Gentle Forest

Chapter 34

The sensation of someone washing me was undeniably strange. Aiden gently lifted my seemingly powerless body and seated me on the bathtub's edge. The touch of a plush sponge gliding over my outstretched arms was perceptible. Then, warm palms landed on my flat chest. Even with a faint smile on his lips, as he explored my body, there was no energy left in me to resist.

"I feel like I'm dying."

Under the excessively bright bathroom lights, I saw my body, mottled all over. My waist and tailbone were sore, and the area between my buttocks and inner thighs was sure. Although Aiden's diligent washing improved things a bit, the pain didn't subside. Washing me thoroughly, Aiden reached as far as my knees, shame and embarrassment aside. It felt awkward, but at this point, pushing him away seemed ridiculous.

"Don't stare too much. Quickly..."

"I should apply some ointment."

As the warm shower stream touched my body, I finally felt a bit alive. He unabashedly explored every nook and cranny while rinsing away all the foam. Then, like a loyal dog, I surrendered my body for him to towel-dry until every trace of moisture disappeared.

Lying there, seemingly unable to gather any strength, I caught Aiden observing me with a slightly puzzled expression. Taking care of someone must be a first time experience for him, judging by the intrigued smile on his cheeks.

"I've never done something like this before since I don't have any siblings. So, it feels a bit strange."

Reflecting on it, Aiden, like me, was also an only child.

"I've been through a lot of this. When I was little, Mom bathed me, and as I got older, Dad took over. Last time when I was sick, Minhyuk came to our place to take care of me."

"Him?"

Aiden's face revealed a trace of displeasure.

"Minhyuk is like a lifeless robot to me."

His jaw clenched as if finding little comfort in those words.

"More importantly, I have no part of my body that doesn't hurt. It's just too painful. Haah..."

Swiftly diverting the conversation, Aiden's contemplative gaze followed. As he handed over underwear, I slowly got up, inserting my feet into the clothes without bothering to tuck in the long-sleeved shirt and pants. The shirt smoothly went over my head, and Aiden grinned, lips parting wide. While it seemed pleasant, the solitude of growing up alone crept into a corner of my heart, creating a bittersweet feeling.

I had never felt loneliness, having only memories of being alone since very young. The contrast between Aiden's bustling social life and my more solitary existence made the emotions vivid. Looking at him with moist eyes, he just tilted his head.

"Now, let's get some sleep."

He gently embraced me, wrapping his arms around my neck, leading me to the living room where a fresh blanket was laid out. The sound of rain began to patter outside the dimly lit window. The bed was a mess, and figuring out how to tidy up seemed daunting. Tomorrow, without the sun, the task of drying the sheets became a real challenge.

"Go to sleep first."

Aiden brought a hairdryer, meticulously drying my hair before heading back to the bathroom. All the aftermath was his responsibility. Filled with remorse, I vowed to make breakfast in the morning. Turning the blanket over, I sighed and rose. The warmth made me think Aiden might be snuggling next to me, but to my surprise, the spot was empty.

As I tossed and turned, a sticky sensation clung to every part of my body. While I slept, it seemed Aiden had diligently applied ointment even to the embarrassing wounds hidden in the crevices. The air felt unusually chilly, contrasting with the summery atmosphere. My back was drenched in cold sweat, and an uneasy feeling prompted me to touch my forehead.