Chapter 57 : Warmth in your embrace

Ryul observed the young man sitting limply on the bed, shoulders drawn in like he was trying to make himself smaller. His pale hands were twisted in the fabric of his shirt, knuckles white from the grip.

Even from where he stood, Ryul could see the fine tremors running through him, like his whole body was on the verge of splintering.

He looked like he might break down any minute. Ryul had seen this scene plenty of times before, but something about Jihoon now made his chest clench in a different way.

It was like the young man was barely holding himself together by threads.

Without another word, Ryul stepped closer and leaned in to match Jihoon's line of sight. Then he reached out, carefully prying Jihoon's hands away from his shirt.

The fabric slipped free, damp with sweat, but Ryul didn't let go of Jihoon's hands just yet. He held on with a firmer grip, as if it was the most natural thing to do.

"What happened?"