ᴡʀᴏɴɢ ꜱᴇɴᴅ ┆|| ┆ni-ki

~sixty five~

Eunha's eyes fluttered open slowly, glancing around her in the hpspital's room. Her head throbbed, and as she instinctively reached up to touch her forehead, her fingers brushed against a bandage. She winced, feeling the ache beneath it.

She let her hand drop back down onto the bed and felt warmth, a steady, comforting warmth wrapped around her fingers. Confused, she looked down to see Niki. He was slumped forward, sitting on the very edge of the bed, his hand holding hers tightly, even in sleep.

His head was tilted slightly to the side, his hair falling messily over his face, his breathing soft and steady.

A small smile tugged at her lips, and for a brief moment, all her worries faded. It was like nothing else mattered but this peaceful moment, seeing him right there with her, like he'd been watching over her all night. She couldn't help herself, her free hand reached out, her fingers gently grazing his cheek.

At her touch, he stirred, blinking his eyes open, a bit disoriented. He lifted his head, eyes landing on her, and immediately, his expression turned to one of pure relief mixed with worry.

"Oh," Eunha murmured, quickly pulling her hand back, a bit embarrassed. "Sorry... didn't mean to wake you up.

"Eunha," he said, sitting up quickly, his grip on her hand tightening. "You're awake. Are you... are you okay? Does it hurt?"

She let out a small, weak laugh. "Just a little. I think I'll survive." She tried to keep her voice light, even though the throbbing was definitely there. But the concern in his eyes made her feel like she'd be okay, like she didn't need to be strong all on her own this time.

Niki seemed to study her face, his worry so obvious it was almost adorable. Then, before she could react, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug. Her breath caught in surprise as his warmth surrounded her.

"Uh, what's with the sudden hug?" she mumbled, trying to hide the blush creeping onto her cheeks.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, a soft smile on his face. "You scared me, you know? Seeing you like that... I was really worried."

Eunha's heart skipped a beat, and she tried to keep her composure, brushing it off with a small shrug. "Guess I'm tougher than you thought, huh?"

He chuckled, but his eyes didn't lose their concern. He let his hand rest over hers, as if afraid to let go. "Do you remember what happened?"

She paused, piecing together fragments of memories. Her mom, the yelling, the fear, and then... her gaze dropped, and she swallowed, not wanting to relive it right now. "A little," she admitted quietly. "But what happened after? Is my dad okay? Was he... there?"

Niki nodded, his thumb gently rubbing the back of her hand. "The police came, and, your mom... she's... well, they took her. Your dad, he was there too, and he saw everything. But don't worry, he's fine, he's actually still here, probably waiting outside."

Relief washed over her, but a mix of other emotions followed close behind, fear, confusion, a little shame. She didn't know what to think, but Niki's presence seemed to help steady her thoughts, like he was the calm in the middle of a storm.

He must've noticed her drifting into her own thoughts because he nudged her lightly. "Hey, you're okay now. I'm here. And... so is your dad."

Eunha's heart felt a strange warmth at his words, and for a moment, she forgot about the pain. She managed a small smile, squeezing his hand. "Thanks, Niki. I mean it."

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