“Ugh,” Taehyung whined, attempting to snuggle into Jin’s lap. Namjoon sat beside them, watching television, while Jungkook was still in the bath. + 

“J-Jinnie,” Taehyung mumbled, pouting. Jin continued watching the show, his head resting on Namjoon’s shoulder. “Jinnie!” Tae called again. Jin finally responded, turning his head downward to look at the younger. “Hm?” + 

“I-I wanna s-sleep.” + 

Jin smiled, gently trying to help Taehyung sit up to go to bed. “N-No,” he mumbled. “U-Up.” + 

Jin sighed, lifting his brother onto his back. Taehyung rested his head against Jin’s neck, Jin’s soft hair falling across his face. He recalled a time when Jungkook had picked *him* up, a time when he thought Jungkook was cold and aloof. He’d been in pain then, hurt by girls who’d whispered cruelties. + 

Jungkook was warm, a warmth Jin couldn’t quite replicate. Jin was different. + 

“Oh my god!” Taehyung startled, snapping out of his daydream as Jin exclaimed suddenly. He realized he was already in his bed. “Namjoon!” + 

--- + 

TAEHYUNG’S P.O.V + 

What’s happening? What’s wrong? + 

Jin was speaking to Joonie, and Joonie responded quickly. Jin was telling him something… Why can’t I hear them properly? + 

Everything is… muffled? Yeah. Muffled. + 

I yawned, my eyes growing heavy. A chill settled over me. I wanted Jinnie. I wanted Kookie. I wanted to snuggle with them… + 

“J-Ji-Jinnie…” I managed to stutter out, but he didn’t seem to hear me. “J-Jinn-Jinnie!” I tried again, but he continued talking to Joonie! + 

I held back a cry. I was so tired. Without thinking, I grabbed my favorite pillow, cuddling it like Kookie Bunny. He was *my* favorite. + 

As everything went soft, my eyes closed, and darkness consumed me. + 

--- + 

Jungkook groaned as he ruffled his hair with the towel, but was immediately met with Jin and Namjoon’s voices. “Jin! I told you, it’s just a fever!” Namjoon exclaimed, then caught sight of Jungkook. “Hey, kid, tell Jin all Tae has is a fever!” + 

But Jungkook’s jaw dropped as he tossed the towel onto the shelf, rushing to the now-sleeping Taehyung. Jin was still pouting. + 

“TaeTae is sick??” Jungkook exclaimed, feeling Taehyung’s forehead. His eyes widened. It was so warm! + 

“Oh my god—” Jungkook breathed. + 

“Oh. My. God,” Namjoon echoed. “A fever! Taehyung has a normal fever.” Jin nodded, but continued cooing softly at the sleeping boy. “I know, but TaeTae…” + 

Namjoon sighed. “I’ll go get the medicine.” He left the room, followed hesitantly by Jin, who murmured, “I’ll make him some soup.” + 

Soon they were both gone, and Jungkook closed the door. + 

I should get in. + 

He didn’t mind if he got sick. + 

Jungkook crawled into bed beside Taehyung, carefully adjusting him into a comfortable position before pulling the blanket over them both. The air conditioner blew cool air, and the room was silent save for its hum. + 

“TaeTae,” Jungkook whispered. “How’d you get sick? Did I take you out shopping for too long?” He watched his boyfriend lovingly, even asleep, he looked breathtaking. He looked so pure, so innocent. “I’m sorry.” + 

Jungkook cuddled closer, feeling Taehyung’s warm breath against his neck. He smoothed a strand of Taehyung’s soft hair. “I hope you get better before school starts. Though if you don’t, I won’t go either. I’ll stay home to take care of you, because going somewhere without you wouldn’t be…” He considered the word. “Fun.” + 

Jungkook smiled, pulling Taehyung closer. Taehyung’s body was radiating heat, a clear sign of fever. But it was comforting. + 

“I love you.” + 