From Past To Present, I Still Love You 135 Awakened

Yoona turned off the television, uncomfortable with the content playing on the screen. Although she knew that the Moon family was in the spotlight, heavily scrutinized by the media, she didn't realize that the media would catch up to the situation this quickly.

"I see that you turned off the television. If you want, I can change the channel to a lighter topic."

She turned around, surprised by the sudden voice, to see a nurse standing at the doorway. A bright smile lingered on her face as she took a step forward.

Not being so proficient in technology, Yoona let out an embarrassed chuckle before handing the remote to her. "Yes, thank you."

The nurse changed it to a comedy channel. Immediately, the sound of laugh tracks entered Yoona's ears and she couldn't help but laugh along. Much better. Good thing the nurse had come during this time for she would've been bored out of her mind.

Currently, she was watching over Ji-ho, nursing his health. Although the doctor said he was going to wake up, it has been over twenty-four hours and there was no sign of conscious movement. She was very worried.

The nurse checked Ji-ho's signs, making sure everything was okay. There was silence between the two individuals in the room. After the nurse finished with her job, she lingered beside Yoona, as if she looked as if she wanted to say something.

Yoona cocked her head. "Is there anything more you need Nurse… Joo?"

Nurse Joo let out a nervous laugh. "Well, I have been wondering what person would be Ji-ho's acquaintance but I'm glad to see someone as kind-hearted as you here."

Yoona leaned forward. Her eyes brightened up. "Oh, you're an acquaintance of this little buzzer? Nice to meet you I'm Yoona."

"Nice to meet you as well and yes, I've known him for many years. This is the first hospital he admitted to when the first signs of his illness were found. Oh dear, he used to be such a chubby child. It was surprising to see him this skinny."

Yoona bit her lip. She was debating on asking more about Ji-ho or leaving the conversation. It wouldn't hurt to learn more about the boy. Although she was friendly with him, she had no idea what his background and past was like.

"What was he like?" She asked carefully.

Nurse Joo cocked her head. "He was… How should I say it? A very quiet boy. For many years, I didn't know he was able to speak. No words ever left his mouth."

This was surprising. From what she observed, Ji-ho was the most social and outspoken boy she'd ever met. Everything the Nurse was saying was the opposite to everything that she'd known.

"That's odd. Are you sure?"

"Yes, i'm positive."

"But surely you would've heard him talk to his family."

Nurse Joo let out a nervous laugh. "Oh wait - you don't know?" There was a pause, before she cleared her throat. "Perhaps I have spoken too much."

The question Yoona asked was simple; either a yes or no, but the Nurse's strange answer was suspicious. Where were his parents or did something happen to them?

Now that she thought about it, there was no sight of Ji-ho's family to be found. Surely, Minhyun or the hospital would've called someone to let them know about Ji-ho's condition. When realization dawned her that there was a darker secret behind Ji-ho's family, she almost slapped herself. How could she have been this insensitive to ask the Nurse such a question.

Yoona shook her head. 'That's alright. You don't need to tell me. I'll wait until Ji-ho does."

The nurse let out a smile. "Thank you."

There was a pause. "But what I can tell you is that he was always obsessed with his computer. That device was his only companion. It's good to see someone caring so much for him for a change."

Yoona could tell that the Nurse cared deeply for Ji-ho as a patient. A laugh escaped her lips. "Thank you. He still is really into technology by the way."

Nurse Joo giggled. "As I expected from the tech wiz."

Then she looked at the clock. "I have to check out the other patients but it was great speaking to you."

"Likewise."

---

Yoona laid her head in her arms, resting sweetly beside Ji-ho's bed. By this time, the moon had risen and it was time for her to leave. She has school the next day so she has to wake up early.

But she didn't want to leave him.

She felt as if it was her responsibility to stay by his side until he woke up. After all, how lonely would he be to wake up alone, with nobody celebrating the happy occasion.

However, it was already too late. She needed to prioritize her studies as well. Just as she lifted her head, ready to leave the room, she noticed something in the corner of her eye.

Did… Ji-ho just blink.

She quickly leaned forward over his head, trying to find another sign of moment. Luckily, she found him blinking once more. That escalated to his eyes slowly opening. Could it be...

A squeal escaped her lips. "Ji-ho! Do you hear me right now?"

There was silence, before a voice croaked out the answer. "I-I'm sleepy. Not deaf."

She didn't bother to feel embarrassed. Tears of joy fell down her face. She grabbed his hand, jumping up and down. "You're awake! Thank god. I'm so happy!"

Once Ji-ho's eyes got used to the light, he furrowed his eyebrows as he took in his surroundings. He gently lifted his head from the pillow. Before he could raise his entire upper body, Yoona stopped him with her hands.

"You need to lie down and rest."

Ji-ho scrunched his face. "Where am I?"

"The hospital. You were hit by a bullet remember?"

As the memories came back into his mind, Ji-ho let out a nervous chuckle. "Oh yeah. I remember now…"

Suddenly, a realization hit him and he urgently widened his eyes and stared at Yoona. "Is Minhyun alright? Are you alright?"

Yoona pat his head, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Both of us are fine. You're the only one that got hurt."

"Oh… I see." Realizing that he was back in the dreaded place known as the hospital, a wave of uncomfortableness washed over him. This wasn't just any building. It was a place full of his worst memories.

"Since I'm awake… Can I uhhh... leave?"

Yoona pressed the nurse call button near Ji-ho's bed. "You can ask the doctor when they come because I have no idea."

Ji-ho let out a weak smile and nodded. "Okay."

For someone who awoke after doing a courageous deed, it surprised her to see him so quiet. Could it be that the hospital was bringing back painful memories?

Chapter end