A Heart To Heal (BL)

CH 5.2 - Devilish (PU)

Trigger Warning: Manipulative behaviour and Love Bombing

Even after returning home, Jaehwan just didn't seem alright. He often stared at his phone, his face blank. He was quiet and subdued, almost like he was still in shock.

Of course, it piqued Aki's concern but he dared not ask about it because he knew that Jaehwan was in a really sensitive and emotional state of mind. It was best to give him the space he needed.

What was surprising enough to Aki was that when he held Jaehwan's hand, he could tell that the silver ring Shujin gave him had gone missing. He didn't know if Jaehwan had lost it or if Shujin forcefully took it back from him but he did know that something must have gone down between Jaehwan and Shujin. What else could have built up enough stress to trigger his chest pains? What's more, Jaehwan refused to answer any calls from Shujin.

"Babe? Your phone's ringing,"Aki said while he was folding their clothes in their closet. "Oh,"Jaehwan groaned and sat up from the bed. He looked at his phone and huffed. "It's from my Master,". He set the phone to silent mode and tossed it under his pillows, drowning out the persistent vibrations of his phone. "What? You're not answering it?"Aki gasped, looking up from the neat piles of clothing.

Shivering, Jaehwan curled his lip. "I'm not in the mood to speak to him,". Jaehwan huddled up in bed, covering himself with the blanket. "I haven't been feeling well lately. I feel sorry that you have to do most of the housework,". Aki got up and handed Jaehwan a sweater, shaking his head. "Not at all, babe. Though, I am really worried about your health. Should we call Dr. Yoo again?".

Jaehwan shook his head in response. "Nah, it's not necessary. I've just been getting chills and a slight fever. I'll be okay soon,". His appetite worsened as well and it was enough for Aki to make kittens. Jaehwan refused to eat and would just stare into nothingness, his face tear stained.

Conflicted, Aki wanted to be as considerate as he could possibly be but also he didn't want Jaehwan to look emaciated. Goodness me, it'd be a miracle if he even had the strength to get out of bed after this.

"Jae, I know that there's a wound in your heart that's bleeding. But please, for the sake of your own health, have something to eat. Please,"Aki pleaded one afternoon, nudging him with a tray of his favourite jeon pancakes and pickled radish cubes.

Covering his mouth to muffle his unsteady breaths, Jaehwan glanced at the food and burst into tears. "A-Aki, I'm sorry t-that you do so much for me, e-even going as far as to cook my favourite food, yet, I can't even p-pick up my chopsticks and eat it,"He whimpered, his body shaking like a tremor. Aki's heart dropped when he saw that and he embraced Jaehwan at once, feeling as if he was about to cry himself.

"I don't want to have to force you to eat. But, like Dr. Yoo said, your weight is already dangerously low. I know that that bastard did something to hurt you, but I think that you should be kinder to yourself,".

Hearing Aki speak to him with such a gentle tone felt as if a careful hand was gingerly picking up the pieces of his broken heart, patching it up together again. Jaehwan sniffled and put his arms around Aki's neck, trying to stabilise his breathing. "P-Please take me to the bathroom. I'll wash up and eat what you've p-prepared for me,".

Aki knew that Jaehwan was trying to pick himself up and tried to encourage him. "That's my babe. Come on. Your comfort foods will make you feel much happier in a jiffy,".

Cheeriness like Aki's were hard to resist. He just beamed with so much positive energy, he could invigorate a room full of corporate slaves without trying. Jaehwan washed his face for the first time in a while and he couldn't have felt fresher.