Hug to heal ミ Taennie

7.

As Han Byul continued to examine Jennie, Hanbin leaned in, his voice low and playful. "Hey, sis, be gentle with her. She's not one of your lab rats."

Han Byul rolled her eyes, smiling. "Oh, shut up, oppa. I'm a professional."

Jennie, despite her fatigue, couldn't help but chuckle at the sibling banter.

Hanbin grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "See, Jennie's already laughing. You must be doing something right, sis."

Han Byul playfully nudged her brother. "Thanks, but I think it's your charming presence that's doing the trick."

Hanbin winked at Jennie. "Hey, someone's got to keep the mood light around here."

Jennie's smile grew, feeling a sense of comfort and warmth in Hanbin's presence. For the first time in a long while,

She felt like herself again.

As Han Byul finished up and left to fetch some medication, Hanbin leaned in closer, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Jennie, be careful, okay? You deserve so much better than...than what you've been dealing with."

Jennie's heart skipped a beat at the subtle hint, but she just smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Hanbin.

"Thanks, Hanbin. Just being here, with you and your sister, makes me feel better."

As Hanbin and Jennie continued to chat, Mrs. Kim snuck into the room, phone in hand, and snapped a photo of the two smiling together.

She couldn't resist capturing the tender moment.

Later, when Hanbin was helping Jennie with her medication, Mrs. Kim casually walked up to them, phone held out.

"Oh, look what I found!" She shouts.

On the screen was the photo of Hanbin and Jennie smiling at each other, their faces close together.

Hanbin's eyes widened, and he felt his face heat up with a blush.

Jennie, caught off guard, felt a mix of emotions: awkwardness, surprise, and a hint of pleasure. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the photo and Hanbin's reaction.

Hanbin, trying to play it cool, muttered, "Mom, what are you doing?"

Mrs. Kim just chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just capturing a special moment, dear. You two look so cute together!"

Hanbin's blush deepened, while Jennie's smile grew, feeling a sense of comfort and connection with Hanbin. The photo had caught something special.

Something special neither of them could deny.

As Mrs. Kim showed them the photo, Jennie's smile faltered for a moment, and her mind wandered to Taehyung. She couldn't help but think about how he would react if he saw this picture.

Would taehyung be jealous?

Would he even care?

Hanbin, noticing Jennie's sudden change in expression, felt a pang of disappointment. He had been hoping to see a spark of connection between them.

But now it seemed like her thoughts were still with Taehyung.

Jennie, sensing Hanbin's gaze, quickly looked up and forced a smile. "Sorry, I just...it's just a lot to take in," she said, trying to brush off the awkwardness.

Mrs. Kim, oblivious to the sudden tension, continued to chat excitedly about the photo. "I'll have to frame this and put it in the living room! You two look like a perfect couple!"

Hanbin's face grew even hotter, while Jennie's thoughts remained with Taehyung, wondering what could have been if she had chosen differently.

The photo, meant to capture a special moment, now felt like a reminder of her complicated past.

-

Jennie's condition continued to deteriorate, despite Han Byul's best efforts. She struggled to get out of bed, her body weak and exhausted. Even simple tasks, like taking a sip of water or changing clothes, left her breathless.

"Jennie, please, you have to eat something," Han Byul coaxed, holding a spoonful of soup.

"I...can't," Jennie whispered, her voice barely audible.

Mrs. Kim, Hanbin, and Han Byul exchanged worried glances, feeling helpless as they watched Jennie's health decline.

"What's happening to her, Byul?" Mrs. Kim asked, her voice trembling. "You're a doctor, can't you do something?"

Han Byul shook her head, frustration etched on her face. "I've tried everything, Mom. I don't understand why she's not responding."

Hanbin sat beside Jennie, holding her hand. "Hey, don't worry, we're here for you. You'll get through this."

Jennie's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed at Hanbin, her expression faintly sad. "I'm...sorry."

"Sorry for what?" Hanbin asked, his voice soft.

Jennie's voice was barely a whisper. "For...everything."

As the days turned into weeks, hope began to dwindle. Jennie's loved ones felt like they were losing her..

Bit by bit.