Dear "J" | Sim Jake

Chapter 32

Jake’s mom finally stepped out of the hospital room, her expression tired but calmer than before.

“He’s sleeping,” she said, her voice softer now. Jiwon let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

She wanted to stay longer, just in case he woke up, just in case he needed something—but Jay placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Come on, I’ll take you home,” he said.

She hesitated, glancing toward the closed door, but she knew there wasn’t much she could do now. With a reluctant nod, she let Jay guide her away.

Once Jake’s mom and Jay had left, Eugene turned to Jiwon. "Let’s go see him," she said softly.

Jiwon hesitated for a moment before nodding. Together, they stepped inside the dimly lit hospital room. Jake was lying on the bed, his breathing steady, but his face looked pale under the sterile white lights.

Eugene quietly walked to the side of the bed, crossing her arms. “You look pathetic,” she muttered, but there was no bite in her voice—just worry.

Jiwon stood near the foot of the bed, her fingers curled slightly. She didn’t say anything, just watching him. She wanted to say something—anything—but what could she even say?

Eugene sighed, pulling a chair close. “He’ll be fine,” she said, more to reassure herself than Jiwon.

Jiwon nodded, but her gaze remained on Jake. The air was filled with an odd kind of quiet—not awkward, not heavy, just… uncertain.

The soft hum of the hospital machines filled the silence as Jiwon sat on the stool near Jake’s bed. The room felt colder than before, or maybe it was just the weight of the day pressing on her. She glanced at the clock—almost 10 PM.

She had called home earlier, letting them know she’d be late. It wasn’t something she usually did, but today wasn’t like any other day.

Her eyes traced over Jake’s face—the way his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were caught in a dream he couldn’t escape. The usual confidence in his expression was gone, replaced by something fragile.

She let out a small sigh, resting her arms on the edge of the bed. “You scared me, you know,” she murmured, almost to herself. “I thought…” She paused, shaking her head. “Never mind.”

Jiwon wasn’t sure how long she sat there, just watching him. The world outside felt distant, as if this small hospital room had become its own quiet universe.

Jake slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times as if trying to adjust to the dim hospital lighting. His gaze was unfocused at first, his breath still steady but slightly uneven.

Jiwon straightened up from where she had been resting her arms on the bed, watching him closely. "Jake?" she called softly, hesitant.

His eyes finally settled on her, recognition flickering in them, but there was something distant—like he was still trying to piece together where he was and why. He exhaled, pressing a hand against his forehead. "Where… am I?" His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.