Timeless Obsession

Ep 12: Deal with a kiss

(35th day)

3rd person's P.O.V

In a room with dimly lit candles, several servants took turns carefully changing each flickering flame, ensuring the light remained steady and soft. The warm, golden glow cast delicate shadows across the stone walls, creating an atmosphere of quiet serenity. Each servant moved with practiced grace, their footsteps nearly inaudible against the polished wooden floor. Their eyes often flicked towards the bed, where a girl lay peacefully asleep, her breathing even and calm.

The door creaked open, and a woman entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. She was Jimin, a figure of authority and grace. Her arrival prompted the servants to quickly bow and exit the room, their departure a well-rehearsed dance of deference and respect.

Left alone with the sleeping girl, Jimin approached the bed, her expression softening as she gazed down at Winter. Winter's face was the very definition of peace and beauty, a slight smile gracing her lips as if she were lost in a pleasant dream. In stark contrast, Jimin's face was etched with worry, her brows furrowed and her eyes red from crying. Her cheeks were stained with the remnants of dried tears, evidence of a long night spent in anguish.

It had been a day already, and now the next morning had dawned, bringing with it a deepening sense of unease. Winter had not yet woken up. Jimin's hand trembled slightly as she reached out, her fingers brushing gently against Winter's cool skin. The touch was brief but filled with unspoken concern. Jimin sighed softly, her breath a whisper in the still room, and settled into a chair beside the bed, her eyes never leaving Winter's face. The candles flickered, casting dancing shadows that seemed to mirror the silent vigil of the woman who watched over the sleeping girl.

Jimin knelt beside Winter's still form, the soft moonlight filtering through the window to cast a gentle glow over her peaceful face. "You look so peaceful," she whispered, her voice barely a breath in the quiet room. She reached out, her fingers delicately threading through Winter's silky hair.

With tender care, Jimin twirled a lock around her fingers, feeling its smoothness beneath her touch. Her thumbs traced the familiar contours, a gesture that seemed to connect her to Winter's essence. "When are you gonna wake up?" Her voice quivered with unspoken emotions as she leaned closer, her gaze fixed on Winter's serene expression. A tear threatened to escape, but Jimin bit her lip, the taste of salt mingling with the sweetness of memories. 

"D-don't cry," a weak whisper pierced the silence, causing Jimin to look up abruptly. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Winter's lips moving, her eyes still closed but her voice unmistakably present.

"W-Winter!" Jimin gasped, her voice a mixture of shock and overwhelming relief. "Y-you're awake! This isn't a dream, right?" She clutched Winter's face, her fingers trembling with a desperate need for reassurance.

"It's not a dream," Winter replied, her voice frail but real, as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the dim light.

"Someone call the doctor!!" Jimin shouted, her voice carrying through the halls. The servants outside the room, alerted by her urgent plea, rushed to fetch the royal physician.

"S-stop sh-shouting," Winter murmured, attempting to sit up but wincing in pain, her face contorting as she squeezed her eyes shut and remained lying down.