Broken Paths || Wen JunHui

Chapter 58: A Fatal Mistake

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The moment seemed to stretch into eternity. Da-Rae's grip on the knife was tight enough to make her knuckles ache, her breath shallow and rapid. Jun took another step closer, his dark eyes locked on hers, unwavering.

"You don't have to be afraid," he said softly, his voice almost tender. "I would never hurt you, Da-Rae. You know that."

"Stop moving," she warned, her voice breaking. The knife shook in her trembling hands. "Please, just stop."

But Jun didn't stop. He reached out, his fingers brushing the edge of her sleeve as though trying to comfort her.

"It's okay," Jun murmured, his tone almost hypnotic. "You're scared, but I'll make everything better. I promise."

In that instant, survival instincts overtook her fear. As Jun stepped closer, her body reacted before her mind could catch up. She thrust the knife forward in a panicked motion, desperate to keep him at bay.

Jun's eyes widened as he gasped sharply, stumbling back. His hand flew to his abdomen, blood quickly soaking through his fingers and staining his shirt a deep crimson.

"No," Da-Rae whispered, the word catching in her throat. "No, no, no!"

Jun's knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor, his hand pressing against the wound. He looked up at her, his expression filled not with anger, but something more haunting—hurt and confusion.

"Da-Rae..." he whispered, his voice weak but filled with disbelief.

She dropped the knife, the clang of it hitting the floor echoing in the heavy silence. "I didn't mean to... I—Jun, I'm so sorry!"

She dropped to her knees beside him, her hands hovering uncertainly, unsure where to begin or what to do. "Oh my God, I'll call an ambulance! Just hold on!"

Jun's trembling hand reached out, gripping her wrist with surprising strength. "Don't... don't leave," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "Stay... with me."

Tears streamed down her face as she fumbled for her phone. Her hands shook so badly she nearly dropped it, but somehow, she managed to dial emergency services.

"Help is coming," she said through sobs, her voice breaking as she cradled his head in her lap. "You'll be okay. I promise. Just hang on."

Jun's breathing was shallow, his words slurred as he muttered, "I just... wanted us... to be together."

"You'll be fine," Da-Rae repeated, stroking his hair, her tears dripping onto his pale face. "Just stay with me, Jun. Don't close your eyes."

The sound of sirens in the distance gave her a sliver of hope. She kept talking to him, urging him to hold on, praying desperately that he wouldn't slip away.

When the paramedics burst through the door moments later, Da-Rae moved back, her hands still slick with blood. "Please, help him," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

The medics worked quickly, stabilizing Jun as best they could before loading him onto the stretcher. One of them turned to Da-Rae. "We're taking him to the nearest hospital. Are you coming with us?"

She hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Yes," she said, her voice firm.

As they rushed Jun to the ambulance, Da-Rae climbed in, sitting in a corner as the paramedics worked. She watched in a daze, guilt and fear twisting in her chest.

Jun's eyes fluttered open briefly, and for a moment, his gaze found hers. Despite everything, there was a faint, delirious smile on his face.

"You stayed," he murmured, his voice so faint she could barely hear it.

Da-Rae choked back a sob. "I'm here. Just stay with me, Jun."

As the ambulance sped toward the hospital, Da-Rae felt the weight of everything crashing down on her. 

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