Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🍃 Chapter 32🍃

As Eunhee finished tending to Sunghoon's wound, she gave him a final, reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just promise you'll let us know if it gets worse, alright?"

"Yeah, I promise," Sunghoon said, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes.

I shifted closer to him, hoping to provide some comfort. "You really need to take it easy. We can figure out a plan for today that doesn't involve too much movement."

"Sounds good to me," he replied, trying to sound upbeat, but I could see the strain in his expression.

"Let's wake the others," Eunhee suggested, glancing over at the still-sleeping group. "We need to come up with a plan and see how everyone's doing."

I nodded and stood up, moving to gently shake Jay and Jungwon awake. "Hey, it's morning. Time to get moving."

Jay groaned but finally opened his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Morning," I said, glancing at Sunghoon, who was still sitting on the floor. "We need to come up with a plan for the day."

As Jay roused, I turned to the others. Sunoo, Niki and heeseung hyung were next, stretching and yawning, their sleepy expressions slowly shifting to concern as they noticed Sunghoon's pale face.

"how are you now?" Sunoo asked.

"Fine, better than yesterday, even it's a little thing" Sunghoon replied quickly, attempting to downplay it again.

"Just a little?" Niki raised an eyebrow, taking in the bandaged chest. "You look like you need a nap, not a plan."

"I'm fine," Sunghoon insisted, but I caught a glimpse of the pain flickering in his eyes.

"We all need to be on the same page," I interjected. "Sunghoon's not at his best, so we need to figure out how to keep him safe while we move."

"Right," Jay said, sitting up straighter. "Let's get everyone up and talk strategy. We can't stay here much longer, but we need to make sure Sunghoon can keep up."

As we gathered together, the atmosphere shifted from sleepy to serious. Each of us was aware of the reality outside, the dangers lurking just beyond the walls.

Eunhee took charge, her voice steady. "We need to find supplies. But we have to be careful; we don't want to draw attention."

"What about food?" Niki asked. "We're running low."

"Yeah, I can take a quick look around the area while you guys stay here with Sunghoon," I offered.

"No way," Sunghoon protested, his voice firmer than before. "I'm coming with you. I can manage."

"Sunghoon, please," I said, my concern spilling over. "You shouldn't push yourself."

"I can't just sit here while you all do the hard work. I won't be a burden." He looked at me, determination in his eyes.

I met his gaze, feeling torn. "It's not about being a burden. It's about staying safe. We need you healthy."

"Then let me prove I can still help," he insisted, his voice softening. "Just trust me."

I hesitated, but the fire in his eyes made me relent. "Okay, but if you feel even slightly unwell, you let us know immediately."

"Deal," he said, a hint of a smile returning to his face.

With everyone finally awake and ready, we began discussing our plan for the day. Even as Sunghoon leaned against the wall for support, I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me. I wanted nothing more than to shield him from harm, but I knew he was right; we needed to work together, each of us doing our part to survive.

As the day unfolded, we prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to face them together, one step at a time.