"I don't care if it's too early on, but I love you Celine. I love you" he says eyes boring into mine as my heart picks a rhythm.
With each passing second, the world seem to be fading away, but not before taking a photo of this moment and etching it...
"Lay here with me please?" I beg. He's looking at our hands as I hold his.
He hesitates at the edge of the bed, a wariness in his eyes. "I'm not sure if I should be this close" he murmurs, worry lacing his voice. "I might hurt you."
I hold his hand tighter, a feeble attempt to reassure him. "I won't break you know. I'm doing better, I promise. Just stay with me" I implore softly.
He eases onto the bed, mindful of the bandages, careful not to disturb the delicate balance of my body. I nestle into his arms, thankful for the warmth he brings. His embrace is gentle, cautious of the stitches adorning my abdomen.
We stay silent for what seems like forever, his heartbeat drumming in my ears. "I'm sorry Lu, I'm sorry I wasn't there" his lips graze my forehead as whispers of apology escape him between breaths.
I notice he's fighting back tears, unable to contain his emotions causing my heart to ache at his silent struggle."it's okay" I say breaking into a sob myself as the knot in my chest tightens, "I'm here now, it's okay" I manage to say trying to breath. He hugs a little tighter as I entwine my weak fingers with his.
His lips brush against my forehead again, warmth spreading through my body. I raise my head to meet his eyes and he smiles at me. First smile in 3 weeks.
"You want to kiss me?" I ask, definitely looking like a puppy seeking a treat.
"God, Lu! You're ___"
Somi and Jeonghan suddenly walk in, interrupting our moment with their banter. Somi waves a finger at us, mock scolding in her voice. "What are you doing there Mr Hong? Careful now, she's still in the mend" she teases, earning a frown from me.
My eyes drift to Jeonghan who's leaning on the wall while Joshua and Somi continue to bicker. He's watching me intently, I quickly turn as his eyes meet mine. Feeling like a mouse caught playing some cheese tricks in grandma's old kitchen.
"Hannie, you should go home with Joshua. He needs to rest. He's been here all these while when she was in surgery and during her time in the ICU." Somi says, redirecting her attention from bantering with Joshua to Jeonghan.
My eyes, widen at her words and my heart dances around a little - no wonder he looks so tired. "You should go home babe, you can come back later" I whisper and he doesn't respond.
After a brief hesitation, he finally agrees. He gets off the bed, fixing his shirt. "I'll be back later"
"No you will not. It's starting to get dark. Get some good sleep. Somi's here with me. Come see me tomorrow. Make me a sandwich please and some papaya juice" I interject as he leans in to peck my lips.
"Gosh, you eat the weirdest shit, pregnancy doing stuff to you?" Somi butts in and I notice Jeonghan and Joshua's heads dart in her direction and she slaps her lips.
????
"We'll be leaving now. Have a good night, Lyn" Jeonghan says, walking out the door, not waiting for Joshua or sparing me a look.
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