Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 128

~Yooooo my new Jungwon story came outttt!! Check it out yallll~

-Start of Chapter 128-

"You should try to sleep." Sunghoon's voice is soft, but firm.

I shake my head. "I can't."

"Just try."

He moves to sit beside me on the bench, his presence warm and grounding. Slowly, gently, his fingers wrap around mine. I let him.

"I can't sleep peacefully without getting nightmares" I murmur. "Every time I close my eyes, I just see it again. Her face. The rain. The blood."

Sunghoon sighs, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. "I know. But you still need to rest."

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Do you think it would've been different if I could control my powers, Sunghoon?"
My voice cracks. "If I'd seen something... would she still be alive? Would Jungwon still be smiling?"

He turns to face me fully, his expression unreadable at first—then sad.

"You must not blame yourself, My Lady" he says. "Please."

I pull my hand away slowly and stand. "I'm going to try to talk to Jungwon again."

Sunghoon hesitates, but nods. "If you want to... I'll take my leave, then."

"Thank you" I whisper.

He gives a small bow, then slips out the door.

I glance back at the clock.

4:30

The air outside the window is still thick with night. No stars. No moonlight. Just black.

Pulling my robe tighter around me, I make my way through the halls. The palace is hushed and empty, save for the few guards quietly posted at the far ends. My bare feet press softly against the floor as I move through the darkened corridors.

I stop in front of his door.

There's a faint light beneath it—soft, flickering.

He's awake.

I knock, hesitating only slightly. "Jungwon?"

No answer.

I press my palm to the wood.

"Jungwon-ah... it's me. Y/N."

Still silence.

I lean forward, resting my forehead against the door, speaking gently—like to a wounded child.

"Can you open the door for me? Just for a moment."

Nothing.

"I know you're hurting. I know it feels like everything's collapsed... but please, don't shut me out."
My voice softens even more, nearly breaking. "You don't have to say anything. You don't have to do anything. Just... let me in. Please."

Seconds tick by.

The wind hums quietly against the palace walls outside.

Then—
Click.

The doorknob turns slowly.

And the door creaks open.

Just a few inches.