Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 43: Shattered Facades

The days that followed were a blur for Juhee. Her mind cycled endlessly through worry, fear, and frustration as she struggled to come to terms with her mother's diagnosis. She'd throw herself into distractions during the day, tirelessly researching possible treatments, and at night, she'd lie awake, haunted by the reality she couldn't escape. Jaehyun was her only solace, both of them united by a shared determination to protect their mother, though neither had any idea where to begin.

One afternoon, as Juhee sat alone in the family's small living room, her phone buzzed with a message. It was Karina, checking in as always, but the warmth in her friend's words struck her more deeply than usual.

Karina: "Juhee, we're here for you, always. Let us help. Please don't carry this all alone."

Juhee hesitated before typing back a quick, reassuring response. She knew Karina was aware of her habit of retreating inward during difficult times, and although she appreciated the gesture, she wasn't ready to burden her friends with something she could barely handle herself.

Yet, the solitude felt like it was closing in on her. Just as she considered giving in and reaching out, the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find her younger brother, Jaehyun, standing there, carrying a plastic bag of takeout and looking exhausted yet determined.

Without a word, he walked inside, setting the food on the kitchen counter. "You need to eat," he said firmly, his voice quiet but unyielding. "You've been going non-stop."

Juhee gave him a faint smile, touched by his concern, though it barely masked her weariness. She sat down, letting him serve her, grateful for the familiar presence that steadied her.

As they ate in silence, Jaehyun finally spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't believe she kept this from us," he said, his gaze lowered. "All this time... she acted like everything was fine."

Juhee reached out, covering his hand with hers, her voice soft. "She thought she was protecting us." She paused, glancing out the window, the weight of their reality pressing down on her. "But we'll figure something out. Somehow."

Jaehyun nodded, his expression both determined and vulnerable. "I know we will."

Just as she felt a surge of hope, a familiar face appeared in her mind-Wonbin, his silent support from their unexpected encounter still lingering in her heart. She thought about the quiet reassurance he'd offered her in that brief moment and felt a pang of longing she couldn't quite suppress.

Days later, unable to shake the memory, Juhee found herself wandering through the park, tracing the paths she and Wonbin used to walk. The memories weighed heavily on her, bringing forth an ache she thought she'd buried long ago.