Epilogue

**Four Years Later**

The late afternoon sun streamed through the window, warming my cozy little apartment. I stood at the door, soaking it in, but couldn't shake off the weight of Mingyu's question.

"What are you going to do, Y/N? Will you take care of him for the rest of your life?" His voice held a mix of disbelief and concern. I met his gaze and nodded gently.

"You're honestly going to give up everything for… him?"

I lifted my hand to stop him.

"Who says I'm giving anything up? I'm not sacrificing anything. I feel thrilled knowing that he trusts me to keep him safe. That trust means the world to me—it's everything I've ever wanted," I said, my voice steady as I felt a new sense of determination.

"Y/N…" Mingyu placed his hands on my shoulders, searching my face for any hint of uncertainty. "I care about him, too. I want what's best for him. But you have your whole life ahead of you. You can't just spend day and night caring for someone who doesn't even know you're there."

"You don't get it, do you?" I replied a warm smile spreading as love for him surged within me. "I would work nonstop just to keep him safe."

"Can't you at least call your parents? They're your family; they'd understand and probably want to help."

"No," I interrupted firmly. "They made their feelings clear the last time we met. I don't blame them; parents want what's best for their children. But I can't take that risk—not regarding his safety. I promised him I'd always be by his side. I'd protect him at all costs. I won't let anyone take him from me. Not again. Not anymore. I will make sure he never feels alone."

"Come on, you're being foolish. He doesn't even know you exist anymore. You plan to care for him like he's still a child?"

"No," I corrected him, my voice strong but filled with affection. "I'm taking care of him because I love him. He needs me. I'm all he has left."

"It has to hurt so much. You can't fool me, Y/N. Watching the one you love—so lost, unable to even acknowledge you. Not saying a word or giving you a warm embrace."

"I'm fine," I insisted, even as my heart ached at his words.

As I stood at the door, Mingyu's worries echoed in my mind, a mix of dread and determination washing over me as I unlocked the door to my new apartment. After years of hard work and dedication, I finally had a place to call my own—a small victory, even if I had to borrow a lot of money from the bank. The path ahead would require even more effort, but knowing my purpose made every drop of sweat worthwhile.

Closing the door behind me, my heart leaped joyfully at the sight before me. There he was, Jungkook, sitting quietly in the armchair where I had left him just three hours earlier. I rushed to him, overwhelmed with emotions, and flung myself into his arms.

"Guess who I finally saw?" I exclaimed, breathless with excitement. "Your uncle! He promised he'd help us in every way he can. He's on our side. He's kind." I kissed his cheek, searching his dark, soulful eyes for any sign of the bond we once shared.

"Do you know how much I missed you? I'm sure you do," I whispered, gently brushing my fingers against his cheek. My heart raced as I held his hand, treating it like the most precious treasure. I pressed it against my cheek, letting the warmth from his skin envelop me, whispering, "You are so warm."

Glancing at my watch, I realized I only had thirty minutes left before giving him his medication. My focus snapped back to his eyes. "Do you know how much I miss you looking at me? Will you ever look at me like you used to?" I asked, wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in the soft fabric of his shirt, inhaling his familiar scent.

A tear slid down my cheek; longing felt heavy in my heart. I tightened my grip on his hand, longing for the warmth that used to radiate from him. "I know you hear me. Are you happy this way? Does it feel easier for you? Am I doing a good job?" I whispered, kissing each finger of his hand to remind him that he was still loved.

Rechecking my watch, I felt a rush of urgency. Just two minutes left. Why does time fly when I'm with you? It's as if the rest of the world pauses, leaving just us.

Leaning against the nearby table, I quickly gathered everything I needed for his medication—my fingers trembling slightly with the moment's importance. After preparing everything, I leaned in, pressing my lips softly against the side of his neck, allowing myself a few precious seconds to soak in the warmth of his skin and the rhythm of his breath.

One word. Just one fleeting glance. Should I really wait for something that feels so elusive? Just once, I longed to feel the warmth of his embrace, to be held tightly in his arms. That brief moment would be enough to restore my strength, to reignite the spark of hope that flickered within me.

But the weight of his final words—those hauntingly beautiful yet painful declarations—prevented me from taking that step.

"Don't wake me up. Please…"

With trembling hands, my heart raced as I leaned in closer, pressing my lips gently against the soft skin of his neck, savoring every precious second as I prepared to push the serum into his vein.

"I love you," I whispered against his cheek, intertwining my words with tender kisses that seemed to linger in the air. "My love, please dream of something wonderful. Find happiness in your dreams. That's all I ask; it will be enough for me."

In that moment, a tear escaped down his cheek, a shimmering testament to the depth of his feelings, even as his mind slipped back into the cold embrace of darkness. I remained unaware of that single tear—a silent token of his emotion, lost in the shadows of his unconsciousness.

This time, however, I had waited too long, and somehow, he heard my words resonate in the silence.

"Thank you," he seemed to echo in his heart, even if I couldn't hear it.

"I love you."