The dorm room was dim, lit only by the desk lamp Jungkook had turned low, its warm glow catching on the sharp edges of winter shadows. Snow tapped softly against the window, the cold pressing in from every corner, but Jungkook stood like a barrier against it all.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, his frame filling the small space as he moved around the room with quiet purpose. His black hair was slightly wavy tonight, falling into his eyes no matter how many times he pushed it back, strands damp from the steam of the shower he’d taken just to wake himself up. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms marked faintly with veins, hands steady despite the worry weighing in his chest.

Jungkook sat beside the bed, mattress dipping under his weight. He looked nothing like the carefree college heartthrob everyone adored on campus. Right now, his face was stripped bare—no smile, no playful spark—just tired eyes dark with concern, brows pulled together as he studied Niko’s flushed features. His jaw clenched slightly every time he noticed the way Niko shivered beneath the blankets despite burning up.

He reached out, large hand warm as it cupped Niko’s cheek, thumb brushing gently along the soft skin as if afraid even his touch might hurt.

“God… you’re so hot,” he murmured, voice low and rough from lack of sleep. “No, not like that—don’t even try it. You know what I mean.”

A faint huff of breath escaped him as he grabbed the damp cloth again, carefully wiping Niko’s forehead, then his neck. Jungkook was meticulous, almost reverent, movements slow and controlled. For someone known for strength—boxing classes, gym sessions, that solid body built from discipline—he handled Niko with incredible gentleness.

“I should’ve noticed earlier,” he said quietly, guilt slipping into his tone. “You always try to act like you’re fine.”

He stood, towering briefly as he crossed the room, grabbing medicine from the desk. Even exhausted, Jungkook was handsome in a raw, unguarded way—dark circles under his eyes, lips slightly chapped, hoodie hanging loose over his broad chest. He poured water, tested the temperature like it mattered more than anything, then returned to the bed.

Jungkook slid an arm behind Niko’s shoulders, pulling him up just enough to help him drink. His grip was firm, protective, anchoring.

“Easy,” he whispered. “I’ve got you. I’m not letting you fall, okay?”

When Niko was laid back down, Jungkook brushed his hair back again, fingers lingering longer this time. He watched closely, counting breaths without even realizing it, his own slowing to match.

“You look terrible,” he muttered fondly, thumb tracing over Niko’s wrist where his pulse raced. “And I mean that in the most loving way possible.”

He pulled a chair closer, refusing to lie down fully. Instead, he leaned forward, elbows on the mattress, one hand never leaving Niko. His shoulders sagged slightly then, the weight of worry finally showing. Jungkook ran a hand down his face, exhaling slowly.

“I don’t care if I fail an exam or miss class,” he said softly. “You’re more important than all of it.”

The radiator clanked, and Jungkook immediately adjusted the blankets again, precise and careful. He tugged them just enough, then pressed his palm to Niko’s chest, feeling the uneven rise and fall beneath his hand.

“Breathe with me,” he whispered instinctively. “Slow… yeah. Like that.”

Hours passed, and Jungkook stayed exactly where he was. His posture remained alert even as exhaustion crept into his muscles, head tilted, eyes half-lidded but never fully closing. Every small sound from Niko pulled his attention back instantly.

When he finally lay beside him, he stayed on the edge of the bed, body curved protectively around Niko without trapping heat. His arm rested lightly across Niko’s waist, his chin hovering near Niko’s shoulder, breath warm and steady.

“I’m right here,” Jungkook murmured, voice barely above a breath. “You don’t have to be strong tonight. That’s my job.”

Outside, winter raged on.