Jungkook's gaze darted back and forth between the doctor's nameplate and his husband as they sat in the waiting lounge. Taehyung flashed a wide, boxy smile when their eyes met by batting his eyelashes playfully.
"Kim Jungkook," the nurse called out, prompting both Taehyung and Jungkook to rise from their seats, as they made their way into the consultation room together.
"Jungkook, tell me," the doctor addressed him once they settled in the chairs opposite to the doctor in the consultation room. Jungkook offered her a smile before glancing at Taehyung.
"I... I took a pregnancy test today, early morning. But the results were confusing. The first one showed blank, then I received negative results twice, and positive results the other two times," Jungkook said, sounding uncertain. "What made you take a pregnancy test beforehand, though? Have you had any symptoms, such as headaches or spotting?" the doctor asked in a gentle yet probing manner. Jungkook shook his head, his eyes nervously moved to Taehyung.
"Did you skip your cycle?" she pressed on. Jungkook nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "For a week," he admitted. "Was your cycle regular all these years?" the doctor continued her questioning. "No, it was irregular. Sometimes two or three days before or after." Jungkook responded. "Hmm. Okay. Let's take a blood test. Not every patient will exhibit symptoms," the physician concluded, making notes on her notepad.
"Here, let's take the blood test. After that, we can discuss further," she said, handing Taehyung the prescription. "Thank you, doctor," Taehyung expressed his gratitude as they exited the room, ready to proceed with the next steps.
Taehyung handed the slip to the laboratory technician as they waited to give a blood sample. "It's my bun's second syringe of the day," Taehyung joked, playfully squeezing Jungkook's powdered cheeks to form a pout. Jungkook quickly removed Taehyung's hand from his face and shot him a warning glare, mindful of the other patients waiting nearby. Taehyung grinned sheepishly, realizing his jest might have been a bit too much for the public setting, but does he care that? No.. Never.
"Kim Jungkook," the nurse called out, prompting Jungkook to move forward from where they were standing and follow her into the room, leaving Taehyung outside with his bag. Taehyung watched him leave before taking one of the empty seats in the waiting lounge.
Taehyung stood up as he saw Jungkook heading out of the room. "Did they drain a lot of your blood?" he asked, gently caressing the small band-aid stuck on Jungkook's arm. "You should buy me juice and a sandwich," Jungkook replied with a playful grin. "Okay, let's go and have it then. Anyway, the results will take a few minutes," Taehyung agreed, wrapping his arm around Jungkook's shoulder before opting to hold his hand instead with a nervous smile, and the two of them made their way to the cafeteria to await the results of the blood tests.
Taehyung and Jungkook were sitting in front of the doctor for the past few minutes as she was carefully checking the result. "Hmm," she murmured, her expression thoughtful as she folded the paper before meeting their eyes. "Unfortunately, it's a negative result," she confirmed, her tone sympathetic yet professional.
With a sigh, Jungkook looked at Taehyung and offered a gentle smile. Taehyung reached out, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "Doctor, can I... Can I ask a question?" Taehyung leaned forward, his expression serious. "Please, go ahead," the doctor replied, nodding in encouragement.
"We have been married for three years. Not three, it's about to be four in a few weeks, and we have been trying for a baby since then. Do... Do you think, Jungkook... I mean, does he have any health issues? I understand that the question may appear offensive because a baby is not created by Jungkook alone. I have got my fair part. But still.." Taehyung asked, his voice tinged with concern.
The doctor carefully reviewed Jungkook's medical history before responding. "Jungkook was pregnant before, right? He has a history of miscarriage," she noted, referencing his health record. "Yes, he was admitted here under your supervision," Taehyung confirmed. "Yes, I remember," the doctor acknowledged, her expression turning more serious as she considered Taehyung's question.
"See, Mr... Mm..." The doctor paused, prompting Taehyung to supply his name. "Taehyung," he replied. "Yes, Taehyung. Jungkook is fine and healthy. He doesn't have any serious issues," the doctor reassured. Jungkook glanced sideways at Taehyung, a mixture of emotions flickering in his eyes before he pressed his lips together.
Taehyung nodded, acknowledging the doctor's words before posing another question. "Then why... I mean, we are trying eagerly," he inquired, his concern evident. "Hmm. Actually, Jungkook's womb has PCOD. We can call it a hormonal imbalance. It is a genetic condition which is very common among many nowadays," the doctor explained, her tone matter-of-fact. Taehyung nodded in understanding, his fingers gently tracing Jungkook's wedding ring as they absorbed the new information.
"Unlike others, they will have difficulty conceiving. That doesn't mean they can't get pregnant. It may or may not take time. Some of them conceive naturally while others may need Ovulation induction," the doctor explained, her tone gentle yet informative. "Since Jungkook was previously pregnant, let us give him time to conceive naturally. He is more likely to conceive quickly now because his womb has undergone major, advantageous changes since his last pregnancy. However, there is also a possibility of miscarriage. But, do not panic. Keep it as a precautionary note," she added, offering a reassuring smile to Jungkook, who looked slightly taken aback by the news. "Oh, okay, doctor. We understand," Taehyung responded.
"For the time being, I will prescribe some fertility boosters. And also, consider trying the classic missionary position," she continued, jotting down the prescription. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung immediately, who was blushing furiously and nervously nibbling on his lower lip to hide his bubbling excitement.
"Here, Jungkook. And that's my WhatsApp number. You can drop me a text if you have any further inquiries," the doctor said, pointing to the number printed at the top of the prescription list. "Oh, thank you, doctor," Jungkook replied gratefully, standing up alongside Taehyung. She nodded with a smile as they left the room. Taehyung and Jungkook made their way to the pharmacy to collect the prescribed medicines.
"Now look, don't you feel a sense of relief after hearing her?" Taehyung asked, his voice tinged with hope as they settled into the car. Jungkook let out a sigh. "Mm, I feel this relief every time after each doctor's visit. But still, I am standing in the same box. Box number 1," he replied with a little pout on his lips.
Taehyung immediately reached out and placed his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Really? But didn't you get it promoted to Box 2 after the last pregnancy?" Taehyung asked with a playful grin. Jungkook glared at him as the shadows of uncertainty lingered in his eyes.
"Ah, Tae. I am serious. How can you be like this in every situation?" Jungkook questioned, his voice tinged with frustration and a hint of vulnerability. "Hmm. Then what do you want me to do? Sit silently? Sadly? But why? What is there to be sad about? I did not hear anything that could make us feel depressed. I took everything in good spirits, especially that classic missionary position. Wahhh. I am looking forward to that classic, Jungkookkkkkk tonight." Taehyung screamed, throwing his hands up in the air in excitement. "This time I, as a king and you as a palace dancer. A pure classic. Wah.. Wah.. Wah.. Let's pick up a sword on the way from some toy shop. We will utilize it properly," Taehyung grinned, as he flicked Jungkook's chin with a wink. Jungkook couldn't help but crack a smile at Taehyung's antics, the corners of his lips turning up despite himself. He shook his head, a mix of amusement and affection washing over him as he turned his face to the other side to hide the smile creeping up from one side.
As Taehyung and Jungkook arrived home, the soft glow of the evening covered their surroundings. They entered the living room and found their family comfortably settled in, gathered around the television, engrossed in whatever program was playing.
"Ah, you both took so long," Mrs. Kim remarked as she noticed their presence in the living room. "Mm, it was a long day," Taehyung replied, sinking into the couch and stretching his arms with a yawn. "What did the doctor say?" Jimin inquired, his curiosity piqued. "Ah, negative and the same old story. Where are the kids?" Jungkook asked, scanning the room. "Haha, didn't you notice?" Jimin chuckled, pointing to the corner of the vast living room where a new play area had been set up.
"Wah, when did this happen?" Jungkook exclaimed with surprise as he immediately made his way over to investigate. "This afternoon. Dad did it," Jimin explained. Jungkook gazed at the arrangements and the kids playing inside with awe.
"Negative? Then what did the doctor say? Did they prescribe any medication?" Mrs. Kim inquired, her concern evident as she shifted her gaze from Jungkook to her son, Taehyung. "Mm. Surrogacy," Taehyung replied casually, reaching for a tangerine from the nearby basket. "What?" Yoongi's head snapped in Taehyung's direction, his surprise palpable.
"Mm. That's what the doctor at Care prescribed," Taehyung explained, reclining on the couch with his head resting on his mother's lap. "For a negative result, that doctor prescribed surrogacy? Isn't that word a bit tough even to pronounce?" Yoongi chimed in with a hint of disbelief, his lips slightly thinned.
"I don't know, hyung. He said he has some problems with his womb, he can't be pregnant, if he is pregnant he will have a miscarriage because his womb is not healthy so he can't carry any child.. Bla.. Bla.. Oh, it was a lot. And he concluded that we should opt for surrogacy. Mm. Not the traditional one, the other one," Taehyung explained between bites of the tangerine.
Seojoon furrowed his brow, his concern evident. "Mm, don't go with that doctor's word then. Let's consult a few others. This is something very serious. Also, if the decision has anything to do with Jungkook's health, we should speak with a highly qualified and experienced physician. We cannot make any snap decisions, nor should Jungkook," he advised earnestly.
"Mm, I took him to another doctor at the city hospital as well," Taehyung said, reaching for another Tangerine, only to have Yoongi swat his hand away. "The one who checked him previously?" Jimin inquired. Taehyung nodded. "She said he is completely fine. She gave some medicine," he added.
"Then why did the other doctor say that? Both of their words are contradicting," Mr. Kim questioned, his confusion evident. "I don't have any idea," Taehyung admitted with a sigh. "But... But it was his medicine which had a positive effect on me," Jungkook spoke up quietly from the play area. Taehyung shot him a stern gaze, causing Jungkook to immediately lower his eyes in response.
"Care... That hospital is really famous in town. It is said that the doctors are the best, and nearly everyone, who consulted there experiences success. Both the rating and patient satisfaction are very high. It is also specifically focused on fertility, being a center for that. And about gestational surrogacy, it's risky. It's not necessary that we will get the result on the first try, and it's really expensive. The legal part is safe, and the genetic part is also fine, but it sounds like an ultimate option. Does Jungkook have that much of an issue to opt for this? I don't think so. However, this is just my opinion; as they are the doctors who have studied that specific topic in-depth, they will undoubtedly know more than I do. I... I advise you to speak with Bogum as well. Let's see his opinion as well," Yoongi suggested, handing Taehyung half of the single piece of tangerine.
"Mm, I found that the lady doctor at the City Hospital's words were more genuine," Taehyung stated. "Mm, that's because you already dislike that doctor at Care," Jungkook retorted, earning himself another glare from Taehyung. "I thought to enjoy some classic, but he is stubborn for rock," Taehyung muttered under his breath. "What classic?" Mrs. Kim inquired curiosity. "Ah, music," Taehyung replied with a smile .
"Mm. As Yoongi said, speak with Bogum as well. We have known him for ages. He is a trustworthy person. Above all, the final outcome is Jungkook's happiness. Do what makes him happy," Mr. Kim advised, his words carrying weight in the room. Taehyung nodded in agreement and turned to look at his husband, noticing the proud grin spreading across Jungkook's lips.
"Handle it wisely, Tae. It's a huge decision that will impact both of your lives the most. And always remember, we are here with you both in anything," Seojoon added, his tone filled with concern and support. "Mm... I can handle that, hyung, don't worry," Taehyung reassured confidently, his lips curving into a smirk as he locked eyes with Jungkook.
..to be continued..