ECHOES IN SILENCE | Yoon Jaehyuk FF |✅

page | 13

-A visit to hospital-

The elevator came to a smooth halt, a soft ding echoing through the empty hallway. The doors slid open, revealing the sterile corridor of the hospital. Zumi stepped out first, her movements slow and careful, followed closely by Jaehyuk. His eyes were glued to her every step, his hands twitching with the urge to reach out and steady her. Even though she seemed more composed now, the earlier panic that had seized her left an ache in his chest.

They approached Dr. Park's office, the faint sound of shuffling papers audible through the door. Jaehyuk knocked softly, trying not to disturb the doctor more than necessary. The door opened, and Dr. Park greeted them with a warm yet professional smile.

"Oh Mr.yoon ? ," Dr. Park nodded, his gaze shifting to Zumi. "Everything alright? " He hesitated for a moment, sensing an unspoken tension between the two.

"Yes," Jae hyuk replied,

Dr. Park motioned for them to take a seat. "Please, have a seat. What seems to be the problem?"

Jaehyuk explained the situation, his voice steady but filled with concern. "Zumi hasn't been feeling well since dinner. She complained of stomach pain and nausea. I thought it was better to bring her in just in case."

The doctor nodded, listening intently before turning to Zumi. "Let’s have a quick check then."

Zumi sat on the examination bed, feeling a little embarrassed under the clinical lights. Dr. Park performed a routine check-up , asking a series of questions. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, but not from fear—she just felt out of place, like she didn’t belong in this kind of intimate setting with Jaehyuk. Not anymore. Not with things as they were now.

After a few moments, Dr. Park stepped back and smiled reassuringly. "It’s nothing serious. Just indigestion, likely caused by eating something too heavy. It’s common after meals like that, especially if your system isn't used to it. Make sure she eats something light for the next day or two—soups, fruit, simple stuff. Zum just take care of yourself ."

Relief washed over Jaehyuk's face as he thanked dr. Park. "I'll make sure she follows that."

Dr. Park chuckled softly. "Take care of her, Jaehyuk. It's good that you brought her in just to be sure, but no need to worry."

Zumi stood, smoothing her clothes. "Thank you, Dr. Park," she said softly, feeling a little embarrassed at all the fuss. Jaehyuk quickly added his thanks before they both headed for the door.

As they walked out of the hospital, Jaehyuk instinctively rushed ahead and pulled the door open for her. Zumi smiled at the gesture, offering a quiet, “Thanks,” before slipping into the car. She sat in the passenger seat, while Jaehyuk walked around to the driver's side. The engine hummed to life, and they set off into the night.

The city lights blurred past them, casting fleeting shadows inside the car. Neither of them spoke for a while, but the silence wasn’t entirely uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that carried the weight of unspoken words, words neither of them were quite ready to say.

Jaehyuk kept glancing at Zumi out of the corner of his eye. He hated how distant she seemed now, how she no longer looked at him with the same warmth in her eyes. Every time he saw her like this, it was like a knife twisting in his chest. She had forgotten him—not just their relationship, but everything they had once shared.

Soon, they arrived at her house. Jaehyuk pulled up to the curb and parked the car, turning off the engine. Zumi hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the door handle. She didn’t want to be rude, but she felt so unsure of how to act around him now. She turned to him, giving a small, apologetic smile. "Thanks for everything today, Mr.yoon. I really appreciate it."