• com·fort [ˈkəmfərt] - the easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress •

•

"Why are we here?"

Jeongguk shrugs. "You were too scared to tell me where you lived so I just brought you here. Don't worry, I'll take the couch." Jeongguk begins walking towards the building, leaving Jimin with his mouth agape and a confused expression patterned on his face.

"No! I'll take the couch! I mean, I am the one intruding, even though I didn't ask to be here." Jimin catches up to Jeongguk who just shakes his head.

"Too bad. I'm taking the couch and that's final. You get the bed." Jimin knew he wouldn't be able to crack Jeongguk's stubbornness so he just stayed silent, trailing behind him on the way to the elevator.

Jeongguk pressed the button for the elevator and when it arrived an elderly woman hobbled out, eyes drifting over Jimin before landing on Jeongguk.

"Hey, Mrs.Lee!"

"Hello, Jeon. And hello...Jeon's friend." The woman looks to Jimin before winking at Jeongguk. Jimin's face turns red and Jeongguk smugly walks into the elevator, gesturing for Jimin to follow.

Jimin steps cautiously into the elevator, watching as Jeongguk presses the number 5. The doors shut slowly, leaving the two in the small space alone.

The ride is silent as the elevator climbs to the fifth floor, dinging when it reaches its destination. The two walk out, Jimin still following behind Jeongguk.

They stop in front of door 536 and Jeongguk pulls out a key, twisting it and opening the door to allow Jimin to walk in. He steps in as Jeongguk closes the door behind them, he observes the simple style and beige walls. He notices the thin black couch placed in the living room that Jeongguk would be staying on. He feels his stomach drop in guilt at invading Jeongguk's living space.

"You know..." Jimin bites his lip nervously. "I can just walk home, I don't want to intrude..."

"Jimin. You don't even know where we are and I promise it's fine!" Jeongguk opens a door on the right side of the hallway, showing Jimin his bedroom. His bed was so big, Jimin can't help but feel bad that he would be sleeping on the small couch.

"Jeongguk...at least let me take the couch..."

Jeongguk turns around to face Jimin. "No. I know you're tired and you've been saving lives all the damn time! You deserve a comfortable bed to sleep in." Jeongguk pulls Jimin towards the bed by his wrist, pushing him gently down. He pulls up the blankets and covers Jimin with them, wrapping him up like a little burrito.

"Now sleep. I know how exhausted you must be." Jeongguk lifts his hand to caress Jimin's face, gliding his thumb across his soft cheeks which were now burning red.

Jeongguk heads for the door before turning his head to take a glance at the wrapped up Jimin. "Tomorrow we can get to know each other for real." Jeongguk smiles a genuine smile, no michief passing in his eyes.

"I have work..." Jimin says quietly, frowning slightly.

"After. I'll pick you up." Jeongguk continues to smile as a small smile makes its way onto Jimin's face as well.

"Okay," Jimin says softly, his mouth curving upwards. Jeongguk mutters a quiet goodnight and shuts the door gently, leaving Jimin in total darkness.

Jimin felt the guilt settle in as he listened to Jeongguk get settled on the couch in the living room, shuffling around every few seconds to try and get comfortable. Eventually Jimin's exhaustion overtook him as he slowly drifted off with a pit of guilt still sitting in his stomach.

•

The flatlining machine rings out into the completely white space. Jimin stands above the patient, now lifeless before his eyes.

The face of a young girl, peacefully still, lying on an operating table. Jimin cried, the tears cascading down like a waterfall.

The girl's face morphs into that of someone else. A certain someone with big doe eyes and the biggest smile. The face of Jeon Jeongguk, lifeless on the table.

Beeeeep.
                  Beeeeeep.
                                      Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

The screeching of the machine wouldn't stop, it never stopped. It was constantly playing, playing its tune of madness.

"No! No! Don't leave me, please don't go!"

The scene changes, replaced with that of a dark room with no windows. With chains attached to the walls and a deep voice echoing through the room.

"How could you leave me, Jimin?"

"Jimin, I was always there for you."

"Jimin you can't leave me."

No. No. No.

Go away. You aren't allowed here!

"You can never escape me, Jimin. You can't run, you can't hide. I'm coming for you."

•

Jimin jumps up in bed, hand placed against his quickening heart. Sweat dripped from his forehead as his eyes scanned the room for the person who's voice haunted his nightmares. He used his long sleeves to wipe away the tears falling down his face, mixing with his sweat.

"Breathe, breathe Jimin." He comforted himself, attempting to take in deep breaths of air. He counted to ten slowly in his head, calming down slightly. His hands still shook with fear as he lifted himself out of the covers.

His legs were shaky as he stood up, glancing down at the big bed. It was too big. He still had guilt dancing around in his stomach over intruding on Jeongguk's space. He quietly walked over to the door, turning the handle slowly and carefully.

Jimin walked into the hallway, the dark length of space making him more paranoid. He shook his head to try and get the echoing voice of his nightmare out of his head.

He reached the couch and observed the sleeping Jeongguk, his face peaceful.

Jimin's mind flashes back to his nightmare, to the screaming of the flatlining machine and the lifeless face of Jeon Jeongguk.

Jimin takes a shaky breath, playing with his fingers before squeezing next to Jeongguk, cuddling close to his chest and balling up his shirt into his hands to try and get them to stop fidgeting.

Jeongguk unconsciously pulls Jimin closer, his arm wrapped around his waist.

Jimin breathes in Jeongguk's comforting scent. He places his small hand to Jeongguk's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart, reassuring himself that the boy was indeed alive.

Jimin only allowed himself to drift off as he listened to the strong beats of Jeongguk's heart, attempting to push the threatening voice of his nightmares away.

• • •

Hey everyone!

Thank you to all who read and support my story, it means a lot, truly.

I hope you're enjoying reading! <3