The man's gunshot

My only answer was effort.

I don't even remember how I carried Jeon Jungkook, bleeding and collapsed, to headquarters. I just ran with all my might, trying to prevent the boy's injuries from getting any worse.

Exactly two hours after I entered the operating room, the attending physician approached me, who was sitting on the sofa, wiping away sweat and shaking with a pale face.

주치의

“Fortunately, his life was not in danger, but he will likely be hospitalized for a few weeks and receive further treatment...”

The moment I heard those words, tears welled up in my eyes. I held them back, but I was terrified the boy might die. The thought that the boy had seen blood because of my negligence choked me to death.

After the surgery, I entered the boy's room. My steps were heavier than anyone else's, and my shoulders were completely relaxed. But I didn't want the boy to see me like this, so I kept my expression neutral.

김여주

“Jeon Jungkook, I know you’re not sleeping.”

전정국

“I was about to go to sleep, but the heroine came.”

As expected, it was a strangely incongruous Korean. It was indeed the boy I knew.

김여주

“How’s your body?”

전정국

“It’s nothing, it’s okay.”

Perhaps it was because my eyes were wavering as I looked at the boy, but in response to my question, the boy smiled faintly and said it was okay, comforting me while worrying about himself rather than his own body.

김여주

“Don’t be ridiculous, if only I had paid a little more attention back then...”

전정국

"I know it wasn't your fault, but if you're going to blame yourself for this, you should just get out."

It was sharp and cold. This must have been the boy's true feelings. Everything was a burden to me, weak as I was.

Perhaps he already knew everything. For the first time, the boy felt unfamiliar.

김여주

“I know I’m no help, but I’ve held on, thinking that maybe someday my strength will be needed.”

김여주

“And now and after that, I will continue to hold on.”

I didn't tremble. My answer contained only the effort I had put into enduring and persevering until then. Only then did tears flow in front of the boy.

전정국

“Thank you for your hard work, my eternal companion.”

The boy's embrace was warm and cozy.