Annyeongz One-shots

88. Secrifice ( 4 )

A few months later, things looked normal from the outside.

Too normal.

Yujin and Wonyoung had grown closer in ways neither of them talked about. It wasn’t loud or obvious. It was in the small habits. The way she would automatically reach for Hyunwoo’s bag while Yujin adjusted his shoes. The way he would save her a seat without thinking. The way their conversations flowed now without awkward pauses.

Hyunwoo had grown even more attached.

The moment he saw Wonyoung, he would bounce on his feet and stretch his arms up insistently, babbling excitedly until she picked him up. Sometimes he would refuse to eat unless she sat beside him. Sometimes he would fall asleep holding her fingers instead of his plushie.

It became routine.

And routines made things feel safe.

But safety was fragile.

That night, once again, their mothers were scheduled for the same shift. It had almost become expected that Wonyoung would stay over when that happened. She brought a small overnight bag now, like she belonged there.

The house felt familiar.

Hyunwoo was sprawled on the living room floor, stacking blocks while making soft “Aa… aaak…” sounds of concentration. Wonyoung sat beside him, helping guide his hands gently.

Yujin was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter.

Watching them.

From a distance, he looked the same.

But up close—

He wasn’t.

His cheeks were thinner.

The shadows under his eyes darker.

His breathing slightly heavier even when he wasn’t doing anything.

He had started coughing more frequently. Not always violently. Sometimes just short, dry coughs that he tried to disguise by clearing his throat.

Wonyoung noticed every single one.

“Hyunwoo, look,” she said softly, guiding the block tower higher.

Hyunwoo clapped happily when it stood without falling.

Yujin smiled faintly.

Then he turned away suddenly.

The cough came quick.

He covered his mouth with his sleeve.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

He forced it down.

When he turned back, his expression was calm again.

“I’m okay,” he said before she even asked.

She hadn’t spoken.

But she had stood up.

Her eyes searched his face.

“You’re coughing more.”

“It’s just the weather.”

“It’s summer.”

He paused for half a second.

“Then dust.”

“Yujin.”

“I’m fine.”

The words came smoother now.