25

JINA – POV

I looked away, my heart pounding. I couldn't bear to meet Heeseung's eyes. I knew he would be angry. I could already sense the shift in his expression.

"Why now?" he asked, voice strained.

"Don't lie to me, Han Ji—"

"Heeseung, just take me to the hospital."

⸻

When we arrived at the hospital, I immediately asked the nurse about Choi Yurim, the girl Jake had rushed out for.

My heart was uneasy the whole ride. I had called and texted Jake, trying to check on him, but there was no reply.

After a few minutes, we found her room.

Jake was standing outside, leaning against the wall with his eyes fixed on the girl lying unconscious inside.

Wires were attached to her body, and the beeping of monitors echoed faintly from inside the room.

He looked completely worn out.

His hair was messy, his eyes tired, and for a second, I just wanted to walk up and hold him. To tell him I was glad he was okay.

When he saw me, his expression immediately shifted. His tired gaze turned cold.

Still, I stepped closer, gently reached out, and tried to pat his head.

He slapped my hand away.

Without warning, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the room. I gasped as Heeseung followed us in shock.

"What are you doing here?" Jake snapped.

"I was worried about you," I said softly, trying not to cry.

"You didn't answer your phone—"

"Who are you to worry about me?" he cut in, voice sharper than ever. "Go home. Don't come here again."

He turned to leave.

"Wait," I said, holding his arm tightly.

"Jake, have you eaten? Will you come home tonight? Please,I'm scared being alone."

I tried to hug him, but he stepped away like my touch disgusted him.

"Are you stupid?" he hissed. "Didn't you hear me? I don't want to see your face. Don't call me. Don't follow me. Just stop doing anything for me."

And with that, he walked back into the room and shut the door behind him.

I stood frozen.

Phones were out. People in the hallway were recording, taking photos like it was entertainment.

My knees buckled.

I sank to the floor and cried—openly, helplessly, heartbroken. My chest ached from trying to breathe. Everything hurt.

Why did he hate me so much?

What did I ever do to deserve this?

Heeseung knelt beside me, gently pulling me up.

"Let's get out of here," he said.

⸻

Outside, I sat in Heeseung's car with my face buried in my hands.

"You should've just let me die," I whispered through sobs. "It would've been better."

"Don't say that," Heeseung said, but I couldn't stop.

"This world is too cruel to me. I've never felt real happiness. Not once."

He didn't say anything. He just pulled me into his arms and held me close, his hand rubbing slow circles on my back.

"It's okay," he said softly. "You're not alone. I'm here."

And in that moment, I cried even harder. Because part of me believed him.

But another part still wished it had been Jake. Just once, I wished he had come for me.