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Jungwon's eyes flutter open to be met by the powerful lights. He squeezes his eyes shut as he places his hand over his head, trying to adjust to the brightness. His whole body feels numb and weak; he can barely sit up. He's used to this routine by now. Or is he?

This is not the school's infirmary. Heeseung is not here with him, instead, Jay is sitting on a chair beside his uncomfortable bed.

"Jungwon" Jay whispers with teary eyes. Jungwon barely tilts his head as he weakly holds onto Jay's hand. "Your parents are going to be here any minute now." he says with a shaky voice, and Jungwon sketches a smile for him.

"My backpack." Jungwon mutters, and Jay gets the said object. Jungwon sluggishly takes out a cat plushie. "See...this is Jaywonie, the cat that you gave me." he explains as Jay stares at him quizzically.

"You carried it around?"

"Correction: I still carry it around. You said it's going to protect me when you're not with me." Jay smiles softly. "I feel safe when Jaywonie is with me."

Jungwon stares at Jay, his eyes indolently fluttering open while petting the plush.

"Jay. You asked me what I am to you. I was-"

"You are my boyfriend." Jay interrupts him, his words causing a wave of shock to wash over Jungwon's weakened body. His widened cat-like eyes stare at Jay's expression, searching for any sign of sarcasm. There is none. His eyes glisten under the hospital's neon lights.

Jay leans forward, holding the eye contact. Jungwon's heartbeat accelerates and he feels like he can't breathe, yet in a different way than before. He feels no thorn scratching his throat.

Their lips connect for a mere second before Jungwon pulls away. He is overwhelmed by doubt. Jay has a girlfriend. That means he kissed him out of pity, maybe in an attempt to keep Jungwon alive.

"Jungwon." Jay seems to understand the boy's thoughts. "I remember."

The plushie rolls onto the floor. Jungwon remains petrified.

"I had a girlfriend because I was frustrated with my life, my past. The past that I couldn't remember. People around me seemed to know so many things about me, about the person I used to be. How was I supposed to interact with others the same way as before if I couldn't even recognize their faces? It was harsh. She was the first person I met after the accident. She didn't know the past version of me so I didn't feel pressured around her." He trails off, watching tears run down Jungwon's cheeks. He holds his hand. "I avoided you for a while because... truth to be told, I was angry. My parents...I overheard them talking, saying how glad they were that I can't remember you. I asked you what you were to me because I knew we couldn't have been just friends. I felt some sort of deep connection to you. I didn't know what it was. I wish you would've told me, Wonie."

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