Healing

XIX - nap

Happy new year, everyone!

I didn't notice I hadn't updated in more than 4 years until I uploaded the previous chapter. Wow. When you're old time truly passes by so quickly. I'm sorry.

But here's a quick update and I keep writing so I'll keep the updates frequent. 

Bel, xx

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When Jinyoung wakes up, the sun has set and Jaebeom is gently shaking his shoulder. He groans softly, reluctant to open his eyes. He is so warm and comfortable; Jinyoung rarely sleeps soundly, so he wants to cling to this rare moment of bliss. No dreams, no anxiety—just peaceful, heavy sleep that feels like a thick, protective blanket.

"Come on, Jinyoungie," a voice calls, sounding amused, as if they are suppressing a laugh. "They need to close the café. We're the last ones left."

Only then do the words fully register. Jinyoung's eyes snap open, his mind racing to remember where he is—and more importantly, where he fell asleep. To his horror, he is still resting his head on Jaebeom's lap, his cheek pressed against the rough denim of the older man's jeans. He yelps and sits upright so quickly that his vision momentarily blackens. The world spins for a few seconds, the dim lights of the manhwa café blurring into streaks of gold.

Jaebeom catches him by the elbow, his grip firm and grounding. Jinyoung feels his whole face burning with a shame so intense he's certain it must be visible even in the low light. He refuses to believe he slept so soundly in a public space—and on Jaebeom's lap, of all places.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sleep for so long," Jinyoung groans, burying his face in his hands. He had only intended to rest for a few minutes, not succumb to a full, heavy nap that left him feeling slightly disoriented.

"It's okay, you were tired," Jaebeom grins, his voice low and soothing. "And you looked too adorable sleeping; I didn't have the heart to wake you unless I absolutely had to. You were even mumbling something in your sleep, though I couldn't quite catch it."

"Oh right, they're closing!" Jinyoung remembers the reason for his sudden awakening and scurries to leave the nook. He feels flustered, desperately trying to tidy his hair with his fingers and straighten his rumpled clothes. He can hear Jaebeom chuckling softly behind him as the older man gathers the scattered volumes of manhwa and sets them back on the shelf.

"Are you feeling any better? Not too groggy?" the older man asks once they are standing side by side. He places a hand on the small of Jinyoung's back, a steadying presence as he leads him out toward the exit.

"Yeah, much better," Jinyoung answers, still avoiding Jaebeom's eyes. The embarrassment is slow to fade, warming his chest. "My body is still quite weak, so I get tired easily. After the coma, I lost a lot of muscle and weight, and I haven't improved much since then so..."

Jinyoung leaves the sentence hanging, feeling awkward but wanting to justify his sudden collapse into sleep. He doesn't want Jaebeom to think he's lazy or disinterested.

"I figured as much," Jaebeom comments as they finally exit the café. The transition from the warm, book-scented air to the night street is jarring. Without the sun, the air has turned biting, and Jinyoung can't help a sudden, violent shiver that racks his thin frame. "No need to look so embarrassed, Jinyoung. Even if the look does suit you."

Jaebeom moves to stand directly in front of him, blocking the wind. He leans in, searching for Jinyoung's eyes with a sheepish, knowing grin.

"You were in such a rush to get out that you forgot your favourite scarf," Jaebeom says. He lifts his hand to reveal the navy-blue fabric he'd been carrying. He doesn't just hand it over; instead, he reaches out and begins wrapping it slowly and carefully around Jinyoung's neck, his knuckles occasionally brushing against Jinyoung's chin.