THE SILENT WITNESS

CHAPTER 9: STAY

A/N: a fluffy chap before action

The next day, Soonyoung arrived at the hospital to check up on Wonwoo. The early morning sun cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating the room as he entered. Wonwoo was sitting up in bed, his sketchbook resting in his lap, but he put it aside as soon as he saw Soonyoung.

"Soonyoung," Wonwoo greeted with a soft smile, "thank you for everything you're doing. I still can't believe you're going to all this trouble for someone you barely know."

Soonyoung sat down beside the bed, shaking his head. "You're not just someone I barely know. I understand how it feels to be lost and alone. From a young age, I didn't really have anyone, either."

Wonwoo looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Soonyoung took a deep breath, preparing to share his own story. "I guess I should tell you about myself and my  parents..."

Soonyoung paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "My father was an ambulance driver, dedicated to saving lives. He was relentless and never missed an opportunity to help someone in need. One of those lives he saved was my mother's."

Wonwoo listened intently, sensing the depth of emotion in Soonyoung's voice.

"My mom fell in love with him, moved by his kindness and dedication. But her parents were against their relationship, so she left everything behind to be with him. They were happy, and everything seemed perfect... until I was born."

Soonyoung's eyes turned distant as if he were peering into a past he rarely revisited. "My mom died giving birth to me, and just a short time later, my dad was in a car accident. He didn't survive."

Wonwoo reached out, placing a comforting hand on Soonyoung's arm.

"So I grew up alone, always feeling like I was missing something. I guess that's why I decided to become a nurse and work here. It's my way of honoring my dad's legacy. I want to save lives, just like he did."

Wonwoo nodded, understanding the weight of Soonyoung's story. "Thank you for sharing that with me. I can see why you're so passionate about helping others."

Soonyoung offered a small, grateful smile. "That's why I can't turn away from this. Finding out what happened to Jeonghan, and helping you find your past, is something I feel I have to do."

At that moment, an unspoken bond deepened between them As if they were connected and they were both so different yet so same. Soonyoung still had to go, had to find out more so as Soonyoung stood up to leave, a lingering heaviness still hung in the air, despite the comfort they found in each other's presence. He gathered his things and turned towards the door, ready to continue the day's work and investigation.

But before he could take a step, Wonwoo reached out, gently catching his hand. "Don't go," Wonwoo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Stay with me. I don't know why, but I feel like if I let you go now, I might not see you again."

Soonyoung paused, the sincerity in Wonwoo's eyes pulling at something deep inside him. It was an earnest request, one that resonated with his own fears and uncertainties.

"Wonwoo..." Soonyoung replied softly, his heart aching at the thought of leaving him alone. He sat back down, his decision already made. "I'll stay. You're not alone in this, and I won't leave until we find the answers we're looking for."

Wonwoo visibly relaxed, relief washing over him as he held Soonyoung's hand a little tighter. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the hum of the hospital, they found solace in each other's company.