Winter Season

Chapter 12: Longer Than Two Weeks

Everything hurt. Her throat especially, felt so dry as she tried to groan in pain but there was also a sharp pain coming from her back to her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her body, and slowly, it worked.

Her head felt groggy, she opened her eyes and quickly shut them again when the brightness greeted her. After blinking her eyes numerous times, Minjeong could finally take the sight in.

White ceiling, white walls.

What was that beeping sound?

Not having any energy, she only looked around the room, trying to recollect her memory. What had happened to her? Why was her body hurting so much? Where was she?

Jimin.

Minjeong winced as felt her body stabbed with pain all over her muscle when she tried to get up. But she stubbornly fought over it, barely managing to lift her shoulders up when she realized there was something weighing on her hand.

Looking down at the black, long, wavy hair sprawling on her arms, Minjeong sighed a breath of relief.

Seemed like both her and Jimin made it out alive.

She slowly sat more straight up, peeking to make sure that it was really Jimin, to make sure that she was alive.

Minjeong thought Jimin must have been exhausted, she usually woke up at any small movements Minjeong was making, but this time, she stayed still. So Minjeong leaned back on the bed again, feeling the same state in her own body.

But why would Jimin sleep sitting up next to her bed? It must be very uncomfortable.

She scrunched up her nose as she carefully withdrew her hand from the woman's grip, placing it on top of her head instead, stroking the smooth hair gently.

Minjeong had no idea how long she had been sleeping, but all she knew was that she missed Jimin terribly, perhaps due to her last thought being that they would never see each other again. That she would die in Jimin's arms.

Slowly, Jimin shifted in her sleep. Minjeong's lips twitched up as she watched the woman's eyes blinking up at her in confusion. Then Jimin smiled.

"H-hi–" Minjeong winced when she felt greater pain in her throat. She looked to her side and without her having to ask, Jimin quickly stood up and held up the glass for Minjeong to drink slowly.

She paused to feel if her throat felt better, but ended up drinking all of the water even though her throat was clenching in pain every time she gulped. With Jimin's supporting hand letting her lay back down on her pillow, Minjeong kept her hand on Jimin's, setting them on her side. Jimin's touches really gave her comfort.

"Thank you." Her voice was a bit hoarse still, but better. "How are you?"

Jimin's eyes glued to her, half lidded as she just woke up from a deep slumber, and Minjeong knew it was still very early in the morning after she glanced at the clock on the wall in front of her. "I miss you." Jimin said, her voice was soft, just as her gaze.

"I'm right here."

"I know." Jimin nodded, Minjeong couldn't help but cupped her cheek, she was also missing Jimin and her touches. "I just, I miss you." She leaned into her palm, closing her eyes peacefully. "It's been two weeks," Minjeong froze, her smile faltering. "When are you going to wake up?" Jimin opened her eyes again, a little bit glossy now. "If I knew I would see you in my dreams, I would've slept more."

"Jimin?" Minjeong frowned, retreating her hand to hold herself up. Wincing all the way as she felt her back burning in pain, Minjeong panted a little bit. But Jimin was still smiling up at her dreamily. It really eased her mind to see her like this.