[Two days later]
(In the hospital)
corridor was hushed, sunlight filtering faintly through tall windows.
Jihyun's weak body leaned heavily against two nurses, each holding one of his arms firmly to help him walk.
His steps were unsteady, but today he felt lighter, more awake than the days before.
"I want to see my dad,"
Jihyun whispered, voice breathy but stubborn.
"Take me to his room. Just for a little while then I'll go back."
The nurses exchanged glances. One shook her head gently.
"Mr. Jihyun, we don't know the exact room. Let's return to your room first."
"You don't know?"
Jihyun frowned, his voice cracking.
"Then ask the doctor. It's been so many days I just want to see how he's feeling. Please."
Before the nurse could reply, Jihyun's gaze shifted down the hall. His steps faltered.
Taesung stood at the far end of the corridor, discussing something with another man. And beside him Taewon.
Jihyun's breath caught. His chest tightened.
What is he doing here?
For a moment, he froze in place, watching. The image felt unreal Taewon's tall frame bent over the file Taesung held, his side profile sharp and calm.
Jihyun's throat burned, but he quickly lowered his gaze.
No it doesn't matter anymore. It has nothing to do with me. I'll just ask about Dad and leave.
Meanwhile, Taewon's voice was low as he questioned Taesung.
"How are his reports?
Is he recovering well?"
Taesung flipped the file open, pointing.
"His latest vitals are stable. Healing will be steady, but" His words cut off as his eyes caught Jihyun struggling against the nurses.
"Oh, wait!"
Taesung called out, striding toward him. "What are you doing? Let go."
The nurses bowed quickly, releasing their hold. Jihyun swayed but held his ground. His lips trembled.
"Please just tell me Dad's room number. They're not listening to me. I only want to see him for a while."
Taesung steadied him with one hand, his grip firm yet professional.
"First, tell me how are you feeling today? Any pain?"
Jihyun's voice was soft, almost childlike.
"No pain. I'm fine. But I want to see Dad."
From behind, Taewon's eyes darkened at the sight of Taesung's steady hand gripping Jihyun's arm.
His chest clenched with something bitter, unspoken.
"Taewon," Taesung said calmly, not noticing his brother's stare,
"go wait in my office. I'll bring Jihyun back to his room and join you soon."
"No." Jihyun's head shook weakly. His lips pressed tight.
"I said I don't want to go back…"
Taesung's grip gently tightened.
"Let's go, Jihyun. You'll tire yourself out here."
Just then, Minjoon appeared, hurrying down the corridor.
"What's going on?" he asked quickly, bowing to Taesung before stepping to Jihyun's side.
Jihyun's face turned desperate.
"Hyung! They won't let me see Dad! Please, just tell me where he is"
"Shh." Minjoon soothed, taking his hand. "Don't shout here. Let's go inside first."
With effort, they guided him back into his room.
Outside the door, Taewon lingered, his heartbeat unsteady.
Inside, Jihyun sat on the bed, trembling, eyes glassy.
Taesung prepared another injection quietly while Minjoon held his brother's hand.
"Hyung" Jihyun's voice cracked, his small frame shaking.
"What are you hiding from me?
Where's Dad?"
"Jihyun" Minjoon's voice faltered. His eyes reddened.
"Don't lie!"
Jihyun cried, pushing Taesung's hand away from the injection.
His weak body thrashed, his face flushed crimson.
"Don't give me this! Just tell me the truth! For God's sake, hyung, please!"
Minjoon's tears spilled as he looked at him helpless, broken.
Outside the door,
Taewon's fist clenched at his side.
Every word pierced through. He knew Jihyun hated lies, hated being treated like a fragile child. And yet here he was, surrounded by silence and hidden truths.
"I'll do it,"
Taewon muttered to himself, pressing a hand to his chest. His voice was raw.
"If no one will, then I'll give him this truth. Even if it hurts."
But before he could move, Minjoon bent forward, gripping Jihyun's trembling hand. His tears fell freely as he whispered:
"Jihyun-ah Dad went so far that even if I wanted, I can't bring him back to you. He left after Mom. He's gone."
The words landed heavy.
Jihyun's body stilled. His face lost all color, his eyes glazed, unblinking.
He nodded once slow, almost mechanical and then lay back on the bed without a word.
His hand lifted weakly, signaling for the injection.
Taesung injected him in silence, his expression unreadable. Jihyun closed his eyes, his breath soft, his face calm too calm.
"Jihyun" Minjoon whispered, broken.
Taesung placed a hand on Minjoon's shoulder.
"Leave him for now. Let him rest. Forcing him to talk now might break him."
They stepped outside, the door clicking shut behind them. Taewon stood there, frozen. His eyes flicked back to the bed inside Jihyun lying still, not a tear, not a sound.
"This isn't him,"
Taewon murmured.
"The Jihyun I knew he would have screamed, broken everything, cursed the world. Why… why is he silent now?"
Taesung's face grew grave.
"During the accident, his head injury wasn't minor.
Emotional suppression like this can be a sign of post-concussion syndrome or even early symptoms of PTSD. His brain might be locking away the trauma, holding it down. It helps him survive now, but if it bursts later, it could be dangerous."
" so, it's better we wait and let him talk by his own whenever he wants to"
Taewon's brows furrowed. His chest ached as he watched the closed door.
Jihyun's silence felt louder than any scream.