"I wanna ask you a question."

"Tell me," I let him speak, releasing him of some curious thoughts. "Don't answer if you don't want to, but I've been wondering why you're single and alone? Like, you never wanna talk about your parents or past relationships."

Feeling nervous, I lower my eyes at the unexpected question, trying to avoid his gaze and come up with a response that will not reveal too much of my personal life.

"I...I just don't like talking about my parents. They've always been bad. As for my past relationship, well, I just don't feel like it matters. That's all," I shrug, making this as vague as possible. "What if it matters to me?"

"Why would it?" I counter, trying to deflect the conversation away from that sensitive topic and what he is telling me through that sentence. "Because," he smiles at me softly, and I cannot hold back my lips from forming the same shape. I am afraid of what I am feeling right now.

"It shouldn't. I just dated twice, both were assholes. They're not worth being talked about," I speak and look down at my hands, fidgeting nervously. "And have you been single for a long time?" he drinks more of his smoothie, attempting to learn more about me.

"Two years," I reply and set my eyes on his. He nods, understandingly. "And is it because you want to?"

"Yeah, I guess," I say while rubbing my fingers over my skin. "Am I at a therapy session right now?" I joke with him to break the tension my unintentional awkwardness has created, and he cracks a smile. "Hm, you are. I want you to open up to me. It can help if some things hurt. And I'm your favorite boy anyway, so I'm the only one you can do this with, right?"

I click my tongue, finding it amusing and heartwarming at the same time. If only he knew he was right. He is the only one I feel comfortable opening up to, but I cannot let him know that. I know this is wrong.

"I'm gonna have to kill three guys now," his thoughts escape his mouth. "That Hugo guy, and your two exes. Will you come and say hi in jail if I ever get caught?" he eats one last spoon before resting his head on his hand. I laugh and ask for a reason. "Yeah, I'll come to get you some good meals, but why would you kill them?"

"Isn't it obvious? They broke your heart and disrespected you, so that's all they deserve," he runs his fingers through his hair. "But if you come and get me some good food, I'll be twice as sure that was the right thing to do," he responds with a smile, and we both end up looking at one another.

He does not say anything more, and neither do I, the silence feeling heavy around the room. I fall deeper in his gaze, feeling a sense of comfort and connection. He does not stay still, his eyes never leaving mine, and he moves closer to me.

As the tension is definitely rising, he stops right next to me, takes his hood off, and lowers his beautiful eyes to my lips. "Can I get a hug?" he asks, his voice leaving his lips so softly and sweetly. "Are you using your state to make me give in to you?" I ask, trying to stay indifferent.

My heart beating a little harder as a smile graces his lips, I lose control and get attracted to them. "Why do you look nervous?" he runs his sleepy eyes up and down my body.

"I'm not, I'm just a little tired," I clear my throat and change the subject. "Eat a little more, and maybe you'll get a hug," I try to take his mind away, but he shakes his head. "My stomach hurts," he nearly whispers, his eyes barely blinking. "Please. Is that the magic word?" he tilts his head slightly to the side, a small smirk playing on his lips.

He knows what he is doing, but he is too young for me. There is no way he can make me feel like this.

"You're using blackmail, so you don't deserve one," I bite my lips and break eye contact. I try to keep a straight face, but my heart is racing. "I'm not, and I've even been a good, respectful, and studious boy. Hm?" he plays and puts his face before mine to make sure I cannot avoid him.

I cross my arms and try to focus on maintaining eye contact. "I know what you're trying to do, little brat. Stop," I cup his face and kindly push him away, but he just grins and looks at me. His eyes are playful and mischievous, making it impossible for me to resist his charm.

"Fine," he does not push, keeping the boundaries up. "I'm gonna go back to bed and cry 'til you feel pity for me," he puts his hood back on and leaves while staring. "That won't work. And leave the door unlocked; I'll check up on you today."

"Yes, mommy," he says sarcastically before walking up the stairs.

He has called me that way too many times to just be a joke.

1 hour later...

[ are you sleeping ? >

Instead of going upstairs and risking waking Jungkook up, I send him a text that he will probably see if he is awake since his phone is always on vibrate.

In only a few seconds, he answers me.

< no why ? ]

[ Can I come bring you something to eat? It's just a snack but it's better than nothing >

< yeah and get a bottle of water and coke pls ]

[ ok I'm coming >

I put my phone in my pocket and grab some snacks I baked and the drinks he asked for. Then, I make my way upstairs and head to his bedroom.

He lets me in as soon as I knock on the door, so I open it and check up on him. He remembered what I told him and kept his blanket lower.

"I'm dying, y/n. This is the worst day of my life..." he whines, his voice filled with pain. I leave the snacks and drinks on his bedside table and sit next to him. "Have you checked your temperature?" I lay my hand over his forehead, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. He seems a little less hot than earlier.

"I haven't. I don't want to do anything. My head's so fucking painful. I can't take it anymore," he moves with difficulty and lays his head on my thighs. "I just wanna be put in a coma and only wake up once the pain's gone," he covers his face with his hand, sounding hopeless. I hate seeing him in such a state.

"The pill didn't help? Your temperature seems to have lowered a little bit," I rub his back in hopes of comforting him. "No. It did nothing. It just made the headache turn into a goddamn fucking migraine."

"And what about the doctor? Did you call him for a visit?" I slide my hand up to his head and try to massage it through the hood of his grey sweater. "No...I don't like calling."

"Jungkook..." I sigh but hold back from scolding him. "He's gonna make me go up there, but I don't want to. I can barely walk around my house. You're enough. I feel better when you're here," he mumbles, making my heart ache for him.

"I'm gonna call the doctor and ask him for a home visit. You have to anyway, the school won't let you be absent without a note from the doctor," I get my phone out and feel him slightly move his head. "Okay..." he whispers.

"Do you know his number?" I glance down at him. "No, my dad does."

"Alright, I'll text him," I do it and make it quick, hoping for Mister Jeon to not take too long to reply. The message sent, I put the phone back in my pocket and wait for a response.

"It's gonna be okay, the pain will leave eventually," I tell him, stroking his cheek and doing my best to soothe him. This must be so hard to go through this. "I forgot to wear a mask..."

"It's fine," I do not worry him about it, not wanting him to bother himself with that. I just want him to focus on getting better. "I don't want you to get sick, though."

"Stop worrying about this. You don't have a cold, it's probably not even contagious, so don't worry about it," I attempt to find some reassuring words, and as he laid his hand over my forearm, his father answers me.

I thank him and dial the number to call the doctor. Waiting for someone to pick up, I gaze down and remove the hood Jungkook has on, and I run my fingers through his hair. "Don't stop doing this, please."

I smile at his request, then hear someone speak to me on the phone. I explain the situation to them, ensuring they understand he cannot go out. After a brief moment, they agree to send the doctor in just four hours.

I agree without hesitation, regardless of how long Jungkook will have to wait. Once everything is arranged, I end the call. I drop it on the bed. "The doctor will be here at around six. Okay?"

"Enough time to die, but sure, I'm okay with it," he exhales and lays one arm over my thighs. "At least he can be here today, so it's not all bad."

"I guess," he replies, and I do not say anything anymore but keep combing his hair and massaging his head as well. He seems to relax under my touch as I massage his temple, his breathing slowing down.

"Can you do that to my neck, please?" he asks, so I glide my hand down his head and start massaging the upper part of his neck gently. "Here?"

"Yeah, that's perfect. It feels so good," he sighs contentedly. I continue, feeling the tension slowly melt away. Suddenly, he becomes quiet. He must be enjoying this.

I smile to myself, glad that I could provide some comfort for him in this difficult time. As I continue to massage his neck, I can see the stress and worry leaving his face, replaced by a sense of peace. At least for a moment, he can forget about all of the pain and just relax.

•••

2:50 pm.

"Jungkook?" I call out softly, brushing my fingers over his cheek. "Hm?" he responds, his eyes fluttering open as he looks up at me. "I'm sorry for waking you up, but I'm gonna have to leave and pick your brother up.

Jungkook nods sleepily, "It's okay," he mumbles, stretching and moving away. He lets out a moan and settles right back onto his blanket. His head buried in his pillow, he snuggles deeper into it, already drifting back to sleep.

I do not disturb him. I stand up, press a kiss on his head, and quietly leave the room. After gently closing the door behind me, I make my way downstairs.

I must hurry, I do not want to leave him alone for too long. I want to be nearby in case he wakes up and needs me. He has enough to drink, enough to eat, so it should be okay. I hope he continues to sleep peacefully until I return.

•••

5:10 pm.

As soon as dinner is ready, I leave the kitchen and let Minjun, who is still studying, know that I am heading upstairs to check up on his brother.

I walk up the stairs and make my way to his bedroom, and I open the door without knocking on it. I stumble upon Jungkook still sleeping in the same position as he fell asleep in when I left earlier. I smile at how peaceful he looks and get closer to him.

"Jungkook," I brush his hair off his forehead gently. He wakes up slowly and blinks his eyes open. "Y/n..." he whispers my name and rubs his face. "Why are you wearing a mask?"

"For your little brother, just in case," I tell him. "Are you feeling a little better?" I ask as I sit down next to him. He looks at me with his sleepy eyes and gives me a small smile. "Yeah...You got me to sleep like a baby."

"Me? I didn't even do anything," I say. "You did. Or did I just dream about you being here?" he frowns, confused after a long sleep. "You did play with my hair and give me a head massage while I had my head on your thighs, right?"

"Yes, I did. You didn't dream," I laugh, remembering how relaxed and content he looked in that moment. "Hm. I knew it. That made me sleep like a baby."

"That means it felt good, didn't it?" I smile, knowing that I had helped him relax. "Yeah, you have no idea. You're better than a pill," he murmurs, dropping his arms above his head. "My mirgraine is finally gone. It feels like heaven."

"I'm happy to hear it. Dinner's ready, so you should try and eat a little, you'll feel even better," I tell him, and he nods to me but looks at me in a way that makes me feel like something is going on in his head.

I do not say anything about this but lean in and put my hand over his forehead to check if he has a fever. His forehead feels warm, but not as much as it was this morning. He must be feeling a little better.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I ask, wondering what is up for him to stare at me again. "I don't like seeing you with a mask."

"Why? I'm not sick," I reply. "Yeah, but I don't know. I like seeing your face," he sits up and acts like this is a casual thing to say. He goes right next to me and fixes his messy hair.

None of us saying a word, he takes a peek at me and smiles before standing up. "You gotta stop doing that," I walk out of the room with him, and he lets me pass first. "Do what?" he pretends not to know, so I stop to turn around but feel him bump into me. He steps back, his hands in his pockets as usual.

"Looking at me and smiling for no reason," I gaze up at him, his sleepy eyes meeting mine. "Why? I don't even control it, you know."

I think twice before replying, wondering if this will cause more issues than necessary. "But you don't stare and smile at somebody for no reason."

"It's not for no reason. I just feel good around you, and when I look at you, I just smile. I can't control it," he shrugs, seeming honest. Way too honest, unfortunately. "Does that make you uncomfortable?"

"No, it doesn't. I'd never feel uncomfortable around you," I reply. "Just...Whatever," I drop it and walk down the stairs. "Just tell me. I'll stop looking at you if you don't like me doing it."

"No, I don't mind. Just forget what I said," I head towards the kitchen and try to ignore the loud voices in my head. "Are you ready to eat, Minjun? Or you still need time for your homework?"

"I'm ready. I was just studying a little for next week," he tidies up with no hesitation, so I serve them both their meals.

"Do you need some help?" Minjun comes closer, hurrying to be able to give me a hand. "No, don't worry. Honey, I've got it. Thank you," I place his dish down as he stands next to me. "It smells really good."

"I hope you'll like it," I smile at him. "Here," I grab the two dishes and bring them to the table, but I notice Jungkook is not sitting. I put the dishes down in front of the chairs the two boys usually sit at, but Jungkook gets hold of his. "I'm gonna eat in my room today."

"What? Why?" Minjun reacts before I could, Jungkook already walking to the stairs and acting different. "I'm sick. I'd rather not stay near you."

"I don't care! Please, eat with us. Don't stay alone for dinner," Minjun pleads, giving a hard time to Jungkook. "If you get sick, you'll have to miss school. Is that what you want?"

"I won't get sick. Just come here," he pats the seat next to him, waiting for Jungkook to join him. "You're so annoying," Jungkook mumbles under his breath as he reluctantly sits down at the table.

Now that I know he is staying, I head back to the kitchen and serve myself some food as well. I make it quick and move back to the dining table, getting in front of them both. I take my mask off and dig in.

"Thank you for the meal, y/n," Minjun shows gratitude by smiling warmly. He is such an angel. I cannot help but smile back at him. Jungkook, however, does not say a word. He simply continues to eat in silence, his expression unreadable. I cannot shake off the feeling that something about what I said upstairs is bothering him. I hope he is not upset or hurt.

•••

7:10 pm.

Jungkook heading back to his bedroom after the doctor's visit, I cannot help but worry about him. He caught the stomach flu, so he should be fine soon, but he has not said a word to me or looked at me since I talked to him before dinner.

"Y/n," Minjun grasps my attention as I walk up to him to sit on the sofa. "Yes?"

"Am I annoying?" he asks with concern, leaving his Nintendo Switch to look up at me. "What? Of course not, honey. Why would you think that?"

"I don't know; Jungkook barely talked to me since I came back home. Is it because he's sick? Or he doesn't want to hang out with me anymore?" he wonders, often jumping to conclusions from his brother's actions. "No, honey. He's just not feeling very good, but it has nothing to do with you. I promise you."

"Are you sure? He seemed annoyed or sad," he makes me realize he noticed the same as I did. "He's not. He's just sick. Don't worry about it," I pat his head and land a kiss on it, doing my best to reassure him and not let his worries consume him. "Alright," he smiles as I can see the relief in his eyes.

"I'm going to check up on him and talk to him for a bit, okay?" I tell him, and he simply nods. I leave the sofa and head upstairs, and I walk up to Jungkook's bedroom. I knock on the door first, and he replies, letting me in.

He is sitting on his bed, holding his phone in one hand, and looking at me with tired eyes. He quickly focuses back on his screen, so I close the door and move up towards him.

I sit down next to him, waiting for him to speak.