Broken Paths || Wen JunHui

Chapter 20: Growth

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Jun sat on the edge of his bed, the sterile light of his hospital room casting long shadows across the floor. His mind no longer fixated on the chaos of his past, but instead, on Da-Rae. She had become the center of his universe. It wasn't about his recovery anymore—it was about her. His thoughts twisted, reshaping every glance, every word exchanged between them into something deeper, something meant only for him.

Every time she entered his room, he could feel his heart race, a sensation he hadn't felt in so long. Her presence brought him to life, but not in the way she might think. Her kindness was more than just professional—it had to be. There was no other explanation for the way she looked at him, the way she lingered after their sessions. She wanted him, even if she didn't say it out loud.

This morning, as the door creaked open and Da-Rae walked in, her usual calm demeanor in place, Jun felt his pulse quicken. Today would be different. Today, she would understand. "Good morning, Jun," Da-Rae greeted, her smile warm but distant. She held her clipboard tight, flipping through pages as she spoke. "How are you feeling?"

Jun's eyes followed her every movement, his smile slow and deliberate. "I'm better," he said, his voice softer than usual, filled with something unspoken. "Much better when I see you."

Da-Rae hesitated, the faintest crease forming between her brows. "That's good to hear," she replied, though her tone was cautious.

She moved toward the chair, but Jun's gaze never left her face. Every step she took closer made his heart pound harder in his chest. He had rehearsed this in his mind for days, waiting for the perfect moment.

"I've been thinking about you," Jun whispered, his voice barely audible, but clear enough to send a ripple through the air between them.

Da-Rae's hand stopped mid-note, her eyes flicking up to meet his. The air grew tense, a strange heaviness settling between them. She kept her voice even, professional. "It's normal to feel connected to someone who's helping you through recovery, Jun."

His eyes darkened, narrowing slightly. "No. It's more than that, Da-Rae. You've changed everything for me. You're not just someone helping me. You're the reason I want to get better."

Da-Rae felt a chill run down her spine, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. "It's important that you're doing this for yourself," she said, her voice steady. "Not for anyone else."Jun tilted his head slightly, his smile growing. "You still don't understand, do you? You're not like the others. You don't just see the surface. You see me. And I see you, too."

Her breath caught for a moment, but she quickly regained composure. "Jun, we need to focus on your recovery. That's what's important here."

He stood up suddenly, catching her off guard. The room felt smaller with him standing, his presence more imposing. His movements were slow, deliberate, as he took a step closer to her. "Why do you keep pretending, Da-Rae? I know you feel it too. I can see it in the way you look at me."

Da-Rae's heartbeat quickened. "Jun, this isn't—" she began, but he cut her off. "I'm not just some patient to you," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. "You think about me. You care about me. I can tell."

Her hands tightened around her clipboard, her throat dry. "You're reading too much into this. It's part of te healing process to feel strong emotions, but this isn't real. You need to separate your feelings from what's actually happening."

Jun's expression darkened, his smile slipping. "You're lying to yourself, Da-Rae. I know the truth. I see the way you look at me when you think I'm not paying attention. You're scared of what this means for you."

Da-Rae stepped back, feeling the growing intensity in his words. "This conversation isn't appropriate, Jun. I think we should end the session here."

But Jun didn't stop. He stepped closer, his voice now softer, almost coaxing. "You're afraid. Afraid of what you feel. Afraid of what we could be."

Da-Rae felt the room closing in, her instincts telling her to leave. His obsession was palpable, and she could see now how far it had gone. "This needs to stop," she said, her voice firmer now, but still carrying a tremor.

Jun's smile returned, but it was twisted, darker than before. "I won't let him have you," he said suddenly, his tone eerily calm.

Da-Rae's stomach twisted. "Who are you talking about?" she asked, already knowing the answer. "Hyun-Woo," Jun whispered, his gaze never wavering. "He doesn't deserve you. You know that. I'm the one who truly understands you. I'm the one you belong with."

Da-Rae's breath hitched in her throat. Her mind raced as she realized just how deep his delusions went. She took a slow step back toward the door, her pulse racing. "You're not thinking clearly right now, Jun."

"I'm thinking clearer than I ever have before," Jun replied, his smile widening as if he had just solved a puzzle. "He can't take you from me. I won't let him."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached for the door. She needed to leave, to get out before this went any further.

"Da-Rae," Jun said softly, his voice following her as she opened the door. "We're meant to be. You'll see."

The door closed behind her, but the suffocating weight of Jun's words stayed with her long after she had left the room.

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