{Day 4}

Jungkook was feeling nervous today. Taehyung had said that his 'cane' had arrived in the mail and it took him a minute to understand what he meant. Taehyung was happy and excited for Jungkook, knowing that he's a few steps closer to getting used to his "new life" but Jungkook wasn't as thrilled.

I've seen those canes on tv before... who knew that I'll now be using one?

They both situated themselves in the living room so Jungkook could open the package and receive his new mobility tool for the first time. Taehyung made such a huge deal out of it, whilst Jungkook only had on a small smile as he lifted the flaps do the cardboard box.

Jungkook brushed his fingers inside the box, feeling a slip of paper and what he presumed was the cane wrapped in bubble wrap . He soon found out that it was foldable and opening up the cane took him and Tae a few minutes to figure out.

Taehyung was amazed by the complexity of the not-so-simple item. Jungkook experimented with it for a bit, dragging the cane on the ground, but feeling unsure about how this was going to help him.

After a while, Taehyung's excitement eventually lessened as expected, that boy was always hype for the strangest things, and he soon went to his room claiming to check his emails. Jungkook didn't mind the loss of company though. Some time for himself is something he needs right now.

-<~><~><~>-

Taehyung ran into the living room excitedly, making Jungkook cover his ears from the loudness.

"What's happening?" Jungkook questioned.

Taehyung sat on the couch with Jungkook. "I got an email saying that your O&M training will start today."

What?

"Why so early, Taehyung? I-I'm not used to this,"

Taehyung wrapped his arms around him. "Its so you'll be safe, Jungkook. Don't be too nervous about it. I've found good people who will teach you."

What exactly am I supposed to be learning?

"You'll be there with me right Tae?" Jungkook asked.

"Of course I'll be with you. In fact, they informed me that your first session will be at home, well my home but also yours so I'm not going anywhere Jungkook."

Jungkook smiles even though he still had questions floating around in his mind. Everything was a new experience for him, the cane and now O&M training which he had no idea how it worked. Taehyung eventually pulled away so Jungkook took the chance to ask him for a better explanation about what was happening.

"I can't explain everything about this but I'll tell you what I know," Taehyung started. "They said O&M or Orientation and Mobility helps people learn to navigate their surroundings, so basically people who help you travel effectively and safely."

"Oh okay," Jungkook nodded.

"I've signed only two to three sessions a week for you, they're two hours long and you've got a personal trainer, Kookie."

"So who is it?" Jungkook asked. "Did you get to choose?"

"No, but we'll see once they're here. I don't know much about what they'll do but I'm so excited."

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Why are you excited? I'm so nervous about it,"

"Aww don't be, Kookie. As I said, it's only to keep you safe and who knows, maybe you'll be more confident in the end."

-<~><~><~>-

A knock on the door made the boys stop snacking on their chips and cookies.

"They're here!" Taehyung announced. "Jungkook get ready, I'll clean up the food later." He said as he went to open the door.

Meanwhile, Jungkook's mind had switched to panic mode as he felt his way to the sink to wash his hands. He could hear the front door open from the distance and Taehyung greeting the person, and he quietly made his way to the living room, once again following the trail of lights on the ceiling to guide him.

Who is it? Who is it? Jungkook thought as he fidgeted in his seat.

Sounds of footsteps grew louder indicating that Taehyung was coming back so Jungkook looked up and straightened his posture, trying to not look as if he was being scared for his life... which he sort of was.

Jungkook felt Taehyung sit down beside him and he assumed that the other person sat across.

"Jungkook, this is Namjoon," Taehyung introduced.

Definitely a guy, Jungkook thought. He gave his best smile so he didn't look creepy.

"Hey Jungkook." Namjoon greeted. "So today is your first time taking O&M with any personal specialist is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Alright, we'll start by just taking and I'll by explaining what we'll be doing during these sessions and what we'll be doing today too." Namjoon says.

Jungkook noticed how calm and sweet his voice sounded, how Namjoon sounded so professional but kind at the same time. Jungkook liked that the most.

"Is-is Taehyung allowed to stay here?" Jungkook asked unsurely. He wanted Taehuyng to be with him for at least a bit longer, or at least until he was comfortable with his new 'teacher'.

Namjoon noticed how tense the boy looked. "Yes, of course." He replied. Jungkook smiled, unconsciously leaning closer to Tae.

"Okay, for the first few sessions, I'll show you how to hold and use your cane and how to find and maneuver around obstacles. That will be inside your home and maybe outside, and the goal is so you can travel around in your house safely before we move on." Namjoon explained. "After that, we can start walking around in the neighborhood and maybe anywhere else you would go on a regular day like the mall or convenience stores, just to practice auditory listening skills and basic use of public transport."

Jungkook nodded, and he had to admit, everything Namjoon was saying sounded kind of fun... it definitely wasn't what he expected.

"Alright, for today, I'll just focus on basic cane skills and techniques and we'll briefly touch on some other subjects,"

"Okay," Jungkook replied. He couldn't see it but he knew that Taehyung was probably smiling like a freak judging by the shifting movements he felt through the couch. That made him mentally roll his eyes.

After answering more things that Namjoon wanted to confirm, Jungkook was finally getting onto his session. There was fortunately a large empty area in the living room, giving them space to get started.

"Jungkook, what you have is a folding cane, do you know the parts and how to open it?" Namjoon asked.

Jungkook mumbled a 'sorta' and slowly unhooked the strap of the cane, letting the sections drop down as he lightly snapped them in place.

"Great, I'll teach you how to properly hold it and then we can start learning how to use it, yeah?"

Again, Jungkook nodded, too shy to say anything else.

"Hold the handle with an index finger grip, so your index finger should be pointing down the shaft of the cane and your thumb should be against the flat surface of the handle." Namjoon said as he helped Jungkook hold the handle. "This is just a basic grip and it's okay if it feels uncomfortable."

Why does the grip matter? Jungkook wanted to ask, but held back instead. This was very interesting, and he didn't want Namjoon to pause.

"Good. Now when you use the cane, try to imagine like you're shaking someone's hand. Your hand shouldn't be too close to your body but not too far away; try keep it around where your belt line would be. Can you try that Jungkook?"

Jungkook nodded and adjusted his hand to where Namjoon had described, getting a hum of approval from the specialist.

Taehyung was sitting at the couch, watching in the distance with a fond smile on his face. He liked Namjoon, the way he teaches to be exact. Taehyung noticed how patient and encouraging he was and it made him happy that Jungkook was getting more comfortable and less nervous around Namjoon. The specialist really explained things so well that Taehyung was certain that he would've been able to do those techniques and stuff he was teaching Jungkook.

-<~><~><~>-

Jungkook smiled in satisfaction as he waved goodbye to his new trainer. His first experience was indescribable; a strange part of him was happy too.

"So how was it?" Taehyung quipped from behind him. Jungkook almost forgot that Taehyung was in the room the whole time.

Based on Taehyng's tone, Jungkook could sense the excitement and proudness radiating off of his body. And to be real, Taehyung did feel like a proud mom if he was being honest. Jungkook was his child, and his child had gotten through a difficult step in his journey of coping, so he should be happy and proud.

"It was great," Jungkook replied. "I'm so happy for some reason."

"I'm happy too, Kookie. You did great!" Taehyung exclaimed as he guided Jungkook back to the living room.

That made a pink blush appear on Jungkook's cheeks.

Gosh did Tae really see me wall trailing*? That was embarrassing and awkward, he cringed.

Throughout the session, yes Jungkook had his moments where had bumped into things while trying to navigate through Taehyung's house but these mistakes were quickly brushed off and he was reassured that he'd be fine by Namjoon of course.

Taehyung's voice broke Jungkook's train of thought.

"Hey, let's go watch— erm... let's go outside?" Taehyung asked, mentally facepalming after his slipup.

"Glad you remembered," Jungkook replied with a roll of his eyes. "But sure."

Immediately, Taehyung felt bad; bad enough to mumble a "sorry" because he thought it'd hurt Jungkook a bit. Such a softie.

Jungkook chuckled at Tae's actions and grasped his hands. "Don't say that, Tae. it was funny so don't be. Now we're going outside right? I wanna practice with my cane."

Taehyung smiled. "Alright then. Outside we go!"

(A/N):
*wall trailing is just what I call it. It's kind of like walking close to a wall, but not touching it. Namjoon's just testing how well Jungkook's able to sense obstacles(like the wall) around him.

kinda gave up on that last part heh heh🤷‍♀️... And this is the most I've ever written in a chapter— dear lord
Hope that was somewhat enjoyable 💜