Rivalry Rewritten: Enmity to Intimacy ( Volume: 2)

Thirty Seven

The next day dawned with a sense of grim determination. Wooyoung folded up the blankets with Minji, the routine task a small solace amidst the chaos. Mingi and Yeosang entered the room with smiles, their attempts to lift Wooyoung’s spirits appreciated but ultimately failing to erase the exhaustion and worry etched into his features. He forced a smile, more for their sake than his own.

They sat down, engaging in light conversation. Mingi and Yeosang suggested they go out for some fresh air. Minji agreed to stay behind and watch over a sleeping Jiwoo. As the three of them stepped outside, they were greeted by a mob of reporters surrounding Mr. Choi. The news of San’s condition had gone viral, and the public’s concern was palpable.

Wooyoung’s heart sank at the sight, but he squared his shoulders and approached the group, his friends flanking him. He raised his hands, signaling for the reporters to step back. “Please, give us some space,” he said firmly. “We understand that everyone is worried about San, but invading our privacy isn’t going to help.”

The reporters quieted, their cameras and microphones still poised. Wooyoung glanced at Mr. Choi, who looked equally frazzled and overwhelmed. He took a deep breath and continued, “We appreciate your concern and prayers for San. We know this is a difficult time for everyone who cares about him. To address your questions and provide the information you need, we’ll hold a press conference. Mr. Choi and I will talk openly about San’s condition there.”

There was a murmur of agreement among the reporters, and they began to disperse slightly, giving them some much-needed space. Wooyoung turned to Mr. Choi, who nodded in reluctant agreement. The tension between them was still there, but in that moment, they shared a common goal: to support San and manage the overwhelming public interest in his condition.

Mingi placed a comforting hand on Wooyoung’s shoulder. “You handled that well.”

Wooyoung sighed, the weight of the situation still pressing heavily on his chest. “Thanks, Mingi. I just hope this helps keep things under control.”

Yeosang added, “It will. We’re here with you, every step of the way.”

Wooyoung gave them both a grateful nod. As they re-entered the hospital, the gravity of the upcoming press conference loomed over him. But for now, they had a plan, and that was a step in the right direction. Together, they would face whatever came next, united by their love for San and their determination to see him through this ordeal.

As Wooyoung, Mingi, and Yeosang entered the room, they found Minji's parents there, their faces etched with worry and concern for San. Minji's mother held Jiwoo gently, her expression softening as she looked at the innocent child unaware of the gravity of the situation. Minji's father paced slightly, his anxiety evident.

Wooyoung took a deep breath and approached them. “The doctor updated us on San’s condition. He’s in a coma, and they don’t know when he’ll wake up. It could be days, weeks, or even longer. They’re doing everything they can, but right now, it’s a waiting game.”

Minji’s parents exchanged a sorrowful glance. “Poor San,” Minji’s mother whispered, her eyes misting with tears. “And poor Jiwoo. That little girl...”

Minji’s father sighed heavily, shaking his head. “It’s heartbreaking. Jiwoo has already lost her mother, and now her father is...”

Wooyoung clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their words. He glanced at Jiwoo, who was playing quietly, oblivious to the tragedy unfolding around her. Her innocence made the situation even more poignant, and Wooyoung’s heart ached for her.

“San is strong,” Wooyoung said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. “We have to believe he’ll pull through this. Jiwoo needs her father.”