Fragments Of Us

Chapter 9

*play the song while reading*

Chapter: A New Beginning

The soft, rhythmic sound of the heart monitor was the first thing Gulf heard as he slowly drifted out of the fog of unconsciousness. His head felt heavy, his body sore, but for the first time in what felt like forever, the pain seemed distant-barely there, a faint memory fading in the wake of something warmer. Something safer.

Gulf blinked, his eyes slowly adjusting to the sterile lighting around him. The hospital room was quiet, the air cool and still. But it was the feeling of someone close that made his heart stir.

He turned his head to the side, and his breath caught in his chest. There, resting with his head on Gulf's stomach, was Win. His face was peaceful in sleep, his expression softened by the absence of fear or tension. His hand was loosely resting beside Gulf, his body curled slightly in the fetal position, as if trying to be as close as possible.

Gulf's heart swelled with emotion as he stared down at Win, his chest tightening in a way that had nothing to do with the physical pain he had endured the day before. It was something else-something unfamiliar, but comforting, like the warmth of sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm.

He reached out instinctively, his fingers brushing through Win's hair, soft and messy from the hours of sleep. It felt oddly reassuring, as if he were the one offering comfort instead of receiving it.

Win's hair was warm under his fingers, and he couldn't help but stroke it gently, his touch tender, as if not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, Gulf forgot about the trauma, about the terrifying night he had survived. All of it seemed so distant now, as though it couldn't touch him here, with Win beside him.

The sound of Win's breathing shifted, his chest rising and falling steadily before he let out a soft sigh. Slowly, he stirred, his eyes blinking open as he realized where he was-and more importantly, who he was lying next to.

For a few moments, there was only silence, the two of them locked in a shared gaze. Win's eyes widened as they met Gulf's, and he blinked several times, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

"Gulf," Win whispered, his voice hoarse from sleep. He lifted his head, sitting up slightly, but didn't break eye contact. "You're awake."

Gulf nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched Win's face soften with relief.

"I thought I might have lost you," Win continued, his voice trembling with raw emotion, but a bright spark of happiness shining through his eyes. "When you were unconscious... I couldn't stop thinking about how much you mean to me. I... I don't know what I'd do without you."

Gulf's heart fluttered, and for a moment, he just stared at Win, trying to process the sudden wave of emotion crashing over him. There was a tenderness in Win's voice that touched him deeply, something he hadn't expected to hear from someone so guarded. But there it was, clear and pure.

"I love you, Gulf," Win said, his voice filled with certainty, his eyes searching Gulf's for any sign of hesitation. "I love you in a way that's not out of pity, or because I feel sorry for you. But because you are you. Because of everything you've been through, everything you are... you've captured my heart in a way I never thought possible."

Gulf's breath hitched in his throat. He had heard people say "I love you" before, but it had never felt like this. This wasn't just words. This was a promise, a commitment. It was real.

Win's expression softened even further, and he reached out, cupping Gulf's cheek gently with one hand. "I know I'm not perfect. But I want to be here for you. Always."