In Another's Skin

The Ember's Quiet Cry

Chapter 47: (Aaira's pov)

Jungkook's hands continued to stroke my back gently, his fingers working to comfort me. His breathing was ragged, matching the uneven rhythm of my own sobs. We stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, holding onto each other.

Jungkook's forehead remained pressed against mine, his touch wasn't even comfortable in the sea of guilt I was drowning in. His breathing was heavy and uneven, a mirror of my own sobs. His fingers continued to stroke my back, offering a small measure of relief from the overwhelming pain.

Through my tear-blurred vision, I could see his face contorted with concern. His eyes were red-rimmed, and the desperation in his expression was visible. He whispered softly, his voice breaking with emotion.

Jungkook: Aaira, did you eat anything?

I could barely muster the strength to say or speak anything. The weight of my grief was so consuming that the thought of eating seemed almost impossible. He asked again.

Jungkook: Aaira, have you eaten anything?

I shook my head weakly, unable to form coherent words through my cries. The thought of food seemed foreign and distant. His gaze softened with frustration and sadness.

Jungkook: Who were you waiting for? You need to take care of yourself.

I remained silent. His words were soft but urgent, his concern was evident in every syllable he said.

Jungkook: Who were you waiting for to help you?

His voice held a note of helplessness, as if searching for answers to a question with no easy answers. He glanced towards the door, the worry was clearly visible in his eyes. Before he could move, I reached out and grabbed his hand, my grip tight and pleading.

Aaira: Stay with me... please.

The simple plea was all I could manage, my voice barely a whisper. Jungkook hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking between mine and the door. It was as if he seemed torn between his desire to comfort me and the need to address my basic needs.

Jungkook: Please, Aaira. You need to eat. I'll be right back.

I grabbed his hand more tightly, my grip weak but desperate. More tears welled up in my eyes, as they threatened to spill.

Aaira: Please..... Stay here.

The plea escaped my lips in a trembling whisper, and Jungkook hesitated. He looked at me with a pained expression, knowing how much I needed his presence but also understanding the importance of me taking care of myself.

Jungkook: Aaira, you need to eat something. It's important for you. Give me two moments only.

His words were gentle but serious. Reluctantly, he let go of my hand and left the room, I kept staring at the door, I can't help but cry silently.

The minutes stretched as I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my tears continuing to fall. The ache inside me felt insurmountable, a void that no amount of comfort or reassurance seemed capable of filling. My body felt drained, and the thought of eating seemed almost impossible.

As Jungkook left the door slightly ajar, a small figure hesitantly appeared in the doorway. He peeked through, his eyes wide with uncertainty. His little face was a mix of curiosity and concern as he stood there, unsure whether to enter.

I could see him from where I lay, and despite the overwhelming sorrow, I attempted to muster a smile. But my tear-streaked face betrayed the effort. Aimin, noticing the tears, gasped softly and tiptoed cautiously towards the bed.