Arranged Art of Love: Diamonds and Dreams ( KTH ff)

35. Take me back

"I can't lose her... especially not like this," he whispered, his throat tight. "Not when I've been sitting here, watching her fight for her life, for more than two hours. I can't... I won't lose her."

He was surprised by the way he was feeling-rage and fear at the same time, each battling for control. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one he hadn't experienced before. He'd never been the type to attach himself to anyone, always keeping people at arm's length. But now... maybe not anymore.

Now, things were different. He wasn't just sharing a house with you...the woman he calls his WIFE; he was sharing memories. Memories that had slowly crept into his life, weaving themselves into moments he couldn't afford to lose. The thought of losing you filled him with an ache so deep.

The rage came from knowing someone had tried to hurt you. The fear came from knowing that, without you, everything he had started to feel-the connection, the bond-could disappear in an instant.

_______________________

You woke up slowly, your eyes adjusting to the white light above you. The steady rhythm of your breathing became clear as you noticed the oxygen mask on your face.

That's when it all started making sense: the parcel, the broken glass, your hands covered in blood, you calling Taehyung, being in his arms... and then, blacking out. You tried to sit up, an urgent need to check your hands overwhelming you, but the sight made you feel helpless. Your hands were wrapped tightly in white gauze, and the sounds of machines beeping next to you filled the room.

Turning your head to the right, you saw your mother sitting there. You whispered, "M-Mom," your voice weak. She rushed to your side, pressing the button to call the nurse as she gently squeezed your arm, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Yena, my child," she said softly, and a tear slipped down her cheek. Moments later, the nurse came in, checking your vitals and then left to call the doctor. You watched the door slide open again, and a figure stood there, leaning against the doorframe after closing it behind him. His brown eyes were fixed on you, unblinking.

He didn't move. He just stood there, watching.

Why is he just standing there?
Why isn't he coming to me, checking on my injuries?
It's so frustrating...

You wanted him next to you. Right there beside you. Your thoughts clouded your mind, and your eyes tried to communicate with his, but you couldn't understand why he kept his distance.

Just then, the door opened again, and the doctor entered with the nurse. The nurse helped you sit up carefully with some support.

"How are you feeling, Mrs. Kim?" the doctor asked.
"Better," you replied, your voice still shaky.

"Are you feeling any dizziness?"
You shook your head.

"Any breathing issues or pain?"
"Uhmm, pain in my hands and mild breathing issues," you said, feeling the dull throb in your palms.

The doctor nodded. "Alright, we're removing the oxygen mask so you can breathe on your own. Let's check so that you can accommodate better." With that, he removed the mask, writing some notes on your chart before walking out.

Jimin and Jungkook came in shortly after, worry etched on their faces. They both glanced over at Taehyung, who had now moved to stand near the couch on your right, still distant. They came closer, carefully pulling you into a soft, cautious hug. You felt a sense of relief wash over you, the comfort of their presence making you feel less scared.

Everything had changed overnight.

You hadn't realized how much you wanted to hug Taehyung until now, but he remained standing far away, as if lost in his own thoughts. His parents entered not long after, speaking to you with concern in their voices, especially his mother, who seemed deeply worried about your condition.