Lee Joo-Hee sat quietly on the edge of her hospital bed, her slender fingers absentmindedly tracing the soft texture of the neatly folded white sheets beneath her. The morning light seeped through the blinds, casting a warm, golden glow across the room.
It was a day of new beginnings, but for Jake, who now inhabited Joo-Hee's body, there was a lingering anxiety that weighed down the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
The time had finally come—after days of recovery, today was the day Joo-Hee would be discharged from the hospital. Yet Jake, fully immersed in her life, couldn't help but feel an odd attachment to the place.
The hospital, though confining, had provided him with a strange sense of safety. It was a cocoon where he had processed the shock of his transmigration, a place where the reality of this new life settled in. But the real world was now calling.
The thought of stepping back into the unpredictable outside world left Jake feeling both apprehensive and eager. This is it, he thought as he tidied Joo-Hee's belongings, carefully packing the few items she had brought into a small bag. No more hiding. Time to face whatever this world has in store for me.
As he zipped up the bag, a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The sound was familiar, comforting even. Jake turned just as Sung Jin-Woo stepped into the room, his usual stoic expression softening at the sight of her—or rather, him.
"Joo-Hee, are you ready to go?" Jin-Woo asked, his voice gentle but tinged with concern.
Jake's heart clenched slightly at the sound of Jin-Woo's voice. He had grown unexpectedly fond of the quiet hunter, and the bond they had formed was something Jake hadn't anticipated.
It feels like I'm leaving behind a friend, he mused, feeling a mix of sadness and reluctance. But deep down, he knew he couldn't linger in this hospital forever. I have to move on. I have to get stronger—strong enough to survive and protect myself. I can't rely on Jin-Woo forever.
Jake forced a smile, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions inside. "Yes, I'm ready," he said, standing up from the bed. He met Jin-Woo's gaze with a soft smile. "Thank you for visiting me almost every day, Jin-Woo. It meant a lot to me. But you better think about discharging yourself soon too," he added playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
Jin-Woo smiled faintly, though there was a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes—concern, perhaps? Affection? Jake couldn't tell, but the thought left him feeling a little uneasy. He wasn't supposed to get too attached. This wasn't his world, after all.
Jake took a step forward, standing just a few feet away from Jin-Woo. He hesitated, then spoke again, this time more softly, "I know I already said this before, but… thank you, Jin-Woo. For saving me in that double dungeon. If it weren't for you, I… well, I might not be here now." A bright smile spread across his face, an expression that seemed to catch Jin-Woo off guard.
For a moment, Jin-Woo seemed frozen, his gaze lingering on Joo-Hee—no, on Jake. There was something in his eyes, a flicker of surprise, perhaps even admiration. The brief silence between them felt charged, filled with unspoken words.
Jin-Woo finally nodded, his voice steady but warm. "It's the least I could do. You've always been there for me, so it's only right that I'm here for you too."
The sincerity in his words struck a chord within Jake, stirring something deep inside that made him momentarily forget about the complexities of this life he had stumbled into. There was a shared understanding between them now, one that transcended the awkwardness of their earlier encounters.
Why does this feel so strange? Jake thought, feeling a lump form in his throat. I know I'm using him for my survival… but it's not just that anymore, is it? He hated how complicated it was becoming. He hadn't asked to feel this way, to develop this connection. But I can't get attached. I can't stay here for long. I have my own path to follow.
Clearing his throat, Jake broke the silence, determined to move forward. "I'll be heading back to training," he said, trying to refocus on the practicalities of his situation. "Mr. Kang Ho's been pushing us harder lately, especially with the increase in gate activity. I'll need to keep up… and get stronger."
Jin-Woo's expression darkened slightly at the mention of the gates. "Be careful out there, Joo-Hee," he warned, his voice firm but protective. "The gates have been unpredictable lately. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me."
Jake nodded, appreciating the concern but knowing that he couldn't always depend on Jin-Woo. He needed to stand on his own two feet. "I will, Jin-Woo. But don't worry too much about me," he said with a small smile. "I'll be fine. You should be worrying about yourself, though. Don't you dare sacrifice yourself again, okay? Promise me."
Jin-Woo blinked, momentarily taken aback by her—no, his—words. But after a beat, he smiled gently. "I'll try," he said, though there was a quiet sadness in his voice that Jake couldn't quite place.
Jake stood up and walked toward the door, bag slung over his shoulder. But before he left, he turned back one last time, unable to resist offering a final reassurance. "I'll still visit you from time to time, so don't think you're getting rid of me just yet."
Jin-Woo chuckled softly, the sound rare but comforting. "I'll be looking forward to it."
As Jake stepped out into the hospital corridor, leaving Jin-Woo behind, he felt a strange mixture of relief and resolve. This is it. My real journey starts now.
Walking through the hospital's sterile white halls, Jake felt the weight of his new life pressing down on him. I need to get stronger. Not just for me, but for everyone. I can't let Jin-Woo carry the burden alone.
The thought of Jin-Woo brought a twinge of guilt to his chest. Jake knew he had been relying on him, using his friendship as a safety net. But can I keep doing that? Can I really depend on him like this?
He clenched his fists, determination rising in him. No. I have to stand on my own. I have to make my own path in this world soon as a sage as my System told me to become.
The outside world was filled with danger—gates, dungeons, monsters—but it was also a place where Jake could find his own strength. The hospital had been a refuge, but now it was time to face reality head-on. There were too many unknowns ahead, but Jake knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't stop until he was strong enough to survive on his own terms.
As he stepped into the cool morning air outside the hospital, a sense of determination washed over him. This is my second chance. I won't waste it.
With one final glance back at the hospital, Jake took a deep breath and moved forward. His journey was just beginning, and he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.