33 Chapter 33: Everything is falling apart. . .

Namjoon stood pacing next to Jungkook's bed. His thoughts were running like a derailing train. He shouldn't have let Jungkook out of his sight. I looked at what had happened! He went drinking alone. . .one should never drink alone.

A sigh escaped his lips as he took out his cell. He hoped that he didn't make a mistake by calling Yuna. He knew she had the 'interview' today. Shit! he thought, she doesn't own a car. How was she going to get here?

If memory served him correctly, Yuna's mode of transport had always been Jungkook. He jumped when his phone vibrated in his hand. He swiped to unlock the screen, and 'New Message' flashed. It is probably from Yuna.

Namjoon we are on our way. Which floor are you on?

Who is this we? Maybe Hoseok was bringing her to the hospital. He would have to play it cool. She mustn't learn that he's associated with Jin's company. He bit his tongue between his teeth as he typed his reply.

Yuna, who is with you? We are on the third floor.

It was short and curt but he had to know that she was safe. Jungkook would never forgive him if something happened to his baby sister. He averted his gaze from his cell towards Jungkook. He looked like the grim reaper himself.

Bandages covered Jungkook from his neck until his toes except for his right arm and left leg. The cast had been put on only a few hours ago. The doctors weren't sure that he was going to make it.

What would Yuna's reaction be? he wondered. He wasn't going to tell her this news yet...that would only distract her. His phone vibrated again.

We are in the elevator.

She still hadn't answered who she came with. He had to play it cool. His palms started sweating, it wasn't in his nature to be deceitful, but he had to be. He liked Jungkook and wanted to help him to save the Meaty Way. With a long sigh, he texted Yuna.

We are in room thirteen.

He didn't receive a reply in return. He jumped as the door burst open, revealing Yuna and Jin? I have missed something. . .he thought. He watched Yuna run past him without a greeting and fell to her knees when she saw Jungkook.

A defeated cry escaped her lips. Namjoon averted his gaze. It was too painful to watch. Jin stood in front of him. Please, Namjoon thought, indicating do not give her a reason to suspect us with his eyes. He hoped Jin understood the hint, but Jin wasn't looking at him. His gaze was locked on the back of Yuna's head.

*****

This isn't happening, Yuna cried inwardly. Her brother, her rock. . .was he even alive? She tried to stand up, but her knees gave in. She almost hit the floor when a pair of arms enveloped her waist, lifting her steadily.

"Are you all right?"

Jin's voice calmed her a little. She was afraid to speak. Her voice would give away what she was feeling inside. Her world was falling apart, and she had dragged Jungkook along with her. She stared at Jungkook's face. Bruises covered his face, and his lips were swollen.

"I asked if you are all right?" whispered Jin in her ear.

She shook her head while removing herself from Jin's grasp. She slowly approached the bedside. She couldn't even hold his hand, so she lightly brushed his fingertips.

"Kookie," she whispered. She wanted to ask if he could hear her, but that would be. . .stupid. She didn't know what to say. Tears streamed down her cheeks, she couldn't hide them anymore. She needed to inform their parents.

She didn't want to have that conversation. She knew what their argument would be; her fault. She was blamed for everything that ever happened. Jungkook had always protected her and looked - here laid her shield, and she was powerless to help him.

Namjoon approached slowly. He reached out towards her shoulder, giving her a sympathy squeeze. "I am sorry."

She turned to Namjoon with a small smile. Her eyes were red from crying. She wasn't sure how she should respond. She knew one thing for sure; stay strong for Jungkook's sake. "Thank you."

Namjoon smiled and wanted to change the subject. "So. . . Who is this?"

"Forgive me," Yuna replied, indicating to Jin with her left hand. "Namjoon this is Seokjin Kim, he is my new co-worker and Jin this is Namjoon. He's a waiter at my brother's restaurant. "

She watched as both men reached for each other with an outstretched hand and shook while nodding. She turned her attention back to Jungkook. I promise. I promise that I will be strong for you. I will make sure that everything is taken care of.

She leaned forward and kissed his brow. When she turned around she noticed that both men had left the room. Strange, she thought and moved one of the hospital chairs towards the bed. She didn't want to go home. . .she would be too worried about Jungkook.

She wondered if the hospital would let her sleep here for the night. She pulled her knees up against her chest and rested her forehead. You have always been the strong one Kookie. . .I couldn't even stand up for myself. You always had my back and I have let you down. Why didn't you tell me what has been bothering you?

Yuna's emotions conflicted. She had been selfish the whole time and expected Jungkook to come to her rescue often. Why hadn't he said anything? Why hadn't he told her the truth? That she had been ruining his life. What could she do? She hugged her knees closer, tears staining her jeans; she fell asleep.

*****

"So tell me Jin," said Namjoon as he closed the door behind them, "why are you here?" His voice sounded bittersweet as he remembered Jin's vow a few days ago. He knew he would win this bet but never thought it would be this easy.

Jin placed his hands in his jacket pocket. "She had to get to the hospital."

Namjoon smirked inwardly. So, he wanted to be the knight in shining armour. "Are you sure that is the only reason?"

He had to know how far Jin had fallen already. He would then have a little conversation with him on how not to fall in love this quickly. Good things came with time and if he fell for her this quickly then. . .there would be problems.

"Yes," Jin replied curtly. Namjoon heard the irritation that crept into his voice.

"Fine. I will not pester you," Namjoon said, crossing his arms. He didn't believe him and they would have to return before Yuna got suspicious of them. "Let's return."

Namjoon opened the door but Jin grabbed his arm. He closed the door, turning towards him. Was he going to confess? "Yes?" he said, curiously.

"I think I should leave."

"Why?" He had to admit he was curious to know why Jin wanted to leave so badly.

"I overstayed my welcome. We are colleagues now - nothing more," Jin replied, turning away from Namjoon. He hated the words that fell from his lips. He walked away before Namjoon could stop him.

Interesting, Namjoon thought and entered the hospital room. His eyes widened in surprise. Yuna was fast asleep in the chair. As he walked closer he noticed her eyes were still wet. Had she been crying?

He didn't want to wake her but the door opened, revealing a stern-looking nurse. "Visiting hours are over."

"Shouldn't the doctor explain his injuries to her?" he asked softly.

"She should have been here earlier," she snapped and left the room.

How rude. . . He didn't have a choice. He had to wake her. He reached for her shoulder, shaking her lightly. "Yuna. Yuna we have to leave."

Yuna jolted awake. He saw defeat reflecting in her eyes. His heart broke for her and he smiled lightly. "The nurse said visiting hours are over."

"Oh," she replied. She stretched and placed her feet on the floor. "Do I have to leave?"

"Yes," he said and offered his hand. "Do you want to go home?"

What a stupid question, he thought. She is hurting and you asked instead of offering. . . "May I take you home?"

She blinked at him. Her face contorted in confusion. Namjoon wanted to kick himself but before he could correct himself, she said, "I don't think I can be alone right now. . ."

He felt the sorrow behind her words. Maybe she should take her to his place - No. He couldn't do that. It would raise too many questions that he didn't want to answer. "Do you want me to stay at your place?"

He wanted to facepalm himself. He was being a complete idiot. . .Surely, Jungkook would kill him or worse; Yuna's reputation came into question. He added, completely flustered, "I could just take you home."

Yuna stood up, stretching her legs that felt numb. Considering Namjoon's words carefully. He was being considerate and she appreciated it. She looked around only to notice that Jin was nowhere.

"Where is Jin?" she asked, looking sad.

"He left," he replied.

"Oh. . ." she said, "Please take me home."

"All right," Najoon said and offered her his arm.

Yuna took his arm and they walked out of the hospital room, but she stopped to take one last look at Jungkook. Her heart weighed a thousand tons. She wondered if she would have time to visit tomorrow. How busy would her day get?

Namjoon tugged her slightly. He understood the pain that she was going through. It would not help Jungkook by dwelling on what to do. They had to let the doctors do their job as he would do his. Tomorrow he was going to close the Meaty Way and relocate it then he will lay a trap for Nimue.

They arrived at his car. It was a small simple silver polo. He opened the door for Yuna, her expression was blank. He wanted to say something to cheer her up but he knew he would only mess things up. So he asked, "Are you excited to work on the movie?"

Yuna buckled in as he climbed in behind the wheel. "I don't know."

Wow, Namjoon thought. She really is defeated. He started the car, reversed and asked her for directions. He looked around. Apartment buildings were reaching for the sky, the streets were busy with beggars in the street. This was not an area a young lady should live in.

They reached her apartment building. Yuna didn't wait for him as she climbed out of the car. He followed suit as she led him to her apartment. She opened the door. "It is small but it is home."

She was right about the apartment, it was small. He smiled at her. "It is cosy."

Her gaze fell to the floor. "I will bring you some bedding for the couch."

"Thank you."

He watched her leave in a narrow passageway. He didn't want to snoop yet he wanted to get to know her better. On a mantlepiece were photos of her and Jungkook. They looked happy and carefree.

"Here you go," a soft voice said behind him. He turned, Yuna held a pillow and blankets. "If you don't mind. . .I want to turn in for the night."

"Of course. Do not mind me," he replied and took the bedding from her.

She nodded and left. A sigh escaped his lips. What was he going to do with her? Everything started so well and now this had happened. She wouldn't be able to function on a movie set like this. He made up the couch and sat down.

"I will fix this," he said softly and laid down, falling asleep immediately.