The feeling was suffocating, as if Jisoo was plummeting into a bottomless pit, surrounded by never-ending darkness. An agonizing pain crushed her chest, while panic stole her breath away. She felt vulnerable, lost, and terrified, unable to even scream for help. All she could do was wait for whatever was to come her way.
And then, she woke up. Her entire body ached, but it wasn't a physical hurt; instead, the pain pierced deep into her lungs, leaving her gasping for air. Each desperate gasp for air felt like a tremendous struggle in her fight to breathe. Jisoo's movements stirred Haein from his sleep as well. With sleep still clouding his eyes and concern etched on his face, he reached out and gently placed a comforting hand on Jisoo's trembling shoulder.
Feeling Haein's touch offered little relief to Jisoo, as she continued to rub her chest instinctively, trying to ward off the anxiety that had taken hold of her. Jisoo suddenly felt a churning sensation in her stomach. She doubled over, succumbing to the wretched feeling that overcame her. Her body convulsed with nausea, forcing her to vomit the remnants of her earlier meal on the bed. The expulsion of the semi-digested food combined with saliva and bile created a repulsive, gooey liquid that left behind a bitter taste lingering in her mouth.
Haein, quickly awakened by the disgusting smell and his natural instinct to care for Jisoo, sprang into action. He gently pulled her away from the mess, his face softening with empathy. He guided her to the bathroom, placing her trembling body near the sink, and handed her a glass of water to rinse her mouth. Haein then fetched a damp washcloth and wiped Jisoo's face clean, soothing her flushed skin with each gentle stroke.
"Are you okay?" Haein asked, his voice filled with concern, yet Jisoo could hardly register his words, her body still reeling from the ordeal.
"I don't know." Barely able to collect herself, she managed to whisper a feeble.
Haein wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulder, leading her back to the bedroom. As they approached the stained sheets and comforter, Haein swiftly removed them, tossing them into a laundry basket and replacing them with a fresh set. He then sat Jisoo down gently onto the freshly made bed, concern still heavy in his expression.
"What happened? Was it a nightmare?" He asked softly, searching for any clues to what may have triggered this sudden episode. Jisoo nodded weakly, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"I had a dream... about the baby." She managed to say through her sobs. "It was me in the dream, but I can't help but feel like it could have been about the baby too, I don't know." Her voice trembled as she continued, "It was this awful, suffocating feeling... like I was falling forever into this pitch-black abyss. I couldn't scream or do anything at all. I was completely helpless." Wiping her tears away, she gently cradled her belly. "I can't do it, Haein." She whispered hoarsely. "I just can't bring myself to end this life. I'm so sorry." She pulled away after a moment, wiping her tears and sniffing, before looking at him. "Forgive me, but I have to do this." She said with a frown, standing up and gathering her clothes.
"What are you talking about? Didn't you just say-" Haein started, but she interrupted him.
"I'm going to make the baby Bohyun's." She stated with determination. A wave of anger washed over Haein, making his chest tight and his nostrils flare – the surrounding atmosphere became tense.
"You must be out of your mind if you think I'm going to let that happen." He replied, his voice deceptively calm.
"So, what's your plan?" Jisoo asked, her voice shaking slightly. "We can't keep a baby a secret forever, you know. Life isn't a drama series. Eventually, I'll start showing, and since Bohyun is publicly my boyfriend. I can't just waltz in and announce I'm pregnant with my former co-star's baby." Haein's expression darkened.
