In Another's Skin

Some Embered Gestures

Chapter 42: (Aaira's pov)

As I touched his hand, I tightened my grip gently. Jungkook's eyes fluttered open slowly, and I was taken aback, I was caught holding his hands, he might jerk my hand away. I could see the exhaustion and pain etched into his features, I tried to maintain a comforting smile, hoping to ease his distress.

For a moment, he studied my face intently, as if searching for something beyond the surface. I held my breath, as he kept staring at me. He attempted a small smile, a gesture that seemed almost painful in its effort. I couldn't help but look down.

But then, without warning, his expression shifted dramatically. A flash of frustration and anger crossed his face, and he abruptly jerked his hand away from mine. I knew it was going to happen, I was prepared for it.

Jungkook: Get your hands off me.

Even though i had prepared myself for any outcome like this. My heart sank at his rejection, and I struggled to hide the hurt that flared up inside me.

I pulled my hand back slowly, feeling a sharp pang of disappointment. I swallowed hard, trying to maintain my composure. I had come to him with only the intention of offering comfort, and yet, my presence seemed to provoke more pain than relief.

Aaira: I'm sorry. I just wanted to help.

My voice was barely more than a whisper, tinged with sadness. I looked at him, trying to read the secrets in his eyes. Jungkook's gaze shifted away, and he grimaced in pain.

Jungkook: I don't need your help.

His tone was bitter, and there was a hardness in his eyes that spoke of deep-seated resentment. I could see that the injuries and the recent events had left him feeling raw and vulnerable, and he was struggling to reconcile that with the person he saw in front of him.

The wounds were serious and needed tending. I knew I had to push past my own hurt and continue to care for him, even if he made it clear that he did not want my presence.

I turned back to the bedside table and picked up the mug of herbal drink. There was a light knock on the door, Jungkook hummed in response, the door slightly opened, it was seokjin. He stand by the threshold, as I approached Jungkook carefully, trying to offer him the drink without intruding on his personal space.

Aaira: This might help. It's a herbal blend I made for you.

I set the mug gently on the table beside him, hoping that he might at least accept the gesture of care. His eyes flickered to the mug, but he did not reach for it. Instead, he lay back against the pillow, he was clearly exhausted and irritated.

Seokjin, who had been observing from the doorway, stepped into the room with a look of concern. He glanced between Jungkook and me, his frustration evident.

Seokjin: Jungkook, you need to take care of yourself. The wounds won't heal properly if you don't get some rest and nourishment.

Jungkook: I don't want her near me.

He was curt, but there was a note of weariness that suggested he was too drained to continue the argument. Seokjin's eyes met mine, and he gave a resigned nod, clearly understanding the difficulty of the situation.

Seokjin: Aaira, thank you for preparing the drink. I'll take care of things from here.

He approached Jungkook's bed and carefully took the mug from the table. He helped Jungkook sit up slightly and offered him the herbal drink. Jungkook took it reluctantly, his face still set in a scowl but showing a hint of gratitude.

I watched silently, as I took a step back, allowing them space to interact without my presence. Seokjin spoke soothingly to Jungkook, encouraging him to sip the drink, I could see that there was a glimmer of acceptance in Jungkook's eyes, even if it was small.