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Yunah woke up after what felt like her first peaceful sleep in days — no nightmares, no flashes of screeching tires or fire. Just stillness.
She stretched lazily, her fingers reaching upward, but froze midway when she felt a warm grip around her hand.
Startled, she turned — and her breath caught.
Noah was sitting beside her bed, his head resting on the mattress, still in his hospital gown. His IV line dangled loosely from his wrist, the drip nearly empty. His hand held hers so tightly it was as if letting go meant losing something precious.
Yunah's chest tightened. Worry and tenderness tangled inside her heart. The fool had dragged himself here, injured, just to be with her.
She lifted her free hand slowly, her gaze softening as she studied his sleeping face — pale, peaceful, the faint bruise along his jaw barely visible in the morning light. Her fingers hovered just above his hair, trembling with the urge to touch.
But before she could, Noah stirred — shifting slightly making her get surprised in nervousness, his brows furrowing for a moment before he fell back into deep sleep, still clinging to her hand.
Yunah sighed softly, a tiny smile curving her lips. "Fool," she whispered under her breath. "You're hurt, and yet you came here?"
Her fingers brushed through his hair gently, her voice lowering. "I've so many things to ask you… but I don't even know where to start." Her eyes glistened as she studied him. "Who did this to you, Noah? Is it your family? Were you staying with us because you wanted warmth… or safety?" She paused, her voice trembling. "Would you really tell me your pain if I asked you to?"
As if answering her thoughts, Noah's eyes fluttered open. He blinked, drowsy and soft, then lifted his head.
"You're awake," he murmured, voice raspy from sleep. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" His tone was gentle, his gaze warm.
Yunah frowned, anger and concern twisting her expression. "Why should I wake you? You shouldn't even be here!" she scolded. "You're supposed to be resting in your own ward, not sneaking around like this. You really know how to make me worry, Noah."
He stayed quiet, eyes lowered, as she continued — her tone softening but still edged with emotion. "And who did that to you? Who whipped you like that? Was it your brother?"
"No," he replied instantly, shaking his head.
"Then who?" she pressed. "Tell me. Who's hurting you like this? Don't be scared, just give me a name, I'll—"
"Can I not tell you?" Noah interrupted quietly, his voice low and strained. His eyes dropped to the floor.
"Look at me," Yunah said firmly, tilting his chin up with her fingers. "Don't be afraid. I'll make them regret it, I promise. Just tell me who did it."
He met her eyes briefly — guilt swimming behind his lashes. "I don't want to talk about it, Di," he said, his voice deep, serious. The usual innocence in his tone had vanished, replaced by a quiet edge.
"You don't want to talk—?" Yunah scoffed, her voice rising. "Can't you see how worried I've been? Do you even know what it felt like to see you unconscious in my arms?" Her breath hitched as she snapped, "Noah, I'm with you! I won't let anyone hu—"
"I said I don't want to talk about it!" Noah's voice cracked like thunder — sharp, unexpected.
The words hung heavy in the air.
Yunah froze, eyes widening. It was the first time she had ever seen him angry — truly angry.
Realization dawned on Noah instantly. His face fell. "I—I'm sorry…" he stammered, his voice small again. "I didn't mean to raise my voice. I'm just… I'm sorry, Di."
"Get out," Yunah said coldly. Her voice was soft, but it cut like glass.
Noah's heart sank. "Please…" he whispered, eyes glistening. "I really am sorry. I just… can't talk about it right now. Please don't be mad."
"I said get out," she repeated, the hurt bleeding through her tone. "Don't come back unless you're ready to tell me the truth."
He shook his head desperately. "No, please. Just give me some time. I'll tell you everything — I swear. I just… don't want you to get hurt. They're dangerous, Di. I don't want you involved."
"Dangerous?" Yunah frowned, alarm flickering across her face. "That's exactly why you need to tell me, Noah." She leaned closer, placing her hand over his trembling one. "Don't worry about me. Are you staying silent because you're scared they'll come after me?"
Noah nodded quickly, his eyes glistening with tears he refused to shed.
Yunah sighed, her anger dissolving into helpless affection. "What am I supposed to do with you…" she murmured, shaking her head in quite surrender. "Fine. I won't ask anymore."
Noah's eyes brightened instantly, like a child being forgiven. "Then… can I stay here? Just for a while?" he asked hopefully.
"No." Her reply was firm. "You're injured worse than me. Go back to your ward and rest. I'll visit you later."
"But I want to stay—"
"No, Noah." She released his hand, her tone final. "I said I'll visit you."
He pouted slightly, disappointment flashing across his face before he gave in under her glare. "…Fine. I'll go." He stood up carefully, holding the IV stand steady. "But when you come, can we… take a walk in the garden?" His voice softened, hopeful.
Yunah smiled faintly. "Hmm. We'll see. Now go."
Noah grinned — wide, boyish — and nodded. "Okay." He turned and walked toward the door, dragging the IV stand behind him.
Yunah watched him until he disappeared from view, her expression softening into a quiet smile — one touched with affection, worry, and something she couldn't yet name.