Embers of Hope// Hyunlix

Chapter - 38

The car ride to the hospital was filled with a tense silence, the weight of recent events pressing down on them like a heavy fog. Felix couldn't shake the image of Hyunjin's unconscious form from his mind. Each second felt like an eternity, and every heartbeat echoed with worry.

When they arrived at the hospital, Felix led the group through the sterile corridors, urgency propelling them forward. Chan and Changbin flanked him, while Jisung and Minho remained close behind, their expressions mirroring Felix's anxiety. Mr. Lee strode ahead, his demeanor focused and determined.

As they entered Hyunjin's room, Felix's heart dropped. The steady beeping of the machines filled the air, and the sight of Hyunjin lying there—pale and still—sent a wave of despair crashing over him. He rushed to Hyunjin's side, taking his hand gently in his own, trying to convey all the love and hope he felt.

"Hyunjin, please," Felix whispered, fighting back tears. "You have to wake up. I need you."

Mr. Lee placed a reassuring hand on Felix's shoulder, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We'll get through this, son. We're here for him."

The door creaked open, and the doctor entered, glancing at the group with a mix of concern and professionalism. "How is he?" Felix asked, his voice trembling.

The doctor took a deep breath. "Hyunjin is stable, but he's still in a coma. We're doing everything we can, but it's hard to predict when—or if—he will wake up."

Felix felt his heart shatter at those words. He looked down at Hyunjin's face, wishing desperately for him to open his eyes, to smile at him like he always did. "He's strong. He'll come back to us," Felix insisted, gripping Hyunjin's hand tighter.

"We're here to support you, Felix," Chan said, stepping closer. "And we're going to find a way to make sure Eunji and Mrs. Lee face justice."

"Right," Minho added, his jaw set with determination. "We'll make sure they can't hurt anyone else."

Mr. Lee nodded gravely. "I'll make sure to keep the police informed. This isn't over. We need to protect our family."

As they spoke, Felix could feel the warmth of the room slowly fading, a sense of dread creeping back in. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Hyunjin to the darkness that Eunji had tried to impose on them.

Seungmin, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Felix, do you think there's any chance Eunji will try to come after you or Hyunjin again?"

Felix's heart sank. "She'll do anything to get what she wants. We can't let our guard down," he replied, glancing back at Hyunjin. "We need to find a way to keep him safe while he's... while he's like this."

"Let's set up a rotation," Changbin suggested. "We can have someone here at all times. If she shows up, we'll be ready."

"That's a good idea," Jisung agreed. "We can make sure no one gets in without our knowledge. Hyunjin needs protection."

Felix nodded, grateful for their unwavering support. "Thank you, everyone. I just want him back. I don't know how to face this without him."

As the group gathered closer around Hyunjin's bedside, Felix felt a renewed sense of determination. They would fight for him. They would protect him. He squeezed Hyunjin's hand, channeling all his love and strength into that small gesture.

"Please, Hyunjin," he whispered again. "Come back to me, baby. We're not done yet."

Two weeks had passed, and every day felt like an endless nightmare for Felix. He remained at Hyunjin's side, unwilling to leave, watching for any sign of movement, of life, but each day blurred into the next with nothing. The doctors' words echoed in his mind like a dark cloud that refused to lift.