CHAPTER 4
The doctor entered, accompanied by Lee Jong Sok, to tend to the young Taehyung, who had just awoken.
Lee Jong Suk
How fares the child, doctor? Is there cause for concern with my grandson?
Lee Jong Sok asked, his voice thick with worry as he stood behind the physician, his gaze fixed upon Taehyung.
The doctor, finishing his examination, sighed and spoke with solemnity.
Doctor: There is indeed cause for concern, Master Lee. It appears the young master suffers from amnesia. This may explain why he cannot recall any of those near to him… even you, Master Lee.
Taehyung, still lying quietly, listened intently, his eyes filled with confusion, as the conversation unfolded around him.
Kim Taehyung
*Blink* *Blink*
Vincent—now Taehyung—gazed curiously at Lee Jong Sok, his eyes lingering on the striking features of the elder who seemed deeply concerned for him.
Lee Jong Sok, noticing the child's quiet stare, offered a gentle smile and softly placed his hand atop Taehyung’s head, his touch light yet comforting as he listened to the physician’s words.
Doctor: "The young master must rest well. I implore you, do not press him to recall that which his mind has chosen to forget. Forcing remembrance may cause him great distress—perhaps even pain."
Lee Jong Sok inclined his head in understanding.
Lee Jong Suk
I thank you for your counsel, Doctor.
With a final bow, the physician gathered his things and departed, leaving the chamber in silence save for the quiet breaths of the boy and his grandfather.
Lee Jong Sok knelt slightly to meet Taehyung’s gaze, his expression softening with warmth.
Lee Jong Suk
Are you hungry, child?
A gentle smile graced his lips as he spoke, his tone light and reassuring.
Taehyung, feeling the faint rumble in his stomach, gave a small nod in response. Though his words failed him, the hunger in his eyes spoke clearly enough.
Lee Jong Suk
*Lee chuckled softly.* Come, let us see to it that you are well-fed.
Lee Jong Sok lifted Taehyung with ease, the boy’s small arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. Taehyung nestled his face into Lee’s shoulder, finding a quiet comfort in the elder’s embrace.
At the dining table, Taehyung sat upon Lee’s lap, his legs dangling as Lee carefully fed him spoonfuls of warm food.
Kim Taehyung
(Delicious…) *Taehyung thought as he chewed, but a faint flicker of confusion crossed his mind.*
Kim Taehyung
(Why does this man seem so familiar…?)
His gaze lingered on Lee, who simply smiled in return, patient and tender as ever.
When the meal was finished, Lee gently rubbed Taehyung’s back, patting him softly before standing with the boy still in his arms.
Without a word, Lee carried him outside, stepping into the sprawling garden. The afternoon sun bathed the blossoms in gold, and a light breeze rustled the leaves.
Kim Taehyung
*lean on lee chest*
Taehyung rested his head against Lee’s chest, silent as his eyes wandered over the flowers and trees.
Lee Jong Suk
... *looked at Taehyung*
This stillness was unfamiliar to Lee, who fondly recalled the bright, spirited Taehyung of the past—the boy who once ran through these very gardens, his laughter echoing like bells.
Even in his mischief and spoiled nature, Taehyung had never once failed to bring joy to his grandfather. And in return, Lee had showered him with boundless love and attention.
Now, as he held this quiet and fragile version of Taehyung, Lee’s heart ached—but he remained steadfast, determined to guide the boy back to himself, one step at a time.
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