21 20: Loop

PORSCHE

The third day in the forest was spent wandering around. Luckily, the weather today is not as cloudy as the past two days. I kept walking along the way as Ilead the rove, not listening to Kinn's wild objection, who is following behindme. I vowed not to be stupid enough to believe him again. If I let him lead thetrek, I could wave goodbye to my city life.

"I said left." Kinn pointed left. I nodded and immediately turned right.I'm not giving a fuck about his speculations anymore, I won't fall victim to it.

"Why won't you believe me?" He said in resignation but continued to follow behind me.

The sun is hot.To be in a natural forest that is oxygen abundant should be easy but walking with all your remaining energy and whacking your brain to its full capacity can make one sweat a lot.

"Let's take a break, okay?" Kinn slowed down and pulled the hem of my shirt. 

He fell to sit in a log under a big tree. I sigh before stopping and standing still as I watch him breathe heavily. I too can feel the tiredness creeping up my body but getting tired won't get us anywhere. In a couple of hours more, the sky will get dark and who knows what will happen to us in this wilderness.

"Come sit here." Kinn slapped his thighs gently as if coaxing me to sit on his lap, so I quickly raised my leg.

"You want my foot?"

"Why are you getting shy over sitting on my lap? Last night you slept with me 'till morning and I haven't heard any complaints." He smiled mischievously making me raise my middle finger at him. If it wasn't for the cold and my fear of ghosts, I'll never let it happen like that.

"Come here.. nah nah.."

He just wouldn't give up, would he? He quickly reached out and pulled my wrist to make me sit on his lap and it

was elegantly done to my surprise. I sat looking away when he wrapped his arms around my waist and tucked

his face in my back. I tried to get up but the more I struggled, the more he tightens his hold on me.

"Let me go!"

"Sit still, I need recharging." What the fuck is he talking about?

"Let go! Damn Kinn!"

"Ouch!"

I may have struggled a bit over the top causing Kinn to fall from the logwhere he is sitting. As he stumbles, I go down with him rolling and falling on top of him. I landed with my face on his chest and in embarrassment, hurriedly stood up and gathered myself together.

"Stop playing around!" I shouted cursing at Kinn who is lying in his twisted arm.

"My arm hurts!" He squealed like a child as I remained standing there, frowning at him. The audacity of this man to act childish!

"Huh.. quit whining and stand up." I glared at him with both my hands on my waist.

"I'm not kidding, my arm scraped against the branch."

He looked like a dying pig, so I crouched down to take a look at his so-called injury.

"Where?" I pulled his arm over and found that his forearm was cut all the way to his elbow and is now bleeding intensely.

"You deserve it! Perverted shit." I grunted as I gradually rip his shirt and use it to wipe his wound lightly. He lifts himself from the ground. Sit back and watch me dress his wound.

"Am I going to die?" Kinn asked alarmed while looking at me.

"Yes! You'll die." I snapped back scowling at him.

"Huh, must I die in the forest?" He said leaning on my shoulder and I'm pretty sure that he is just acting based

on his extremely stupid appearance.

"Go on, die and I'll leave you here. Dimwit. I won't carry your corpse with me. Must I feed you to the ravens?"

I think I sounded a little bit blunt as he inhaled sharply at that. I inspected his wound and realized it was not that deep. I shook his head off my shoulder before I sat up and he looked at me as if I did something offensive.

"Blow on it too, so that it will heal quickly." Kinn grinned and stared at me expectantly. As if I would give what he wants, in your dreams!

I flicked his arm away and walked ahead. "Let's go. Stop uttering nonsense. Or better yet, just get lost." I murmured. Kinn looked up at me as if I was the vilest man he have ever met.

"My arm hurts. I can't walk you see..Carry me."

What's with him today? He's so annoying that I want to kick his gut. "Carry on, your legs are fine."

"Yesterday I carried you."

I sighed heavily. Sometimes this side of him makes me feel frustrated. "Then can I break your leg first? So that I could bear the burden without thinking otherwise?" I said, the words coming out of my mouth smoothly as if threatening is my second job.

"Pull me at least then." He grinned then reached out his hand at me and I have no choice but to tug him in compulsion.

"Let's go." I hauled him up harshly.

"Do it gently please, my arm hurts." But his voice sounded fine, his face looking more aggravated than his wound.

"You and your issues!" I continued walking the path with Kinn still holding my hand.

"Just say that you're worried about me too." He whispered that I could barely have heard it, but I disregarded the thoughts. I'm speechless and I'm getting irritated by the moment.

"This way." He fastened his pace and pushed me forward.

"No, I think it's this way." I didn't agree since I don't trust him anymore, so I shoved his shoulder then lead the way towards the other way while still holding his hands.

"No, I remembered it this way." Stubbornly, he accelerated his steps and walked ahead.

"Ouch Kinn. If you're going to act stupid, then just stay the fuck here." I yelled at him.

"I'm the leader. Just believe in me." He turned around and said it as if he was so sure about it.

"And who decides on that?"

"My father." He replied smugly.

I rolled my eyes at him. I'm not really sure what to feel about it so I just jerked his hand towards the path I believed to be the right one and he just grunted in disapproval.

Kinn must have not realized it, but he's been acting like someone who is afraid to lose me.

Like, am I a child or something? He slid his hands into me, securing it. I don't know what difference does it

make from yesterday's events, but it indeed felt different. We kept following the path. Turned to argue, cursed at each other but really. Walking in the forest is so tiresome especially while dealing with a stupid idiot who sucked

at my energy even more.

"Well, have you ever heard what they say?" Kinn spurted out of nowhere and I frowned in attention.

"What is?"

"Actually the more we walked the more we feel lost. It is because something is covering our eyes." He paused for a bit then resumed walking slowly. I'm not sure what Kinn was talking about.

"..."

"You know in a forest like this, there is always something sacred. And the guys, in the interview." He spoke in a voice so low that I felt the chill start to creep me out. I pinched his hand unconsciously before stopping to curse him out.

"What the fuck are you trying to say?!"

Inside a dark forest, in the middle of nowhere, who is dumb enough to mention things like this?

"I'm serious, haven't you read anything about this before? No matter how far you walked, you'll always end up walking in circles."

"Damn! And what the fuck do you suggest?" I yelled in irritation. Asking me about such things in this kind of situation. Really Kinn? This is the perfect time to say that!

"Yesterday, we came back to the same place after hours of walking right? Or..are we?..."

He dragged his sentence for added effect and it sure was starting to frighten me. I felt goosebumps starting to creep up my arm as I grabbed his hand tighter and never let go of it.

"What is it?" I whispered.

"We might have done something to upset the God of the forest."

"Well, I'm sure it wasn't me. People like you might have thou, even your thoughts are atrocious." I said nervously. Kinn quickly shook his head.

"No, this morning, I raised my hand to pay respect to it. Have you? I mean paid respect to the forest god?"

He turned to me frowning. His eyes accusing as if he had known that I peed on the tree, but I never paid so much attention to it until now.

"I had an offering when I pee." That came out really soft than I intend it to.

"That's it. I can't just say this, but you need to pay respect, seriously. Otherwise, we'll be stuck here like this for who knows how long. We've been walking for a long time, you can feel it too, right?" Kinn asked seriously.

"So, what do I have to do?"

Fear began to grow immensely inside my chest. I believed in these things as my mother told me about my fear of ghosts that originated from when I was still a kid. I don't remember what triggered it but I was fascinated by these thoughts ever since.

"Come here, stand there, turn your head over there, and put your hands on it." Kinn instructed me.

"I have to pay homage, right?" I raise my eyebrow in confusion.

"Yes! So that we'll get out of here quickly." He said eagerly.

"What about you?"

"I already did this morning, just do it for our peace of mind." Then he hurriedly pushed me to do everything he just said.

"What must I say?" Due to fear, I was forced to do everything in Kinn's bidding.

"I know of a spell. Are you ready?"

I nodded.

"A Nun Ta– you say it loudly." Kinn turned to me and let me follow his words.

"Ah yeah. Brush yeah ta na."

"Wait, that spell sounds familiar."

I stopped following him and suspiciously turned to him. I saw a shadow of a smile on his face, but it faded quite instantly I think I'm just hallucinating from thinking too much.

"You must have heard it already. This spell is so popular that he will continue to get famous." Kinn laughed. I stared at him in confusion as he laughed his ass out while tapping at the tree.

"Ananta brushed Chaye Aphati Thetana."

He continued laughing so hard while chanting until his eyes squints into slits and almost disappeared from his face.

"You really believed in things like this? Ha-ha.. you're so funny."

"You wasted my time! Fuck you, Kinn! How dare you play with me?" In my anger, I punched his arm unconsciously.

"Ouch! I don't believe in these things that I have never seen or experienced. I never imagined you believed in it that much."

Damn you Kinn! I hope you get Karma for this. I kicked the gravel in frustration. I really wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Let's see if you can act the same in the real world, will you still be this playful once we came back?

For me, it doesn't matter anymore. I can't even see the old Kinn now, only his stupid dumb self.

"I can see that you were stressed out, your brows were frowned so I just pulled a prank to lighten up the mood."

Kinn walked up to me and reached for my nape. His fingers started to massage my neck then rubs his thumb at the apex of my eyebrows. The awkward gesture left me stunned for a while.

"It's not funny you bastard!" I tried to push him away, but he kept my head on his shoulders just like that. As if I'm a doll or something.

"Tell me how I can relieve your stress. Come on." He continued to annoy me.

Relax? We are lost in this jungle, walking in circles. And he dared to pull a prank on me? I can feel my growing annoyance with him getting back.

I am utterly startled when I heard the bush in front of me shake really hard. I grab Kinn's shirt tightly. My face immediately falls on his shoulders, heart fluttering because I am still thinking about what Kinn has said earlier about ghosts and enchantments.

"What?" Kinn asked in alarm. His arms came around me protectively. "It's a hare. Are you afraid of rabbits too?" Kinn laughed loudly. His hug on me tightened then pats my back as well.

I raised my head upon hearing that and hurriedly let's go of his embrace. Damn, everything manly about me seemed to suddenly disappear into thin air and I'm left acting like a weak damsel.

What the fuck is this?

"Damn Bastard!"

I cursed under my breath before shoving him out of the way and continued walking ahead without turning to listen to his laughter or banters. Another shit and I'll fucking burn this damn jungle.

"Wait for me Porsche!"

He half-walk half-run after me as I never slowed down again. Determination in my mind not to waste any more time on Kinn's nonsense.

"I guess this way is the correct path."

I said as I began to feel more familiar with the surroundings. Ahead I saw the wide cliff that we fell on the first day.

"This is it! We need to climb up!" Kinn looked up to analyze the route.

"Find them! Seek every nook and every corner of this jungle. No stopping until you find them!"bA loud voice resonated throughout the forest. Kinn and I hurriedly hid behind a tree.

"Shit! Aren't they going to stop looking for us?"bKinn cursed under his breath before taking the gun from his waist and preparing to defend both of us.

"What do we do now?" I asked a little alarmed. How long will a single gun hold for us? As mine has been thrown the day we fell.

"This way! There're footprints."

The sound of their voices came closer, and I almost stopped breathing. I turned to look at Kinn who held the gun tightly in his hand, ready to fight. Then he slides his other hand to hold at my wrist.

"Give me the gun, I'll take care of them." I told him, but he didn't listen to me, he kept staring hard on the side.

"We have to fight. Otherwise, it won't end here." Kinn murmured.

"They're here! Someone shouted."

Kinn immediately fired upon hearing them shout. Two bodies fall to the ground. Kinn didn't give me the gun. Instead, he dragged my arm to run towards a big tree. The sound of the raining gunshots rang in my ear.

"Our bullets will run out!" Kinn cursed as he checked his gun's magazine. He shoots again and another body fell in a pool of blood. I saw that he wasn't in the best position, so I flicked his hand away and ran towards behind the tree where someone has been shot dead to get the gun.

"Porsche! What the hell are you doing?" Kinn asked in annoyance and ran after me, shooting back at the enemies to block them off.

I finally get a gun then started firing away at them too. By the looks of it, there are nearly ten or more enemies that are advancing on our way. Kinn hurriedly braced me to hide behind the tree.

"What are you doing?!" Kinn asked furiously at me while firing at the bastards.

"Damn, I lost lots of chips. We have to retreat now or else we will die here."

This might seem stupid but if we retreat now, this will never end. A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye is the only way to get away from here. I'm not going back to the forest.

"Porsche! Don't you dare!" By the end of Kinn's sentence, I went out of the tree, pulling the trigger rapidly that made the scumbags scurried in chaos. Some fell to the ground as they collided with each other.

"Kinn, go the other way. I'll go this way." I said before running away. I never checked whether Kinn did as I said or not. I was busy running and shooting.

We were outnumbered pretty obviously; they could walk up to me easily. I gasped as I checked my ammo and looked at Kinn from the other tree. He looked back at me worriedly. Inside my chest is an unexplainable fear for Kinn's safety. I hate the bastard and yet I can't bear to see him getting killed in this situation.

Fuck!

Because of mixed exhaustion, anxiety, and panic, I can't figure out what to do next. If I run towards the enemies blindly, it's sure suicide. I calmed my mind and tried to think for quite some time until someone caught up behind me and when I turned around, the tip of a gun was pointed at the center of my forehead.

"Give up now, you can't win against us."

Three of them surrounded me. I closed my eyes, unable to realize that I would make such a grave mistake so easily. I pointed the gun barrel at one of them even though I'm at a pitfall.

Kinn suddenly rushed over, jumped on their wrists until a gun fired and hit the tree trunk. By this time, Kinn's gun should have run out of ammo. So, I took the chance to crank the first wrist that I reached and swipe off the gun then throw some fists and kicks on them. I have been beaten by this lout when I was weak before but now that half of my strength is back, I shall return the favor.

The bastards with guns still bombarded us, shooting aimlessly. The gun I'm holding was pulled out of my grip as I get hit several times though, I still tried to stand up and fight.

Kinn's situation is no different, I can see him being hit multiple times but still kept on fighting. I thought about his wounded arm which might cause him a disadvantage. The moment I got up, someone locked me up and kick my stomach that has me slammed up the trunk hard. I writhe in pain for being careless.

"Porsche!"

My eyes widened in shock as Kinn's nearby body came heavily into mine, wrapping around me like a shield.

Bang!

The time seemed to slow down as I was stunned looking at the gun aimed at me. I know the bullets were supposed to hit me, but I didn't feel anything. Maybe because Kinn's bodybcovered me completely.

One. Two. Three seconds that I stopped breathing.

My heart twitched in fear of what could happen to the person in front of me. One. Two. Three counts until I feel the warm liquid oozing out on me.

Kinn has gone completely silent, and I don't feel so good about it. My thundering heartbeat brought me back to the present as I saw that the bastard would fire another round so I grabbed the gun that had bounced off the ground and fired back at them, wincing at every pull on the trigger. With the other arm, I supported Kinn's limp body as well.

"That way!" The voices of people in chaos took the bastard's attention from us to the newcomers.

But I couldn't care less about what is happening because of the deafening noise in my ear. My brain stopped functioning, and my knees collapsed as I caught the falling unconscious body of Kinn. Blood is flowing out of his abdomen, and I can't seem to figure out what to do. My heart trembled as my body shook in anguish. I kept shouting his name though I can't even hear my own voice. Unaware of the commotion that was going around, my full attention was on Kinn.

"Kinn! Kinn! Shia, Kinn?! Wake up!"

His pale face and almost non-existent breathing are freaking the hell out of me. I slapped his face hard to wake him up. I don't know what is going on and was oblivious even when Pete appeared right in front of me. I was only aware of Kinn dying in my arms. Kinn dying for me.

I can't fucking accept this!

Pete's calls were downed by my howling of Kinn's name. I have no idea what it is but I am in agony. My chest was being squeezed in the most painful way I don't think I can survive.

"Porsche! Porsche!"

Pete holds my shoulders to support my falling body. After that, my brain seemed to blackout. The body pains and exhaustion made my vision blurry, and everything went black.

HOSPITAL

I don't know how much time has passed, but I can feel the comfort from my back. The familiar warmth was there as the usual feelings when I woke up in the forest. The feelings of unspeakable security, or am I still in the forest now lying on Kinn as usual?

"Kinn?"

My voice came out hoarse from the dryness of my throat. I slowly opened my eyes and an unfamiliar ceiling met my vision.

"Hey! Hey he's awake! Brother Jom!" My brother's joyful voice greeted me.

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

I pushed myself up slowly. I can still feel the fatigue and the burning in my body. I looked around carefully, a tube of dextrose is connected to my wrist and I'm wearing a hospital gown.

"Hey, you slept for two days. Are you feeling alright?" Tem beside the bed said smiling at me.

"Che!"

I hurriedly draw my younger brother into a tight hug. I was so worried I'll never see him again.

"Are you thirsty? Drink some water first." Che' lets go of me and poured a glass of water then put a straw and stuck it into my mouth. I drink with so much thirst and tried to organize my thoughts until I remembered.

"What about Kinn?" I immediately asked as a picture of him falling and bleeding in my arms came into mind.

The three of them went silent instantly and I started to feel uncomfortable. I can't explain why but my chest is flickering with worry.

"What happened? How is he?"

I asked sounding more stressed than I allow myself to be. I'm not liking the silence one bit. They just looked at each other alternately but no one answered me.

"Shit! Is he dead?"

I bit my lower lip tightly. Feeling the deep-seated pain in my heart returns. Even though I hated him so much, dying like this is unacceptable. Besides, the guilt is gnawing at me. Instead of protecting him, he came to protect me. I am responsible for his death; I felt the heavy sadness creep up my sleeve.

"No!"

Tem seem to say something but my brain stopped functioning altogether again. All I want right now is to see Kinn even for the last time.

"Where is he?"

"Porsche, listen to me." Tem or was it Jom that said but as of the moment, I can't hear anything. I want to see Kinn, and that is all that matters. I tried to pull the dextrose out of my arm.

"Let me take a look at him, even for a short time. Let me at least pay respect to his corpse." I said, my voice trembling with heartache and sadness.

I should be happy that the bastard died right? There'll be no one to annoy me any time of the day. Back to the days when I constantly cursed him, this is what I wished for right?

But why do I feel so sad? This wrenching in my heart is so unfamiliar I don't know how to handle my emotions. I felt like crying.

"Porsche! Don't do this! Porsche! Get a hold of yourself!" Both my friends and my younger brother hold me to keep me from leaving the bed.

"No. I'll go to the temple. Take me there!"

The sound of the opening door halted us.

"Are you awake already? What are you doing?" The newcomer walked slowly towards us, looking intently at the commotion.

"Pete! Take me to the temple." I cried out to him, trying to escape the hands that were holding me down.

"What happened for you to want to extort bad luck this early? Wait till you get better. The reverend father isn't going anywhere." Pete said smiling but his brows furrowed tightly. I was a little surprised looking at him. Why isn't he dressed to mourn for his master?

"Can you take me? I want to see Kinn one last time. Let me go! I'm leaving." I beg Pete almost close to crying that makes him even more confused.

"Wait, what's wrong with you?" Pete walked closer, nodding to my friends and my brother to let me go.

"Kinn died because of me. Fuck!" I said, hitting the bed hard.

"Wait, Porsche. Mr. Kinn is in the next room. He isn't dead." Pete laughed at me.

"Are you sure?" I asked frowning.

"Mr. Kinn is not dead yet, but he hasn't woken up either." Pete said shaking his head.

"Oh!" I was a little surprised, kept silent for a while then looked at my friends.

"And why do you guys act like that?" I asked in anger but deep in my heart, I am relieved to hear the great news.

"We are saying but you're not listening at all. And besides, he's not awake yet." Jom said.

"If you don't believe me, would you like to visit him and see for yourself?" Asked Pete and I hesitated.

"Are you telling the truth? He isn't dead?" I asked once again.

"Then listen well, Mr. Tanakhun is singing in the next room loudly."

I think I could hear a whistling sound from the next room.

"Damn noisy since early morning. What do you think?  Fuck it, but I also read on the internet that singing a song will lull the patient to recover faster." Pete said in resignation.

"I guess Kinn hasn't recovered yet because of that voice." I can't help but sound sarcastic and everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Will you go see him?"

Pete turned to me again, eyebrow raised in question. I really hate his teasing smile.

"No, I'm too lazy to see something that might cause me a headache. I'll just wait for him to recover then, let's see."

I don't know why I badly wanted to see Kinn right now. To look into his eyes and be sure that he is really okay. What the shit is going on now?

"I'm not going to. I don't want to meet Kim." Che' said frowning. I was a little surprised that he knows the youngest son of the family.

"How did you know him?" I asked in wonder.

"I don't want to know him even a bit." Che' said and it confused me even more.

"Oh fuck! You're hungry I assume." Pete cut off and I nodded in response to the mention of food. I'm starving.

"The three of you go, down and buy some food for Porsche. I'll stay with him while you're gone."

I know that he wanted to talk to me about the event that has happened. As soon as the door closed, Pete dragged a chair and sat beside the bed.

"Did you find out anything?" I asked immediately

"No, I don't recognize the dead bastards. I've never seen their faces before. Some of them escaped. I didn't catch anyone alive. I was shocked when I saw Mr. Kinn getting shot and you fainted on me so I haven't got the time to deal with the bastards." Pete said.

"I don't have any enemies anywhere." Pete frowned.

I told him everything starting from the day Kinn invaded my house, I told him how we got abducted and the important information I heard in the van. How they planned to take only me and tried to discard Kinn. The more I tell the story, the more Pete's expression grows serious.

"Damn, that wasn't a joke! I think it has to do with both of you and Mr. Kinn. From the incident in the hotel, they seemed to deliberately hit on you and get at Mr. Kinn as well." Pete analyzed the situation, and I didn't understand at all how it affected Kinn too. As for the events, It was all directed at me and Kinn was only dragged with it.

"But if you ask me, the only one I can think about were those I killed at the shooting range."

"At first, I thought about that too. But why do they have to drug you? It just sounded so strange. I don't know how to connect everything which always get a little bit the other way around when I think of the recent events."

"Ugh! And why did it take you so long to find us?" I said kidding.

"God! Do you know where I find you and Mr. Kinn?"

I shook my head. How would I know? I was tied with both of my arms and legs to the back. My sanity has gone all around too.

"The forest you were in is a very big mountain. When your brother called me, I hurried to your house. Your brother is shaking at the back of the house, looking extremely pitiful. "

My heart twitched as I thought of how scared my brother must have been at that incident.

"I quickly traced Mr. Kinn's phone signal when you were still in the city. But the signal disappeared so I have to check traffic cameras to find you.bUntil I have found out where you could be, but they beat us by one day. So, when we get there, I'm still searching until I heard the gunshots. I swear my heart went haywire!" Pete said. I can understand the difficulty he has gone through. There's almost no ground to search at all.

"So, what are we going to do next?" I asked back.

"Khun Korn is definitely not leaving it unsolved. Right now I am checking if someone from the rivals has a house or property near that area."

I nodded. I am still quite confused, and I have a very narrow to nothing understanding of why the events have taken place.

"So, how is he doing?" I nodded to the other room.

"If you're worried, let's take a look."

I raised a middle finger at him. Teasing me again. "Just tell me if he's good." I said emphasizing the words. Pete suddenly went serious.

"Luckily, the bullet doesn't hit any main organs, but he has lost a lot of blood. After the surgery at the provincial hospital, Khun Korn immediately moved you and Mr. Kinn to the hospital here in Bangkok."

I nodded listening to Pete. I looked around the room, this is a very luxurious room that looks expensive. Kinn staying at something like this is understandable, but for someone like me, a normal room would do. Right?

"Why am I in a room like this?"

"VVIP. Khun Korns orders." Pete said calmly then turned to pick fruit from the basket on the table beside the bed. There are fruits and plates of snacks for visitors.

"Good treatment for employees, eh?"

"Huh, it's just you. I'm confused too. Noo was shot too but he's still in a normal room." Pete said smiling. As he has said it like that, my confusion grew even more.

I know that Khun Korn is very kind to me, but this is going to the extremes I'm surprised.

The door opened again, and my friends entered together with my brother. But there's a slight pause as the person they are talking to comes straight inside with his secretary behind.

"How are you?"

"Hello, Khun Korn."

Both me and Pete raised our hands to pay respect to both of the newcomers. Pete hurriedly gets up and offered a seat for Khun Korn and Phi Chan.

"Are you feeling better? In fact, you're quite hard to kill, aren't you?" Khun Korn said jokingly. I pushed myself to sit more appropriately. I was talking with Pete earlier, so I was in a bit slouched position.

"Just relax."

"He was just woken up sir." Pete said.

"Whenever you're in pain, tell the doctor right away, okay? I almost have a vein rupture in my brain because of you and Kinn you know?" His gentle voice makes me smile and tense a little bit.

"And are you stuck in that forest all this time?"

"At first, we were caught and being held captive, but we managed to escape along the way and were driven towards the forest. We were lost in it for three days Sir." I spoke cautiously as not to lose the profanity.

"It's good luck that both of you survived. I don't know who this did as of now, but rest assured I'll handle it according to what they did to my sons."

I frowned a bit at Khun Korn's words, but I just let it slide thinking he must be referring to Kinn.

"And Pete, you already asked for the details, right?" Phi Chan who is sitting quietly asked Pete.

"Yes. They were specifically targeting Porsche alone and willing to shoot Mr. Kinn away."

"I don't think this is for fun at all. So, in the meantime, Porsche, you and your brother will be staying at my house. And I won't take any arguments about it. Think about your and your brother's safety. Pete, assist them." Khun Korn said out loud. I am clearly not going home alone.

"I–"

"When you're gone, I picked your brother. He is staying in your room in the mansion. I'm afraid that the bastards might come for your brother too, so I do the preliminary measures. Don't worry, I took care of him pretty well."

This made me frown even further. What the fuck just happened?

"I said I will take care of your brother, haven't I? I will do everything to protect both of you, so just stay at the mansion in the meantime until I catch the culprit. Okay?" Khun Korn said, patting my shoulder lightly.

"Yes Sir."

I agreed for the safety of my brother. They already know my house and who knows when they will attack back and come for me again. If anything happens to Che, I will feel guilty all my life.

"Well, about your resignation. You don't have to think about it. I won't let you go. If there's something you find unsatisfying, you can come to me. I told you, I saw you as my own child. Let me take care of you and your brother."

I looked up at Khun Korn in surprise but nodded in acceptance of everything that he has said. At this point, I must keep the matter of resignation on hold, because Che's safety is my priority.

The sound of the door opening stopped our little chat as a tall figure came in and quickly strode towards us. Everyone turned to look at him in surprise.

"The sound of a gunshot into the sky. Bang~"

I immediately put my hands over my ears as the bastard sings out with motions of gunshots to the ceiling. Arm and Phi Jet who are following behind acted as if they are the ones being shot and collapse to the floor.

Me, Khun Korn, Phi Chan, and Pete sighed in unison.

"What are you playing at? And you three bastards, why do you have to roll to the ground?" Khun Korn asked seriously but Khun only looked at me and smiled widely.

"Young Master said that whenever he sings this song, we need to fall and roll to the ground in the tune of the song." Arm replied cautiously.

"If we don't do it, he threatened to get a real gun and shoot us." Khun turned and glared at Phi Jet.

"Not you too Jet! Can't you stop my son from doing stupid things?" Khun Korn asked sounding tired. Phi Jet gradually stands up off the floor holding his back. Seeing the louts like this is extremely pitiful.

"I can't resist the young master, sir."

Khun continued giggling and singing loudly. "The sound of gunshots~"

"That's enough young master." Phi Jet seemed to have enough of it and exclaimed loudly. Khun just looked back at him frowning then turned to me.

"How are you in the forest? Are there any Tigers?" He asked expectantly, leaning on the bed. I rolled my eyes in frustration.

"Don't bother him just yet. You have been scaring the whole hospital since yesterday!" Khun Korn sounded a little harsh, but the bastard was undaunted.

"I came to tell you that Kinn is awake" As soon as he finished speaking, my head turned to him with interest.

"Well, how is he?"

"He wanted to go back to the forest for another few days." The bastard laughed teasingly. His answer didn't help me a bit with my anxiety.

"Oh, Porsche I'll go check on Kinn. I'll come by again to visit you back later." Khun Korn said, and I raised my hand to pay respect while they were leaving.

But Khun stayed, looking at me like a stupid moron.

"How are you? Does it hurt?" He asked me, and I nodded in response.

"You're going to be okay." Arm walked over and patted me on the shoulder.

"Today I have a way to make you recover faster. Brahma, bring the mic quick!"

I laid down fast on my bed, Anaphon looks like he wants to die but gives the mic to Khun. I'm starting to see my future in a few minutes.

"This song is for Porsche. In order to recover quickly, ehem~" Khun checked the mic for a moment. Tem, Jom, and my brother walked hand in hand towards the corner of the room, looking at the bastard incredulously.

"Rest first, mother told you to rest. You're still young, dawning, don't say hello. Rest."

I quickly turned my head to the other side and put a pillow over my head. Damn it! I understand why Kinn wants to go back to the forest. This shit is causing me a headache.

"Hang on sir." Na Phon walks over and squeezed my hand lightly.

"Can you send Khun to the other room? I'm going to sleep." I said in exasperation.

"But the other room sends him here."

FucKinn! Damn, why do you have to pass down on me the problem?

"At rest you should go back and relax. Don't say hi, don't say hello~"

"Can you take him home? I'm really having a headache." I told Pete and the guys.

"He won't go back." Phi Jet said sympathetically to me.

"Then take him to the building in front."

"Why there?" Arm asked.

"That's the Psychiatric building!" I said hitting the bed then hurriedly putting on the blanket over my head, but I can still hear his laughter.

"You bastard shut up!" The sound of another stranger sounded from the door. I peeked from under the blanket and slowly nodded my head.

"What do you want, Kim? I'm lulling Porsche to sleep."

"Stupid, do you have a brain or what? Look at him."

"Damn you!" Khun threw a bunch of grapes that Kim easily caught and eat.

"Dad said let's go home. You too Che. Let's go back at the same time."

I looked at my brother in confusion. His eyes asked me if he should go or not.

"Che, don't you want to sleep?" I asked.

"Nong, you have been absent for a couple of days already. Go home to sleep then attend school." Pete said. He clung to my bed tightly as if not wanting to go.

"Let me stay here." He said looking at me.

"Let's go. And keep that mic quiet or I'll throw it away. Don't test my patience." Kim said then walked over Khun to lock his neck with his hand then pushed

him towards his bodyguards on the back.

"Try throwing it away! I'll smash your toys up!" Said the bastard Khun before going out of the room.

"You go home. Take a rest, I'll be okay here." I said patting Che's head.

"Hear that? Let's go, don't be stubborn." Kim turned to my brother, and I can't help but think, when did they become close?

"Let's go, wait for me in the morning I will take you to school." Pete said helping Che pack his things. I couldn't understand a thing about everything that is happening. How long have I been away that everything seems different?

"Hey." He called me again.

"Go. Hurry up. See you tomorrow after school."

I told him as he frowned looking at Kim. Kim whistled before going out the door.

Once the door is closed, I asked Pete. "Pete, when did my brother become close to Kim?"

"I don't know. Maybe after staying at the mansion together for three or four days, they began to speak to each other." Pete said as he smiled at me.

"I mean how did he know Kim? I haven't seen that guy's face properly if I say so myself."

"Well don't worry too much." Pete said again

"Tonight, Arm will watch over you."

"I'll go back and make a report then tomorrow after class, I'll come back here to visit you." Jom has said.

"Thank you very much, but you don't have to come and visit very often, I'm fine."

"How can we not? I will hurry to finish my studies too. And about your classes, don't worry, I have already informed the teacher." Tem said then walk over to manage and drag the dining table in front of me then went out of the room with Jom and left me with Pete.

"Finish the meal and take your medicines then sleep. I'll go send Arm over here." Pete said while pouring the side dish into the plate for me.

"You don't have to do all these for me you know." I said cautiously.

"What are friends for?" Pete said and smiled. Although I have only met him recently, I can feel the

sincerity he had for me including Arm and the rest.

"Who is watching over Kinn?" I asked unconsciously. I am his head bodyguard so I must know, right?

"Well in that room there's someone strong. Watching over him day and night and unwilling to share the burden with anyone else." He let out a mocking laugh that made me curious even more. The rice I've been eating hung in mid-air.

"Who?"

"It's Big. He keeps an eye on Kinn like a mother hen to its egg." Pete sounded irritated. I chew on my food and keep listening to him.

"Isn't that good? He will get better sooner." I replied sounding relaxed.

"Fine but hurry up and get your rights before that bastard kicks you in the ass." I turned to Pete and grinned.

"What is the privilege anyway?"

"To be the head bodyguard? What do you think?" Pete kept on laughing in my irritation.

I finished my food then drank my medicines after. Pete helped me to the bathroom then excused himself to fetch Arm. I lay down and watched TV, pressing here and there. Until the nurse came and removed the dextrose connected to my arm.

"You can remove this now. But the doctors want to monitor your condition for two more days because you still have bruises and wounds. If you feel a headache, you can press that button to alert the nurse's station. Okay?"

I nodded in response as the nurse checked my body. Actually, I still feel body pains but it is better than in the past days. I have plasters and bondages in

different parts of my body. Arm came, stayed on the sofa, and prepared to sleep there.

"Have you eaten yet?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I have. You go to sleep now. Call me if you wanted to go to the bathroom." He said dismissively as he opened his phone to play games.

I lay down on my bed, Arm pressed the switch to turn off the lights leaving the bathroom bulb on. I was lying and flipping on the bed for several minutes already. I can't sleep. A moment ago, the nurse gave me something that could make me feel sleepy.

But how come I'm wide awake now?

"You think he's in bed?" I asked Arm who glanced at me but turned to look back on his screen.

"Who?"

"Kinn. Do you think he's asleep?" I repeated. I can't explain why my head is full of things about him. I saw Arm's lips twitch in a smile and looked at the clock.

"It's ten o'clock. He might have been already asleep. I saw Big earlier outside his room."

"Oh well, take me to him." I jumped out of bed. Arm looked at me curiously.

"I said he's already asleep, can't you wait till morning for him to wake up?"

"Well, I don't want to visit when he's awake."

If he's awake, he might find something to irritate me again. I'm just going to make sure that he is okay. Partly because he saved me. That's it, this is because I am feeling guilty.

"Oh, well that is if Big will let us in."

"Why wouldn't he let us in? I'm the head of the security." My irritation pikes up upon the mention of Big.

"Well, when I was lonely, I had a thing with Big." Arm said jokingly, "Let's go ahead." He said helping me out of the bed, feeling a little bit flustered but I was able

to balance myself.

I walked over and found myself in front of Kinn's room.

"You're hard to kill, eh?" The group mocked me, but I didn't pay attention. I glared at them fiercely before turning to the big guy in front of me.

"Where do you think you're going?" As soon as Arm's hand grab the door handle, Big's voice boomed through the hallway.

"Maybe seeing that this is Mr. Kinn's room, we'll go shopping." Arm said smiling.

"Who allows you to enter?" Big yelled again.

I looked at him bewildered. Honestly, I almost had nothing to do with him, why does he always have to oppose me like this? Plus. I'm the boss, it's true but I never use my position to mess around and order them.

"So, what is your right? Are you Mr. Kinn's wife?" Arm took his hands inside his pocket and turned to look suggestively at Big. Big shook his head and take big steps toward us.

"No. Come on brother, Mr. Kinn is asleep. I suggest you go back to your room." One of the drones quickly pulled Big away from me.

"Porsche just wanted to check on Mr. Kinn as his head bodyguard. Is that not allowed?" I just stood there and watch their exchange. I didn't utter any words as Big is ready to pounce on me at any moment.

"No! I won't allow it!" Big yelled and a Nurse passing by came close to see what the commotion is all about but then walk back as one of the guys talked to her.

"You really talk like a dog. And dogs should learn how to bow."

"Arm!" Big gritted his teeth. He grabbed Arm by the collar, and I immediately pushed over his shoulder and came in-between them.

"Don't touch him. Don't say I didn't warn you." Arm hurriedly grabbed me aside.

"Hey dog, do you really dare to mess with me?" Big's eyes flickered indecisively.

"Well?" I looked at him. I am not in my best condition but if he dared to start a fight and hurt either me or Arm, I won't let his eyes see the daylight.

"Porsche!" Arm grabbed the hem of my shirt then came in-between me and Big. A brawl is about to start when–

"What are you doing?"

Everyone turned to look at the source of the booming voice. The men stand straight and bowed their heads immediately.

"Mr. Chan." Big gave respect in a trembling voice.

"If you are planning to start a commotion, do it outside. This is a hospital, be considerate!" Elder Chan spoke softly yet dominating. He looked at me.

"What are you doing here, Porsche?"

"Porsche wanted to check on Mr. Kinn but these guys won't let him in." Arm managed to explain then looked at Big mockingly.

Phi Chan glanced at Big before twisting the knob and opening the door. "Come inside." Phi Chan said turning for me to walk in first, Arm following me. He then closed the door behind us.

The lights in the room are dimmed off. It is dark suggesting that the person inside the room is already asleep.

"Brother Chan, what are you doing?" Arm asked in a whisper.

"I came by to bring Mr. Kinn a new phone. Don't bother Mr. Kinn a lot." He said putting a black box on the table next to his bed before walking out of the room.

When the door closed, Arm walked to sit on the couch. I stride towards the bed and with the help of the lights from outside the window, I can clearly see Kinn's face. Even thou his face was bruised; it can't diminish his gorgeousness. He is still as handsome as daylight.

The constant breathing suggests that he is in a deep sleep. His arm has a blood hose connected to it. Plus, there's a pulse meter placed on the other side of the bed. This is something not to take lightly about, right?

I looked at him for a while and unconsciously placed my hand over his abdomen where he was shot. I rubbed the wound through the thick blanket. Fearing that he is experiencing such lengths of pain because of me, my lips were pursed tightly.

Warmth washed over me as I watch the gentle rise and fall of his chest. The audacity of this man made me worry and feel terrified at his little stunt.

Bastard, what a showoff! Who do you think you are? Are you trying to be a hero or something? I smiled bitterly looking at his peaceful face but then I was caught off guard when he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"I— Did I wake you up?" I asked softly. Kinn opened his eyes slowly, smiled at me then turned to Arm.

"If you have something to do, go away and do it." He said darkly, instructing Arm in a secret code or something that gets the bastard bouncing off the couch.

"W—where are you going?" I asked Arm before he could reach the door.

"I'm going to wait in the next room." He said looking back with a smile before he closed the door behind him.

I looked back on Kinn. I didn't utter any words as I don't know what to say. He moved slightly to the side then slightly tilted before pulling my wrist to sit on the bed next to him.

"What are you doing?"

Are sick people supposed to have this strength? He twitched my wrist until I can't help but sit down on the bed. I turned to face him as he gave me a heart-warming smile.

Bastard!

"I can sit on the chair." I said pointing to the chair near the bed.

"No. I'd rather you be here. I want you here." Kinn said tightening his hold on my wrist, as if afraid that I would run away.

"Let me go." I struggled a bit but didn't dare to use additional force, afraid that I might hit his injuries.

"I don't have a lot of strength. If you hit my wound, I'll punish you." Kinn said in a deep-toned voice as he released my wrist but hurriedly wrapped his arm around my waist in return. I immediately supported his chest, but his hands were sticky and just wouldn't let go easily.

"This Porsche!" Big halted in his footsteps as he saw me and Kinn in such an awkward position. My hands instantly pushed Kinn away from me, but he locked me in even more.

"What do you need?" Kinn asked irritated.

"Let me go!" I tried to open his arms. The bastard Big looked like his soul has left his body and stayed standing still on the door looking at me and Kinn in shock.

"What do you need?!" Kinn asked in a more frustrated tone.

"I thought Mr. Kin is asleep. So I thought to guide Porsche outside and..." Big looked at me in fierce pleasure.

"Get out. If I didn't call, don't come in." Kinn said heavily. Big turned suppressing his emotions before shutting the door.

"Mind your own business!" I yelled at him before the door completely closed.

"What is wrong with you? Let me go and do your thing. Sleep." I struggled out of Kinn's arms.

"Let me go. Or else, I'll beat up your wounds." I threatened so his hands slid off my waist. I thought I would be relieved but then...

He reached out grabbed my neck and braced me to lie next to him. I struggled instantly with all my strength.

"Stop fighting." He said softly until my head hits his pillow.

"Don't wrestle, I'm hurt, ugh!" He cried out and I immediately stopped. His arm let go of me and grabbed his wound.

"Serves you right. Asshole." I said stretching straight and looking at him thinking if he's faking it or not.

"Where does it hurt?" I held his hand off the wounded area and opened the blanket to see. Fear pikes up when I saw a faint blood seeping from the bondage.

"Should I call a doctor?" I asked in concern. The wound seemed narrow but if blood seeped out of it, that's not normal right?

"No need." He said laying on his back. Resting his head as if calming himself.

"Don't call the doctor and wait for your death, but I won't be held responsible here." I reached out to press the button to call for a doctor, but Kinn grabbed my

arm first.

"Then take responsibility for hurting me." He embraced me once again, with my head resting on his arm on one side.

"Don't fight, the wound might get infected this time."

He said threatening me before arranging the blanket over my body. I stiffly stayed still. Unable to fight whatever he's doing.

"What are you doing Kinn?" I whispered as his hand hugged me tightly.

"I can't sleep. I wonder if it is because you are not with me." He pulled my face to his chest.

"Release me! Damn it."

I shouldn't have come. Shit! If I struggle now, his wound might get enflamed, and his dad will be going to blame me for it right?

"Shhh! Sleep now. Comfort me, I took a bullet for you." Kinn murmured, and I can see a silent grin that goes with it.

"Who asked you to do it anyway?"

"Just be grateful for me and say thanks." He hugged me just like that and I forgot about struggling anymore.

He was right, taking a bullet for someone was something to reckon with. How can I even say thank you When he's taking advantage of me using the situation as an excuse?

I smelled his familiar scent then suddenly I felt all the exhaustion washed over me. My eyes amazingly dropped close, and as usual I slept in no time.

I'll wait till you're healed then I will take revenge for this. Damn!