I've been here for a month.

A month of medications and therapy sessions.

A month since I met Jin.

Ever since he moved into the room next to mine three weeks ago, we've become even closer.

Every night, we go through the same routine.

He comes to my room for an hour and we talk about everything, from our childhoods to our dreams.

I let him sit in the same chair he sat in the first time he visited me.

After he leaves, he knocks on the wall and I knock back to him.

Back and forth until he falls asleep.

It comforts him, so I don't mind staying awake until he falls asleep every night.

Jimin and Yoongi have become very good friends to me, but it's bittersweet because they're both leaving today.

"We'll all hang out after you two get out of here," Jimin promises, smiling brightly at Jin and me.

"Definitely," Yoongi agrees.

Jin smiles and hugs them both.

"I'd hug you if I could," I say apologetically, smiling and holding my gloved hand out for them to shake. "But this is the best I can do for right now. But once I'm better, I promise I'll give you both the best hugs of your life!"

"We'll hold you to that, beautiful," Yoongi says before he and Jimin leave the day room for the last time.

"Jin," I say, bringing his attention from the closed door to me.

"Yes?" He asks, pulling out a chair for me to sit in before taking his own seat across from me.

"You're leaving in a month."

He nods, frowning slightly. "As long as I keep progressing like I have been, yes."

I gulp. "I'm not scheduled to leave for at least two months. And let's face it, I'm probably going to have to stay longer than that."

Jin purses his lips. "We'll worry about that when the time comes. Until then, how about we go out into the garden? You got outside privileges granted to you this morning, right?"

I smile and nod. With the bittersweet moment of Jimin and Yoongi leaving, I forgot about being able to go outside now.

He smiles back at me and stands, holding his hand out for me to hold.

I take it without hesitation. Holding his hand with my gloves on is a natural thing for me to do now, much like how I feel when opening doors with my covered hands now.

I've definitely made progress in the month that I've been here.

The cocktail of medications is correcting the chemical imbalances causing my brain to go haywire at these types of things that seem so mundane and usual for others. And the therapy sessions, both the group and the one-on-one, have really helped me to open up and trust in other people to support me in my journey.

And through every single step I've taken, I've had Jin supporting me.

And ever since he moved in to the room next to me, I've been able to support him as well.

He's learning to open up to me instead of push me away.

I'll never forget that night a week ago when he broke down in front of me.

And I'll never forget what I did to comfort him.

FLASHBACK

One Week Ago

"My honored guest has arrived!" I exclaim as the nurse lets Jin into my room. "But you're late. Why didn't you come with me after dinner like you usually do?"

He frowns and walks silently into the room, taking his usual spot in my chair before leaning forward and putting his head into his hands.

"I'm so tired, Clara. I hate putting on a mask in front of everyone. I hate pretending that I'm strong, that I'm okay. I'm not okay, Clara. I'm not."

I freeze in my spot as I watch Jin. He's shaking and... he's crying.

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. What can I say? What could I possibly say to make him feel okay again?

Without even a second of hesitation, I walk over and grab his hands, pulling him up to stand in front of me.

And then I hug him.

I wrap my arms around his torso and bury my head into his chest as he silently cries.

I scream at the voice in my head to shut up. He needs me, and I will do anything for this boy in this moment.

Anything.

END OF FLASHBACK

"This is nice," I sigh in content as I take a deep breath of the fresh air.

It's rather cloudy outside today, but that makes me feel even better because I love cloudy days. It brings me feelings of peace and a sense of calm.

"I haven't seen you this relaxed in a while," Jin points out as we walk through the garden, hands still intertwined.

"I love this weather. I hope it rains," I say longingly.

Jin laughs a little. "You look so cute right now talking about something as simple as rain."

I blush slightly and nudge my shoulder against his. "Cut the sweet talk, mister. And rain isn't something simple to me. It just really brings me into a relaxed and calm mood. It's soothing."

He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "Like I said. Cute."

I giggle and he laughs along with me as it starts to rain.

I gasp in happiness. "I have an idea!"

He looks over at me questioningly as I turn to stand in front of him.

"Dance with me?" I ask, grinning childishly.

"What?" He asks, confused.

"Dance with meeee!" I repeat as I gently wrap my arms around his neck.

"Is this okay? Are you okay?" He asks gently as he wraps his arms around my waist.

"You're not touching my skin. Just my clothes, which is okay for me now. No big deal," I say, nodding my head to confirm that I'm okay.

"There's no music," he says, eyebrows raised as I start to sway with him, raindrops hitting my face.

"Listen to the rain, to the thunder in the distance," I say, smiling as my eyes flutter closed. "That's the music."

So we dance together in the rain silently, smiling softly at each other as our pain and worries wash away with the storm.

My stomach is filled with butterflies, but it has nothing to do with my anxiety and OCD.