One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 29

Francis' POV

The moment we arrived home, I could feel the tension in the air. Nathan had been suffering more and more as the days passed, and now it seemed unbearable. Daniel had come to the hospital earlier, frantic, insisting I return home immediately. His usual composed demeanor had been completely stripped away by the worry for our brother.

I followed Daniel through the front door and was met with the sight of Nathan, asleep on the couch. His face was scrunched in pain, even in sleep, his body twitching slightly as if trying to escape whatever was tormenting him. The headaches had grown worse-sharp, relentless pains that hit him like a freight train without warning.

"Mukhang grabe na talaga," Daniel muttered, pacing near the doorway. He ran a hand through his hair, the anxiety practically radiating off him. "Kanina pa siya ganito. He keeps waking up in pain, Francis. He keeps saying the memories are getting clearer, pero hindi ko alam kung anong ibig niyang sabihin."

I clenched my jaw, watching Nathan's chest rise and fall unevenly. His breaths were shallow, strained, and every now and then, his face would tighten like he was in agony, even though he was supposed to be resting.

"Memories?" I echoed, stepping closer to the couch. Nathan stirred, his eyes fluttering open for a moment, catching sight of me.

"Francis...," he breathed, his voice barely audible. His hand flew to his temple, his fingers digging into his scalp as if trying to claw the pain out of his head. "It's getting worse... the memories... they're coming back... but they hurt."

"Nathan, kalma lang," I whispered, crouching beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm here. We'll figure this out."

But as I looked into his eyes, I could see the fear swimming beneath the surface. Nathan was scared-terrified, even-and that scared me more than anything. He had always been the strong one, the one who carried the weight of his past with quiet resilience. But now, whatever was happening in his mind was breaking him down piece by piece.

"Daniel, get some water," I instructed, trying to keep my voice steady, but the tremor was there. Daniel nodded quickly and rushed to the kitchen.

Nathan closed his eyes again, his breathing hitching. I felt helpless, watching him like this, and the frustration clawed at my chest. I wasn't a doctor. I didn't know how to help him, not like Katarina could.

I fished my phone out of my pocket, quickly scrolling through my contacts until I found her name. I hesitated for a second, knowing she was probably exhausted from taking care of David, but I didn't have a choice.

"Katarina," I said as soon as she picked up. "It's Nathan. He's in a lot of pain. I don't know what's happening, but the headaches are getting worse. He keeps talking about memories..."

There was a brief pause on the other end before she responded, her voice calm but firm. "Francis, I need you to make sure he rests. Don't let him strain himself more than he already has. Is he able to sleep?"

"He's asleep now, but every time he wakes up, the pain's worse," I explained, glancing over at Nathan's trembling form. "He can barely breathe through it."

"I see. Just keep him resting for now. I'll head over there," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I frowned, knowing what kind of toll it would take on her. "Katarina, sigurado ka? David just got out of the hospital. You need rest too."

"I'm sure, Francis. This is my job. And I can't make the same mistake I made with David," she replied, her voice softening just a bit. There was something in her tone, a sense of guilt that made me hesitate.