In Another's Skin

Embers Of Pain And Care

Chapter 41: (Aaira's pov)

I tried to steady my breath as I stood on the stairs, wincing from the pain in my feet. The noise outside grew louder, the clattering of hooves and the rumble of wheels drawing closer. Each step I took down the stairs was a careful negotiation with my aching feet, but I forced myself to move as quickly as I could.

Reaching the ground floor, I could see the two men at a distance, the main door fully ajar. The carriage driver was gesticulating wildly, his face pale with concern. Beside him stood Seokjin. I paused for a moment, trying to piece together the fragments of the scene before me.

From my vantage point, I could see that Seokjin was engaged in a hurried conversation with the driver. I squinted, trying to catch any snippets of their dialogue. I wrapped the shwal which was hanging near the door stand. I noticed Seokjin's gaze shift towards me. He caught my eye and gave a subtle nod.

Seokjin: Aaira, you're up ?

I nodded. Desperately, I motioned with my eyes, asking Seokjin where Jungkook was. He pointed towards the carriage with a grave expression. My heart raced uncontrollably as I processed his gesture. Jungkook was in the carriage. I couldn't ignore the urgent need to see him, to make sure he was alright.

Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I limped toward the carriage. The driver, still in a state of agitation, moved aside as I approached. The door of the carriage was slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of Jungkook inside. The sight made my breath catch in my throat.

Jungkook lay slumped in the carriage, his face contorted with pain. His clothes were disheveled, and there was a noticeable bloodstain on his shirt. My heart ached at the sight of him so vulnerable. I felt a pang of guilt, mingled with concern and a touch of fear.

Seokjin was already at the carriage door, assisting Jungkook out with a careful, almost reverent touch. Jungkook's eyes met mine as he was helped down, and the look he gave me was one of intense disgust. He shoved me away with a force that left me reeling.

Jungkook: Get out of my way!

Jungkook spat. He moved past me with a pronounced limp, Seokjin's steadying hand guiding him toward the house. I watched, as Seokjin helped Jungkook inside. He was disgusted no doubt, yet I could not deny the overwhelming urge to help him, to ensure he was properly cared for. The door swung shut behind them with a heavy thud, leaving me standing alone outside.

The pain in my feet was forgotten in the face of the ache in my heart. I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to cry out in sorrow. As I made my way back inside, my thoughts swirled with worry and regret. I could only hope that whatever had happened to Jungkook was not too severe, and that there was still a chance to mend things between us.

Inside the house, I moved as swiftly as I could towards the room where Jungkook had been taken. The atmosphere was tense, and the silence was only broken by the faint rustle of footsteps and muffled voices. I reached the door of the room where Jungkook was resting, my hand hovering hesitantly over the handle.

Before I could gather the courage to open it, Seokjin emerged from the room. He caught sight of me and paused, his eyes filled with a kind of understanding that I wasn't sure how to interpret. He Stepped out of the room, his tired eyes met mine with a silent plea for patience. I tried to approach him, but Jungkook's voice halted me.

Jungkook: Stay back!

Jungkook's voice was weak but sharp, a clear command. I halted mid-step, my heart sinking at the tone of his voice. Seokjin glanced between us, his was concerned and frustrated .

Seokjin: What happened?

He asked, his gaze fixed on me. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. I could only shake my head, unable to articulate the chaos of my emotions and the mess of the situation. Seokjin's eyes softened as he understood.