Captive

chapter 58

Disease

The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. Bible was still lying in bed, his eyes half-closed as he watched Jeff move around the room. Jeff was getting ready for work, as usual—busy, focused, and determined, but Bible couldn’t help but notice the way his heart swelled just by looking at him.

Bible had become so accustomed to Jeff being by his side these past weeks, taking care of him, looking out for him, that the thought of him leaving for even a short while felt like an ache deep in his chest. He didn't want Jeff to go. He didn’t know how to explain it—he simply didn’t want him to leave.

Jeff glanced at Bible from across the room, sensing the weight of the silence that had settled between them. Bible’s gaze was soft, full of affection, but also a bit of vulnerability. Jeff paused, sensing the unspoken words in the air.

“You really going to work today?” Bible’s voice was low, almost teasing, as he tried to mask his growing sense of loss.

Jeff turned toward him, offering a warm smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty. “I have to, you know that. The world doesn’t stop just because we’re here.”

Bible’s lips quirked up into a playful smirk. “I think it should.”

Jeff chuckled softly, moving closer to the bed. His hand reached out to touch Bible’s cheek, a touch full of tenderness. "I’ll be back soon. Just rest. Don’t worry about me."

Bible stared up at him, his heart full. “I always worry about you,” he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. He didn’t need to explain the depth of his feelings—Jeff could hear it in his tone.

Jeff bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to Bible’s forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it. Just take care of yourself. I’ll bring something nice for dinner.”

Bible’s eyes softened as he gazed up at Jeff. The simple affection between them was all he needed to feel calm, but there was still that ache in his chest at the thought of Jeff leaving.

“I’ll miss you,” Bible whispered, his fingers lightly brushing Jeff’s hand.

“I’ll miss you too,” Jeff replied, his smile tinged with a touch of sadness. “But you’ll be alright, right?”

Bible gave him a subtle nod, though the truth was he wasn’t sure how he would feel once Jeff walked out that door. But there was a quiet confidence in his heart that Jeff would always come back to him. They were connected, and nothing could change that.

With one last lingering kiss on Bible’s forehead, Jeff pulled away and grabbed his bag, heading toward the door. He looked back at Bible one more time before stepping out of the room.

Bible stared after him for a moment, his chest tight, but his lips curled into a smile as he whispered to himself, “He’s coming back...”

Not long after Jeff had left, the door to Bible’s room opened again. This time, it was Tong who entered, his usual confident stride carrying him into the room

The room felt suffocating, heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. Tong’s eyes were fixed on his brother, the tension thickening in the air. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Bible was hiding something, that the accident had a darker story behind it, and he wasn’t getting the truth.

“You’re hiding something from me, Bible,” Tong said, his voice low and pressing. “I know you better than anyone. Don’t play games with me.”

Bible sat back on the bed, his expression unreadable.