Chapter 19 - Silent Vigil

Win's fingers hovered over the touchscreen, trying to call Nib, disbelief etched on his face as he mumbled, "How in the world did Nib manage to cut my call?"In a sudden, unexpected twist, Win sensed a presence behind him, a hand firmly gripping his shoulder. As he turned around, he found himself locking eyes with none other than Nib."Why are you here?" Win's words held a mix of astonishment and reproach. "I distinctly told you not to interfere."Nib's response was laden with a weary understanding, his voice carrying the weight of countless failed attempts. "Yes," he admitted with a wistful sigh, "I'm fully aware of your instructions. But what about this stubborn heart of yours, Win? I've made thousands of attempts to set it free, yet it adamantly refuses to release its hold on you.As their eyes locked in a moment of profound connection, Win whispered, his voice trembling with vulnerability, "I love you."Nib, his heart brimming with emotion, couldn't help but chuckle softly. "You shameless thing," he teased gently, "declaring your love in the middle of the road."A tender smile curved Win's lips as he confessed, "It's because of you that I can be shameless, and the man you're referring to is undeniably mine."In that very instant, their arms encircled each other in a warm, loving embrace. Their lips met in a kiss that spoke volumes, an eloquent testament to the depth of their affection and the unbreakable bond they shared.Nib's gaze flicked to the clock, a sense of urgency tugging at their hearts. "What should we do now?" he questioned, his eyes reflecting the weight of the impending deadline. "It's almost six hours until midnight."Win's determination shone through as he replied resolutely, "We have to visit every home."Nib raised an eyebrow, seeking confirmation. "Are you certain?"Win nodded firmly, concern etching his features. "Absolutely. I can't let Kimsy suspect anything. She's already been under immense stress for days. If I disappear like this, she'll start suspecting that something grave is afoot."Nib conceded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well. I'll pick you up exactly at midnight.""As you say," Win agreed, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "By the way, how is Shine now?"Nib hesitated for a moment, his silence echoing through the tension-laden air. "Let's go."They made their way to Bangkok City Hospital, where Jian and Pit awaited them in the reception area. As Win entered, Jian's anger flared, and he moved menacingly towards him. However, Pit intervened, urging Jian to calm down, and he eventually walked away in frustration. Win turned to Nib, inquiring about Jian's hostility, "What's going on with Jian? Why is he acting like he wants to harm me?"Nib silenced him with a finger pressed to his lips and issued a stern warning, "No one dares to harm you, and you must refrain from uttering those words again. No one would be more ruthless than me."Win merely nodded in acknowledgment, and Pit offered an explanation, "Let me clarify. Jian has feelings for Mew, so you can imagine the turmoil he's experiencing. His loved ones are incarcerated, and it's all connected to you."Empathizing with Jian's situation, Win sighed, "Yes, I can understand."Nib redirected their focus, saying, "Let's put this aside for now and go inside."Together, they entered Shine's hospital room, where his mother sat by his bedside. Win approached Shine and called out softly, "Shine... Shine..."His mother's voice quivered with despair as she informed him, "He won't wake up."Panic crept into Win's voice as he asked, "Why, Aunt?"Her tears flowed freely as she sobbed, and Nib gently explained, "Shine is in a coma, and no one knows when, or if, he will awaken, except for God."Win was stoned...Tears streamed down Shine's mother's face as she implored, "Don't spare that killer who did this to my son."With a solemn nod, Nib reassured her, "Don't worry, Aunt. We won't let her escape justice."Leaving the grieving mother behind, Nib and Win stepped out into the cool night air. Concern etched into his features, Nib turned to Win and asked, "Are you alright? You haven't said much."Win's response was muted, his thoughts weighed down by the gravity of the situation. "Hmm... nothing. Let's head home now."In the dimly lit streets, Nib dropped Win off at his house. As Win stepped through the front door, he found Kimsy sitting in the middle of the living room. Her curious gaze met his, and she inquired, "Where were you, Win?"Thinking on his feet, Win quickly fabricated a story, crossing his fingers for luck. "Actually, today our captain Nine called us in early. Professor Leo rescheduled his class from 11:30 to 7:00 am, so I had to go."Kimsy, apparently satisfied with the explanation, offered a warm smile. "Dinner is ready. Go freshen up."In his room, Win anxiously checked the time. It was now 11:50 pm. Nib had already arrived and was calling him. Win answered the call, his voice hushed as he said, "Wait for me; I'm on my way."With stealthy precision, Win descended the stairs barefoot, careful not to arouse any suspicion from Kimsy. He slipped out the door and into Nib's waiting car, concealing his late-night departure as they sped toward the scene of the incident.However, unbeknownst to Win and Nib, an unexpected observer lurked above on the second-floor balcony. Kimsy's unsettling presence bore down upon them, her eyes fixed upon their clandestine meeting. Her gaze, a mixture of curiosity and ominous intent, seemed to penetrate the night's veil, casting a chilling doubt over their secretive rendezvous.