Alive

Unraveled

The sterile air of the doctor's office pressed heavily on your chest, like it wanted to suffocate you. The ticking clock on the wall was too loud, each second stretching into eternity as if the universe itself refused to move forward until you were crushed by the weight of waiting. Jaebeom's hand hadn't left yours, but even his warmth did little to soothe the storm of dread curling inside your stomach.

"The tests came back negative for concussion," the doctor said calmly, glancing at the chart. Relief flickered through you for a heartbeat. Then he set the papers down. His gaze sharpened, turning clinical, neutral. Too neutral. "But tell me—have you two been engaging in any unprotected sex?"

The question shattered the fragile air in the room.

Your head snapped toward Jaebeom instinctively. His dark eyes widened, then drained of color, as if the blood had been sucked straight out of him.

"Only once," he blurted, his voice ragged, panicked. "But I swear—I pulled out—" His breath hitched, his words tripping over themselves. "S-she couldn't be—if that's what you're saying—"

Your throat closed. You couldn't speak.

"Let's just confirm," the doctor said gently, holding up a hand as though to stop Jaebeom's spiral. "Y/N, if you'll follow my assistant to the bathroom, we'll do a pregnancy test. Just to be sure."

You chewed the inside of your cheek, nodding numbly. Your feet felt like they were moving through cement as you followed the nurse out. The plastic cup in your trembling hand, the soft hiss of urine, the snap of the lid—it all blurred into a haze. You couldn't process, couldn't think. When you handed it back, the nurse gave you a small, encouraging smile. It felt like a dagger.

Back in the room, Jaebeom was pacing, running his hands through his hair, muttering curses under his breath. His head snapped up the second you returned.

"So? What's the result?" His voice cracked on the question.

The nurse whispered something to the doctor. He hesitated, a pause that felt like a lifetime. Then, finally—

"The test came back positive."

The words struck like a bullet.

Your knees nearly gave out. A nauseating wave of disbelief churned inside you. "What? No—this isn't possible—" Your voice broke, rising to a sob. "This can't—no—"

Jaebeom was at your side instantly, grabbing your hand so tightly it almost hurt. "Y/N," he whispered, panic strangling his tone. His forehead pressed to yours, his voice trembling. "I-I am so, so sorry. I never meant for this—"

Tears blurred your vision. Your lips trembled as you struggled to breathe.

And for the first time, Jaebeom—the ruthless CEO, the untouchable man who owned rooms with a glance—looked helpless.

By the time he got you home, you had drifted into exhausted half-sleep. You were dimly aware of being lifted out of the car, his strong arms curling around you like you were something breakable. You could smell the faint, clean cologne clinging to his shirt. Could feel his heartbeat under your ear.

The world blurred until you were laid gently on his bed. The sheets were cool, the faint light filtering through the curtains casting soft shadows. Jaebeom lay down beside you, his arm still wrapped around your waist like he didn't dare let you go.

You woke sometime later, eyelids heavy, to find him still there. His face was turned toward you, the faintest crease of worry etched between his brows even in sleep. The sight disarmed you. He was beautiful in a way that made your chest ache. Vulnerable in a way you rarely saw.