Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 41: Underneath the smiles

The sun was setting, casting a dim light over the kitchen as Juhee absentmindedly washed the last of the dishes, her mind heavy with worry. She'd been trying to put her concerns to rest, telling herself that her mother's recent fatigue was simply a product of age and stress. But then, earlier that week, her mother had collapsed right there in the kitchen. Juhee's heart had nearly stopped as she rushed to her mother's side, screaming for Jaehyun.

They had taken her to the hospital immediately, the weight of dread settling in Juhee's chest as they awaited the doctor's news. She watched her mother's face in those moments, a strange calmness across it, as if she already knew what was to come. Her mother's hand, frail but warm, had squeezed hers gently, almost as if to say, "I'm ready for whatever happens."

But Juhee wasn't ready.

The doctor's words still echoed in Juhee's mind as she left the hospital, the weight of his diagnosis settling like a stone in her chest. Cancer. The word seemed foreign, surreal, as if it couldn't possibly apply to her mother. Yet, she couldn't deny the truth. Her mother had been quietly enduring this for months, all while hiding it from her family to spare them the pain. Juhee's heart ached, anger and sadness wrestling within her.

As they stepped outside, the pale afternoon light washed over them, muted and cold. She turned to Jaehyun, who stood next to her, his face drawn and pale. His usual youthful defiance was replaced by something raw and vulnerable. She put a hand on his shoulder, trying to give him strength even as her own was faltering.

"Jaehyun..." she whispered, her voice barely holding steady. "We're going to get through this. I don't know how, but... we will."

He glanced at her, his eyes full of questions she couldn't answer, fears she couldn't ease. She wished she could offer more than empty promises, but right now, it was all she had. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close as he stiffened, caught between grief and anger.

"You don't need to worry, Jaehyun," she murmured, pressing her forehead against his. "I'll figure something out. We'll be okay."

Her words felt hollow, but they seemed to ease something in him, and he gave a slight nod, his hand resting on her shoulder. After a quiet moment, Jaehyun finally pulled away, his jaw clenched, his gaze hardening with determination.

"Take Mom home," Juhee told him gently. "I need... a little time alone. I'll catch up with you soon."

Jaehyun looked at her, hesitant but resigned. He nodded and walked away, glancing back at her once before helping their mother into the car. Juhee watched them drive off, her heart sinking as she wondered what to do next. Every logical solution felt out of reach, slipping away just as she tried to grasp it.

Lost in thought, she wandered through the streets, her surroundings blurring as her mind replayed the doctor's words. Despair clawed at her, and with each step, the weight on her shoulders grew heavier. Her mother's secret, hidden to protect them, was now a burden she couldn't ignore.

Just as she turned a corner, she stopped abruptly, her breath catching. Ahead, sitting on a bench near the edge of the small park, was Wonbin. The afternoon light softened his sharp features, the wind gently tousling his short hair. He looked different, his presence both familiar and changed-more distant, more mature. His leather jacket and scarf added an edge to his look, making him seem almost unapproachable.

Juhee's heart twisted at the sight of him, stirring a rush of emotions she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years. She thought she had buried these feelings, locked them away with everything else she tried to forget. But seeing him now, as if by chance, reminded her of the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide.

As if sensing her presence, Wonbin looked up, his gaze locking onto hers. His eyes softened for a fraction of a second, then returned to their familiar, unreadable expression. The air between them felt thick with unspoken words, memories lingering in the silence.

They stood like that, a few feet apart, both unwilling to bridge the distance. The pain of their past hung between them, a silent reminder of everything left unresolved.