care
1040 Words
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It’s a Sunday
At YN’s house
Y/M: YN, why are you taking so much time to decide about marriage?
YN: Mom, what’s the urgency? Why do I have to get married so soon?
Y/M: Baby, it’s not about urgency. If you get married early, I won’t have to worry about you so much anymore.
YN (hurt): Am I a burden to you, Mom?
Y/M (sighs and cups her face): No, sweetheart! Don’t say that. It’s not like that at all. I’m just... I’m leaving for a business trip in two weeks. And I keep thinking—who’s going to take care of you when I’m gone?
YN: I can take care of myself, Mom. I’m not a kid anymore.
Y/M (crosses arms): No, you can’t. I know you. You’ll skip meals, eat junk food, and ruin your health again. I’ve seen it before.
YN (muttering): I’m not that careless...
Y/M: Fine. Just talk to Jungkook once, at least. That’s all I’m asking.
YN: Okay, okay! I’ll talk to him today and let you know what he says.
Y/M (smiling): Really? Oh, I’m so happy to hear that!
YN (teasingly): Mom, you’re being way too dramatic today.
Y/M: No, I’m not! Actually... I met Jungkook’s mom yesterday.
YN: What?! When? You didn’t tell me anything!
Y/M: She flew to Paris this morning. Before she left, she told me Jungkook loved the kimchi I sent. Said he won’t eat food without it.
YN (with pride): Of course he loved it. My mom makes the best kimchi in the world.
Y/M (grinning): That’s true. She also told me it’s already finished. So I made more. Can you go to his house and give it to him?
YN (nervously): Huh? Jungkook’s house? But Mom, I—
Y/M (cutting her off): You want to talk to him, right? Go there and talk peacefully. No disturbances, no excuses.
YN (sighing): Alright, alright. As you say.
---
Later – At Jungkook’s house
Ding Dong
Jungkook opens the door.
YN: Hi... Dr. Jungkook.
Jungkook (slightly cold): YN, we’re not at the hospital. Just call me Jungkook.
His tone is flat. He’s clearly still upset about yesterday.
YN (thinking): He’s still mad at me…
Jungkook: Come in.
YN: Uh, yeah... Mom sent this kimchi for you.
Jungkook (taking the container): Oh, thanks. I love this stuff. Aunty makes the best.
YN: I know, right?
Their hands brush while passing the container. YN suddenly looks worried.
YN: Jungkook, you're burning up! Wait…
She gently touches his forehead, then his neck. Her eyes widen.
YN: You have a fever! And it's not a normal one—it’s really high.
Jungkook: Relax, YN. I already took a tablet. It just hasn’t kicked in yet.
YN: Then why didn’t you call anyone?! You could’ve called me or Dr. Tae!
Jungkook: I already called him. He should be here any minute now.
YN: Did you eat anything?
Jungkook: I ordered some food, but I didn’t like it. So... no.
YN: No wonder you're worse! That’s it—I’m making something for you.
Jungkook: No, really, it’s fine. I don’t feel like eating.
YN (firmly): You have to eat something, or how will you take your medicine? No more arguments. I’ll make soup. Go lie down on the couch.
Jungkook (softly): Okay...
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YN makes soup. Jungkook sips it slowly. Just then, the doorbell rings.
Jungkook: That must be Tae.
YN: You rest. I’ll get the door.
She opens the door. It’s Taehyung.
Tae: Hey buddy—(pauses as he sees YN)—oh… YN? You’re here?
YN: Yes, Dr. Tae—I mean, Oppa. I came to drop off some kimchi, then saw his condition and stayed.
Tae (smiling): You did the right thing. Thanks for staying. And call me Oppa when we’re not in the hospital, alright?
YN (nodding): Okay, Oppa.
Tae: Where is he?
YN: In the bedroom.
They both head to Jungkook’s room. He’s lying in bed, flushed and weak.
Tae: Hey JK. How’re you feeling?
Jungkook (weakly): I’m okay, I guess...
YN (worried): He’s worse than before. His temperature is higher.
Tae checks Jungkook’s temperature and frowns.
Tae: Didn’t I tell you not to play in the rain yesterday?
Jungkook: Oh come on, Tae. It was just for a bit. It felt nice…
Tae: Well now look at you. High fever, dehydration, weakness. You’re reckless!
YN (thinking): He played in the rain? Even I love rain. But Jimin stopped me yesterday, saying if I fell sick, he’d admit me to the hospital. Maybe I should’ve dragged Jungkook inside too...
Tae: I’m giving you two shots. Roll your sleeve up.
YN: Wait—injections?
Tae: Yes. His fever is too high. Tablets aren’t enough.
YN nods slowly, anxious. Jungkook looks at her and smiles faintly.
Jungkook: Don’t worry, YN. I’m not scared of injections.
YN helps him roll up his sleeve but closes her eyes as Tae preps the injection.
Jungkook (to himself): She looks so worried... she really cares for me.
Tae: Okay JK, I’m starting.
Tae gives the injection.
Jungkook (winces): Aahh—Tae! Slow down!
Tae: It’s a strong dose. Just five more seconds.
Jungkook: Damn... it hurts.
Tae pulls the needle out.
Tae: That was the strong one. The second one won’t hurt as much.
Jungkook: Then let’s just get it over with.
Tae: YN, can you roll up his other sleeve?
YN: Yes, Oppa.
She helps again. Tae gives the second shot. Jungkook doesn’t react—it’s milder.
Tae: Take some rest now. If it gets worse again, take this tablet. And call me, okay?
Jungkook: Thanks, Tae. Really.
Tae: No need for thanks, i***t.
Jungkook: Hey... can you drop YN home? It’s already getting dark.
YN: No. I’m not going anywhere until you get better.
Jungkook: YN...
YN: No, Jungkook. I’m serious. I can't leave you alone like this.
Tae: She’s right. What if your fever spikes again? She’ll call me.
Jungkook (gives up): Alright, fine...
YN smiles softly. Tae pats her shoulder.
Tae: Take care of him, nurse YN.
Tae leaves. YN closes the door and looks at Jungkook. He smiles faintly through the weakness.
Jungkook (softly): You really care about me... don’t you?
YN (looking away, blushing): Shut up and rest.
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- Writer
