invisible string theory 𝙟.𝙮𝙝

twenty one

⌒౨ৎ

As they walked in silence, the tension between them still lingering, Mi-cha suddenly stumbled on the uneven curb. Her foot twisted painfully beneath her, and before she could react, her body pitched forward.

Yunho's heart stopped, and he reached out, but he wasn't fast enough.

Mi-cha let out a sharp gasp and she landed on the pavement, her ankle screaming in pain. She tried to stand, but the moment she put weight on it, the pain shot up her leg, and she collapsed back down with a gasp.

"Mi-cha!" Yunho cried, rushing to her side.

She winced, her face pale, her hands gripping the pavement as she tried to assess the damage. "I-I'm fine," she mumbled, but the tears in her eyes and the way she was biting her lip told a different story.

Yunho crouched beside her, his expression filled with concern. "No, you're not," he said firmly, kneeling down to check her ankle. It was already swelling rapidly, and she winced when he gently touched it. "This doesn't look good."

"You think?!" Mi-cha yelled, her head was spinning with the pain and the alcohol was not helping the situation. She barely noticed when Yunho scooped her up into his arms without another word. She gasped in surprise but didn't have the energy to protest.

"Yunho!" she exclaimed, her voice shaky, but he ignored her. His face was a picture of concentration and worry as he held her close, adjusting his grip so she was cradled against him comfortably.

"Just relax," he said, his tone softer now, though there was still a hint of urgency in his voice.

"We need to get you off of that foot."

"But... my house is far, I don't even know why we were walking towards it to begin with," Mi-cha protested weakly, her head spinning, a mix of embarrassment and discomfort settling in. "I don't want to trouble you."

Yunho shook his head, not even breaking his stride as he walked briskly down the street, her body cradled securely in his arms.

"Your place is too far," he replied, his tone calm but decisive. "I'll take you to mine. It's only two minutes away, and I can take care of you there."

Mi-cha blinked up at him, her vision blurred slightly from the alcohol and pain. She could barely think straight, but something about the way Yunho was handling the situation--so calmly, so effortlessly-- made her feel both embarrassed and oddly comforted.

"You sure?" she asked, her voice shaky. "I mean... I'm not in any condition to be at your place right now."

Yunho glanced down at her with a soft smile, though his brow was still furrowed with concern. "I'm sure. It'll be fine. You just need to rest, and I'm not letting you walk on that ankle. Besides, I'd rather have you close so I can make sure you're okay."

Mi-cha felt a flush creep up her neck, the close proximity between them suddenly feeling more intimate than she was used to. The way he was holding her now, carrying her so effortlessly, made her heart race.

Still, the pain in her ankle was so intense that she couldn't focus on anything other than the discomfort. "Okay," she said quietly, feeling both thankful and awkward at the same time.

"But only if it's really not too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all," Yunho assured her, his voice warm. "I'd do anything to make sure you're okay."

As he continued to walk, the rhythmic sound of his steps calming the both of them, Mi-cha leaned her head against his chest, closing her eyes for a moment. The night had taken such an unexpected turn, but she couldn't deny the comfort of his presence.