As you meticulously arranged the rich, decadent chocolate cakes on a gleaming silver tray, a sudden awareness of a presence beside you caused you to lift your head. Your lips curved into a warm smile upon seeing Jungkook standing there, his familiar grin illuminating his features. He delicately picked up a chocolate cake between his fingers and brought it to his lips with eagerness.
Your heart fluttered at the sight. As he took a generous bite, his eyes softened under the intensity of your gaze—the kind of gaze that felt electric, charged with unspoken feelings. With every bite he took, you watched him savor the treat, a look of pure delight spreading across his face. "It's yummy. You are an excellent cook," he said, his voice light and cheerful as he licked a smudge of chocolate from his finger, the gesture somehow alluring and endearing.
But something about the moment unsettled you. Despite his warm smile and cheerful demeanor, you could see the sheen of sweat gathering on his forehead, glistening under the overhead lights. His body was barely grazing your back, yet you could sense the tension radiating from him, his figure trembling ever so slightly.
*Did I make you a little happy?* he wondered, his heart aching with the weight of emotion. *This is the only thing I can do for you.*
*Will you like me just a little?* The thought nagged at him, swirling like a tempest.
He couldn't help but question the intensity of his feelings. *Why do I feel this way around you?* He marveled at how your simple smile had the power to warm his heart so rapidly, igniting a spark of affection that he couldn't quite comprehend.
Just then, Jungkook took a step back, the flutter in his demeanor becoming more pronounced as he fought to regain control. You noticed his body trembling more noticeably now. *No, please. I can't worry her.* He mentally pleaded, the weight of anxiety tightening around him like a vice. *I can't have another panic attack. I want it to stop.*
You wanted to reach out, to bridge the small distance that separated you both, but something held you back. The moment hung in the air, charged with unsaid words and shared emotions, a fragile balance between longing and unease.
Flashback
"Why can't you love me? Am I not your child? "
"You are just a piece of garbage we picked up from the street. We took you in our house because my husband was desperate to fuck a boy."
"Once I have my own child, I will not care about you. Not like I ever did."
***
"Honey, I will play with my precious little boy."
"Don't leave too many bruises on his skin; his teacher already started to ask me questions. And it's annoying."
***
"I remember your father mentioning how much you enjoy chocolate, and I thought it would be a nice treat for us today. Here, take this chocolate, and let's enjoy ourselves together. It'll be our little secret—no one has to know about this. I've already taken care of the security camera, so we don't have to worry about anyone watching us. Honestly, how do you always manage to drive me crazy like this? It's almost unbelievable!"
End of flashback
***
To your horror, you watched as Jungkook suddenly lost his balance, his body tilting sideways before collapsing onto the cold, hard floor with a muffled thud. Your heart raced, fueled by adrenaline, as you dashed to his side, instinctively wrapping your arms around him and cradling his head to protect it.
"Jungkook?" you called out softly, your voice shaky with concern. You gently pushed his disheveled bangs away from his forehead, desperately searching his eyes for any sign of consciousness. His breathing came in sharp, ragged gasps as he locked his gaze onto yours, filled with fear and confusion. His lips parted in an urgent effort to speak, but no sound emerged, only a silent struggle.
"I will be back right away," you promised, your voice steadier than you felt, as you carefully laid his head back onto the floor. Panic surged within you, urging you to move quickly. You sprinted toward your bedroom, knowing you had to retrieve the injection that had become so essential for him. Your heart sank as you recalled the dwindling supply; only a few doses were left. Jungkook couldn't afford to give up on them—not with the panic attacks that plagued him like dark shadows. Each episode was a reminder of the trauma he desperately wanted to forget, a memory he buried deep for his own sake. Unraveling it all could spiral him deeper into despair, further damaging his fragile state of mind.
Rushing back to the kitchen, you knelt beside him, your heart aching as you gently placed his head on your lap, your fingers brushing his hair tenderly. With a shaky hand, you prepared the serum, your mind racing as you pushed the needle into his neck, praying it would bring him some semblance of relief.
In the silence, you locked eyes with Jungkook, willing him to feel your presence. Gradually, you noticed his breathing becoming steadier, although his gaze began to drift away from you, a sign of his mind retreating into a foggy haze.
You pulled him into your arms, cradling him tightly against you, feeling the warmth of his body against yours. Tears welled in your eyes as you fought to stifle a sob that threatened to escape. At that moment, uncertainty enveloped you; you felt helpless, teetering on the edge of losing your sanity under the weight of the situation.
"You will be safe here. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you again. I will hold onto you and never let go," you whispered into his ear, your voice trembling with emotion as you pressed a reassuring kiss against his temple, drawing him closer to the sanctuary of your embrace.
Unbeknownst to you, Jungkook heard every word reverberating in his mind like a soothing melody. While he struggled with the paralysis of his thoughts, the serum clouding his memories, he could still feel your warmth enveloping him. Your voice—soft and melodic—wrapped around him, calming the storm within.
In that precious moment, a flicker of longing stirred in his heart. He craved to remain in this cocoon of safety, surrounded by your love and support, forever shielding him from the darkness of his past.