After a long while, Jeongguk withdrew himself from Taehyung and missing his warmth immediately. Taehyung raised a hand up to wipe away the tears that wet the younger's face with a soft smile. “I don't think I've ever seen you cry, Jeongguk-ah.” he mumbles.

“I rarely cry.” Jeongguk laughed through his tears before sniffling and wiping the remaining salt.

“A few years ago, I caught a viral infection and it affected my heart. It's also known as myocarditis. My cardiologist said that my condition was rare and I'll need to take medication. I started having heart troubles at the age of 18. It only developed into CHF after a year. The doctor says my heart is growing weaker each day and that medication can no longer help me… it's just to lessen my symptoms.” Taehyung spoke up out of the blue answering the question that was asked and catching Jeongguk's attention. His voice is sad, like he's already given up. “My life has barely started and yet this disease is eating me up.”

Jeongguk rested the palm of his hand on top of Taehyung's again, the smooth skin of his knuckle. “I'm sorry you have to go through this.” he says, feeling saddened by the fact that Taehyung has been suffering with a cardiac disease for the past six years.

There was a moment of silent for a while before Taehyung spoke up again.

“I'm not ready to die. At least, not anytime soon. You're finally back in my life. I can't lose you again this time.” Taehyung slowly intertwined their fingers together, his eyes forms crescent moons smiling up at the raven-haired man. “You don't know how happy I am to see you again. I feel like a part of me was missing without you.”

It was strange. Humans don't normally regain their memories back; especially after years of a Grim's awakening. Kim Taehyung was a special case.

Jeongguk couldn't help but smile at his friend, feeling grateful and whole again. He doesn't think about the consequences he will face later with the reaper. It's been years since the two men talked face-to-face like this. It's been even longer since they've touched or even held hands. Jeongguk wanted to savour every moment without the constant worry in the back of his mind or Yoongi's nagging. There's so much he's been wanting to ask Taehyung.

“Don't say things like that hyung.” Jeongguk spoke softly, his free hand the older's knuckle.

“Even though I didn't remember anything until now, I always felt partly empty. Now I know the reason behind that hollow feeling.” Taehyung lifts his other hand to place it on the left side of his chest, rubbing it in soothing circles. “You made up a part of me. My best friend.”

“I'm back now… and I promise I won't leave you again.” Jeongguk mumbled, voice soft as his eyes met Taehyung's. His words were half-empty, not knowing if he could even live up to them. The reaper will have my head.

“Don't leave me again.” Taehyung gave his hand a little squeeze, eyes looking hopefully up at the raven-haired man. Jeongguk felt his heart skipped a beat and a fond expression replaces his current. Now he was going to have to keep that promise. With Taehyung's eyes staring at him like that made him feel so small and would give up anything for the man.

There was a sudden knock on the door, causing the two men to turn their attention towards it. A nurse enters pushing a wheelchair followed by an older looking man wearing a lab coat with a name tag, “Dr. Lee”. Dr. Lee's eyes went from Jeongguk to Taehyung.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we need to examine Mr. Kim's condition and take him to testing.” Dr. Lee spoke out loud, holding a clipboard in his hand. The nurse came over to Taehyung's bedside and helping him onto the wheelchair.

Jeongguk released their hands and watches as Taehyung is being helped into the wheelchair. “Hyung, I'm going to go now.” he says before bowing to the doctor and nurse to take his leave.

As he begin to turn his back and walk out the door, a hand instantly wrapped around his wrist to stop him. “Wait! Jeongguk.”

My job is just to watch him, what have I gotten myself into?

Jeongguk turned his head back towards Taehyung, a hand still gripping tightly around his wrist. “Let's go out tomorrow. There's a lot to catch up on.” Taehyung smiled.

Jeongguk hesitated for a moment, contemplating on what to do. Just by the smile on Taehyung's face, Jeongguk couldn't deny him. How can I say “no” when he's smiling at me like that..?

Taehyung's smile has now become a weakness of Jeongguk. His happiness is prioritized.

“Sure hyung. I'll call you. Same number right?” he finally answers unsteadily.

“Yes, I'll text you instead whenever I get checked out.” Taehyung began to be wheeled out the room by the nurse, his head tilting slightly to keep his eyes on the young Grim. “Don't forget, Jeongguk!” he shouted from down the hallway before disappearing from sight.

Once the room was left empty with just Jeongguk, he made his way to the window of the hospital and staring out at the snow that was beginning to fall. A warm smile cascaded over his features, his heart fluttering at the thought of his childhood friend. It was an unusual fuzzy feeling and Jeongguk was growing afraid of it developing into something more. He was not sure of what or how the strange feeling came to be, but ever since he'd laid eyes on Taehyung again his heart began to act up. Was it just the effect of the name mark? It's unheard of.

There was suddenly a sound ringing from within his pocket interrupting his thoughts. Jeongguk fished out his phone to check who was calling. “Jiminie-pabo” caller ID was displayed.

“Hello?” Jeongguk answered. His eyes watching the many people outside the window, keeping himself busy.

“Hey! Let's meet up! It's the first snow! My place? Hoseok will be here too.” Jimin exclaimed excitedly through the phone.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes, letting out a small groan. “Don't invite me over if you guys are gonna be making out in front of me again. I hate being the third-wheel.”

“No! I promise. Come on~ just come over for a quick drink.” the other Grim whined.

“Fine, I'll be over at 8.”

“Okay, see you later tonight. Bye!”

The line went dead after. Jeongguk breathing out a sigh before his eyes shut close. It's only been a day since he's met with Jimin and Hoseok. The two were his best friends since becoming a Grim, but being around them can also be very exhausting. It is especially when the three get together for a drink, he'll have to take care of the two drunkees afterwards.

“The things I do for you guys.” he shook his head in disbelief.

[ to: tae ] 8:25 p.m.

-- hey hyung, it's me jeongguk. I hope everything is alright with you. are you back yet?

Jeongguk sets his phone down right after sending the text before picking up his second bottle of beer. Jimin and Hoseok were back at it again with the heated make-out session after getting slightly drunk.

He takes a small sip of his beer before picking up a pillow and tossing it at the couple. “You guys are disgusting. I knew this would happen.”

Jimin broke away from the kiss to flash Jeongguk a pout. “Okay fine, sorry. We were suppose to talk, right?” he says, picking up his bottle of beer.

Jeongguk quickly manages to snatch it away and placing it aside. His eyes darkened in warning at his friend. “I'm not here for after-care when you guys get even more drunk. Now can we please have a proper conversation. There's something I want to talk about.”

“I'm all ears.” Hoseok scooted up at the edge of the couch, eyes focusing attentively on the young Grim.

“I've received my special assignment from the reaper today.” Jeongguk started then paused.

Both Jimin and Hoseok now looking more interested as they nodded their heads to show that they were listening. “And?” Hoseok questioned in curiosity, picking up Jimin's beer and sipping on it.

“It's Taehyung.” Jeongguk added, his head tilting downwards while his fingers began to fiddle.

Hoseok almost choked on his beer with Jimin turning around in concern, helping his boyfriend place the beer back on the table.

“Wait— Kim Taehyung? Your childhood friend..? The person Yoongi caught you watching over like five years ago?” Jimin tosses multiple questions at a time, his mind going haywire in curiosity.

“Yeah, that Tae—” Jeongguk paused mid-sentence when he heard his phone going off with an incoming text.

[ from: tae ] 8:34 p.m.

-- im all good, kookie-ah. don't worry about me! I got back from the exams at around 3. ^ u ^ I can't wait for tomorrow. I'll be discharged first thing in the morning. ♡

The raven-haired Grim couldn't help but smile and giggle at the heart Taehyung had sent at the end of the message. Jimin and Hoseok on both sides of him, trying to peek at the message but he manages to push them both away. “Hey! Don't be nosey. It's rude to read other people's text messages.” he scoffs, turning the phone the opposite direction and away from plain sight.

“So, you met with Taehyung again..?” Hoseok spoke carefully, the tone of his voice sounding scarily serious.

Jeongguk's fingers continues to glide across the keyboard typing in a reply, he presses “send” before his attention shifted back to his Grim hyungs.

[ to: tae ] 8:40 p.m.

-- that's great! did you eat dinner as well hyung? and I can't wait to see you tomorrow to catch up! does 2:30 p.m. sound like a good time to you? c:

“Yes! It's been such a long time since I've seen him. I've honestly never felt so happy.” Jeongguk chuckled, leaning back on the couch. Jimin and Hoseok both eyed each other in concern before their attention goes back to the sober man.

“I don't think it's a good idea to get closely involved with your name-marked person. He has an unavoidable fate, you know. We're no longer humans anymore so we shouldn't grow attached to the people we are assigned to or all mortals in general.” Hoseok sighed, trying to explain it as carefully as he can.

“I know that. Hyung, I've been doing this for six years. You don't think I know the risk by now? It's just… he's my best friend and I am just so happy to have a reason to see him again. Except, not a very happy reason. I wish we met again in different circumstances. I've left behind my human life for the one I'm destined to be in. And the fact that he remembers me when humans aren't supposed to retain memories of Grims—” Jeongguk was interrupted by Hoseok once again before he could finish.

“Wait– he could remember you? I've never heard of a human remembering a Grim before, especially after six years. We are supposed to be gone from their memories as if we have never existed after the awakening phase.”

“That's what I find strange as well. How could he possibly remember me after all these years?” Jeongguk rolled up his sleeve after with Taehyung's name engraved on his skin, showing it to the couple. “Look, there's also no death date which is unusual.”

The two older Grims examines Jeongguk's wrist keenly. Hoseok running his fingers across the letters. “What could this possibly mean?” he whispered, brows furrowed in confusion. What is the reaper up to?

Jeongguk's phone goes off again and he jerked his body forward to fetch it. The couple watched the young Grim typing out a response with a gentle smile on his lips. “He's so cute.” he mumbled to himself.

[ from: tae ] 8:48 p.m.

-- no, haven't had dinner yet. my brother is suppose to bring it but no show. : ( also, 2:30 sounds great! that's actually the time I check out too. ^^ I'll see you then.

[ to: tae ] 8:50 p.m.

-- want me to bring some food for you? I can get some take-outs at this amazing restaurant! c; and alright, I'll come get you at 2:30. just send me your address.

[ from: tae ] 8:55 p.m.

-- oh! you don't have to. I don't want to be a bother. >///< it's ok, I can just eat what the hospital have. : ( — [address attachment]

“Guk.” Hoseok called out for the Grim, but he continued to smile while typing away on his phone.

[ to: tae ] 9:02 p.m.

-- you're never a bother to me hyung. I'll get you some jook (note: Korean term for porridge) from the restaurant and bring it to you. no hyung of mine is having hospital food for dinner. cx — [address saved]

[ from: tae ] 9:04 p.m.

-- you're the sweetest. hyung loves you. ♡ thank you. I'll be waiting.

“GUK! Did you hear me calling you for the fourth time?” Hoseok shouted once more, trying to catch the younger's attention. Jeongguk finally snapped out of it, looking up at Hoseok and Jimin with a bewildered expression. “Huh?”

“I don't think you talking to Taehyung is a good idea–” Jimin added but Jeongguk cut him off.

“I have to go. I'll see you guys later.” he picked up his coat, throwing it on before hurrying out the door. The cold breeze of the winter air hits him and Jeongguk shivers slightly. He blows some warm air into his hands before making his way to “Kim's Korean Cuisine”.

“Welcome to Kim's Korean Cuisine, where it tastes just like mama's cooking.” A young lady greets him once he's entered the small restaurant. She wore a bright smile on her face and bowed to him politely.

“Hi, can I order take-out?” he asked, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat.

“Yes sir, what would you like?” the woman pulls out her notepad and pen waiting for his next words. Her face looking awfully familiar.

“Uhh, just some jook please. The best one.” Jeongguk mumbled, his eyes looking away from the woman's and around to scan his surroundings. It was a small restaurant with minimal bamboo decorations.

“One j