Seeing him like that, Joon Hyunk couldn't help but smile softly. It was the first time in days that Yeo Jun truly looked at peace—almost normal again.
Walking closer, Joon Hyunk gently lifted the pillow from above his head, slid it properly under him, and adjusted the blanket so it sat neatly over his chest instead of hiding his face. Watching him sleep so peacefully, Joon Hyunk's heart felt full. He sat by his side, unable to look away, just thankful that Yeo Jun was safe and slowly healing.
Yeo Jun was sleeping peacefully when Joon Hyunk's gaze lingered on his face. The marks that once covered his skin were now completely gone. For the first time, Joon Hyunk saw Yeo Jun's face without those scars—and it looked pure, soft, and innocent.
From the very beginning, those marks had caught Joon Hyunk's attention. They had felt like a mystery to him, something that pulled him in without him even realizing when Yeo Jun had quietly taken over his heart and mind. Now, seeing him without those marks, Joon Hyunk thought he looked even more delicate, almost angelic.
Leaning forward, Joon Hyunk placed a gentle kiss on Yeo Jun's forehead. Then he sat down beside him, holding his hand. The swelling from the IV site was still visible—a reddish mark remained there, though the deep bruise had finally faded. Joon Hyunk stroked his hand softly, his thumb brushing against the skin as he thought back to how worried he had been when he first learned of Yeo Jun's condition.
He remembered the fear, the sleepless nights, the endless tension—and now, the relief of knowing that tomorrow Yeo Jun would finally be discharged, healthy again. Lost in these thoughts, Joon Hyunk didn't realize when he drifted into sleep, still holding Yeo Jun's hand.
By morning, Yeo Jun woke up feeling much better. He got up slowly and went to the bathroom for a shower. This was the first time since the surgery that he looked into the mirror.
For a long moment, he just stared at his reflection, stunned. His face was clear—without scars, without marks. He lifted his hands and touched his cheeks gently, as if to make sure it was real. An overwhelming rush of emotions filled him. It felt as if the worst nightmare of his life had finally ended.
Those marks had always reminded him of pain, of his darkest memories. But now, with them gone, it felt like the wounds inside him were also beginning to heal. The scars on his face were disappearing, and with them, the shadows of his past were slowly fading too.
He stood there for a while, lost in the moment, before quickly finishing his shower and getting ready.
Not long after, the doctors completed the final checks and discharged him. Soon, he and Joon Hyunk left the hospital together.
When they arrived home, everyone welcomed them warmly. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and relief. Everyone was truly glad to see Yeo Jun healthy again.
Beforehand, Joon Hyunk had already explained to everyone not to ask Yeo Jun about his scars. "The more we avoid those painful memories," he had told them, "the faster he'll recover." Everyone understood and treated Yeo Jun as if nothing had ever been wrong, surrounding him with positivity and care.
For Yeo Jun, it felt like a fresh start—a new beginning surrounded by love, warmth, and acceptance. And for Joon Hyunk, nothing mattered more than seeing him safe, smiling, and free from the shadows of his past.