27.

the bad boy fears

AS AKARI CONDUCTED her routine hospital rounds, she received a call instructing her to check ward 312 for an incoming patient. Curious, she made her way to the designated ward, her steps echoing softly in the corridor. Upon arriving at ward 312, she found it empty, devoid of any signs of activity.

With a puzzled expression, Akari glanced around the room, wondering if there had been a misunderstanding or if the patient had yet to arrive. As she waited, she walked over to the window, drawn to the view of the town outside. The bustling streets below were bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, creating a picturesque scene that captivated her attention.

Lost in thought, Akari momentarily forgot about the task at hand as she savored the tranquility of the moment.

Her mind drifted back to a conversation she had overheard during breakfast that morning. The chatter among her colleagues centered on the recent disappearance of Alexander Jones and its implications. Akari had paused to listen to the conversation.

Dr. Patel leaned in, his brow furrowed in concern. "Did you hear about Alexander Jones?"

Dr. Lee nodded, glancing up from his paperwork. "Yeah, I heard he vanished into thin air. Looks like he's trying to evade the law."

"It's not looking good for him," Dr. Patel remarked solemnly. "His disappearance only adds weight to the suspicions against him."

Dr. Lee sighed, shaking his head. "Indeed. The evidence against him is mounting, and now this?"

Akari listened intently, absorbing their words as she sipped her coffee. The discussion turned to Julian Jones, and she couldn't help but chime in. "But what about Julian? Could he really be innocent?"

Dr. Patel shrugged, adjusting his glasses. "It's hard to say. But with Alexander gone, the focus might shift back to him."

Dr. Lee nodded in agreement. "True. If Alexander was the mastermind behind it all, then Julian might just be collateral damage."

Akari had stepped out of the room, her mind swirling with the latest developments in the case. It had been two days since his disappearance, and the tension in the town was palpable.

The police had wasted no time in issuing an immediate arrest warrant for Alexander, should he be found. Akari couldn't help but feel a sense of unease knowing that a manhunt was underway in their community. The thought of Alexander roaming free, potentially dangerous, sent a chill down her spine.

Akari's phone vibrated in her hand, interrupting her thoughts as she glanced down to see Julian's name flashing on the screen— 'Homeboy JJ'.

A smile tugged at her lips as she moved to answer the call, but before she could react, her phone was knocked out of her hand, clattering to the floor. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she spun around to face her assailant, her heart pounding with fear as she found herself backed against the wall with a knife pressed against her neck.

It was Alexander Jones, the man the cops are desperately searching for, his presence sending a shiver of fear down Akari's spine. Disheveled and smelling of sweat and desperation, he wore a patient's gown, a crude attempt to blend in and evade capture.

His sinister grin sent chills down Akari's spine as she braced herself for whatever twisted intentions he had in store. Locked in the room with no means of escape, she could feel the weight of his malevolent gaze bearing down on her, filling her with a sense of dread unlike anything she had ever experienced before.

Her own phone lay vibrating on the floor, a silent plea for help that she couldn't reach.

"You thought you could hide from me, Akari? You and your little boyfriend, Julian," Alexander taunted, his voice low and dangerous. "But I've been watching you, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. And now, you're mine."

Akari's mind raced with fear as she realized the gravity of the situation. Julian's safety, and her own, hung in the balance as Alexander continued to threaten her with chilling determination. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears, drowning out all other sound except for the sound of Alexander's voice, filled with malice and contempt.

"I know all about Julian's feelings for you," Alexander sneered, his grip tightening on the knife as he spoke. "How cute. But now, because of you, he's going to suffer. And there's nothing you can do to stop it. You thought you could escape my notice, Akari? Think again," Alexander sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "I've had one of my men following you, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. I was watching your every move."

With every word, Akari felt the weight of Alexander's threats bearing down on her, suffocating her with fear and helplessness.

Just then, Akari's phone began to vibrate on the floor, a silent beacon of hope in the darkness of the room. Akari's heart clenched with desperation as she reached out for the phone, her fingers trembling with fear and adrenaline. Alexander's grip tightened on her, his voice filled with menace.

"Don't even think about it, Akari," Alexander growled, his eyes flashing with malice. "If you try anything, Julian will suffer the consequences. And so will you."

With a sinking feeling in her chest, Akari realized that she was trapped, caught in Alexander's web of deception and cruelty.

Akari summoned every ounce of courage within her, she found her voice trembling but defiant. "You think you can scare me, Alexander? You think you can control me like some pawn in your sick game?" she challenged, her words laced with a steely resolve.

But her defiance only seemed to fuel Alexander's rage. His grip tightened on the knife, the cold metal biting into her skin, as he leaned in closer, his eyes ablaze with fury. Akari winced as the pressure increased, feeling the sharp sting as the blade drew blood, a crimson trail trickling down her neck.

"Enough!" Alexander spat, his voice a venomous hiss. "You don't get to talk back to me, Akari. You don't get to defy me." His words dripped with malice, each syllable punctuated by the menacing gleam of the knife.

Despite the fear coursing through her veins, Akari refused to cower before him. With every fiber of her being, she fought to maintain her composure, to stand her ground against the darkness that threatened to engulf her.

"My men are already on the way to your house," Alexander's voice echoed with sinister satisfaction, "They are going to kill him and bury him in your parents' house." His laughter filled the room, a chilling symphony of malice and cruelty. Once again, Akari's phone vibrated on the floor, a stark reminder of the impending danger. It was from Julian. "Maybe your boyfriend is calling you because my men are already there," Alexander sneered, his smile twisted with wicked amusement.

She knew she had to find a way to escape, to warn Julian before it was too late. But with Alexander's knife at her throat and his eyes burning with hatred, she felt paralyzed with fear. "You won't be able to do anything to him," Akari retorted, her voice trembling with defiance. "You are going to rot in jail," she accused, her gaze unwavering despite the fear that gnawed at her insides.

As Alexander looked at the blood trailing down Akari's neck from his knife, his voice dripped with bitterness and frustration. "Shut the fuck up, Akari," he seethed, his words laced with venomous rage. "Everything was perfect. The empire was finally mine. I had the power, the control. But now... now it's all gone."

The door to the ward was suddenly kicked open, and Ha-eun burst in, her eyes wide with fear as she brandished a surgical knife towards Alexander. Beside her, another doctor swiftly moved to restrain him, grabbing hold of his gown and pulling him away. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the room as hospital security rushed in, ready to take control of the situation.

With Alexander now subdued and surrounded by hospital staff, Akari felt a wave of relief wash over her.

As Alexander was being taken away by the hospital security, he let out a chilling laugh that echoed through the ward, his voice tinged with madness. "You haven't seen the last of me!" he shouted, his words filled with malice. "I'll be back, and when I am, you'll regret ever crossing me! I'll always be watching you, waiting for my chance!"

His threats hung heavy in the air, sending a shiver down Akari's spine as she watched him being escorted out of the room.

As soon as Alexander was out of sight, Ha-eun rushed to Akari, enveloping her in a tight hug. Akari leaned into the embrace, seeking comfort and solace in Ha-eun's reassuring presence. Despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, she felt a sense of relief wash over her as Ha-eun held her close. The others were more interested in Alexander Jones getting arrested and had already left the room, leaving Akari and Ha-eun to themselves.

With trembling hands, Akari reached up to touch the wound on her neck, wincing slightly at the sting of pain. Ha-eun gently guided her, taking over the task of tending to the injury with steady hands and a calm demeanor. Carefully applying a bandage to the cut, Ha-eun worked swiftly but with precision, ensuring that Akari was properly cared for.

As the shock of the encounter began to fade, Akari's thoughts turned to Julian. With a sense of urgency, she reached for her phone, her fingers fumbling slightly as she dialed his number. Each ring seemed to echo in the quiet room, heightening her anxiety as she waited for him to answer.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Julian's voice came through the line, filled with concern and relief. Akari let out a shaky breath, feeling a surge of emotion at the sound of his familiar voice. "Julian," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," Julian said, his voice tinged with worry. "Are you? I tried calling you and you weren't answering, so I called Ha-eun and she—"

"She found me," Akari sighed, cutting him off. "I'm fine, are you sure you're okay? Did anyone come there?"

"No," Julian breathed out, the tension evident in his voice. Akari felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing that Julian was safe. "Goddammit," he cursed, the frustration evident in his tone. Akari could hear the faint sound of the television running in the background, the news of Alexander Jones's arrest being broadcasted live from the front of Oakland Hospital.

"Did he hurt you?" Julian asked, his concern palpable even through the phone.

"I'm okay—" Akari began, but her phone was abruptly snatched from her hand.

"He did," Ha-eun's voice cut through the line, her tone laced with anger and determination. "I'm bringing her home,"

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"I'M REALLY FINE," Akari reassured, taking a spoonful of soup after a refreshing cold shower, her body finally starting to relax as she sat at the dining table. "I'm okay, he's been arrested and he's definitely going to jail."

Ha-eun nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting a mix of relief and determination. "He won't get away with what he's done," she declared firmly, her eyes flashing with resolve.

"Earlier, an attack had happened in Oakland Hospital where he had threatened a young doctor and was swiftly caught before he could do any further damage—," the TV news anchor reported, the gravity of the situation evident in her voice. But before she could finish, Fleur swiftly turned off the TV, the room plunging into a sudden silence.

"We don't need to dwell on that," Fleur said firmly, her gaze meeting Akari's.

As Julian approached Akari from behind, his voice was tender as he asked, "More soup?" His small smile belied the regret in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of his inability to protect her completely. Akari nodded in response, silently hoping that accepting another bowl of soup would provide him with some measure of comfort amidst the turmoil.

As Julian gently stroked her head, his eyes betrayed his worry and fear. He knew that Akari had been in grave danger, and the thought of almost losing her filled him with a deep sense of apprehension. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and the realization that the situation could have ended much worse.

As Julian watched Akari sip her soup, a torrent of emotions swept through him. Relief washed over him in waves, knowing that she was safe and sound beside him. Yet, beneath the surface, a tumult of guilt and remorse churned within him. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he had failed to protect her, that he had allowed her to come to harm's way.

His gaze lingered on her, his heart aching with the knowledge that he had almost lost her. Every sip she took was a reminder of the fragility of their situation, of the precariousness of their lives. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms, to shield her from the harsh realities of the world outside.

As Akari set down her bowl, a sense of determination flickered in Julian's eyes. He vowed to himself that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to ensure that she never had to face such danger again. He would be her protector, her guardian, her shield against the storm. And as he watched her, he silently promised that he would never let anything harm her ever again.

As Julian sat beside Akari, his thumb gently stroked her cheek, a silent reassurance of his presence and his unwavering support. "You know," he began softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of relief and remorse, "I never want to see you in danger again." His gaze was tender yet intense, filled with an unspoken promise to always protect her.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there to protect you," he continued, his words laced with regret. "I should have been by your side, shielding you from harm." His hand moved to cup her cheek, his touch gentle yet firm, as if trying to convey all the love and concern he felt for her in that simple gesture.

"But I promise you this," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "From now on, I'll always be there for you. No matter what dangers may come our way, I'll stand by your side, ready to face them together." His eyes held hers.

He leaned in to press a tender kiss to her forehead, he silently reaffirmed his commitment to always protect her.

"We are so close to your freedom," Akari said, smiling at Julian. "He's been arrested,"

"The world still doesn't know that HE murdered William Jones," Ha-eun spoke up.

Akari nodded, her expression somber yet determined. "I know," she replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. "But at least he's off the streets now."

"True," Ha-eun responded. Fleur and Julian seemed to exchange a silent glance and it didn't go unnoticed by Akari.

"I think..." Julian stood up, his expression resolute as he addressed the room. "I think it's time for me to come out of hiding."

Akari's heart sank, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Julian, no! You can't risk it. What if something happens to you?"

Fleur placed a comforting hand on Akari's shoulder. "Akari, Julian's decision is not taken lightly. It's the best course of action to clear his name."

Julian's declaration hung heavy in the air, but Akari couldn't shake the feeling of dread that washed over her. "No, Julian, this is a terrible idea," she interjected, her voice laced with urgency. "You can't just expose yourself like that. It's too risky."

Fleur reached out to reassure her, but Akari pulled away, her resolve unyielding.

Akari's heart ached at Julian's words, her fear threatening to overwhelm her. She squeezed his hands tightly, desperately seeking reassurance. "But what if they take you away?" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty, tears welling in her eyes. The thought of losing Julian, of him being torn away from her, was unbearable.

Julian's gaze softened as he gently wiped away her tears. "I won't let anything happen to me, Akari," he vowed, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to stay safe. But I can't keep hiding in the shadows. I need to face this head-on."

Tears continued to stream down Akari's cheeks as she listened to Julian's words. She knew he was right, that hiding was no longer an option. With a heavy heart, she nodded, accepting the difficult truth. "You have done more than I could ask for," Julian continued, his voice tender and full of gratitude. "But I need to continue with this. For both of us."

Akari leaned into Julian's embrace, finding solace in his warmth and strength. Despite her lingering fears, she knew she had to trust in Julian's resolve.

Tears still glistening in her eyes, Akari mustered the courage to speak up. "Julian," she pleaded softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just give me one day. Twenty-four hours to prepare myself for what's to come."

Julian's heart ached at the sight of Akari's distress, his own emotions swirling with uncertainty and concern. But he knew he couldn't deny her this request, not after all she had endured by his side. "Of course, starlight," he murmured, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Let's forget about everything for just one day,"

With a grateful nod, Akari buried her face in Julian's chest, finding solace in his comforting embrace. For just a moment, she allowed herself to seek refuge in his strength, forgetting about the world around them.

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Awww ☹️☹️☹️ it's time guys, why am I worried? 😢😢😢 what if they take him to jail? 😭 what's going to happen?