Rebirth: reborn as the third master of the Woo Family
By Zorry Sunblaze
Episode : The Awakening
Tae's POV
It had been a few weeks since the fall.
Kim was still in the hospital, unconscious but stable. The doctors said his condition was improving, but there was no telling when he'd wake up. His skin had regained some color, his breathing was smooth, and if not for the machines attached to him, one could've mistaken him for someone simply asleep.
Han was still in police custody, facing charges for attempted murder, among many other things. I refused to think of him now. My only focus was Kim. And the small, beautiful miracle he left behind.
Our baby—mini Kim—had been born prematurely, yet surprisingly healthy. The nurses said it was a blessing. He had Kim's soft features, my mouth, and the same sensitive reactions to light. I visited him every morning before sitting by Kim's side the rest of the day.
Today was no different. I sat next to Kim, gently stroking his soft hair, wishing he'd open his eyes. The room was quiet except for the steady beeping of the monitors. He looked so peaceful, so heartbreakingly still.
My phone buzzed.
LINE ID: Shinwoo
Shin: Babe, any change today?
Me: Still asleep, Shin. Same as yesterday.
Shin: Damn... it's been weeks.
Me: I know. Doctors said we have to keep waiting.
Shin: Tell him I said he better wake up or I'll come drag his soul back myself.
Me: LOL. He'd probably love the drama.
Shin: Of course he would. 😅
Shin: I love you, Tae. Hang in there.
Me: I will. Thanks, Shin.
As I looked up from my phone, I noticed something. Kim shifted slightly in his sleep. His eyelashes fluttered, brows twitching like he was trying to frown.
My heart stopped.
"Kim?"
He didn't respond, but his head turned faintly. I dropped the phone and slammed the emergency button.
Moments later, the doctor rushed in with two nurses.
He examined Kim's eyes with a penlight, checked his vitals, then turned to me. "His neural responses are active. That's a good sign. If he doesn't wake up in the next three hours, we may have to induce a medically-triggered stimulation through electric impulse—just enough to provoke brain activity. It's the last option before we categorize this as a longer-term coma."
I nodded, even though my chest clenched painfully at the thought.
But I didn't have to wait three hours.
Barely an hour passed before his fingers twitched.
"Kim? Kim, can you hear me?"
He groaned softly.
My throat caught as his eyelids slowly opened. His gaze was distant at first, like he was floating between worlds. Then, his eyes landed on me. A fragile smile curved his lips.
"Tae..."
I exhaled with a shaky laugh, tears spilling before I could stop them. "I'm here, baby. I'm here."
He tried to lift his hand, so I guided it into mine and pressed it against my cheek. It was weak, but warm.
"Where's the baby?"
"Safe. Healthy. Beautiful... just like you."
His eyes fluttered closed again, but this time not from unconsciousness—just exhaustion. The doctor returned and, after checking everything, confirmed Kim would be okay with continued rest and monitoring.
"He's incredibly lucky," the doctor said. "He needs physical therapy, emotional care, and lots of quiet. No stress."
I nodded again, still clutching Kim's hand like I would never let go.
Soon, Jiang arrived with tears in her eyes. She rushed to Kim's side, clasping his free hand. "My baby... thank God you're awake."
Hyung followed close behind with Shinwoo beside him. They looked relieved.
Old Woo came last, his usually strict expression softened with concern. He stood silently near the foot of the bed, nodding respectfully at his son.
Kim blinked slowly at them all, smiling faintly. His voice was barely above a whisper. "You're all here..."
Shinwoo grinned, ruffling Hyung's hair. "We weren't gonna miss your comeback, sleeping beauty."
The laughter in the room felt surreal.
But I saw it in Kim's eyes—he hadn't forgotten.
Behind that fragile smile was a storm still brewing.
I knew him too well. His heart may have healed a little, but the wounds left by his first family were still open. The betrayal, the pain, the humiliation...
He would smile, he would recover, he would love.
But he had not forgiven.
And I knew...
Kim would take revenge.