10
The sterile smell of antiseptic lingered in the air as Jin sat in the waiting room of the hospital, his hands trembling slightly. The day had been a blur of emotions, from the panic of rushing Jimin to the hospital to the overwhelming relief of finding out that the surgery could save his life. Now, as he waited for news, anxiety gnawed at him, each passing second feeling like an eternity.
Namjoon sat beside him, his usual stoic expression softening as he watched Jin struggle with his emotions. Despite the unusual circumstances that had brought them together, Namjoon felt a growing sense of responsibility toward Jin. He had never been the type to get involved in other people’s lives, but something about Jin’s vulnerability drew him in, making him want to protect and comfort him.
The sound of the door opening caught their attention, and both men looked up to see a familiar figure entering the waiting room. Yoongi, Jimin’s close friend, walked in, his expression tense but determined. He had rushed over as soon as he heard about the surgery, his worry for Jimin evident in his every movement.
“hello!” Yoongi greeted, his voice laced with concern as he approached his friend. “How’s Jimin? Have you heard anything from the doctors?”
Jin shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “They took him in for surgery a while ago. The doctor said it’s critical, but they’re doing everything they can. I’m just… I’m so scared, Yoongi.”
Yoongi placed a comforting hand on Jin’s shoulder, his own heart heavy with worry. “He’s strong, sir! Jimin will pull through. We just have to believe in him.”
Namjoon watched the exchange, feeling a pang of empathy for Jin. He could see how much Jimin meant to him, how deeply this situation was affecting him. Without thinking, Namjoon reached out and placed a hand on Jin’s, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“We’re here for you, Jin,” Namjoon said softly, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll get through this together.”
Jin looked at Namjoon, surprised by the genuine concern in his eyes. Despite the strange circumstances under which they had met, Jin couldn’t deny that Namjoon’s presence was comforting. He nodded, grateful for the support, even if it came from someone he barely knew.
“Thank you, Namjoon-ssi,” Jin murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I would have done without you today.”
Namjoon simply nodded, not needing to say anything more. The weight of the situation hung in the air between them, but there was a silent understanding that words weren’t necessary at that moment.
The hours ticked by slowly, the wait becoming almost unbearable. Jin’s anxiety grew with each passing minute, and Namjoon could see the toll it was taking on him. He stayed close by, offering silent support whenever Jin’s nerves seemed to get the better of him.
Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the hospital floor, the surgeon emerged from the operating room. Jin stood up immediately, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for the news.
The surgeon’s expression was serious but not without hope. “The surgery was successful,” he announced, and Jin felt a wave of relief wash over him. “Jimin is stable, but he’s still in critical condition. The next 24 hours are crucial, and we’ll need to monitor him closely. He’s in recovery now, but it will be a while before he wakes up.”
Jin let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding, tears welling up in his eyes. “Thank you, doctor,” he managed to say, his voice choked with emotion. “Thank you for saving him.”
The surgeon nodded before leaving them, and Jin sank back into his chair, the adrenaline leaving his body all at once. He felt exhausted, emotionally and physically drained from the day’s events.
Yoongi sat beside Jin, his own relief evident. “He’s going to be okay, Jin. He’s strong, and he’ll make it through this. We just have to keep believing.”
Jin nodded, wiping away the tears that had slipped down his cheeks. “I know. I just… I’ve never been so scared in my life, Yoongi. I don’t know what I would have done if… if anything had happened to him.”
Yoongi gave Jin a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to think about that now. He’s safe, and that’s all that matters. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on him. You should go home and get some rest.”
Jin shook his head, about to protest, but Namjoon intervened, his tone gentle yet firm. “Yoongi’s right, Jin. You’ve been through a lot today, and you need to take care of yourself too. I’ll take you home.”
Jin hesitated, his protective instincts making it hard to leave Jimin’s side. But Yoongi’s steady gaze and Namjoon’s reassuring presence finally convinced him.
“I’ll stay here and make sure Jimin is okay,” Yoongi promised, his voice filled with determination. “I’ll call you the moment he wakes up, I swear.”
Jin finally nodded, trusting Yoongi to keep his word. “Okay. But please, call me if there’s any change, no matter how small.”
“I will,” Yoongi assured him. “Now go with Namjoon and get some rest. You need it.”
Jin finally allowed himself to be led away by Namjoon, the weight of the day’s events still heavy on his shoulders. As they walked through the hospital corridors, Namjoon kept a steady hand on Jin’s arm, guiding him gently.
When they reached the hospital entrance, Namjoon’s lawyer was waiting for them, a serious expression on his face. He held a folder in his hands, the contract they had discussed earlier.
“Namjoon-ssi, Jin-ssi,” the lawyer greeted them with a respectful nod. “I’ve brought the contract papers, as requested. If you’re ready, we can go over them now.”
Jin blinked, the reality of the situation hitting him once again. Despite everything that had happened today, he had almost forgotten about the agreement he had made with Namjoon. The contract marriage, the strange arrangement that was about to change his life.
Namjoon glanced at Jin, his expression softening when he saw the uncertainty in his eyes. “Jin, we can do this another time if you’re not ready. I don’t want to pressure you.”
But Jin shook his head, knowing that delaying it wouldn’t make it any easier. He had made a promise, and he was determined to see it through. “No, let’s do it now. I want to get this over with.”
To Be Continued
