Jeng's pov:
I was sitting on the floor near the wall in the ER, staring off into space blankly.
My chest felt numb and I felt completely hollow.
None of the chaos around me was registering in my head. It was all muffled.
It felt as if I was disconnected from my body.
I don't even remember when they brought me here. When they treated my wound. When they checked me and cleared me.
It's all a blur.
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"-eng. Jeng, look at me." A familiar voice filtered through the fog in my head.
I lifted my head slightly and met eyes with hia Joke.
He was crouching in front of me, looking really worried.
I guess they called him... He was the last person I had contacted...
Zo was standing behind him, also looking worried.
"What did they say about the wound? Is it serious?" He brushed back my hair from my face to see the bandaged wound.
"Minor concussion... Just rest..." I mumbled.
I didn't even know I was forming the words until they left my lips.
My throat felt like sandpaper. Every word hurt like hell.
He nodded, relieved. "Ok, that's good to hear."
"Where's Pok? You guys were on a date together, right?" Zo asked as he looked around.
Tears threatened to form in my eyes but my tear ducts were too worn out.
"He's gone..."
They both stiffened and looked at me wide-eyed.
"Wh-at?" Zo muttered softly.
"They killed him..." I mattered.
My voice sounded dead even in my own ears. Completely void of any emotion or lightness.
Zo stumbled back a bit as he covered his mouth with his palm and tears started forming in his eyes.
Hia stared at me for a few seconds, taking in my appearance before moving closer and pulling me into a tight hug.
I laid limply in his arms, not having nearly enough energy to reciprocate.
"They shot him... All over his body... Beat him up... Tore his clothes... Ripped his hair out..." I narrated in a monotone voice.
His arms around me tightened and I heard Zo sob softly.
Hia's hand trembled slightly as he patted the back of my head.
I looked to the right when I saw someone approaching us.
It was a man.
He had a bandage on his arm and a plaster on his right temple along with dirt and dust all over him.
"Are you Jeng?" He asked as he stopped near us.
Hia pulled back and looked at him as well.
I nodded slightly.
Who is this, I wonder...
He extended his hands toward me.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the object he was holding.
It was an open heart shaped locket.
The pictures inside were of Pok and I.
"He asked me to give this to you." He smiled thinly.
I reached out with a shaky hand and took it.
It had dirt and blood on it.
Our initials were engraved on the outside on either side of it.
"He saved my wife and I. He saw us hiding behind a car and diverted their attention away from us by mocking them and making sharp comments. I approached him after the officers got there and the shooters started running away. He told me to give this to you and to tell you that he loves you. Those were his last words." He explained.
Selfless till the very end...
You fucking brat...
You should say that to me yourself... Not make someone else tell me...
Hia squeezed my shoulder firmly with a sad expression.
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"I was so mad at you at first. For doing something like that. For leaving me behind. But then hia asked what I would have done if our roles had been reversed. And I knew I would have done the same thing. So I couldn't even stay mad at you." My tears overflowed as I looked at him.
"The only thing on my mind was that I needed to keep them away. From you, and from that couple. I didn't care how much pain I had to endure for that. It was worth it for your safety." He smiled.
I moved forward and pulled him into a tight hug as I sobbed softly.
"I'm sorry for leaving you behind... For causing so much pain... But I don't regret it... I don't regret my actions that day... I never will..." He cried as he hugged me back.
I clenched my eyes shut as I buried my face in his neck.
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Fang's pov:
I smiled as I saw him.
He looked lighter than before. His smile was easier.
It was a bit weird since he looks just like me.
But it's fine once I get used to it.
"Feel better?" I asked.
He nodded. Much.
"I hope I can give Tan even half as much love as you have for him." I muttered.
I know you can. You hold so much love in your heart for him. I can feel it. I've felt it all this time. You don't love him any less than I love p'Jeng. He came closer and took my hands into his, giving them a firm squeeze.
I smiled at the words.
Give him lots of love. I don't think I was able to give enough. But you should give Tan a lot in my place. We'll be able to rest knowing you two are happy. He smiled as well.
I nodded. "I will."
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I slowly opened my eyes, blinking quickly to adjust my vision.
The first thing I saw was Tan.
We were laying on our sides on the bed, facing each other.
He was awake and staring at me with that familiar, warm smile on his face.
I moved closer to him and pecked his lips.
He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me against him.
"I love you. So much." He pecked my lips.
"I love you too. More than anything." I joined our foreheads and closed my eyes.
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"Hoy, seems like the lovebirds are still alive." Q teased us as we approached the bench where the gang was sitting.
