When The Heart Bleeds Chapter 3:“You’re the First to Touch Me Gently”

Chapter 3:“You’re the First to Touch Me Gently”

Hospital Recovery Room. 11:04 PM. Lights low. Rain taps the windows.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

(typing…) You still doing rounds this late, Doc? Or are you secretly stalking me?

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

Checking your vitals. Don’t flatter yourself.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Too late. I already imagined you saying “You look better in moonlight.”

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

Your vitals are stable. But your imagination is concerning.

Jiwoon chuckles weakly. He shifts, grimacing slightly. Haru steps closer.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

Pain?

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Not where you think. …Actually, yeah. My ribs. And maybe somewhere less anatomical.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

Let me check. Lie back.

.Jiwoon exhales slowly and reclines, wincing. Haru sits beside the bed, fingers pressed lightly against Jiwoon’s ribs.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Your hands are still cold. But… softer than they should be. For a surgeon.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

What do you expect? Steel?

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

No. Just… No one touches me like this.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

Like what?

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Like I won’t break if you do. Or disappear if you don’t.

Haru pauses. His hand lingers over the gauze. Jiwoon’s breathing deepens.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

You’ve been through something. Your body’s wired for defense.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

You say that like it’s a diagnosis.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

No. Just an observation. From someone who knows the signs.

Silence for a moment. Only the sound of rain. Jiwoon turns his head, eyes searching.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

What about you, Haru? Anyone ever touched you like this?

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

No.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Do you want to be?

Jiwoon slowly reaches up, fingers grazing Haru’s cheek. Featherlight. Careful.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

Then let me be the first.

Haru doesn’t move. Jiwoon’s thumb brushes just below his lower lip. Breath catches between them.

Dr. Kang Haru(MC)

You shouldn’t do this. Not when you’re like this — medicated. Vulnerable.

Seo Jiwoon (ML)

I’m not asking for sex. I’m asking for stillness. Let me stay like this. Just… like this.

A quiet surrender. Haru leans his forehead against Jiwoon’s, both eyes closed. No rush. No demands.

Okay. Just like this.

They sit in silence, skin warm against skin. Jiwoon’s hand never trembles. And Haru… finally lets someone touch him gently.

Author

To be continued...

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