Through The Window

9. Lean on me

Wonyoung stirred faintly, her head throbbing.

Ugh… my head…
Where was she?

It took a few seconds before awareness settled in. The familiar smell of disinfectant, the quiet beeping—
It had been a while since she last ended up here again.

She blinked twice, trying to see clearly.

Footsteps echoed from outside the room.

Instinctively, she closed her eyes again.

Not long after, she heard the door open.

That scent…

It was familiar.

Yujin.

Her heart clenched. Omg… Wonyoung, you really got him into trouble.

She sensed him coming closer, sitting beside her. His hand found hers, holding it gently, thumb brushing over her skin.

Then she heard his voice.

“Wonyoung… what actually happened to you? Why didn’t you open up to me? Why do you keep bottling up your feelings? Please stop being this strong, Wonyoung… you also need someone who can be there for you. Please don’t make yourself suffer more.”

She was a little surprised—but she kept her eyes closed.

He slowly brushed the hair away from her face, his fingers gently caressing her cheek.

“You’re very strong, Wonyoung… but please lean on me if you need someone. Use me… just use me. I’ll do anything for you, even if it risks my own life. I know we just met, but I feel a very strong connection between us. Please be strong for me… I can’t lose you.”

Her chest tightened.

Yujin… why are you being so kind?
Did she even deserve this?

She didn’t think so.

She felt guilty.
She didn’t want to burden him.
She was just a stranger—someone lucky enough to meet a man like him.

I’m sorry, Yujin…
I’m sorry for falling for you.
I come from a broken family.
I’m nothing compared to you.

A soft snore broke her thoughts.

Carefully, she opened her eyes.

He was asleep—still holding her hand.

Guilt washed over her.

She squeezed his hand gently and closed her eyes again.

Hours passed.

When she woke up again, she turned her head slightly—and froze.

Yujin was staring at her.

“Oh thank God you’re awake! Do you need anything? Water? Food? I’ll get it for you.”

“Water,” she whispered.

He quickly stood up, returned with a cup, and handed it to her.

“Thanks, Yujin.”

He smiled.

“Why am I here, anyway?”

“Oh… uhm… sorry, Wonyoung.”

She frowned. “Sorry for what?”

“For… what I did to you. I mean—did I scare you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You suddenly passed out in the kitchen.”

She tilted her head, struggling to remember.

“Huh? Why?”

“I… uhm… I think it was my fault in the first place.”

She grew even more confused.

“I just wanted to tease you… but I think I did it the wrong way.”

Slowly, the memory returned.

“Yujin…”

He met her eyes.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For bringing me here… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Wonyoung.”

She shook her head.

“I’m sorry for being such a burden to you…”

He sighed softly.

“Wonyoung… I don’t want to interfere with your problems, but I need you to know—I’m here. If you need someone, I’m here. I can be your buddy, your friend, your listener… maybe even your future boyfriend. You know—listeners need someone to listen to them too.”

She was speechless.

He took her hand and kissed it gently.

“I—I…”

“Do you have something on your mind? Want to share?”

She stayed silent.

“Alright. Take your time, okay?”

She really had no one else.

Family?

She didn’t even know what family truly meant.

Only children from broken families would understand.

“If I open up… will you believe me?”

“Of course, Wonyoung. Even if we just met, I know you’re not someone who lies.”

She took a deep breath.

“If you remember that night… when we first met… I said my dad beat me. There was a reason.”

Her tears fell before she could stop them.

She cried.

Yujin kept caressing her hand.

“It’s okay… slowly. I’m here.”

“I ran away because… because my dad tried to sell me to a man I didn’t even know. But before that… he—he hurt me. I lost my virginity… I’m dirty, Yujin…”

He didn’t say anything.

Instead, he pulled her into his chest.

He hugged her tightly.

“It’s okay, Wonyoung. You’re not dirty. I’m here. No one will touch you. Not even an inch. I’ll protect you—no matter what.”

His hand rubbed her back gently.

“Calm down… okay?”

“There’s more…”

“It’s okay. What is it?”

“One night… my dad broke into my room with several men. They held me down… and I didn’t know what to do… and he forced me to take pills after that…”

Yujin’s grip tightened, worry flooding his face.

“You’ll be safe with me. I’ll protect you, okay?”

“And… I have trauma. Depression too. It’s been four years…”

She noticed tears falling from his eyes.

“I—I’m so sorry, Wonyoung… I can’t imagine how you survived all of this. I’m really sorry…”

He cried.

“No… don’t cry, Yujin.”

He hugged her tighter, still sobbing.

“Why are you crying?”

“I—I can’t hold it in… how can you be this strong, Wonyoung?”

Her gaze fell to his hand.

Blood.

“Yujin… your hand!”