Ava barely registered the voices around her. The weight of the past still pressed against her chest like an iron cage, the lingering sight of blood refusing to leave her mind.

But then—

Warm fingers tilted her chin up.

Her blurry gaze met Jae’s.

His dark eyes were intense, unwavering, but not with the usual teasing arrogance. This time, they held something different. Something softer.

“Look at me,” he murmured, his voice low, steady.

His thumb wiped away a stray tear she hadn’t even realized had fallen.

Ava blinked. The hospital room, the chaos, the memories—all of it faded except him.

Jae exhaled, almost like he had been holding his breath. His hand moved, brushing her hair back, before he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Ava’s breath hitched.

Then another kiss.

And another.

His lips ghosted against her forehead, slow, comforting, like he was sealing a promise.

Ava wasn’t sure why, but her eyes burned even more.

She clutched the hospital blanket beneath her, grounding herself as Jae lingered just a little longer before finally pulling away.

“Better?” he asked, his voice softer than she had ever heard it.

Ava swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

For the first time since waking up, she could breathe.

The moment was ruined by a very loud cough.

“Oh. My. God.” Kai dramatically clutched his chest. “I think I just witnessed a husband-level forehead kiss.”

Eli leaned against the wall, smirking. “Correction—multiple forehead kisses. Someone’s real committed.”

Lily grinned. “Didn’t know Jae had a soft husband mode.”

Minho raised an eyebrow. “Is it just me, or did that look… natural?”

Ava groaned, shoving Jae’s arm. “This is your fault.”

Jae just smirked, completely unbothered. “I don’t see you complaining, sunshine.”

The room erupted with laughter, the tension easing just a little.

And for the first time since she had been hurt—

Ava smiled. Really smiled.