WHAT A TWIST!

Chapter 129

"Don't even think of it," I whispered, my fingers drumming a playful rhythm on his shoulder. The soft thud of my hand was met with a low, rumbling "Ouch!"

My eyes sparkled with mirth as I asked, "Are you hurt there too?" But before he could respond, his gaze locked onto my face, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin flush.

"What is on your face?" he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. I raised my hand, my fingers tracing the contours of my cheek as I echoed, "What is on my face?"

Hyun Min's eyes crinkled at the corners as he asked me to lean down, his breath whispering against my skin like a promise. "Come closer."

As I bent towards him, his breath danced across my skin, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. And then, in a whisper that was barely audible, he murmured, "Beauty."

The word was a gentle caress, a soft breeze that rustled the leaves of my heart. His lips brushed against mine, a fleeting touch that left me breathless. My cheeks flushed, a warmth spreading through my body like wildfire.

I pulled back, my eyes meeting his, and the world around us melted away.

As he shifted his weight, his eyes locked onto mine, and he murmured, "climb on." I hesitated, my fingers tracing the edge of the bed as I debated whether to comply. But there was something in his gaze that made me cave, and I eventually relented, slipping onto the bed beside him.

We spent the next few moments lost in a world of random videos on my phone, our laughter and snickers mingling together in a warm, golden light. But our bubble of intimacy was short-lived, as the door burst open and a nurse strode in, her eyes scanning the room with a practiced air.

I made to scramble off the bed, but Hyun Min's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around my wrist like a gentle vice. He held me in place, his eyes never leaving mine, as the nurse's gaze settled on us.

Her eyes lingered on our entwined positions before shifting to Hyun Min's face. "And when did you decide to rejoin the world of the living?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of warmth.

Hyun Min's lips curved into a faint smile. "Just a little while ago," he replied, his voice low and husky.

The nurse's eyes narrowed as she asked, "And how would you rate the pain? Is it manageable?"

Hyun Min's face twisted in a wince. "It's...persistent. And rather insistent, I'm afraid."

The nurse nodded sympathetically. "I think I can help with that. I'll administer a pain blocker to alleviate the discomfort."

But Hyun Min's reaction was vehement. "Absolutely not," he protested, his voice rising in alarm. I couldn't help but laugh at his outburst, and the nurse's eyes flicked to me, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.

The nurse's laughter was a melodious sound, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm afraid it's absolutely necessary," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Hyun Min's protests were to no avail, and eventually, she administered the injection with a swift, practiced motion. As the medication began to take effect, he gazed up at her with a determined glint in his eye. "I'd like to take a walk," he said, his voice low and resolute.

The nurse's expression turned thoughtful. "Very well, I'll arrange for a portable IV pole to be brought in, so you can move around safely with your IV," she replied, her voice measured and professional. With a few efficient movements, she gathered her equipment and took her leave, the soft swoosh of the door signaling her departure.

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*

Soo Young stepped out of her car and onto the hospital's parking lot, the bright flowers in her hand a vibrant splash of color against the sterile backdrop. The bag slung over her arm wafted the savory scent of food into the air as she walked towards the hospital entrance. As she pushed open the door, a warm smile spread across her face, anticipation building in her chest.

But her smile faltered as she entered the hospital room, her eyes scanning the empty space. Hyun Min's bed was vacant, the sheets rumpled and the pillows askew. And where was Sarah, the girl who claimed to be his friend? A flutter of panic set in as Soo Young spun around, her eyes darting towards the door.

She rushed out into the corridor, nearly colliding with a nurse who was hurrying in the opposite direction. "Excuse me," Soo Young said, her voice tinged with urgency. "The patient in this room, where is he?"

The nurse's expression was serene, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, he woke up hours ago and took a walk with his girlfriend," she replied, her voice matter-of-fact.

Soo Young's breath escaped in a soft whoosh of relief, her shoulders sagging in a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Oh," she breathed, her eyes closing in a fleeting moment of reprieve.

With a newfound sense of calm, Soo Young decided to wait in the hospital room for a while, her eyes roving over the familiar space as she settled in for what promised to be a long wait.

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Racy emerged from the taxi,she gazed up at the hospital's imposing structure. Madam Ji Hyeon had called her just a short while ago, her voice low and urgent, asking her to come to the hospital and providing the address. Racy had hastily gathered some food and set off, her mind racing with possibilities.

After confirming her identity with the nurses at the desk, she made her way to the room, her sneakers clicking on the polished floor. As she approached the door, she took a moment to adjust her attire, smoothing out her clothes and running her hands through her hair to tame any stray strands. With a confident smile, she pushed open the door and stepped inside,she was suprised to see a woman sitting on one of the chairs there.

The woman sitting in the chair looked up, her eyes narrowing as she took in Racy's appearance. "And you are?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I'm Racy," racy replied, her voice smooth and polished.

The woman's gaze lingered on her face before she asked, "Are you a friend of his, too?"

Racy's laughter was a soft, melodious sound. "Actually, I'm his girlfriend," she said, her eyes sparkling with a quiet amusement.

Soo Young's expression faltered, a fleeting look of surprise crossing her face before she composed herself. "I...appeared to be under a different impression," she said, her voice measured. "Please, do take a seat and wait for him. He's currently out for a walk."

Racy nodded, her eyes never leaving Soo Young's face as she sank into the chair beside her. "Thank you," she said, her voice gracious. The air was thick with tension, the silence between them palpable. Racy's gaze drifted around the room, her eyes taking in the sterile surroundings, before returning to Soo Young, who had resumed her previous activity, her face a mask of calm.