Jude Bellingham (2)

The smell of antiseptic and the monitor's beep were the only things that broke the silence. Denise's call still echoed in your head: Jude's surgery after dislocating his shoulder during the game, his desperation to see you when he woke up, and the truth about the photos. Those old photos you'd argued about so much, the ones you'd blocked him on everywhere for, not knowing he was destroying himself at every practice to drown out the pain.

In bed, Jude didn't look like the football star he was, but a frail and exhausted boy. Denise silently squeezed your hand and left you two alone.

Sensing your presence, Jude opened his eyes slightly. Seeing you in the dim light, his lips trembled and his eyes filled with tears with an almost childlike speed.

"Love...?" her voice came out raspy. "I thought you weren't coming... I swear I didn't do anything, they were old photos... Don't leave me, please."

"Hey, calm down. I know everything, my love," you said gently, taking his right hand so as not to touch his operated shoulder. "I believe you. I know you told the truth, and I'm so sorry. We're still together, I'm not going anywhere. But you need to rest."

"I can't... If I close my eyes you'll leave," she sobbed, clinging to you with capricious panic. "Lie down with me, please."

Taking extreme care not to hurt him, you settled down on his right side. Jude rested his face on your neck and, feeling your warmth, fell asleep instantly.

---

Three hours later, Jude woke with a start. Disoriented by the anesthesia, his hand began to search blindly for you on the sheets, on the verge of tears.

-Love...?

—Here I am, Jude. I'm still here.

Upon hearing your voice, she let out a long sigh of relief. She snuggled closer to you and, with an unmistakable pout on her lips, looked at you wearily.

"Give me kisses..." he asked capriciously, brushing his cheek against yours. "My shoulder hurt so much, and you hurt so much. Heal me."