Chapter 19 :The beginning of the trauma

Sergei looked down at Jiwon, who had his eyes closed. He wasn't asleep his fingers were still twitching, breath uneven.

Sergei exhaled through his nose.

He left the room briefly, grabbing a fresh change of clothes, then returned.

Without a word, he stripped Jiwon's damp shirt, replacing it with a dry one. Jiwon didn't react. He was too drained to care.

Once finished, Sergei pulled the blanket over him.

"...Sleep" he muttered.

Sergei's sharp eyes scanned Jiwon's body once more. The wound on his forehead was handled, but something else caught his attention his ankle. Swollen. Bruised.

Broken.

His jaw tightened. He hadn't noticed before. Jiwon had been trembling too much, barely able to stand, but now…

Sergei reached for his leg.

The second his fingers wrapped around Jiwon's ankle, the reaction was instant.

Jiwon jolted violently, his entire body spasming as if struck by lightning.

"NO!" His voice cracked, sheer panic lacing his tone. He scrambled back, kicking at Sergei's grip, hands slapping at the bed, trying to crawl away. "DON'T please..."

Sergei's brows furrowed.

"Jiwon..."

Jiwon wasn't listening. His breath came out in short, ragged gasps, his pupils dilated with terror. His hands clutched the blanket, white-knuckled.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he sobbed, shaking his head violently. "I won't fight, just—just not again, please—"

Sergei's body went rigid.

Not again.

His grip loosened.

Jiwon flinched as if expecting a strike.

Sergei stared down at him, at the raw, unfiltered fear on his face. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his lips trembling, body curled inward like a wounded animal.

Sergei clenched his jaw.

His voice came out colder than intended.

"I'm not going to touch you like that."

Jiwon's breaths hitched, but he still trembled, eyes darting around like a cornered prey.

Sergei clicked his tongue, frustration flickering in his gaze, but he didn't move closer. Instead, he leaned back, gripping his own wrist, reigning in his irritation.

"You broken ankle," he stated flatly. "I was going to treat it."

Jiwon swallowed hard, chest heaving. His lips parted, but no words came out.

He didn't believe him.

Sergei knew that look.

Knew what it meant.

His fingers curled into a fist.

Without another word, he stood up. Walked toward the door.

Jiwon flinched again at the movement, still bracing himself.

Sergei didn't turn back.

"I'll call the doctor again " His voice was empty. Detached.

"Rest."

The door creaked open, and the doctor stepped inside, carrying his worn leather bag. His kind eyes softened at the sight of Jiwon, curled up on the bed, his face still damp with silent tears.

Sergei was nowhere to be seen.

The doctor let out a quiet sigh as he set his bag down.

"I had a feeling I'd be back sooner than expected."

Jiwon flinched when the doctor sat beside him. The movement didn't go unnoticed.

"Easy now," the doctor murmured, his voice gentle as he reached out.

"I won't hurt you, son."

Jiwon hesitated, his body tensing as the doctor's fingers grazed his ankle. His breath hitched when the doctor unwrapped the old bandages.

"You've been putting too much pressure on it," the doctor noted, shaking his head.

"No wonder the swelling hasn't gone down."

Jiwon swallowed, gripping the sheets as the doctor's fingers pressed lightly around the injury.

The old man's touch was careful, but the pain still made Jiwon wince.

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" the doctor mused, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"Reminds me of someone..."

Jiwon let out a shaky breath.

"I—I…" His voice cracked, and he looked away.

"Shhh," the doctor soothed.

"No need to explain yourself, boy. I see enough in your eyes."

He worked in silence for a moment, wrapping fresh bandages around the injury with practiced ease.

"You should rest," he added gently.

"I doubt he'll bother you for a while."

Jiwon's fingers curled into the sheets.

"Then why does it feel like he's always here..." he whispered.

The doctor paused, considering his words. Then he smiled faintly.

"Some people leave a weight on your soul, even when they're around you."

Jiwon stared at him, something unreadable flickering in his expression.

With a final tug, the doctor secured the bandage and stood, gathering his things.

"Try to stay off it," he warned lightly.

"And try to rest, son."

Jiwon watched him leave, his chest tightening at the warmth in his voice something he hadn't felt in years.

The door clicked shut, leaving only silence.