An hour.

Jin sat with me and held my hand for an entire hour.

An hour of bad jokes and the occasional reassuring comment.

He made me repeat "I'm okay" until I felt my body slowly relax.

I stopped shaking.

I stopped sweating.

I could breathe.

"Again."

"I'm okay."

An hour. It took an hour and he never once looked impatient or annoyed.

"Again."

I smile as I realize how relaxed I've become. And when I say it this time, I can feel how much I mean it.

"I'm okay."

He can tell that I mean it too. He smiles so brightly that I can't help the laugh that escapes my lips.

"Why are you laughing?" He asks, cocking his head to his side.

"I just can't believe that you seem to be so proud of me for something so small."

"But it's not small to you. This is a big accomplishment for you, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah but-"

"Then it's a big deal for me too."

I smile brightly. "You're really amazing for helping me with this. Thank you."

"Anytime! Now let's get some dinner before I starve to death."

**********

I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling.

And I'm smiling.

But I'm also curious.

Curious about Jin and why he's here.

I've never seen his darkness. I've never seen him struggle or break down.

What are his demons?

I try to get him to open up to me as I've done with him, but he doesn't ever talk about his problems.

And as much as I want him to feel like he can rely on me like I rely on him, I don't want to push him.

Maybe he doesn't trust me yet. We've only known each other for a week. I can't expect him to open himself up to someone he's just met.

I still find it hard to believe that I've opened myself up to him as much as I have. But he's just so understanding and easy to talk to.

Everybody in my life thinks I'm crazy. They don't get it.

Just don't do the things your brain says to do. It's not that hard.

Don't be so over dramatic. It's just a doorknob.

You're embarrassing me. Stop being weird.

But Jin isn't like that.

He's a breath of fresh air.

He's helping me when he has no obligation to, even though we barely know each other.

How could I possibly repay him for his kindness?

My eyes drift closed, and for once, I'm excited about what the new day will bring.

**********

"Mind if we sit with you in the day room today?" Jimin asks as he and Yoongi walk up to Jin and me after group therapy.

Jin glances over at me to get my opinion. He doesn't want to overwhelm me.

I smile kindly. "Of course."

We all make our way to the day room and grab the usual table, Jimin and Yoongi taking the two usually empty seats.

Yoongi sits down next to me and smiles. "Is this okay?"

I laugh. "I won't freak out because you're sitting next to me. I'm okay, don't worry."

He grins and I melt. What a smile.

"Clara Bear, shuffle these for me. My hands are so sore," Jin fake pouts and I roll my eyes. I know exactly what he's doing.

I hold out my hand and he gives me the cards, smiling encouragingly.

I shuffle them with my covered hands and after a few minutes, hand them back to Jin.

Jimin smiles brightly from beside Jin. "What game?"

"Go fish!" Jin yells, clapping his hands enthusiastically.

"I've never seen someone so excited over cards before," Yoongi laughs.

"I'll deal," I offer and pick up the cards again, dealing out the appropriate number to each player and placing the extra back in the middle of the table.

"So how long have you three known each other?" I ask, picking up my cards and glancing at them.

"Yoongi and I have known each other forever, but we met Jin when he came here a little over a month ago and we all just instantly clicked," Jimin explains. "Jin, got any sevens?"

He scowls and hands over his card and Jimin beams.

"Jin also has his roommate that we all talk to sometimes, but he's actually checking out today, isn't he?" Yoongi asks.

"He left this morning," Jin says quietly.

I tentatively reach out and tap his hand with mine. "You okay?"

He immediately smiles and nods. "Look at you go."

"Shut up," I say, grinning as I glance at Jimin. "Fours?"

"Go fish!"

I groan and draw a card.

"Clara?"

I turn around at the sound of my name being called and I see Dr. Kim walking towards me. "A moment please? Jin, I need you as well."

We both give each other a quick, questioning look before nodding and standing.

"Don't look at our cards while we're gone!" Jin warns, pointing at Jimin and Yoongi before he and I follow Dr. Kim to his office.

He motions for us to sit in the two chairs in front of his desk before sitting himself down and letting out a deep sigh.

"Jin, is it okay for me to talk freely about you to Clara?"

"Of course."

"Clara, may I speak freely about you in front of Jin?"

I nod nervously. What's going on?

"Clara, I've noticed how much of a positive impact Jin has made on you."

I nod wordlessly. "He held my hand yesterday. My glove was on though."

He smiles. "Progress is progress, no matter how small the step forward is."

I smile and nod.

"Anyways, I've asked you both here because I have a proposition that involves you both."

Jin and I glance at each other before turning back to Dr. Kim.

"I've noticed a positive change in you both from the time you've been spending together, and I have a new challenge for Clara. One she can't do alone."

I gulp.

"I want Jin to visit your room."

"What?" I ask, barely above a whisper.

"Jin, your roommate has checked out. And I know you have issues with being alone because that's when your thoughts get out of control and you act out. I am going to move you to the room next to Clara. You will be in a room alone, but I'm hoping with your friend staying in the next room, you won't feel alone."

Jin gulps.

"You're ready for this. This is a huge step for you, I know. But you can do it."

Jin nods nervously. "I'll do my best."

"That is your challenge, Jin. Try to be alone and stay in control. Clara, Jin will visit your room with you every evening after dinner for an hour before bed instead of being in the day room. Try to stay in control. And don't keep your gloves on."

I hesitate. This is too much.

I can't. I can't. I can't.

"Let's do it," Jin says.