A new chapter {T.K} ✔️

Chapter 44

Third person's pov

Hyunjae woke up in the hospital room, his eyes blinking against the harsh overhead lights. He felt a cold sensation in his hand and glanced down to see an IV needle taped to his skin.

Blinking a few more times to clear his vision, he turned his head and saw Soohyun talking to someone else. Squinting, he recognized the person as Jaekhyung.

"Mr. Min?" Hyunjae croaked, his voice hoarse.

Both Soohyun and Jaekhyung turned their attention to him. Soohyun approached the bed, a look of concern on her face. "How do you feel?" she asked, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.

"Better," Hyunjae replied, his voice steadier this time. He turned to Jaekhyung. "Mr. Min, what are you doing here?"

Jaekhyung stepped closer, with a small smile. "Sir, my elder brother is admitted to this hospital. I was walking by when I saw the small crowd and realized it was you... You bumped into me and then passed out."

Hyunjae thought back to the hazy moments before he lost consciousness. "So it was you," he murmured. "Thank you, Mr. Min."

His heart pounded, knowing that it was Jaekhyung who had held him so softly.

Jaekhyung bowed slightly. "Sir, take care of yourself." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Hyunjae and Soohyun alone.

Soohyun kept her hand on Hyunjae's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Are you still feeling anxious?"

Hyunjae shook his head. "I'm fine," he said, though his hands were still trembling slightly. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and then opened them again. "What about the kid? Is he okay?"

"Don't worry," Soohyun reassured him. "Someone called the police in time. It turned out that the man was the kid's uncle. The kid is safe now."

Hyunjae nodded, though his expression was still troubled. "When will this end?" he asked, gesturing to the IV.

"Soon," Soohyun replied softly.

A heavy silence settled between them. Then Soohyun spoke up again, her voice hesitant. "If...if you are still anxious, you can tell me."

Hyunjae said nothing, his gaze fixed on his trembling hands. Soohyun noticed his unease and, swallowing her pride, moved closer and wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

Hyunjae stiffened at first, wanting to push her away, but then he melted into the embrace, his body shaking with silent sobs. He hugged her back slightly, his face buried in her shoulder.

Soohyun didn't know why, but her hands moved on their own, gently patting Hyunjae's back. "It's okay," she whispered.

Hyunjae sniffed, trying to regain his composure, but the comfort of Soohyun's embrace made it hard to hold back. He clung to her, feeling a strange feeling of relief.

After a few moments, he pulled back slightly, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Thank you," he muttered, looking away.

Soohyun gave him a small smile. "It's no big deal," she said, her voice soft. "Everyone needs a hug sometimes."

"Even me, apparently."

Soohyun gently rested her hands on Hyunjae’s shoulders. “Sometimes when you’re feeling anxious, you can come to me,” she said softly.

“When my mom and dad passed away, I had nightmares and panic attacks for about a year. I understand this feeling.”

She patted Hyunjae’s back soothingly. Hyunjae managed a small smile. “Thank you, noona.”