The room swam into focus, blurry and cold. A voice, sharp and unfamiliar, cut through the throbbing in his head.
“Ahh! Who the hell are you?!”
He squeezed his eyes shut against the pain, trying to orient himself. “Calm down—” he heard, but the words felt distant.
“Where am I?” he rasped, voice rough. “Who are you?”
“Let me explain—” The voice started again, but he cut it off.
“Did you kidnap me?” The question tumbled out, laced with fear.
“No, I—”
“Are you going to murder me? Why am I here?” He fired off the questions, fueled by panic.
The other man sighed, a sound that scraped against the edges of his frayed nerves. “Would you shut up?”
He obeyed, clamping his mouth shut. The man ran a hand through dark hair, looking…tired.
“A car—a drunk driver was about to hit you. I pushed you out of the way, and you hit your head.” The explanation came slowly, deliberately. He felt a strange pressure behind his eyes, a dull ache that seemed to bloom at the man’s touch. It was…convincing.
“I think you have a concussion,” the man continued. “I brought you here because I don’t know where you live.”
Recognition flickered. “Oh…well, thank you. Now that I think about it, my head is hurting, and I do remember being at the crosswalk when I saw the car.” He rubbed at his temples, wincing.
“Thank you for saving me.” The words slipped out before he could stop them, a clumsy expression of gratitude.
“You’re welcome.” The man’s lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. He noticed his teeth – a slight rounding, like a bunny rabbit’s. A small, unexpected detail. He found himself staring. The man was…attractive.
“My name is Jeon Jungkook.”
“Kim Taehyung.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jungkook’s smile widened, and a warmth bloomed in his chest.
“Same to you.” He sank onto the edge of the bed, feeling the tension bleed away.
“So, are you hungry?” Taehyung asked, wanting to break the silence, to gauge Jungkook’s condition.
“Um, no, I’m fine.” Jungkook’s voice was too quick, too casual. He didn't believe him. He reached out, subtly, and brushed his power against Jungkook’s mind.
*Yes… I’m hungry… but that’s rude. He saved me and I can’t just eat… I might annoy him. But, he doesn’t look like the type to get annoyed easily. He’s cute though. Hot… I’m fanboying. Why is he staring at me? Did he ask a question?!*
The thoughts tumbled through his mind, a chaotic rush of anxiety and attraction. He chuckled softly.
“U-um did you ask something?” Jungkook stammered, cheeks flushing.
“No. Are you sure? It’s no trouble.” He held back a smile.
Jungkook bit his lip, then nodded, almost imperceptibly. “Please…” he mumbled, barely audible.
Taehyung nodded, rising to his feet. He headed for the kitchen, already planning a simple meal. It felt…good, to take care of someone, especially someone with eyes that lit up with shy gratitude. He couldn't shake the thought that Jungkook was watching him, and he didn't know if he should be worried or excited.