Silent Vows

Part 48

Crouched low beside the plant, she worked in quiet focus, a faint smile curving her lips as her fingers brushed away loose soil, smoothing it carefully before trimming the stubborn, thorny stems that strangled the healthier ones.

Bit by bit, she cleared the way for sunlight to reach where it was most needed.

The gentle snip of her shears broke the stillness, followed by the soft splash of water as she poured it over the roots.

She loosened the packed earth with her hands, refreshing it with new soil and patting it tenderly into place.

Once satisfied, she reached for the next pot, her fingers curling around the pruning shears, only to pause when a familiar voice called out.

"Yn? God, where are you?" Jungkook's voice carried through the house until he stepped into the backyard, relief and exasperation written all over his face as he spotted her kneeling among the plants.

Yn rose, slipping off her gloves and turning toward him with a calm smile.

"Oh, you're back," she said softly.

"Why are you here, hmm?" he sighed, walking over to her.

"Didn't I tell you not to leave the bed? Baby, it's barely been ten, twelve days since you got discharged, and you're already pushing yourself? I warned you, Yn."

His tone was a blend of worry and gentle reprimand, knowing it was the only way she might actually listen.

Yn smiled faintly, reaching for his hand and pressing a tender kiss against the back of it. "I'm alright, I promise," she whispered.

"I just couldn't sit in that room any longer, it's suffocating doing nothing. At least this makes me feel alive."

Her thumb brushed over his hand, a quiet reassurance beneath her words.

Jungkook let out a quiet sigh, a helpless smile tugging at his lips as he shook his head.

"I know, I know, it gets tiring just lying around all day.

But you can't be doing this yet, love. You're still healing." His tone softened, his eyes searching hers.

"You could've just taken a short walk, or if you were that bored, you should've called me.

I'd have come home right away." He paused, his voice dropping lower, more tender.

"Honestly, I had a feeling you'd pull something like this, so I wrapped up early and came unannounced.

And what do I find? You, exactly where I knew you'd be. I swear, I can't leave you alone for a minute."

Yn's lips curved into an apologetic smile, her gaze lifting to meet his. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly, almost guilty.

"I really am. I won't do it again, promise. Just... don't be upset with me, okay? You know I can't bear it when you are."

He looked at her for a moment, his expression melting. Another sigh escaped him, but this time it carried only affection.

He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her gently against his chest.

His chin came to rest on her head, his hand tracing slow, comforting circles on her back.

"You really think I could ever be mad at you?" he whispered into her hair.

"I'm not angry, I'm just... scared. I can't go through that again, Yn. I can't lose you. So please, for me. Take it easy. Take care of yourself."

Her eyes softened as she nodded against him. "I will," she promised quietly. "And I'm sorry again."

He smiled faintly, pulling back just enough to look at her before pressing a soft kiss to the tip of her nose.