Trigger Warning: Gun Violence

Paul POV

I maintained my hold on Makayla's slim wrist, my eyes locked with Jackson's despite Donnell's sudden and surprising appearance.

His gaze calm yet fierce, Jackson wasn't wavering. He maintained his hold on Makayla's other wrist despite the obvious change in our dynamic. While there was a time the huge marine once intimidated me, that was in the past and I was making my claim very clear.

Makayla was mine now, and there was no way Jackson was taking her from me after being MIA for months.

"Can you both let go?" Makayla softly uttered.

Hearing her uneasy tone, Jackson and I halted our stare down and did as she asked.

Her pale face was clammy and a reminder as to why all three of us showed up here in the first place. She was at a loss of words, though I could tell it wasn't just because of the awkward encounter before her.

"Makayla!" Madison called for her. The surgeon was standing beside Johnny and he had also noticed the tense situation at hand. "They cornered the last gunman on the other side of the building. We need to get back in the ER and start tending to the patients in critical condition."

Concentrated on the severity around us, Makayla didn't hesitate to accept her mentor's order. She gripped the arm strap of her medical bag and took one single step away from me before I grabbed her wrist again.

"Kayla, no." I pleaded. "It's too dangerous."

"Ho-seok."

"The gunman is cornered, not detained. It's not safe." I tried again. "Do you know how scared I was after hearing the news? I panicked when I couldn't find you, but now you're right here and safe. Let's keep it that way. I'm begging you, Kayla. Please don't go back in there."

Grabbing my hand, she caressed it and placed a faint smile across her face amidst the chaos surrounding us.

"They wouldn't give us the clear to go back inside if the situation wasn't handled." She replied. "The police have done their job and now I need to do mine. I need to go in there and save as many lives as I can. I'll remain alert though, okay? Don't worry."

As another reality of dating a committed surgeon set in, my hand fell to my side when Makayla acknowledged Donnell and Jackson, next.

Given their rough history and what had just been disclosed, Makayla didn't have anything to say to Donnell. Jackson was a different story, though. When their eyes connected, so much affection was still present between them and it hurt to witness.

"I'll call you later." Makayla said to the marine, and he simply nodded in response.

I watched her leave us, my heart racing as she rushed towards the emergency room entrance alongside Madison. I wanted to follow her so badly, but the officers were only allowing hospital staff and the patients who were in critical condition back inside the building.

"Yo, you gonna explain yourself or not Paul?" Donnell impatiently inquired.

I glanced at him, but my eyes naturally centered on the one true threat standing before me.

Seemingly unfazed, the Chinese American remained silent and made it clear there was nothing for him and I to discuss. He had every intention of hearing from my girlfriend and only her, so with that, he turned around and left me to deal with today's next unfortunate altercation.

"Are you here alone?" I asked Donnell. Though he was furious, he nodded. "Follow me."

We weaved through the crowd of people and towards the outskirts of the mayhem, but the moment we had an ounce of privacy Donnell didn't waste a second.

"This is far enough, man. Speak." He demanded. "How the hell do you know Makayla, and what is she to you? What the fuck did I just witness?"

"What you saw is exactly how it is, Donnell." I confessed. "She's my girlfriend and despite what I said to the guys earlier, I'm serious about the relationship we're in."

He scoffed, his expression stunned. "Unbelievable. I must've been such a joke to both of you! I went out of my way to protect her and you... Man, I sincerely opened up to you with the best intentions, Paul! I told you how I felt about Kayla, and you were dating her this entire time?"

"It's not that simple. My relationship with Kayla precedes our history. I met her my first night in Boston, and we ended up having a common relationship that brought us together. Remember that time you called me while I was on my way to meet a girl as a favor to a good friend back in Korea? You teased me, calling it a blind date."

"It was her?" He gaped.

"Yeah." I confirmed. "From there, we got really close and she's the main reason I've kept my distance from The Elite. I believe her and every thing she's accused the group of. It took her some time to trust me but we got there and I've prioritized helping her heal from the trauma ever since."

"Helping her heal from the trauma?" He sarcastically recited. "Be so fucking for real. We all know you can't keep it in your pants, and I know what she's like in bed too."

"Watch it." I warned him. "Come at me all you want, but don't ever speak about my girlfriend like that. Especially, in front of me."

Donnell looked away, his tongue pressed against the inside of his cheek. I could tell he was enraged, but he's always been level headed and reasonable. No insult would change my relationship with Makayla, and nothing good would come out of hitting me either.

"Donnell, I'm aware that in comparison to the rest of the guys you have always been the most honest and transparent with me. For that, I am truly sorry for hurting you. But by time I realized you weren't as bad as the rest of The Elite, I was too deep in my feelings for Makayla.

"She's precious to me and I'll always prioritize her over you and anyone else. That being said, I need to know what you plan on doing with this discovery. Are you going to tell the boys about my relationship with her?"

"Man, fuck you Paul!" He roared, stepping closer to me. "How dare you say all that, then try to sweep this fucked up situation under the rug like it's no big deal! Shit, how dare you even ask me such a question like protecting her hasn't been my priority this entire time?"

"Does that mean you won't say anything, then?"

"The fuck is wrong with you! How can you be so insensitive?"

"Because I've just put my girlfriend in danger!" I snapped. "I don't have time or the patience to worry about a situation that's as clear as day, Donnell. I betrayed you and I have no intention of leaving Kayla for you. That's the reality of this entire discussion. I'm with her, I'm staying with her, and I just need to know what her and I are up against at this point."

Clicking his tongue, Donnell stepped away from me as he brought his hands to the top of his head and took some time to think through his response.

"I still don't think you grasp how dangerous Antonio is." Donnell uttered when he turned to face me again. "If you did, you'd know I could never reveal this to him and live my life with a clear conscience. It would dirty my hands with even more blood and I don't want that for myself."

My shoulders fell as a relieved sigh spilled past my lips. "Thank you, Donnell."

"Naw, don't thank me." He rejected. "I can tell, you still don't even know everything about your own girlfriend and she's your responsibility from now on. I've done everything I can to protect Makayla from Antonio, to include risking my own life every time I vouched for her fake alibis."

"Fake?" I questioned.

"Kayla is a terrible liar if you really know her." He stated. "The more she lies, the more defensive she gets when questioned. I knew she lied every time I confronted her about her whereabouts, but I let it go and lied to Antonio. I won't do that for her anymore since you're in the picture though, and maybe its time you finally found out just who he is.

"Look up the latest news out of Central about a gang called the Aces, and see if you can even stomach what you're signing up for. It shook Chase and Spencer so badly, even they tried to protect Makayla today. That man is a monster and 'your girl' is on his radar. Shit, I'm sensing you are too."

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"You've been suspicious for weeks and now it all makes sense." Donnell again scoffed. "At this rate, he's going to figure you two out in no time and when he does, he won't take it lightly."

Infuriated, his piercing stare looked me up and down before he left me to digest his warning.

Though I trusted Donnell wouldn't be the one to break today's news to Antonio, I also knew that he was right.

These past few weeks I had been so focused on winning Makayla over, I made little to no time for The Elite and my excuses weren't the strongest either. I was getting sloppy and if Makayla really was the motorcyclist, it appeared she was too.

"They must have caught the shooter." A woman stated, grabbing my attention. "They're letting everyone back into the building."

Following the crowd and the guidance of the police officers, I refocused my attention on Kayla and her safety.

A few minutes had past by time I stepped into the packed and disorderly emergency room.

Doctors and nurses were running all over the place, helping as many blood covered patients as they could despite how shaken they were.

Buckets of tears had been shed to accompany the whimpers and pleads of the terrified victims that were processing the many lives lost, the danger many lives were still in, and the overall experience of surviving such a horrific incident.

"Clear!" Makayla yelled.

Given all the disarray and life-threatening conditions within the ER, there was no privacy for any of the victims being treated.

I saw Kayla watch as her colleague mounted a young woman to perform CPR. The victim was wearing scrubs similar to Makayla's and seeing the reaction of the nurses surrounding them, I knew it was one of their teammates.

"Change!" Makayla's colleague shouted.

Kayla took over the CPR and put every ounce of energy she had into each compression. They must have been trying to revive the young doctor for awhile. Kayla was already sweating, and she was struggling to breath herself as she pumped her friend's heart.

"Makayla." Her colleague whimpered, placing his hand on her back. "That's enough, it's almost been 30 minutes. She's gone, you have to call it."

Her head falling backwards, Kayla gasped for air as she did her best to hold back her tears.

My heart shattered seeing my exhausted girlfriend climb off the hospital bed and when she looked to her watch, her lips tightened.

"Patient name, Dr. Cindy Rodriguez." Kayla declared. "Time of death - February 20, 3:17 pm."

The nurses sobbed as I witnessed another troubling reality of Kayla's chosen career path. After covering her friend's pale face, she began comforting the heartbroken nurses as if she wasn't hurting herself.

"I know this is hard, but we have to move forward." Kayla encouraged the team, even hugging a few of them. "We're the last hope for many other's that will survive, today. Keep that in mind and stay strong."

Feeling as uplifted as possible in such a traumatic situation, the team dispersed and went back to treating patients when suddenly two male nurses and a man in a suit rushed through the ER.

They were pushing a mobile stretcher and based on the patient's attire and the police officers that were also present, I could guess who it was they were trying to save.

"Dr. Pearson!" The suited man called for her. He seemed high up in the hospital. "We need your help. You're the only available surgeon with enough practice to start the operation and it's time sensitive. The patient was shot in the chest while being apprehended by the police."

"I'm sorry. Director Wilson, are you asking me to save the person who is responsible for all of this right now?"

"Yes, because that's your job." He reminded her. "You don't get to determine who's life is worth saving. Your job is to save any life in need, and this patient is in critical condition."

"Sir." Makayla tried, but her boss wasn't having it.

"I know you're a resident, and I will be by your side while you lead the beginning of this surgery. If my shaky hands could hold a scalpel, I would do this myself but we all know my story. I just need you to start the operation until a senior surgeon becomes available, so go get ready for it. We'll begin in 15 minutes."

Before Makayla could utter a word, the man rushed off while the shooter was moved towards the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Many remorseful gazes from colleagues and the surrounding victims fixed on Makayla as she registered what was happening, herself. I could see the wave of emotions slapping her across the face - sadness, rage, and even determination.

Taking a deep breath, that cold and firm expression I had not witnessed in months clouded her features as she headed towards the ICU next.

"Aein." I whispered, though I didn't want her to hear me.

I had already burdened her today, letting her comfort me earlier. I couldn't be of much help in this moment but I could watch over her until the very end. Even if it was from afar.

Following signs towards the ICU, I walked through the hectic halls and into its waiting area.

The room was full of people anticipating the latest news of their loved ones and the outcomes of their unexpected surgeries.

I sat in a vacant chair towards the back corner of the room and looked to the mounted screen that indicated each patient's name, the operating doctor, and the status of their procedure.

Makayla's name soon appear on the long list but strategically, they did not include the name of the criminal she was operating on.

Slouching back in the chair, I took this time to do as Donnell recommended and looked for the news out of Central he mentioned.

I had to scroll a bit, but my eyes widened when I found an article about a vicious homicide aligned to gang violence in Boston.

"Jesus Christ." I softly gasped. "These were the pests he alluded to earlier?"

I couldn't bring myself to read the entire piece. I felt nauseous the more details I learned about the cruel execution of three subordinates and their leader. There was even a connected article stating dead bodies of additional Ace members had been discovered across the city, and it looked like the gang was getting wiped out.

"Ho-seok, there you are." Johnny suddenly called for me. Taking a seat beside me, he placed his hand on my back to comfort me. "How are you doing, little brother?"

"Probably the same as you." I replied. "I'm just happy both of the girls are safe."

"Same, man. Sadly, you hear about mass shootings in the US often but it hits differently when you're loved one is in the building. I don't think I've ever been so scared before."

I nodded in agreement. "Have you been contacted by the hospital's CEO yet? I'm sure a slew of lawsuits are coming his way. It's going to be a rough few weeks at AHS, isn't it?"

Johnny nodded. "I just talked to him and he thinks he was the target. The gunmen have been identified. They're all retired soldiers, one of which is drowning in debt following the death of his brother who was also a veteran and a patient at this hospital.

"I didn't get the specifics as to what the brother was being treated for, but he died on the table. Apparently, it's a case AHS recently won when they tried to sue for malpractice."

My lips parted. "Really?"

"Yeah." Johnny sighed. "You know we always do whatever it takes to win at AHS, even when the defendant is guilty. I'm nervous to find out that in doing so, we almost got Madison and Makayla killed along with the many other victims here."

"How was Madison when you got to her? Did they come into contact with the shooters at all? As you saw, I didn't exactly get to check on Makayla before they went back to work."

"Madison was pretty shaken up, but moreso surprised by what she witnessed." He answered, and there was a sudden shift in his expression. "So there were three gunman in total and the only reason she made it out safely was because Makayla took down two of them."

My eyes widened as Johnny nodded to verify I heard him correctly.

"The girls were cornered in the residents' office and Madison said she couldn't even process how quickly Makayla disarmed the gunman. Then on their way out of the building, Makayla saved a group of people in the ER too."

Pushing my fingers through my hair, I digested yet another piece of unwanted evidence indicating my girlfriend could be the vigilante Antonio was hunting down.

"I was actually on my way to pick up the security footage to include as evidence for the case." Johnny proceeded. "Do you want to come with me and see what went down?"

Despite how nervous I was to witness Makayla in action, I accepted his offer and let Johnny lead the way. It appeared I had plenty of time to step away as well. Kayla was still operating on the shooter and it felt safe to assume it would take awhile.

We walked through the large building. Some areas of the hospital were chaotic while others were solemn with grief, and the remaining were being cleaned now that the fallen victims had been moved to the morgue.

By time we got to the security office, I was depressed and even more anxious to see how my girlfriend made it out of the massacre alive.

"I'm Johnny Kim, the Head Partner at AHS Group Boston." He said, handing the lead security officer his business card. "In case you haven't been made aware, we will be representing the hospital following today's tragic event."

"Yes, sir. The CEO told us to cooperate with you fully. How can we help?"

"Can we see today's footage? That would be a good start."

"Of course. Right this way."

We followed the man into a dark and closed off room. The long wall in front of us was lined with screens that showed every inch of this hospital.

"Can you rewind everything back to the start of the shooting?" Johnny asked.

The two men responsible for managing the surveillance system did as requested. My eyes glanced across all the screens before I finally saw Makayla and Madison in the residents' office.

"This is where the first gunman was disarmed." An officer stated. He pulled the footage up on the largest TV mounted in the center of the wall.

Makayla and Madison were only chatting before we witnessed the two surgeons notice the commotion just outside the office door. Lucky for Madison, Makayla was much quicker at identifying the noise.

"Dr. Pearson's impressive." The same officer stated. "I think that would have been it for Dr. Brown if she hadn't stopped her from opening the door."

Johnny said nothing, though I could tell he was just as shocked and hurt as me. Seeing what the girl's survived, it was terrifying and gut-wrenching.

Glass shattered over their heads as Makayla did her best to protect the both of them, even silencing Madison's screams.

Her instincts sharp and precise, you could tell something Makayla heard or maybe even didn't hear, told her they had to move.

Crouched, she pulled Madison behind a set of desks. It was the best blind spot from the door that opened as soon as they concealed themselves. The gunman slowly walked into the office, and his confidence confirmed that he knew people were there and hiding.

"She's watching him through the reflection of the mirror in the corner." The other officer pointed out. "You see that?"

My heart raced watching my reckless girlfriend.

Inching away from her terrified mentor, Kayla moved around the set of desks while the masked shooter stepped closer and closer towards Madison on the other side.

Fortunately, he wasn't as clever as Makayla. He was so focused on killing his next victim, he didn't notice her through the mirror or even hear her approaching him from behind until it was too late.

When he turned around, her leg was already raised for the downward kick that knocked the gun from his hold.

The large man tried to punch her and after she dodged the strike, she swiftly moved past him, kicked the back of his knee and drove his head into the top of the desk without hesitation.

"Holy shit." Johnny gaped, my lips parted as well.

After locating zip ties, Kayla tied the man's ankles and secured his wrists behind his back while Madison watched in complete shock. Makayla was focused on their survival though, and she grabbed the automatic gun before she escorted Madison out of the office next.

"Follow them." Johnny demanded, and the officers did just that.

Holding the firearm like a pro, Makayla guided Madison down the hall and into a stairwell. The pair bumped into a group of people who were also trying to escape the building before they all decided to follow closely behind the armed doctor.

When they exited the stairwell, they entered the ER to find another masked gunman holding nurses and doctors hostage at gunpoint. Kayla and the group were not in the man's line of sight though.

The captives were on their knees, their fingers locked behind their heads, while the short ex-military man appeared to be yelling at them.

After reading the situation behind a wall, Makayla handed Madison the gun. Her mentor was on the verge of tears as she fearfully accepted the firearm. Madison knew the two were going their separate ways, and there was no stopping Makayla despite her pleads.

Staying within the numerous blindspots of the ER, Makayla covertly inched closer to the gunman and his captives while Madison and the group stayed safely put.

My fist clenched, I watched her move low across the emergency room - behind the receptionist desk, the steel medical carts, and past the curtains separating the hospital beds. She got pretty close by time one of the captives noticed and gave her away with one single look.

Makayla sprinted towards the gunman and even slide tackled him to the ground as he fired a round just over her head.

Losing grip of the riffle, Makayla pulled the shooter's broad back into her chest before he could grab the gun again. She wrapped her arm around his neck for a rear chokehold and her long legs were tightly circled around his waist as she fought hard to contain him.

The gunman couldn't get out of her hold though. Kicking his feet, the man did everything he could to escape the chokehold but Makayla had positioned her arms and hands so well he couldn't get a grip of them.

"She knows Jiu Jitsu, too?" The lead officer breathed.

We all watched in astonishment as Madison guided everyone out of the ER safely, to include the male doctors Makayla had just saved. Madison however kept the gun Makayla gave her aimed at the shooter until Makayla finally subdued him, and put the man to sleep.

Barely breathing, I zoned out for minutes while Johnny continued his business with the hospital's security officers.

All the evidence confirming Makayla's involvement in the avenging acts towards The Elite and Antonio continued to pile up, and I had no idea what to do.

"Thank you." Johnny expressed to the security team.

The men escorted us out of the office and as I stepped into the hallway, Johnny accepted the footage he originally came here to collect before it was just the two of us.

"Ho-seok." Johnny called for me. "Who the hell is your girlfriend, and why was taking down two armed military veterans so easy for her?"

"You know she trains in self-defense." I covered. "Her trainer, Jackson, he's a marine. He's been giving her private lessons for nearly a year and I've witnessed her practice all of those moves at the gym, myself."

"That was not just self defense! She's fully skilled in combat, Ho-seok! She knocked out two grown men in a matter of seconds and did you see the way she was carrying that riffle? She looked like a trained solider, herself!"

"Carrying a gun, and shooting one are two different things." I denied. "And from what I can recall, your girlfriend held her own with that gun too."

"Don't do that, Ho-seok."

"Don't do what?"

"Gaslight me! I know what I saw!" I looked away from Johnny as he applied the pressure. "It all makes sense now. You think it's her, don't you? You're worried Makayla is the motorcyclist that helped you. That's why you've been so worried about Antonio finding the person, isn't it?"

Lips parted, the expression on my face and the silence that followed answered his questions.

"Damnit, Ho-seok." He groaned. "I told you to stop keeping secrets from me!"

"Why would I tell you something I'm not certain of? Especially when it's something like this!"

"Well are you certain now?"

"No! I mean, yes? I don't know!" I confessed. "All the signs are pointing towards her, but I'm having a hard time accepting it! I mean, it's Kayla we're talking about! I know she's a strong woman but what that motorcyclist has done, how can she be the person behind the helmet?"

Johnny sighed, stepping closer to me before he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Why don't you just ask her, Ho-seok?"

"Because she won't take it well, if it's true. This is very sensitive hyung, and I have to go about everything strategically or I could lose Kayla. And to be clear, when I say I'm worried about losing her - I'm not just referring to the possibility of getting dumped."

Hearing my underlying concern, Johnny caressed my shoulder to comfort me.

"You said all signs point towards Makayla. Given her history with Antonio and the clear motive she has to go after him and The Elite, is he suspecting her at all?"

"Yeah." I confirmed.

Nodding, Johnny put his game face on.

"We can't let this security footage get out." He stated. "This is the piece that gets her caught. Since Antonio and the boys don't want to bring attention to their past crimes and Antonio's business, it's safe to say she's clear from a legal standpoint. But if this footage gets revealed, Antonio will assume she's the motorcyclist whether its true or not."

"Does this mean you'll take care of it then?"

"Of course." He affirmed. "We won't need much video evidence to protect the hospital for such a straightforward case. We'll be strategic about what footage is brought to the court, I'll have my team sweep the web for any possible leakages that land on social media, and I'll get a gag order in place to protect Makayla's privacy. No one in this hospital will be able to utter a word about what she did, today. I'll make it happen."

"Thank you so much, hyung."

"No need to thank me." He softly chuckled. "Makayla isn't just your girlfriend. She's my friend, practically a little sister to Madison, and now she likely the person who has saved two people that mean so much to me. Of course I'll help you protect her, Ho-seok. She's family now."

I pulled my genius big brother in for a tight hug, my eyes closing as a wave of relief coursed through my body. Even though the road ahead was still uncertain to me, it felt good to know that a force like Johnny was by my side to help if called upon.

"Alright, little brother." Johnny said, pulling out of the hug. "I need to get back to headquarters. I'm going to give you tonight to stay close to Makayla, but I need you in the office every day this week as the heir of AHS Group. This is a perfect opportunity to show the team, you're more than just your father's legacy. Okay?"

I nodded as he stepped away. "Understood. I'll see you tomorrow."

Waving goodbye, Johnny walked down the hall while I headed the other direction.

As I walked towards the ICU, I checked my phone and saw missed text messages from Shawn. He was checking on Makayla and as I confirmed her safety, an incoming call from her cousin surfaced despite the fact it was just past 5:00 am in South Korea, right now.

"Hey-..."

"Ho-seok!" Danny panicked. "I heard about the active shooters at Makayla's hospital, and her parents can't get a hold of her. Have you been able to reach her? If not, I'm so sorry to ask this of you but can get to the hospital?"

"Hey, calm down." I cooed. "I'm already here. Your cousin is safe, and the situation is under control. She's operating on a patient right now."

"Oh, thank God!" Danny sobbed. I could hear Min-seok trying to ease her concern as well.

"Naekkeo, please breath." He pleaded. "This stress isn't good for the babies."

Hearing so much pain on the other side of the call, my heart shattered all over again. Danny sounded terrible, her breathing unstable between each whimper.

"Hyung." Min-seok answered. "How are you holding up?"

"Honestly, it's been rough." I admitted, though I couldn't tell him too much detail. "I learned a lot today. There's still so much Makayla may be shouldering that she's not telling me about. I want to be there for her, but its hard to when she doesn't tell me everything."

"Just keep doing what you're already doing." He advised. "Stay by her side, support her, and shield her from any hardships you're aware of. You're relationship is new and Kayla is not someone who easily relies on people. She will come to you for help when she's ready."

I sighed, though I knew Min-seok was right. I had to be patient despite the danger her and I could be up against.

"Hang in there, hyung." Min-seok encouraged as I stepped into the ICU's waiting area. "Call me at any point today, and let us know when you bring Kayla home. We'll make sure her parents know that she's safe."

"Okay. I'll text you an update later." I confirmed, and as I was about to hang up I heard Min-seok call for me.

"I'm proud of you." He praised. "I know it wasn't easy holding it together and getting to her today, but you did it. Give yourself some grace. For this to be your first serious relationship, you're doing amazing Ho-seok. Keep following your instincts, and you two will get through anything together. Okay?"

"Thanks, hyung." I blushed as his soft and reassuring laughter filled my ear before the call ended. "Leave it to Min-seok to make me crack a smile on a day like this."

My confidence boosted, I slipped my phone in my pocket as I looked to the status of Kayla's operation but I didn't see it on the screen anymore.

I stepped out of the waiting area and started looking for my girlfriend around the halls and in the emergency room, but I didn't see her anywhere.

"Paul?" Madison said. I turned around as she approached me. "You're still here?"

"I wanted to stay close to Kayla. I thought she was in an operation, but I don't see it on the list in the waiting room anymore."

"Well you're dating a very special resident." Madison forced a smile on her pale face. "She completed the surgery quickly and successfully before she could be relieved. I imagine its a bittersweet feeling for Makayla though. This is the first time she's led a surgery, and such a milestone in her career was waisted on a criminal that killed many people today."

Zoning out, I could tell Madison was also doing her best to manage her conflicted feelings as a doctor and a victim of today's horrific incident.

"Johnny just left but I'm sure if you call, he'll come back." I recommended.

"No, it's going to be a late night for me as the most senior resident at the hospital." She stated. "The General Surgery Director gave Makayla the rest of the day and tomorrow off though. You should go to her and get her home. She's going to need you big time tonight, Paul."

"Where is she?"

"She usually goes to the green roof when there is a lot on her mind. Take an elevator to the 8th floor. You'll see signs pointing you in the right direction as soon as you step off of it."

"Thank you, Madison." Seeing the worn down surgeon, I pulled her into the first hug we had ever shared. "I see this is something you and Kayla have in common. You're also human and allowed to hurt. Don't push yourself too hard tonight. You're a survivor too."

I felt her embrace the hug, even taking a deep breath before we pulled out of it. Despite the tears she wiped off her cheeks, she placed another smile on her face.

"Makayla sacrificed a lot more than me today. Go take care of her."

As urged, I followed Madison's guidance and took the nearest elevator to the green roof. When I stepped outside, the brisk cold winds that accompanied the sunset brushed across my face. It was freezing, and the rooftop was silent since there was only one person standing on it.

Makayla's back was facing me as she looked out to the city. Despite how cold it was, she had nothing covering her arms. All she was wearing was her blood splatted scrubs, a pair of socks, and over them were the black crocks she only ever wore to work.

I walked towards her - though she was still. I could barely tell if she was breathing.

"Aein." I tenderly called for her. I was about a yard away, anxiously waiting to see the condition she was in.

Slowly turning to face me - Makayla revealed her heavy eyelids and the dark circles beneath them, an unusual pair of dry lips, and the clammy skin that was even paler than before.

My heart crumbled as she just stared at me, silent and motionless. I didn't break the lock of our gazes though. I took Min-seok's advice and stayed by her side. With one look, I showed her that I was here for her, that she didn't have to be strong, and that she wasn't alone.

All she had to do, was come to me.

Her lips parting, I finally saw her breath. The pair began trembling as its corners fell and the tears piled up in her eyes to such an extent, I was certain the sight of me was a blur to her.

"Ho-seok." She finally whimpered.

Hearing her plea, I closed the distance and pulled her into my arms before her knees buckled.

She sobbed as I held her head against my chest, her arms wrapped around my waist and beneath my grey tweed overcoat.

She was crying uncontrollably, and I could feel every ounce of her pain through each wail.

"Why does this keep happening?" She questioned. "Why do bad people get to live, while good people who suffered at their very hands die?"

I held Makayla tighter, her fingers raking fist fulls of my black shirt as she did her best to contain the rage and sadness she was feeling.

"I just saved a murder, Ho-seok." She sobbed. "He killed my friends and so many innocent people, but I had to save him. Why did I have to do that? Why did he get to live?"

"Aein, I'm so sorry." I cooed, kissing the top of her head. "I know it hurts, but you did so good today. You did your best, and what was best. Don't focus on that man. You saved so many deserving lives today and I'm so proud of you, Kayla. You did so good, aein."

Despite my praise, she started crying harder and my eyes closed as I held back my own tears.

Seeing my strong, fun, caring, and nurturing girlfriend cry and suffer at such a level was unbearable to me, and I realized that her and I may have one more thing in common.

While I would remain patient and wait for Makayla to fully open up to me when she was ready, I would be proactive in protecting her at the same time. Whether it meant lying for her, bending the law for her, or even throwing myself into danger for her. I would do it all...

Because that's how much I already loved her. 

____

Author's Note: Thank you all so much for the kind words and patience as I took additional time to write this chapter! It was a tough one for many reasons, but I wanted to be careful considering how sensitive the main subject of the chapter is. 

Ho-seok is getting closer and closer to confirming Makayla is the motorcyclist that has saved him but also has committed crimes to right the wrongs of the innocent. Will these new discoveries change the dynamic of their relationship and how do you think surviving such a scary day will alter Makayla's mindset?

Admittedly, writing this chapter exhausted me this past week and there is a high probability I'll need a few days to recover. Chances are slim I'll update again this weekend, but if I don't, a hard reset will be in affect next weekend! 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for your support!  

- Zelene