The room was still, save for the soft hush of monitors and the gentle hum of life on the edge.
Noah hadn't moved from his position—head bowed, forehead pressed to Kai's bandaged hand. His tears had dried into a quiet ache that throbbed with every breath he took. It felt like talking to a ghost. Like offering confessions to a body too far to answer.
But then—
A faint twitch.
Kai's fingers.
Noah jerked back slightly, eyes flying open.
He waited—held his breath.
And then, so soft it could've been wind—
"I still… love you."
Noah froze.
His heart stopped. Then raced.
His eyes locked on Kai's lips, watching them barely move again. It was real. It was real.
He surged to his feet.
"Kai?!"
Kai's eyes flickered open, barely—like two cracked windows bracing for a storm. His eyes were unfocused, dazed, but when they latched onto Noah—it struck like sunlight seeping through clouds.
Noah lurched forward, shaking hands. "You're awake—Kai, you're awake!"
