Behind the Mask - Hyunjin x reader

Chapter 31

Inside the hospital room, Hyunjin stood in front of the bed, looking down at his friend. He looked so small under the white sheets, so fragile. An IV was connected to his arm, and his face was paler than usual. 

But it was still his Jeongin. His best friend. 

His brother. 

- You scared the shit out of us, Innie.

Jeongin gave a weak smile.

- Sorry.

Hyunjin exhaled sharply, pulling the chair closer to the bed before sitting down.

- Don't be. Just... never do this again. 

Jeongin hummed, closing his eyes for a second before opening them again.

- The others?

- Outside, Hyunjin replied. Doctor said one at a time.

Jeongin nodded weakly before glancing at the plushie tucked under his arm. The same one Hyunjin had won for Y/n at the amusement park.

Hyunjin's gaze followed his, and he frowned. He hadn't even noticed it at first. 

- The doctors said a girl gave it to them for me to have it with me in the ambulance. Jeongin murmured, clearing up the confusion. So that I wouldn't be alone. 

Hyunjin swallowed, a strange warmth spreading through his chest.

Of course, it was Y/n's idea. 

Jeongin chuckled softly.

- You like her, hm?

Hyunjin stilled for half a second before sighing.

- Yeah, he admitted. A lot. 

Jeongin smiled, and took his friend's hand in his. 

- Then show her. Life is too short to not show people how much we care about them. 

- Now when did you get so wise?

Jeongin smirked, though it barely reached his tired eyes. Hyunjin sighed, running a hand through his hair before glancing at the door.

- The others are probably losing their minds out there, he muttered.

- You should let them in. 

Hyunjin squeezed Jeongin's hand one last time before standing up. 

- I'll send Jisung in first, he said, heading for the door. 

But before he opened it, he hesitated, turning back.

- Innie?

His friend blinked at him sleepily.

- Yeah?

- Thanks.

Jeongin's lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

- Go find her.

He smirked, and as he stepped outside, his eyes immediately searched the waiting room.

And there she was.

Y/n was sitting in one of the chairs, hunched forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees. Jisung was still resting his head on her shoulder, so he cleared his throat, and the squirrel boy looked up. 

- Your turn, Ji, he said as the boy immediately stood up, heading to Jeongin's room, while Hyunjin took his spot on the bench. 

- Is he okay? she asked.  

- Yeah. Still the same old Innie. 

Y/n exhaled, her shoulders slumping slightly.

- Good.

Neither of them moved, and Jeongin's words were still ringing in his head.

Then show her.

And so, before he could overthink it and second-guess himself, Hyunjin reached out.

His fingers brushed against hers. Just a light, hesitant touch. 

Y/n blinked, looking down at their hands, then back up at him.

But she didn't pull away.

- You gave him the plushie.

- He needed something to hold onto, she murmured.

Hyunjin studied her. 

- What about you? he asked.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

- What about me?

- What are you going to hold onto now?

The question took her by surprise, and for a moment, she sat there in silence. 

And eventually, her fingers twitched beneath his, and for a moment, Hyunjin thought she might pull away.

But then, slowly, her hand met his. And she held on.

Hyunjin felt his heart racing. 

Y/n looked up at him then, her eyes searching his.

- I don't know, she admitted softly. But... right now, this feels okay.

Hyunjin's heart clenched.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

He exhaled, tightening his grip just slightly. 

For the first time in what felt like forever, neither of them had to say anything more.

Because in this moment, with her hand in his, it was enough.

It was going to be okay. 

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the delayed update, I had an exam to study for at uni but im back nowwww :)