SWEETHEART

Chapter-35

HI

Taehyung entered their bedroom quietly, his steps hesitant. Jeongguk was reclined against the headboard, his phone in hand.

Though his face revealed little, the slight raise of his brow as Taehyung approached showed he had noticed something was amiss. 

“Hyung,” Taehyung said softly, sitting down beside him. 

Jeongguk placed his phone down, his calm gaze meeting Taehyung’s.

“What happened, Baby?” he asked, his voice steady, though a flicker of concern passed through his eyes. 

Taehyung hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to break the news.

“It’s Eomma… she moved. Her fingers twitched, and her eyes fluttered. The doctor says it’s a sign she might be waking up.” 

Jeongguk didn’t react immediately. His face remained composed, his dark eyes steady on Taehyung’s as if processing the information. He leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose.

“You’re sure?” he asked, his voice even, though there was a subtle weight to his words. 

Taehyung nodded quickly. “I saw it myself, Hyung. Appa saw it too. The doctor said her neural activity has improved. This could be the beginning of her recovery.” 

Jeongguk closed his eyes briefly, his posture still controlled, though

Taehyung could sense the storm of emotions brewing beneath his calm exterior. He reached out, placing a hand on Jeongguk’s. 

" She's Okay hyung. She's Okay. She's progressing.... Yeah?.. Deep breaths "

"Take deep breaths"

Taehyung said to Jeongguk understanding his inner turmoil. He could see Jeongguk is anxious and afraid inside.

Taehyung caressed his chest up and down while Jeongguk rested his head on Taehyung's shoulders. Jeongguk took a deep breath taking in Taehyung's scent before coming back to his self and moving forward.

“You’re allowed to feel this, Hyung,” Taehyung said gently, his thumb brushing over Jeongguk’s knuckles. “It’s okay to hope.” 

Jeongguk opened his eyes, his gaze softening as it met Taehyung’s.

“Hope is a dangerous thing, Sweetheart. Every time you let it in, it hurts more when it’s taken away.” 

Taehyung’s heart ached at his words. He shifted closer, wrapping an arm around Jeongguk’s shoulders.

“I know,” he whispered.

“But this time, it’s real. She’s strong, just like you. And I’ll be here every step of the way.” 

Jeongguk stayed quiet for a moment, leaning into Taehyung’s touch.

Though he didn’t express his emotions openly, Taehyung could feel the slight tension leaving his body, the way Jeongguk’s fingers curled slightly around his own. 

---

Later, Jeongguk insisted on seeing his mother despite Taehyung’s gentle protests.

With Taehyung supporting him, they made their way to the room where Ye Jin rested. Hyun Bin was seated by her side.

Jeongguk approached his mother quietly, his hand steady as he reached for hers. He didn’t speak at first, simply holding her hand and observing her face with a calm intensity. 

“Eomma,” he said after a long pause, his voice low and steady. “If you can hear me… it’s me. Jeongguk.” 

Taehyung stood back, watching the scene unfold. He could tell how much Jeongguk was holding back—how his pain and longing were buried beneath his composed exterior.