I slowly open my eyes. The light is blinding. I faintly hear voices.
I slowly open my eyes. The light is blinding. I faintly hear voices.
“She’s been out for three days and hasn’t woken up yet. It’s almost midnight so soon it will be four days.” I’m not sure who said that. I keep my eyes shut so they don’t know I’m awake. “She experienced a pretty severe concussion. I’m not sure how though. Taehyung won’t talk about it. She’s been in a coma for three days now. I’m beginning to worry.” I carefully open my eyes and see Aikoku talking with the doctor.
“Ok.” Aikoku says. “What else?”
“Well….the place where the knife stabbed her was very unfortunate.”
“Tell me.” He says.
“You shouldn’t know this before she does……but….it ruined her….reproductive organs. Meaning…..she won’t be able to have children.” I gasp and they both look at me. I shut my eyes as quickly as possible.
“Akari?” Aikoku walks towards me. I open my eyes and look at him. He takes a deep breath and sits next to me. “You scared the * outta me.” He says, tears streaming down his face. “I didn’t know what was gonna happen to you. I thought maybe-”
“Don’t finish that sentence. I’m ok.” I reply.
“I’m glad you’re ok.” He says, gently hugging me.
“Oww. Be careful.”
“Oh sorry.” He says.
“It’s ok. I’m sorry I scared you.” I say.
“Don’t be. You did nothing wrong. It was Taehyung’s fault.”
“No it wasn’t.” I protest. “Don’t blame him. It was no one’s fault.”
“Yeah but he didn’t protect you.” He says. I shake my head and sigh.
“I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to move out of the way so we can check her one more time.” The doctor says. Aikoku nods.
“I’ll be back later ok?”
“Ok.” I reply. The doctor slowly and carefully unwraps the bandage around my stomach.
“How are you feeling?” He asks me.
“I’m in pain.” I reply. “My side is really sore.”
“No surprise there.” He chuckles. “Can you try to stand up for me?”
“Yeah.” He holds out his hand and I grab onto it while pulling myself out of bed. The second I put my right foot on the floor, pain hits me and I get a headache. I sit down. “I can’t. It hurts when I put pressure on my right leg. I also have a headache.”
“Ok. No worries. Now do you want to see your stitches or do you want to wait?”
“I’ll wait.” I say.
“Ok. Here’s a shirt that I had Sakura bring for you.”
“Thank you sir.” I take it and slip it, carefully, over my head.
“I’ll give you something for your headache and later I run some more tests.”
“Ok. Thank you.”
“So you have 13 stitches. You experienced a very severe concussion. And you lost nearly 40% of blood. You also received a blood transfusion. You won’t be able to get back to training or missions for a few months.” The doctor says.
“Who was the blood transfusion from?” I ask.
“His name is Jungkook. He’s the rookie here.” I nod, remembering what he said to my brother.
“Is there anything else?” I ask.
“There’s one more thing but I’m not sure if you’re ready for it.”
“I am.” I say. I already know what he’s gonna say but I wanna hear from him to confirm it.
“Ok then.” He takes a long pause. “The knife hit one of your reproductive organs and you won’t be able to have kids.”
“Oh.” Is all I manage to say. I smile. “Ok thank you.”
“Are you ok?” He asks.
“Yup!” I smile.
“Are you sure? I’m sure this is very devastating news.”
“I’m fine.” I say, voice breaking. “Really.”
“Ok. I’ll be back to check on you later and run a few more tests.” He says. I nod. He closes the door and I let the tears fall. I can’t have kids. I lean back on the bed and close my eyes, crying. No one’s gonna want to marry me. Who wants to marry someone who can’t have children?
“Ugh!” I sob and throw a pillow on the floor. I don’t know why, but throwing things helps my anger. I should have been more careful. I wasn’t really paying attention and-
“Oh my god my necklace!” I panic. They guy ripped it off my neck. I can’t believe I lost it. I told Taehyung that I’d never take it off. Why is everything going so horribly wrong? Just then Taehyung walks in smiling widely.
“Oh my god, Akari.” He sits beside me. “You’re ok.” He gently hugs me.
“Why are you awake at midnight?” I ask.
“I was so worried about you. I came in here to see if there were any updates. I still can’t believe I left you out there with only a knife. I feel like this is all my fault. I shouldn’t have left you. I'm so sorry. I just-” I kiss him to shut him up. I put my hands on his face. He places one arm on my waist and kisses me back. Then I slowly pull away.
“Shut up.” I say. “It’s not your fault.” I caress his cheek with my hand.
“I know but-”
“Do I need to kiss you again, so you’ll stop talking?”
“Only if you want to.” He chuckles. I lean my head on his shoulder. “What’s wrong? You were crying when I came in here.”
“I was just in pain.” I reply. “My side is sore and I can’t walk yet.”
“I bet. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t say that. None of this was your fault.”
“Yeah, it just feels that way.”
“You literally saved my life. If you hadn't stayed calm and collected, who knows where I’d be right now.” I interlock my fingers through his. “I owe you.”
“Ok then. Stop lying to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were sobbing when I came in here. I don’t believe for a second that it was just because you’re sore. Now don’t get me wrong I’m sure it hurts, but you didn’t cry when you broke your finger a few months ago.” He points out.
“True.” I reply. “But-”
“Nope. You said you owe me. This is how you can repay me. Just be honest with me.” I sigh.
“Ok fine.” I pause. “The doctor said that the spot where the knife hit me was very unfortunate.”
“Ok and?” I look at him sadly.
“He said that…..” I stop.
“What? You can tell me.” He says, wiping the tear that slid down my face.
“I can’t…..have kids..” I say, looking at my feet. “Like, my reproductive organs were messed up.” I take a deep breath. “So I can’t have kids.” I say quietly, trying not to cry. The room goes silent.
“I’m sorry.” He says. I shrug.
“There’s nothing you can do about it.” I reply.
“Yeah. I’m really sorry. That’s tough.”
“I’ve always wanted to be a mother. And now I freaking can’t.” I start to cry.
“You know you could just adopt.”
“I know but it’s just not the same.”
“I get it.” He comforts me.
“No you don’t.” I snap. “You don’t understand.”
“Maybe not. But I’m here for you.” He hugs me. And I cry for a little longer.
“I have to tell you something and please don’t be mad.” I say, changing the subject.
“Ok.”
“I lost the necklace that you gave me for my birthday.” I say. He laughs.
“No. I found it broken on the floor.”
“Oh, ok good. Because the guy ripped it off my neck and I thought I lost it.”
“It’s in my room. But it’s broken.”
“At least I still have it. I’m sure I can find someone to fix it.” I reply. “You should get some sleep. It’s past midnight already.”
“Nope. I’m fine. I’ll stay in here with you.”
“No. You need sleep.”
“Then I’ll sleep in here. I’m not leaving you again.” he says.
“You’re so overprotective.”
“I just don’t want anything else to happen to you.”
“Ok fine. But I’m not tired. Just lay down on the other side of me.” I say. He walks around to the other side of the bed and lays down. “Have you just been lounging all day?”
“Yeah. I was too worried about you to do anything. I asked my father for a pass these past three days.” He wraps his arms around my waist and snuggles next to me. I play with his hair.
“Well you need to sleep.” I reply.
“Ok. Now that I know you’re ok, I can sleep in peace.” He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as I stroke his head.
“Good night.” I say to him. No reply. Aww he’s already asleep. I kiss his head. “I love you.” I whisper because he can’t hear me.
Two days later…..
“Are you ready to move back to your room?” Sakura asks me as the doctor checks my blood pressure.
“Yes. Finally, this bed was very uncomfortable.” I laugh.
“You may need someone to help you walk up the stairs.” The doctor says. “Especially if it still bothers you to walk. But other than that, you’re good to go.”
“Yay, thank you.” I bow my head to him.
“Just be sure to tell me if you need anything. I’ll let you know when the stitches can come out.” He says.
“Ok thank you. Let’s go Sakura.” I say.
“I’m so glad that you’re ok.” She links arms with me as we walk towards my room. “I was so worried about you.”
“Awww. I feel so wanted.” I joke.
“You definitely are.” She says. “Especially by Taehyung.” She teases.
“What about me?” Taehyung asks, looking up at us as we walk through the living room.
“She’s teasing me.” I whine to him.
“Aww poor baby.” He replies, jokingly. “Are you feeling better?”
“Much. I’m finally released from the medical wing until I get my stitches removed.” I reply. “He said I had to go to him if I had any complications or pain.”
“Good. Because you wouldn't listen to me if I told you to.” He says. I laugh.
“Exactly.” I say.
“Well I can’t really do anything for a few months so I’ll be outside if anyone needs me.” I say slowly making my way outside and of course Taehyung follows me.
“How’s your head?” He asks as we walk down the trail.
“I still get dizzy a lot but the headaches are subsiding.” I reply.
“That’s good.” He grabs my hand and we walk in silence. We walk down a path that we usually do when we’re out here, but then he takes a different turn.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Remember when you had that spot at your house to be alone?” I nod. “Well I have one too. I’ve never told anyone about this.” We walk a little further and then there’s a clearing with a little playground. “I always came here as a child and sat on the swing set when I was bored. No one else knows about this so you can’t tell anyone.”
“I feel so special.” I say letting go of his hand and walking towards it.
“You are.” He says. I sit down on the swings and start swinging back and forth, slowly. He leans on the pole next to it.
“I love it. Now I can come here instead of the dock.” I say, smiling at him.
“Yeah. And I’ll know exactly where you are when you disappear.” He smirks.
“And I’ll know exactly where you are.” I say. “Even though you rarely disappear.”
“How long do you think it’ll take to recover when you get the stitches out?” He asks after a moment of silence.
“Can we not talk about that, please? I don’t want to think about it.”
“Of course. I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok. Now when’s your next mission? And do you have a new partner?“
“My next mission is later tonight and yes I have a new partner. His name is Jeon Jungkook. He’s a rookie, so not as good as you.” He says.
“I want to meet him.” I say.
“Why? You don’t need to meet him.”
“Why not? Are you jealous Mr. Kim Taehyung?”
“No. There’s just no reason to meet him, Ms. Kimura Akari. ” He shrugs. I laugh a little.
“I just want to make sure that he’s good enough to be your partner. I can’t have anything happen to you. Plus he gave me a blood transfusion.” I reply.
“Is that the only reason?“
“What other reason would there be? Cuz I wanna date him?” I ask sarcastically.
“You never know. He’s pretty decent looking.”
“Well not as ‘decent looking’ as you I bet.” I reply. “Plus, I only like you.” I get off the swing and hug him. “I’d never cheat on you. You’re the only guy, besides my brother and father, that I trust 100%.”
“You finally trust me 100%?”
“Yup. Especially after what happened the other day.” I reply. He kisses my head.
“Well I trust you 100% too.” He hugs me tighter. “Can you believe we’ve been dating for almost a year and still haven’t gone on an official date?”
“I know. It’s really weird. But I can’t believe it’s been almost a year. It’s been the happiest year of my life. Well, kind of.” I laugh.
“Same here. I’ve really enjoyed my time with you.”
“TAEHYUNG!” Mr. Kim calls. Taehyung rolls his eyes and sighs.
“Guess we gotta go now.” He releases the hug and grabs my hand as we walk back towards the house. “I’ll come to your room later.” He says and abruptly starts to walk away.
“Oh ok. Bye.” I reply as he kisses me and runs to Mr. Kim’s office. I walk to the stairs and sigh. How am I supposed to do this by myself? Just then my brother appears. “Great! Now you can help me up the stairs.” I say.
“Ok.” He says as I wrap one of my arms around his shoulder. He helped me hobble up the stairs. We finally made it to my room.
“Where’s Taehyung? Why didn’t he help you?”
“His father called him.” I shrug.
“Ok. Do you need anything?” Aikoku asks.
“Nope. Thanks though.”
“Call me if you need to, ok?” He says waking out of my room.
“Ok.” I yell as he closes the door. I slowly make my way to the window seat where Kimchi is sitting. “Hey buddy! How ya doing?” I pick him up and set him in my lap. I pull out my phone and AirPods and play some music as I drift off to sleep.
When I open my eyes the sun is setting. Kimchi’s sitting on the floor looking at me.
“Did Taehyung ever come in here?” I ask him, not really expecting a response. I stand up and walk towards the bed. There’s a note.
Akari,
My father sent me on a last minute mission with Jungkook. I’ll be back as fast as I can. Don’t do anything stupid.
-Taehyung
I laugh out loud. Of course he was sent on a last minute mission. I walk out of my room to Sakura’s. I knock on the door. No reply. I open the door. She’s gone too. Where is everyone? I walk back to my room because I don’t want to attempt walking down the stairs alone. Suddenly, I get a severe headache and sink to the floor with my hands on my head. I lie there writhing in pain. I shut my eyes as tightly as possible. It’s not like that will help. It hurts so bad. I squint my eyes and slowly stand up. The pain increases and a tear slides down my cheek. I can handle most pain, but when it comes to headaches, I can’t bear it. I make it to my bed and lay down. Why won’t it go away? I lay there for what feels like hours. And the headache still hasn’t left. I hear the door to my room open and hope that it’s Taehyung or Sakura. I turn over and open my eyes a smidge. It’s Mr. Kim. He sits on the edge of my bed.
“Akari, I have a question for you?”
“I’m sorry sir, but I can’t-”
“I honestly don’t care.” He interrupts. “I need you to tell me what your fathers plans were.”
“What are you talking about?” I reply. I seriously have no clue what he’s talking about. He forcefully grabs my arm and my head pounds harder. I wince.
“I don’t believe that for a second. Now tell me, what were his plans?”
“I don’t know.” I begin to cry due to the pain in my head. He slaps my face.
“Just tell me you *. I know you know something.”
“I swear on my life. I don’t know what you’re even talking about.”
“Swear on Taehyung’s life and I’ll believe you.” He says.
“I swear on Taehyung’s life.” I say. He releases me.
“Oh.” Is all he says. “I thought you would know.”
“No. And I told you that I didn’t.” I snap, trying not to cry in front of him.
“Well,” He clears his throat. “You will not tell anyone about this.” He demands.
“And how will you know if I do?” I retort. Mr. Kim points to the lamp on the corner of my room.
“I placed a bug in your room before you arrived.”
“What the hell. Why?”
“You don’t need to know that.” He starts walking out of my room.
“I deserve to know. I-”
“Shut up.” He walks out of my room. I lay back down on the bed and sob. There’s no point in trying to get him to tell me. He clearly won’t. Something is very suspicious, though. The door opens again and I roll my eyes.
“Hey. Sorry I took so long.” Taehyung says. I smile hearing his voice and sit up cautiously. He has a worried look on his face after seeing my tear stained one. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He asks.
“I have a really bad headache. It’s been going on for a while now. Maybe like an hour or two.” I barely mumble. He puts his hand to my head.
“You have a fever.” He says. “I’ll be right back.” He walks out of my room and comes back with a pill and some water. “Here. Take this.”
“What is it?” I ask him.
“It will help with your fever.” He says, sitting next to me. “Also, why was my father in here earlier? I saw him walking out of your room.”
“Oh.” What do I tell him? “He was just asking me if I was feeling better.” I lie. There’s gotta be a place that I can tell him without Mr. Kim knowing.
“You sure?” He asks.
“Yup!” I say.
“Ok well, take it easy.”
“I’m fine.” I sit up, headache subsiding.
“No, you need to rest.” He says.
“Taehyung, I’m fine.” I try to stand up but he doesn’t let me.
“You’re not fine. You literally have a fever.” I roll my eyes. “What?” He shrugs. “I’m just trying to care for you while Sakura’s away.”
“What do you mean?” I look at him quizzically.
“What do YOU mean? She didn’t tell you?”
“No. What’s going on here?”
“She was sent on a last minute mission with your brother. They’ll be gone for a day or two.”
“Oh.” Is all I say. Aikoku and Taehyung haven’t been getting along very well since the incident. Aikoku always complains about how stupid Taehyung was to leave me with the knife. As usual, Taehyung blames himself. It’s an ongoing battle because every time they pass each other in the hallway, nothing good comes out of their mouths. “Have you been getting along with my brother?” I ask Taehyung, knowing the answer will probably be no.
“Not really. Your brother hates me now.” He sighs. I grab his hand.
“It’s ok. My brother has trust issues like me. It’ll take him a while to warm back up to you.” I say, as comfortingly as I can. Taehyung chuckles.
“I’m not so sure about that.” He replies.
“I am.” I say. “Everything will be fine.”
“I hope so.”