【 Jungkook 】

Specs of snow could be seen slowly trickling down from the evening-toned sky outside, thus littering the already-covered surroundings with another fresh and frosty coat of white; a weary sigh soon escaped past your lips while you comfortably slumped down onto the couch with a cup of coffee in hand— hoping to recharge your battery at least a little bit in between your morning shift at the café and your next one at the convenience store tonight

A little less than two weeks had passed since the incident at the park occurred, and needless to say, you blatantly refused to believe such an absurd encounter ever actually took place that night. Undoubtedly the only logical explanation to such a— well let's face it, downright hallucination, was that those multiple sleepless nights and admittedly tad too hectic work schedule finally seemed to have caught up to you and your sanity. But really, no other explanation for whatever the heck had happened back there seemed reasonable enough; call it denial, though you've never been one to believe in silly ghost stories— and that's a fact that still stubbornly remains true.

Nonetheless, life and its course, unfortunately, doesn't halt nor even slow down no matter how much one desperately wishes it would at times, which meant your full focus quickly returned back to your daily routines which mostly surrounded work— especially now that you needed to work twice as hard to ensure your brother's medical bills, as well as your own living expenses, were being covered.

One of your two older brothers ended up getting into a hit-and-run car accident a little over two weeks ago when he was on his way home from work, and while the older thankfully sustained no life-threatening injuries that night, he still ended up with quite a number of cuts and bruises as well as a torn ligament in his shoulder which required surgery— meaning the older was still hospitalized and recovering from the accident whilst going through routine physiotherapy to ensure a proper recovery

The drunk driver at fault for this incident, fortunately, ended up being tracked down by the police quite swiftly after the crash took place, and from what you've heard, it was a rather easy case to win; something which certainly came as a big relief since it meant the driver was held accountable for his actions, and hopefully would never put himself nor others in such a dangerous and potentially even fatal situation again.

Speaking of which, the sound of your phone's ringtone soon began to echo inside the apartment, immediately making you bounce to your feet to go and fetch it from the kitchen counter— a gentle smile tugging at your lips when the sight of your older brother's names flashed on the display

Jungkook:
Hyung— I was just thinking about you!

The olders warm and familiar chuckles could instantly be heard on the other side of the line, inevitably making your chest swell with joy and relief as you admittedly still felt a bit shaken up after the news of the accident; that night truly was one of unforgettable fear, and you couldn't feel more grateful knowing he made it out alive from a scenario which could've ended much worse.

Yoongi:
Hey there buddy, how are you holding up?

His gentle words earned a soft and playful scoff out of you while you tiredly leaned against the kitchen counter

Jungkook:
Since when do patients call to check up on others, it should be the other way around smartass...

Yoongi:
Well screw such rules— I'm recovering well and have nothing better to do anyway. Besides, I truly wanted to check up on you kiddo— not overworking yourself I hope?

There was a brief pause as your thoughts momentarily trailed off to the number of extra shifts you've had to pick up on lately, solely for the sake of ensuring that you would be able to cover his medical bills as requested— or rather, demanded, by your parents; something which neither Yoongi nor Jin were aware of at the moment, though it would honestly also be better if it remained that way.

TW:
(Brief mentions of homophobia in the next two paragraphs only.)

It's been just about one year now since you last had a proper conversation nor interaction for that matter with your parents, as the news of your sexuality didn't end up being met with the support you would've wished it had been— therefore marking it the day you essentially got disowned by them.

Their sudden cold treatment and harsh behavior were never supported nor endorsed by either of your older brothers, whom instead thankfully have stood by your side to defend you like protective shields from their hateful comments ever since. Though even so, after their drastic change of attitude you quickly ended up building your own source of income through multiple part-time jobs and moved out as soon as you found a place to stay.

The only reason your parents had spoken to you that night at the hospital was so that they could give a scolding lecture on how the least a ''selfish brat'' such as yourself could do for this family, was to take care of the medical fees of their beloved son— heck, had it not been for Jin contacting you that night, then you wouldn't even have known what had happened.

Yoongi:
You're awfully quiet there Gguk, is everything okay?

You swiftly snapped out of your train of thought after hearing the worried tone come through on the other line, a small smile now forcing its way onto your lips despite him not being there to witness it

Jungkook:
Huh? Oh right— yeah, I'm fine hyung... Sorry I just got a bit distracted there for a second

While the older proceeded to give yet another well-intended lecture on how both he and Jin always would be there for you in case there was something you were struggling with, you merely hummed along in half-hearted acknowledgment whilst pacing over to the fridge to check if there's was something you could eat before heading to work

Yoongi:
Oh right, are you eating well lately— not skipping any meals right?

Jungkook:
Well yeah, I suppose I'm—

Before you could fully answer his question, he then followed it up with another scolding statement which momentarily made you halt in your tracks yet again

Yoongi:
—oh and I really hope you're not eating those expired foods you get from the convenience store still Gguk... If money's tight just let us know okay? I promise mom and dad won't find out we've helped you if that's what you're worried about— but we really don't want you to tamper with your health bun

There was another short pause as you silently eyed the expired bento box currently in your hand which you had brought home yesterday— fighting the urge to snicker at the comical timing of his comment, but shrugged nonetheless before heating it up whilst humming softly in return

Jungkook:
No really, I'm fine hyung— besides I won't die from eating stuff that's one or two days expired.

An audible sigh of subtle disappointment left his lips while you sat down at the kitchen table with your now heated food and a glass of water

Yoongi:
You really need to take better care of yourself Gguk, you know I can't help but worry...

Another faint chuckle left your lips before you took a slip out of your water, rolling your eyes slightly at the olders overly protective and caring tendencies which you admittedly appreciated more than you'd probably ever admit out loud.

Jungkook:
Yeah yeah, whatever— enough about me now or some might start to think I'm the patient here. I'm sorry I haven't visited you in a while hyung, things have just been a bit hectic with the— well you know, holiday rush and all... Anyway, did you get any visitors today?

Yoongi:
Sure did, Jin dropped by and helped me stack up on my favorite snacks, so I can't complain! Now I'm set for at least another week while I binge those series you two recommended for me— this is practically a vacation!

Though you quickly came to regret asking that question, as he then mumbled out an apologetic ''Oh and uhm— mom and dad did visit me earlier too...''— quickly making the smile that previously tugged at your lips fade as you bitterly poked at your food; suddenly no longer having an appetite

Jungkook:
Oh, right— that's good... Are they taking good care of you hyung?

It was no news that your parents still favored and loved your older brothers dearly despite the falling out they had with you, and you could tell the two of them felt guilty about the unfairness of the situation— yet in all honestly, even though it did hurt a bit, you would never want them to cut off their parental love just because of this

Yoongi:
Gguk I'm sorry they're like this, I tried to talk to them again today and I'll always keep trying but for now they just—

Before he could finish his apologetic statement, you swiftly proceeded to cut him off— speaking up in a hopefully reassuring manner while putting away the still barely touched bento box which now had grown cold

Jungkook:
We both know there's no use and that it's a waste of time, but still, thank you for trying hyung...

Your gaze then briefly trailed over towards the clock hung on your wall, sighing softly while running your fingers through your soft locks as it was now your time to speak up apologetically

Jungkook:
Hey hyung, I'm sorry but I should really start getting ready now...

The olders worried frown could practically be heard as he disappointedly mumbled out a soft ''...Work again?'', to which you hummed softly in confirmation— earning a soft sigh out of him before he spoke up again

Yoongi:
Alright buddy, try to not overwork yourself, please? We're always one phone call away, so don't hesitate to call if you're having a hard time...

His gentle words of affirmation made silent tears brim your eyes as you let out another broken hum, clearing your throat and quickly attempting to mask the sound with a breathy chuckle in the hopes of assuring the older

Jungkook:
I'll keep it in mind hyung, I'll talk to you later alright?— love you...

Yoongi:
Love you too kiddo...

»»———-　∘◦°˖✧❀*✧˖°◦∘　———-««

Ps. I'm gonna make an attempt at proper titles for these chapters, so let's soo how that goes!