DEEP TROUBLE [KTH]

~8~

Diagnosis

The boy clings to his savior as a new unfamiliar person steps into their small apartment, scrunching up his nose as his nose picks on the faint scent of antiseptics.

"Thank you for coming hyung." Namjoon says with a bow, something the boy recognized as the human's way of greeting.

EunHae had told him earlier that a guest was coming, but V wasn't sure what to make out of the stranger, especially given the particular scent that brought back so many memories.

The stranger smiles at Namjoon and returns the gesture, giving the girl a shy smile and wave as he spots her in the kitchen, his ears turning a slight shade of red.

After closing the door, Namjoon joins his friend's side, exchanging a brief look with EunHae to ask if the boy is ready.

Judging by the boy's reaction though, it might be better for their guest to make himself comfortable before the boy shows himself.

"Would you like something to drink?" EunHae asks.

"Water would be fine, thank you." He says taking a seat on the couch.

"Thank you for doing this hyung." Namjoon says with a grateful smile. "We didn't know who else to ask."

"I'm doing this as a friend, not a doctor." The friend says with a smile.  "Can you tell me more about him?"

A friend? The boy wonders with a slight frown.

EunHae is a friend.

Namjoon is a friend.

If this unfamiliar person is a friend of Namjoon's, then that means that he should give this new "friend" the benefit of the doubt, right? After all, he doesn't seem to be a stranger to Namjoon.

As EunHae is about to step out of the kitchen, the boy reaches out and holds the hem of her shirt, his eyes showing a mixture of hesitation and curiosity at the same time.

"What is it V?" EunHae says placing the glass on the counter to take his hand, her other hand coming up to cup his cheek. "You don't have to say hi if you don't feel comfortable. We can just go back to the room and wait if you want." She offers but the boy slightly shakes his head, his gaze determined as he looks at the stranger.

"Do you want to give him the water?" She asks and the boy nods, following close behind as they approach him.

The boy carefully places the glass in front of the stranger and bows like he had seen the human pair do, retreating back to EunHae's side as the stranger looks up and smiles at him.

"Thank you." He says, his eyes slightly crinkling at the corners. "My name is Seokjin but you can call me Jin." Jin adds standing up.

The boy nods and points at himself making a 'v' with his hand, the oldest nodding.

"Ah, nice to meet you V." Jin says. "Would you like to join us?" He asks scooting to the side to make space for the boy, who gives him a grateful nod and sits down, still keeping his distance.

So far, Jin didn't seem like much of a threat. Much like EunHae and Namjoon, Seokjin radiated kindness and warmth.

"So, V," Jin starts, "do you know the reason why I'm here?" He asks and the boy hesitantly nods, biting his lower lip as he does so.