resolve. “Jungkook, are your parents...Do they hurt you?”
Jungkook didn’t say anything, just continued staring down at his lap in silence as he continued to fight off his tears. Jackson gently lifted his face to look at him and spoke in a gentle voice, “Jungkook, it’s okay. You can tell us. You can let it out.”
Jungkook felt his bottom lip tremble and the tears overflowed and ran down his cheeks. His resolve completely crumbled and he let out a harsh sob and leaned towards Jackson. The elder wasted no time in wrapping him up in his arms as Jungkook’s body shook with the force of his sobs.
His side twinged and he pulled Jackson in closer to straighten up and give him some relief.
Jackson didn’t try to stop him. He just held him as he cried, feeling his own heart break in his chest.
Jungkook didn’t know how long they spent in the position, but when his tears slowly and his cries went silent, Jackson slowly pulled Jungkook back and cupped his face. “Never again.”
Jungkook’s face twisted into confusion as Jackson thumbed the tears from his cheeks. “What are you gonna do, hyung?”
Jackson had a determined look on his face as he looked over Jungkook. “I’m gonna keep you safe now. I promise.”
Jungkook somehow felt like he could believe him.
It took several hours for the hospital to contact his parents again, but they eventually got through. Jungkook was right when he said they were probably out of the country, saying they wouldn’t be able to make it back and would send approval for one of the boys parents to pick him up. No doubt they were gone to save themselves from questioning and had probably managed to work out some deal with an airline and business to make sure it looked like they were away when Jungkook sustained his injuries. They’ve done it before.
Jackson’s parents ended up coming to get them, being one of the only parents of the group able to speak both korean and english fluently. The others either still had a hard time with their english or with their korean. Either way Jungkook was able to be released soon after, only to be fussed over immediately by Jackson’s parents.
He honestly didn’t know what to do when Jackson’s mom suddenly bundled him up in a hug and wrapped him in layers upon layers of clothing and blankets to keep him warm. He was so confused and very scared, frozen like an iceberg, as this complete stranger swaddled him with affection. It took several minutes to coax him from behind one of the boys when he managed to slip from her grip, frightened like a baby doe.
Jackson was thoroughly embarrassed, hiding his face in his hands and ears bright red as the group laughed at his misery. Jungkook managed to slip his hand into Jacksons, squeezing on for dear life, not even able to be embarrassed in light of Jackson’s mother's attention.
He wondered if it was normal for mothers to act this way. If they were supposed to be so overbearing and terrifying in a non-violent way. He only had his mother as an example so he didn’t know, but he feels like the expression, kill with kindness, applied here as he felt like he was being smothered by it.
They were quickly directed into a large van, Jungkook in the passenger seat to make sure his injuries weren’t exacerbated and they headed out of the parking lot and down the busy streets of London. Jungkook thought they’d just head back to his house and let him out there and then he’d take care of himself, but when they turned in the complete opposite direction of his house he grew confused and slightly more concerned at where they were taking him.
The drive was only 10 minutes and when they stopped Jungkook looked up to see a small little town house, old in its design, but in an historical way instead of run down. It was quite beautiful and well taken care of. It looked like it was 2 stories narrow but tall, with a beautiful walkway that felt like he was walking into a movie. Clearly they were well off if this was their house.
Everyone piled out of the van and Jackson’s mom was already by his side, helping him as they made their way into the house. The inside was even more beautiful than the outside. It was modernly decorated, but the floors lined with a deep rich wood, with the banister much like it, with stairs on the right leading to the second floor. To the left there was a doorway that peeked into a well maintained and decorated kitchen and straight ahead past the stairs looked to house the living room. The whole place was bright and felt warm. It felt like a home and Jungkook felt a pang of loneliness at it.
He kept his head down as they made their way up the stairs and into what Jungkook assumed was a guest room. It was very simply decorated, only a bed and a dresser and an empty bookshelf inside and Jungkook itched to fill it.
They laid him down on the bed and got him comfortable, and Jungkook really did try to protest, feeling uncomfortable with all the new attention, but a look from Jackson’s mother had his jaw clasping shut with an audible click and he huddled into himself feeling afraid. He guessed his fear showed as her eyes softened as she tucked him in tighter and placed a soft kiss to his forehead. Jungkook flinched in surprised before relaxing into it. He couldn’t even deny it felt nice.
The comforter was thick around him and he snuggled into it, still feeling a little cold. He only walked a little bit but he felt exhausted. He knew he would, from past experience, but the bed was comfortable, the duvet thick and warm and though he was somewhere he didn’t know he felt himself growing sleepy, his eyes falling shut against his will.
He felt the bed shift around him and the comforter moving and opened his eyes to see BamBam and Yugyeom situating themselves on either side of him. Jungkoook tensed at first, unsure what was going on as they both laid close enough for Jungkook to feel their warmth against him, but far away enough that they weren’t touching him.
He felt incredibly awkward at the idea and looked at them with questions burning in his eyes. He was going to ask them to leave when he saw the pleading desperation on their faces and sighed, placing his head back onto the pillow and closing his eyes. Honestly as the warmth grew heavier around him, he felt himself relax again. He felt like this might be what an incubator felt like. Nice and warm…. safe. Jungkook could see himself growing used to it.
He sighed again as he let the heaviness in his head take over and fell asleep surrounded by warmth.
Jungkook forgot where he was momentarily when he woke up. It wasn’t long, but when he came to surrounded by extreme warmth and unfamiliar surroundings his brain could not accept it as something known or familiar and had caused his brain to kick start itself into survival mode. It was only a few seconds of wide eyes and heart stopping fear before the memories of the previous few days flooded back to him and he remembered where he was and how he came to be here.
He looked at the two boys sleeping next to him. Sometime while they slept the two boys that had swaddled up underneath the covers with him so many hours before had slowly wrapped themselves around his form. Their arms were wrapped securely around his middle and both of their noses were tucked deep into his hair. They were sleeping so peacefully Jungkook couldn’t even be mad or scared by the fact that they were touching him. Actually, it felt quite nice to him and Jungkook found that he didn’t want to move and disturb them even though his bladder was uncomfortably full, pressing against him and letting itself be known.
Jungkooks eyes flicked to the door as it opened and he watched as Jackson’s mom crept through silently with a tray. Her face lifted into a warm smile as she made eye contact with him and he found his lips lifting in return.
She came forward and placed the tray on the nightstand next to the bed and carded her fingers gently through his hair. Jungkook’s eyes fluttered closed as he found he liked the sensation and even though his bladder made him uncomfortable, he found himself falling back to sleep.
He pulled his eyes open as Mrs. Wang began to speak softly to him. “How ya doing, sweetie?”
Jungkook hummed and gave her a smile and softly muttered, “I'm okay. Tired.”
She continued the ministrations in his hair as she replied, “I bet. It’s time for your next dose of meds. I figured you should probably eat something with it.”
Jungkook looked at the tray and saw it filled with a delicious looking porridge. He went to try to sit up when he remembered his injuries and he gasped, closing his eyes as the pain jolted up his side and fell back on to the bed with a grunt. The sudden movement caused the boys surrounding him to jolt awake and they sat up in panic.
“Jungkook!”
“Kookie!”
Jungkook breathed deeply through his nose to try and control the pain. “I’m fine. Just forgot. I’m fine.”
The two boys continued to fret above him as Jungkook tried to sit up again, now more prepared. It still hurt like hell but he was able to shift in a position that lessened the pain. Still, by the time he was in a sitting position his body was sheened with a light coating of sweat and his side rippled and twitched from the pain. Not only that, but sitting put an uncomfortable pressure on his bladder and it started to take on a painful edge.
Jungkook pushed off the blankets and swung his foot over the side. He was stopped when he tried to get up by Mrs. Wang and Jungkook looked up at her, his doe eyes wide. “I need the toilet. May I?”
She nodded in understanding and helped him stand and shuffle to the bathroom. She let him go alone when they arrived at the entrance, but only after he reassured her he was fine and that he would be okay, and he was able to relieve himself in private. His head still ached and it made his eyes burn in the harsh light of the bathroom and he was quick to wash up and leave.
When he opened the door he saw the two boys were waiting outside like lost puppies, biting their lips and shuffling awkwardly in place. Their eyes brightened as soon as they saw him and they immediately went to help him back to his room, buzzing around excitedly like it was the most important thing they could ever be tasked with. Jungkook could only stare at them with wide eyes, expression bordering more towards disbelief at the fact that they were so excited to help him get back from the bathroom.
They sat him back with him sitting propped up against the headboard, pillows galore surrounding him and Mrs. Wang carefully placed the tray on his lap and gave him the pills once he was settled. He swallowed them down with a murmured thank you and took the warm cup as it was held out to help wash everything down. The rich flavor of earl grey tea hit his tongue and he sighed in satisfaction as he swallowed, leaving a trail of warmth behind as it slid down his throat and settled into his stomach.
He quickly polished off the cup and handed it back with a small, shy smile. Mrs. Wang just let out a chuckle, “Guess I know what to bring you the next time I come, huh?”
Jungkook blushed and he could even feel the warmth on his ears as he turned his face down towards his food. His stomach immediately grumbled at seeing the rice porridge sitting in the bowl, looking like it came off a food catalogue. It looked delicious and Jungkook was quick to say thank you and dig in. Once he started he couldn’t stop, realizing just how hungry he was. The last time he ate anything was at the get together with the others and Jungkook remembered it making a reappearance on his living room floor.
Jungkook grimaced as he remembered the mess he’d left behind before his hospital exertion. He has no doubt it’ll be a dried disgusting, vile smelling mess by the time he gets back and he was not looking forward to the clean up. He quickly pushed the thought out of his mind. He didn’t want to think of such vile things while eating such a delicious meal. It’d be a waste to sour it.
Instead, Jungkook’s thoughts turned to when he’s going home and how long they’re planning on letting him stay here. Surely no more than another day right? He’d be a bother anymore than that. He’s extremely grateful for their courtesy and for being so willing to get him from the hospital, but Jungkook doesn’t know them and they don’t know him. Surely they wouldn’t want to take care of a stranger for more than that, no matter how nice they are.
Jungkook was quickly proven wrong.
Immediately after the last bite of porridge was in his mouth and down his throat the tray was taken out of his lap and he was situated back into a comfortable lying position. The blanket was wrapped around him like a tortilla wrapped into a burrito. He was snuggled so tight not an inch of him could move, not like he would’ve been able to anyway. The meds had finally started to kick in again making him feel loopy and even more drowsy. As soon as his head hit the pillow it felt like cotton had filled the empty spaces in his head, cradling him and sending him off into a deep sleep.
And that was how he spent the next week. Sleeping. Just sleeping and resting and being taken care of in ways he’d never had before. Jungkook barely had to lift a finger for himself and he was sure if given the option Mrs. Wang would have just spoon fed him herself. Anytime the boys visited they never stopped giving Jackson shit for how overbearing his mother was, which would send Jackson off into an embarrassed rant and had him flushing up to the tips of his ears.
Jungkook never piped up or teased him though.
Despite his first impression of her and how scared he was of her caring and sweet nature at first, Jungkook found that he loved being taken care of by Jackson’s mom. He’s never had such an easy and painless time recovering after his punishments. Normally he struggled to take care of himself, trying his best to fight through the pain while continuing his daily tasks like nothing was wrong on his own. Each movement usually sent a jolt of pain throughout his body leaving him constantly tired, fighting to hide how breathless he was. He always struggled alone and no one ever cared.
Now Jungkook didn’t feel like that. With Mrs. Wang waiting on him hand-and-foot and the boys constantly trying to up his spirits and pull his mind away from the pain and boredom, Jungkook actually felt taken care of. He felt like someone actually cared whether or not he was hurt and wanted him to get better. It felt incredibly new, but Jungkook found himself loving it despite his best not to. He knew it was only temporary, but his heart didn’t care. It wasn’t realistic like his brain. It liked what it liked and didn’t give a shit about the rest. Which meant it loved Jackson’s mom, who was the mother he never had and always wanted and his heart stupidly gripped onto her like a dog with its favorite toy.
And didn't want to let go.
So everytime Jackson’s mom came in carrying a tray of food or a cup of tea with that sweet smile and kind eyes he melted and gave into the affection, soaking it up as much as he could for as long as he had it.
The boy’s teased him as well, but as the week went on and even passed as he was weaned off the pain meds, Jungkook was able to differentiate their teasing from the harsh teasing of his classmates and instead of getting scared or embarrassed, Jungkook found himself firing back at them. Jungkook could still remember the shock and surprise littering the faces of the boys that surrounded him when he gave a rebuttal back at BamBam, who had been pinching at his cheeks and cooing calling him a baby for most of his visit. Way more than the others had.
Out of nowhere, Jungkook had felt a sudden surge of confidence and spit out before he could stop himself that he had no room to talk since he was constantly hanging off the others and craving for attention every chance he got like a little touch-starved puppy. Bambam had sputtered and blushed so hard and the room fell into a sudden silence that Jungkook had felt he had gone too far, the pain meds still lowering his boundaries more than ever, and he opened his mouth to apologize when the group burst into laughter. They clutched at their stomachs with tears in their eyes as they turned their attention to BamBam.
“Oh man, hahaha, he got you good!” Jackson spit out between his fits of laughter. After that Jungkook had relaxed and even felt comfortable enough to let out a smile. BamBam had pouted, cheeks rosy as he playfully slapped at Jungkook’s thigh.
“Ass,” BamBam mumbled, “Who knew you had that underneath that innocent guise. I’m on to you, you shit-head.”
Of course his comment had earned a slap on the back of the head from Jinyoung, but Jungkook didn’t take offense, instead letting out a snort and widened his eyes to max doe-eyed level to prove his innocence.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, hyung.”
BamBam scoffed as Jackson piped up. “I feel like a monster is being unleashed right now. Go back into your shell, you heathen, your eyes are too much. I feel myself wanting to just give in and do your bidding. This is not okay.”
His statement earned a chorus of agreements and Jungkook felt his mouth stretch out into a toothy grin that sent them dramatically clutching at their hearts and pretending to swoon. Jungkook obviously laughed, but it sent pain up his side from his still healing rib and caused the others to settle down. After that day, Jungkook grew even more comfortable with the group and began to grow closer.
Not to mention BamBam and Yugyeom still snuck into bed with him most days. After the first day when he woke up to them cuddling him they became a little more bold about laying closer to him, but they still never took the final step until after he was out. One day Jungkook reached out and grabbed Yugyeom's hand and pulled him into his side, patting the other side for BamBam to join. The smiles he received that day made the fear that constantly buzzed underneath the surface of his skin fade into nothing and they spent the rest of the day lying in bed with a smile touching each of their lips.
After the first week had passed and he was more aware, Jungkook had started trying to be more mobile, pacing back and forth in his room whenever he was left alone. It tired him out quickly, but it gave him something to do other than just sitting there. He didn’t feel much like sleeping anymore and with the meds replaced with an over the counter painkillers the cotton had completely disappeared from his head.
His other injuries were healing nicely, the only ones still causing him pain were his fingers and his ribs. His wrist twinged with pain every so often but the brace he had on it did a great job of keeping it still. He was just luckily it wasn’t his dominant hand, unlike his right hand and everytime he forgot his fingers were injured and tried to move them, pain laced up his whole arm.
Even still with the pain he was bored of just sitting there and he wasn’t even allowed back at the school yet. They had given him a 2 week rest period to recover and sent his homework and notes home with BamBam at the end of the first week. Jungkook had tried to decipher through it at first but the notes were still in english and made it impossible.
Luckily he was saved. Since he was still staying at Jackson’s, the older male had offered to do their lessons after school instead, including the english lessons. Jungkook felt extremely grateful as Jackson spent hours of his freetime teaching Jungkook what he could on the homework and helping him translate his notes and explain as he did so. And after that he even continued providing a separate lesson just for english, starting out with a review at the beginning of each lesson and a quiz at the end.
Jungkook found himself finally starting to grasp the material. When the boys hung around him he found himself picking out a few words from his previous lessons. He couldn’t put them together to make sense of what was being said, but the progress excited him and he found himself chattering away with bright eyes and a wide smile when the others came to visit. It didn’t even cross his mind that he should be wary of them, feeling so comfortable with the men who just 2 weeks ago scared the shit out of him. It was so natural, and so quick that it wasn’t even a thought.
Nearing the end of the second week, Jungkook requested that he be allowed to go home. He needed to get the mess he left cleaned up. Hopefully the blood and the vomit didn’t stain the hardwood. If that happened Jungkook would have to sand and retreat the wood to make sure the evidence would be hidden from the landlord or his parents might actually kill him this time.
His request brought up a multitude of protests, but Mrs. Wang was quick to quiet them and asked Jungkook why, “Is there a reason you want to go home, sweetie?”
Jungkook flushed a deep maroon all the way to his ears at the nickname and nodded, “I need to clean up the mess and while my time here has been wonderful, I should really be getting out of your hair. I’m sure my presence has become a bit of a bother after so long.”
Mrs. Wang tutted, “Now Jungkook, you are not a bother whatsoever. You can stay for as long as you’d like, your presence has been wonderful,” she smiled warmly at him, “ And you don’t have to worry about the mess back at your apartment.”
Jungkook furrowed his brows, “I don’t?”
She shook her head, “No. The boys already went over there last week and did it. Your apartment was left spic-and-span and ready for your return.”
Jungkook turned to look at the boys standing sheepishly in the corner with wide eyes and then flushed in embarrassment. He was extremely grateful, especially knowing nothing was stained, but the thought of them cleaning up his bodily fluids off his floor was so mortifying. He bowed his head, “I’m so sorry. Thank you so much. You didn’t have to.”
“Woah, woah, why are you sorry?” Jackson asked, brows furrowed in confusion as he stepped closer to the boy on the bed.
Jungkook swallowed, cheeks still feeling very hot, “You had to clean up my disgusting mess. I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused.”
Jackson let out a snort, “Trust me I have cleaned up some nastier shit. I had no problem with it and I’m sure the others felt the same,” at Jungkook’s silence he continued, “Besides, what are friends for?”
Jungkook stared up at the older male silently, cheeks flushed and expression torn. After a moment his expression morphed into hesitance and he began quietly, “...are you sure?”
Jackson smiled with a nod, “Absolutely. So just rest and get better. That's all you have to do.”
Jungkook nodded and relaxed back into the bed. Once he was settled, Jackson’s mom reached up and smacked the back of the elder’s head, causing him to duck and try to get away. “Wait, what?! What did I do?!”
His mother sent him an unimpressed look and spoke one word that had Jackson sheepishly smiling at her in return. “Swore.”
“Sorry…”
“Mmmm, sure ya are,” Mrs. Wang sighed with a shake of her head and gave Jungkook a smile before leaving the room. BamBam finally let out a snort from where the group was forgotten in the corner which set off the rest into giggles. Jackson glared but stayed silent otherwise.
Jungkook smiled and stretched his arms over his head. “Can’t I at least go grab some stuff if you refuse to let me go home.”
“Uh, sure. What stuff?” Jackson asked.
“Just some of my books, maybe my art pad and anything else I see that I might need. As thankful as I am for your help after school, I’m dying of boredom while you're gone now that I’m not constantly sleeping.”
Bambam let out another giggle. “Jungkookie~ Did you forget you’re going back to school this monday?”
Jungkook’s face donned a look of realization. “Oh yeah. Oops, I forgot,” Jungkook smiled sheepishly, “Then just for the weekend? I really just wanna get up and move.”
Jackson nidded, “I think we can do that, but I'll have to talk to my mom about it since she’ll have to drive us. I don't want you taking the tube and walking that far while you’re still recovering.”
Jungkook nodded and sat back with expectant eyes. Jackson stared at him for a second before stuttering out, “O-oh you mean right now?” at Jungkook’s nod Jackson turned for the door, “Right. Okay. I’ll go see. Just… wait here.”
The door clicked quietly behind him and Jungkook heard Jackson stumble down the stairs and muffled voices. It went on for a few moments and the others just waited in silence, listening to the fumbling of their friend before the sounds of running up the stairs started and Jackson burst back through the door with a bright grin, “Let's get you ready to go.”
“Really?” Jungkook asked with hope laced in his tone.
Jackson nodded and Jungkook flung off the covers and held out his arms and fisted his hands in the air. “Help me up!” Jungkook swung his feet slowly over the side as Jackson chuckled and helped the boy get really and they made their way down to the car, which had already been warmed and waiting for them with Jackson’s mom in the driver's seat.
Jackson helped him sit into the passenger's seat and fussed much like his mother did to make sure he was comfortable until Jungkook waved him away and he finally climbed into the back with the rest of the boys and they made their way off to Jungkook’s apartment.
When they arrived, Jungkook looked out the window to see if his parents' car was there to give any indication to them being home and wilted in relief when there wasn’t anything in the parking spaces as they pulled up. Jungkook slowly got out of the car and turned to Mrs. Wang, wanting to see if she’ll come in, but was quickly waved away with a smile. Jungkook returned it with a shy one of his own and with a small bow that didn’t strain his ribs he made his way up to his apartment for the first time in two weeks.
The other boys followed behind him as he walked up the steps and unlocked the door. He quickly checked the mail on his way in seeing a small stack of envelopes and newsletters peeking out of the lid and as he made his way in he sifted through them. Most were bills and he left those on the small table next to his parents door for them to deal with, Others were ad mails from companies trying to sell their products or get them to purchase useless subscriptions and Jungkook quickly sorted them to be tossed in the recycle bin.
He was about to throw everything out when a strange yellow tinted envelope popped out between the folds of one of the newspapers and he reached out to uncover it and saw that it was addressed to him.
Mr. J. Jeon
221B Baker Street
Apartment B
Marylebone, London
NW1 6XE, UK
Jungkook’s face twisted into confusion as he eyed the old styled letter, flipping it back and forth as if it’ll show why it was sent to him. Jungkook looked at the old styled wax seal and hesitantly broke it and took out the letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF
WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall
Dear Mr. Jeon,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We are informing you of this early as the circumstances regarding the beginning of the term(September 1st.) Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
“What…” Jungkook whispered under his breath as he pulled out the second page, growing even more confused as he read.
Uniform:
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black).
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
One pair of protective gloves (Dragon hide or similar).
One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings).
Please note that all pupil’s clothes should carry name tags.
Course Books:
All students must have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), Miranda Goshswk.
A History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot.
Magical Theory, Adalbert Waffing.
A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration, Emeric Ewitch.
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Phyllida Spore.
Magical Drafts and Potions, Arsenius Jigger.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander.
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection, Quentin Trimble.
Other Equipment:
1 wand.
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2).
1 set glass or crystal phials.
1 telescope.
1 set brass scales.
Students may also bring an owl or a cat or a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK.
“What the fuck…”
BamBam popped up from around his shoulder to look at the letter. “What?”
Jungkook shook his head as he handed the letter over to BamBam. “I don't know. I just got this weird letter in the mail.”
BamBam examined the letter and his face twisted into confusion as the rest came to look at the letter in curiosity. “What the hell?”
“Yeah. That's what I thought too. I don’t know what it is,” Jungkook said as he scratched his head.
“Think it could be a prank?” Jinyoung questioned.
“Mmmm, it could be… “Jungkook said thoughtfully, “but who in the school can write in fluent korean? I mean, well, other than you guys. I was having a hard time cause no one could speak it and the letter’s written like a native speaker.”
The room grew quiet for a second before Jackson piped up, “Jungkook… this is in english.”
“What?” Jungkook asked incredulously as he moved towards the group and took the letter out of BamBam’s hand, “No it’s not. I wouldn't be able to read it if it was.”
Jungkook examined the letter in his hands and pointed at it, “See. ‘Dear Mr. Jeon, we are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…’” Jungkook looked up from the letter. “Look. I can read it just fine. It’s in perfect korean.”
At the blank stares, Jungkook looked back down at the letter and shook his head. Either way it had to be a prank. There was no point in thinking about it. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter anyway. Let's just forget about it and go.”
At the chorus of agreements, Jungkook crumpled the letter and tossed it in the bin to be recycled. With a huff, he slowly made his way up the stairs and into the apartment.