𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥-𝗜𝗡-𝗟𝗔𝗪

part 31 (A Crossroad of Hearts)

Chapter 31: A Crossroad of Hearts

Days turned into weeks, and Jisoo remained under Hae-in’s gentle care. Although her physical health was improving, the emotional wounds she carried were still raw, hidden beneath her quiet demeanor. Hae-in never asked her about her past, respecting her unspoken boundaries, but his presence was constant. His steady support was like a lifeline for Jisoo as she navigated through the fog of her despair.

One evening, Hae-in brought her tea. They sat together in the hospital room, the soft hum of machinery in the background.

“Are you feeling any better today?” he asked, his tone always gentle, as if he knew she might break with a harsher touch.

Jisoo sipped her tea and nodded. “A little,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hae-in looked at her with an encouraging smile. “That’s good. Small steps are still progress.”

Jisoo smiled weakly, her heart both grateful and confused by his unwavering kindness. “Why do you care so much about me?” she finally asked, her voice trembling. “You barely know me.”

Hae-in sighed softly, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I see something familiar in you. Pain that runs deep, loneliness that clings like a shadow. I’ve been there, Jisoo. Maybe not in the exact way you have, but I’ve known what it’s like to feel lost. I couldn’t turn my back on you… not when I know what it’s like to need someone and feel like there’s no one there.”

Jisoo’s eyes filled with tears, her heart aching with the weight of his words. She looked down at her hands, gripping the cup of tea as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded. “I don’t know how to do this,” she whispered. “I don’t know how to accept help, how to let someone in.”

“You don’t have to know,” Hae-in said gently. “You just have to take it one day at a time. I’m not expecting anything from you, Jisoo. I’m just here. And I’ll stay here as long as you need me.”

Jisoo swallowed hard, her tears falling into her tea as she nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know why you’re here, but… thank you.”

Hae-in simply smiled, his eyes soft with understanding. “You don’t need to thank me. Just focus on getting better. That’s all that matters right now.”

---

Meanwhile, in Russia, Taehyung and Jennie were doing their best to navigate their fragile relationship. But despite their efforts, the past still cast a long shadow over them. Taehyung had moved into Jennie’s apartment, trying to be there for her in every way possible, but he could feel the distance between them. It wasn’t the physical space—no, they were closer than ever—but the emotional chasm that lay between them.

Jennie was trying to push through her sickness, refusing to let it define her. She continued working, often late into the night, despite Taehyung’s protests that she needed to rest. Her stubbornness was both admirable and concerning, and Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that she was hiding something from him.

One evening, Taehyung walked into the living room to find Jennie working on her laptop, her face pale and tired. He sighed, sitting down beside her on the couch.

“Jennie, you need to rest,” he said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

Jennie looked at him, her eyes weary but determined. “I can’t rest, Taehyung. There’s too much to do.”