BTS HYYH Notes (Book 1, 2, BUS Game) // COMPLETE [Part 2]

2022, May 3 - Seokjin (Visiting Namjoon & Finding Out Why Hoseok Collapses)

[Place: container town]

I mull things over alone for a while but end up going to Namjoon out of frustration. Namjoon and Hoseok share similarities - and they're also responsible for people other than themselves. And it seems they've both kept in touch. I'm sure that out of anyone, Namjoon knows Hoseok the best.

"Nice to see you, hyung. What brings you here?" Namjoon greets me warmly.

Even Jungkook's there. Killing some time after school.

"I was passing by and thought of you. Looks like Jungkook's here, too?"

"Yeah, he's here so much I wonder if his parents miss him."

"... It's fine, really."

We exchange greetings, and I mull over what to say for a moment before I speak.

"I saw Hoseok a few days ago."

"Where at?"

"I went to Two Star Burger. He seemed really busy, so I couldn't really talk to him."

"Should I tell him to come here after work? Jungkook said he was hungry earlier, so we can ask him to bring some hamburgers."

"Sounds good!" Jungkook agreed.

Talking to Hoseok directly sounds nice, so I agree to Namjoon's suggestion.

But as for actually calling Hoseok...

🔴

(A/N: Loop #1: Do it yourself.)

"I'll call him."

"Will you?" Namjoon asked.

I dial Hoseok's number.

"Hello?"

"Hoseok-ah, it's Seokjin hyung."

"Hyung? What's up?"

"I'm with Namjoon and Jungkook-ie now."

"Ah, really? Where are you guys? I'm off work soon - I'll come with you." Hoseok mentions coming over before I bring it up.

"Yeah. Oh, Jungkook says he's hungry."

"Wait just a little while. I'll be there soon."

🔴

(A/N: Loop #2: Watch someone else do it.)

"I'll call him."

I talk to Namjoon while Jungkook makes the call. "How's Hoseok been?"

"He's pretty busy. He has that part-time job, and he has to volunteer at the children's home. You know the cultural center? He has dance practice there every day."

"On top of everything else?"

"Jung Hoseok doesn't just have a busy day every once in a while."

"I knew he did a lot, but I can't help but wonder if he's pushing himself too hard."

Jungkook: Hoseok hyung said he's done at work and that he'll be here soon.

🔴

I decide to ask about the things I want to know before Hoseok arrives. "Speaking of Hoseok... How's his narcolepsy?"

Namjoon answered. "I think he's still on medication for it."

"It... Can't be cured?"

"I'm not sure. He seems okay these days... It's awkward asking for details."

Hoseok doesn't really talk about his condition. Since he doesn't bring it up, we don't dare to ask about it either. But I thought maybe Namjoon would know something, given how he's so understanding.

Jungkook: Hyung, can I read this book?

Namjoon: Yeah. Go ahead.

The conversation trails off, and Namjoon and Jungkook start to find other things to do. It's not awkward though. This is familiar. It reminds me of how things used to be.

After a while, footsteps sounds outside the door.

"Yah~ Hello there, everyone!" Hoseok steps inside, his voice bright and cheerful, and the container fills with the smell of hamburgers. "These hamburgers were hand-made by the employee of the month!"

"You even brought cola to-go?"

"Of course! Oh right. Jungkook-ah, I have something to give to you." Hoseok rustles through the takeout bags and produces a boxed toy that comes with a kid's meal. "Here's your Children's Day gift!"

(A/N: In South Korea, they have an annual Parent's Day and Children's Day on month of May or June, from my understanding. Hehe.)

"But I'm not a kid?"

"Everyone under the age of 20 is a kid! Tell me that again when you get your ID, alright?"

Jungkook accepts the box, even as he pouts at Hoseok's ribbing. "It's not even May 5th today."

"Well, it'd be nice to give you this on the day of, but I had to be at the children's home (orphanage) that day. Sorry!"

Jungkook seems pleased by his sudden gift.

"Are they holding an event for Children's Day?" Namjoon asked.

"It's not really an event... I'm going to see the families."

"Are you taking a gift?"

"Gifts are tricky! I'm thinking of taking some hamburgers. And I'll play with the kids."

Now, my turn. "How many kids are there?"

"About... Twenty? Tiny kids this big, all the way to high school students."

"That's more than I expected. It must be fun when everyone plays together."

"Do you want to come? They'd love it if you took photos of them."

"Can I? I can take as many as they want."

Hoseok raises his hand as a sign of welcome. We high-five each other. (A/N: this scene looked cute though and rare, it's on the game btw hehe.)

"Do you guys want to come along, too?"

Namjoon regretfully rejects Hoseok's invitation, saying he's too busy and Jungkook seems to be torn. Hoseok smiles at Jungkook reassuringly, telling him not to feel pressured.

Same as always. Hoseok's  always been the mood-maker. His bright and cheerful personality has the power to ease away the awkwardness, and sticky situations and disagreements never lasted long when Hoseok was there.

I'm in lost thought about the past when I notice Hoseok taking out his medication.

"Do you want some water?" Namjoon asked.

"Yes, thank you!"

"How are you these days? Do you feel better?"

"Hmm, I don't have any symptoms, but I shouldn't be skipping these." A grim look appears on Hoseok's face for a moment.

It's the first time I've seen him wear such an expression. Well, it doesn't means he's alright just because he smiles in front of people. I'm sure he's scared of his condition. He must feel uneasy, not knowing when he'll collapse.

It's not enough for me to prevent the accidents I can see, or to prevent him from getting injured. I also need to save Hoseok from the fear that isn't visible. It's not a condition you can recover from, but if we find the cause of it... He might be able to get better.

It's time to find out what makes him collapse.