From Past To Present, I Still Love You 144 The Last Awakening

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 shitty." 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."

Minhyun's ears turned red. He tried to cover the lower half of his face with his hand, but he failed to hide his embarrassment.

Although the way Minhyun expressed his emotions was unique, Ji-ho could feel that old man's sincerity. His heart was warm. He was grateful. Everytime they talked, Minhyun wouldn't pay attention to him and only treat Yoona well. He didn't realize that he had this much influence in Minhyun's mind.

Perhaps, it was good that he didn't die.

"I see…"

A faint smile appeared on Ji-ho's face. "You're a real tsundere you know that?"

Minhyun cocked his head. "What's that?"

There was a moment of silence.

"Just look at your actions and you'll find the answer," Ji-ho answered.

"....." He was going to search for the definition later on. One thing Minhyun hated was not knowing something.

Even in this dire situation, Ji-ho had a way of lifting up the atmosphere.

But of course, in the end, they had to face reality.

Ji-ho let out a sigh. "So I'm really dying now huh?"

Normally, Yoona would scold him for saying such words, but she couldn't utter a reply. What he was saying was true. She couldn't deny it any longer.

"You know what," he continued. "I'm glad that I'm dying with you guys by my side. It's going to be a good last memory."

"You guys better not forget about me okay?"

Yoona let out a sniffle. "Of course we won't. How could we?"

"I guess I did go overboard with trying to make myself stand out," he said with a weak laugh. "But hey. Guess where that left me? Now I have people staying with me until I pass away. I never expected for this to happen."

Thinking back, Yoona realized that she hadn't met anyone from Ji-ho's personal life. Was he close to anyone other than them? Also, the mystery about his family still remained.

"Why is that?" She asked him. The Ji-ho she knew was lovable and sociable. She was sure there would be many other people who would love him. If Minhyun could become emotionally attached to the boy then anyone else could.

Ji-ho took this time to think. It was finally time to reveal what he'd been hiding.

"You know. I'm not always the happy boy you think I am. It's just that when I'm with you guys, I can't help but feel happy."

Minhyun cleared his throat. "That's nice."

Ji-ho let out a giggle. "Yeah. Now, I think it's time to tell you guys about my past. Maybe this was the reason to why God let me survive for a few more hours... So that I can share this with you."

Chapter end