You Make Me | Lee Eunhyuk

22

Jiwon's violent coughing erupted in the cramped security office, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled within its walls. The room seemed to close in on her as she rasped out a weak request for water, her dry mouth pleading for relief.

Eunhyuk sprang into action, clumsily rising to his feet and hurrying to fetch water for the distressed girl. His hurried movements and evident panic brought a small grin to Jiwon's face, finding solace in his endearing behaviour even in the midst of her discomfort. As he returned with a cup of water and a napkin, Jiwon's gratitude spilled into a smile, grateful for his presence as it seemed to clear her foggy mind.

Her heart calmed at the sight of Eunhyuk, and amidst her struggles, she contemplated a lingering sentiment. The question of whether she should confess her love, even as her health deteriorated, lingered in the air like an unspoken secret.

Eunhyuk handed her the lukewarm water, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Thank you, Eunhyuk," she uttered with a soft smile, sipping the water and using the napkin to stifle another round of coughs. A glance at the stained napkin revealed specks of blood, prompting her to hide it quickly. Eunhyuk, ever considerate, averted his gaze to spare her discomfort.

"It's much darker in here, isn't it?" Jiwon observed, attempting to shift the conversation.

"Yeah, we've lost the electricity. And we might run out of water soon," Eunhyuk admitted bluntly, choosing honesty over sugarcoating for Jiwon's sake.

"Oh," she sighed, her gaze dropping. "Well, I better make myself useful then. I'll see you later."

With a sudden change in demeanour, Jiwon rose and left the security office, leaving Eunhyuk bewildered.

As Jiwon wandered aimlessly through the halls, the assumed safety of their refuge felt like a fleeting illusion. The weight on her chest grew heavier, and even encountering her older brother failed to draw her into a conversation, fearing the tears that threatened to break through.

Her footsteps echoed silently as she wandered through the building, her emotions spiralling out of control. Her body, betraying her, began to feel less like her own. Internally, she recognized the approaching end.

"Jiwon?" Eunhyuk's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes?" she responded, her voice monotone.

"Hyunsoo is trapped in the basement. Me, your brother, Sangwook, and Jisu are going to get him. If you're okay, you can come," Eunhyuk informed, his concern evident.

Jiwon nodded silently, and Eunhyuk, sensing her emotional turmoil, offered a reassuring suggestion. "I'll grab your Jingum. Just go to the entrance of the basement."

Upon reaching the entrance, her brother's relief at seeing her caused a mix of emotions. Hugging her tightly, he scanned her for any signs of harm, questioning her well-being.

"I'm fine," Jiwon assured, a weak but content smile playing on her lips. Despite her reassurances, Jaeheon's suspicions lingered, noting the toll the apocalypse was taking on her, like everyone else.

Eunhyuk's arrival brought a sense of comfort as he handed Jiwon her Jingum. She gripped it with one hand, ready to descend into the basement. Eunhyuk, equipped with a crossbow, locked eyes with her, and just as they began their descent, he reached over and clasped her hand. It was a familiar touch, but this time, he intertwined their fingers, a subtle yet intimate gesture that caught Jiwon off guard. His thumb caressed her hand, and a smile played on her lips until she noticed her brother's raised eyebrow, prompting a blush to bloom on her cheeks. As they reached the bottom step, their hands parted to wield their weapons, but Jiwon couldn't ignore Eunhyuk's proximity.