Forgotten until now

The Lost Memories

---

Chapter 1

The Stranger Beside My Bed

Beep... Beep... Beep...

The rhythmic sound of the heart monitor echoed throughout the VIP hospital room.

A pair of dark eyes slowly fluttered open.

The ceiling above was painfully bright.

Pond frowned as a sharp headache spread through his temples. His throat felt dry, and every muscle in his body ached.

"...Where am I?"

A doctor immediately stepped closer.

"Mr. Pond, can you hear me?"

Pond looked around in confusion.

Doctors.

Nurses.

Medical equipment.

Why was he here?

"What happened?"

"You were involved in a serious car accident," the doctor replied calmly.

Accident...

Pond searched his memories.

Nothing.

His heart began pounding.

"My phone..."

He tried sitting up.

"I need my phone."

"Please don't move."

"I have to call someone."

The nurses hurried to stop him as he struggled against the pain.

"Mr. Pond!"

His heartbeat spiked on the monitor.

Everything around him blurred.

A familiar face flashed through his mind-but before he could recognize it, darkness swallowed him again.

Just before losing consciousness, a single word escaped his lips.

"...phu..."

The whisper was barely audible.

No one understood what he had tried to say.

---

Several hours later...

Warm fingers gently wrapped around his hand.

Pond slowly opened his eyes again.

The room was quiet now.

Only one person sat beside his bed.

A young man rested his head against the mattress, still holding Pond's hand as if afraid to let go.

He looked...

Beautiful.

Soft black hair framed delicate features.

His skin was pale under the afternoon sunlight, and exhaustion lingered beneath his eyes.

He looked as though he hadn't slept for days.

Feeling the slight movement, the young man slowly looked up.

Their eyes met.

"...You're awake."

His voice was gentle.

Calm.

Almost too calm.

Pond stared at him.

"...Who are you?"