Chapter Text
Dead leaves blowing in the streets is all Jungkook can hear as he fades in and out of the world he's in. Loneliness biting at him with every step he takes. It's a cold autumn night that has Jungkook shivering with a pout as he walks on the meager concrete of the sidewalk.
Today wasn't good, if anything it was horrible, ending with him sniffling and rubbing at his wet eyes. Earlier, he had a interview at the library and was so excited, but when he got there they already gave the job to somebody else. He was really hoping that he'd get it and possibly pay this months rent, but it looks like that's not gonna happen.
Ugh, when were his days ever good?
Jungkook's not being dramatic when he thinks that. It's occurring to him that his life has been going into a downward spiral that doesn't seem to stop. First it started with losing his job because the studio he was working at close down, then he wasn't able to go see his parents on the anniversary of their death. He was so preoccupied with trying to find a stable place to live due to his apartment being infested with rats and bugs that he couldn't make it. This is probably the most depressing thing that ever happened to him since they passed away.
It really hurt to be in this situation, but there had to be a bright side to it... Right? Jungkook wants to stay positive, but he doesn't know anymore. There are times when he wishes that he could just leave everything and be free somewhere else with people that care for him, but that will never happen no matter how badly he needs it.
Jungkook is so caught up in his own world that he almost misses the sound of a struggle coming from an alleyway. Usually when noises like that are heard the best thing you could do is walk away in order to avoid dying, yet Jungkook still sneaks over to see what's happening.
The curiosity that killed the cat is dangerously upon him, he's only hoping that the satisfaction is what's going to bring him back.
Jungkook crouches down, hiding behind a dumpster and tries to see past the darkness of the night. His heart pounds with the intensity of the situation as his vision finally adjusts and sharpens enough that he's able to see three dark figures. They seem to be an old woman and two men who are trying to rob her. She seems able enough to hold back both of them, but she's obviously in her 60s, at most, and looks like she's getting tired already. Once again Jungkook is left with the decision of staying and helping, or leaving to protect his own skin. He's never been the best decision maker so it's not even surprising when he goes running at one of the attackers.
"Hey! Get away from her!" Jungkook throws the closest one back and kicks the other square in the chest. The mugger falls to the ground with a pained shout while his accomplice struggles to regain his balance. Jungkook gets into the best attack position and makes himself look as intimidating as possible, though he would never hurt a soul in his life, even if they deserved it. Unless you count the guy he kicked, that's only one.
The first mugger is quick to pick up his friend while pulling a pocket knife out at Jungkook from his dingy hoodie, daring him to come closer. However the younger isn't as intimidated as he feels he should be. He knows how to handle himself in situations like this because of the jiu-jitsu classes he took as a child going into his teen years. He's just insanely lucky that this guy doesn't have a gun or else this whole situation would be a lot harder.
"Listen, buddy, you have two choices. Leave while you can and don't die, or stay here and meet the same fate as this old hag. Which will it be?" Both muggers look wild, obviously on something but one of them seems to still have some sense in him to speak, hopefully there's enough in there for him to listen to reason.
"Be my guest, take a swing at me, but I'm not going to leave her in your hands. So now I'm going to give you the choice, walk away, or I'm going to beat the shit out of you. This isn't a hard decision, buddy. Besides you better get lost before the cops show up, I already called them." Jungkook was bluffing about the cop part, he didn't even give himself enough time to think this through before he jumped in. Thankfully, it seems have been the right thing to say because the two men look at each other before booking it out of there with one last false threat.
The second they're gone he lets out a breath of relief and presses his back against the wall of the alley. He slowly slides down and uses his hands to cover his face. He was so scared that it wasn't going to go their way and he would end up getting both of them killed, but it seems there is still a bit of good luck in his life.
"Thank you, young man. You helped me even when you had nothing to gain and everything to lose. I'm eternally grateful for your assistance." The old woman bows to him with a sweet smile that has him thinking of his grandma. He also can't shake the feeling that there is something more to this old woman than what meets the eyes.
Jungkook flushes and bows back as his anxiety starts acting up, he was glad that she was nice to him. Not many people are. "You're welcome but it was no problem, I saw that you needed help and I wasn't going to leave you here with those two jerks. I'm only sorry that I didn't get here sooner, please forgive me for that." Jungkook's voice is soft, barely loud enough to be considered a whisper. He was never a loud person, but right now he felt frail from the events that transpired only moments ago. The old woman makes a surprised face at his modesty before grinning with.. Pride?
"Such a good kid. Your parents raised you well, Jungkook." She beams and doesn't allow a baffled Jungkook to say anything before kneeling next to him. He could feel the winds shifting by the simple action as the old woman's eyes seem to glitter with kindness and ancient power.
"Because of your kind gesture to me I'm going to do you a favor, but only this once. Good luck and don't worry child, if you need me I'll be there to help." Jungkook doesn't have time to ask what she means by that before everything is fading into nothing.
-
Ugh.
Where is he?
It's bright and Jungkook can hardly see what's around him because of how blurry his vision is. He tries to shield his eyes from the light but can't make his limbs comply with him. Like traitors they all lay limp in the bed rendering him helpless. However, Jungkook isn't one to give up easily so he keeps willing himself to move until finally he's shifting. Then just like that he's feeling stronger and more aware as he shakes the drowsiness away. It felt like he broke out of a trance, if that makes any sense.
Jungkook sits up feeling accomplished and cheers internally at the small victory before looking around with his new found strength and vision. He's in a hospital bed with a gown carefully tied around him and IVs in his arm. He can hear the small beeping of a heart monitor to his left and the chattering of nurses outside his door.
Was he injured while helping the old woman? Was it all a dream?
To the right of him he hears someone gasp like they're seeing a ghost and it's a bit of a startle with the sudden sound. Jungkook looks up with doe eyes and is met with the prettiest face he's ever seen. The man had bangs down past his eyebrows and cute big ears that seemed to fit him perfectly. His eyes were wide with disbelief and looking ready to start watering.
What on earth is going on?
"Jungkook?.." The boy looks so worried and his hands shake as he brings one over to poke Jungkook's hard shoulder, it's almost as if he's checking if this was real. All Jungkook could do was stare back in awe because this guy was really good looking, like someone he would ask to be a model for his art work or photography.
Their staring contest doesn't last long as a doctor walks in with a grim face, five other people follow in with the same expression. They're all so beautiful that Jungkook needs to screw his mouth shut to keep it from dropping open. None of them look up at him and the boy, if anything they do everything in their power to keep their vision in the opposite direction.
The doctor is too busy looking at something on a clipboard to see that Jungkook is watching him with his bottom lip captured between his teeth, a habit he developed when he was worried. "Um, hello? I'm sorry to bother, but what am I doing here?" Jungkook's voice is a shaky whisper. He doesn't intend for it to be, he was hoping to sound steadier, but for obvious reasons he feels scared and can't bring himself to say anything louder than that.
Everyone in the room seems to tense up aside from the doctor, who, is looking at him like he's trying to piece together a puzzle that has just revealed itself. He writes something on his clipboard but doesn't come over, if anything he's keeping distance between them.
"What do you mean, 'what am I doing here?' You're here because your stupid ass decided you wanted to go out on a night of clubbing, and try walking home, drunk. It's no surprise that you ended up getting hit by a car. What do you have to say for yourself Jungkook?" The man with broad shoulders walks up with biting words. He crosses his arms over his chest like a scolding mother and raises a eyebrow expectantly, the others all seem to mimic him.
.. What?
"I- um- is this real? I'm sorry, truly I am, but I don't know who any of you are." Jungkook timidly tries to explain himself but he sounds so soft and confused that he's not sure how convincing he is. He honestly doesn't know any of them, and if he did he would definitely remember. He never forgets faces, especially not ones like theirs.
"Jungkook-ah, you better stop messing around, we don't have time for this. Do you have any idea how emotional you got us? We don't speak to you for close to a year then suddenly we're getting a call to come see you because you're on your deathbed. Imagine the horrible feelings we got when you died for literally 7 minutes, I counted each second. We all did." Another man is quick to speak up and he looks pissed. His feline eyes dare the young man to try and speak back. Strangely this is scarier than having a druggie point a knife at him. Jungkook shrinks further in his spot before something occurs to him.
"How do you know who I am? Please, you have to understand I don't know who any of you are. I don't even know why I'm here. Did something happen to me? Well, I mean, obviously I'm here in the hospital, but how bad was it did I can't recall who any of you are? Actually no, I know exactly what happened last, but I sure as hell didn't get hit by a car, or go clubbing. I think there has to be an honest misunderstanding. I don't even have money to buy myself food much less go buying drinks for myself. Besides I'm not that charismatic nor am I sociable enough to do anything like that." Jungkook at this point has buried himself under the blankets, his head being the only visible part. He can't help it when he's receiving all these icy glares. They only start relenting with their stares after Jungkook adamantly opposed what they said, but their eyes still look intense.
The doctor's starting to look more stricken with every second that passes. He opens his mouth to say something but is cut off by a familiar voice. "Just as I expected, your friend here has amnesia. He doesn't remember what happened to him that night, or any other nights before." The old woman from the alley enters the room a doctor coat on and quickly saves Jungkook from having to deal with anymore heated words, but leaves him with a hefty amount of confusion. She was there that night so she can explain what's going on, can't she?
"I-it's you! What's happening? Why are all these people here? What did you d-" Before he can even finish his sentence, he's hit with a sudden wave of nausea and has to lay down abruptly. It almost felt like he was being forced not to speak.
The male doctor comes to him immediately and checks him over, a small reassuring smile comes across his aged face and he pats the young boy's shoulder.
"What? Amnesia? That's a really big deal. What can he remember? Does he really not recognize any of us?" The shoulder dude looks over at the old woman with nervous eyes before trailing back to Jungkook, who looks pale with his own internal worries. The tallest man of the group places a hand on his shoulder for reassurance, but doesn't look like he's doing too well either.
"I'm afraid so. I'm not sure what he can remember or what he can't, perhaps if you're lucky you'll be able to jog his memory a bit with your continued assistance to him. Which, thank you all for coming at such a short convenience, your friend Taehyung told me all about the situation you're all in. I know this may seem sudden, but you are all the only people he has right now that could possibly help him. Some might say you could be his only hope, I can only wish that you will be able to set aside all the conflicts in order to help him in this great time of need." The woman is sincere like she meant every word. Perhaps she did, but Jungkook new well that he didn't know any of them. He is scared to get to know them especially since he's always been a very antisocial person. Maybe the best thing he can do to remain sane is telling himself all of this is a dream. The thought makes him relax back into the bed with a sigh.
I f this is a dream he'll have to wake up at some point.
The noise catches the attention of the big eared boy and he seems to come to some decision as he turns his attention to Jungkook, determination burning in those beautiful eyes. "I'm Taehyung, that's Jin, Namjoon, Yoongi, Jimin and Hoseok. We're all your friends and hyungs." After pointing out everyone, Taehyung shoots a boxy grin to him and leans forward on the hospital bed to look Jungkook over.
Jungkook is so lost in those pretty eyes and face that he doesn't respond for a moment. He flushes at the attention but brings a hand up from the blanket. "I'm Jungkook, uh- you totally know that already but I just thought- you know, that you would. Never mind, I'm sorry." Jungkook wishes someone would come bury him, just to end his misery already.
"Awe, Jungkookie, don't worry you can introduce yourself to us, we don't mind." Jimin quickly joins Taehyung by the bed side and places a hand on Jungkook's. He looks so hopeful but cautious at the same time that it breaks Jungkook's heart to see, he wants to tell him that there shouldn't be any hope there at all but can't bring himself to say the words.
The older men behind them seem to be having a silent conversation, and eye the three youngsters. Seemingly coming to a decision Namjoon turns to the lady. "We'll take him home with us after you've cleared him. Thank you for contacting us, really we do appreciate it." He takes the old woman's hand into his and offers a tilt of his lips. She understands why he feels this way and does her best to brighten the situation.
"He's not the same, not the young man he used to be. I don't think he'll ever be that way again. Give him a chance and who knows maybe you'll find happiness again this time with him in the picture too. Now, take your friend's with you while the doctor and I check on him, afterwards we'll tell you if he can go home." She grins playfully and Namjoon flushes with realization, 'Of course the doctors need to check on him' He mumbles to himself.
Jin and Namjoon go to the room with the old woman following in, quickly get the two clingy kids and practically have to drag them away from Jungkook. They reach for him a couple of times, to which he shyly does too, but eventually the duo sigh and allow their hyungs to take them into the waiting room. They couldn't help it, they hadn't seen Jungkook in a year since the fight and seeing him so small and scared, a complete contrast to how he was that last night, did things to them.
"We will be right back Jungkook, don't you worry. We're just going to be in the waiting room real quick while they check you up. I promise we won't leave you." Jimin almost goes back to hug the youngest if it isn't for the iron grip Yoongi had on him. He was hoping to comfort Jungkook the boy only looks more distressed. Jimin sighs before following his hyungs away.
It's now that Jungkook is finally freed from the nauseating feeling and sits up again.
"Who are you? Why didn't you tell them what happened last night? You were there, I helped you." Jungkook sits up in bed and glares, but it comes out more like a pout than anything menacing. There is a huge amount of betrayal surging through him right now. He probably looks insane to those people because of it when this woman could have assisted him in explaining. The woman turns back to him and waves the doctor off who bows before leaving.
"Hello again, Jungkook, my name is Destiny and I didn't tell them what happened between us because in this universe it never happened." His blank expression must say something because she takes a seat at the end of the bed and looks at him with sweet eyes. "I'm going to do my best to explain to you, but I need you to listen and not question until the end. Can you do that for me?" Jungkook nodes. "Good, I won't go into detail about what I am, though should give huge hint, but just know I'm the one that manages all the universes that exist. I keep all of them balanced to the best of my ability, but in your universe it seems something was wrong. You were supposed to meet those 6 boys as well but they didn't exist. It was simply the universe you were put in to suffer. You were going to be a tragic story, one like the Lady of Shalott, ending with your sad death..." Well that's blunt. "... I felt sympathy for you. You didn't deserve what you were being given and even did your best to give more than what you had. So I did what I needed to do, I put myself in a spot that you would be able to assist me in. You didn't have to, you could have walked away, but you decided to stay and help me. That is why I'm giving you the second chance at a better life." Destiny smiles at him with those kind eyes that always seem to twinkle behind her circle glasses. Jungkook wishes he could smile back at her but honestly he feels like he's going completely crazy. How was any of this possible?
"Okay, seeing that all of this is true, can you at least tell me what happened to the Jungkook of this world? What was he like? And what happened between him and the hyungs?" He's really hoping that Destiny doesn't tell him that she killed other Jungkook to put him in that person's place, he doesn't think he has the heart for it.
"Well Jungkook much like different universes, not all counterparts are as kind as you. Your counterpart was cold and held nothing to him, using people to his liking and not considering their feelings, I looked through every universe trying to decide which one you would fit best in and this one peaked my interest. The former Jungkook that was here died that night when he got hit, it was simply his destiny, but there was much left that he was supposed to do, yet failed to accomplish. So I brought you here in hopes of you completing them." Destiny stops for a second, considering the last question with a thoughtful look.
"Their relationship with him was strained because he made them believe he loved them, then one day he went off with another girl. Things collapsed from there." She chose her words carefully, but Jungkook understands what she's getting at here.
"He was an idiot, wasn't he?" Jungkook inquiries, making her chuckle at his humour. Destiny nods her head but the air in the room still seems to be tense. And Jungkook feels like she's waiting for him to question more, but he just can't bring himself to do it... This may sound selfish, but why is he going to question something that can possibly be good for him? All his life he's only wanted to be loved and with people who care about him. There's an opportunity here, of course, he needs to work on a lot of things that the other Jungkook did, but it's definitely worth doing and he wants to get things going as soon as possible.
"I guess I only have one question. Is my body injured? Or is it the same?" Jungkook checks himself over for injuries but thankfully finds none.
"Your body is fine, it's the same one you grew up in. The only difference now is that you have a cut on your cheek. You can't get hit by a car and not be injured at all, that's just unheard of especially since it was a fatal wound for your counterpart." Destiny is immediately to his side helping him stand. He honestly doesn't need help since he feels fine, but when Jungkook peeks out the window of the room he sees the six men watching him. When they notice him staring back, all of them look away aside from Yoongi, who watches him like a cat. It was strangely cute.
Mindful to the observing eyes, Jungkook 'limps' with Destiny to the table with a clear baggie on top filled with clothes. She hands it over with a smile and steps out so he can change. No final word for muttered to one another and it seems that just like that it was over, for the first time coming into the new world, he was alone with only his mind for company.
Jungkook stares at the bag for a moment, not really knowing what to do now that he's here. He hesitantly opens it and pulls out a shirt, pants and a leather jacket; all of them being black. At least the Jungkook of this universe and he had one thing in common, preferring to wear dark colors than bright ones.
Jungkook throws on everything as fast as he can, not wanting someone to walk in and see him bare. He does a once over of the room til he notices some black boots under the table where the bag was and throws them on, hoping they didn't belong to someone and were placed there for him. Once completely changed, he gets a good look at himself in the mirror, he knew it was him, but there was just something different about it this time. Perhaps it's the hope that is new to his face, hope that his life is going to change for the better.
Jungkook takes a deep breath before walking over to the door. He stops himself from opening it, instead looks himself over again to be sure he is presentable. After much debate, he bites his lip before finally exiting the room, and just like Taehyung said, they were indeed waiting for him. Jin looks up from what he's reading to beam at Jungkook and ushers him forward. It's a pleasant change compared to how he was before, but now that Jungkook has an idea as to why they were so hostile towards him, he can somewhat understand.
"Alrighty kiddo, let's get you home with us. I don't supposed you know where you live do you?" Jin loops an arm into Jungkook's to guide them towards the car, or cars. Jungkook blushes a bit at the sudden action but shakes his head.
In his old universe he didn't have a home anymore, it could possibly be the same thing for this as well but he can't really be sure.
"Wow.." Jin whispers, "I've- I've seen you blush before. Are you cold? The doctor said you were fine. Should we take him back?" The oldest sounds so worried but all Jungkook could do was blush even more because all the attention was on him.
He shakes his head because he doesn't need to go back, it's just he likes the affection and can't stop himself from feeling a bit warm from the action. Not to mention that he was touch starved for years, no one wanting hug him or give a little love so this is new, and kinda welcomed.
"No I'm fine, it's just a bit chilly outside but I'll be alright. Also I do have a question, granted you don't have to answer but I would like to know who each of you are as people once we get to wherever it is we're supposed to go." Jungkook licks his lips before adding, "P-please, don't feel entitled to take care of me just because we once knew each other. I'm practically a stranger now so you don't have to take care of me." Jungkook doesn't want them to feel like they have to do this, that's not at all what he wants, but he would like them to know that he wouldn't hold it against them if they end up not wanting him around. He's pretty sure that if he was a likeable person, that Destiny itself wouldn't have done this all for him.
Yoongi narrows his eyes at Jungkook and marches up to him. Jin is pulling the young man back but the second oldest is already upon them. "Listen Jungkook, we're not going to leave you. Whatever happened between all of us is over and we're not holding anything against you, especially not when you don't even know what it is you've done wrong. No one should've mentioned a conflict in the first place because now I'm sure you're worried we hate you or something. We don't so stop this, you did nothing wrong." Yoongi orders, but Jungkook is too quick to stop himself from staying quiet.
"But hyung, I- the doctor, she told me what I did to you all. Not in detail, but enough for me to know I must have hurt you all." Jin tenses to the side of and Yoongi looks resigned, but Jungkook continues. "I want to make up for whatever it is I did wrong. Please? I must have been an asshole for hurting you guys in whatever way I did, but I want to try to make things better." Jungkook determined eyes look into Yoongi's conflicted ones for a moment until Hoseok is breaking the silence.
"Alright Kookie, we'll let you. Just, don't force yourself okay? We forgave you a long time ago." Hoseok says with a weak smile. He raises his hand to Jungkook's face but stops short of it, he looks shocked that he's even doing this, almost like it was out of habit. As he's about to bring his hand back, Jungkook leans into it with a breathtaking shy smile. If everyone there is breathless, they don't say anything.