Taehyung's eyes widened in concern as he took in their state.
Jaybum's small frame clung weakly to Jungkook, his flushed cheeks and half-closed eyes a clear sign of his fever. But what alarmed Taehyung even more was Jungkook himself. The alpha looked pale,his red-rimmed eyes and trembling body barely holding up under his own fever.
"Mr Jeon!," Taehyung said softly, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "You're burning up too."
Jungkook nodded weakly, his grip on Jaybum tightening as though he was afraid to let go. "I... I managed to take care of him this afternoon, but after that, I-" His voice broke, his exhaustion evident.
Taehyung placed a steady hand on Jungkook's arm, his voice firm but gentle. "It's okay, I'm here now. Give him to me."
Jungkook hesitated for a moment before reluctantly handing Jaybum over. Taehyung cradled the boy close, his heart aching at how hot Jaybum's skin felt against his cool hands.
"Come on, both of you need rest," Taehyung said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He led Jungkook to the couch and gently guided him to sit down. "I'll take care of everything."
Taehyung quickly assessed the situation as both Jungkook and Jaybum whimpered weakly.
Their fevers were alarmingly high, and he knew they needed proper care. Guiding Jungkook to the couch, he placed Jaybum in his arms momentarily to retrieve a thermometer.
After taking both of their temperatures, the numbers confirmed what he feared-both of them were burning up.
"Mr. Jeon, lie down for a while," Taehyung instructed firmly, his usual softness edged with worry. Jungkook obediently reclined on the couch while coughing .
Taehyung gently took Jaybum into his arms. The boy clung to him tightly, whimpering softly into Taehyung's chest.
Without wasting another moment, Taehyung headed to the kitchen, cradling Jaybum. He quickly heated up some soup he had prepared earlier in the week. Returning to the living room with two bowls, he approached Jungkook, who seemed too fatigued to sit up properly.
"Mr. Jeon," Taehyung called gently, kneeling beside the couch. "Please sit up and drink this. You need to take the medicine after eating."
With Taehyung's support, Jungkook sat up sluggishly. He took the bowl from Taehyung's hands, his movements slow and unsteady.
Taehyung sat down beside him, holding Jaybum securely in his lap as he began feeding the little boy. Jaybum was resistant at first, his fever making him fussy, but Taehyung's soothing voice and patient demeanor worked like magic.
Jungkook ate in silence, occasionally glancing at Taehyung as he fed Jaybum with unwavering care. His head felt heavy, and before he realized it, he leaned over, resting his head on Taehyung's shoulder.
The warmth of Taehyung's presence calmed him, his tense body finally beginning to relax.
Taehyung didn't say a word, simply allowing Jungkook to rest there as he continued to care for Jaybum. Once both of them were done eating, Taehyung handed Jungkook his medicine before coaxing him to take it. Then he carefully gave Jaybum his dose as well, despite the child's weak protests.
"Mr. Jeon, you both need to rest now," Taehyung said softly, his free hand gently resting on Jungkook's shoulder. "Let me take you to your room."
Jungkook nodded slowly, reluctantly lifting his head from Taehyung's shoulder. With Taehyung's guidance, he stood up, his movements sluggish. Jaybum, still clinging to Taehyung like a koala, refused to let go.
Once inside Jungkook's bedroom, the alpha immediately collapsed onto one side of the bed. Taehyung tried to lay Jaybum on the other side, but the little boy whimpered and tightened his grip.
"No, TaeTae, don't go," Jaybum mumbled weakly, his small arms refusing to release Taehyung.
"Bun, I'm not going anywhere," Taehyung reassured him, trying to free himself gently.
But Jaybum was determined, tugging Taehyung down onto the bed. The sudden pull caused Taehyung to fall, landing between Jungkook and Jaybum.
He tried to sit up, but Jaybum clung to him even tighter, burying his flushed face into Taehyung's neck.
"Please, TaeTae... stay," Jaybum whispered, his voice trembling.
Before Taehyung could respond, he felt Jungkook shift beside him. The alpha, half-asleep and clearly affected by his fever, instinctively wrapped an arm around Taehyung from behind.
Taehyung froze as Jungkook's warm breath ghosted over the back of his neck. Jungkook's hold was firm but not overbearing, as though he sought comfort in Taehyung's presence. Now sandwiched between the two, Taehyung had no choice but to stay still, his heart racing as he felt their warmth surrounding him.
The room was quiet except for the soft sound of Jaybum's breathing and Jungkook's low murmurs. Taehyung sighed softly, letting himself relax as he muttered under his breath, "Just for tonight."
And in that moment, despite the circumstances, everything felt oddly perfect.
The soft light of dawn streamed through the curtains,
Taehyung stirred awake, his body still sandwiched between Jungkook and Jaybum. It took him a moment to realize where he was-the events of the previous day coming back to him in fragments.
He shifted slightly, only to notice the unusual warmth against his neck. Jungkook's face was buried deep in the crook of his neck, his soft breaths tickling Taehyung's skin.
Meanwhile, Jaybum, who had clung to him like a koala all night, had his small arms wrapped securely from behind around Taehyung's waist.
Taehyung blinked, his cheeks heating at the realization of their positions. Carefully, he tried to untangle himself, starting with Jaybum. But as soon as he moved, Jaybum let out a tiny squeal in his slumber, his nose scrunching adorably before he rolled to the other side of the bed, mumbling incoherently.
Taehyung sighed in relief, but the victory was short-lived. Jungkook, still in a deep sleep, only tightened his hold on Taehyung. His arms wrapped securely around Taehyung's waist, and his face pressed even closer to his neck, as though unconsciously seeking comfort.
"Mr. Jeon..." Taehyung whispered softly, trying not to wake him too abruptly. He wiggled slightly, attempting to free himself, but Jungkook's grip only grew firmer.
A shiver ran down Taehyung's spine when he felt the faintest brush of Jungkook's lips against his skin. His heart raced uncontrollably as he stilled, not daring to move further.
"Why is this happening to me..." he muttered under his breath, a mix of exasperation and something he couldn't quite name.
Minutes passed as Taehyung tried various methods to escape without waking Jungkook, but none of them worked. Feeling utterly defeated, he sighed and relaxed back into the bed.
It wasn't until what felt like hours later that Jungkook's grip finally loosened. His breathing remained steady, his fevered state keeping him deep in sleep.
Seizing the opportunity, Taehyung carefully pried Jungkook's arms off him and slipped out of bed.
He stood for a moment at the edge of the bed, gazing down at the duo. Jaybum was curled up on one side, his tiny form barely taking up space.
Jungkook, though looking exhausted, seemed peaceful, his features soft in the morning light.
Taehyung smiled faintly, brushing a hand through his messy hair. "I'll go make breakfast," he whispered to himself before quietly leaving the room, his heart still beating a little faster than usual.