ECHOES IN SILENCE | Yoon Jaehyuk FF |✅

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In the silence of departure-

Jae stepped out of his car, the cool evening air brushing against his face as he took a steadying breath. The hospital loomed ahead, a reminder of the weight on his shoulders. He reached for his phone, his fingers lingering before he dialed Dr. Park's number. After a few rings, the familiar voice of the doctor came through, calm and professional as always.

“Yes, Mr. Yoon?” Dr. Park greeted, his tone composed but carrying a hint of curiosity.

“I’ve arrived at the hospital,” Jae replied, his gaze fixed on the hospital’s entrance as he began walking toward it. “I’ve also secured her house. It will be ready within twenty-four hours.”

“Good to hear,” Dr. Park responded, his voice steady. “She’s ready to be discharged.”

Jae paused, his hand hovering just above the door to the ward. “Hold her until tomorrow evening, Dr. Park. I want everything to be perfect before she goes home.  I need to be there first. I want to make sure everything is set up exactly right. It’s important.”

There was a brief silence on the other end, and then Dr. Park spoke, his voice softer now, almost reassuring. “Understood. I’ll hold her until the evening. But... are you sure you don’t want to meet her? It might help, you know.”

Jae’s breath hitched slightly, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “No, I... I can’t. Not yet. It’s too soon.”

Another pause, this one filled with understanding. “Everything will be alright, Mr. Yoon. Don’t worry. Take your time.”

Jae exhaled sharply, grateful for the doctor’s patience, though it did little to ease the knot in his chest. “Thanks, Dr. Park.”

As the call ended, Jae stood there for a moment, his hand falling to his side. He took one last look at the hospital entrance, then turned, retreating back to his car with a heavy heart. He wasn’t ready. Not yet.

The Next Morning-

The hospital room was filled with a sense of routine and quiet bustle. Zumi stood near the window, adjusting her outfit—a simple but comfortable set of clothes that the nurses had provided. The feel of real clothes against her skin, after weeks in hospital gowns, made her feel like herself again. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to tame the strands that had a mind of their own.

Across the room, Dr. Park was sorting through her medical records with a couple of nurses, finalizing paperwork. Zumi approached them with a soft smile.

“Well, Dr. Park, it looks like today’s the day,” she said, her voice carrying a lightness she hadn’t felt in a while. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. You really took good care of me.”

One of the nurses glanced up from her clipboard, smiling warmly. “Miss Zumi, we’re glad to see you doing better. But we still need to finish collecting your records. You’ll have to stay until this evening, I’m afraid.”

Zumi’s face fell ever so slightly, her lips forming a small pout. “Oh no! Does that mean I have to stay longer?” she asked, her voice filled with playful disappointment as her eyes darted between Dr. Park and the nurse.

Dr. Park chuckled softly at her expression. “I’m afraid so, Miss Zumi. But don’t worry, it’s just for a few more hours. We want to make sure everything is in order before you leave.”

Zumi sighed dramatically, though there was a teasing glint in her eyes. “Fine, fine... but I’m holding you to that,” she said, plopping down into the nearest chair, her arms crossed like a sulking child.