Chapter 12: The First Signs

Morning came with a sense of unease for Jae-min. The persistent nausea that had been gnawing at him for days now seemed to intensify, making it difficult for him to even sit up in bed. The feeling of sickness was a new and unwelcome addition to his already complicated existence.

He forced himself to get out of bed, clutching his stomach as he stumbled toward the bathroom. The nausea hit him in waves, each one stronger than the last. He barely made it to the sink before he was overtaken by dry heaves, his body trembling from the effort.

After a few minutes, the nausea subsided enough for Jae-min to rinse his mouth and splash cold water on his face. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, noting the pallor of his skin and the dark circles under his eyes. The thought that he might be coming down with something added to his worries, but he pushed it aside. He needed to stay strong, no matter what.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Min-ho had taken to having their meals brought to Jae-min's room, a small concession to his comfort. The alpha's presence was constant, his eyes watching Jae-min with an intensity that made him feel both protected and suffocated.

Jae-min nibbled on a piece of toast, his stomach rebelling at the thought of anything more substantial. Min-ho noticed, his brow furrowing in concern.

"You're not eating much," Min-ho observed, his tone lacking its usual edge. "Are you feeling alright?"

Jae-min forced a smile, not wanting to reveal how poorly he felt. "Just a bit of an upset stomach. It'll pass."

Min-ho's gaze lingered on him, but he didn't press further. Instead, he reached out and squeezed Jae-min's hand, a rare gesture of comfort that left Jae-min feeling even more conflicted.

The rest of the morning passed in a haze of discomfort and unease. Jae-min tried to distract himself with reading, but the words on the page blurred as his mind kept drifting back to the persistent nausea. The thought was overwhelming, and he found it hard to focus on anything else.

By the time lunch arrived, Jae-min's nausea had subsided somewhat, and he felt a bit more stable. The tray of food brought by the guard was more elaborate than usual—a variety of dishes, including a steaming plate of grilled meat that filled the room with a rich, savory aroma.

As soon as the smell hit him, Jae-min's stomach turned violently. He recoiled, his hand flying to his mouth as he fought the urge to vomit. The nausea was immediate and overpowering, and before he could react, everything went black.

He woke to find himself lying on the floor, the room spinning around him. Min-ho was beside him, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

"Jae-min! Can you hear me?" Min-ho's voice was urgent, his hands gentle as they lifted Jae-min's head.

Jae-min nodded weakly, the nausea still a heavy presence in his stomach. "The smell… it was too much," he managed to whisper, his voice strained.

Min-ho's eyes darkened with understanding. "I'm calling the doctor. We need to find out what's wrong."

Jae-min wanted to protest, to keep his suspicions to himself a little longer, but he was too weak to argue. He closed his eyes, the dizziness making it hard to think clearly. He felt Min-ho's arms around him, lifting him back onto the bed with surprising gentleness.

Min-ho's voice was firm as he spoke to someone on the phone, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Get here immediately. Jae-min's condition has worsened."

The words were a stark reminder of the alpha's control, but there was also a note of genuine concern that Jae-min couldn't ignore. As he lay back, trying to steady his breathing, he felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, vulnerability, and a reluctant sense of security in Min-ho's presence.

The wait for the doctor felt interminable. Min-ho stayed close, his hand resting on Jae-min's forehead as if trying to soothe away the discomfort. The alpha's touch was surprisingly comforting, and despite everything, Jae-min found himself leaning into it, seeking the small solace it offered.

When the doctor finally arrived, an older man with a calm demeanor and a professional air, Min-ho stepped back to give him space. The doctor's examination was thorough, his questions precise as he assessed Jae-min's symptoms.

"Have you experienced any other unusual symptoms?" the doctor asked, his voice gentle but firm.

Jae-min hesitated, then shook his head. "Just the nausea and dizziness."

The doctor nodded, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I see. We'll need to run some tests to be sure what's causing this."

Jae-min's heart pounded with anxiety as the doctor began the examination. He took Jae-min's pulse, checked his blood pressure, and listened to his breathing. Throughout the process, Jae-min tried to stay calm, but the fear of what they might discover loomed large.

Finally, the doctor prepared a syringe, drawing blood for further testing. "We'll need to analyze this to get a clearer picture," he explained. "It might take some time, but it's essential to determine what's causing your symptoms."

Jae-min nodded weakly, exhaustion overwhelming him. He barely registered Min-ho's presence as the alpha spoke to the doctor in hushed tones, discussing the next steps.

"Make sure you take good care of him," the doctor said to Min-ho. "Rest is crucial right now, and he needs to avoid any stress or strong odors."

Min-ho nodded, his expression serious. "I'll make sure of it. Thank you, doctor."

As the doctor packed up his equipment, Jae-min felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. The room seemed to spin, and his vision blurred. He heard Min-ho's voice calling his name, but it sounded distant, like it was coming from the other end of a long tunnel.

"Jae-min! Stay with me," Min-ho's voice was filled with urgency, but Jae-min couldn't fight the pull of unconsciousness. Darkness enveloped him, and he felt himself slipping away, the last thing he remembered being Min-ho's strong arms catching him as he fell.

...

Jae-min awoke to the sensation of being gently lifted and placed on the bed. He tried to open his eyes, but his lids felt heavy. He could hear the doctor's voice, distant and echoing, as he spoke to Min-ho.

"He's unconscious, but stable. We'll need to run more tests to understand what's happening."

Min-ho's voice was firm. "Do whatever it takes. I need him healthy."

Jae-min felt a cool hand on his forehead, the touch soothing. He wanted to speak, to ask what was happening, but his body refused to cooperate. He drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind a fog of confusion and fear.

The last thing he heard before succumbing to the darkness was Min-ho's voice, softer this time, filled with a strange mix of determination and tenderness. "I'll take care of you, Jae-min. I promise."