"Jennie?" He tried to look for the lie to be wrong, but she couldn't even look at Tae long. Her eyes continued to dart towards Kai before staying on only him. Tae turned towards Kai, preparing himself to strike before he turned to stone.
"Stop!" Jennie screamed, her voice making Tae stop.
She would watch as his body stumbled a bit, looking at her once more. He couldn't believe that she had chosen someone other than him. The one who saved her. The one who he felt cared about her more than anyone else could. He knew that he was the only one who could care for her, and she chose Kai. His knees fumbled as his next step took him to the door, walking out through the gate. He would let out a scream of frustration, punching the brick wall and continuing his stumble through the road. Kai would close the door, going to the floor where Jennie sat.
"Gwenchana?" His voice was gentle, and she fell forward into his arms.
His arms wrapped her tightly, and she lay against his chest. This was the moment he knew he loved her, the moment his heart skipped a beat. She had chosen to come to him, and he was now her shoulder to cry on. She could feel his trembling hands as he hesitated to pull her in closer. He would feel his body take over and pull her further into his chest, clutching his hands around her tighter. Kai listened to her cries, scanning the room as he thought about Tae. He had locked the door and was sure he wouldn't come back. He didn't want to leave her alone, and he didn't want to leave her alone.
Jennie could not help the tears that continued from her eyes onto his shirt. This was so much violence, and she had already seen enough. She was able to crawl back into that vent long ago, and she saw the blood and body on the floor. She saw from the vent that was hidden behind the couch. She watched the legs of someone walk from the hall to the living room. She held her breath to keep herself from being heard, afraid that if she made a sound, he would come back. Jennie held her breath for as long as she could, and the next moment, she woke up in the hospital. Her heart told her to fall into Kai's arms, and her brain was wondering if this was the safest choice.
The scars on his body had been something that was on her mind, but she was more worried about him healing. Kai had yet to tell her where he had been getting hurt, but now he was fighting again. Kai had not thought of himself but was more concerned about making sure that Jennie was safe. A sharp pain shot through his side for a moment, causing him to flinch. He quickly changed his movements to mimic by rising from the ground. He pulled Jennie along, standing her up. With one hand on her hip, the other patted her head as she whimpered. He took a sigh, looking down at her. Both his hands slid to her cheeks, and his thumbs began to wipe the tears away with a smile.
"Come with me, you can stay at my place." He made the decision.
If he dared to leave her, Tae would come back. He would feel more reassured if she went to his place where there was no chance. His decision was the one that would involve him not getting hurt, Tae from returning, and Jennie from being this way. It was the best choice to make. He flashed a brighter smile, wiping the final tear.
"Grab what you need; you'll spend the night at my place." He let her go, walking to the door, but she held on to his shirt. "I'll stand guard at the door." He reassured her and kissed her forehead. She let go, allowing him to walk to the door. She wasn't sure what she needed, but she grabbed her phone first.
-
He let her walk into the room first, turning on the lights. She walked into the room, analyzing everything that was in the room. He let her walk around the room a bit, Monggu jumping on the bed. He smiled, leaning against the door frame.
"I'll sleep on the couch; it's usually where I sleep when I study late." She nodded in agreement, turning towards the doorway.
"I'm sorry to cause trouble." She couldn't help but apologize. What if he had gotten hurt more? It was because of her that he was in that situation.
"No, it's fine." He laughed it off, shrugging. "I just wanted you safe, and with you here, I know you'll be okay." He turned to leave, pulling the door a bit.
"Can..-" the words stopped short, and he turned to her. "Can you keep the door open a bit?"
"Sure." He left it open enough, walking away, and she would watch him turn the corner. She would hear him moving things and the shuffling he made.
-
Today was the last day he would need to be on bed rest. He knew he was already healed for the most part, but there was one thing. The pain formed before shooting through his chest once more, making him wince at the slightest turns he made. He lay on the couch, unable to fall into slumber. He was sure she was safe, but the pain was not giving in. He laid on his back and waited for it to subside. The moment it would, another sharp pain would appear. He lifted his shirt, touching the area, realizing he might have hurt one of his ribs again. He sat up, letting his shirt fall as he turned on the light before walking to the kitchen. He opened the fridge, grabbing the water pitcher. He turned to a cabinet, picking a glass from inside. As he began to pour the glass, he heard footsteps from behind.
Jennie had awoken from a nightmare; Monggu had been giving her kisses. She felt the wet tongue across her cheek, and it was both soothing and helpful. Her body jumped from the bed, startling the dog. She looked around the unfamiliar room, remembering where she was. A quick glance at her phone told her it was 3 a.m. She lay back against the bed, turning on the pillow to go back to sleep. She heard the sounds from the living area; the shadow of Kai walked past the door and left ajar. She waited a moment, wondering what he was doing. Curiosity got the best of her, and she wanted to know. Slowly, she walked from the room, and she wanted just to take a peak until he turned.
"Are you thirsty?" His hand held out the glass he poured, setting it on the side of the counter closest to her.
"No, I just wanted to see what you were doing." Her voice was soft and raspy, showing that she had just awoken.
"Oh, sorry. Did I wake you?" She smiled and shook her head. He nodded, turning and getting another glass. "Here, drink some water, and you can go back to sleep." Jennie walked to the counter, taking the glass in hand and letting her fingers play with it.
"I'm sorry about Tae." He took a drink, shaking his head.
"You do not apologize for someone else's actions." He walked over to her side. "You did nothing wrong, and it was him." His voice trailed off, his hand going around her. "Let's not think about those things. It's a new day." He put his glass down, taking hers and sitting it next to his. He grabbed her hand, pulling her to the couch.
"Wha-"
"What helps you fall asleep?" He asked.
"Uh, usually reading. It clears my mind and gives me something to dream about." He smiled at the answer, leaving her on the couch.
"One second." He walked to his room, grabbing the book that he had been reading. He stepped from the room, appearing with the book slightly raised. She smiled, trying to hold it back as he sat on the couch. He lay with his back on the couch, the lamp within his reach for perfect lighting to read. He motioned with his finger, beckoning Jennie to come to him. Kai held his arms open for her; she settled in with her back to his chest. His arms were around her, with the book in front of both of them.