16

I woke up on a familiar all white surroundings and an oxygen mask stuck on my face. The orange rays of light coming from outside the wide windows made everything look warm and cozy, even though every inch of my body aren't comfy.

I can't move my body and my neck is aching for facing sideways, for who knows how long and something started to itch. I grunted at the attempt to reach the middle of my back, yet my arm was too heavy for me to lift up.

"Easy…"

I heard K say. I can't see him so he's probably sitting on the other side of the bed but tears still automatically flowed on my right cheek, down on the white pillow.

He must've realized I wanted to confirm if it's him so he took the wooden stool on the corner wall and sit near me.

"Don't move yet. The doctor said the wound needs time to dry."

He said softly and wiped the tear that's about to fall over my nose bridge.

"Is it bad?"

My heart started to race at the thought that I might've toasted my back and there's no recovering from it.

"The doctor said a few parts have suffered first degree burns because your hair caught fire. They… cut it really short."

He sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you."

"No, don't say that."

"Are you hurting?"

"A bit."

"Should I call the doctor?"

"No… I'm fine. I was just relieved to see you here."

"Yeah… I came as soon as I heard the news."

He took another deep breath and sighed again.

"I'm sorry about your shop. But you shouldn't have went in there. It was too dangerous for a civilian to do so."

"Yeah… I panicked after seeing a pile of smoke."

I sniffed and quietly did a breathing exercise to calm myself.

"Is Sooha alright?"

"Don't worry. She's still at the ICU because she's fine. They just need to monitor her lungs but she's not on critical condition."

"I wonder what happened… someone said she had a head trauma."

"The doctor said she'll be fine. The wound wasn't that deep and no bone fracture was detected so the cops deduced that the perpetrator might be a woman and smaller than her. They're looking for possible suspects right now."

"A woman..?"

I frowned at him.

I'm totally curious at the mysterious incident but I suddenly got goosebumps upon hearing that there were cops at the scene, because he could easily be entangled into this mess and after what happened last night, things are gonna escalate to the worst.

"Wait, did the cops told you that?"

"No, I just overheard them after talking to her doctor at the corner wall."

I felt a boulder just got taken out of my chest.

"That's a relief. I'm so worried about her."

"They said she'll recover in no time."

"Thank god."

"And thanks to you too. They said you saved her and the neighboring tenants by preventing an explosion."

I was too overwhelmed at my emotions that I couldn't speak after hearing that. I just realized how many people I would've indirectly killed if I screwed things up.

"W-wait. Is it true? Are you really gonna quit being an idol?"

K just smiled.

"Is that a yes or no?"

"You'll see."

I feel like my headache turned into migraine but I guess he's still struggling with something he can't share yet but he doesn't want me to worry about it.

"K,"

"Hmm?"

"Are you still mad at me…?"

He looked surprised but he carefully planted a peck on my knuckles next to the iv drip needle is taped on.

"I won't be here if I do."

"But your mom…"

His lips falling in awe tells a lot and I thought he'd be secretive about it.

"Yes she was furious but I already explained it to her."

"What did she say?"

The seconds that have passed before he answered that question felt like hours with little to no oxygen to breathe in.

"She'll come around."

"I have to personally meet her and apologize directly."

"Really? You'll do that?"

K's doe eyes were even more adorable when they're fully widened to it's limits. However, the mere thought of meeting his mother gave chills down my spine and made me want to take them back.

"Y-yes… I hope at least she'll be at peace, even though she probably won't forgive me…"

"(Y/N) don't be afraid, I'll stay by your side."

He squeezed my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"When I gave her the ring back, she was shocked. But she didn't say a word."

I was about to say that just took my little confidence away but a young nurse came in to check my vitals.

K stood up and greeted her.

Then he remained silent while my blood is being taken. I can feel the tension in K's grip so I assumed the nurse has recognized his face behind the black mask yet I don't get why he still held my hand.

"Is she the reason why?"