The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

16 | Silent Promises

𝐇𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Don't cry, sunshine," I say softly, stepping closer despite her telling me not to. "Please, calm down. I'll explain everything. It's not what you think."

Her sobs slow as she looks up at me, her tear-streaked cheeks and eyes filled with confusion and hurt. 

God, there's nothing more painful than seeing her like this. All I want is to put a smile on that face. Why do I fail every single time?

"The agreement isn't for me to give you my heart while I'm alive. It only means I'll be your donor if my time comes unexpectedly. It's not legal for me to do it while I'm alive, I swear. Please don't cry, sunshine. It hurts to see you like this. You know, seeing you cry is what I hate the most," I explain, trying to keep my voice steady and soothing.

She blinks, processing my words, and I can see the tension starting to leave her body. I gently reach out, taking her hand in mine.

I look deeply into those beautiful hazel eyes. They show the depth of her heart that has been hurt a million times. I vow never to let it happen again. She deserves the world, and I'll be the one to give it to her.

"I was so afraid of losing you, unnie. Giving you my heart seemed like the only way to save you. But now, I've found another way. One that I hope will work out."

Gently, I draw her closer, wrapping her smaller figure in my arms. Have I mentioned before how perfectly she fits in my arms? It's like these arms were made just for her.

I feel her body gradually relaxing. I pull back just enough to see her expression soften, the anger and fear in her eyes giving way to curiosity and concern. I take a deep breath, steadying myself before continuing.

"I lost my first lover to a heart attack. She died in my arms, and ever since that day, I couldn't forgive myself for not being able to save her. That's why I reacted so quickly when you had your heart attack. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you too if I didn't do everything in my power to save you," I explain, hoping she'll understand. 

I never thought of telling anyone about Eunha, especially Danielle, but she deserves to know. The memory is still painful even after all these years.

Danielle's eyes glisten with tears once more. But this time, they seem to be tears of understanding and empathy.

"I'm sorry," she mutters in a trembling voice, softly cupping my cheek and looking deeply into my eyes. "I thought the agreement was..."

"No, it wasn't. I'm not going to give you my heart while I'm alive. That would be stupid of me. Who's going to take care of you if I die?" I lean in and kiss her forehead, then take her hand and put it on my cheek, snuggling against her soft skin. "I'll do anything to keep you healthy and safe. We'll stay alive and continue living together. I promise."

Danielle lets out a small smile before tightening our embrace, her head resting against my shoulder. I can feel her heartbeat slowly returning to a calmer rhythm, matching my own as I rub her back with both hands.

"Please don't get hurt ever again. It aches me so much. I'd rather carry all your pain than see you suffer," I murmur into her hair before kissing the crown of her head.

She snuggles against my shoulder. "Oh, Haerin. You're so sweet. But I don't want you to hurt either, you know that."

"Of course I do," I reply.

Slowly, we loosen the hug that we were afraid to break apart. I cradle her face in my hands, softly brushing away her tears with my thumb. She only stares at me with her soft gaze as I do so.