2.1

Areum spent the next three days taking care of Wonwoo. She made sure he ate well, took his medicine, and held his hand while he slept.

She sat by the window, staring outside at the view, trying to stop her mind from racing. She couldn't stop worrying about Wonwoo. Even though he was getting better, she was still scared.

Wonwoo slowly opened his eyes and turned around, his gaze falling on Areum. "Areum?" He called, his voice hoarse.

She smiled softly as she walked over to him. "Yes? How are you feeling?"

He blinked slowly. "Better, I think."

"Good, you've been asleep for so long." She laughed softly. "I was so worried about you, but you're getting better."

Areum watched as he tried to sit up, a wince of discomfort flashing across his face.

"Don't push yourself," she said quickly, trying to guide him back down.

"I'm fine," he mumbled. "I hate feeling like I'm just lying around. I want to sit up and talk to you properly."

"How about you lie down, and we can still talk?" Areum suggested.

"No, I want to sit up."

"Alright, alright." She helped him sit up. "But you need to take it slow, okay?"

He smiled at her, his eyes softening. "I'll take it slow. Thank you for everything."

"You don't need to thank me." She smiled at him. "You know, those three days... it made me realize how much I love you. I love being around you, I love listening to you talk, and I love hearing your laugh."

"You love me?" Wonwoo's eyes widened as he turned to her, his cheeks turning red.

The moment Areum realized what she said, she quickly placed her hand on her mouth, her eyes widening.

Wonwoo grinned. "You love me."

Areum's heart skipped a beat. She felt a warmth through her chest, and she gently ran her hands through his hair. She didn't want to admit it now, she wanted it to be special. But it just came out, she couldn't help it.

"I do love you." She smiled at him.

"I love you too." He smiled as he placed his hand on her cheek. "I'm gonna take you out on a nice date when I'm better."

"I can't wait," she replied excitedly. "Where are you taking me?"

"It's a surprise," he answered. "I'll plan something nice for you."

They spent the next few minutes talking about what they missed at school. The boys made sure to send her all of the notes she missed, and she was thankful for them. They asked about Wonwoo every single day in their group chat. Soon, Wonwoo's eyes started to get heavy with sleep.

"Why don't we get some sleep?" Areum suggested.

"I wanna talk to you," he said as he tried to keep his eyes open.

"I'm not going anywhere, baby." She smiled. "I'll be sleeping right next to you. We can talk when you wake up."

"I love you, please keep calling me baby."

"Okay, baby." She felt her cheeks heating up, while her heart was pounding in her chest. "I love you too."

His eyes fluttered shut, a peaceful smile settling across his face. "Come here." He patted the space next to him.

She slept next to him, and he placed his hand on her waist, pulling her closer. She made sure Wonwoo was covered properly with a blanket, before falling asleep between his arms.