The thread between us

A dull ache pulsed in Ji Ah's side, dragging her back into consciousness. Her eyelashes fluttered as her vision adjusted to the soft, golden light of the room. Slowly, she turned her head to the right—and froze.

Ryu Hwan sat beside her, his head resting on the edge of the bed, hand still wrapped tightly around hers. His dark hair fell into his eyes, and his features—usually sharp and unreadable—were softened by exhaustion.

"He's still here...? Has he been sitting like that this whole time? But why…? Why is he so worried about me?"

Without thinking, Ji Ah lifted her left hand and gently placed it on his head, fingers brushing through his hair in a soothing motion.

The moment her touch landed, Ryu Hwan stirred—eyes snapping open, full of concern. His gaze met hers instantly, voice laced with tension.

"You're awake. Are you okay? When did you wake up? Does the wound still hurt?"

Ji Ah blinked at the rapid questions. "If you ask everything at once, how am I supposed to answer?" she muttered with a slight smile. "I'm okay… it still hurts a little, but it's bearable. Don't worry."

His face reflected both relief and lingering worry. Ji Ah reached out again, her fingers softly touching the skin beneath his tired eyes.

"You haven't slept, have you? Were you really up all night because of me?"

Ryu Hwan looked as if he wanted to say something—but paused. A flicker of emotion crossed his face. For a brief second, he leaned in, as if driven by instinct... but then stopped himself and pulled back.

Ji Ah saw the hesitation, the way he swallowed down something unspoken. She said nothing, only watched.

"I need to check your bandage," he said instead. "And you should eat something. I'll bring food."

He left the room quickly, almost too quickly, leaving Ji Ah alone with her thoughts.

Why couldn't I fight back against that Wanderer? What exactly happened after I passed out? And those strange cores… what were they?

And why… why did his eyes look like that when he saw me today? Like I was something he was afraid to lose…?

Trying to shake off the thoughts, she moved to sit up. But the pain near her waist flared sharply—and she almost lost her balance.

Before she could fall, Ryu Hwan was back—catching her effortlessly in his arms.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked with a frown. "You know the wound hasn't healed."

"I just... wanted to freshen up while you were gone," she mumbled.

He let out a quiet chuckle. "Why do you always have to do everything yourself? I was on my way back. Let me help."

Ji Ah turned red. "Help? You? I mean… no thanks! I'll do it myself!"

Ignoring her protest, he gently guided her toward the bathroom. "I know you're strong. But right now, you need rest. Please... let me help you."

She sighed internally. I can't even walk without stumbling. This wound is too much. Ugh, fine... surrender accepted. Just for today.

Ji Ah glanced at him with narrowed eyes. "Fine. But you'll keep your eyes closed, got it? Don't look at me even by mistake!"

Ryu Hwan tilted his head with an amused smirk. "If you say so. I won't even touch you unless you allow it."

WWHHAATTTTT!? Ji Ah internally screeched. Why is this psyco dragon suddenly acting CUTE?! 

Inside the bathroom, Ji Ah leaned against the sink, catching her reflection in the mirror—hair messy, face pale. But her gaze shifted to the side—where Ryu Hwan stood, silently tying her hair into a loose bun to keep it out of the way.

Her breath caught for a second.

He's… careful. Supportive. Holding me just enough so I don't fall. Not once crossing a line. Just… quietly there. Why does this feel so… warm?

But then she shook her head.

What am I even thinking? Did I hit my head too when I passed out?!

"Face forward," he said gently.

He helped her wash her face, guided her fingers while she brushed, and finally patted her cheeks dry with a towel. His touch was firm, steady… but never invasive.

Afterward, he guided her back to the room and handed her a bowl.

"Porridge?!" Ji Ah's expression twisted with dramatic offense.

"No whining," he said, already expecting it. "You're not getting spicy food in your condition. Just eat."

With a dramatic sigh, she began to eat, pouting between spoonfuls. Ryu Hwan sat beside her, silent but close.

Midway through, she paused. "Ryu Hwan... those cores. Did you collect them? What did the Wanderer say? What exactly happened after I collapsed? I want to know."

He looked at her, calm but serious. "You shouldn't talk while eating."

Ji Ah narrowed her eyes. "You're avoiding my questions."

"I'm delaying them," he corrected. "You'll get your answers, Ji Ah. But not today. Right now, your recovery is more important. Let me take care of that first."

She stared down at the porridge, quiet. The silence grew.

But her mind wouldn't stop.

Why did I black out? What did I miss? And why do I feel like something's… still off?

As the spoon dipped into t

he bowl again, her thoughts swirled beneath the surface — silent, unanswered, restless.