Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🍃 Chapter 31🍃

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the walls, casting a soft glow across the dim room. I woke to find Sunghoon still sleeping on my lap, his breath steady and peaceful. I couldn't help but smile at the sight, feeling a warmth in my chest.

Gently, I ran my fingers through his hair, leaning down to whisper, "Sunghoon, it's morning, wake up."

He stirred slightly but didn't open his eyes. I tried again, a bit louder. "Sunghoon, come on. Time to wake up."

Finally, he blinked awake, his gaze meeting mine. "Hey," he said, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. "Morning already?"

"Yeah," I replied, still feeling a bit protective. "How are you feeling?"

"Still alive," he joked, trying to sit up, but I noticed a flicker of pain cross his features.

"Take it easy," I said quickly. "Let me help you." I gently supported him as he shifted off my lap.

As Sunghoon stood, I could see him wince slightly. "You okay?" I asked, concern flooding my voice.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he insisted, though his tone lacked conviction.

Just then, Eunhee woke up, stretching and glancing our way. "Good morning, you two. How's Sunghoon?"

"I'm okay," Sunghoon said, but I could see the strain in his posture.

Eunhee rose and came over, her expression shifting to concern. "You don't look okay. Let's take a look at that wound again."

I nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. "We should definitely check it out."

We moved to a small corner of the room where there was a bit more light. I helped Sunghoon sit down on the floor, and Eunhee knelt beside him, her hands gentle as she examined the bandage.

"Just hold still," she instructed, carefully unwrapping the cloth to reveal the injury beneath. The sight made my stomach drop; the wound was red and angry, a stark reminder of the danger we faced.

"See? I told you I'm fine," Sunghoon said, trying to sound casual, but his voice wavered.

Eunhee shook her head, her brows furrowing. "You need to rest. This isn't just a scratch, Sunghoon. You need to let it heal properly."

"I will, I promise," he replied, attempting a reassuring smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

As I watched them, I felt a mixture of admiration for Eunhee's determination and worry for Sunghoon. "You should listen to her, Sunghoon. We need you at your best."

"I will be," he insisted, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was downplaying the severity of his injury.

Eunhee finished cleaning the wound and rewrapped it carefully. "There. That should help. Just take it easy today, alright?"

"Okay," he said, though I could see the fatigue written all over his face.

As we sat together, the weight of our situation felt heavier than ever. I wanted to be strong for Sunghoon, to shield him from pain, but I also knew that it was a journey we would have to navigate together, one day at a time.