Breathless (Pt. 4)

He pulled her along, and she tried to keep up with his movements. The moment they reached the top of the stairs, she was out of breath, and he was holding it in. He felt like his body would drop, and he needed to get to his bed. Reaching out, he felt for the keypad, inputting his password before swinging the door open. He walked in, trying to hold the door open long enough for her to walk in under his arm. He let the door shut behind him, moving his body to the couch that rested in the center of the open room. He could feel his body begin to shut down, but his brain wondered about her. Jennie walked around inside the home, looking at every picture and the books that filled his room.

She admired the pictures that were of him and Monggu playing in the park or eating something together. The first thought that came to her mind was the day she had first met both of them, and she was more focused on getting to school. Her thoughts continued to run as she looked towards Kai, lying soundly on the couch. She could see the bandages that laced his chest underneath the jacket he wore. She thought of that night and how fearful she was of him already. She had not even known him for long, but there was something about him and the words he spoke. She saw his face wince in pain, becoming worried as he opened his eyes to see her. He smiled, sitting up so that he could lay a pillow behind himself. She rushed to help, but he deflected, holding a hand up.

"It's okay." He chuckled. "I'll be fine." He knew most of the injuries were superficial in nature, so it would only take a few days to heal. This was not his first time, but she didn't want to hear any of that.

"Fine? But you're hurt." The words turned into whispers and disappeared once they left her mouth. She was in shock, thinking of what she could do. She turned to go, trying to grab something before being pulled back to the couch. He reached up to grab her, causing him to wince in pain. "What are you doing?" She raised her voice, her eyebrows scrunched. It made him laugh. 

"I know I'll be okay. Just come here." He made her fall into him, landing on his lap. He tried to hold back the pain, fixing her comfortably to lay with him. He wrapped his arms around her and sighed, thinking of the moment he smiled to himself. Jennie tried to sit still but found the curiosity to turn around. 

"How will you be okay?" She asked, her words were simple, but he could hear the concern. He let out a relaxing sound of relief, tightening his grip.

"Because I have you." He let the words fall, and she could not help but feel her heart start beating faster. She turned around, trying to hide the smile that painted her face. She could see the veins that popped from his hands and arms, his grasp tightening, and the veins becoming more prominent. She let her hands slowly graze across them, tracing his arms. He tried to contain the smile that was very noticeable on his face, and he bit his lip as she continued to trace his arms. "Close your eyes, rest with me." 

The sound of his voice resonated in her ear, and she could hear the bass in his throat sending vibrations through her skin. She let her hands fall, holding on to his arms that wrapped tightly around her. The moment was quiet, their breathing soft and subtle. Their breathing began to fall in sync; listening to his heartbeat, she tried to position her head on his chest. This was the sound that she enjoyed hearing, the sound of his heart steady at first. She could hear the beat speed up as she lay there, moving her hand over his. 

She smiled to herself, thinking about what he meant to her at that moment. He lay there content, feeling her small movements in his arms and keeping his embrace strong. He felt her hand sweep across his; her gentle touch sent sparks through him at that moment. He opened his eyes, watching her. She lay there, her eyes closed and sitting still as she listened to his heart. He watched her fingers move subtly, trying to be careful. He thought to himself and was completely surprised.

Jennie had let his words completely into her heart. She tried to think about if it was the right thing to do. He had spoken to her, and his words had always been with the most sincere intentions of earning her heart. She thought to the moments she had denied him, and then thoughts of how hurt she might have made him began. The thought of the cafe, the class, and even the day she tried giving him the note. Thoughts of the note loomed back over her. He had not even read the note, but here they were in this moment. She knew what the note said, and she knew she wanted to lock away her feelings for him. Jennie let out a small sigh, turning behind her and opening her eyes.

Kai watched her think. He couldn't help but notice how deep in thought she was. Her forehead crinkled at thoughts, and he wondered what had been on her mind. He was thinking about the night that he stayed over with Tae and Minji. The arguments ensued because there was one thing that he knew was true. She was different to him. Not like how everyone always says they find that person who is different and stands out. She was actually different. He could see that she was closing herself off. 

He could see that she was trying, and every day, it was getting harder to handle. He could see the self-destructive behavior. He could see that she was different. She was different because she was just like him. He could see the signs, and the moment he had first met her, they were there. She had given up on trying any longer, and she was battling the world on her own. He just didn't know how much. But now, she wouldn't have to. Neither of them would have to continue this battle alone. He began to make promises in his head when he felt her turn. His eyes were opened and watched, tilting his head slightly to get a good look at her. 

"Yes?" His voice was so teasing that it made her blush at first before she spoke.

"I think I should go home." The thought of her leaving hit his heart because the truth was he did not want her to go. And as much as he did not want her to go, she didn't want to leave either, but there was still a problem. 

"Home?" He asked, trying his best not to sound disappointed.

"Yeah. I should catch up on studying since I missed today." She tried breaking from his arms but did not put in much effort before he let go.

"Really?" She nodded in response, standing up. "Well, why don't you study with me?" His question was sincere, and he was genuinely wanting to do whatever he could to prevent her from leaving. 

"I already promised Minji." Her voice trailed off, thinking about what she could do to make both of them happy. She and Minji already had their first rocky start, especially since she did not let her know about it yesterday.

"Why don't you bring her here?" He asked, catching her by surprise. She had been trying to think of a better way, but this could work. She looked at his fragile body on the couch before shaking her head.

"You should rest." Jennie tried to reassure him, pushing the thought from her mind. He smirked, sitting so that his feet could touch the ground. He stood up, holding back every inch of pain that shot through his chest. He walked over to her, smiling as he laced her hand in his.

"I told you, I'm fine. I have you." He kissed her knuckles, the same small gesture as before. It sent chills down her spine, but her brain was outweighed with concern.

"How can you say that?" She started to pull him towards the backroom. "You should rest; that's what the nurse and doctor said." He stopped her in her tracks; his body had stopped moving, and she was no longer able to pull him along. With one swift motion, she swirled in place, her body and hand pressed against his chest. She looked up at him, a smile apparent on his face as he looked up for a moment.

"Well, I know a doctor who said I should be fine." He spoke the words, his gaze dropping to her as he finished.

"Who?" She wasn't so sure, especially after all she had heard at the hospital.

"Me." He spoke firmly, one hand dropping to her waist. "I said I should be fine." With the last energy and strength he had, he guided her back to the living room.

"But... you're not a doctor." Her words were careful, looking at him all wrapped up.

"I will be." He stood firmly, moving her to the side as he walked towards a shelf. "I'm studying for it." He pulled down a medical textbook and flashed it at her. 

With a proud smile, he tossed the book onto the couch. She gave an unsure face, debating on whether to believe it or not. Debating on what she should do. He walked past her and into his room, disappearing around the corner. She was left in the living room to her thoughts, trying to understand what would be the best choice at this moment. She reached in her pocket for her phone, letting it open with her finger. She clicked a message to Minji, her fingers hovering over the screen. What could she even say at this moment? 

She could hear him in the other room, making sounds as he moved things around. She worried that he would be there hurting himself. She let the phone click, her instinct to help to kick in as she walked to the room. Her mind was focused on making sure he was okay. She had not stopped to think about whether it was the best decision or not. She knew if he was hurting himself, it would be the best choice. She would stop short at the doorway, not seeing him in the room, but an open door. Her heart pounded as she heard him wince, quickly walking to the closet doorway and stopping abruptly. He had pulled all the bandages from his body, and she couldn't help but let out a gasp.