Chapter 3

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The day Wooyoung was discharged from the hospital marked a curious turn in their story. Moonlit Hollow, typically bathed in enchantment, became the stage for the tentative steps of two individuals with a connection yet to be defined. Wooyoung, crutches in hand, stepped cautiously out of the hospital, his ankle bandaged and heart uncertain.

San, a relative stranger, had offered to assist Wooyoung after a serendipitous encounter in the bakery. Their conversation, stilted and filled with awkward pauses, led to an agreement that San would walk Wooyoung home and help him settle in.

As they stepped into the sunlight, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers, creating a delicate backdrop to the unspoken tension between them. Wooyoung, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease, hesitated at the hospital exit.

San, sensing Wooyoung's uncertainty, cleared his throat. "Uh, so, do you need some help getting home?"

Wooyoung, looking at the crutches in his hands, nodded. "Yeah, that would be nice."

In an attempt to make things easier, San, with a hint of hesitation, offered his arm for Wooyoung to lean on. The unexpected move elicited a surprised yelp from Wooyoung, and they both exchanged sheepish glances.

"Sorry, I thought it might be more convenient," San mumbled, trying to navigate the unspoken awkwardness.

"No, no, it's fine," Wooyoung replied, his cheeks tinted with embarrassment. "Just not what I expected."

As they navigated the sidewalk, the world seemed to be holding its breath. Awkward glances were exchanged with passersby, and the duo fumbled through the uncharted territory of their newfound connection.

Arriving at Wooyoung's doorstep, the atmosphere inside remained thick with the weight of unspoken words. The door creaked open, revealing the familiar interior of Wooyoung's home.

"In here is fine," Wooyoung gestured, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort.

San, with a polite nod, assisted Wooyoung inside, their journey marked by the tentative steps of awkward assistance. The cottage at the edge of town stood as a silent witness to the uncharted path they were just beginning to explore.

The cottage door creaked open, revealing the familiar interior of Wooyoung's home. San, with a polite nod, assisted Wooyoung inside, their journey marked by the tentative steps of awkward assistance. The cottage at the edge of town stood as a silent witness to the uncharted path they were just beginning to explore.

Wooyoung, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort, gestured toward the living area. "You can just, uh, leave me here."

San, sensing the unease, awkwardly hovered near the doorway. "Sure, I mean, if you need anything, just let me know."

Wooyoung offered a small smile, appreciative of San's help but unsure of how to navigate the situation. "Thanks, San. I'll manage from here."

As the door closed behind San, Wooyoung hobbled to the living room, crutches in hand. The cottage, though familiar, felt different in the aftermath of his hospital stay. Shadows danced on the walls, whispering stories of generations past, and the air seemed to hold the weight of unspoken words.

Taking a seat on the worn-out sofa, Wooyoung let out a sigh. The bandaged ankle throbbed with a persistent ache, a constant reminder of vulnerability. The sounds of Moonlit Hollow outside, a distant melody of daily life, provided a comforting backdrop to the solitude within.

A knock on the door interrupted the quietude. Wooyoung, puzzled, opened it to find San holding a bag of takeout.

"I thought you might not feel like cooking," San explained, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

Wooyoung, surprised by the unexpected gesture, managed a grateful smile. "That's thoughtful of you, San. Come in."

San stepped inside, and they settled into a slightly less awkward atmosphere. The evening unfolded with shared laughter, occasional awkward silences, and the scent of takeout filling the cottage.

As they navigated the uncharted hospitality of Wooyoung's home, the shadows seemed to soften, weaving tales of unexpected connections and shared moments. Moonlit Hollow, a town known for its enchanting stories, became the backdrop to a chapter in Wooyoung and San's journey—a tale marked by awkward assistance, tentative steps, and the promise of uncharted paths yet to unfold.

Ephemeral Shadows: Whispers Beyond the Bakery ||Woosan smut||Where stories live. Discover now