Behind the Veil: A Captive's Tale

16

### Chapter Seventeen: A Sudden Crisis

The morning had started off on a relatively calm note for Hana, thanks to the comforting care she’d received from Jin and Jimin. However, as the day wore on, she began to feel increasingly weak and lightheaded. Her period symptoms were compounded by an iron deficiency, and she tried to push through, but her energy levels were rapidly depleting.

As Hana moved around the kitchen to prepare a light snack, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. She swayed unsteadily, her vision blurring. Despite her attempts to steady herself, her legs gave out, and she fainted, collapsing onto the kitchen counter. Her head struck the edge of the counter with a sharp thud before she slumped to the floor.

The sound of the impact was enough to attract the attention of the boys. Jin, who had been in the library, immediately rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion. He found Hana on the floor, her face pale and her forehead already showing a bruise from the collision.

“Hana!” Jin exclaimed, his voice filled with panic. He quickly knelt beside her, checking her condition with trembling hands. “Are you okay? Can you hear me?”

The other boys arrived within moments, their faces etched with concern. Jungkook was the first to take action, scooping Hana up gently and carrying her to the nearby bed. He laid her down carefully, his eyes reflecting deep worry. “She needs to stay in bed. We need to make sure she’s okay.”

Namjoon, who had entered the room right after, took charge of ensuring Hana’s immediate care. “I’ll handle this,” he said, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. He quickly gathered a few iron-rich foods from the kitchen and brought them to Hana. “We need to get her iron levels up. I’ll make sure she eats something that can help.”

Jin, meanwhile, was attending to Hana’s head wound. He carefully cleaned and dressed the bruise, his hands working with a practiced touch as he applied an antiseptic and a cool compress to reduce the swelling. His movements were gentle but efficient, his expression a mix of focus and concern.

As Jin worked, Jungkook stood by Hana’s side, his concern palpable. “Hana, can you hear me? Please wake up,” he said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Gradually, Hana stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, disoriented, before her gaze settled on the worried faces of the boys surrounding her. “What... what happened?” she murmured weakly.

Jungkook gently took her hand, his voice calming. “You fainted and hit your head. You need to stay in bed. We’re going to take care of you.”

Namjoon entered with a small tray of iron-rich foods, including spinach, lentils, and some fortified cereals. He placed the tray beside Hana, his expression determined. “You need to eat this to help with your iron levels. It’ll help you feel better.”

Hana nodded, though her strength was still waning. Jin finished applying the bandage and placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes filled with concern. “You’re going to be okay. Just take it easy.”

Jungkook helped Hana sit up and gently encouraged her to eat the food Namjoon had prepared. “We’re here for you,” he said softly, brushing a gentle hand across her cheek. “Just focus on eating and resting.”

Hana managed to take a few bites, her appetite diminished but her resolve strong. The iron-rich foods and the boys’ unwavering support provided her with a sense of comfort and reassurance. As she ate, she felt a bit of her strength returning, bolstered by their care.

The rest of the day was spent in a haze of rest and recovery. Jungkook stayed by her side, ensuring she remained in bed and checked on her frequently. Namjoon kept an eye on her dietary needs, making sure she consumed enough iron to aid her recovery. Jin periodically checked on her head wound, making sure it was healing properly.

By the evening, Hana was feeling slightly better, though still weak. She appreciated the boys’ unrelenting care and concern. Their presence had turned a distressing situation into a reminder of the growing bond she shared with them.

As the day drew to a close, Hana felt a profound sense of gratitude. Despite the circumstances that had brought her to the mansion, the boys’ support had made her feel less like a captive and more like a valued member of their lives. Their kindness in such a vulnerable moment only deepened the connection she felt with them.

Lying in bed, with Jungkook and Namjoon’s reassurances echoing in her mind, Hana allowed herself to rest, feeling a cautious optimism about her future. The care she had received that day had shown her that even in the most challenging times, she was not alone.