Solo Panicking

It begins

Waiting for Jinwoo to wake up was stressful for both Jin-ah and Y/N, though for different reasons. For Jin-ah, her brother's stillness was haunting, reminding her too much of their mother's coma. Every breath he took felt fragile, as if he could slip away at any moment. But for Y/N, it was the beginning of the countdown—the start of the storyline she knew all too well.

The waiting was agonizing, but Y/N had to keep her emotions in check, not just for herself but for Jin-ah as well. Balancing her job at ''Sweet Crumbs'' and looking after Jin-ah took its toll, but it was a distraction from the heavier burden of knowing what lay ahead. That morning, Y/N had a rare day off, which just so happened to be the day Jinwoo was supposed to wake up.

After making sure Jin-ah was ready for school, Y/N sent her off to visit Jinwoo at the hospital before her classes. Y/N herself stood outside her apartment, leaning against the railing, lost in thought. She wore a simple white blouse tucked into a black skirt that reached her knees, a to-go box of baked goods from ''Sweet Crumbs'' in hand. The pastries were ones she had made herself, a small comfort to offer when Jinwoo finally woke up.

Jin-ah appeared a moment later, locking the apartment door behind her. As the two girls exchanged smiles, they made their way to the elevator. Y/N noticed Jin-ah's constant side glances at the to-go box, her curiosity palpable.

"...Can I have some?" Jin-ah finally asked, her voice laced with pleading, eyes filled with hope.

Y/N let out a soft sigh, having expected the question. "Tell you what, if your brother is still asleep, sure. But if he's awake, you'll have to ask him. I made these for him."

Jin-ah's lips formed a small pout, but she nodded, accepting the deal. However, a few seconds later, she froze mid-step, her eyes growing wide as she stared at the box again.

"You... made those... for Jinwoo?"

Y/N blinked in confusion. "...Yes?"

'...Oh no,'

Jin-ah's face lit up in an instant, a wide grin spreading across her lips. She looked between Y/N and the pastries with an almost mischievous glint in her eyes. "You like my oppa, don't you?" she teased, her voice full of mirth.

Y/N sputtered, caught off guard. "W-What? No, I just thought it'd be nice since he's been in the hospital and—"

"'Sure,'" Jin-ah cut in, drawing out the word with a knowing smirk. "You're totally not trying to win points with him by bringing him pastries. Nooo, not at all."

Y/N felt heat rise to her cheeks, quickly turning her face away to hide her embarrassment. "It's just pastries, Jin-ah."

Jin-ah's laughter filled the elevator as they descended. "Don't be so embarrassed Unnie! It's ok to bring treats to your love."

"Love? Jin-ah it's called being kind!" Exclaimed Y/N as the last floor was reached and the elevator dings.

"Don't worry I approve~"

"Approve Jin-ah what are you talking-"

Y/N stopped herself as the doors opened, they stepped out of the elevator and began walking towards the hospital, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of being exposed. It wasn't that she had 'feelings' for Jinwoo. But there was a soft spot in her heart for him, for he was the protagonist in one of her favorite stories. She had grown to care for him and his family, even if their time together had been only a year so far.

On the way to the hospital, Jin-ah insisted on making a quick detour to pick up her best friend, 'Han Song-Yi', from her house. Y/N waited patiently as Jin-ah all but dragged the poor girl out the door.