Hidden Track

Offbeat Confessions

Sorry to keep you waiting, dear readers! But here it is—here's another long chapter for you! 🎶❤️ Enjoy!

"What do you think you're doing?"

Seon Jae froze, the low, cutting tone slicing through the tension in the room. His head snapped up, and there was Kyung—soaked from the rain, his suit damp and clinging to his frame, his face shadowed by the dim light spilling in from the doorway. His sharp eyes moved between Seon Jae's hand resting on Sol's shirt and her frail form slumped against the couch.

"I..." Seon Jae's voice faltered, tangled with guilt and confusion. "She was—she's hurt. I was just trying to—"

"Trying to what?" Kyung interrupted, stepping further into the room. His shoes squelched against the wet floor, the sound only heightening the suffocating quiet. Without waiting for an answer, he crouched by Sol's bag, rummaging through it with quiet urgency.

"Kyung..." Seon Jae began, his voice shaky, unsure of what to say. He watched as Kyung pulled out a small orange bottle, his movements precise. "What is that? What's happening to her?"

Kyung's jaw tightened, but he didn't answer immediately. "Hold her steady," he said curtly, twisting the cap off the bottle and retrieving a pill.

Seon Jae blinked at the command, startled, but instinctively adjusted his hold on Sol. He cradled her closer, her trembling body fragile against his chest. Her shallow breaths mingled with faint whimpers, and the sight twisted something deep inside him. I hate seeing her like this—so vulnerable, so small.

"Sol," Seon Jae whispered, his voice raw. "Please, say something. Tell me what's wrong."

Kyung shot him a sharp look. "Help me get this into her," he said, holding the pill to Sol's lips while tilting the water bottle he'd grabbed from the table.

Seon Jae's arms tightened protectively as he steadied her. Sol's lips parted weakly, and she winced at the water's touch. Seon Jae could only watch as Kyung coaxed her to swallow, his own questions clawing at him.

The silence that followed was unbearable, broken only by the rain hammering against the windows and Sol's uneven breathing.

"What happened to her?" Seon Jae's voice cracked, his eyes darting between Kyung and Sol. "She was fine before. What's going on? She didn't—"

"This isn't new," Kyung interrupted flatly, his gaze fixed on Sol as he checked her condition.

"What do you mean?" Seon Jae's heart hammered, his mind spinning. "She wasn't like this before. What's wrong with her?" His voice rose, his frustration breaking through.

Kyung sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "This didn't happen overnight," he said, his tone heavy. "She's been dealing with this for years, Seon Jae. Since the accident."

Seon Jae's breath hitched. "Accident?" The word felt foreign, almost wrong. He looked down at Sol, her frail body trembling in his arms. "What accident?"

Kyung hesitated, his jaw clenching as if weighing his next words. "A car accident. Almost five years ago." His gaze flickered briefly to the scar peeking from beneath her shirt before meeting Seon Jae's wide eyes. "She barely survived. And..." His voice softened, almost reluctant. "She didn't walk away unscathed."

Seon Jae's chest tightened, Kyung's words landing like punches. Five years ago. Around the time she disappeared. His gaze dropped to the scar, now etched into his memory. The thought of her suffering like this—alone—is unbearable.