♮Idol au
♮"I don't think I can do it."
"Of course you can, I believe in you.
Don't worry, okay?
I'll be right here backstage for you."
Book 3 in the Dreaming series
Book cover: @ chaaxou on instagram
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The rhythmic sound of the heart monitor served as a stable background noise, the only stable thing amidst the chaos that occurred.
It must've been several hours later when Hayun finally stirred, her eyes opening slowly to a hazy sight of fluorescent lights and a white ceiling. The scent of disinfectant and a familiar cologne filled her nose, trying to swallow down the dryness which had accumulated in her throat during her unconsciousness.
Hayun blinked a few times, eyes droopy as her grogginess had yet to settle. Hayun blinked again, her vision gradually clearing to reveal a figure slouched in a chair beside her bed.
The grip on her hand was firm, yet gentle, the warmth of it a stark contrast to the cold sterility of the room. She blinked once more, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting, and finally saw him clearly.
Her father.
His usually stern face was etched with lines of worry, his brows furrowed deeply as if caught in a silent battle. The shadows under his eyes were darker than she remembered, exhaustion carved into every feature.
His hand enveloped hers tightly, as if afraid that letting go might mean losing her again. She could see the remnants of grey in his hair, more than before, and it struck her that he looked older. Much older than she had noticed.
Her lips parted, but her voice was a mere whisper, rough and cracked from being unused. "Dad?"
His head snapped up instantly, eyes wide, bloodshot with anxiety and lack of sleep. Relief flooded his expression, his mouth parting slightly as he breathed out a long-held sigh, his chest visibly deflating. "Hayun," he murmured, his voice trembling with relief. "Thank God..."
His hand tightened around hers, almost reflexively, and she felt a warmth spread from his palm to hers. She could see the fear in his eyes, a fear she had not seen in him for years, and it made her chest tighten. She tried to sit up, but her body felt heavy, too heavy to move.
"Don't," he said quickly, his free hand moving to her shoulder to gently push her back down. "Just... stay still for a moment."
Hayun felt the back of her head press into the pillow, and she relented, sinking back down, her body suddenly feeling far too weak, her mind still foggy. She swallowed, her throat dry, and tried to focus on his face, on the emotions playing out in his eyes.
"You scared me," he continued, his voice breaking slightly. "You really scared me, Hayun."
There was a slight tremor in his voice she wasn't used to, a vulnerability that made her own heart clench in response. He wasn't looking at her like he usually did- like his strong, resilient daughter who could handle anything. He was looking at her like she was fragile, breakable.
She blinked up at him, her vision blurring slightly with tears she hadn't felt forming. "I...I'm sorry," she managed, her voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to..."
