𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐬 | 𝐡𝐡𝐣

nine.

Hyunjin felt ridiculous using movies to piece together his flashbacks, but it was all he had to work with. He feels dumb and useless as he compares his situation to that of Fifty First Dates, because he was quite obviously not living a romcom.

Instead of some ridiculous comedic relief, he had just found out someone had followed his car, then he had crashed. He could easily assume that was a hitman. Had that been his last experience before going down? He touches the scar on his temple, recalling the vivid feeling of blood spilling from it, and decides it doesn't feel too old, so it was most likely right before his coma. It would make sense that the accident had put him in the coma too.

And Areum... What happened to her? Did she die? Was she in a coma? Why hadn't they run his plates to find him? There were so many holes in everything, something was terribly wrong here—

"So, what're you thinking about?" You cut into his thoughts, interrupting him with your words.

Straightening himself out, he blurts out the first thing that comes to his mind, "Dogs!" semi-relieved that it was believable enough, "I was thinking about dogs."

You nod, plopping onto the couch next to him, "Why?" innocently plopping a chip into your mouth and waiting for a response. You were suspicious since you've never seen anybody think about dogs so seriously, but you neglect your instinct and allow him to elaborate.

Hyunjin almost felt worried at how gullible you were, but at least his excuse had been enough, "Nothing much... I was just wondering about them..." an awkwardness filling his tone, unable to go into detail on the matter. Instead, he tries to deter the conversation, "What's up with you?"

"Not much, although I think I'm going to start working in the office more," you drag out the last word, "Which means I'm going to be around less."

Hyunjin straightens at your words, suddenly feeling nervous, "... Oh."

You tilt your head. What was 'Oh' supposed to mean? Was he disappointed or indifferent? You wanted it to be the ladder because you were sure Hyunjin and your relationship had passed the indifferent stage. "I'm going to have Minho and the boys pop in to check in on you, though. That sounds alright, right?"

He nods. He was nervous, having come to rely on you heavily since the store incident, but he knew he couldn't keep you at home forever. Plus, he wouldn't have to try and be as sneaky about piecing together his past.

With his silent agreement, you wear a squared, close-mouthed smile and stand, "Okay then. I'll let my boss know I can start tomorrow then," rocking awkwardly on your heels as you wait for some response. Hyunjin wasn't necessarily a quiet person, and the odd silence he'd been giving you was starting to worry you. Was he still upset about the hospital? Did he need to talk to Chan about his episode?

Almost as if he can sense your stress, Hyunjin turns to smile at you, "Don't worry, I'm alright [Y/N]," reassuring you gently, his eyes forming crescents so you know the grin is genuine.

Tomorrow came faster than Hyunjin had hoped. Instead of the calm, relaxed mornings he was used to having with you, he woke up to you scrambling to finish breakfast, giving Han and Minho instructions for what he guesses is how to take care of him. He may not have remembered much embarrassment, but he sure could recall the feeling now. "... just don't let him use the stove, and make sure he eats before noon."

Minho rolls his eyes playfully, "Yeah, yeah, we've got it," smiling at you with those eyes Hyunjin knew were more than friendly, "Don't worry [Y/N], we'll take good care of Sleeping Beauty."

You glare at him a bit for that but laugh afterward because, in all honesty, it was funny—rude, but funny nonetheless. You point to Jisung, "Don't let him be mopey and make sure Minho isn't too mean, please?"