Jungkook was tired, no scratch that, he was exhausted, both mentally and physically.

He is currently standing outside the same building he'd been going to for the past two and a half months. A quick glance at his watch showed it was exactly 7 in the morning.

He smoothed down his shirt and adjusted his glasses, noticing his shaky hands. Maybe it was because he skipped breakfast-or was it last night's dinner? Maybe even lunch? He couldn't remember the last time he had a proper meal.

All he could think about was the constant pressure from his supervisor, who kept dumping work on him, leaving him completely drained.

The building in front of him, which is actually a hospital, feels like a prison for Jungkook. His vision blurs for a moment, but he blinks it away, refusing to let the exhaustion consume him. He's been doing this for months now, and each day feels harder than the last. His hands are trembling from more than just hunger; it's the culmination of stress, fatigue, and neglecting his own well-being.

"Just a few more hours", he whispers to himself, trying to muster the strength to face another grueling day.

As a medical student, Jungkook was required to complete this internship to graduate, but each day was becoming harder to endure.

Jungkook pushed open the hospital doors, greeted by the sterile smell of disinfectant and the steady buzz of activity. Doctors, nurses, and other interns rushed past him. He envied how they seemed to move with such energy, while his body felt heavy with exhaustion.

He made his way to the locker room, where he stored his bag and changed into his scrubs. The mirror above the sink caught his reflection-dark circles under his eyes, pale skin, and an expression that looked far older than his actual age. He sighed, splashing cold water on his face in a weak attempt to wake up.

"Jungkook!", a voice called from behind. He turned to see Minji, a nurse and his friend, walking toward him with a clipboard. "The supervisor's asking for you. You'll be assigned to a new department today."

Jungkook had completely forgotten about the department switch. Today, he was being assigned to a new one, where he would spend the next two weeks.

"Great", he muttered to himself, "Another two weeks with them."

🐇🐇🐇

"Oh, you arrived, Jungkook. Let's wait for Minjun and Dae-jung to arrive. Then I will take you guys to your next department. I expect your best behavior there too, Jungkook,", the supervisor, Mr. Choi said, his tone firm.

"Yes, sir", Jungkook nods.

"And no tricks like last time", Mr. Choi added with a warning glare, "Unless you don't want to graduate."

Jungkook swallowed, feeling the weight of the supervisor's threat, "Understood", he replied quietly, mentally bracing himself for whatever lay ahead.

He knew all too well why the supervisor had been so harsh on him.

So, the thing is, Lee Minjun and Hong Dae-jung, the two people he was grouped with for this internship, were children of powerful "big shots." From what Jungkook had heard, their parents had personally contacted the hospital, making sure their children were well taken care of.

That left Jungkook as the easy target. Mr. Choi, with no choice but to keep the privileged interns happy, used Jungkook to pick up the slack and handle most of the workload.

In the beginning, it was simple enough. During the first week, Jungkook didn't mind running errands, bringing coffee and food from the canteen, as he noticed other interns in different departments doing the same. It felt like a minor task compared to the heavy workload of the internship itself.

But things quickly escalated. By the end of the month, the supervisor began handing him Minjun's and Dae-jung's reports to complete. They would leave early for some party hosted by their wealthy parents, and Jungkook was left to finish their work.

It became routine-those two would dump their unfinished reports on him, and Mr. Choi acted as if he had no idea.

Every week, Jungkook found himself staying late to complete not just his own tasks but Minjun's and Dae-jung's as well. Exhausted, he would hand over the finished reports to the supervisor without a word, knowing no one would back him up if he complained.

Last week, however, Jungkook had reached his breaking point. When the head of the department gathered the interns to ask if anyone had any concerns, Jungkook mulled over the idea for a while. He finally decided to approach the head privately, hoping for some sort of resolution or at least acknowledgment of the unfair treatment.

But what he didn't expect was for the head to be part of the whole setup. Instead of support, he was met with a stern warning to keep quiet if he wanted to graduate. It was a bitter reminder that the entire system was rigged against him.

And here he was, silently doing whatever his supervisor asked, knowing he had no choice. His future was in Mr. Choi's hands, and defying him wasn't an option.

🐇🐇🐇

"Good morning, Mr. Choi," Minjun and Dae-jung greeted cheerfully as they entered the room.

"Oh! You both are here. Come, sit down," Mr. Choi responded warmly, ushering them into the two chairs in his office. Meanwhile, Jungkook stood quietly in the corner, unnoticed, as he had been since arriving.

"Your next two weeks will be in the emergency ward," the supervisor explained, "I tried talking to the head to exempt you two, but it wasn't possible. So, please bear with it. If you feel any discomfort, even a little, contact me first before telling your parents. I'll handle it."

"Now, follow me," Mr. Choi said, stepping out of the room.

As they walked behind the supervisor, the two interns began whispering.

"What's with his face?"

"He looks more like a patient than a doctor"

"How did he even get into this program? I thought scholarship students get sent to rural hospitals"

"He must've begged for it. How else?"

Jungkook sighed softly, choosing to ignore their harsh words. It wasn't the first time they talked about him like this. He knew they assumed he was just a scholarship student, but he didn't care enough to correct them. He never bragged about his background, and he wasn't going to start now.

What people don't know is that Jungkook is the youngest heir of the wealthiest and most powerful family in the country. Not only that, but he also has six overprotective brothers who would do anything to shield their youngest sibling. If they ever found out someone was mistreating him, they wouldn't hesitate to intervene-and not in a gentle way.

Jungkook preferred to keep his identity hidden, knowing that revealing the truth would only complicate things. If he ever revealed his true identity, things would change drastically. People would treat him with a level of respect-or fear-that he didn't want. Worse, his brothers would find out how he'd been treated, and the consequences would be far-reaching, not only for his supervisors and fellow interns but for the hospital itself.

His brothers were ruthless when it comes to protecting him. They would drop everything and intervene, their influence and power turning this hospital upside down. Jungkook had no desire to drag anyone into that kind of mess, nor did he want his brothers to fight his battles for him.

To him, anonymity meant freedom, even if it came with enduring the unfair treatment and whispers behind his back.

🐇🐇🐇

Mr. Choi guided the three interns around the busy emergency ward before bringing them to the common room where the staff gathered.

"Everyone, this is Lee Minjun and Hong Dae-jung, the ones I mentioned yesterday. And that's Kim Jungkook," Mr. Choi introduced them.

Jungkook bowed politely, while the other two just stood silently.

A senior doctor then stepped forward and said, "You two, come with me. I'll explain your tasks." He led Minjun and Dae-jung out of the room, leaving Jungkook with the remaining doctors and nurses.

"Kim Jungkook, right?", A nurse with short-cropped hair and a warm smile approached him, her badge reading "Nurse Cha Eun-mi."

"Yes, that's right," Jungkook replied, bowing politely.

"Well, don't worry too much about those two", she said, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "We've seen interns like them before. Just focus on your work, and you'll be fine."

Jungkook nodded, feeling a small wave of relief.

"You'll be working mostly with us here in the emergency ward", Nurse Cha continued, "It's hectic, but it's where you learn the most. You think you're ready for it?"

Jungkook gave her a determined smile, "I'll do my best."

Then a woman with glasses approached next, offering Jungkook a nod, "I'm Kang Haena, attending physician. Just call me by my name-no need for titles. The ER is fast-paced, and the others might try to make you do everything since they can't do that with the other two, so just stick close to Nurse Cha and myself. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Haena-ssi. I really appreciate it", Jungkook responded with another polite bow feeling grateful as no one had ever tried to help him before.

"There's no need to thank me. It's my duty as your senior to look after you. And I know how tough interning in the emergency ward can be," she replied.

As they began showing Jungkook the ropes, he found himself absorbing everything-the sounds of machines beeping, stretchers being wheeled in and out, urgent voices giving orders. The organized chaos of the emergency ward was intimidating, but at the same time, it stirred something inside him-a reminder of why he was here in the first place.

"This is where you really learn what being a doctor is all about," Nurse Cha said, her tone serious but kind, "You'll be pushed, but you'll grow, too."

Jungkook nodded, feeling the weight of her words. Despite the pressure, he felt hopeful. In the emergency ward, he had a chance to help people in need, not just do paperwork.

🐇🐇🐇

As Jungkook adjusted to the busy emergency ward, he jumped into action. His first job was to organize patient files and make sure everything was up to date. He moved quickly, sensing the urgency around him. Nurses and doctors rushed by, focused and determined.

"Jungkook!" called Nurse Cha. "We need extra hands in Trauma Room 2. Let's go!"

His heart raced as he followed her through the double doors. Inside, a patient lay unconscious, surrounded by medical staff. Jungkook watched in awe as everyone worked together, knowing exactly what to do.

"Grab me that scalpel," the lead doctor said. Jungkook hurried to hand it over, feeling excited. The adrenaline was pumping as he witnessed the teamwork.

After the initial chaos settled down, Nurse Cha turned to him. "You did great. Now, let's prep the next patient. Can you check their vitals?"

Jungkook nodded, feeling more determined. He approached an elderly man with a bleeding leg and quickly assessed him, using what he had learned in class. With steady hands, he checked the man's pulse and blood pressure, making sure to document everything.

"Nice job," Haena, the attending physician, said as she looked over his work, "You're a natural. Just remember to communicate with your team."

Throughout the day, Jungkook faced various cases-from small injuries to serious ones. He cleaned wounds, helped give medications, and learned how to set up IV drips under Haena's guidance. Each task felt important in the busy ER.

As the shift continued, they got news of a car accident with multiple victims. The atmosphere shifted as the team sprang into action, bringing in patients on stretchers. Jungkook was assigned to help with triage, quickly checking each patient's condition and deciding who needed help first.

"Jungkook, focus!" Cha reminded him. "Check their airway and breathing first."

He followed her advice, moving methodically from one patient to the next. The adrenaline made him feel alive. When they stabilized the patients, he felt accomplished.

As the day ended, he felt exhausted but fulfilled. "You did an amazing job today, Jungkook," Nurse Cha said, patting him on the shoulder. "You handled everything like a pro."

Jungkook smiled, feeling proud. Despite earlier challenges and whispers, he knew he was where he needed to be. In the chaos of the emergency room, he had found his purpose-a chance to help others and make a real difference.

Luckily, he wasn't stuck doing Minjun's and Dae-jung's work, which allowed him to focus on his learning and growth. And since he was under Dr. Haena's and Nurse Cha's care, nobody dared to approach him for their personal tasks.

However, his good fortune was short-lived. After just one week, he learned that both Dr. Haena and Nurse Cha would be on a two-week leave for a meeting in Jeju Island.

"I won't be available for the next two weeks", Dr. Haena informed him the day before, to which Jungkook replied that he could manage.

🐇🐇🐇

As his first shift without Dr. Haena and Nurse Cha approached, Jungkook took a deep breath. "I can do this," he reassured himself.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Hey, Jungkook! Check bed 34!", and he runs to check them.

And there starts his hellish day.

The first patient was a teenage girl who had burned her finger. It was a minor injury that didn't require medical attention-just a simple ointment would suffice. However, when he explained this to her mother, she erupted in anger.

"Are you kidding me? My daughter deserves proper treatment!" she yelled.

Feeling pressured, Jungkook gave in and applied a dressing, even though it wasn't necessary. When his senior doctor saw what he had done, he was furious.

"That was a minor burn, Jungkook! It didn't even need a clean-up! You wasted so much dressing for nothing!" the doctor scolded.

Trying to shake off the criticism, Jungkook moved on to the next patient, an elderly man complaining of stomach pain. The man insisted on getting a specific medication that required a prescription.

Jungkook stood firm, explaining, "I can't give you that medicine without a prescription."

Once again, he was met with anger. "What are you doing if you're not treating people? Just give me the damn medicine!"

Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, Jungkook realized that this shift was going to be tougher than he had anticipated.

As the day dragged on, Jungkook felt like he was in a never-ending cycle of pressure and criticism. Each time he thought he was getting a handle on things, another complicated case emerged, often met with sharp words from the senior staff.

His next patient was a young woman who had fainted in the waiting room. As Jungkook assessed her, he realized she was breathing but unresponsive. "We need to move her to the treatment area!" he called out, feeling a rush of urgency.

But as he started to wheel her away, a senior doctor stopped him. "What are you doing, Jungkook? You need to check her glucose levels first! This could be a hypoglycemic episode."

Jungkook's heart sank. He quickly set up the glucose monitor, fumbling a bit under the stress. The doctor's eyes narrowed. "You're wasting precious time! This is exactly what I mean about being proactive. Don't just react-anticipate what needs to be done!"

"I'm sorry," Jungkook mumbled, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I thought-"

"Stop thinking and start doing! We're in an emergency room, not a classroom," the doctor snapped, leaving Jungkook feeling deflated and inadequate. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.

As he tried to regain his composure, he stepped into the staff lounge for a brief break. There, he overheard Minjun and Dae-jung casually discussing their day's activities, laughing as they shared stories about simple paperwork and light patient interactions.

"Did you see that patient with the sprained ankle? It was such an easy fix!" Minjun chuckled, while Dae-jung nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I was worried I'd have to do more, but it was just a little ice and some bandaging."

A pang of frustration shot through Jungkook as he listened to their lighthearted banter.

"Must be nice," Jungkook thought bitterly, his heart heavy. "They get to have fun while I'm here drowning in responsibility."

As if the universe was testing him, Jungkook faced a barrage of new challenges in the emergency room that tested his limits further.

A new patient was rushed in-an elderly woman with severe chest pain. The team swung into action, and Jungkook was assigned to assist with her care. He was tasked with setting up the ECG machine. However, as he hurried to get everything ready, he accidentally grabbed the wrong lead wires, causing the machine to malfunction.

"Jungkook!" a senior nurse shouted, her voice laced with frustration. "What are you doing? We need this ECG ASAP!"

"I'm sorry! I thought these were the right ones!" he stammered, quickly correcting his mistake, but the damage was done. The doctor on duty shot him a disapproving look.

"You can't afford mistakes like that, especially with a potential cardiac patient! Pay attention!"

Feeling the weight of their disappointment, Jungkook struggled to keep his composure as he helped stabilize the elderly woman. They administered nitroglycerin, and he felt a small surge of accomplishment as her condition improved. But even that moment of relief was cut short when he overheard a senior doctor discussing him with a colleague.

"Honestly, I'm surprised they let him work in the ER. He's just not ready for this kind of environment," the doctor remarked. Jungkook's heart sank as he overheard their whispers, doubting himself further.

The following days in the emergency room felt like an unending cycle of stress and scrutiny for Jungkook. Each morning, he arrived early, determined to prove himself, but the reality of his situation tested Jungkook's limits even further.

One night, as Jungkook was preparing to clock out after an exhausting shift, his supervisor walked in, scanning the busy ward. Minjun, noticing the supervisor, seized the moment.

"Mr. Choi, can we call it a day for today? We have a meeting with our friends in an hour," Minjun asked.

The supervisor raised an eyebrow and said, "The ward is not that busy. Just handle your work to Jungkook and leave. He can handle them."

Jungkook's heart sank as he processed the supervisor's words. "But, sir. I cannot handle all of them at once. There are nearly forty patients!" he tried to reason.

"Yeah, and you are not working alone, Jungkook. There are real doctors and nurses working. You are just an intern," the supervisor replied dismissively, waving a hand as he sent Minjun and Dae-jung off to change.

By the end of his fifteen-hour shift, Jungkook was dead on his feet. Each movement felt like a monumental effort, and he was drenched in sweat, his mind foggy from exhaustion.

"How did I manage to do all this?" he wondered, hardly believing he had survived the shift at all.

With a heavy heart and tired eyes, Jungkook stepped out of the hospital, the cool night air hitting him like a refreshing wave. He needed to rest, but a nagging thought lingered: tomorrow, he'd have to face it all over again.

🐇🐇🐇

It was around 2:30 in the morning when Jungkook reached home. The streets were quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos he had just left behind. Even the watchman seemed to be sleeping when he arrived, his head nodding off against the wall. Jungkook felt a pang of sympathy for the man, who had to wake up just to let him in.

He parked his car and walked into the house-really, it was more like a mansion. Fatigue washed over him as he stepped inside, and he felt grateful for the comfort of home. He headed to the kitchen, to pour himself a glass of water.

"Just a few more days," he reminded himself, "and things might get better." The thought of facing another day in the ER filled him with a mix of determination and dread.

Lost in his thoughts, Jungkook didn't notice a figure approaching him until they were almost right beside him.

"You're back at this hour?" a voice said.

Jungkook flinched but quickly relaxed when he recognized the voice.

"Jin-hyung! You scared me!" he exclaimed, placing a hand on his chest to calm his racing heart.

Jin chuckled, "I thought you were a tough intern now. What happened to that guy?"

Jungkook sighed, "It's harder than it looks, hyung. The ER is no joke."

Jin nodded, "I can only imagine. Did you have dinner? Want me to heat something up?"

"No, hyung. I ate at the hospital," he lied, knowing that if Jin found out he hadn't had dinner or lunch, he would insist on making sure Jungkook ate. But Jungkook was far more exhausted than hungry; sleep was what he truly needed.

"And why are you still awake, hyung?", Jungkook asked, trying to shift the focus.

Jin shrugged, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd wait up for you. Thought you might need some company after a long day."

Jungkook smiled, grateful for his brother's concern, "Thanks, hyung"

Jin studied him for a second, concern in his eyes, "You look wiped out. Everything okay, Kook-ah?"

"I'm fine, really. Just tired," Jungkook replied with a forced smile. "I think I'll head to bed soon. Good night, hyung"

Jin wasn't fully convinced but chose not to push any further, "Okay then, Good night"

Jungkook quickly finished the water he had poured for himself and gave his brother a tired nod before heading toward his room.

As Jungkook reached his room, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a deep sigh. He dragged himself to the bed, barely having the energy to change out of his clothes. As he collapsed onto the mattress, his mind replayed the events of the day.

He glanced at the clock-it was almost 3 a.m. With a sigh, he set an alarm for 6 a.m. on his phone, knowing he needed at least a little sleep before the day started again. Tomorrow would be his last day in the emergency ward before his rotation to a new department. He had successfully completed half of his internship, with just a bit more to go, and his grades would be issued tomorrow too. He hoped for some relief once this was all over, maybe even a chance to catch up on the rest he so desperately needed.

As he placed his phone down, his eyelids grew heavier, and sleep finally began to pull him under.

🐇🐇🐇

In the early morning at the Kim household, the eldest, Jin, was already up, quietly moving about the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he cracked eggs into a pan, humming softly to himself.

There was an unspoken rule in the house: no maids were allowed before 9 a.m. Jin believed they deserved their time too, and besides, he enjoyed cooking for his family. It was a tradition he held onto, ensuring his brothers woke up to a warm, homemade meal each morning.

As the bacon sizzled and the toast popped, he glanced towards the hallway, wondering if anyone else would be up soon, especially Jungkook. After their brief conversation last night, Jin still worried about his youngest brother. He hoped a good meal would help cheer him up.

One by one, all the Kim brothers made their way to the kitchen. Hobi, as usual, was the first to arrive, cheerfully greeting Jin and quickly helping with setting the table. Taehyung and Jimin weren't far behind, their playful bickering already filling the room with laughter.

Namjoon entered next, calmly reading the newspaper as he found a spot at the table, completely unfazed by the morning chaos. Lastly, Yoongi shuffled in, still half-asleep and wrapped in a blanket, looking more like a sleepy cat than the ruthless mafia leader he was known to be.

Let me give you a quick rundown of the Kim brothers: Jin, the eldest, is the CEO of Kim Enterprises. Yoongi, also known as the mafia leader Suga, is the COO. Hoseok is the founder of BigHit Entertainment and a famous choreographer. Namjoon oversees the family's overseas business operations. Jimin, like Hoseok, is a dancer and a popular K-pop singer. Taehyung is a model and an important part of the family business. Lastly, Jungkook, though a doctor, still has a role in managing the family's affairs.

Normally, they'd be dressed in suits, ready to head to their offices, but since today was Sunday, the atmosphere was relaxed. Pajamas, blankets, and laughter replaced the usual business-like routine.

With the table fully set and everyone in their usual spots, they were now waiting for the last piece of the family puzzle-Jungkook.

"Where's Kook?" Hobi asked, glancing around.

"He's probably still knocked out," Jimin chimed in with a grin, "He's had it rough with those ER shifts."

"Yeah, it's been months since Kook hung out with us. This internship is really taking a toll on him. Like, how can they give so much work to an intern?" Taehyung added, shaking his head.

"Not only that, he's not getting time to eat with us!", Jimin exclaimed, his voice laced with concern, "I doubt he's having any food at the hospital"

Jin, who had just finished placing the last plate on the table, sighed, "He returned home at around 2 in the morning and looked very exhausted. I'll go wake him up."

Just as Jin was about to head upstairs, they all heard soft footsteps coming from the hallway.

"There he is," Hobi said, smiling as Jungkook appeared, looking slightly disheveled but ready to head out.

"Morning, everyone," Jungkook greeted, rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn which drew coos of affection from his brothers.

"Good morning!" they all chimed back in unison.

As Jungkook started to eat his breakfast, his brothers exchanged worried glances. His face was pale, a stark contrast to the usual warmth in his complexion, and there were noticeable dark circles under his eyes-something he had tried his best to cover up with makeup. It was evident he hadn't had proper sleep for days.

"Are you okay, Kook?", Yoongi asked, breaking the silence, his voice filled with concern. Even though he always acts cold, he cares for his brothers, especially for the younger one.

Jungkook looked up, momentarily caught off guard by their intense gazes, "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile. But the fatigue in his voice betrayed him.

"Are you sure? You don't look so good," Namjoon chimed in, his brow furrowed as he assessed Jungkook's condition.

"I'm just tired from the ER shifts," Jungkook insisted, shrugging it off as he took another bite of toast, "It's nothing I can't handle."

Hobi leaned closer, concern etched on his face, "Jungkook-ah, it's not just about handling it. You need to rest. We don't want you to push yourself too hard."

Jimin nodded in agreement, "Yeah! If you're not feeling well, it's okay to take a break"

"I'm fine, guys. Don't worry," Jungkook replied, forcing a smile as he tried to lighten the mood. "And since it's Sunday and I'll be receiving my grades, I'll be back early."

"Still, Kook, just make sure you don't overdo it and if anything's bothering you, tell us," Jin added, his tone gentle but firm.

Jungkook just nodded his head as he took a sip of his favourite banana milk. He quickly finished his breakfast, the only proper meal he had in days. For the last three months, he had been relying on protein bars to keep him moving, which wasn't exactly ideal.

As he set down his half-empty plate, his brothers continued to watch him closely.

"Take some more", Jin complained, eyeing the empty plates, "You only finished half of your breakfast"

"No, I'm good," Jungkook insisted.

Jin frowned, "You've been running on fumes, Kook-ah. Just a little more? At least finish what's on your plate."

"I'll grab something later at the hospital. Promise. I'm getting late for my shift. Bye, hyungs! I'll be back early."

With a quick wave, he headed toward the door. "I'll see you all later!" he called out, grabbing his bag on the way.

Jin sighed, shaking his head, "That kid... he's too stubborn for his own good."

As Jungkook was about to go to his car, Hobi's voice called after him, "Kook, wait! I'll drop you!"

Jungkook stopped in his tracks, turning back to see Hobi already grabbing his keys. "Hyung, it's fine. I can take the car," Jungkook said, trying to brush it off.

Hobi shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I'm heading out anyway. Besides, can't I drop my baby brother to work?"

Jungkook chuckled at his hyung, "Alright, alright. I'll take the ride," he said, shaking his head with a smile.

As they walked out together, Hobi threw an arm around Jungkook's shoulders. "A quick ride and some fresh air before you're back in the chaos-sounds good, right?"

Jungkook nodded, grateful for the little moments of peace. "Yeah, thanks, hyung."

The drive to the hospital was filled with casual conversation, lightening Jungkook's mood after the tense morning. When they arrived, Hobi parked a bit farther away, just like Jungkook preferred. He didn't want any unnecessary attention drawn to the sleek red Porsche and himself. He already had his plate full.

As they stepped out, Hobi clapped Jungkook on the back, "See? A little distance for a little peace," he said with a wink.

Jungkook chuckled, "You know me too well, hyung."

"Just looking out for my baby brother," Hobi replied, "Now go tackle your day. You've got this! And give us a call before your shift ends; I or anyone will be there to pick you up."

"Sure, hyung," Jungkook said, waving goodbye to his brother as he headed inside.

🐇🐇🐇

As the evening wore on, all the interns gathered in the hospital's meeting room. Jungkook found a seat among his peers, offering quick smiles and nods to familiar faces. His stomach growled, reminding him that he had skipped lunch, but the tension in the room kept him distracted. Everyone was whispering about rotations and grades.

As the head of the department entered, a hush fell over the room. Dr. Lee, a seasoned physician with a reputation for being both strict and fair, cleared his throat, preparing to address the group. "Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice steady. "I appreciate your hard work and dedication over the past few months. Today, we'll be discussing your performance and the next steps in your rotations."

Dr. Lee went on to emphasize the importance of compassion, teamwork, and continuous learning in their medical careers. After his motivational speech, he began calling out names to hand out their grade sheets.

One by one, names were called, and Jungkook felt his heart race as he waited for his turn. He could hear whispers of excitement and disappointment around him, each intern reacting to their results. Finally, Dr. Lee paused and looked at his clipboard.

"Kim Jungkook," he called, and Jungkook stood up, feeling anxious. As he approached the front, he could feel his palms getting clammy. When he received his grade sheet, a wave of dread washed over him. His heart dropped as he scanned the paper, his mind racing to process the numbers. They were far from what he had hoped for.

Dr. Lee gave him a pitying look. "You should try to work harder, kid," he said, before moving on to call the next name.

Jungkook stood there, halfway back to his seat, still staring at his grades. He had worked in seven departments over the past three months, each grading him differently, but he never expected this.

Jungkook, feeling numb, looked around and saw Minjun's sheet. He had straight A's in everything. Jungkook's eyes returned to his own paper, which was littered with C's and D's.

The comparison stung. Struggling to breathe, he hurried to his supervisor, who barely glanced up.

"What?" the supervisor asked.

"My g-grades," Jungkook stammered, his voice trembling

"Be glad you passed," the supervisor said flatly. "And don't think I didn't hear about you slacking in the emergency ward. Minjun said you never helped."

"But I--I was following the se--senior's orders," Jungkook replied, tears streaming down his face now.

His fellow interns just watched in silence, unsure of what to say as Jungkook stood there, feeling utterly defeated.

"Serves him right. He thinks he's better than everyone," Dae-jung muttered, and Minjun scoffed.

Jungkook ignored their words and looked at the supervisor. "This is unf-fair, sir. I- I worked hard. Y-you can't do this," he hiccupped, his voice filled with pain.

"Oh? What are you going to do? Complain to your university?" the supervisor mocked.

Laughter erupted from the others, and Jungkook felt humiliated. Without thinking, he ran out of the room, holding back his sobs until he reached the washroom.

Jungkook rushed into the washroom, locking himself in a stall, his breathing ragged. He leaned against the cold metal wall, trying to block out the laughter and mocking voices still ringing in his head. Tears flowed freely, and he felt utterly defeated.

He takes his mobile out with trembling hands, the grade paper fallen on the dirty floor as he tries to control his sobs while calling the only person he could think of.

Jungkook fumbled with his phone, his hands trembling so violently that he almost dropped it. His grade sheet lay crumpled on the floor, forgotten and stained with dirt, but he couldn't care less. The weight of everything-his failures, the mocking laughter, the unfair treatment-was suffocating him. His chest felt tight, every breath a struggle as his sobs grew louder.

With a shaking thumb, he scrolled through his contacts, tears blurring his vision. There was only one name he could focus on. Jimin.

Jungkook tapped Jimin's name, and the phone rang. Each second felt like an eternity as he tried to muffle his sobs, the pain in his heart overwhelming him.

"Please, please," he whispered, praying that his brother would answer.

Finally, the line connected, and Jimin's cheerful voice broke through. "Hey, Kookie! Done with your shift? Want me to pick you up?"

Jungkook couldn't hold it in anymore. His voice cracked as he gasped for air between sobs. "Hyung... I want to g-go home."

Jimin's tone shifted instantly, concern filling his voice. "Jungkook, what happened? Where are you?"

"In the hospital... washroom....." Jungkook managed to say, his breathing short and shaky as he sank to the floor, leaning against the cold wall for support.

"I'm coming, Kook. Don't move. Just breathe, okay? I'll be there soon," Jimin said firmly, and Jungkook barely registered the commotion on Jimin's end of the line, too lost in his own world of overwhelming emotions.

He didn't want to worry all his hyungs, feeling guilty for even calling. But the weight of everything was crushing him.

His sobs were quieter now, but the ache in his chest lingered, squeezing his heart until it felt like it might break. The cold tiles of the washroom floor pressed against his legs, grounding him just enough to keep him from spiraling completely.

He clutched the phone tightly, Jimin's voice a faint anchor through the haze. "Kook, just hold on a bit longer, okay? I'm almost there," Jimin reassured him, but the words felt distant, like an echo in the fog that surrounded Jungkook.

His mind replayed the mockery, the laughter, the cold indifference of his supervisor, and the sting of the unfair grades. It all felt like too much. He wanted to disappear, to shrink away from the weight of it all.

Jungkook hugged his knees tighter to his chest, squeezing his eyes shut as tears continued to leak down his cheeks. He didn't care about anything else anymore. All he wanted now was to be with his hyungs. To feel like everything was going to be okay. He needed the warmth, the protection, the sense of being safe in their presence. Right now, everything felt too big, too harsh, and too unfair.

🐇🐇🐇

When Jungkook called, Jimin was in his room, working on his laptop. Seeing his brother's name, he smiled, expecting a cheerful voice from his dongsaeng. "Hey, Kookie! Done with your shift? Want me to pick you up?"

Instead, he heard Jungkook sobbing, struggling to speak.

"Hyung... I want to g-go home," Jungkook's voice cracked.

Jimin immediately tensed. "Jungkook, What happened? Where are you?"

"In the hospital... washroom," Jungkook replied weakly.

Jimin immediately shut his laptop and jumped out of his chair, his heart racing. The sound of Jungkook's sobs sent a wave of panic through him. He quickly grabbed his jacket, his mind racing with worry.

"I'm coming right now, Kook. Don't move? Just breathe, okay? I'll be there soon," Jimin said firmly, trying to keep his voice steady despite the anxiety bubbling up inside him.

There was a shaky breath from Jungkook on the other end of the line, and Jimin's heart clenched.

"Kook, just hold on a bit longer, okay? I'm almost there," Jimin reassured him before ending the call. His mind was already running through a million scenarios, none of them good.

He grabbed his keys, rushing out the door, barely pausing to lock it behind him. His thoughts were solely focused on his younger brother.

"What could have happened?" he wondered, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he sped toward the hospital.

The usual twenty-minutes drive felt like hours. He kept thinking of Jungkook. Something had happened at the hospital, and it was bad enough that Jungkook couldn't hold it in anymore.

As he finally pulled into the hospital parking lot, Jimin bolted from the car and rushed inside. Without wasting a second, he dialed Jungkook's number again.

The phone rang only once before Jungkook answered, his voice still weak but a little steadier. "Hyung..."

"I'm here, Kook. I'm in the hospital now. Are you still in the washroom?" Jimin asked, trying to stay calm for Jungkook's sake.

"Yeah," Jungkook whispered, barely audible over the line.

"Can you tell hyung which floor you're on, Kookie?" Jimin asked gently, his voice soft and careful as if trying to soothe a frightened kitten.

There was a pause on the other end before Jungkook's shaky voice responded, "Second floor... near the staff area."

Jimin sighed in relief, already making his way to the elevator. "Okay, I'm almost there. Just hang in there for me, alright? I'll be with you in a minute."

He could hear Jungkook's uneven breaths, the weight of his fear so palpable through the phone.

Jimin's heart ached hearing how vulnerable his younger brother sounded. The elevator doors opened, and Jimin sprinted down the hallway, eyes searching for the staff washroom. When he finally found it, he knocked softly on the door.

"I'm here, Kook," Jimin called out.

After a brief moment, he heard the door unlock. Jimin pushed it open gently, and his heart broke at the sight before him. Jungkook was sitting on the floor, his knees pulled to his chest, tears staining his flushed cheeks. He looked so small, so vulnerable.

Without a word, Jimin crossed the room and knelt down beside his brother, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I've got you, Kook. I'm here," he whispered, holding him close as Jungkook's sobs finally broke free.

Jungkook clung to Jimin as if his life depended on it, his tears soaking into Jimin's jacket. His body trembled with each sob, and Jimin could feel how shaken his brother was. He gently rubbed Jungkook's back, trying to soothe him.

"It's okay, Kook. I'm here now," Jimin whispered. He had never seen Jungkook like this before-so broken, so fragile. It scared him.

For a long while, they stayed like that, Jimin holding Jungkook as he cried. Slowly, the sobs subsided, and Jungkook's breathing began to steady, though he still held on tightly, as if afraid to let go.

After a few minutes of silence, Jimin finally pulled back slightly to look at his brother. "Kook, what happened?"

Jungkook's eyes, still red and puffy from crying, glanced away, unable to meet Jimin's gaze. "I...I want....to go home, hyung....." he murmured, his voice hoarse from crying.

"Yeah, we'll go home", Jimin said gently, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Jungkook's ear. "But you need to tell me what happened. Was it something at the hospital?"

Jungkook hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor as he fought to gather his thoughts. If he told Jimin what happened, it would eventually lead to all his hyungs finding out, and there'd be no stopping them from intervening. He didn't want to worry them over what he felt was a trivial matter.

Noticing Jungkook's reluctance, Jimin's gaze shifted to the floor, where he spotted the crumpled grade sheet. Picking it up, he held it out for Jungkook to see.

"Is this what's been bothering you?" Jimin asked softly.

Jungkook nodded, the tightness in his throat intensifying as he avoided Jimin's gaze. It felt easier to focus on the grades than to reveal the real issue.

"Ohhh... Kookie, you know grades aren't everything, right?" Jimin continued.

Jungkook hesitated, his eyes still downcast as Jimin gently cupped his cheeks, urging him to lift his head.

"Look at hyung," Jimin whispered softly, his voice full of warmth and reassurance.

Reluctantly, Jungkook met his brother's gaze, his eyes glossy with unshed tears.

"Kookie," Jimin said gently, "You're so much more than these grades. They don't measure your heart, your passion, or your worth. You're not a failure, not to me, not to anyone who loves you."

Jungkook swallowed, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.

He felt guilty for lying to Jimin, for letting him believe that the grades were the main issue. But at the same time, the truth felt too heavy, too complicated to share right now.

He blinked back the tears, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hy..hyung....Let's go home....plea...please....."

Jimin's heart ached hearing Jungkook's broken plea. He gently rubbed his brother's back, sensing there was more Jungkook wasn't telling him, but he didn't push. All that mattered now was getting him out of the hospital and home

"Okay, Kookie. Let's go home," Jimin said softly, wiping away Jungkook's tears.

Jungkook nodded, still trembling. Jimin helped him stand and kept a protective arm around his shoulders as they walked out of the washroom and made their way toward the hospital exit.

🐇🐇🐇

The car ride home was quiet and heavy. Jungkook stared out the window, his face calm but still holding onto the sadness. He wasn't crying anymore, but Jimin could see how much he was holding in.

Jimin knew how stubborn Jungkook could be-how he never shared his burdens, always trying to handle everything on his own, no matter how much it overwhelmed him. It was one of the things that worried Jimin the most. Jungkook had always been the type to quietly bear the weight of the world on his shoulders, refusing to let anyone in until it was too much.

As they pulled up to a store, Jimin turned to Jungkook. "Kook, I'll be back in a moment. I just need to grab something."

Jungkook didn't respond, remaining lost in thought, so Jimin sighed and stepped out of the car.

Inside, Jimin quickly pulled out his phone and sent a message to Jin, updating him on Jungkook's state. He didn't want to overwhelm Jungkook by involving everyone right away, but he knew their brothers would want to know. No matter how stubborn Jungkook was, his hyungs had always been there for him, whether he acknowledged it or not.

After sending the message, Jimin picked up the few items he needed and hurried back to the car. Sliding into the driver's seat, he glanced at Jungkook, who hadn't moved at all.

"Ready to go?" Jimin asked softly, not really expecting a reply.

Jungkook nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed outside. Jimin hoped that once they got home, surrounded by their hyungs, Jungkook might finally feel safe enough to open up.

🐇🐇🐇

Jungkook knew Jimin too well; his brother was caring but also protective. There was a good chance Jimin had shared what had happened at the hospital.

Jungkook's heart sank at the thought. He didn't want to burden his hyungs with his problems. He believed he could handle the situation on his own, that he could sort everything out tomorrow without involving them.

As soon as they reached home, Jungkook thought of heading straight to his room to escape the overwhelming emotions swirling inside him. His exhaustion was palpable, and he didn't have the energy to explain himself or face any concerned questions. However, to his bad luck, he found his brothers gathered in the living room, minus Taehyung and Hobi, who weren't present. The moment he stepped in, their eyes immediately landed on him.

Jin was the first to speak. "Kook-ah, how was your day at the hospital?"

Jungkook felt a lump in his throat. He forced a weak smile. "It was fine," he muttered, avoiding eye contact. "I'm really tired, though... I think I'll just go to my room..."

Before he could take another step, Jin's voice stopped him. "Wait, bun! Just sit with us for a bit. We can have dinner or watch a movie. It might help you relax."

"I'm sorry, hyung...but...I'm tired....", Jungkook said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yoongi stood up from the couch and walked towards Jungkook. "You know you can tell us anything, right? We're your hyungs, bun. You know I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll come straight to the point: Jimin told us everything."

Jungkook's heart sank at Yoongi's words. So, his guess was correct. He shot a low-key glare at Jimin, who simply shrugged his shoulders, a hint of guilt flashing across his face.

"So, tell us what's bothering you. If there's anything we can do, we'll surely help," Namjoon urged, his tone steady but encouraging, "And don't lie to us; we know that grades aren't the real issue here."

"If Jimin hyung told you everything, why are you all asking? I was just crying over my grades and nothing else. If you don't mind, I'll go to my room......Why can't you understand? I'm tired for god's sake!!!" Jungkook shouted, frustration spilling out despite his intention to stay calm.

The room fell silent, and as soon as the words left his mouth, he instantly regretted raising his voice on his hyungs.

"I...I'm s.....sorry....I ...didn't mean...to....", he stammered, tears beginning to well up in his eyes once again. He felt utterly drained, both emotionally and physically, and he just couldn't hold it in any longer. The last thing he wanted was to lash out at his brothers, who only wanted to help him.

As the tears spilled over, Jungkook didn't even try to stifle his crying, sobs shaking his body as he fell to his knees. The weight of his struggles felt heavier than ever, and he felt ashamed for showing such vulnerability.

His hyungs stood in shock, unable to process the sight of their strong maknae breaking down. Jungkook, their muscle bunny, was sensitive but usually so resilient; seeing him like this shattered their hearts. For a moment, they were at a loss for what to do. Even Jimin, who had handled Jungkook before, felt a deep ache in his chest watching his brother suffer.

Yoongi was the first to move, kneeling beside Jungkook and wrapping his arms around him in warm hug. "Hey... Kook-ah... bun... don't cry. It's okay," he said softly.

Jungkook's sobs intensified as he clutched at Yoongi's jacket, crying like a small child. "I... I'm... so... sor...ry..." he managed to choke out between sobs.

Everyone watched with a heavy heart as Jungkook broke down in Yoongi's arms.

Jin stepped close to Jungkook, kneeling beside them and joining in the embrace. "Kookie, you don't need to apologize," he said gently, wrapping his arms around both Jungkook and Yoongi. "We love you, and we want to help. Just let it all out. We're here for you."

And that was it. The floodgates had opened, and all his pent-up emotions poured out, leaving him feeling vulnerable yet somehow relieved in his brothers' embrace. Jungkook clung tightly to Yoongi and Jin, crying his heart out. Each sob felt like a release, and he let go of the weight he had been carrying for so long.

He felt so lighthearted, and in that moment, there were no supervisors, no mocking comments, no unfair treatments-just him and his hyungs, and no one else. The world outside faded away as he cried and cried, his body trembling with emotion.

Eventually, the exhaustion of it all took over, and Jungkook's sobs grew softer, his grip on Yoongi and Jin loosening. He felt himself slipping away, surrendering to the comfort of their presence. With one last deep breath, his body gave in, and Jungkook closed his eyes, falling unconscious in his brothers' hold.