Chapter 41

Hyun-Suk continued to cradle me in his arms within the bathtub, letting me curl up there, and he always stroked my hair, sprinkling a bit of water over me whenever he felt like it. He didn't say anything, just scooped some water with his hands and let it fall over my shoulders. His breathing was calm, his patience unwavering. He spent hours there with me like that.

When he asked if I wanted to get out and I nodded, he fetched a towel and dried me off. I smiled when he stood in front of me, already dry, while he was still wet. I brushed his wet blonde hair off his forehead and quickly placed a kiss there too. I still couldn't say anything, but I wanted him to know that I was grateful.

When we changed into plain and dark pajamas and sat back on the bed, Hyun-Suk was in front of me, but he didn't rush me to speak. I played with my fingers and looked at my hands, gathering the courage to explain to him.

“I had... an anxiety attack...”

“And do you h