#teenteen

Shim Jin Woo stirred awake in his bed, his body aching and weak. Every muscle screamed in protest as he tried to shift slightly, a sharp jolt of pain shooting up his spine. His head throbbed with a dull, unrelenting ache, and his ears felt heavy, as though they were stuffed with cotton. He winced, his hands trembling as they brushed against the bandages covering his hands and arms. Even the faintest movement seemed to amplify the soreness radiating through his body.

The room was dimly lit, and he could barely lift his head to see the faint glow of the lamp on the bedside table. He felt utterly drained, his limbs heavy and uncooperative, as if the weight of the world pressed down on him. His breathing was shallow, and each inhale brought a slight hitch of discomfort to his chest.

The door creaked open, and Su Hyun entered, carrying a tray with warm soup and a glass of water. Joon Seok and Jin U followed closely behind, their faces etched with worry. Su Hyun placed the tray carefully on the bedside table and knelt beside him, her hands immediately going to his forehead to check his temperature.

“Jin Woo ya,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. “How are you feeling?”

“Hurts…” Jin Woo murmured weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. His lips were dry and cracked, and the effort of speaking seemed to drain what little energy he had left. Attacks like these were rare but they always left his body in a fragile state, exacerbated by stress and emotional turmoil, making recovery a slow and painful process.

“I know, baby. I know,” Su Hyun said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She gently helped him sip some water, her other hand supporting the back of his head. “Drink this slowly. It’ll help.”

Joon Seok pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, his large hand covering Jin Woo’s. “Just focus on getting better. We’re right here with you.”

Jin Woo’s fingers twitched in his father’s grasp, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment as exhaustion overtook him. Even the simple act of lying still seemed to take a toll on his fragile body. His chest rose and fell unevenly, and he let out a faint whimper when a particularly sharp pang flared in his side.

Su Hyun whispered to Joon Seok, her voice trembling, "What could have made him so stressed to reach this point?"

Joon Seok’s brows furrowed as he glanced at Jin Woo, his gaze filled with worry. "I don’t know," he admitted quietly.

Later, as Jin Woo stirred again, his parents sat beside him. Joon Seok gently placed a hand on his son’s arm. "Jin Woo ya, can you tell us what’s been bothering you? You haven't had an attack in such a long time."

Jin Woo averted his gaze, his throat tightening. "It’s… nothing," he murmured, his voice strained. "I can manage."

Su Hyun leaned closer, her eyes soft with concern. "Jin Woo ya, it’s not nothing if it’s hurting you this much. Please, just tell us."

For a moment, Jin Woo remained silent, his body tense as if bracing against invisible chains. Finally, he exhaled shakily, his voice cracking as he began to speak. "I… I feel like I don’t belong," he admitted hesitantly. "You both love music so much. Jin U… he’s amazing at it. But me… I can’t even hear properly. I can’t share that with you."

Joon Seok’s face fell, and Su Hyun reached for Jin Woo’s hand, squeezing it gently. "Jin Woo…"

"It’s stupid, I know." Jin Woo continued, his words rushing out now, unsteady and laced with anguish. "Selfish, even. I shouldn’t feel this way. Jin U’s done nothing wrong, and I’m just overthinking everything. I’ll manage my thoughts. I don’t want to be a burden again."

"Stop," Su Hyun interrupted softly but firmly, her eyes glistening. "You are not a burden, Jin Woo. You’re our son, and we love you! It's our fault that we let you feel like that."

Joon Seok nodded, his voice steady despite the emotion thickening it.

Jin Woo’s lips quivered, tears spilling down his cheeks as his parents enveloped him in a protective embrace. Jin U, standing quietly nearby, stepped closer, his expression heavy with guilt. "I’m sorry," he said, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to take so much from you, Jin Woo."

Jin Woo shook his head weakly, managing a faint, tearful smile. "No… you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just me… my thoughts."

The room was quiet, filled with the soft hum of support and understanding, as Jin Woo allowed himself to lean into the comfort of his family, feeling for the first time in a long while that he wasn’t alone in his struggle.

“Son, we failed you as parents. We will make it up to you. For now, let's get you back on your feet soon." Joon Seok replied gently. He reached for a small towel and dampened it with cool water, then gently dabbed Jin Woo’s flushed face.

Jin Woo’s eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused as he tried to take in the faces of his parents. "I...Mom… can’t move,” he mumbled, his voice tinged with fear and frustration.

Su Hyun leaned closer, stroking his hair soothingly. “It's okay. Just temporary. You’ve been through so much. Just let us take care of you.”

Jin Woo’s breathing hitched again, and he let out a soft moan of discomfort as another wave of pain washed over him. He whimpered, his voice cracking.

Joon Seok gently massaged Jin Woo’s arms and legs, trying to alleviate the stiffness and soreness in his limbs. “This will help with the pain,” he said softly. “If it gets too much, just squeeze my hand, okay?”

Jin Woo nodded faintly, his eyes welling with tears as he felt the tender care of his parents. Their presence was a small comfort in the midst of his agony, a reminder that he wasn’t alone in this.

Jin U stood by the door, his fists clenched at his sides. He felt helpless, unsure of what he could do to ease Jin Woo’s suffering. Finally, he spoke, his voice hesitant. “Is there… is there anything I can do to help?”

Su Hyun glanced at him and offered a small, grateful smile. “Could you bring the heating pads from the living room? It might help with the muscle pain.”

Jin U nodded quickly and rushed out, returning moments later with the heating pad. He handed it to Su Hyun, who carefully placed it on Jin Woo’s lower back. Jin Woo let out a faint sigh, the warmth providing a small reprieve from the relentless ache.

“Thank you,” Jin Woo whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jin U crouched beside the bed, his eyes filled with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Jin Woo. I didn’t realize how much you were going through.”

Jin Woo’s lips curved into a faint, tired smile. “It’s… not your fault,” he murmured, his voice fading as sleep began to claim him once more. “Just me… overthinking.”

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