Lyrica- This drug was originally FDA approved as an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.

"Yoongi, where... where is my backpack?"

I crossed my arms and took a big sigh, preparing myself for the fight that was about to ensue. "I disposed of them. They're gone."

"Why the fuck would you get rid of my drugs? You had no right, you fucking prick!" Jungkook shouted, steam practically boiling out of his ears. His hands formed tight fists by his sides.

"I think I had every right after you used so much you had the potential to kill Taehyung."

Jungkook's anger disappeared from his face, the appearance returning to an almost sober resemblance of my best friend. "Did I... Did I hurt Tae?"

I nodded, not finding the strength to tell him.

"Oh my God," He said as he sunk down onto the couch. "Is he okay? Is he mad? I need to see him, where is he?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his questions. Especially since he knows the strength he has when he is high. "He's okay. Hoseok bandaged him up and has been nursing him back to health. Is he mad? Knowing Tae, he's probably worried as hell about you. But no, you shouldn't see him."

"Why not? I need to apologize! I told him I wouldn't hurt him and I broke that promise, God, I feel terrible."

"Honestly? You should feel pretty shitty, Kook. You threw a fucking TV at the man you claim to be falling in love with." My voice was rising. I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes for a split second. For his current state, I needed to remain calm. "You need to focus on yourself and what you want before you get near Taehyung."

"I can't believe I broke. I...I missed the drugs. The thoughts were too much, I couldn't handle it. I figured I would be strong enough to survive just one small amount and I wasn't. I'm weak. Fucking weak."

I sat down next to my best friend on the couch and placed a hand on his knee. "You're not weak. Going through everything you've been through... You are so freaking strong. And you are even stronger with Taehyung by your side, so if you want him back, you'll have to choose to straighten your life back up."

The silence was almost deafening as Jungkook processed my words. I could practically see the gears turning inside his head, the only sign that he was truly listening to what I was saying.

My phone disturbed the silence, making me immediately grab it and check the caller ID, sighing when I saw Hoseok's name and photo.

"Hobi? Everything okay over there?" I stood up, walking away from the living room so Jungkook wouldn't hear what was being said on the other side of the phone.

"Hey Yoongi. Yes, everything is... okay. Taehyung is begging me to see Jungkook."

"Have you told him why that's a terrible idea?"

"Of course," Hoseok responded. He sighed. "But I'm wondering if we do let them see each other, just this one time. Taehyung can wear something that clearly shows the wounds and the damage Jungkook caused. And then tell them they can't see each other until Jungkook reaches a certain point of sobriety."

I hummed in thought, thinking through his idea. I glanced behind my shoulder at my best friend. He looked visibly distraut. His eyes stared at a single spot on the coffee table. His knees were bouncing up and down and he couldn't stop fidgeting with his fingers. A deep sigh escaped my lips. "I don't know what else to do. I think your idea could be the wake up call that's needed. How soon could you get here?"

After hearing Hobi's time frame, I turned to face Jungkook, hanging up and putting my phone in my pocket.

Jungkook looked up when he saw me approaching him again. "Is... Is everything okay?"

I nodded, sitting down in the armchair. My hands rubbed up and down my thighs. "Hoseok is going to bring Taehyung over. They should be here in about twenty minutes."

"Really? Oh my God, Yoon, thank you, I-"

I held up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "You royally fucked up here. You are not the one in control of this meeting. This is Taehyung. If he doesn't want you near him, or touching him, that's his call. You obey, got it?"

The younger nodded. "I know. I... I feel like complete shit. Tae and I were doing so well and I potentially ruined everything we had for one stupid fucking fix."

"You did it once, Kook. You can get sober again. For good this time."

"I need you to do something for me," Jungkook admitted suddenly.

I nodded. "Anything. What is it?"

Jungkook chewed on his bottom lip for a few seconds before taking a deep breath. "I need you to be in charge of my inheritance. I... I can't have access to it. I'm asking you to give me what I need each month and that's it. At least for now. Eventually I think I'll be able to handle having it all in my hands, but for now it just leaves the possibility of spending it on drugs too much."

"Okay. I'll do it."

Jungkook's eyes lit up slightly for the first time since he woke up from his drugged sleep. "I owe you everything, Yoongi. I truly do."

I gave him a small smile. "Just don't let the drugs beat you this time."

••••