Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 20: Shelter in the Storm

Juhee's steps felt heavy as she moved through the crowd, her mind tangled in the remnants of the night. She caught sight of Jaehyun in the distance, but she walked past him without a word, not ready to face him. She pushed through to the exit, desperate for air, but her moment of solitude was quickly interrupted.

A guy approached her, leaning closer than she was comfortable with. "Leaving alone? How about one last drink?"

Juhee shifted back, forcing a polite but firm tone. "No, thanks. I'm leaving."

He ignored her answer, chuckling. "Come on, just one. It won't kill you."

Just then, a familiar voice cut through, sharp and unyielding. "She said no." Wonbin appeared beside her, his expression unreadable but leaving no room for debate.

The guy looked him up and down before muttering a reluctant "Whatever" and walking away.

Juhee breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks," she said quietly, still shaken.

Wonbin gave a curt nod, his voice flat. "You should be more careful."

She bristled slightly at his tone but let it go. "Yeah... I guess."

Wonbin noticed the distant look in her eyes and the faint tremor in her hands. "Do you need a ride?"

She hesitated, then admitted, "I... I don't want to go home right now."

He was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Then where?"

"A motel, maybe," she said, trying not to sound embarrassed. "Just for the night."

After a long pause, Wonbin shook his head. "A motel isn't safe. My apartment's nearby. You can stay there if you need somewhere."

Surprised, Juhee looked up at him. "Are you sure?"

He didn't soften, only giving a brisk nod. "If you need somewhere to stay, then yes. It's your choice."

Outside, the sky had opened up with steady rain, drenching them in minutes as they made their way to Wonbin's car. By the time they reached it, they were both soaked through. Juhee shivered, crossing her arms tightly as the chill started to sink in.

Wonbin noticed and, with a brief sigh, slipped off his jacket, handing it to her without a word.

She blinked, taken aback, before taking it. "Thanks..."

He didn't respond, getting into the driver's seat and pulling away from the curb, eyes fixed ahead. They drove in silence, the patter of rain against the car filling the space between them. At a red light, Wonbin finally glanced over at her, his tone neutral but curious.

"Why don't you want to go home?"

Juhee looked out the window, avoiding his gaze. "It's... complicated."

He didn't press her, simply nodding once before continuing the drive. By the time they reached Wonbin's apartment, Juhee was visibly exhausted, her face pale, and her movements slow. The rain had drenched them both completely, and as she stepped inside, she swayed slightly, gripping the doorframe for support. Wonbin's usual guarded expression softened, a flicker of concern passing over his face.

"Take my room," he said firmly. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"What? No, I couldn't-" she began, shivering despite the warmth of his jacket still around her.

"Juhee," he said, his voice brooking no argument. "You're exhausted. Go rest."

Reluctantly, she nodded. "Thank you, Wonbin."

He led her to his bedroom, keeping a respectful distance, but his steady presence reassured her. Inside, he gestured toward the bed. "I'll grab some dry clothes. You should change and warm up."

When he returned with a sweatshirt and a pair of drawstring pants, he noticed her slumped forward slightly, her hand pressed to her forehead as if to steady herself.

"You okay?" he asked, a hint of worry breaking through his usual calm.

"I think I'm just... tired," she managed, her voice faint and her cheeks flushed.

Without thinking, he reached out, placing the back of his hand against her forehead. His brow creased immediately. "Juhee, you're burning up."

She shook her head. "It's probably nothing."

But Wonbin was already moving, his cool demeanor giving way to quiet determination. "Lie down," he said, unfolding a blanket from the bed. "I'll bring something to help with the fever."

She didn't protest this time, sinking into the bed, feeling too weak to argue. As she closed her eyes, she heard the faint sounds of him in the kitchen. A moment later, he returned with a glass of water and a damp cloth.

"Sit up a bit," he said softly, helping her take a sip of water before pressing the cool cloth against her forehead. His gaze was focused, his touch gentle.

She looked up at him, her vision blurred with fatigue. "Wonbin... you don't have to..."

He shook his head, adjusting the cloth. "Stop talking. Just rest."

She managed a faint smile before closing her eyes again. After a moment, though, she stirred, reaching out a trembling hand toward him. "Wonbin, can you stay with me please?"

Caught off guard, he hesitated for a brief second before nodding. "Alright," he said quietly, pulling a chair closer and taking her hand in his. His own was cool, steady, a grounding presence that calmed her.

Within moments, her breathing slowed, her grip loosening as sleep took hold. Wonbin stayed beside her, watching her features soften as she drifted off, his hand still in hers. A part of him urged him to pull away, to keep the distance he'd always maintained-but tonight, with Juhee's hand resting in his, he found he didn't want to.

As she slept, he stayed close, his own steady heartbeat echoing the warmth of her quiet trust, and for once, the silence felt right.