Clash Of Hearts | Jungkook ✔️

24."The Quiet Between Us"

Ena's eyes fluttered open, the harsh hospital lights flooding her senses as she blinked against the brightness. She lay there for a moment, feeling the coolness of the sheets against her skin, the sterile scent of the room, and the dull ache in her chest. Her breathing was shallow and uneven, a remnant of the panic attack that had overwhelmed her.

Slowly, she pushed herself up into a sitting position, her movements sluggish and disoriented. She looked around the room, her eyes unfocused, still caught in the aftermath of her episode. Ena's hands trembled as she clutched the hospital blanket, pulling it tightly around her shoulders as if to shield herself from the world. Her mind was a chaotic swirl of fragmented memories and emotions, the remnants of the confrontation with Jungkook replaying in her mind, haunting her with every blink.

The door to the room creaked open, and Jimin entered quietly, his expression softening as he saw Ena sitting there, lost and fragile. He approached her cautiously, aware of her fragile state.

"Ena?" Jimin's voice was gentle, laced with concern as he spoke her name, not wanting to startle her.

Ena looked up at him, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of fear and exhaustion. She tried to speak but found her voice caught in her throat, a dry, strangled sound escaping her lips. Jimin moved closer, pulling a chair up to her bedside. He sat down, keeping a respectful distance, sensing her need for space.

"Hey, it's okay," he said softly, his tone soothing. "You don't have to say anything. Just breathe, okay? I'm here."

Ena nodded, though her eyes remained distant. She took a shaky breath, trying to ground herself in the present. The room felt too small, the walls too close, as if they were pressing in on her. Jimin noticed the flicker of panic in her eyes and reached out, gently placing his hand on hers.

"You're safe, Ena," Jimin assured her, his voice steady and calming. "You're here in the hospital, and we're going to take care of you. Just focus on breathing, nice and slow."

Ena stared at their joined hands, feeling the warmth of his touch. It was a small comfort, anchoring her in reality. She took another breath, this one slightly steadier, and nodded again, a silent acknowledgment of his words. The haze of fear and confusion began to lift, if only a little, as she clung to the familiarity of Jimin's presence.

Jimin watched her carefully, his heart aching for his friend. He could see the toll the panic attack had taken on her, the way her shoulders hunched protectively, her eyes darting around as if searching for hidden threats. He knew that Ena's PTSD was a lingering shadow, a constant battle she fought even in moments of peace.

As she continued to breathe, her fingers tightened around the blanket, her knuckles turning white. Jimin squeezed her hand gently, offering silent support. He knew that words could only do so much, that Ena needed time and space to process everything.

Ena finally looked up, meeting his eyes with a hesitant, fragile gaze. There was a question there, unspoken but clear. Jimin offered her a reassuring smile, nodding as if to say, I'm here. You're not alone.

Jimin moved with a quiet efficiency as he handled Ena's discharge paperwork, his expression a mix of concern and determination. The hospital corridor buzzed with the usual activity, but it all felt distant to him, like a murmur in the background. His focus was entirely on Ena, who sat on the edge of the hospital bed, still looking pale and fragile.

Ena sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her gaze fixed on a spot on the floor. Her eyes were red-rimmed from the tears she had shed earlier, and there was a distant, haunted look in them, as if she was seeing something far away. The remnants of the panic attack clung to her like a shadow, making her movements slow and hesitant.