Curious about Jungkook's behavior and the reason for his silence since we started playing, I glance to my left to see what he is up to.

He is focused on his phone, nervously picking at his bottom lip and bouncing one leg. I reach out for his wrist, pulling it away to redirect his attention towards me. "Use the lip balm I gave you."

"I did, but I can't help it," he sticks his hand in his pocket and drops his phone on the table. "What's wrong?" I lean back on my chair and raise my arms up to stretch my body. "Nothing."

I take a moment to relax the tension in my back, only to inadvertently let out a sigh of relief. "You seem nervous," I return to my previous position, and he looks at me, smiling. "I'm not," he lowers his look to his thighs and hides both of his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants. "You're not," I echo his falsehood. "What's that smile then?"

He shakes his head without answering, and Minjun returns for another game. "Come on," I slap his arm. "When I ask you a question, you answer with the truth."

He grins and spreads his legs, clenches them, and does this same action again, never staying still. "You're loud," he tells me the reason why, and I scoff but ignore.

"Can I take an ice cream, y/n?" Minjun asks, and I allow him one for dessert. "Thank you, do you both want one?" he steps to the kitchen, thinking about his brother and I.

Jungkook replies with a 'No', however, I say 'Yes'.

"We only have the raspberry ones left, is it okay?" he makes sure I like this flavor, and without thinking twice, I agree. "More than okay," I position my disks in a proper way, and he comes back with the ice creams. I take mine that he already unwrapped like a sweet boy, and I thank him and take a bite into the chocolate.

"Are you sure you don't want one?" he looks at his older brother, making sure he is certain, and Jungkook nods. "Yeah. I ate way too much for dinner."

"Okay, if you change your mind, I'll get you one," he eats what seems big in his hands, and I smile at how adorable he is. "Y/n will share with me, don't worry."

I set my eyes on him in an instant and raise my eyebrows. "After I licked it all? Sure."

"I don't care," he does not express any bother as if it were not a problem, and I drop a disk to play with Minjun but keep talking. I slide the ice cream in and out while waiting for my turn and glance at Jungkook, who is already staring. "You usually like eating dessert. Are you sure nothing's going on in your head?"

His gaze shifts down to my mouth. "Nothing's going on," he lifts one hand to the nape of his neck to hold it, not taking his focus away from me. "Promise?" I tilt my head and get closer to him, and his lips turn up. "Minjun's waiting for you to play."

The look on his face is so gentle; I know something is taking a toll on him. It hurts me.

I move back and play my turn, not making him uncomfortable in front of his little brother. As soon as I am done, I peek at him again to strike a reaction, and he smiles but glances away.

I need to have a serious talk with him. I know what that look and behavior mean.

— Two days later —

Thursday, January 25th, 2024.

4:40 pm.

"Y/n," Jungkook asks for my attention, laying on the sofa while I am washing the dishes. "Can you bring me a lollipop, please?"

"I'm coming," I step aside and open the right cabinet to get his favorite flavor. Then, I walk up to him while removing the wrapping. "Here," I lean over the back of the sofa and hand him his treat, and he takes it. "Thank you."

"Why aren't you working or studying?" I stay near him, and he sticks the sweet in his mouth. "I'm not feeling good."

"What? Why? What's wrong?" I drop my hand on the leather material to bend over, suddenly caring about nothing but him, and he looks up at me. "My head is hurting. I have nausea. I've been feeling lightheaded since this morning, so I feel like shit," he closes his eyes and puts one arm under his head. "Did you take a painkiller or something? Why didn't you tell me about it before going to school?"

"I thought I'd be alright after breakfast. And no, I haven't taken any. It could worsen the dizziness and all," he uses his tongue to move the lollipop to his other cheek, and I walk around the sofa to get close to him. "Do you know what might have caused that?" I sit down next to his head and lay the back of my hand over his forehead to check his temperature.

"Not really, but this already happened, and I was sick the next day," he opens his eyes to gaze into mine, and I brush his bangs under his hood. "You do seem to be hot."

"I'm always hot," he cracks a joke and glances away, constantly closing his eyes as if he was too tired to keep them open. "Stop being dumb," I laugh and slap his arm, but gently. He is already in enough pain. "Is there anything that could help? Like, something to drink or eat?"

"Honestly? Someone to kiss and cuddle me, but yeah...I can't get that, so I don't want anything," he obviously asks for me to be that one person, but out of doubt, I turn a deaf ear to those words. If he were Minjun, I would have held him in my arms, but he is not, he is almost twenty, so the effect will be different.

"I'll bring you Kohi next week if you still are, he'll cuddle and ask you for so much affection that you'll forget the pain," I attempt to divert his attention in a subtle way, and he smiles, to my greatest relief. "Your kitten that'd fit in my hand, hm?" he lifts his hand up to his mouth to pull his lollipop out but never removes his lips from it. "Yes."

"That's cute," he pushes it back inside, and I nod but do not forget about his state. "It is, but whatever. Open your mouth," I grab the stick of the candy, and when he parts his lips, I take it out. "This won't help with your headache. Have a rest, and we'll eat dinner a little earlier today. Okay?"

"Okay, mommy," he grins and turns on his side, using his arm as a pillow, and I feel my heart flutter. His eyes now remain closed, but the pity and concern I feel for him gets me to do something I should not.

I lean forward and hold the side of his face to press a kiss on his forehead. "Tell me if you feel even worse," I move back and stand up to go back to cooking, hoping for him to feel better after some sleep.

I cannot believe that two of the kids I take care of got sick within a week.

"If I'm ever sick," he stops me with his soft voice. "You'll still come next week, right?"

"I will, but you'll have to be careful and wear a mask," I warn him, and he agrees to respecting my rules. "I will."

"Now sleep for a bit," I tell him to do, and he nods, so I walk away and pass by Minjun, who is still doing his homework.

•••

6:40 pm.

The worry inside of me not fading away or disappearing, I peek up at Jungkook once he comes back from the bathroom. He has vomited twice in less than two hours, something is definitely wrong.

I keep my eyes over him as he is heading up to me, and he lies down by my side but covers his face with his arm. "Are you okay?"

"Absolutely not. My stomach feels completely fucked," he does not tell a lie to reassure me, which makes me even more apprehensive of what his body could be trying to fight. "The medication will probably not even work," I sigh. "Come here."

Without hesitation, he crawls up to me and lays his head on my lap after I pat it. He groans initially but then relaxes as I gently comb his hair with my fingers and attempt to soothe him. "Visit the doctor or call them tomorrow, okay?"

"I will," he confirms what I needed to find some reassurance. "I wish you'd be here though...At least I wouldn't be home alone."

"I wish too, but I won't be free this weekend either," I tell him, with disappointment. If only I could stay here and not have to see the one boy I hate the most. "Well...tell that asshole something unexpected happened and that you can't be there. My dad will pay you even more for taking care of a poor, suffering boy..."

I smile, uncontrollably. He knows how to get me by the feelings. "No emotional blackmail. I don't like it," I continue doing my affectionate gesture, feeling like this relaxes him. "You took that as emotional blackmail? Ah, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to," he feigns regret, making me laugh quietly, but I remain silent. I stare at his features and brush my fingers past his temple to try to alleviate the headache, and he slides his hand under his hoodie. "What if I faint tomorrow and that—"

"I said no. Don't say that," I cut him off to not hear such words that might make me feel guilty. "Fine..."

I could change my mind, but before deciding whether I take care of him or Angelo and his brother, I have to talk about it with his father.

— Next day —

Friday, January 26th, 2024.

7 am.

Contrary to what has been said, I leave my car after parking in front of Mister Jeon's house, and I head up to the door.

I was not planning on actually staying here, but after talking with Mister Jeon, getting to know that Jungkook felt even worse last night, and telling Mister Rivera about my absence, I could not do anything but be here for Jungkook.

I knock on the door, and in a few seconds, Mister Jeon opens up. "Good morning," he greets me with a warm smile, and I return the exact same. "Good morning, Mister Jeon. I hope you had a good sleep."

"I did, how about you?" he stands near me while I am taking my shoes and coat off. "I did too. Is Jungkook still asleep?"

"He is, and I wanted to thank you for being here and looking after him. It means a lot to both him and I. I'm glad to see that you care about him," he expresses his gratitude, making me feel even happier to have made this decision. "No need to, Mister Jeon. I want him to have someone here in case he needs it."

He smiles at me but instead of showing positive emotions, something sorrowful is reflected. "It's really difficult for me to be there for them because of how busy I am with work, so I do want to thank you."

I look into his eyes, which are very similar to Jungkook's ones, and his mood affects mine. "I'm glad to be helpful."

He nods but glances away, probably feeling guilty or in the wrong for not having enough time for his children.

"Y/n?" Minjun walks down the stairs, astonished by my presence. "Hey, how are you doing today?" I gently pat his back, feeling soft at the sight of his morning face and messy hair. "I'm doing good, but why are you here? You usually take care of other children today."

"I'm here to take care of your brother. I want to make sure he doesn't stay home alone in the state he is," I explain to him. "Oh, you're so kind. I'm happy to see you," his bright smile full of genuine joy warms my heart up, and I hug him. "I'm happy to see you too."

•••

9:40 am.

I glance at my phone to check the time. I have not seen Jungkook yet today, he has been sleeping this whole time, so I decide to leave the living room before cleaning the house and go upstairs.

I knock on his door and tell him this is me, but he does not answer, so I do not knock another time, I step inside. I make myself very quiet and set my eyes on him, who is sleeping under his blanket.

I lean over him and gently touch his head. "Jungkook," I brush his hair back, being gentle, and he hums but rolls over the sheets to end on his back. "Hey, you should wake up and eat breakfast."

He breathes a little heavily and squints his eyes for the light to not blind him, but he frowns at me. "Y/n?" his husky voice struggles to go out, and I smile. "Yes. I'm staying with you today."

"For real?" he pulls his blanket up to cover half of his face, his pretty eyes shining under a beam of sunlight. "I'm not dreaming?"

"You're not dreaming. Stand up and take a shower, I got you some Greek yogurt with honey and nuts for breakfast," I inform him about the breakfast waiting for him downstairs, but he closes his eyes again. "I don't wanna move. I'm weak as fuck, and my whole body is hurting."

"Well, you're not a baby anymore, so I won't give you a bath. Just take a quick shower; you'll feel a little better, trust me," I attempt to encourage him, knowing what this is to feel that way and not want to leave your bed at all. "Hmm..." his eyes slightly open to meet mine. "Nurses wash your body when you're in a hospital and unable to move."

"You're not unable to move, neither in a hospital," I smile, finding his attempt cute, and he grins but hides his entire face with the blanket, so I find another way to make him get up. "Come on, Jungkook. I'll give you a hug."

He throws the warm fabric away from his body, and in a single second, he leaves his bed. "I'll be at the table in five minutes," he takes his hoodie off and hurries towards his bathroom, so I leave and go back downstairs.

10 minutes later...

I bring my eyes up from my phone at the sound of Jungkook walking down the stairs, and we both make eye contact.

"Five minutes late," I tease him, and he smiles but sits on the chair in front of me to be at the table together. "I'm sorry, it was a little more difficult than I thought."

"Difficult?" I raise my eyebrows at this word, and he digs into the food I made him. "Yeah. My body feels too weak to do anything," he takes a full spoon of yogurt, and my lips curve up. "I'll take care of you today, don't worry."

"Really?" he shows some fluster and gazes into my eyes. "I'm gonna hope to be sick every day if that's so."

"Don't say that, dummy," I cross my arms over my chest and watch him enjoy breakfast. "What? You literally changed your plans just to take care of me. Who wouldn't ask for that?" he lifts his eyes up to me while eating. "Many people wouldn't, so just eat and take care of yourself."

"Fine," he listens, but only for a short moment. "What about you, though? Aren't you eating?"

"I did already," I answer, and he smiles. "Good."

"Did you sleep well? You didn't have a hard time resting?" I lean forward and run my fingers through my hair, and he takes another spoon. "Luckily, I did have a good night, but I kinda have a headache."

"Why haven't you taken your pill then?" I watch him freeze for a moment and gaze up at me. "What pill?"

"The one just under your nose," I point it out and peek down at it, and he looks for it. "Right next to your glass. Is the fever making you blind?" I chuckle and see his lips curve up. "Hey, don't talk to me like that. I'm in pain," he grabs it and finally takes what will relieve him.

"Oh, I'm sorry, poor baby," I say, with a hint of irony, and he smiles but continues to eat.

•••

12:30 pm.

Noticing Jungkook has been staying on the sofa and scrolling on his phone while biting his nails for too long, I leave the kitchen and walk up to him.

Since I am coming from behind, he does not even see me, so I quietly lean over and touch his forearm to pull it down. "Stop."

His head swiftly turns and moves up, and he looks at me with confusion. "Stop biting your nails," I tell him firmly, and he hides his hand in his pocket. "I'm not biting, just nibbling."

"It doesn't matter. That's the same," I go back to the kitchen to finish the smoothie and lunch for him. "I don't care. I'll do it again."

"No, you won't," I assert, not accepting his response as an answer. "And how dare you speak to me like that?"

"What are you gonna do about it?" he drops his phone and directs his eyes towards me, tauntingly smiles, and stretches. "Leave this house."

"Fine, I won't do it again," he throws his body backwards and lets out a noise of satisfaction. "Dammit..." he sighs and lies down. "Does your head still hurt?" I close the cup after adding some chia seeds to his smoothie. "Yeah...my body too."

I grab the cup and the small bowl of oatmeal, making my way back towards him. I place his meal on the coffee table, but he looks at me without moving. "If you can't eat the food, at least try to drink the smoothie," I sit down near him but notice he covered himself with a blanket. "And don't do that," I lean in and lower the blanket to his waist.

"I'm cold, though," he grumbles, for a good reason. "I know, but your temperature is too high."

He keeps quiet but sits up and grabs the smoothie. He takes a sip, tasting it first, and he brings his eyes up to me. "You always make the best things, no matter what you cook," he also eats a spoon of oatmeal, showing me he is trying his best. "I'm glad you like it."

He smiles and lies down on his side, tucking a pillow under his head to feel more comfortable. He puts his hood back on and looks at me, putting one arm under the pillow. Quietly, he stares into my eyes, his gaze intense and searching.

I drop my head on my hand and smile at him. "What?"

"Nothing," he returns the same emotion, tenderly. His eyes seem full of words, pretty and meaningful ones. "I wanna ask you a question."