Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 15: envy

Continuing on February 3, 1940

The telephone rang on my desk, startling me since nobody ever really rings me here. I was curious about who it could be for a moment, but then I remembered I had given my number to the secretary at the infirmary. I quickly picked it up, trying to not sound too eager as I said, "Lieutenant Daniel Choi speaking."

"Hi, sir. This is Emma down at the infirmary. You said to call if anything happened."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, expecting the worst, "Yes, ma'am."

"Just wanted to let you know that the doctor sent him home. His symptoms weren't severe enough for him to be required to stay here. But he should rest until his symptoms clear."

I let out a little breath of relief, "What was his sickness?"

"Influenza, sir. The doctor gave him some medicine and ordered bed rest. Should be alright again in about a week or two."

"Thank you. I appreciate your call."

"Thank you. Have a nice day."

"You as well." I said before putting the telephone back on the hook. I thought for a moment, wondering what I could do for Soobin. I quickly reached into my inner jacket pocket, taking out my pocket watch to check the time. I smiled when I realized it was time for lunch break, knowing I could go see him.

I hurried to put my winter attire on and leave my office, only having one thing on my mind: my precious darling. It was still snowing outside as I began walking, shoving my hands into my pockets from the cold. I softly smiled to myself, wanting badly to take care of him for some reason. I knew I would need to make a fire for him to keep him warm, but I don't know if I'll be able to hold him like usual. Although, he also needs to eat something, even if it's small.

I snuck in through the back door, brushing the snow off me before stepping inside. I instantly said, "Soobin, it's me." When I came inside, not wanting to startle him.

I scrunched my eyebrows as I took my coat off, walking to the closet to hang it up and shoving my earmuffs and gloves in the pockets. I took my hat and jacket off as well, putting them in the closet too as I called out, "Soobin?"

I was still confused when I didn't hear a response back, making me search for him. I softly smiled when I walked into the parlor, seeing him peacefully sleeping on the couch with all of his winter attire still on. He only had kicked his shoes off, which were placed next to the couch. God, he didn't even have a pillow or a blanket, making me think he didn't have the strength to get himself to his bed upstairs. I moved closer, kneeling down in front of him and gently placing my palm on his forehead.

His temperature was a bit warm, but he still seemed so cold since he had kept his hat, scarf, gloves, and coat on. I needed to wake him up, knowing he must eat something and get into proper clothes. I leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss onto his forehead, rubbing his cheek as I said, "Soobin... Darling, wake up."

He just nuzzled his head slightly into the cushion, making me chuckle as I continued to rub his cheek, "Wake up... Wake up... Time to wake up."

He softly whined as his eyes fluttered open, leaning into my touch when he saw it was me. I chuckled lightly, whispering to him, "You need to change into more comfortable clothing."

He hummed, closing his eyes again as he quietly replied, "It hurts to get up."

"I'll get some for you, sweetheart. I can dress you, but you're going to have to move a little bit for me." I said, slightly pouting at his state.

He nodded against the cushion, still keeping his eyes closed as I leaned forward to kiss his forehead. I whispered as I pulled away, "Cold, darling?"