𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑛 / 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑔

S3 ch 82

The facility doors closed behind them with a harsh metallic clunk, and Rafayel glanced sideways at the passenger seat. Jiwon sat with his hood pulled deep over his head, his fingers nervously clawing into the sleeves of Rafayel’s oversized hoodie. He looked like a ghost—skin pale, lips colorless, dark circles carved like bruises under his eyes. His eyes didn’t meet Rafayel’s once.

Rafayel tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

Rafayel:
(quietly, trying to be gentle)
“Ji… We’re going home, alright? Just us. No one’s gonna push you anymore.”

Jiwon didn’t respond. His eyes were locked on the window, watching rain drizzle down the glass in soft lines. Rafayel sighed, pressing play on the quiet playlist of soft piano music he’d been keeping just for him.

Rafayel:
“You hungry? We can stop and grab something—”

Jiwon:
(low and sharp)
“No.”

It was flat, almost robotic. Not angry. Not sad. Just gone. Rafayel’s chest tightened. He swallowed hard and kept driving.

The apartment was small, tucked on a quiet street, with neutral tones and warm lighting. Rafayel had spent a week preparing it before bringing Jiwon here—making it soft, safe, quiet. Two of their cats were already curled up on the sofa when they stepped inside. The scent of lavender hung in the air. It felt like a bubble—one Rafayel prayed would shield Jiwon from the world.

Jiwon immediately kicked off his shoes and made his way silently to the bedroom. He didn’t even look around. Just collapsed into the bed with his hoodie still on, burying his face in the pillow.

Rafayel stood at the doorframe, helpless.

Rafayel:
(softly)
“…You’re safe now, Ji. No more strangers. No more therapists making you talk when you’re not ready. Just us.”

Still no answer. Just soft, trembling breaths. Rafayel sat on the edge of the bed and slowly reached out, his fingers gently brushing over Jiwon’s back.

Rafayel:
“I’ll figure something out with work… Maybe take on night shifts… Or ask if I can do part-time from home. I’m not leaving you alone here. Not when you’re like this.”

Jiwon stirred a little, turning his face to the side, eyes half-lidded and dull.

Jiwon:
(quietly)
“…Why are you still trying, Raf? I’m just dead weight now.”

That made Rafayel freeze. He turned his body toward him fully.

Rafayel:
“Hey. No. Don’t say that.”

Jiwon:
(voice cracked)
“It’s true. I’m not even living. I’m just existing. Taking up space. You could’ve been with someone easier. Happier. Whole.”

Rafayel leaned down, gently cupping Jiwon’s face, forcing him to meet his eyes.

Rafayel:
“I didn’t fall in love with easy. I fell in love with you.”

He kissed his forehead softly, lingering, letting his lips press against the warmth of Jiwon’s skin like an anchor.

Rafayel:
“You’re not broken, Ji. You’re hurting. And I can’t take that away, but I’ll carry it with you. As much of it as I can.”

Jiwon didn’t say anything—but his body began to shake slightly, trembling under Rafayel’s touch. Silent tears soaked into the pillow beneath him. Rafayel moved slowly, laying beside him, wrapping his arms around Jiwon’s fragile frame. The cats padded into the room quietly, one hopping onto the bed and curling up at Jiwon’s feet.