Hyun’s gaze remained fixed on his sister as the soft beep of the heart monitor pulsed through the room. It was the only sign that life still clung to her frail body. His chest tightened as he wondered, for the thousandth time, when — if ever — she would wake up.
Flora stood behind him, arms crossed gently as she watched him in silence. She could feel the weight of the room’s atmosphere, how the quiet sorrow seemed to suffocate everything. She stepped forward, slowly placing a hand on Hyun’s shoulder, her voice soft yet firm.
"She’ll wake up, Hyun. You have to believe that."
Hyun clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as his hands gripped the arms of the chair. "I want to believe that. But every day, it feels like I’m losing her a little more."
Flora sighed, kneeling beside him to look into his eyes. "You haven’t lost her yet. You’ve been fighting all this time for her. For both of you. Don’t let the fear eat away at you."
He exhaled sharply, his frustration barely contained. "Fear? You think I’m scared?" He turned to face her, his eyes dark and intense. "I’ve fought monsters that would break most hunters. I’ve faced things that would make even the strongest of them crumble. I’m not scared."
Flora didn’t flinch at his outburst. Instead, she held his gaze, unwavering. "You’re scared of something much worse than monsters, Hyun. You’re scared of losing the people you care about."
Her words cut through him like a blade. He turned away, the truth too raw to face head-on. She was right. No matter how powerful he became, no matter how many enemies he vanquished, the one thing he couldn’t control was fate. And fate had a cruel way of taking from him everything he loved.
"I don’t know how to protect her," Hyun admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "No matter how strong I become, it’s never enough."
Flora’s expression softened. "Strength isn’t just about fighting, Hyun. It’s about being there, even when you feel helpless. You’re not powerless just because you can’t solve everything with force."
Hyun’s shoulders slumped as the weight of her words sank in. He had spent so long thinking that his power alone could save those he cared about, but in the face of his sister’s condition, his abilities felt insignificant. What was the use of all his strength if he couldn’t protect the ones that mattered most?
Flora sat beside him, her presence a quiet comfort. "You don’t have to carry this alone, you know," she said softly. "I’m here. I’ll stand by you. No matter how long it takes."
Hyun glanced at her, his defenses momentarily dropping. For the first time in a while, he allowed himself to feel something other than anger and guilt. Flora’s kindness, her willingness to stand with him despite everything, stirred something deep within him — something he had buried long ago.
"Why?" he asked, his voice barely audible. "Why are you helping me? Why are you staying?"
Flora blinked, a slight smile touching her lips. "Because you’re worth it. And because I believe in you, Hyun."
He looked away, his throat tightening. It had been so long since anyone had believed in him, aside from his sister. He had pushed everyone else away, convinced that keeping people at a distance would protect them. But Flora... she wasn’t afraid of him. Or the darkness he carried.
"I don’t deserve that," Hyun muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "I’m... broken."
Flora reached out, gently taking his hand. "Maybe. But broken doesn’t mean lost. You’re still here, still fighting. That’s enough."
For a moment, they sat in silence, their hands resting together as the quiet hum of the machines filled the room. Hyun didn’t pull away. For once, he allowed himself to be vulnerable.
"I’m not used to this," he admitted. "Letting people in."
Flora smiled, her thumb brushing against his hand. "Neither am I. But I think... it’s worth trying. Even if it’s scary."
Hyun looked at her, and in that moment, he saw something he hadn’t allowed himself to see in a long time — hope. It was fragile, but it was there, flickering like a small flame in the darkness.
---
Later that evening, as they walked out of the hospital, the city lights flickered in the distance. Flora walked beside Hyun, her gaze occasionally flicking toward him, as if gauging his mood. The tension from earlier had eased, but there was still a quiet heaviness that hung between them.
"Do you want to get something to eat?" Flora asked, breaking the silence. "I know a place nearby that makes amazing kimchi stew."
Hyun raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with mild amusement. "You’re asking me out to eat?"
She chuckled, nudging his shoulder playfully. "Why, are you saying no?"
"I didn’t say that." He smirked slightly. "I just don’t usually do this... social thing."
Flora grinned. "Well, you should start. You might actually like it."
He shrugged, but there was a faint glimmer of warmth in his expression. "Lead the way, then."
They walked down the busy street, the sounds of the city bustling around them. For the first time in what felt like ages, Hyun didn’t feel weighed down by the world. Flora’s presence was comforting, her easygoing nature a refreshing contrast to the chaos that usually consumed his life.
As they reached the small restaurant, Flora led them inside, waving to the owner with a cheerful smile. "Two bowls of your best kimchi stew, please!"
The elderly owner nodded, a warm smile on her face. "Coming right up!"
Hyun sat down across from Flora, watching as she made herself comfortable. There was a certain energy about her that was infectious, something that made it hard not to relax in her presence.
"You’re really something, you know that?" Hyun said, leaning back in his chair.
Flora raised an eyebrow, smirking. "What, because I like food?"
"Because you don’t back down," Hyun clarified, his tone more serious now. "You push through everything, no matter what."
Flora’s expression softened, and she leaned forward slightly. "It’s because I know what’s worth fighting for. And right now, Hyun, I think you’re worth it."
Hyun felt a lump form in his throat, but before he could respond, the owner arrived with two steaming bowls of stew.
"Here you go!" she chirped, setting the bowls down in front of them. "Enjoy!"
They dug in, the rich, spicy flavors filling the air. Hyun hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he took his first bite, the warmth of the stew chasing away the lingering chill in his chest.
Flora watched him with a smile, clearly pleased to see him enjoying himself. "See? I told you this place was good."
Hyun smirked between bites. "You were right. I’ll give you that."
As they continued eating, the conversation flowed more easily between them, the tension from earlier all but forgotten. For a brief moment, Hyun allowed himself to enjoy the simple pleasure of good food and good company.
And as he looked across the table at Flora, he realized something.
Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to face the world alone anymore.