(Saturday afternoon)
The air felt unbearably heavy. At 3 p.m., Taewon sat quietly in the car outside the house, waiting.
Jihyun rushed out, panic written across his face, and slipped into the passenger seat.
"Let's go," he urged breathlessly.
"They're already there, right?
Minjoon-hyung said Mom is better"
Taewon hands tightened on the wheel as he finally gave a single nod, starting the car.
The drive felt endless. Jihyun's knees bounced, his teeth digging into his lips until they stung, his heart pounding against his ribs like a drum of fear.
The moment they reached the hospital, Jihyun flung the door open before the car even fully stopped.
He sprinted inside. Taewon followed, his steps slower, heavier like each one carried the weight of a storm.
(Inside the VIP ward)
Jihyun froze.
Machines surrounded Mrs. Han.
An oxygen mask covered her pale face,
A ventilator pumped weakly beside her, IV drips swayed from their stands, and the monitor beeped in uneven rhythms.
Tubes seemed to claim her fragile body,
Minjoon stood at her side, silent, while Mr. Han clutched the railing, his expression carved from despair.
"Dad…" Jihyun's voice cracked as he ran forward, wrapping his arms around him.
"You said she was fine. You promised she was fine!"
His swollen eyes snapped to Minjoon.
"Hyung you said she was awake, that she was better! Then why… why is she like this?!"
Before Minjoon could answer, the doctor's voice cut through the chaos.
"Please step outside. Her condition is worsening."
"No! I want to stay"
Jihyun's desperate cry rang through the room, but Taewon's hand came down gently on his trembling shoulders, leading him out with quiet strength.
Outside, Jihyun's sobs tore through the silence. His tears streamed endlessly, his body shaking as he clawed at Minjoon with raw desperation.
"Answer me! You said she was fine! You lied why did you lie?!"
But Minjoon turned away, unable to speak. His silence was an answer sharper than any words.
Taewon pulled Jihyun into his chest, holding him before his knees gave out completely.
(Moments later)
The doctor rushed out, his face grim.
"The patient is not stable anymore. The hour of flight has already done its damage. She's showing all signs"
"What… what signs?" Jihyun choked out, stumbling forward. But Taewon's arm stopped him, holding him back firmly.
"We're calling our senior,"
the doctor continued. His voice lowered with guilt.
"Mr. Han, I'm sorry. You already knew this was likely. We can't prolong her life much longer."
Mr. Han lowered his head, eyes hollow, the weight of the world pressed down on his shoulders.
Jihyun shook his head, muttering.
"You're lying again. You're all lying "
But deep down, his heart already knew the truth.
(Hours dragged on)
Time moved like a knife. They sat outside until 6 p.m., unable to go in, their ears filled with the echo of their own fear.
Then a nurse rushed out.
"The patient she's asking for Kang Taewon."
Silence dropped like a bomb.
Jihyun's breath caught. His lips trembled.
"She… she called for Taewon? You mean him, not me?"
"Yes. Please hurry there isn't much time."
Without hesitation, Taewon rushed in.
Jihyun sank onto the bench, his mind spinning into darkness. His voice cracked into whispers only he could hear.
"She doesn't want to see me.
Am I that worthless?
Even now she doesn't want me?"
The thought carved into his chest like glass. He stared blankly at the floor, trembling. Minjoon wrapped an arm around him, but Jihyun didn't move. His soul had already slipped into a void.
Inside, Mrs. Han's voice barely rose above the hiss of the oxygen. Her frail lips moved, whispering only to Taewon.
(After a while)
The door opened. Taewon stepped out slowly, head bowed, shoulders slumped, his eyes refusing to meet anyone's.
"How is she?" Mr. Han asked, voice already broken.
The doctor stepped forward, his tone grave but soft.
"Mr. Han, I'm sorry. I know it's cruel, but letting her go was the kindest choice left."
The words hung heavy in the air.
Jihyun's eyes snapped to Taewon's.
In that single glance, he already knew. His body collapsed into the seat, no tears, no screams just emptiness.
Taewon knelt before him, taking his trembling hands, forcing him to stand.
He cupped Jihyun's face, whispering through his own pain,
"Jihyun it's okay. Everything will be okay."
(Inside the ward)
Mr. Han and Minjoon stood by Mrs. Han's bed as the machines were turned off one by one. The ventilator hissed its last breath, the monitors went flat, and the oxygen mask was gently removed.
Minjoon bent forward, his tears spilling onto the sheets.
"Mom rest now. No more pain. I hope your soul is free."
Mr. Han pressed his forehead to her hand, his voice breaking into a vow.
"If there's another life I hope we meet again as partners. I'll find you."
He pulled Minjoon into his arms, whispering,
"It's okay. She went somewhere better."
Finally, Taewon led Jihyun inside. Jihyun stood frozen, staring at the lifeless figure on the bed. His chest burned so violently he thought it might shatter, but no sound left him.
No scream. No cry. Only silence.