The atmosphere at the payment counter was thick with anticipation as you prepared for the financial hit of the hospital charges. Handing over your discharge form and insurance information, you tried to brace yourself for the impact.
"Hi, this is my discharge form and insurance information. Could I please get the bill for my treatment?" you asked, attempting to maintain a calm demeanor despite the anxiety churning inside you.
"Certainly, just give me a moment to process your information," the clerk replied with a sweetness that did little to ease the growing knot in your stomach. You offered a polite smile and a nod, tapping your feet impatiently on the floor as you waited.
A moment later, the clerk looked up with a puzzled expression. "It appears you've not been charged for your services. It shows a $0 balance for all the charges," she informed you, her words slicing through the tension like a knife.
Confused and slightly alarmed, you responded, "I'm sorry, what? Are you sure you're looking at the right account?" The very notion seemed implausible.
"Yes, I believe so. Ahn Y/N, correct?" Her confirmation only deepened the mystery, prompting you to ask, "Why wasn't I charged?" The frustration in your voice was unmistakable, a mix of confusion and a creeping suspicion beginning to take root.
It was at this juncture that Jungkook chose to make his appearance, navigating through the small space with the supplies he'd just picked up.
"Because I own 49% of this hospital," he declared, as if revealing he'd picked up milk on the way home. The casualness of his statement did nothing to quell the storm brewing inside you.
Your immediate reaction was one of indignation. "I-" Before you could mutter a single word, Jungkook cuts you off.
"And just so we're clear, I didn't pay off your bills. There weren't any charges to begin with, so this argument you're about to start is pointless," he explains, hoping to quell the incoming storm with logic. "I get it, you pride yourself on your independence, but let's not make a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be," he adds once again before you can speak.
"Are you done?" The question slips out of your mouth almost instinctively, carrying a mix of sarcasm and genuine curiosity. His response is a mere eye roll, a silent admission of defeat in this battle of wills.
"Thank you," you say, the words carrying a weight of sincerity tinged with a hint of triumph. His expression shifts, caught off guard by your acknowledgment, surprised to see your gratitude.
"Considering everything I've been through because of you, I suppose it's only fair I get to 'take advantage' of you in this small way," you add, the fake smile plastered on your face not quite reaching your eyes but serving its purpose to needle him further.
As you turn on your heel with your eyes rolling at the end and stride towards the exit, a complex mix of emotions plays across Jungkook's face. Confusion, frustration, maybe even a hint of admiration for your tenacity. He sighs deeply, a silent acknowledgment of the puzzled person that you are, and shakes his head, almost in disbelief.
The billing clerk catches his eye one last time, offering a sympathetic shrug as if to say, "She's got a point."
"What do you even know about anything she just said?" Jungkook passes the clerk a frown and begins to follow you.
***
"Y/N, can we just drive back home?" Jungkook's voice breaks through the lingering tension out of exhaustion.
"I was thinking, since you are so willing to help me today, what else I can get you to do for me?" you muse, the challenge in your voice veiling the curiosity and perhaps a hint of mischief.
Jungkook comes to a slow halt, his sigh filling the space as he shoves his hands into his pockets, resigning himself to your whims, just waiting for you to say something he knows he is going to have to surrender to.
"How about you carry me home on your back?" The words slip out, bold and somewhat whimsical, testing the limits of his patience and willingness.
Listening to that, he stares at you for a second before scoffing away "My bad that I asked you if I can drive you home," "The easiest way home" he mutters the last sentence to himself.
"Is that what you really want?" he inquires, sincerity lacing his words. Despite the day's earlier turmoil, his genuine concern and readiness to accommodate your wishes shine through.
"Yes," you stand firm with your hands folded to your chest, adamant in your request, seeking to navigate the waters of your relationship in this unique manner.
"Fine then, hop on," Jungkook concedes, his voice carrying a mix of defeat and acceptance. He walks over to you, towering over you briefly as a silent communication passes between youâa tentative step towards understanding.
With a shake of his head, signaling both disbelief and a readiness to move past the conflicts, he turns around, inviting you to climb onto his back.
As Jungkook carries you on his back, the familiar scent of him makes the moment seem more intimate. It's strange how this physical closeness softens your feelings towards him, even if just for a moment. Your eyes softly gaze at him, finding answers to the questions suddenly lingering in your mind.
With every step he takes, you're reminded of how he's going out of his way to make you happy, fulfilling a quirky request without hesitation. It's an act of kindness that feels out of character, considering the ups and downs of your past interactions, and it leaves you puzzled and curious.
After several minutes into the journey, you notice Jungkook's pace slowing, his breaths becoming more pronounced. It's clear that the effort of carrying you is starting to wear on him, despite his stoic demeanor.
Concerned for his well-being, you gently suggest, "You can drop me off here, Jungkook. I can walk rest of the way."
His response is immediate and firm, a testament to his determination, "Not until we are home."
Feeling guilty and mindful of his exertion, you try another approach, hoping to appeal to his practical side. "You're tired, and I must be heavy,"
"I am not tired, but you indeed are heavy." His attempt at humor earns a soft smack on his back from you, eliciting a chuckle from him.
"Can you just drop me off already? I'm tired," you groan.
"Tired of getting the princess treatment?" he asks, his voice laced with sarcasm, a playful challenge in his eyes.
"No, tired of you being unnecessarily nice to me," Your response is quick, reflecting a mix of irritation and genuine curiosity about his motives.
"Well, in that caseâ" he starts, and before you can fully grasp his intention, he suddenly stops walking and abruptly drops you down to the ground. The suddenness catches you off guard, and you find yourself tumbling to the ground, a soft "Ow" escaping your lips as you land.
"See? I am not being nice to you," Jungkook looks down at you with a smirk, a mixture of amusement and defiance in his expression.
As your anger simmers beneath the surface, you push yourself up from the ground, brushing off the discomfort and the curious stares from passersby. Determined not to let Jungkook have the last word in this peculiar exchange, you follow him into the convenience store, your steps quick and purposeful.
The store is a familiar, comforting sight with its fluorescent lighting and neatly arranged shelves, yet you're too focused on Jungkook to take much notice. You observe him casually greeting the young cashier with a simple raise of his eyebrows, a silent acknowledgment that speaks volumes of his frequent visits here.
With a specific intent, you stride towards the refrigerated section, the cool air brushing against your skin as you open the glass door. You grab a water bottle, its chill a welcome sensation in your palm, providing a brief distraction from the heat of your frustration.
Making your way to the counter, you find Jungkook already there, in the midst of purchasing a packet of cigarettes. As you place your water bottle beside him on the counter, you can't help but notice, from the corner of your eye, the casual way he pulls out a cigarette and places it between his lips. It's a familiar habit of his, one that you've seen countless times, yet it does nothing to shush the irritation simmering within you.
Standing next to him, you're acutely aware of his presence, the faint smell of his cologne, and the sound of his voice as he interacts with the cashier.
As you pay for the water bottle, you find yourself struggling with the cap, trying awkwardly to twist it open with your left hand. Jungkook notices your struggle and reaches out to help, but in a quick motion, you snatch the bottle back, preferring to handle it on your own. Giving him a rough look, you start making your way to the exit.
This silent exchange happens under the watchful eyes of the cashier, who, sensing tension, decides to make a comment, "Fought with your girlfriend?"
Jungkook, not in the mood for such remarks, simply scoffs as he hands over the cash for his cigarettes. The cashier, undeterred, continues to push the boundary,
"Even I'd tolerate tantrums of a hot girl like that," his gaze lingering on you a bit too long for comfort.
Jungkook's reaction is immediate and protective. As soon as he notices the cashier's eyes trailing down your body, he grabs the young man's collar, pulling him close with a stern look. There's a silent but deadly warning in his eyes, a clear message that such behavior is not acceptable. The cashier, caught off guard by Jungkook's sudden aggression, is visibly shaken, his feet scrambling to get hold of the ground as he tries to regain his balance and composure.
It's clear that there's still a deep-seated concern and protectiveness on his part.
Jungkook steps out of the convenience store after taking care of the cashier and immediately spots you chatting with another man. This catches him off guard and strikes a chord within him, especially seeing how friendly and flirtatious the interaction appears. Just moments ago, you had refused Jungkook's help with the bottle, choosing instead to struggle on your own. Yet here you are, not just accepting help from a stranger but also engaging in a light, flirtatious banter with him.
The man is all smiles as he helps you with the bottle, making a point to touch your hand in the process, which clearly doesn't sit well with Jungkook. It's not just the act of opening the bottle that bothers him; it's the contrast between your rejection of his help and your openness to this stranger's assistance, coupled with the flirty exchange.
This whole scenario leaves Jungkook feeling a bit hurt and jealous, as he processes the sudden shift in your behavior.
"Who the fuck are you?" Jungkook demands, his tone sharp, cutting through the casual atmosphere as he positions himself between you and the guy, standing protectively in front of you, his back facing you as he confronts the man you were just speaking with.
The stranger, taken aback by Jungkook's sudden authoritative interference, responds with equal irritation, "I am sorry, who are YOU?"
Without missing a beat, Jungkook reaches out, snatching the water bottle from the stranger's grasp. He effortlessly cracks it open, then turns to give you a look filled with frustration and obvious anger. Handing you the bottle, his eyes communicate a silent disappointment.
"Leave," Jungkook directs the stranger, his voice leaving no room for argument, gesturing dismissively for the man to disappear from his sight.
The stranger, looking confused yet concerned, turns to you, "Y/N-ssi, do you know him? Do you need help?"
Before you can respond, Jungkook steps in, his voice cold and threatening, "No, she doesn't need help, but soon YOU will need help if I don't see you gone in a second."
The stranger's annoyance flares up, and he takes a step closer, ready to confront Jungkook, "Who do you think you areâ"
"I am her boyfriend" "Now get out of here," Jungkook declares with sheer confidence and unmistakable agitation. His words catch you off guard, and you find yourself staring at him, unable to hide your shock.
"What? She told me she was single," the stranger counters, confusion, and disbelief etched on his face. "Y/N-ssi, what is he talking about?"
The tension escalates as Jungkook's anger visibly mounts, "I am going to mess you up todayâ" He's on the brink of physical confrontation when you quickly grab his arm, halting his aggressive movement.
"Please leave before he loses his mind," you implore the stranger, your voice laced with urgency. "I am sorry," you add, hoping to defuse the situation.
At your request, the stranger reluctantly departs, casting a final judgmental glance at Jungkook.
Jungkook whirls around to face you, his eyes burning with anger. "Y/N, if you don't stop vexing me like this, I swear to God I will kill you one day and then kill myself after that," he says, his voice laced with a warning so intense it sends a chill down your spine. Without another word, he turns away, fingers raking through his hair in frustration, and starts walking away.
You're left momentarily rooted to the spot, his words echoing in your mind. The intensity of his gaze and the serious tone of his threat make you rethink your actions. Realizing the gravity of the situation and not wanting to escalate things further, you fall into step behind him, maintaining a distance as you follow. The urge to speak up is there, but hesitation grips you, unsure of how to bridge the sudden chasm his words have created between you.
Jungkook's restlessness is palpable, a clear sign he's wrestling with something deep within until it becomes too overwhelming to contain. Finally, he halts in his tracks, turning to face you with a look that's both troubled and intense. Closing the distance between you, he speaks, his voice heavy with emotion.
"Y/N, I need to knowâwere you really into that guy, or were you just trying to get a reaction out of me? Because if it's the former, I'm not going to lie; part of me wants to turn back, hunt him down, and make sure he regrets ever laying a finger on you. I can't shake off the image of him touching you," he confesses, his eyes searching yours for an answer. "Help me out here," he implores, standing so close you can feel the tension radiating off him, awaiting your response.
"Justâ" you start, but then, with a tone softer and more yielding than before, you clarify, "I just wanted to get a reaction out of you." The words, almost like a confession, hang in the air between you.
Observing him, you notice a visible shift in his demeanor at your words. His body, previously tense with agitation, visibly relaxes. He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture that seems to serve as a reset, and then his gaze wanders as if he's trying to gather his thoughts or perhaps distance himself from the intensity of the moment.
"Why do you always do this to me?" Jungkook finally speaks, his questions, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and something else you can't quite pinpoint.
"I don't know. Maybe because I'm confused and frustrated. Watching you suddenly care about me and actually be nice to me out of nowhere... it's fucking my mind up," "Why do you even care so much?" your response is hesitant, yet it carries an underlying agitation that you can't fully mask.
"I don't know!" "I don't know the answer to your question either" "I try so fucking hard to hate you, Y/N but there are these feelings for you....." "......these feelings for you, the only ones that I can't seem to control. And it drives me insane" "But at the same time, I can't help but give in to them. I can't help but feed them. It's maddening, this hold you have on me," "If it was anyone else who dared to cross me the way you always do, I swear they would have been 6 feet deep in the next moment" Jungkook's grip tightens around your arms, the intensity in his eyes unyielding as he leans in closer. The tension in his jaw is palpable, the veins on his neck standing out starkly against his skin.
"I hate this feeling, Y/N," he murmurs, his eyes and voice softening, betraying the turmoil within. "Make it go away."
"Why do you want to hate me so bad? Why does the thought of having feelings for me make you so mad?" you inquire, your voice low, touching the heart of his conflict.
His gaze locks with yours, filled with an intensity that words barely capture. "Because I can't have feelings for you. I am not supposed to have feelings for you, and I can't explain how hard it is to fight the urge to just grab you andâ"
His confession is abruptly interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone, slicing through the tension like a knife. Reluctantly, he fishes the device from his pocket, his thumb hovering over the silence button. However, the moment his eyes catch the caller ID, a visible shift overtakes him. The raw emotion drains from his face, replaced by an impassive mask, the warmth in his eyes giving way to an icy detachment. It's as if someone hit a reset button, erasing the vulnerability he'd just shown.
Jungkook's gaze lingers on the phone screen for a moment longer before he lets out a sigh, the weight of the moment settling heavily between you. His eyes, now a mix of resolve and resignation, meet yours once again.
"What?" "Grab me and what, Jungkook?" you press, eager for him to finish his thought, to bridge the gap his interruption has left.
There's a beat of silence, a tension that fills the air as he considers your question. The intensity in his eyes softens, replaced by a vulnerability he seldom shows. He looks at you, really looks at you, as if seeing you for the first time.
But just as he opens his mouth to speak, to possibly reveal the depth of his feelings, he hesitates. The conflict within him is palpable, a battle between desire and restraint. Finally, he shakes his head slightly, as if to clear it, and takes a step back.
"Nothing," he says, but the word is thick with unspoken meaning. "It's not important." His voice is a mixture of frustration and resignation, signaling an internal struggle he's not yet ready to concede.
"We should head back home. It's getting late"
"Jungkook, I want to hear the rest!"
He just turns around and resumes walking, ignoring your words as if they were never spoken. He doesn't glance back, not even once, yet you can feel his awareness of you trailing behind him. It's as if there's an invisible thread connecting the two of you, one he's careful not to break despite his avoidance.
Yet, in his silent vigil, ensuring you're still there behind him, Jungkook reveals his care, his protective instinct, and perhaps, the depth of his feelings, unspoken but unmistakably present. The distance to home feels longer than usual.
____
A/N: do you think I should change the cover picture of this story? Give me some opinions.