Asclepsius

Chapter 16: A Confession Written in Silence

Author's POV

Months had passed.

The strange symbol on Amungi's shoulder never disappeared.

It didn't glow.

It didn't change color.

It simply remained, etched into the back of her right shoulder like something that had always belonged there.

But the pain had changed.

It no longer appeared randomly.

It came only when he was close.

So Amungi made sure he wasn't.

HYBE Labels

The BTS discussion room was filled with its usual afternoon chaos.

Managers discussed schedules.

The members argued over concepts.

Taehyung was laughing loudly about something nobody else seemed to understand.

And in the middle of it all sat Amungi.

Her makeup kit rested beside her.

She looked completely composed.

Over the past few months, she had perfected this version of herself.

Professional.

Warm.

Unshakeable.

She adjusted Namjoon's collar.

Fixed Jungkook's concealer.

And lightly scolded Yoongi for once again ignoring his skincare routine.

"You know you're supposed to take care of your skin, right, hyung?"

Yoongi simply hummed.

"I know."

"You say that every time."

A tiny smile appeared on his face.

"I know that too."

Amungi laughed.

She moved naturally between the members.

Everyone except one.

Jimin watched her from across the room.

He had memorized the pattern.

She never looked at him longer than necessary.

Never stood too close.

Never accidentally brushed past him anymore.

At first, he had convinced himself that she simply needed space.

But months had passed.

And now?

It was driving him crazy.

Because during those months of silence, Jimin had finally realized something he could no longer deny.

He loved her.

Not because she was kind.

Not because she was talented.

Not because she understood him better than most people.

He loved her because whenever she walked into a room...

his entire world seemed to quietly rearrange itself around her.

And that realization terrified him.

Because she was slowly moving farther away.

And he had absolutely no idea why.

Bang PD

"AM."

The room quieted slightly.

Amungi looked up.

Bang Si-hyuk had entered the room.

She immediately stood.

"Yes, PD-nim?"

"I've been hearing good things about your work."

He smiled.

"Your makeup work has been receiving quite a bit of recognition. Your social media has also been growing."

Amungi smiled politely.

"Thank you, PD-nim."

"If managing everything becomes difficult, we can have someone help you with your accounts."

"Oh, no, PD-nim. I'm quite happy managing them myself."

She smiled.

"But thank you. If I ever need help, I'll let you know."

"Alright."

Bang PD nodded.

"We also have a small interview today. Can you handle the boys' makeup?"

"Of course."

She immediately reached for her makeup kit.

Bang PD turned toward the door.

Then suddenly stopped.

"Oh, AM. I almost forgot."

Amungi looked up.

"Yes?"

"Jimin's makeup artist is on leave today."

The room went silent.

"Please do his makeup as well."

Amungi froze.

Only for a second.

But everyone noticed.

"I..."

Jungkook immediately started to speak.

"PD-nim, she—"

"Jungkook."

Amungi's voice was calm.

But the look she gave him clearly said don't.

He stopped.

Amungi took a slow breath.

"Yes, PD-nim."

She forced a smile.

"I'll do it."

Bang PD nodded.

"Great."

Then he left.

The door clicked shut.

Silence filled the room.

Jimin's heart was pounding.

Why is she reacting like this?

A Few Minutes Later

Amungi finished everyone's makeup flawlessly.

No mistakes.

No hesitation.

As though nothing had happened.

Then she looked toward Jimin.

"Sit."

Jimin quietly obeyed.

He sat in the makeup chair.

Amungi opened her kit.

Her hands were steady.

At least, she made them look steady.

She stepped closer.

And for the first time in months...

the distance between them disappeared.

Her fingers gently touched his cheek.

Pain.

A sharp sting shot through her shoulder.

She stiffened.

Jimin immediately noticed.

"You okay?"

"Yes."

The answer came far too quickly.

She continued blending the makeup.

But the closer she got...

the worse it became.

The symbol beneath her clothes felt like it was burning.

She forced herself to remain calm.

Jimin watched her through the mirror.

"You've been avoiding me."

Her hand paused.

She didn't answer.

"Did I do something?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

Her fingers trembled slightly near his jaw.

Jimin noticed.

"AM."

"Please."

Her voice was barely audible.

"Just let me finish."

There was something in her voice.

It wasn't anger.

It wasn't disgust.

It was fear.

But he didn't know what she was afraid of.

"You can talk to me."

His voice softened.

"Whatever it is."

Her heart clenched.

If only it were that simple.

She stepped back slightly.

The pain immediately eased.

Jimin noticed.

His expression changed.

Why does she look relieved whenever she moves away from me?

He looked down for a moment.

Then spoke quietly.

"I realized something these past few months."

Amungi stopped.

"What?"

He looked at her through the mirror.

His voice was almost a whisper.

"I'm in love with you."

Everything stopped.

Amungi's breath caught.

The symbol on her shoulder suddenly burned intensely.

Her fingers nearly dropped the brush.

Jimin noticed her reaction.

But he misunderstood it.

He thought she was shocked.

Maybe even uncomfortable.

"I'm not saying you have to feel the same."

His voice became hurried.

"I just..."

He swallowed.

"I needed to be honest with you."

The pain intensified.

Amungi stepped back.

It eased again.

Jimin noticed.

And this time, it hurt him.

"You can't even stand close to me."

His voice was quiet.

"That's not..."

She struggled to find the words.

"Then what is it?"

There was no anger in his voice.

Only confusion.

Only hurt.

"Every time I get near you, it's like you're forcing yourself to stay."

Amungi looked at him.

Because he wasn't entirely wrong.

She was forcing herself to stay.

But not because she didn't want him.

Because she didn't understand what was happening to her.

She couldn't tell him about the symbol.

Not yet.

"I don't hate you."

Her voice was soft.

Jimin's eyes lowered.

"That's not what I'm afraid of."

She looked at him.

"Then what are you afraid of?"

He slowly stood.

They were face to face now.

Too close.

The pain surged again.

Amungi clenched her fingers.

Jimin stared into her eyes.

"I'm afraid I'm the reason you're pulling away."

Her expression softened.

If only you knew.

He wasn't the reason.

Not exactly.

He was connected to it.

Somehow.

In a way neither of them understood.

"I'm not running from you," she whispered.

It wasn't entirely a lie.

She wasn't running from him.

She was running from whatever was connecting them.

Jimin held her gaze.

"I don't want to lose you."

Her shoulder throbbed again.

But this time...

something felt different.

The pain didn't feel like a warning.

It felt like something was counting down.

As though whatever had been sleeping beneath their ordinary lives was finally running out of time.

And neither of them knew...

what would happen when the countdown reached zero.