144 The Last Awakening (1/2)

”He's showing signs of consciousness!” One of the nurses announced.

She leaned over, taking a closer look at Ji-ho's face. She could have sworn that she saw his eyelids twitch.

The couple quickly made their way to his bed. With their hearts pounding inside of their chests, they awaited for other signs of Ji-ho awakening.

So many emotions swirled inside of their chests. Minhyun, in particular, didn't know how how to feel. Was he happy or sad? Although Ji-ho living was good news, the boy would be in extreme pain. He didn't want to see Ji-ho suffering.

The doctor, reading the dark atmosphere around Minhyun, ordered the nurse. ”Get the drug ready. Administer it the moment he wakes up.”

”Yes sir.”

This was the best they could do to minimize the time he could feel the pain.

Minhyun tightened his grip around Yoona's hand.

Although it took some time, Ji-ho did wake up. It started with a whimper, before his voice became louder. However, instead of words coming out of his mouth, there were only screams. His fingers were clenched tightly and cries of agony filled the room.

”AHHHHHH P-PAIN! I-I-IT HURTS!!” He screeched. Hot flames. His skin felt as if it was melting in a burning inferno. Everything hurt. Tears welled up in his eyes.

Fortunately the doctors and nurses were quick to hold him down and administer Ji-ho's usual drug in his bloodstream to numb the pain. However, it would take awhile for it to take effect. During the next few minutes, all they could do was wait and listen to him suffer until the pain disappeared.

Yoona placed her hands on her ears, trying to ignore his screams. It hurt her heart. She didn't want to see him suffering so much agony. Tears ran down her face. In the end, even if he had woken up, Ji-ho was met with physical pain. Was it really a happy moment?

Minhyun could not look at the squirming boy. He averted his gaze, looking at the floor. It was too much. Although for Ji-ho, his condition was physically torturous, for them, it was emotional.

Thankfully, the howls of pain coming from his mouth slowly disappeared and soon, he was able to speak audible words with heavy breaths escaping from his mouth.

”T-the pain is gone?” he said. Then there was a pause. ”W-wait a minute, I-I'm alive? Why am I alive?”

He sniffled, trying to stop his running tears. ”Is this real?”

”It is real,” Yoona cried. Since Ji-ho could not raise his body, she moved her face over his so that he could see her. ”Are you okay now?”

”For someone who is on the verge of dying? I feel pretty s.h.i.+tty.” Even in this situation, he didn't fail to use sarcasm.

She let out a small chuckle. ”You're so silly.”

Minhyun, feeling awkward to speak to the boy, stayed silent beside of her. After his emotional breakdown, he didn't know how to act.

”Wait. Where's Minhyun? H-he was just here right?”

Minhyun raised his hand. ”I'm here,” he muttered. When he realized Ji-ho would not be able to see him, he stood closer to Yoona and leaned in towards Ji-ho's vision.

”Wait a minute… How did you know I was here?” Minhyun asked.

Ji-ho let out a laugh, but it quickly turned into a wheeze. ”I heard everything.”