Heartbeat || 13
________
April 27, Tuesday
Jeon Mansion;
07:30 am_
"I want-" Aera stopped to another bite of her sandwich that Jimin was holding in front of her mouth and spoke again, "I want to make someone smile, oppa."
The brother nodded at her statement, appreciating his sister's thoughts and the generous view for the world. But right now, getting her ready for school was an even more important task for him. He handed her the sandwich and got her shoes, crouching on the floor to make her wear them before it gets too late and she misses the bus.
"Done," She said after finishing the sandwich and looked at Jin who quickly handed her a cup of milk, gesturing for her to finish it too. "No, I'm full now."
"You have to drink it, Aera. Come on, finish it quickly." The eldest said.
Aera shook her head, pushing his hand away. And there, they had started a daily struggle of getting her to drink the milk which she never liked. Her face scrunched up, glancing at Jin who nodded subtly, telling her that it's okay, while bringing the cup closer to her lips. She closed her eyes, making a disgusted face and took a sip, just like every day.
"Hey good morning." Jungkook beamed, entering the kitchen with a smile. His body half covered in sweat as he had just returned from his daily morning jog. A chuckle left his lips on feeling Aera's gaze on him, virtually telling him to save her from this torture. He winked at her, pouring some milk in a cup for himself and showed him that he was drinking it too, and that she just has to follow how he does it.
"Good job!" Jin patted Aera's head, sighing in relief that she was finally done with her breakfast. Jungkook gave her a thumbs up and kept his cup aside. Jimin smiled at him, watching how he helped the kid drink her milk, for they knew it would've taken at least another fifteen minutes of persuasion and probably a bit of scolding to get the cup empty.
"Get up." Jimin said, "where's your belt?"
"I don't know,"
"Did you take all the books you need for today?"
"Yeah,"
"What about your lunch?"
"Uh I don't know,"
"God! Aera you should be doing all this on your own! You're not a little kid now!" Jimin scolded.
"Jimin relax-"
"No hyung, seriously, I'm so sick of telling her to get up on time, have her breakfast quickly and get dressed, but she doesn't listen! No, what exactly are you thinking? I'm not gonna be there and do all this for you every time Aera!"
"I'm sorry..." Aera mumbled, seeing Jimin getting mad. She stood up from her chair, taking her belt from his hand that he fortunately found in the living room, and buckled it on her waist to keep the skirt in place.
"Who's shouting in the morning?" Yoongi yawned, coming down the stairs.
"He's scolding me." Aera said, pointing at Jimin, earning a sharp pook from him.
"Take your bag and get going, nobody will come to drop you off if you miss your bus." Jimin declared before Yoongi said anything to support her. A familiar sound of engine and a honk was heard, which was enough for the boys to panic.
"Jungkook tell them she's coming." Jin said, Jungkook nodded and picked up her bag, gesturing her to follow him before jogging out. Aera ran after him, disappearing behind the front door, making the boys sigh in relief.
However the next second, the door was being opened again and Aera ran inside. The boys frowned, staring at her in confusion as they strained their brain to remember what she possibly forgot. She came near Jin, pulling him down and placed a kiss on cheek, mumbling a 'goodbye'.
"Oh god! You came back for this?!" Jimin exasperated, massaging his temples. The girl smiled nervously at him yet keeping her focus on kissing goodbyes to her oppas. She tip toed near Jimin, kissing his cheek too and looked around, counting five heads and frowned.
"Someone's missing!"
"Aera what are you doing? Come fast!" Jungkook shouted from outside.
"Just a second!" Aera replied, "Tae oppa! Where's Tae oppa?"
"Hello people, good mor-"
Aera jogged towards him, pulling him down to her height and kissed his cheek instantly, waving at them as she ran outside. Jungkook handed her the school bag and leaned down, showing his cheek, smiling when she quickly kissed him and gave him a brief hug before getting on the bus.
"Bye, have fun." He said, waving his hand in the air and turned around to leave.
Entering back in the living room of the house, he chuckled seeing Jimin and Jin on the couch, looking exhausted. He sat down, pulling his damp shirt above his head and threw it aside, taking some time to cool himself.
"Are you that tired?" He laughed.
"Try the morning routine some day, then you'll know." Jimin sighed, "It's all because of you and Yoongi hyung that she's so spoiled. Now you know what? Hyung you wanted to adopt her right? Go ahead, do it. I'm tired and I don't know what to do with her."
"Hyung what?" Jungkook laughed at his brother's tired state, so tired that he didn't even realise what he was saying. "You don't wanna give her for adoption."
"It's fine Jimin, she's just a child." Namjoon chuckled.
"Yeah, and beleive it or not, you'd be the first one to panic if she ever left you." Hoseok laughed. Jimin remained quiet, knowing it was true and praying for such a day to never come, when he has to leave his sister or she has to go away from him.
"Now let's not talk about this. Get ready, we've a big meeting today. I hope it works out as planned." Yoongi said, diverting the subject. The others nodded, getting up and headed to their respective rooms.
_
Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.;
10:45 am_
"-and the shares upto 45.89% are from our firm' branches, hence any upliftment in the right wing of the company will have a huge effect. The success rate, as calculated and expected, can be upto 30.3%, and the failure, on the other hand is potentially about 2.53%. So we'd like to-"
"What about the investers from Tokyo?" Jimin interrupted, earning glances from the board members sitting either side of him at the big conference table. "The rising shares have a 15% profit rate and drop-by from the right wing is more on our side than our partners. Correct me if I'm wrong, Director Lee." Jimin finished, glancing at the old man on his right, who nodded instantly, turning his laptop towards the man presenting in the front.
"You're right, sir." The Director of boards said.
Jimin looked at the front, meeting eyes with the vice president who was doing the presentation today in place of the president of the sales and statistics department. Yoongi, Jin and Namjoon exchanged knowing glances, nodding in agreement.
"We can end the meeting here," Jimin stood up, "we're closing the deal."
The Vice President sighed in relief, bowing urgently to show his respect along with the others as Jimin walked his way out of the conference room with Yoongi, Jin and Namjoon.
"Han was about to die when you stopped him in the middle." Namjoon joked.
"He was beating around the bush for an hour." Jimin shook his head, "I just simplified it."
"He had good detailing though." Yoongi pointed out.
"Yeah, the detailing that was making everyone sleepy because he kept repeating the same thing." Jin sighed, "President Seong is so much better than him."
"He's one of our assets. I've never met a single employee who's as good as him." Jimin stated.
"Yeah, I agree." Yoongi nodded, "Anyways I'll be heading off now. There's another department meeting lined up for me. Oh and Joon, you should go and see with the interviews, it'll be better if you're there with the committee."
"Sure," Namjoon nodded, "See you guys later."
Jimin nodded heading back to his office while Jin, too, took his leave. The assistant stood up from her desk, bowing as soon as he arrived, earning a subtle nod from him. He pushed open the door to his office, not minding the girl who followed in, holding a black file in her hands.
"Sir, this is from the Mr Kim, he wanted you to go through the documents and suggest any changes if you want."
"Keep it on my desk." Jimin nodded, taking a seat on his executive chair, behind the desk which had a black golden plate, reading CEO, Jeon Jimin.
The girl placed the file down and smiled at him, standing there even after he gestured his hand for her to leave. Jimin looked up, glancing at his awkwardly smiling assistant and arched an eyebrow at her, "I beleive you have something to say, Miss Maya."
"Uh yes sir."
"Make it fast," He nodded.
The girl nodded and said, "I sent a letter about my leave for next week..."
"Hm and?"
"I... I really need it, sir."
"What for? Is it something more important than your job?"
"No sir, obviously not. I really wanna keep this job. But it's an emergency, my brother is in the hospital and I need to see him." She said.
"I'll think about it, focus on your work right now." Jimin said. He heard the girl sigh, but she didn't say anything and left quietly.
He glanced at the letter, laying on his desk since last three days and opened it, finding Maya's miserable handwriting, as miserable as his sister's. A sigh worked out of his lips, as he took a pen to sign the paper, granted, and kept it aside, focusing back on his work which he was finding hard to do today.
For some reason a part of him kept running back to how he lost temper and shouted at Aera in the morning. Despite knowing it was nothing and Aera doesn't mind getting scolded once in a while, it still weighed down on his shoulders with an odd feeling inside his chest.
_
Seoul Glory Middle School;
11:34 am_
"Shh!" Aera suppressed her laugh, placing her finger on her lips as she turned to her friend, signalling him to stay quiet or they'll be caught. The boy moved to his side with short steps, taking her hand in his, he pointed to the side edge where a number of bricks were stacked together.
"Let's hide there," He whispered, "Jiah won't find us there."
"Okay" Aera nodded and crouched down, behind the boy, giggling softly as she peeked out carefully to make sure Jiah wasn't here, for they knew that if they manage to hide for five more minutes, they'll be the winner.
"Oh no!" The boy hissed, ducking down and stepped back hearing a couple of footsteps together.
"Dae, don't come back, I'll fall." Aera said, Daehyeong, glanced back, realizing it was merely two more steps behind the girl before she fell down. He moved aside, bringing her forward and held her hand, smiling at her.
"I won't let you fall."
"Thanks," Aera smiled at him, gasping suddenly as they heard another girl's voice.
"Come this side." Daehyeong whispered as he started moving to the other side. Aera was ready to follow him quietly, until she felt a hand on her back a bit too harshly, making her stumble forward.
"I found you!" Jiah chirped with a laughter.
"Aera!" Daehyeong shouted with horror, instantly leaning forward as he tried to reach Aera's hand and pull her back. But it was too late for anything.
He stared down at the ground with wide eyes, the height just adding more fear in his head. A few people gathered around Aera's body, the blood was slowly flowing from her head on the ground. The boy looked to his side, glancing at Jiah who's excitement died on seeing what has happened.
"Dae..." She half whispered, covering her mouth and pointed down, from the third floor. Teachers and students all surrounding their friend who was laying on the ground unaffected by the bustle around her.
"Let's go down..." The boy said, taking her hand and pulled her with him. "She'll be okay."
"I pushed her, Dae... I didn't want her to fall down. I'm so sorry..." Jiah sobbed, holding her friend's hand tightly as he pulled her down the stairs.
"Who was with her? How did this happen?!" Their homeroom teacher was asking the kids, her face painted in horror and worry as she stared at the kids with desperation in her eyes, hoping someone would answer her.
"We were there..." Daehyeong said, grabbing all the attention at once.
"How did she fall down?" The teacher asked.
"We were playing and Jiah accidentally pushed her, I- I tried to hold her hand, but she fell down..." The boy said, gulping in fear as tears became evident in his eyes too. "We're sorry Miss, we didn't want to hurt Aera."
"Daehyeong, Jiah, don't cry kids." Another teacher said, "We're taking her to the hospital, she'll be fine. It's not your fault okay?"
"Why were you all playing there? Don't you know nobody's allowed to go in the old building due to the renovation work?"
"We're sorry Miss..." Jiah sobbed out.
_
Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.;
11:40 am_
"I don't know hyung..." Jimin sighed, taking another sip of water and rested back on his chair.
"Are you hurting? Hungry maybe? Or do you a fever?" Jin asked.
"I said I don't know, it's just something really strange." Jimin stood up, loosening his neck tie and glanced at his phone for the n'th time. "Y'know, just tell the clients to stay, I'll meet them today. Maybe I'll be fine if I keep myself busy."
"Alright," Jin nodded, walking out of the office.
Jimin straightened his suit in the bathroom, checking himself in the mirror. He splashed the cold water on his face, taking a deep breath hoping the water would wash away his uneasiness too. He wiped his face and hands, making sure he was looking okay for another meeting and marched off to engage himself and stay sane.
His assistant was already standing ready near the elevator and pressed the number buttons as soon as he got in. He glanced at his phone again, seeing Aera and Jungkook smiling on his homescreen, the brother was carrying her on his back while she had two ice cream cones in her hands, one was for herself and the other one belonged to Jungkook.
Jimin looked up hearing the dinging sound and headed towards the meeting room. The clients stood up, smiling at him and bowed while he gestured them to sit. Jin was already there, talking to the three men.
"It's a pleasure to be able to work with you Mr Jeon." One of them spoke, earning a smile of acknowledgement from Jimin.
"I'm glad too," Jimin nodded, "I hope this goes a long way, I'm looking forward to our partnership."
"Definitely,"
It was barely ten minutes into their business talk when Jimin's phone rang. A frown crept up his brows on seeing it was from Aera's school. He excused himself, gesturing for Jin to continue, and answered th call.
"Hello?"
"Mr Jeon, please reach the city hospital as soon as possible. Aera's met with an accident and it's quite serious."
"What?" Jimin frowned, voicing out a little loud. Jin glanced at him, virtually asking what had happened. "What are you saying?"
"Yes Mr Jeon, we're taking her to the city hospital. She's injured pretty bad, please get there as soon as possible."
"I... Ye- Yeah, I'm on my way. " Jimin blurted hastily and turned to Jin, gesturing that they need to go, "What happened exactly?" He asked the teacher on the line.
Jin stared at him with wide eyes as Jimin bowed apologetically to the clients and motioned his hand for the elder to come. Jin stood up, taking a deep breath and turned to the clients who stood up as well, "I'm so sorry, we kinda have an emergency right now and we have to leave. I hope we can reschedule?"
"Uh yeah sure, whenever you're available." The man said, shaking hands with Jin.
"Thank you, I'll take my leave now." Jin said and followed Jimin out who was still talking on his phone looking more than just stressed.
Jimin turned to look back while waiting for the elevator and spoke, "Alright, I'm coming." He said before hanging up and glanced at his assistant, "Maya, cancel everything on my schedule today. And hyung, we need to to leave, call Yoongi hyung and Namjoon hyung too."
"Why? Will you tell me what happened?"
"Aera's needs me," Jimin breathed out," it was from her school. They said she- she fell from the third floor and she's injured quite bad... We need to get to the hospital right now."
"What... I'll call them, don't worry, Aera will be fine."
"I hope so," Jimin nodded and ran outside the building with Jin running behind him, not caring about the perplexed glances from their employees.
_
Seoul City Hospital;
12:10 pm_
"Hyung!" Jungkook rushed to Jimin's side, looking around at the same time, "Where's Aera?"
Jimin motioned his hand towards the door a few feet away from them. He was staring down, having no words to tell the younger brother. His eyes gradually lifted up, moving to the side and stopped near the glass window, helplessly watching the hasty movements of the doctors and nurses inside who were working on their sister, trying to get her to be okay.
A tear dropped his eyes, averting his gaze, trying to find somewhere to look at. He spoke, "The doctors said that the injury is serious on her head... and she might not be able to- to make it,"
"N-No..." Jungkook stared at him and then at the rest of his hyungs, wanting to hear a different set of words, a more positive one.
"B-But they're trying," Jin said, patting his shoulder, "don't worry, she'll be fine. Our Aera is very strong, she'll be fine."
Nobody said anything, the silence was enough to make Jungkook question their beliefs. Were they really thinking that his sister will die? No, she will survive. She has to survive;
_
12:42 pm_
The door swung open, and the boys turned to the pair of doctors walking out, their body language didn't appear that calm. The brothers reached out for them, wanting to hear the words they've been dying to hear, hoping the doctor would say, yes your sister's fine, she's a fighter and a champion.
However they said nothing. A few hospital staffs, told them to get aside as they opened the door of the OT wider, pulling out a bed on wheels, Aera was laying there. Her hands had IV drips attached, a bunch of clinical cotton on her head. Even the side of her eyes was bleeding, and the cheek bone looked broken.
Jimin covered his mouth, gasping at the sight of his sister's face like that. His vision was blurry, but he could tell how much she must be hurting. Her baby face that was smiling at him a few hours ago, looked lifeless with all the injuries and blood. Her soft hands that cupped his face whenever she pulled him down to kiss his cheek, looked devoid of energy.
"Aera..." He heard a whisper and looked to his side, seeing Jungkook nibbling on his lower lip as he stared at the girl, his champ, as he liked to call her, and even Aera loved that. Tears flowed down his cheeks, "Is she okay?" He asked hesitantly, eyes turning to face the doctors who had no time to stop.
"Mr Jeon," One of them probably had some sympathy for the boys and decided update them about their sister's condition.
"Yes," Jimin wiped his tears, gathering all his attention along with the other boys who instantly turned to listen, "How is she?"
"Mr Jeon, we're trying our best. I hate saying this, but please don't have too many hopes. There are thin chances of surviv-"
"What are you saying?!" Jungkook shouted, glaring at the doctor, "How can you say that about my sister?! How can you say that about a child?! Listen, I don't care what you do and how you do it, I want my sister all fine."
"Jungkook, calm dow-"
"No! Did you hear him? He's out of his mind!"
"Jungkook please, he said they're trying, don't worry." Hoseok rubbed the younger's back.
"Please save her, doctor..." Jimin pleaded, "Please, she's just a kid... my everything, I can't- save her please, do whatever it takes, don't worry about the money, just save her..."
"We're really sorry for this Mr Jeon, but honestly I don't wanna give you false hopes that have no meanings. We can't say anything right now, the injuries in her head are severe, even if she survives her whole life will be affected."
With that said the doctor left. Jimin glanced at his back, disappearing in another room where they shifted Aera. Just thought of losing his sister was making him sick, he could feel his heart thumping in his chest as if screaming from inside for Aera not to leave him, maybe she'll listen. Maybe her heart will listen? Maybe she'll wake up and realize that it's too early to leave? Or see her oppas crying and then she decides to stay?
His mind wandered back to the morning scene, remembering how he scolded her for not doing her work on her own. A sob left his lips, hand pressing on the wall beside him for support. His eyes were closed, having images of Aera smiling in front of him and mouthing a playful sorry, so he won't be mad at her.
"Aera..." He sobbed louder, leaning on the wall.
Please don't have too many hopes
"Jimin..." Namjoon stood beside him, providing the support and strength the brother needed, "She'll be fine,"
She'll be fine
"He- he said she can die... hyung, what am I gonna do if- if something happens to her? I... I can't live without my sister, hyung..." Jimin cried. His eyes glanced at the younger brother who was somehow holding himself, eyes were closed, hands laced together, and head hanging low, "Look at him... he'll break if Aera couldn't make it, and we won't be able to do anything. I don't know what to do hyung, I-"
"Shh, don't think too much." Namjoon hugged Jimin, wiping his own tears at the thought of loosing the kid forever. He glanced back at Yoongi was standing alone in a corner, not talking to anyone and just mumbling something silently while frequently glancing at room they Aera in.
_
01:38 pm_
A bustle started in the hallway, the boys stepped aside, giving space for the stretcher to pass. A girl was laying in it, not bleeding, not hurt, but probably serious enough to have her family crying and wailing behind her.
The doctors were talking to each other while one was talking to the man, the girl's father probably. Jimin's eyes were busy watching the young girl, looking around eight or nine years old. She appeared skinny and her lips and complexion looked pale as if it were side effects of too many medications.
His attention shifted towards the door next them as the doctors came out. They removed their masks, talking to the other doctors who reached out for them first. By their expression the boys judged that the news wasn't in favour of them. Jimin was forcing himself to think positive as he saw the doctor heading towards him.
"She's okay right? My sister, how's she?" Jimin asked as soon as the doctor came.
"Mr Jeon, I'm so sorry, it's not going to work."
"Wha- What do you mean? She's okay isn't she?"
The doctor shook his head apologetically and placed his hand on Jimin's shoulder, "That's Mr and Mrs Han, their daughter has a heart defect since birth."
"Why are you telling me that?" Jimin inhaled deeply, "I'm just asking about my sister, is she okay or not?!"
"She won't survive Mr Jeon," The doctor said, and Jimin went silent, "But the other girl can, if she gets a donor for her heart transplant."
"What... No, what are trying to say?" Jimin asked in a hushed voice, scared that he was understanding the doctor's words precisely. He stared at the doctor in silence, ready to give all the time the man needed, the only condition being Aera's betterment.
"Your sister is not in the condition to survive another surgery Mr Jeon, and even if she does, she won't be able to live a normal life or even do everyday tasks. But if we transplant her heart to the Mr Han's daughter, that kid will be able to live a normal life."
"No!" Jungkook cried, "Who gave you the right to give up my Aera's life for someone else?!"
"I understand it's a really sensitive topic for you all, but try to think about it sir. Your sister is not going to make it either way, but that girl has a chance if you agree to donate the heart to her."
Jimin felt his organs churning inside him on hearing the doctor's words. How cruel can this world be? Granting one life at the cost of another, how is that fair? Both the kids were on the verge of falling out of life, the life that they didn't even explore yet.
He glanced at Jungkook who was already staring at him, shaking his head a no, hoping the elder won't show his empathetic and generous side right now and for once be selfish enough to think about their sister.
"Sir, this is Mr and Mrs Han, they wanna have a word with you."
Jimin's eyes looked up, gradually raising from the from the floor and found the couple standing in front of him. The lady was crying, and the man was on verge of breaking too, he was staring at Jimin with a begging look that instantly made Jimin avert his eyes. He nodded subtly, gesturing them to speak, not yet making an eye contact.
"Please Mr Jeon, save my daughter... she's the only child we have." The mother pleaded, between heavy sobs, "She needs an urgent transplant, she- she'll die if she didn't get a donor right now... I can't live without my child, please, I'm begging you-"
"No," Jungkook shook his head, "Please look we're sorry, but try to understand, we can't lose our sister too... She was barely six when our parents died. I- I can't give up on her like that, I'm sorry, no..."
The parents glanced at the glass window of the room where their daughter laid unconscious, while the brothers stared at their sister's half alive state. Jimin wiped his tears and glanced at the doctor, "Is there no other way for this?"
"I'm afraid there isn't, sir." The doctor said, "Please make a decision soon, the kid needs a surgery."
"Give me a- a second please...." Jimin said almost like a whisper, before turning around. His eyes searched for Yoongi, finding the older deep in thoughts with tears streaming down his face too.
Yoongi glanced at him and then at Jungkook, "Jungkook-ah," he called after clearing his throat.
"What?" Jungkook frowned staring at both of his hyungs, "you- you're not thinking about this- No! Are y'all crazy?! I won't let you do this!"
"Jungkook, listen-"
"No, hyung why?" Jungkook cried, staring at Yoongi desperately, seeing the elder crying as well as he held Jungkook by his shoulders.
"They said Aera's not going to make it, but the other girl can. We cannot let someone else die along with our Aera."
Jungkook shook his head not wanting himself to believe that. He looked up as Jin spoke this time, "He's right Jungkook. Our Aera might not be able to live but if someone else can, then we should not take that from them."
"Hyung..." Jungkook sobbed, pulling himself back from the eldest hyungs and looked at Jimin, "Hyung, say something to them, I don't want Aera to leave forever..."
Jimin sighed softly, his lips trembling as he cried silently, having such a difficult decision impending before him. Her eyes, her smiles, her voice, everything about his sister was coming alive at this moment.
I wanna make someone smile, oppa
He would've scolded her if he knew how bad her one wish could get all of them. He would've told her to make herself smile first and then try to make others happy.
"Okay," Jimin heard himself say and wiped his tears, turning to the doctor and the parents, "Wh- Where do I have to sign?"
The Doctor smiled softly, and the parents couldn't have been happier as they bursted out crying holding Jimin's hand thanking him over and over again for making such a great decision and saving their daughter's life.
Meanwhile Jungkook stared at him, still on his place, his mind not coping with his ears to beleive what he just heard from his brother. Jimin shared a brief glance with him, before focusing back in the form the doctor was holding.
He blinked a few times, clearing his vision and tried to read the papers, but nothing seemed to work. The fact that he was giving his sister's life to someone else kept hovering above him. All of her smiles were suddenly fading away, as if her grip on his hand was loosening and there was nothing he could do to keep her near himself.
"Thank you Mr Jeon, and I'm sorry for your sister."
Jimin nodded subtly, releasing a deep breath he has been holding in for god knows how long. He looked at the doctor and asked, "Can I... see her one last time?"
"Sure," The doctor nodded, gesturing his hand towards the room. Jimin forced a smile, mouthing a thanks and walked past them, pushing the door open to Aera's room.
She was laying there on the bed, just as they saw her the last time while being shifted. He sat down, taking the stool from the side and stared at her face. He opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out other than a sob.
He held her hand in his, that felt cold and numb, and kissed it a few times, "I'm so sorry, princess... I don't know how I'm doing this, but- you know I love you right?"
"You're my little girl, please don't think that- that I'm giving up on you, okay? I'm not... I would never give up in you baby. It's just that this time, it was either letting you go and saving that girl, or letting both of you go..."
"I don't even know them, but I can understand how her parents must be feeling, I'm losing my kid too right?" He stared at her, knowing that she's not listening, but continued speaking anyway, "It's not easy... It's not easy at all. I'm sorry for scolding you earlier, I didn't you kiss you properly and didn't even give you a hug... And now- now you're leaving... you must be mad at oppa right?"
"Jimin?" He flinched hearing Yoongi's voice and wiped his tears before turning around. The older was standing at the door with Jungkook beside him. He gestured towards the younger brother, and Jimin nodded.
"Jungkook, come here." Jimin smiled a little.
Jungkook had his eyes fixed on the girl as he went near the bed wincing on seeing his sister with so many wounds and machines attached to her body, "I... I'm sorry, champ, they're not listening to me."
Jimin stared at his lap, crying silently as he heard his brother's words. Even though Jungkook knew Jimin and his hyungs were right, he still wanted to stay on the side where his heart was active, not his mind. Where he wanted to keep his little sister with him, smiling, playing, hugging him and kissing him, but mainly, near him.
"I love you and you'll always be my little Kookie, remember that..." He said in a hushed voice, not having the strength to speak more, for his throat felt tight and heavy with the bile burning inside, almost as if wanting him to choke and give up right here.
He leaned down and kissed her palm just like always and forced a smile as he glanced at her face, "You're the bravest girl I've ever met Aera, I'm... I'm so glad that you're my sister."
He pulled away and looked at Jimin who had his head hanging low, knowing it was time for them to leave, also the time for Aera to leave. Jimin stood up, kissing her forehead over the thick bandage.
"Sir, it's time." They heard the doctor as he came in with another doctor and the nurses.
Jimin nodded, letting go his sister's hand, hurting inside as he knew he won't be able to hold it ever again. He glanced at Jungkook, patting his back and wiped his tears, nodding towards the door and walked outside, knowing the younger will follow him behind.
_
04:35 pm_
Jungkook was hugging Jimin, crying on his shoulder, imagining how they'd be living without Aera now. Without her voice calling 'oppa', whithout her little pranks and whines for ice creams, without her sweet giggles whenever she was happy, without her random hugs and kiss. That would be hell.
The boys were broken and restless, knowing nothing can be done now. Whereas a glint of hope was shining in the eyes of the couple sitting a few feet away from them. The lady was holding her husbands hand, staring impatiently at the door, probably waiting for the doctors to come out and tell them that their daughter is okay.
"Hyung..." Jimin heard and turned to his side, "I already miss Riri."
"I know" Jimin hushed out a breath, "It's gonna be so hard..."
The light of the OT went off and the door was opened, revealing the doctors. They took of their masks, showing their smiles indicating that the operation was a success. They congratulated the parents and glanced at Jimin and the boys, eyes showing respect.
The father came up to him, "Thank you so much Mr Jeon, my daughter is fine because of your wise decision. I owe you my life-"
"No please, you don't owe your life to anyone." Jimin said, "Don't say that, life isn't something we owe, Mr Han. Trust me I understand this."
"I'm so sorry, I don't know what words would lessen your pain, I'm really sorry for your sister."
Jimin nodded not knowing what to say after that and just gave the man a hug, "Take care of your daughter." He said before pulling away and looked at his boys, "We should go now..."
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April 30, Thursday
Jeon Mansion;
09:30 am_
"Hello? Who's this?" Jungkook answered the call.
"Hello, I'm from Seoul City Hospital, Dr. Song. I took your sister, Jeon Aera's case."
"Yes... why are you calling now?"
"Actually, Mr Han's daughter is ready for her discharge from the hospital, and they want you and your brothers to meet her before that."
"Wha- please wait for a moment, I'll call my hyung, talk to him." Jungkook sighed and looked for the nearest hyung available, and spotted Yoongi on the couch, "Hyung, it's from the hospital."
Yoongi frowned and took the phone from him, "Yes?"
"What happened?" Jin asked, placing his hand on Jungkook's shoulder.
"He was saying that other girl's parents want to meet us again." Jungkook sighed, "I didn't know if I should agree or not, so I gave it Yoongi hyung. I honestly don't feel like going there again..."
"It's fine, Kook. You don't have to go if you don't want to." Jin assured, patting the younger's back.
"Alright, thanks." Yoongi said, before hanging up and looked at the others, "I think we should go. Call Jimin, we'll talk about it."
"What happened?" Jimin asked, walking downstairs, his hair was messy and had dark circles under his eyes. The lack of sleep was showing. "Are you okay?" He asked, seeing Jungkook almost looking like crying again.
"Yeah" the brother nodded dismissively.
"Jimin, there was a call from the hospital, Mr and Mrs Han want us to meet their daughter. She's going home today, and since Aera was her donor, they wanted to thank you and stuff." Yoongi explained, "I think we should go."
"I don't know," Jimin said, "I don't think I'll be able to hold myself there, when I... y'know see all of that again."
"I understand Jimin, but that kid wants to see you."
Jimin stared at him for a moment, thinking about it and nodded just for the sake of the little girl who had his sister's heart. Maybe he could find himself some peace if he sees her alive and breathing with Aera's heart beating inside her?
_
Seoul City Hospital;
11:45 am_
Jimin had a small smile tugging his lips as he watched the girl giggling at something her father had said. They stopped soon as they saw the boys near the door, Mr Han stood up and smiled at them, gesturing them to come in.
"Hello, thanks a lot for coming." He said, shaking Jimin's hand and then Yoongi's. He turned around to face his daughter and gestured his hands towards the boys, "Say hello to them, they're Aera unnie's brothers."
Jimin felt his heart clenching at that, his eyes instantly filled with warm tears. However he blinked them away and smiled a little, taking a step forward. "Hello oppa," the girl said, smiling at him.
Jimin glanced at the boys, all staring at the girl with teary eyes, recalling Aera's voice saying the same words. He inhaled deeply and wiped the tear drop that just left his eye, smiling at back at her, "Hi, uh what's your name?" He asked.
"Ahra," The girl said.
"Ahra..." Jimin repeated with a nod, "That's a beautiful name, just like you."
"Thank you oppa, your name is Jimin right?"
"Ye-Yeah, Jimin..." He nodded slowly, "How are you feeling now?"
"I'm good, thanks to all of you and Aera unnie too. Her heart is really nice." Ahra smiled widely.
Jimin chuckled a little, chewing on his lower lip his tears flowed down his cheeks, "Really?" He said, wiping the tears as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Mm-hmm," She nodded and before she said anything further, the door opened again.
The doctor came in, he shook hands with Jimin and the boys and said, "I know it must be really hard you all after losing your sister,"
"Yes, that's why we wanted to say that you can come and meet Ahra whenever you want. She doesn't have any siblings either, she'll be really happy to have you all as her brothers." Mrs Han spoke.
The doctor smiled and stepped ahead near Ahra, putting his stethoscope on and checked the heartbeat. The boys were about to leave, letting the doctor proceed with the check up, but stopped hearing the doctor's voice. Jimin frowned in confusion, seeing him holding stethoscope out for him.
"Wanna hear?" He said.
Jimin stared at him for a moment, feeling his lips tugging up in a smile as he nodded and took the stethoscope, putting the ear peice on while the doctor placed the chest peice on the Ahra's chest.
The brother gasped, covering his mouth and closed his eyes, dropping the tears he had been holding. It wasn't just a regular lub-dub of a human heart for him, it was his princess's voice calling for him, the warmth of her hug, the tears she cried holding him and the smiles she had all her life. It was the pout on her lips when he said no, and the giggle that left her mouth when he said yes. It was the melody he loved, sweeter than any music and worth this universe. It was his sister's heart that was keeping someone else alive.
"Aera...my princess," He whispered and smiled to himself. The parents and the doctors had tears in their eyes, and the boys too, just by watching Jimin's reaction to the sound he heard.
"Ju-Jungkook, this..." Jimin looked at the younger brother, pointing at the girl and then at his ear, "Aera..."
He took off the ear peice and gave it to the younger brother who cried as well remembering their sister's presence near them. Oh how glad the brothers were to have come here.
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A/N- Ah y'all, I'm still crying. Wait, breath in... breath out... in.... out. good job.
It took me a long time to get this done, because writing in one go was hard. I couldn't stop after the hospital scene started. and even while editing, I was crying. bruh am I the only one this dramatic, kr y'all cried too?
please vote if you liked the chapter. it was a bit long because I didn't want to break the flow of the feelings and scenes that were so connected. so I just stuffed it all in one chapter.
the answers for the Q/A will be updated soon this week. and another chapter will be up on next friday. so there's two updates lined up for the coming week ;) see you soon!
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word count: 6.9K
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