FACE-OFF | PJM

Chapter 64

Taemin was also in the same hospital, and while Krystal's mother didn't care about his well-being, she had heard that he was okay. She considered it fortunate because if something had happened to Taemin while Krystal survived, it might have led to legal troubles for her due to the circumstances.

Her mother gently patted her hand and replied, "He's not dead; he's still alive."

Krystal couldn't hide her disappointment, muttering, "How can he still be alive..."

Her mother gazed at Krystal's face, her expression filled with a mix of concern and scolding. She said, "Krystal, how could you be so foolish? Did you think that by dying alongside him, you could solve everything? Is he really worth it? You've gone too far. Promise me you'll never attempt something like this again. If anything happened to you, what would your father and I do? You're our only child."

Krystal, with a heavy heart, responded, "But I couldn't see any other way..."

Her mother insisted, "There will always be another way. Don't ever consider doing this again."

Krystal fell into silence for a moment, lost in thought. Then, she gently pressed her hand against her belly. Her mother immediately understood her concern and clasped Krystal's hands, reassuring her, "The baby is gone."

Her mother had decided to lie because she knew that if Krystal found out the baby was still alive, she might insist on an immediate abortion, which could be harmful to her health. The doctor had advised her mother to encourage Krystal to wait until she had fully recovered. To prevent her daughter from making any impulsive decisions, her mother chose to withhold the truth, hoping to protect Krystal from any further harm.

Krystal's eyes widened with hope as she asked, "Really?"

Her mother nodded reassuringly, saying, "Yes, for real."

Krystal released her mother's hand and reclined on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. She then expressed her concern, "But what about dad?"

Her mother gently advised, "You've just had surgery. Don't dwell on it too much. Focus on resting. I'll stay with you tonight. By the way, what would you like to eat? Taehyung is out getting you some food, and he'll be back soon..."

Krystal shook her head slightly and replied, "I don't have much of an appetite."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Taehyung entered with a plastic bag filled with takeout boxes. Despite the late hour, he had gone to great lengths to find something suitable for her, likely searching for a bowl of comforting porridge.

Taehyung gently greeted her, saying, "You're awake."

Krystal looked at him and urged, "Go home and get some rest. I'll be fine."

Taehyung placed the bowl of comforting porridge on the table and reminded her, "Just remember to eat this when you get hungry."

Krystal nodded in acknowledgment and closed her eyes, ready to rest.

"Okay, I'll head home now,"

"Drive safely," she instructed him as he left the room.

Taehyung didn't intend to go far. He settled into a chair just outside the room, determined to stay nearby in case anything happened. The time on the clock read two in the morning, but he had no plans to leave Krystal's side.

Krystal couldn't bring herself to eat the porridge Taehyung had brought; her appetite had disappeared.

Observing her daughter's reluctance, Krystal's mother let out a sigh and decided to step outside to dispose of the untouched meal. However, as she opened the door, she was surprised to find Taehyung sleeping right there in the corridor, using his suit as a makeshift blanket.

Feeling a wave of sympathy for him, Krystal's mother gently approached and patted his shoulder to wake him.

Taehyung stirred and greeted her, "Auntie."

Concerned, she asked, "Why didn't you go home last night?"

"I feel more at ease staying here," Taehyung replied earnestly.

Krystal's mother sighed, touched by his dedication. She suggested, "I'll go downstairs to buy breakfast for you both. Can you look after Krystal for a while?"

"Of course," Taehyung agreed, nodding as he entered the room to take over the watch.

Taehyung entered the room, placing his suit neatly on a nearby chair before settling into one beside Krystal's bed. She was not fully awake but not completely asleep either.

As she slowly stirred, her voice was weak as she spoke, "How did you manage to come here so early...?"

Taehyung didn't want to reveal that he had spent the entire night at the hospital, so he simply smiled and replied, "I couldn't sleep for long, so I decided to come. Without you by my side, I couldn't help but worry."

Krystal remained silent, her thoughts hidden behind pursed lips.

Taehyung gently grasped her hand and continued, "When I received that call from Auntie yesterday, I rushed to the hospital. I was outside, waiting for you during your surgery. Though it was just a few hours, it felt like an eternity to me. I'm so relieved you're okay. If something had happened to you... I don't know what I would have done."

Krystal fixed her gaze on him and said, "Do you know what was going through my mind when I thought I was going to die?"

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A/N: What do you think of the chapter?