UNEDITED...
Chapter 56.
Ji Hu left his office late, his mind preoccupied with the problematic proposal his second uncle had sent. The proposal had glaring risks that could lead to substantial financial losses and potential legal troubles for Baek Holdings. Determined to protect the company, Ji Hu had spent hours meticulously blocking every loophole his second uncle might exploit.
When he finally arrived home, his butler greeted him with a sad smile. "Young Master, Jae-Soo had another episode today. He's in the bedroom, and he hasn't let anyone touch him. He's hiding."
Ji Hu felt a pang of guilt and worry. "Is Mi-Reu asleep?" he asked.
The butler nodded. "Yes, he's sound asleep."
Ji Hu handed over his suit jacket, loosening his tie as he made his way upstairs. His concern for Jae-Soo quickly overshadowed the frustration he felt at not being informed sooner. Entering the dark bedroom, he heard a soft whimper coming from the side of the bed.
Navigating through the darkness, he knew turning on the light would only cause Jae-Soo to panic further. Instead, he moved slowly toward the shadow in the corner of the room. Kneeling in front of Jae-Soo, he could barely make out his trembling form.
"Jae-Soo," Ji Hu whispered gently, reaching out but stopping just short of touching him. "It's me, Ji Hu. I'm here now. You're safe."
He waited patiently, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Slowly, Jae-Soo's whimpering subsided, replaced by the sound of his uneven breathing. Ji Hu remained still, his presence a silent reassurance.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier," Ji Hu continued softly. "But I'm here now. I'll always be here for you."
Gradually, Jae-Soo's breathing steadied, and he inched closer to Ji Hu, his body seeking comfort. Ji Hu gently wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a protective embrace.
Ji Hu's heart ached as he finally managed to calm Jae-Soo down. Once Jae-Soo had fallen asleep in his arms, Ji Hu gently carried him to the bed. He moved with utmost care, not wanting to wake him. Sitting beside Jae-Soo, Ji Hu inspected the fresh wounds, a painful reminder of his husband's struggles. The beautiful wheat-coloured skin, now marred with cuts and scars, told a silent story of torment.
Softly, Ji Hu retrieved the first aid kit from the bedside drawer. He meticulously cleaned each wound, his touch tender and precise. As he worked, his mind wandered back to when he first noticed something was wrong with Jae-Soo. It had taken time for him to recognize the signs of his trauma and the triggers that could send him into a spiral.
Su Jin and the Choi family were significant triggers. Whenever Jae-Soo encountered anything related to them, it was as if a switch flipped. He would retreat into a dark room, leaving their young son, Mi-Reu in the care of the butler. It was during these episodes that Jae-Soo inflicted harm on himself, a heartbreaking coping mechanism.
Ji Hu finished cleaning the wounds and gently bandaged them. He looked at Jae-Soo's peaceful face, his expression softening with a mixture of love and sorrow. It was in these quiet moments that the weight of their situation felt heaviest. Jae-Soo's episodes left him disoriented, often causing memory lapses. Every time he regained consciousness, it seemed like parts of their life together had been temporarily erased.
Ji Hu leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Jae-Soo's forehead. "I'm here," he whispered, the words a promise as much as a reassurance. "I'll always be here."
He settled beside Jae-Soo, wrapping an arm around him protectively. As he watched over his sleeping wife, Ji Hu vowed to do everything in his power to help him heal.
Ji Hu sat up straight, his head throbbing. Another dream about Kim Jae-soo had left him disoriented and worried. He massaged his temples, trying to alleviate the tension. The images from the dream lingered, especially the sight of Kim Jae-soo's wounded body. It felt so real, leaving Ji Hu with a heavy heart and a sense of dread. What did these dreams mean? Were they echoes of the past, glimpses of the future, or something else entirely?
With a heavy sigh, he pushed the thoughts aside and rose from his bed. Today held importance as his final exams were scheduled, and he needed to focus. The dreams, though unsettling, would have to wait.
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-soo had finished his internship and was now deep into his exams. The four months of internship had provided him with the extra credits he needed for his senior year at B University. The experience had been invaluable, giving him practical knowledge and a taste of the professional world.
For a while, life had been peaceful. Su Jin and her toxic influence had been absent, allowing the family of four—Kim Jae-soo, Shin Young, Shin Ji-su, and Ae Cha—to enjoy their daily lives without interruption. Ji-su had finally moved in with his brother and mother, and, at the insistence of the three of them, Shin Young had also moved in.
Their home brimmed with warmth and laughter, a stark contrast to the turmoil they had previously endured. Mornings started with hearty breakfasts, often prepared by Ae Cha, who had rediscovered her passion for cooking. She enjoyed creating new recipes and involving her sons. Shin Young, ever the supportive figure, had become an integral part of their lives, providing stability and a sense of completeness. They still handled the cafe and Kim Ae cha tried to get Shin Young to work with her as an assistant.
Kim Jae-soo felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. He had a supportive family, a clear academic path, and a future that no longer seemed daunting. Despite the occasional worry about Su Jin's next move, he felt secure in the love and protection of his family.
Ji Hu, on the other hand, couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The dreams were becoming more frequent and vivid. Each one left him with a sense of urgency as if he needed to act before it was too late. But what action was he supposed to take? The answers eluded him, and with his exams looming, he had to push the thoughts aside for now.
After preparing for the day, Ji Hu headed out to tackle his exams. He promised himself that once the exams were over, he would delve deeper into understanding these dreams and what they might signify. For now, he needed to stay focused and give his best effort.
Back at the villa, Kim Jae-soo and his family were busy with their routines. Ji-su was helping Ae Cha with some gardening, a hobby they had picked up together. Shin Young was reading the newspaper, occasionally glancing up to smile at the sight of his loved ones enjoying the morning.
Kim Jae-soo took a moment to appreciate the tranquillity. He needed this to last as much as possible. But he spoke too soon.
A/N: Who missed me? any who I was able to meet the deadline and I have a new book I want to start writing. I wrote it when I was younger, I'm just going to change it a bit. title is [Five Colours of Magic]
Quick Question: Now are we questioning Kim Jae Soo's memories or Ji Hu's?
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BL REBIRTH: You Were Mine (MPREG)
Short StoryA fire incident at his(Kim Jae-soo) husband's home while he (Baek Ji-Hu )was away made Kim Jae-soo return to his third year of university (he was reborn), he finally has the opportunity to make up for everything he regrets. The mistakes that have be...