His Alpha Surgeon| JIKOOK |

17. I'm His Mate!

Taehyung paced back and forth down the hallway, waiting outside the closed door of Jimin’s hospital room. Dr. Seokjin and the attending physician had kicked him out as soon as they arrived at the hospital, saying that his stressed pheromones would only agitate Jimin more and he needed a calm environment to rest. Plus the doctor needed more room to work in the cramped space. Though he had argued at first, Taehyung knew the other two doctors were right, and eventually capitulated. The hallway, with its bright white tiles, offered no chairs for him to sit on, but Taehyung doubted he would be able to sit still anyway.

The door swung open with a click of the handle, and Taehyung immediately rushed back to where Dr. Seokjin emerged.

“Is he ok? What happened? Are the blood tests back? Did the doctor figure out what’s wrong?” 

Dr. Seokjin held out his hands in a calming manner and said firmly, “Your friend is ok. You don’t need to worry. We just talked a little and he had some juice, but he’s exhausted and sleeping again. If you’re quiet, you can go and sit with him.”

Taehyung almost pushed past Dr. Seokjin in his haste to see Jimin, but paused in the doorway and looked over his shoulder, “Thank you. For taking care of him.”

“Of course,” Dr. Seokjin said with a wan smile. “And Taehyung? He needs your support now, more than ever. But please don’t-” he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “don’t ask him too many questions. Let him talk when he’s ready, ok?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him,” Taehyung replied, but his brow crinkled. What did Dr. Seokjin mean by that cryptic advice?

It was dark by this time, and Jimin, a tiny lump curled up under the white blankets, was barely visible in the weak light filtering in from the streets below. Taehyung sat in the dimly lit hospital room, gazing out the window at the darkened cityscape beyond. The quiet hum of the medical equipment provided a constant background noise, while the sterile smell of antiseptic hung heavily in the air. Jimin lay motionless on the bed, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with each breath.

Taehyung's thoughts drifted to the events of the day, replaying them in his mind like a broken record. He had watched in horror as Jimin had collapsed like a ragdoll. The frantic rush to the hospital, the blur of doctors and nurses, and the endless hours of waiting had all taken their toll. His whole body felt heavy and fatigued, stomach rumbling since it was after when he usually ate dinner.

Now, in the stillness of the room,  helplessness, and despair threatened to overwhelm him, knowing that he could do nothing to alleviate Jimin's suffering. He longed to reach out and touch him, to feel the warmth of his skin and reassure himself that Jimin was still there, still fighting. But all he could do was watch and wait, his heart heavy with worry and fear. But he was an alpha, and Jimin a mated omega. Jimin wasn’t his. And he doubted very much that Jimin would want to deal with Jungkook’s wrath if he were touched by another alpha.

 As the night wore on and the darkness deepened, Taehyung resolved to stay by Jimin's side, to offer whatever comfort he could, and to pray that his friend would pull through.

He knew he loved Jimin. He had loved him for years, but he had never dared to tell him. Jimin had always been his best friend, and he didn't want to risk losing that friendship. But as he sat there, watching Jimin sleep and looking so pale and weak, he realized that he couldn't keep his feelings hidden anymore. Life was too short.

Jimin stirred in his sleep, and Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. He leaned forward, taking Jimin's hand in his own. Jimin's fingers twitched slightly at the touch, and Taehyung smiled softly.

"I love you, Jimin," he whispered, knowing that Jimin couldn't hear him.

As he sat there, lost in thought, Taehyung didn't notice when Jimin's eyes fluttered open. Jimin watched Taehyung for a moment, taking in the sight of him sitting there, holding his hand.