Makayla POV

I slowly started to wake up under the familiar cotton sheets of my bed.

My eyes closed, I embraced the fragrant scent of Ho-seok's dripped coffee and the breakfast he must have been making in the kitchen.

As I rolled onto the vacant side of my bed, I hugged the plush pillow Ho-seok often rested his head on when he slept here. It smelled just like him, and though he wasn't laying beside me I could feel his warmth and the comfort that helped me get through such a painful evening.

I was still processing the fact that I was both a survivor of the Massachusetts General Hospital Shooting and also the surgeon that saved the last gunman who was responsible for most of yesterday's deaths.

Naturally, my instincts kicked in when it came to protecting myself and Madison. Just like they did when it came to saving the other victims of the massacre. However when I was operating on the mass murderer, I felt all the emotions I had been forced to suppress suffocate me as if I was drowning in a dark abyss.

I operated as quickly as I could, though I'd be lying if I said I didn't black out by the end of the procedure. I barely remembered walking to the green roof but my body desperately moved on its own. Little did it know, not even the brisk Boston air could fix the strangulation I was experiencing.

The innocent lives lost. The villains who survived. The injustice, and the reminder of the cruel and unfair world we lived it. Yesterday, the universe had a fierce chokehold on me and I felt like I was dying until he called for me.

His presence in itself was the light that guided me out of the black chasm surrounding me, and his nurturing eyes were the hands that rescued me.

Ho-seok was truly my safe haven. From the moment he pulled me into his strong arms, he hadn't left my side. He helped me gather my belongings at the hospital, got me home and though I had very little words to speak, he stayed next to me and took care of me all night.

My body weak and lifeless, he held and bathed me in the shower. He even lathered my skin in lotion before he got me settled in bed with a warm cup of tea I could barely drink.

I found myself crying on and off throughout the night but Ho-seok clung to me tightly, stroking the skin along my arm, kissing my forehead and constantly whispering those sweet and assuring coos.

He kept affirming that he was here for me. That as long as we were together, I would never be alone again and that I didn't have to be strong on my own anymore.

It was another change happening so quickly in our relationship, but it was one I was more than willing to welcome.

"Hyung." Ho-seok's low voice answered. I soon heard him speaking in his native language, and I could guess he was on the phone with one of his boys back in Korea.

Hearing how active he was in the kitchen, I finally opened my eyes and decided to get up for the day.

After making my bed, I slipped on a grey Harvard hoodie to accompany the black shorts I was wearing, and grabbed my phone as I headed towards the door.

Dozens of texts and missed calls from family glided beneath the glass screen as I scrolled through the list of notifications.

Just seeing the amount of people I needed to get back to sparked an enormous amount of anxiety beneath my chest, but when I stepped outside the bedroom I was quickly put at ease seeing my handsome boyfriend.

Dressed for work, Ho-seok was multitasking. His phone was rested between his shoulder and ear as he distributed rice porridge into a white bowl placed on a wooden serving trey. Beside it, a clear glass full of water and a small vase holding a single yellow pansy flower.

"Aein." He whispered when he noticed me. "Give me a second."

I nodded and took a seat in front of him at the island while he finished up the call.

Despite how poor my appetite was, the porridge smelled amazing and Ho-seok's flower selection was already making this morning feel a little brighter.

"Sorry about that." He proceeded, setting his phone down. "Nam-joon sends his best wishes. All of the boys do. They all called and were so relieved to hear you're home and safe."

"Really? They haven't even met me yet, though."

He chuckled. "You're Danny's cousin and my girlfriend. They don't need to personally know you to consider you family at this point."

Blushing, I felt another wave of warmth cover me hearing such a thing.

"Sorry I wasn't quick enough. I wanted to serve you breakfast in bed." Ho-seok continued.

"It's totally fine. You've done more than enough for me already and it looks like it's been a busy morning for you." I glanced at the medium grey three piece suit he was wearing. "It's just past 10:00 and you already went home, got dressed, and came back?"

"You were sound asleep, so I took advantage of it." He beamed, serving breakfast. "I promised Johnny I'd come in a few times this week since AHS is representing the hospital. I had to pick up my car from the impound and it was near my place so I grabbed a bag of clothes for the week. I'm all yours when I'm not at headquarters."

Winking at me, Ho-seok rubbed my back and gestured for me to taste the porridge.

"It's delicious." I praised, smiling to him. "Thank you."

"Make sure you finish the bowl, even if you need a few hours. The porridge is easy to reheat."

I nodded as he kissed my forehead, and when I took another bite of the boiled rice he started washing dishes at the sink.

"You cooked this morning, I can clean." I tried.

"Aein, please just relax. The trauma you survived isn't small. All you need to do, is focus on you. I'll take care of everything else."

Hearing Ho-seok's determination, I did as told and took another bite of the porridge before a fit of coughing suddenly surfaced.

"You okay?" He asked, though I couldn't reply. I drank the water he served me instead. "I was about to drip a cup of coffee for you, but maybe tea with honey would be better. Your mouth must be dry."

Wasting no time, Ho-seok grabbed my electric kettle as the coughing started to subsided. He began filling it with water and as he continued to gather what was needed for the tea, I stared at him in amazement - enamored such a man was mine.

I stood up from my chair and stepped behind him while I wrapped my arms around his waist, my eyes closing as I embraced everything about him.

His tall and chiseled body, the strong heartbeat beneath his back, and that natural and sincere empathy that emanated from his presence alone.

"Thank you." I whispered. "Thank you for everything, baby."

"Aein, of course." He cooed. "You mean so much to me. I can do anything for you. All I ask is that in return, you love yourself  just a little more."

Feeling him turn around, my hands moved to the sides of his waist as Ho-seok faced me.

His honest smile so reassuring, Ho-seok caressed my cheek - causing those goosebumps to surge across my skin as our gazes locked.

"Most boyfriends worry about their girlfriend getting swept off her feet by another man." He started, his smile softening as a more troubling expression surfaced. "I worry about that, but moreso the danger you tend to throw yourself into for the good of others."

I bit my lip. "Did you already hear about how Madison and I got out of the hospital, yesterday?"

He nodded. "I saw it too. I went with Johnny to collect the footage for the case."

My eyes this time widened as I panicked. "That can't get out to the public. I don't want to be the center of the press ever again, Ho-seok."

"You won't. Don't worry." He assured, resting his forehead against mine. "I talked to Johnny. He's taking care of everything. Your privacy will be protected, I promise."

Breathing a soft sigh of relief, the knot in my stomach began to loosen as Ho-seok came to my rescue in more ways than one.

"I understand why you're so protective of the innocent. But what if something happened to you, Kayla? Don't you ever think of yourself when you run towards danger?"

I remained silent, unable to explain what goes through my mind when I behave so recklessly.

To be honest, it was like a switch for me. I never really thought about the danger. I always just did what I felt needed to be done.

"I know you're a fighter but that was so dangerous, Kayla. You could have been killed."

"I know."

"Then can you promise me you won't do something like that again?" He requested, making my heart sink. "If not for yourself, for the people that cherish you. For your parents, your cousin, your friends, and for me.

"Can you at least consider us when you think of doing something so dangerous? I'm confident I can speak for everyone when I say it'd be unbearably devastating losing you, aein."

Conflicted, I so badly wanted to accept his request but I didn't want to lie to him either.

I caressed the side of his face instead, brushing his nose with mine.

"I'll do better from now on. I'm sorry for worrying you, and I'll be more mindful going forward, okay?"

Though he wasn't content with my reply, he didn't press any further either. He allowed our lips to connect for a long kiss that trailed into another before we were interrupted by his phone.

"It's probably, Johnny." He sighed. "I'm already over an hour late."

I chuckled. "You should probably get going then."

"Will you be okay?"

I nodded. "Fortunately for me, I have an amazing man by my side. I'm doing better than even I could've imagined, and it's all because of you."

Hearing the confidence in my response, our curled lips shared a tender smooch before Ho-seok began gathering his belongings.

"Text or call me at any point in the day if you need me." He encouraged, slipping on his jacket. He pulled that heavy black credit card out of his wallet next. "If you get your appetite back this afternoon, order what you want with this and add the card to you wallet. That's long overdue.

"I should be back before 5:00, tonight. I'll take the lead on cooking dinner too, so let me know what you're in the mood for later. That should cover you for the day - so eat that porridge, get a blanket, snuggle on the couch, binge some Netflix, and even sleep the day away if that's your preference. Just make sure you relax. I don't want you doing anything but resting today, okay?"

"Yes, daddy?" I joked, making him smirk as he stole a quick kiss goodbye. "Have a good day."

"Try your best to as well, aein."

Beaming, Ho-seok waved to me as I watched him leave the apartment.

As I sat back down at the island, I sincerely smiled while I nibbled on the breakfast my sweet boyfriend cooked for me.

I kept thinking of him, and not just about all he had done for me in the past 24 hours.

I thought about the way he resurfaced the things I loved doing before London's death - cooking, fashion, watching anime, and listening to all types of music.

The way he got me try new things like Korean cuisine, skiing, and even traveling.

How he encouraged me to set ambitious goals, but also the way helped me live in the moment.

Even after surviving such a nightmare, yesterday's anger wasn't consuming me like I expected it to. It was a painful experience but after another amazing morning with Ho-seok, I was able to leave it in the past when such a bright future was ahead.

Staring at the flower before me, I admired its bright color as I enjoyed my latest bite of the porridge.

Ho-seok was never the type to do anything blindly. I grabbed my phone and researched the flower's meaning before an even bigger smile formed on my face.

"Thoughts filled with love." I recited, even giggling.

However, the corners of my lips fell as quickly as my heart did when I saw the latest notification appear along the top of my phone's screen.

(Jackson): How are you doing? I closed the gym today, but I'm here if you need to release some frustrations or if you're just ready to talk.

Reading the text over and over again, I twisted my lip as I decided to do the exact opposite of what my boyfriend requested of me only minutes ago.

I owed it to Jackson, though. He was a good man that had always been kind and patient with me, and despite his calm demeanor I knew seeing Ho-seok and I together hurt him, yesterday.

Not to mention, he knew my secret and I had so many questions about his whereabouts these past several weeks.

If I was really going to get any rest, I actually needed to see him.

I took the next hour to tidy up and got dressed for my trip to the gym.

I put on a pair of black workout leggings and threw a Nike hoodie over the bottom's matching cropped tank. Once I slipped on my sneakers, I grabbed a bomber jacket and headed out of the apartment.

I chose to take the bus to the nearest stop by the gym, and as I rode on it I listened to music and spent several minutes drafting a text to Ho-seok. No matter how I wrote the message, I knew he wasn't going to like where I was heading but I didn't want to hide this from him.

(Me): Jackson reached out. I'm heading to the gym to talk things through.

Hear We Go by Coco Jones echoed through my ears as I walked along the sidewalk and beneath the subway tracks that were around the corner of Jackson's gym.

The weather was brisk but not too cold and the sun was shining brightly today.

The fresh air was exactly what I needed, though I was nervous to approach the man I had downright betrayed.

When I opened the doors, the gym was empty. Just as expected.

I walked further inside the dark building, and Jackson stepped out of his office hearing me.

"Hey." He said as we closed the distance between us. "How are you?"

"I'm doing alright, actually." I replied. "You?"

"As good as I can be."

It fell silent, the two of us just staring at each other when there was so much to be said.

"So which is it?" He asked. "Do you want to work out your frustrations or talk?"

"You don't have any frustrations you want to work out, yourself?" I this time questioned, and his expression confirmed what was inevitable. "Let's hop in the ring, then."

I slipped my jacket off my arms and pulled the hoodie over my head. Jackson dropped some clothing as well, revealing a ton of new cuts, bruises, and scars I had never seen before.

I chose not to ask any questions upfront, and after I took off my shoes and socks I hopped into the caged octagon.

Per usual, we matched each other's energy and used very little words.

For at least half an hour, we squared off in the padded ring - incorporating a mix of boxing, jujitsu, karate, and Muay Thai.

There was a range of emotions I could feel from Jackson. Anger and sadness for sure, but I was certain there was much more he was dealing with.

By time we collapsed on the mat, we were both glistening and gasping for air as we stared at the black industrial ceiling above us.

"You ready to talk?" He asked.

"Yeah, you?" I looked over to see him sitting up, I did the same.

"Are you with him?" He blatantly asked.

"Yes, I am." I confessed. "I would say it happened out of nowhere, but I think I've had these feelings for him all along. I just didn't realize it until recently."

"How recent?"

My shoulders slumped, I could barely maintain eye contact with him. "Things started a little over a month ago."

"Wow." He scoffed. "I was gone for two months. You're telling me a few weeks went by and instead of worrying about me, you got with another man? I guess you didn't miss me at all."

"That's not true. You saw, I practically texted you every day for three weeks but I told myself that this is what I signed up for when we started seeing each other. This huge unknown. How many times did I beg you to tell me more about what you do, Jackson?"

He looked away from me, and down to the ground between his legs.

"What happened?" I pressed. "You're different, and I can tell your body took a toll. Where have you been this whole time?"

"A mission went south." He finally admitted. "You're right, I kept a big part of my life from you which means I never let you in, just like you never let me in.

"I'm a black ops specialist for the government, and I do what is needed to protect this country. This past operation I was discovered, captured, and tortured. By time my agency found me, a lot of damage was done both physically and mentally. My men were killed right in front of me, to include Andy."

"Oh my God." I gasped, hearing the name of the playful talent that had trained Ho-seok multiple times in this vary gym.

"They slit his throat." He replied. "They killed him and the rest of my team to get intel from me, but hundreds of Americans could've died if I spoke. I'm trained to endure a lot of pain but I was certain it was over this time and I thought about you every day I was in that chamber. Mostly of the future I thought I'd lost with you. I realized my mistake then and there and I regretted it so much, not telling you everything."

My lips parted, I understood the look in his eyes now.

"It took a while for me to recover. By time I landed in Boston I wasn't sure how to be around you, despite how much I missed you and everything I wanted to tell you. As you can see, I'm still not in the best condition and when your texts came through, I had no idea where to start.

"But then I saw yesterday's news, and everything became so clear. I ran towards you with zero hesitation, and nothing was more important to me than your safety. Everything I was worried about seemed so silly in comparison to the idea of something happening to you.

"When I got to the hospital, it hurt seeing you and Paul but I was more relieved to see you were alive and out of harms way. That's when I figured out the magnitude of my feelings for you. This is what it feels like to love someone."

"Jackson." I uttered, though I wasn't sure where to start myself now. "I'm sorry to hear about everything you suffered, and that this is how things played out between us. I hope you know that I care so much about you and that I never meant to hurt you, but I don't want to lie or make any excuses either. I'm very serious about him."

"Is he serious about you?"

I nodded. "More than I even realized until a few days ago. You saw him yesterday, too."

"That means nothing." He replied, making my eyebrows furrow. "You don't understand who you're dating, especially when it comes to the woman you are."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You think I didn't do my research on the guy you kept bringing around here?" He asked. "He's the heir of the biggest law firm in South Korea. You're not just dating a rich boy. He's in the top percent of wealth of a country that is very conservative."

"Meaning?"

"His family will never accept you and if they haven't found a marital match for him yet, it's likely coming. Men like Paul, are lucky to marry for love. He's new money, which means his family will use his marriage to solidify generations of wealth. They'll never let him settle down with a Western woman, especially a black one. That's the culture, Kayla."

"No." I denied. "You know me. I would never be like this with someone who didn't bring the level of assurance and safety I feel with him."

"I'm sure he does, because he also can't imagine what's coming. He's the only legacy his father has. This is new territory for him, too."

I grew still, my confidence slowly falling as Jackson's words submerged me with doubt.

"And what about this huge secret of yours?" He continued. "Obviously he doesn't know about it and if you think I took it poorly, imagine how a sheltered heir like him will. I have accepted this revenge of yours, and I get it more than ever after losing my team. That's why you and I make sense. We lead a similar life, and one a man like Paul will never understand.

"You're a bleeder and I'll always be here to patch you up Makayla. I know and accept everything about you. I had no intention of turning you in before, but now I also intend to help you whenever you need me. The moment you're in danger, you can call me.

"That goes for the moment he leaves you too, because he will. He won't have a choice, and he will choose his family and reign over you and anything that puts it at risk. He only knows the life he's lived and that's one emerged in wealth and power. No matter how he feels about you, men like him can't go backwards in life."

I remained silent, looking to the mat beneath me as I digested his words. Jackson wasn't wrong, but he also didn't know the woman I had become these past two months either.

"I'm sorry if that was too harsh. I just wasn't sure you understood the reality of this relationship you've suddenly stepped into. I respect your feelings for him, I just don't see how a long-term thing is possible."

"That's because you actually know nothing about him." I replied. "I mean, you're right. He's not like us. He comes from money, and as a result his perspective of the world is different. But that is actually what makes him stronger than you give him credit for.

"Unlike you and I, he's comfortable in the grey area -  living in the moment and with unknowns. He doesn't think with his wallet and he's not obsessed with power either. He's true to himself, always optimistic, loyal to the people he cares about, persistent and patient with those who need time, and he shamelessly wears his heart on his sleeve. That's why I love him."

Jackson this time had no response and though I was scared, I chose to believe in Ho-seok.

"He makes me happy, he gives me hope, and he makes want to live, Jackson. I want the future he keeps promising me, even if it means giving up my revenge."

"What?" Jackson gaped.

I scoffed. "I'm shocked too. He hates how reckless I can be, and a few hours ago he begged me to be more mindful. I was scared to make such a promise, but now I realize that I can if that makes a future with him more realistic. I'll end my revenge for him, and I trust that he'll stay by my side even as the heir of AHS Group."

Though disappointed, Jackson smirked. "Wow. To think I asked the same of you, and you walked away from me. I guess you do love him."

"I'm sorry." I empathized, and he shook his head.

"I'm responsible too and because of that as well as my feelings for you, I can be patient. I'll wait for you. If he proves me wrong, so be it. But if he doesn't, don't hesitate to come to me. You know I'm accountable and this is what happens when you're not honest with the person you cherish. Despite what you think, we have a strong bond. I was just too late, Makayla."

I smiled to Jackson, though still determined to trust my heart and believe in Ho-seok.

"I should head back home and rest." I stated. "I have to go back to work in the morning."

Jackson nodded, the two of us standing before we exited the ring in silence.

"Is it going to be a while before I see you again?" He asked.

"I think so." I replied. "I don't need to train anymore."

Jackson silently accepted my response while I slipped back on my layers of clothing.

"Take care, and feel free to come by whenever you want." He assured. "Sessions with me will always be free, for you."

"Thank you. Thank you for everything, Jackson."

Smiling to him, I waved and walked away from the short romance that I now realized was bad for both of us.

Don't get me wrong. Jackson was amazing, and I was grateful for everything he taught me and the good times we had together. However, like he stated, we had so much in common and that was actually the problem.

We were two individuals who had hardened due to our life experiences. As a result, we both struggled openly communicating, being vulnerable, and seeing the good around us.

Even worse, we found comfort in our relationship because we didn't challenge each other's boundaries or comfort zones at all.

Together, Jackson and I could never grow. Not the way I had in just two months, and he would realize that himself the moment he met the right person.

Feeling at ease, I reached for my phone in my jacket pocket and just as I stepped outside I saw over a dozen texts from Ho-seok and ten missed calls.

"Oh no." I breathed, and I was startled when I saw a Corvette speed into the gravel parking lot.

"Ya!" Ho-seok yelled, slamming the driver's door closed. "What the hell, Kayla!"

"Ho-seok?" I gaped, my lips parted as he stormed right in front of me.

"What happened? Why couldn't I reach you?" He questioned, his face a bright red.

"Baby, I'm so sorry! I wasn't beside my phone. I left it in my jacket when we got in the ring."

"The ring?" He exclaimed, his eyes widening. "So you were just canoodling with your ex, rolling all over a mat with him like you don't have a boyfriend who was hard at work!"

I covered my lips, doing my best not to laugh at Ho-seok's jealous yet adorable behavior.

"Do you think this is funny?" He gawked. "How could you text me a message like that, and not respond for almost an hour? I just made an ass of myself in front of the entire office! I literally excused myself from a team meeting as soon as it started, Makayla!"

"I'm sorry!" I implored, bringing my hands to the sides of his face. "I was trying to be transparent. I didn't mean to upset you!"

"What happened? Do I need to go in there?" He asked, grabbing my waist. "Him and I can talk, man to man. I've trained enough. I'll fight him if need be."

"Babe, no." I chuckled. "You've seen it yourself, Jackson's not your average guy. His fists are lethal."

"I'll get my ass beat then." He admitted, our noses brushing as the playfulness I was used to surfaced. "I don't care if I took you from him. You're mine now. I'll take a beating if it means making that clear, Kayla."

I blushed, grazing the skin along his cheekbone with my thumb. "You think I'd let that happen to you? You've seen me in action now, too."

"I may or may not, also be banking on that." He grinned, making me giggle. "For real, though. Everything's okay? We're still good? I honestly avoided this discussion, this morning."

I nodded. "Of course we are. I'm serious about us, and I'm assuming its the same for you?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I'm serious about you, Kayla. You're so precious to me. What more do I have to do, to prove that to you?"

"I just needed to hear you say it one more time." I beamed, his expression still confused. "I think I can make that promise to you."

"Promise?"

"That I'll never throw myself in danger again." I replied, his eyes widening. "You're precious to me too and I don't want you worrying about me all of the time. If you need the reassurance that I'll stop being so reckless, I'll give that to you. Just promise me, you'll stay by my side no matter what."

"I promise." He cleanly stated. "For as long as you'll have me I'm all yours, aein."

Basking in the euphoria of our deep commitment to one another, our lips connected as we smiled through each kiss.

The feeling, so new but also so familiar.

Ho-seok had managed to bring me back to life and while I knew cutting ties with my revenge would be complex, I was ready to do it.

Because for him, I could also do anything. 

____

Author's Note: Hello, hello! I hope everyone is doing well, and that you enjoyed the chapter! 

Thanks all for your patience as I took some time to recover! 

This was the chapter many of you were waiting for! Jackson and Makayla's first encounter after two months apart! What are your thoughts now that you know what kept him away, as well as his take on the reality of her relationship with Ho-seok?

Lots of drama is coming next chapter, and we're not far away from another big moment many of us are SO excited for. DANNY AND MIN-SEOK'S WEDDING! 

Please, please, please remember to vote and comment! I took a week off, and Acquit to Love You's rankings plummeted. Your support is always appreciated! Let's get this book back in a nice spot so others can discover it too!  

- Zelene