Water Fountain | J.JK [Rewriting]

Ch 1: Castle of Glass

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"A dancer dies twice – once when they stop dancing and this first death is more painful."

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Jungkook wasn't a fan of change.

He liked routines, even if they only consisted of his workout regime or meeting with his friends. He loved consistency and routine it kept him sane, saved his mind from being led astray.

Remember to always stay true to yourself, that's the key to true happiness.

His mother's words remained imprinted in his thoughts. Rather than providing a source of comfort and assurance, they instead left him ridden with a lingering guilt. Ever since that day, the one on which the accident occurred, Jungkook had found himself feeling like an imposter living in the shell of his old self. Although there were no physical casualties in the crash, there was a spiritual one. Life felt draining, each day a mere repetition of the last, another set of forced emotions and false smiles.

It was all just tiring.

Before he was left with two useless appendages and wheelchair bound, he had an assortment of dreams and goals set out for his future. All of which he would stop at nothing to reach, his main one being a performer. His mum had always told him of the stories about how he would always dance and sing around the house and in almost any chance he got.

Window watching had become one of Jungkook's favourite pass times. He had only been confined to the prison like hospital life for two weeks, yet it had felt like an eternity. Sat within his small, shoe box like room he watched the life unravelling through the glass, like his own special movie.

He used to believe people watching was only for the nosey and intrusive but now it had become, his lifeline. It was one of the few things that kept him sane, keeping him preoccupied and safe from the demons lurking in the background of his mind like shadows.

One slip and they'd lure him in and imprison him with their sinister words of twisted truths.

He wasn't worried about all that.

No, not in this moment. In this moment, he was peaceful.

His thoughts were on the beauty of the blossoming cherry blossom trees as they came in to season. How beautiful the water fountain within the hospital grounds looked as the rays of the midday sun adorned its glistening water.

A flock of birds flew into view, landing in the trees, chorusing a cheerful harmony as they did. A few patients wandered the garden, some assisted by staff, others with family and friends. Friends. Jungkook missed that. Since the accident his friends hadn't been the same. Whenever he was around they seemed constantly on edge as though Jungkook were just a castle of glass, one wrong word or motion and he'd shatter.

Too fragile to be carefree around.

The door creaked, followed by footsteps and a gentle 'How are you feeling today?'. Glancing over his shoulder, he was met with familiar honey brown eyes and a warm smile - the nurse.

"Beautiful weather today, isn't it?"

Jungkook nodded.

She smiled again. "I have some good news for you, Mr Jeon."

Jungkook turned around, giving her his full attention. "What is it?"

"You have a visitor." She said. "His name's Taem-,no Taehyung. That's it."

Jungkook sighed. He dropped his gaze to the hands, laying restlessly in his lap and began tugging at the sleeves of his green hoodie. He couldn't help it, waves of guilt began crashing down on him. Despite the awkward silences and careful words his friends hadn't given up on him. Yet, he couldn't help but feel like a burden.

"Are you ready to go?"

Jungkook looked up, a dark brow arched. "Hmm?"

"Your friend, remember? He's waiting for you, down near the canteen."

"Oh, yeah."

Nearing the canteen, the nurse, bid him goodbye and carried on her way with her duties. Alone, nausea seeped through Jungkook's body as his eyes found a familiar face. Taehyung was stood beside a large pane window, over looking the luscious greenery of the gardens. His full lips curved into a tight lipped smile as their eyes met.

"Thanks for coming." Jungkook said quietly, forcing a uneasy smile.

"It's Uh-," Taehyung glanced down at his shoes. "It's fine. It's good to see you again."

"Yeah. It's nice." Jungkook nodded. "Being in here can make you feel like you're going insane after a while."

Taehyung hummed in agreement.

An uncomfortable silence fell between them.

"Would you-," Jungkook stumbled on his words. "Do you want to go outside, the gardens are a bit quieter?"

"Sure."

With Jungkook's suggestion, they sat by the water fountain, surrounded by arrays of multicoloured flowers and shrubs, not to forget the blooming cherry blossoms that were in season. The water fountain had become Jungkook's haven, his safe place. It was the only thing that made him feel at peace and somewhat normal again.

The way the water glistened in the sun's mid-day rays like crystals, the sound of birds chorusing in the trees and the crisp air, it was perfect. Just perfect. There was something, somewhat healing about it. By sitting, beneath the cherry blossoms, away in his own paradise, Jungkook was able to forget all of the tainted thoughts swarming his mind.

The sound of unfamiliar voices, pulled Jungkook from his reverie. A fellow patient, a petite girl and a middle aged man sat on the bench across from them. Black hair fell just below her shoulders, her prominent collarbones, exposed by the low neck of her hospital garments. She looked ill, her face was drawn and ghostly white, not to mention her arms and legs that looked as though they would snap with the slightest touch.

Catching Jungkook's gaze, a vibrant smiled spread across her face, the notion reaching her doe brown eyes.

"Do you know her?" Taehyung said, pulling Jungkook from his reverie.

"No."

───J.JK───

A/N:

This story was partly inspired by Alec Benjamin's song 'Water Fountain'.