Echoes of Encounter

Chapter-39: The Guilt

** Setting: Hospital's General Wardroom **

As dawn broke, Nanon stirred awake in his hospital bed, his arm still throbbing but much less than the night before. A nurse checked on him and, after a few instructions, the doctor came in to discharge him.

"Your stitches are dissolvable and should heal within two weeks," the doctor explained. "Keep the wound dry, especially for the next three days, and avoid touching it to prevent infection."

Nanon nodded, absorbing each instruction. Ohm stood nearby, looking exhausted yet focused. "Got it," Ohm confirmed with a quick nod.

As they left the hospital, Nanon turned to Ohm. "Let's keep this between us, alright?" he said, trying to lighten the heavy air that lingered. "If anyone asks about the bandage, just say I tripped and fell. No need to get everyone worried."

Ohm's brow furrowed, but he nodded. "If that's what you want."

Back at the lodge, Jimmy and Sea were pacing in the lobby, visibly anxious. They looked up as Nanon and Ohm entered.

"Finally!" Jimmy said with relief. "Where have you two been? We tried calling you all night!"

Sea's gaze immediately locked onto Nanon's bandaged arm, his face contorting with worry. "What happened?" he asked, moving closer.

"Oh, it's... well, it's kind of embarrassing," Nanon said, forcing a laugh. "I just tripped and fell. Should've paid more attention to where I was going, I guess."

Jimmy chuckled, shaking his head. "Classic Nanon. You'll do anything for a little attention, won't you?"

Sea, however, didn't look convinced. His eyes lingered on the bandage, concern flashing across his face. Before he could say anything more, Nanon let out a dramatic yawn.

"Well, I'm exhausted," Nanon said, rubbing his eyes. "I think I'm going to head up and sleep. Ohm, mind helping me up to the room?"

Sea looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but he held back as Nanon and Ohm made their way upstairs.

** Setting: In Ohm and Nanon's Room **

Once they stepped into the quiet room, the weight of the night settled heavily between Ohm and Nanon. Nanon closed the door softly, glancing back to see Ohm standing still, looking down at his hands as if they were stained with guilt.

Nanon's attempt at lightening the mood, "Sea almost saw right through me," fell flat. The small, tired grin on his face faded as he noticed Ohm's silence.

"Ohm..." Nanon started, but he didn't know what to say. The bruised look in Ohm's eyes twisted his stomach in knots.

"I shouldn't have scared you," Ohm said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I thought you'd laugh, you know, get a little spooked, nothing more." His shoulders slumped, the usual spark in his eyes completely dimmed. "But then... to see you like that... I should've been there, should've... I just... I was supposed to keep you safe." His voice cracked, and he looked away, his jaw tight as he tried to hold back tears.

The sound of Ohm's breaking voice tore into Nanon. All of a sudden, he felt his own heart pounding, recalling the cold glint of the knife, the shadowed figure advancing on him. He remembered the desperation of his own fear and how he'd wished for someone—anyone—to save him. And then, at the last second, there Ohm had been, his voice calling out like a lifeline in the dark.

"Ohm," Nanon said softly, stepping forward. He placed his hand on Ohm's shoulder, feeling the tension in his friend's frame. "This wasn't your fault," he continued, squeezing Ohm's shoulder. "You didn't know. I didn't either." He swallowed, his voice dropping. "But you were there when it mattered. You saved me."