Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🍃 Chapter 51🍃

The morning air is crisp and cool, the first light of day breaking through the canopy of trees above us. The others are still half-asleep, their forms huddled together for warmth around the embers of last night's fire. I quietly slip away from the group, not wanting to wake anyone just yet. The old man I helped yesterday needs assistance with gathering some firewood, so I decide to check on him first.

As I make my way through the woods, I can hear the birds starting to sing, the soft rustle of leaves as the breeze moves through the trees. For a moment, everything feels peaceful, and it's easy to pretend that we're not in the middle of a war. But the weight in my chest reminds me that peace isn't something we have right now. Not yet.

After helping the old man with his wood and ensuring he has what he needs, I make my way back to camp. As I approach, I see Jake talking to the old woman who had helped us earlier. Her weathered face is lined with experience, her eyes soft but sharp, as if she's seen too much. They seem to be in deep conversation, Jake listening intently to whatever she's saying.

I stand at the edge of the clearing for a moment, not wanting to interrupt. But then Jake notices me, his gaze lifting from the woman to meet mine. A smile instantly appears on his face, one of those smiles that makes everything feel like it might be okay, even if just for a little while.

He excuses himself from the old lady, walking toward me with that familiar, gentle stride that's so comforting.

"What happened?" I ask, my voice low, but the curiosity in my tone is clear. I can't help but feel a little uneasy. I don't know what they were talking about, but I can tell it was important.

Jake's smile doesn't falter, but there's a flicker of something serious in his eyes. "She knows a place-somewhere we can hide. It's safe. She says we should leave as soon as possible," he explains, his voice calm but urgent.

I nod slowly, processing the information. It makes sense. We can't stay here forever. Hiding is probably the safest option, at least until we figure out what to do next.

"You're right," I say, looking around at the others, knowing they'll need to pack up soon. We've never been in one place for too long. "We'll get everyone ready to go."

Jake watches me for a moment, his gaze softening. But then his expression shifts, and he hesitates. After a beat, he speaks again, quieter this time.

"Can I... can I check on your injury?" he asks, his tone tentative, like he's unsure if he should. I can hear the worry in his voice even though he tries to hide it behind a smile.

I give him a small nod, not trusting myself to speak without my voice betraying how tired I really am. I know Jake only wants to help. And honestly, I'm starting to feel a little better. The pain in my side is still there, but it's more like an ache now, manageable.

Jake moves closer, gently guiding me to a nearby rock to sit down. He carefully begins to remove the bandage, his fingers light and methodical as he works. I watch him for a moment, taking in the way he moves with such care, as though he's afraid of hurting me again, even though we both know the worst of it is over.

As he unravels the old cloth, I catch sight of the wound-it's healing well. The edges are no longer as red and swollen, and there's only a faint bruise left. He looks at it for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration, before he finally lets out a soft breath of relief.

"It's healing," Jake murmurs, looking up at me with a small, reassuring smile. "But I'll make sure it stays clean. Just to be safe."

I nod again, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. The care he's giving me, the way he always looks out for me-it's more than just protective. It's love, the kind that doesn't need words. I can feel it in the way his hands move, in the way his eyes never leave mine as he works. It's a comfort, a reassurance that no matter how hard things get, I'm not alone. He'll be here.