The usual VIPs sit in the booth but Gun doesn't bother looking at them. Instead, his eyes can the upper stands, taking in the groups and fighters that were around but not noticing anything out of hand. If Daniel Park was sitting up there then it would be inevitable that someone would notice him and it would be hard not to cause an uproar. Daniel was a legendary name within these walls, the Miracle Doctor was a legend that was solidified in CC history, no one of that time could forget the man who left without a word. Still, observing that no one was going crazy at the sight of Daniel, Gun turns his eyes to the lower crowds. They were harder to identify and sift through, all dressed in varying outfits, interacting and moving around like ants in his vision.
No amount of searching should have led Gun to being able to find the Doctor which sends relief into his heart. If Gun couldn't find him then it was good, either he wasn't here or he was at the very least mindful enough to hide. Daniel wasn't dumb enough to expose himself entirely, the younger knows exactly what that would do to the viewers and crowd. With that in mind, Gun grabs his mic and nods for Goo to start.
.
.
.
Wearing all black, a hat, glasses and a mask wasn't inconspicuous at all…totally. But it was all Daniel could scramble together at the last minute before he ran out of the house and took a bus towards the CC Friday evening. It was a dumb move, going to the CC during peak hours when everyone and anyone could spot and identify him but he needed this. It has been so long since he's watched their fight nights in person and just as long since he's absorbed the energy of the arena when it's filled with people.
As much as he wanted to run in there and reveal that he was back he also knew that he needed to keep a low profile. How was he supposed to romance Gun if he was busy being flooded by people? Yes, he's not that popular to cause such a big uproar but he still knew to be reasonable and safe.
Entering the halls and then eventually the arena. Daniel takes a seat near the front for an easy view. He was buzzing in excitement, the giddiness in his heart felt overwhelming and it was sort of embarrassing. Once upon a time he didn't understand the concept of a legal fighting ring, he even looked down on it, now he was waiting expectantly to watch the fights and eat his past feelings. Was his character development or regression? Who knows.
The VIPs enter, and then the Founders and Daniel's eyes stick to Gun. The man was busy surveying the top floor seats and then the bottom, immediately Daniel looked away. So Gun did see his messages and he was looking for Daniel…
Or he was being delusional and Gun was simply taking in the crowd.
Whatever the case, Daniel keeps his profile low. Soon after Goo's voice rings through the arena and nostalgia hits him. Hearing his friend's voice through the speakers was overwhelming and seeing the blonde in action in person again makes him grin. James takes his turn speaking and Daniel soaks in the sight of his black hair, so different to how James looked formerly but still him all the same. As Gun speaks, Daniel can't help but fall into a simple ease. Listening to his voice rather than his words, Daniel melts.
The fights soon began and Daniel watched in earnest interest. There were just as many new fighters as there were old, every time he recognised someone he couldn't help but let out a loud cheer along with the crowd. It was good to see so many friends even if he felt guilty that they had no clue he was there. Maybe he'll go and see a few of them, catch up and ask for forgiveness for just leaving. He left a few groups and people letters but…well seeing how Gun reacted he wasn't sure if their reactions would be any different.
The night wore on and Daniel could feel his cheeks ache from being overused. Even underneath his mask, he couldn't help but grin. Daniel had forgotten just how amazing the CC was, even as an employee here with all its stressors, he had enjoyed it. Loved it even.
The questions from Mr Seong about whether he was going to leave or come back and work here entered his mind. Would he want to come back and work here even after his residency? He hadn't given it much thought but as he watched every single match and was reminded of how much he enjoyed the CC he contemplated his options in greater detail.
The initiative he had left the CC and SNMC to help bring medical help to the arena was working wonderfully. There were a handful of interns who fussed around with the injured every time a match finished up and every single one of them worked efficiently and brilliantly. It was good to see.
It was even better when Daniel caught sight of a familiar blonde and brunette. Both Jay and Mira are still present in the CC and working hand in hand with each other to help the patients. He wanted nothing more than to rush across the arena and tackle them both into a hug but he refrains from doing so.
Fight after fight occurs until there is one last matchup. To Daniels' glee and amusement, it was Samuel vs Eli. The crowd go crazy, the bets are through the roof and it is with complete understanding that Daniel goes along with the hype of the people. The fighting starts easily enough, the two sharing and parring a few hits before they get greedier with their moves. Daniel watches with honest eyes, analysing just how the two fighters have improved since he had last seen them and he reacts to every hit that lands and every time they dodge.
It was unsurprisingly evenly matched, with Samuel tanking moves as perusal and Eli using his resourcefulness to combat every move. Big Deal and Hostel were going crazy on the upper floors and it was with glee that Daniel was able to catch sight of a few familiar faces up there.
Just as the timer of the fight was slowly reaching its end, Samuel did the unthinkable. He tanks another punch Eli sends to the man's chest and with surprisingly scary efficiency he snatches both of the Hostel leader's wrists, securing them in place with one hand before using the other to batter his fist against Eli's stomach.
Eli grunts in pain after the first hit, the second, then the third and so on as he struggles to rip his hands away until eventually his knees give in and he falls. Samuel lets go, standing victoriously over Eli as he waits for the other to get up. Eli groans, clutching his stomach before shaking his head, signalling that he was conceding.
With this, Samuel throws his arms in the air, turning to face the crowds who roar and cheer for him. Daniel claps his hands, letting out a few cheers that were lost in the sea of voices before his smile falters. His gaze naturally falls away from the bruised and sweaty Samuel to the small form of Eli that was curled up against the floor. The man was groaning in pain, seemingly clutching his body as he writhed in agony. Daniel can't hear the sounds he is making nor get a clear view of his face but what he sees is enough.
The interns and medical help him, Mira assesses the situation and begins speaking to the gang leader but there's a lack of response. Alarm and worry adorn her face as she turns to nurse Hong who helps, even though he seems somewhat distressed. The both of them turn to the interns, calling out to ask something and they turn heads to look at each other with wide eyes. They bicker back and forth momentarily, shaking heads and sweating nervously before eventually Mira and Jay turn back together. Jay gestures to Taejin who was a little further away with a few other first responders, ready and alert to be put to use if need be.
Whatever happened, both Jay and Mira had deemed it serious enough that they couldn't rely on the interns or medical helpers. They needed a hospital which only meant that Eli's condition was serious.
Speaking about Eli, he turns his head and immediately pukes. The others jump into action to help the man, ensuring that he doesn't choke.
Samuel stops his victory to turn and stare at his opponent. Wide eyes, fear, worry.
This scene felt familiar to Daniel for some reason, there was the urge in his brain and body to move but he continued to speak and reassure himself.
'They've got it, it's ok'
He didn't want to intervene. He couldn't.
But Eli needed help and no one there could offer it right now.
As Eli heaves out the last of his sickness and goes back to screaming in agony, something about his stomach feeling like an exploding pain in his stomach, tears falling down his face as he gasps out words, Daniel feels his body react. For a long time, all Daniel could ever recall were the bad moments when he had run away from a fight. Run away from his patients, run away from his relationships, his problems…he almost forgot about the times when he's run towards them.
Hoping the fence between the seats and the arena he drops onto the floor expertly. His body acts on instinct before he finds his feet pounding against the floor in even yet long strides until eventually he slides past Samuel and finds himself kneeling by Eli's side.
"How is he?" Daniel finds himself asking, surveying Eli as he attempts to assess the situation.
"Excuse me?!" A voice squeaks out, caught off guard by his sudden appearance.
"Mr Jang? Can you hear me?" Daniel asks, the sound of the name feeling foreign in his mouth. "Mr Jang, can you please describe the pain to me?" He continues to ask.
"W- Who the hell are you?" Eli replies before gasping again in pain.
"Eli I need you to answer the questions right now" Daniel continues to press and the Hostel leader's body freezes up momentarily. Eli blinks up through his tears to look at the masked figure before clenching shut again in pain.
"It's my stomach, or lower, it hurts. It's sharp and it just feels like wave after wave of pain" Eli replies and Daniel nods.
"Eli, I'm going to need to check your stomach, is that alright?" Daniel asks and the guy nods.
"Sir you can't be here and you can't be doing this-" Mira's voice is cut off as Daniel tosses his disguise. Throwing the hat and sunglasses that were obscuring his vision he then begins to assess Eli's condition. A physical examination he carefully presses along the bottom of Eli's stomach and immediately the man shouts in pain.
Noting the location and the severity of the pain, Daniel came to a few conclusions but he needed more information.
"Eli, have you been experiencing any pain or discomfort lately? Anything at all?" He asks, needing to know the history.
"There's been this pain" Eli moves a hand to grasp the right side of his lower belly, gesturing there. "It's been constant over the last few days but I thought I just ate something bad and I didn't want to make a fuss out of it. It's worse when I move too fast or cough and I've also been bloated a lot more often. I didn't tell anyone because I thought I was just exaggerating, I thought It would go away" The fighter describes and Daniel takes it all in.
"Alright, I believe that you might have been experiencing appendicitis which is when your appendix becomes inflamed but judging from the blows you just experienced and the current pain you are feeling I'd say you're appendix just ruptured" Daniel states quickly. "Blunt trauma isn't usually the main cause of appendicitis, usually it's caused by an infection, we'd need to run a few more tests before we're able to find out the real cause but for now due to the rupture your condition has become serious and I'm going to have to operate on you" He informs and Eli nods.
Standing up, Daniel gestures for a stretcher and the workers more expertly to help heave Eli onto it and out of the arena. Daniel then turns to another employee, giving out orders before he can stop himself.
"I need you to go and prepare the operating room with the correct equipment, you two interns will be assisting me and so will you guys" He gestures to a few people. "We're going to have to perform an open appendectomy, scrub in and get ready" Daniel announces and the interns nod but the looks of confusion don't fade.
"Daniel…is that you?" A voice asks and Daniel turns around to see Samuel staring at him with wide eyes.
Knowing that his cover was blown, Daniel pulls off his face mask and flashes the Big Deal second in command a short smile.
"Hey," He greets before turning back to Jay and Mira. "Will you guys be able to get everything ready for me?" He asks and their shock immediately subsides as they nod. "Good, let's go" Daniel orders before marching out of the arena.
Ignoring the looks and whispers, Daniel focuses on getting ready. Changing out of his clothes and putting on the spare scrubs the CC had, he ensures that his hair is in a surgical cap and he gathers the assistance of a few people to help him in his gowns and gloves to ensure everything is sanitary.
When Daniel walks into the CC operating room he takes in a few of the newer equipment that had been installed as well as the people who were ready and in their spots. The CC had come a long way since the first time Daniel had completed an operation here and for that he was thankful. Mira and Jay were also present, their faces steel-like as they were ready to assist, the two interns Daniel had selected looked somewhat excited as well as nervous.
"Well then, let's get started" Daniel announces.
The appendectomy takes about an hour altogether and throughout it all Daniel remains calm and collected. His hands don't waver when he makes the incision against the lower right of Eli's abdomen, his voice remains steady as he speaks orders to those around them to suction blood, hand him tools and help adjust things. They control the bleeding and area and Daniel can quickly locate the appendix once it is exposed. He exerts a bit of effort as he carefully dissects the appendix free from the surrounding tissue, clamping it and cutting it off at the base. He cleans the abdominal cavity with sterile saline, removing the pus from the ruptured appendix before beginning to close the area. With complete and utter ease, Daniel closes the abdominal wall layers and skin with sutures before stepping back and looking up at the room.
"Alright, I'm finished here" Daniel announces and Jay steps in to take over cleaning up the area. Daniel gives a final few instructions to monitor Eli's condition and for someone to stay with him until he wakes up before leaving the operating room.
As he unpeels the layers of gloves and surgical gown he feels satisfaction fill his heart. The operation was successful from a surgical standpoint, Eli's heart rate and pressure remained stable throughout without dropping and they maintained his blood. All in all, they simply needed to wait until the fighter woke up before moving forward with any more doctor orders and medication.
"Daniel" A voice calls as he makes his way through the hall, pausing in his spot he turns around and is greeted by the overwhelming sight of more people than he needed to see. The shock written on their faces is overridden by the desire to know whether Eli was alright or not, they didn't need to voice it for Daniel to know.
"It's really you" Olly whispers out, blinking in shock.
"H-How is he? How is Eli?" Sally cuts in, voicing the question most people had and Daniel nods, slipping into his professional mode.
"The surgery was a success" Daniel starts immediately before delving into the operation as well as what had happened to Eli. Warren curses at the mention of appendicitis, the hostel members murmur about not noticing Eli's condition at all and Daniel sympathises momentarily with them.
"So, are we not going to address the elephant in the room?" Samuel's voice calls out, and a few of the Big Deal members are also around, waiting to know of Eli's condition as well as speak to Daniel. Samuel's face contorts into a frown as he stares at Daniel. "When did you get back to Korea?" He asks and Daniel deflates momentarily.
"Earlier this week" There were a few outcries of shock.
"And you didn't think to come and say hi?" Someone asks and Daniel stops himself from looking away, at a wall or the floor. If he wanted to make amends then he'd need to approach this directly.
"I was settling back into Korea, spending time with family and dealing with other issues" Daniel informs evenly, making sure his eyes reach every one of the group. "But…I do apologise for not having told any of you I was back…or that I was leaving in the first place but…I hope you all got my letters?" He asked and there were a few nods.
"Why didn't you tell us in person?" Olly asks, his voice dipping into sadness as he gives the doctor an imploring look. He wasn't angry, simply confused and disappointed.
"I didn't want to upset anyone and see it personally, which is a cowardly move," Daniel explains. "Furthermore, me going to the States to study was a last-minute thing" He adds and it's Jake who steps up to speak next.
Jake, looked barely any different to three years ago, his hair might have been shorter but he was still as broad-shouldered as he used to be. His handsome face twists in anger.
"Did you leave because of what happened between you and that other Doctor?" He questions firmly, the authority in his voice having developed to be even more charismatic than it used to be. "If it was then you have nothing to fear, none of us believed that guy anyways and if what Lineman and Lua were saying were true then he's been picking and bullying you for a long time. You didn't deserve to go through that alone" Jake announces and there were murmurs of agreement.
"If you need us to stand up for you against that guy then just say the word, Daniel" Olly chimes in and again people agree.
"No" Daniel holds up his hands. "There's no need for any of that" He reasons gently but firm enough to ensure they listened to him.
"Daniel?" Sally voices, unsure of what to do or say as her eyes flicker from Olly and Jake to Daniel. Both Olly and Jake held so much passion, so much emotion and protectiveness that Daniel had almost forgotten how much they cared for him. To see it completely shatter under a few words uttered by Daniel himself, it was strange knowing how much power he held over people.
"I mean, let's leave that in the past" Daniel reiterates. "I'm fine, I apologise for not telling you guys in advance but I have enjoyed my time in the US…I've been doing well" he reassures them and they slowly nod and accept this.
"Will you be coming back to the CC?" Warren asks and at this, Daniel winces.
Shaking his head, Daniel offers them a sad smile.
"I need to go back to the US soon, I'm only here for the holiday break…technically I shouldn't even be on the job or anything but…"His eyes flicker to the doors that hold Eli.
"But you couldn't leave Eli alone knowing you could help" Sally concludes and Daniel lets out a soft chuckle before nodding.
"Yes, it seems my habit of jumping into action isn't something I've grown out of yet" He rubs the back of his head, smiling sheepishly at the group. A few of them break out into smiles of their own but the air between them was still tense.
"I don't think that's a bad habit" Samuel mentions offhandedly. "I'd say it's one of the characteristics we love about you" He murmurs and Daniel's heart aches at the words.
"I see," He replies softly before stepping back. "Well then, I should get going. The Doctors and medical staff in there are looking after Eli and they won't be having any visitors for a little while. You all should head home, wash up and rest. He's in stable condition" He reassures them before bowing and heading out.
It wasn't the most awkward meeting in the world but Daniel still couldn't help but feel like there was a barrier between him and the people he left behind. Like he owed them something other than an apology but he couldn't pinpoint what.
Daniel silently changes out of the scrubs before gathering his belongings and making his way to the exit. There were a few people who lingered around, whispering about his presence as if he had seen a ghost but again, Daniel ignored them. When Daniel opens the doors he's met with the fresh, cold night air. Sucking in a deep breath, Daniel walks out of the building with confident strides. Shoving his hand into his coat pocket, he breathes out a warm breath, watching as fog is created. Looking up at the night sky, he finds that despite accidentally revealing his presence, despite Eli's injury and his intervening, despite being back at the CC, he was a lot happier. More content with himself.
As he walks in the direction of the bus stop Daniel pauses.
It was late, far later than he intended to leave the CC so that probably meant that the last bus stopped operating a little while ago. Letting out a sigh, Daniel pulls out his phone and contemplates calling his uncle when a car pulls up beside him.
The window rolls down and Daniel is pleasantly greeted by the sight of Gun's face.
"Hey, get in" The Founder orders, a prominent scowl on his face.
"Sorry, no, stranger danger" Daniel replies with a smile.
Gun lets out a long-suffering sigh before fixing Daniel with an unreadable look before turning back to his steering wheel.
"Fine, walk back home" Gun replies as his car begins moving away.
Gaping at the sight of the moving vehicle, Daniel shouts.
"Oh come on! It was just a joke!" Daniel squawks, unbelieving that Gun really would be petty enough to ditch him in the middle of the night to walk home. Just as Daniel believes that he is being left behind the car stops on the side of the road, parked and waiting.
Snorting at the action, Daniel quickly dashes over to the waiting car. Approaching Gun's door, he leans in to grin at Gun's annoyed expression.
"I thought you were gonna leave" Daniel muses as Gun grunts.
"Just get in before I ditch you for real" Gun orders and this time Daniel makes no stupid remark, instead he walks around the car and hops into the passenger seat. He's barely able to strap himself in before Gun presses the gas and they're moving.
"So, why are you suddenly being generous and giving me a lift?" Daniel asks, looking over at the man who kept his eyes on the road.
"Stop questioning it and just accept it" Gun replies and Daniel snorts.
They sit in silence for most of the ride, Gun paying attention to the road in front of him and Daniel paying attention to Gun. His eyes don't waver from the sight of the Founder even as the elder side eyes him a couple of times. It takes a while before Daniel notices that neither of them is heading towards Daniel's home but rather in a completely different direction.
"Are you taking me somewhere to kill?" Daniel questions abruptly and Gun snorts.
"Maybe" Gun huffs.
"Well if I die then at least it'll be by the man I love" He announces proudly, unashamedly proclaiming that fact. Daniel watches as Gun's grip on the steering wheel tightens.
"Don't say shit like that" Gun grumbles out and Daniel can't help but feel sad.
Once upon a time he used to be able to say those three words without Gun protesting, now things were different and broken and he wanted nothing more than to fix it.
They eventually reach Gun's intended destination and Daniel blinks in surprise as he recognises it. Gun turns off the car before getting out, moving to sit on the hood of the car as he stares off at the view. The view of Seoul and all its familiar flickering lights.
"I didn't think you'd be taking me back here to this panoramic view, did you run out of date spots to take me?" Daniel teases as Gun pulls out a cigarette and lighter. Daniel doesn't so much as wince or recoil as Gun starts smoking.
"This isn't a date," Gun replies as he lets out a breath of smoke.
Daniel sighs before moving to sit next to the man on the hood. They sit there momentarily, barely shoulder to shoulder and staring at the view in silence. Daniel had never told the elder this but that first time Gun had taken him to see this view, the night when they slowly danced to music and were content in each other's arms, it was one of his favourite memories. A moment in time that would stay in his mind forever. Times might have been simpler then, but reflecting on it now his only problem used to be figuring out where he stood with Gun. Now his problem was getting Gun to stand with him.
"Thanks for stepping in and helping Eli, tonight. You'd think after years since you left the medical department of the CC would have improved but it seems like we still need to rely on you" Gun suddenly speaks and Daniel shrugs.
"It has improved, those guys out there tonight did a good job and even during the surgery, everyone worked well. It's improved since I was last here" Daniel states warmly, reassuring the other.
"Goo and James were thrilled to see you down there, as much as they were shocked, thought they were hallucinating or experiencing deja vu when they saw you" Gun informs and Daniel snorts.
"I probably gave most of the people a shock" Daniel chuckles softly. "Weirdly enough, it felt kind of good to be down there and working, everything kinda just fell into place and I didn't have to struggle once" The panic and horror from years ago when he had to perform operations and surgeries as the leading Doctor had faded away. He was more assured of his abilities and skills nowadays, he knew his limits as well as how well he could surpass them.
"You certainly seemed confident" Gun agrees and they fall silent again.
Daniel was unsure what the purpose of them coming here was. Did Gun need peace? If so, why invite Daniel along when he knows he is only going to talk the man's ears off?
"Gun" He calls out softly and Gun pauses smoking to look over.
Their eyes met and Daniel could feel his own heart flutter against his chest, it was as if he was 18 and experiencing love for the first time again. Well technically, Gun is still his first love.
"I love you" He utters without thinking. He wanted to be smarter with his words, wanted to sound convincing and have this whole speech about wanting Gun but all that comes out are those three damning words. Short. Simple. Straightforward.
Gun's face contorts into something complicated.
"So I've been told" Gun huffs as he turns away from Daniel. "Just because you say it doesn't mean that it means much to me anymore" He replies and it hurts to hear.
It didn't mean much anymore, meaning that once upon a time it meant something to the man and Daniel had ruined it.
"I know" Daniel breathes out. "But I need to say it anyways and I'll say it over and over again until you realise that I mean it, every single time" He speaks and surprisingly his voice doesn't waver in the slightest.
"I don't understand you. You could have thousands of other people, here in Korea or even in America, I'm sure there's no short list of admirers for you but instead, you decide to crawl back here and beg for me. Why me? It's not as if I'm the best suitor in the world" Gun shakes his head, not being able to comprehend what it was about him that made Daniel come back to him time and time again. "Why me ?" He reiterates the question.
Pushing himself off the hood of the car, Daniel turns to face Gun with a look of determination. He's convinced Gun to love him once, to take a chance on them before, he knows he can do it again. This time he knows for certainty that he would never hurt the man intentionally, he'll never take Gun's love for granted ever again.
"I'm not sure" Daniel starts as his eyes run down to Gun. "Maybe it's your laugh, or your hair, your eyes, maybe it's all of that" He lists as his eyes return to the man's face.
"Perhaps it's simply you that I've fallen deeply in love with" He announces and Gun snorts, his lips pulling back in grimace, looking like he was going to deny the words so Daniel steps forward and takes the man's hands.
He takes the cigarette and throws it to the floor, stomping on it with his foot to put it out before turning back to Gun who looks affronted by the action.
"You didn't have to-" "Gun" He breathes out, his voice stern and heavy enough to cause the man to pause. "I have looked at you in a million different ways and I have loved you in each" He confesses and Gun's eyes widen.
Blinking rapidly as he processes Daniel's words.
"For the past week, I've been sending you messages, and gifts and trying to be a part of your life without trying to be a nuisance but enough to try and convey this message to you but it seems like I'm failing in that regard" Daniel huffs, amused by his failure. "I'm going to be honest with you, it's hard to communicate to you how much I love you because you continuously reject those three simple words. But I am constantly trying to communicate something inexpressible to you, to explain something insoluble, to tell you about something I only feel in my heart and soul. It's difficult to translate why my entire being comes alive when I'm with you" He expresses genuinely, holding Gun's hands gently. So far the Founder hasn't snatched them away and was listening intently.
"I've told you this already but ever since I left three years ago there hasn't been a single spare moment where I didn't think about you" He breathes out, leaning close to Gun as they both stare at each other. "Even in the silence of sleep, my mind hums with the melody of your name" He conveys and Gun's breath hitches.
"I love you," Daniel whispers.
"You don't believe that" Gun challenges and Daniel smiles.
"I believe in you"
And that seems to spark something different in Gun, his eyes lighting up with something Daniel couldn't recognise but could only hope meant understanding. Just as quickly as it appears it simply vanishes as Gun takes his hands back.
"You're going to leave soon enough, what does it matter if I love you or you love me? You're leaving me again and I won't see you for the next two years or however long you decide to stay over there" Gun reminds and it's like a sharp stab to Daniel's gut. He had forgotten about that part, realistically they wouldn't be together for long before he had to go back to the US. Wasn't he simply just torturing Gun again with this?
Shaking his head, Daniel blurts out the first thought that comes to mind.
"Come with me"
Both their eyes widened in shock.
"What?" Gun hisses out.
"Come to the US with me" Daniel states again, repeating it more for himself than the man in front of him. "You could come and be with me for the next two years and then we could come back here to Korea. I've thought about it but I don't see myself picking up a long-term job over there, I want to come home. So…come with me. We could be together" He urges, feeling more confident.
Gun blinks once, then twice before he's laughing but it sounds more empty than humorous.
"Weren't you the one who cruelly told me to stay here? To not follow you? Didn't you tell me that wanting to be with you wasn't a reason enough to do anything?" Gun snaps out, anger reappearing as he snaps out.
Daniel remembers those words and he wanted nothing more than to kill his idiotic and insecure self.
"I know I did" Daniel lets out a shaky breath. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have tried forcing you into leaving…I got ahead of myself" He states, biting his lip.
Gun falls silent, his anger dissipating again as he lets out an agitated breath.
"But I want you to know I wouldn't be opposed if you wanted to come" Daniel reasons softly. "To live and be with you, make up for lost time which I know was my fault to begin with" He smiles at the thought of waking up to the sight of Gun, of coming home after a long day of work to the sight of the man, to spend every night with him.
A life like that, Daniel couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. He could have had that, maybe if he asked three years ago Gun would have left behind the thoughts of Japan or stayed at the CC to go with him. Maybe. He'd never know.
"The choice is there and it's up to you how you want to respond, whether you want to come with me or stay. You're the one who gets to choose" Daniel reassures, leaning forward to pat his chest.
Long ago, Daniel hadn't given Gun the choice to choose. When the Founder was already being choked with a decision to leave and return to Japan, Daniel had added to the pressure and suffocated Gun even further. He wouldn't do that now.
"It's up to you what you choose" He states again before walking away and heading back to the passenger seat of the car.
It takes a while before Gun climbs back into the driver's seat. He spends a little more time outside, taking out another cigarette and lighting it up to smoke. Only once he finishes it does he come back inside but he doesn't utter a single word. The ride to Daniel's home is quiet, the soft lull of the cars engine is all the both of them can hear until Gun pulls up to the house.
Grabbing his belongings and unbuckling his seatbelt, Daniel shoots Gun one last look.
"Thanks for the lift, Gun" He states and Gun nods stiffly in return.
Pausing momentarily, Daniel wanted to say more but found that he had nothing.
"I don't know what to choose" Gun suddenly blurts and Daniel blinks, looking up to see Gun's gaze that was still directed to the dashboard. The conflict was easy to see and Daniel didn't hold it against him.
"It's ok, whatever choice you decide to make…it'll be ok" Daniel reassures.
There was no wrong decision, whether Gun would stay or go, it might hurt but Daniel would understand.
"In two weeks, on the 2nd of January on the Sunday, I'll be leaving then" Daniel informs, this time providing a clear date for when he would be flying out. Gun nods at this and Daniel smiles.
"I'll see you around, Gun" He states before leaning over and placing a quick kiss on the man's cheek. With that he quickly exits the car and runs towards the front door of his home, not daring to look back.
When Daniel goes to sleep that night all he can see and dream about is the sight of Gun. His gaze was so sad and his words so dejected.
.
.
.
Daniel doesn't bother going back to the CC the next night or the next, instead, he spends his time lazing around at home in contemplation. He still sends Gun those sappy text messages and occasionally he'll find a gift to send the man but otherwise, he does nothing else. The next week follows the same pattern and eventually, Christmas comes and goes. He celebrates with his uncle and mother, having a nice family dinner where they all find comfort in each other's presence. Their family of three was small but it was one that Daniel appreciated. He got a few presents from the two and he presented them with the gifts he had brought from overseas.
Overall Christmas was a success even if Gun still wasn't replying to his messages. He still read the 'Merry Christmas' message Daniel had sent and knowing that Gun had seen it, it was enough.
As the weeks went by, the date of his departure grew closer and closer and the worry of Gun's decision grew larger and larger. So much so that Jinyoung noticed and immediately informed Daniel that he would be tagging along to the hospital, saying that he needed to get out of the house.
The minute they entered the hospital, Jinyoung ditched him for a meeting with other executives and Daniel was left to fend for himself. He walked around the hospital for a little while, unsure if he was allowed to be doing this since he technically didn't work there anymore. A few people recognised and waved at him but for the most part, they left him alone.
"Holy shit is that you, Daniel?" A voice calls out and Daniel spins around to see none other than Collin.
Face lighting up, Daniel lifts a hand to wave before the brunette rushes over and barrelling into him for a hug.
"Dude? When the hell were you going to message me and tell me that you were back?" Collin questions, pinching the shorter and glaring.
"Sorry, sorry, I've been occupied" Daniel huffs.
Collin was on a break so he had the time to catch up and converse with Daniel. The two of them caught up on the important things in each other's lives like the fact that Collin has dated two girls in the past three years but both relationships have ended shitty. He's completing his residency as well and was aiming to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. He had been performing well and a lot of the Doctors were impressed with his abilities and skills and so on. Daniel informed his friend all about his life in America, from how he'd improved to even how he'd met 'someone' before quickly stating that it didn't work out.
"I'm glad you seem happier" Collin smiles before it becomes strained. "So, have you talked to anyone else since getting here?" He asks and Daniel sighs before telling him all about how he made contact with Gun.
By the end of the 'I want to win Gun back' speech, Collin's head was in the palm of his hands and he was wincing from a headache.
"The drama never ends with you, does it?" Collin sighs and Daniel smiles guiltily.
"It never does" Daniel replies in confirmation before gnawing at his bottom lip. "Is this bad? Did I overdo it? Do you think he hates me?" He fires out and Collin shakes his head.
"If he hated you he would have never suggested you go out for lunch that day, or not blocked your numbers or told you to stop with the gifts. Hell if he hated you then he wouldn't have given you a lift home. Gun doesn't hate you" Collin concludes and Daniel relaxes momentarily. "Still though, I know that we both know you love him but…This is an entirely different level" Collin runs the bridge of his nose with his fingers and Daniel nods.
"I know but…I just want to make things right" Daniel states. "Even if it means Gun choosing to turn away from me" He adds although the words tasted wrong in his mouth.
Collin huffs before shaking his head.
"You know, those following months after you left where I took over your position before your initiative was passed were horrible. Not horrible for me but it just…as one of the few people who knew about your circumstances with Gun it was just terrible to see how upset and different the Founder was. It was as if nothing made sense in his world anymore. At one point I thought he was going to kneel over and die from overexertion. I heard that Goo and James had to stage an intervention before things got better for the guy but even then…even now, it's clear to see that there's still something missing in Gun. He's missing something and I'm pretty sure that something is you" Collin informs and that awful guilt he had been experiencing ever since he got back renewed by ten folds.
He was the one to cause that, to do that to Gun. It was his fault.
"Which is why I don't think he'd be opposed to saying no about going with you. Whether he'll say it verbally or not, he does miss you" Collin adds and Daniel listens intently.
"Or he could reject the offer out of spite. It's been three years, Collin, I'm not sure he's feeling the same spark I am…" Doubt crept into Daniel's mind and it was inevitable, Gun could be unpredictable.
"You said you believed in him, right?" Collin asks and Daniel nods. "Well then, keep believing in him" He states just as a voice calls out.
The two of them had been sitting in the lobby, minding their own business before they were interrupted.
"Collin! Your surgery is like in an hour and you need to debr-" The voice dies out and when Daniel looks up to see Jeremy he can understand why. The man's eyes bulged out of his head in shock like he was seeing a ghost. Staring at each other for a moment, Daniel breaks the stare to smile and wave. Despite how the two of them left things off three years ago, Daniel found that he didn't hate Jeremy anymore, not entirely.
Collin looks between Daniel and Jeremy before clearing his throat.
"I should get going, Daniel I better hear from you or else I'll fly over to Washington and strangle you myself" Collin warns, standing from his seat. Daniel follows, pulling the other into a brief hug.
"I will, I promise" He states before they share another smile and Collin walks towards Jeremy.
Jeremy had been glaring at the exchange, his eyes pinning Daniel down with almost the same hate and fury he held three years ago. There was sort of a difference like he wasn't mad at Daniel for his existence anymore but at something else, the younger couldn't pinpoint. That angry scowl completely fades once Collin reaches him, nudging the shorter Doctor's shoulder and whispering something into his ear.
Jeremy's face transforms, his brows smoothing out and a smile appears on his lips, his eyes wide as they train themselves on Collin. A dust of pink settles onto his face before he lets out a laugh and turns around, the both of them leaving to head further into the hospital. As Daniel watches them, he notes that Jeremy's devoted expression doesn't leave Collin once.
Something clicks and suddenly Daniel understands the reason why Jeremy might have disliked him so much. Even more so in their final moments three years ago.
Interesting.
.
.
.
"So we'll cancel Friday's fight session since it falls on New Year's Eve but we'll keep the CC open on Saturday afternoon" James concludes and Goo nods in confirmation. "Any special plans and Ideas we want to implement on the 1st?" He throws out to the room.
Immediately Goo raises a hand but James glares at him.
"No, your ideas only lead to chaos" James shoots down and the blonde's expression crumbles.
"It was one time!" He whines and James snorts.
"What about you, Gun, do you have any ideas for a New special segment?" James asks the third Founder who was lost in his thoughts.
"I'm not sure" Gun replies, his voice vague and soft.
James and Goo share a look.
"Dude, are you alright? You've been acting strange this past week or so" Goo asks and Gun nods.
"I'm fine"
They were both unconvinced.
"Does it have to do with the fact that Doctor Park hasn't shown up at the CC since that first time?" Goo prompts, only to be hit on the shoulder by James.
Gun blinks, staring at his two friends who held dual expressions of concern for him and he sighs. He might as well come clean and clear up some of his thoughts.
"I have something to confess," Gun admits. "I knew that Daniel was back a week before he showed up to the CC" He states and both of the other two Founders gape.
"REALLY?" They both shout simultaneously and Gun nods with a wince.
"What happened? Are you two fighting still?" Goo presses on and again James hits him. "Okay, dude, ow that hurts" He whines as James shoots him a warning look to be quiet.
"What Goo meant to say is that…is everything alright between you two?" James is a little more careful with his question but he is just as nosy as his partner. Still, Gun heaves out a heavy sigh.
"We talked, he explained his reasonings for leaving without saying anything…there were apologies and everything and then…he told me he still loved me" At the last statement Gun lets out a huff of disbelief. He still didn't completely believe that Daniel liked him but after the last time they saw each other, Gun's beliefs were wavering. "He's been pestering me about it since the first time I saw him again…even now he still sending me messages and coffees and whatnot, it's getting rather annoying" He's not annoyed in the slightest if anything Gun looks forward to the messages even if he doesn't reply.
"That's good that he still likes you, right?" James asks tentatively and Gun shrugs.
Again James and Goo share a silent look and at this point, it was getting annoying how well they knew each other and Gun.
"So, what are you going to do?" Goo asks and this time he's a little more delicate with the matter much to James' approval.
"I don't know" Gun replies earnestly, clutching his head in both of his hands. "He asked me to come with him to America and I…I don't know" He confesses, his mind and thoughts still utterly confused with how to handle this situation. He wasn't prepared, he wasn't ready for any of this, he had no clue what to do.
A hand presses against his shoulder, firm and heavy which causes Gun to look up and see that James has shifted, moving over to sit beside his friend and cast him a sympathetic look. He smiles.
"Do whatever you think is right" He answers simply, as if the answer to his troubles was so easily discerned. Someone knocks into Gun's other shoulder and the Founder turns to see Goo coming over to sit next to him.
"If you decide to go…we'll be alright. We'll manage so don't think or worry about us" Goo states evenly, leaning his head on Gun's shoulder. "Worry about yourself for once" He hums.
Worry about himself? Pick whatever he thinks is right.
A decision comes to his mind.
"I think I have an idea for a special event," Gun announces.
.
.
.
Daniel didn't do much for New Year's Eve, he watched the countdown on the television and then went straight to bed. The morning after was a much more exciting affair, Gun had sent him a message.
'Come to the CC tonight' it read.
Daniel hadn't even sent him a 'good morning' text yet but it didn't matter. Gun sent him a message and he wanted to see him, probably to give him the answer of whether or not he would come with Daniel or not. He spent most of the morning packing his suitcases, worrying as well as trying to decipher and read between the lines of what decision Gun could make but the message was too vague. Too short. Nothing gave it away.
So once the clock was late enough, Daniel got ready and headed out. The bus ride to the CC facility takes no longer than usual but for some reason his internal clock made it seem like hours. By the time he gets to the building, he's about 30 minutes too early for the doors to be open so he spends his time mingling around and trying to keep a low profile. It works for a bit until someone tugs him by the shoulder and drags him away.
Out of practice, Daniel spins around and clumsily swats the hand away with less force than he should have. He comes face to face with a few familiar people.
"Shit, it really is you"
Daniel gapes.
"Vasco?! What the hell man? Don't just grab me from behind" Daniel hisses before he's enveloped in a tight hug.
"We thought we'd never see you again" The man whispers, his voice wet and clinging to more raw emotions than he thought the guy capable of. The hug is quick and soon Vasco is pulling away to allow Daniel to see a few other people who were standing around.
The Vasco that Daniel was familiar with three years ago had already been a big and burly man but now, at the age of 21, he seems to have grown even larger. His hair was long, tied back in a loose bun with a few stray hairs falling loose against the sides of his face, his beard was fuller and he had scars crossing his right eye. Despite his appearance his expressiveness isn't lost, he's still emotive and he's still as passionate as ever.
Jace and a few other Burn Knuckles members stand nearby. The second in command's hair was still the same undercut but the top hair was long enough to be tied back into a short ponytail. His Right ear held numerous piercings and his gaze was older, wiser and much more knowing than he used to be.
On the other side stood Zack, fashionable as always but his hair a shorter length, spiker looking. Vin Jin looked just about the same as he did three years ago, though there was less of an antagonistic atmosphere to him, he seemed slightly calmer. And of course, Mary and Zoe stood off to the side, the two looking stunning as always.
"Um…hey guys" Daniel greets before Zack marches forward and grabs him by the collar of his shirt.
"You bastard! Letters? Is that all we're worth to you?!" Zack exclaims and immediately hands are on him, trying to calm him down or pull him away.
"Dude, so not worth it, stop it" Jace reasons.
"Stop being an idiot, this isn't helping anything" Vin Jin grumbles.
Zack eventually lets go and fixes Daniel with a glare.
Rubbing at his neck, Daniel holds his hands up placatingly, attempting to reassure the people that he is fine.
"I'm sorry" Daniel apologises to the group. These people were supposed to be his friends, they are his friends, and just like Gun, he mistreated them. He disappeared on them and left them what he now considers to be rather insulting and pathetic letters. They might have conveyed his feelings or emotions but they never did give anyone the chance to respond. It was shitty of him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you guys with the letters…I should have told you in person rather than through letters but…I didn't have enough time and I was a coward who didn't want to see all your pitying looks. I'm sorry, it was the wrong move, I know that now" Daniel states and a few of them looked appeased by the explanation.
"At least you know" Vin Jin sniffs, arms still crossed but his expression tight.
"How have you been, Daniel?" Vasco asks, his voice deep but still gentle. He's not pissed like the others, if anything he seems the most understanding.
"I've been well" Daniel huffs, a smile slipping onto his face. "I've been studying abroad in Washington DC, I've been trying to finish my residency and I've got two more years before I can finish that and become a real General Surgeon" He explains.
A few looks of wonder pass through them as they listen intently.
"The US?" Zoe asks and Daniel nods.
"So that means you're not staying for long?" Mary questions and Daniel yet again nods.
"My flight is tomorrow" He winces when there are a few outcries of anger and shock.
"Already? But we didn't even get to catch up properly" Vasco states, his smile dropping and his eyes becoming downcasted.
"I'm sorry big guy, I've just been busy" He could have spent his days with them instead of lazing around and rotting in his self-pity but he didn't know how they would react. He also didn't have much to contact them, he never did memorise or get any of their numbers. Whenever they wanted to hang out or needed something they would just come to his office or go to the CC to see him.
"There's no need to be sad, Daniel's never made the effort to come to see us anyways so clearly he doesn't care" Zack huffs from his spot, Jace still holding him in place so that he won't pounce. The guy pouting weirdly enough, but the hurt on his face is clear and Daniel feels nothing but guilt.
"It's not that I don't care," Daniel sighs.
"Then what?" Zack asks.
Daniel bites his bottom lip, the skin raw and broken from how much he's been fussing with it whenever he's stressed or worried. He contemplates answering before deciding they deserve some answers.
"This is the first time I've come back in three years, yes I've been busy but the reason I haven't come back to see any of you is because I was…I was avoiding someone" Daniel sighs, his shoulders deflating. "It wasn't any of you specifically but someone you're all associated with…I just…it's complicated, my entire life is complicated because I fucked up and now I'm here dealing with the consequences. Just know I never intended to hurt any of you and that I do care about you guys…I miss you guys" And for the first time since coming back, he feels himself break a little not because of Gun or his own mistakes but because of how he's hurt his friends.
The same people who stood by his side and helped him during some of his darkest moments. He's also shared some of his best with these people and he still made the active decision to turn away from them. They didn't deserve this.
There's a solid amount of silence for about a minute before Zack's voice cuts through the thick smog of depression.
"We missed you too" The boxer sighs before striding over and pulling Daniel into a hug. "Whatever your problems are, you can tell us, we're your friends and we can help. You never have to do things alone" He states firmly before pulling away, his eyes showing he meant business.
"Thanks, Zack" He whispers.
"Are your problems still complicated?" Zack questions.
"Sort of" Daniel huffs, his cheeks puffing up as he thinks about Gun. "But they're not so bad anymore where I can't face you guys" He adds and Zack nods.
"Good, that means even if you go back to the States you can still make time to contact and keep in touch with us" Zack glares, pulling out his phone. "We're giving you our numbers and if I don't get anything in the next two days I'm going to find a way to get to Washington and I'm going to fight you in the middle of the hospital, ya hear me?" He asks and Daniel nods.
The tension breaks and they exchange contact details as well as stories before the doors to the CC open. Vasco and the rest of the Burn Knuckles head up to the fighting booth alongside Mary and Vin Jin whereas Zack and Zoe end up following Daniel to the lower ground seats. In their short catch-up session, Daniel had learnt that Most of the Burn Knuckle members were either in architecture or construction. Jace had opened up his own private investigation business where he works hand in hand with Vasco and sometimes a few of their other members. Vin Jin's still rapping, a trainee at PTJ Ent or something like that. Zack has turned back to boxing professionally and has withdrawn from competing in the CC because injuries from those matches could impact his other matches. For the most part, everyone was sort of doing well with their careers, choosing a different or unique path but still having time for the CC.
The Burn Knuckles and a few of the other crews might not need to fight in the CC anymore for money or to settle fights but they still came by each week to participate simply because it was routine at this point. The CC had grown from Fight Club to home for some of these groups and Daniel could understand why.
As the three of them take their seats Daniel isn't deaf to the murmurs around him. He wasn't wearing a disguise this time so people were free to see him and whisper. He ignores it and no one bothers to come up to him thankfully. Maybe it was because Zack glared at anyone who dared approach, he wasn't sure. All Daniel knows is that he's grateful.
Daniel is a little sceptical about why Gun wanted him at the CC, he suspects that the man will want to talk to him after the night's events but it feels like too long of a wait. Even as the matches begin and the Founders commentate like usual it still feels weird.
"It's been a while since we've watched the CC together" Zoe muses from beside him, her eyes still sticking onto the pairs of bodies that fight in the arena. "This makes me feel both nostalgic and old" She laughs and Daniel agrees.
The night wears on and occasionally Daniel will add commentary with Zack and Zoe but for the most part, he enjoys the fights. At one point when Jay and Mira come out to collect a limping body, the blonde catches sight of Daniel and waves. On instinct and out of politeness Daniel waves right back to the nurse, grinning at his friend. He had spent time with both Jay and Mira when they were fixing up Eli but that was hardly time catching up, mostly work-related. He would need to apologise to them too.
Just as the CC was coming up on their last hour Goo stood up from his seat. Sirens go off and people begin looking around in shock and confusion.
"Alright! Just before we proceed with the rest of the night I wanted to wish everyone an amazing new year! It's almost like I haven't seen you guys since last year" The blonde jokes around and Daniel cracks a smile. Goo was the same as he's always been and that unchanging factor felt good to know.
"Alright Goo, enough with the jokes, let's move on to the real announcement" James cuts in, giving the blonde a fond look before turning back to the cameras. "We have a special New Year's segment just for you guys. Fighters if you look under your seats you'll find that a number is taped to your seats, please pull them out" The CEO/Founder orders and the people do so.
There's little protest, just simple curiosity as to where this was leading.
"Good, now keep in mind your number because we are going to SPIN THAT WHEEL!" Goo shouts as one of the screens changes into a spin the wheel, each option showing a different number. "Now, we are going to spin the wheel and whatever number that lands on you may either choose to pass or to accept the challenge before you. What challenge is it going to be you may ask…well it is none other than the opportunity to FIGHT JONG GUN PAAAARK!" He announces and the lights dramatically flicker on, zoning onto a person who had made it onto the arena floor.
Gun stood there, outer jackets and layers gone and only left in a button-down and pants. His face twitches in irritation at Goo's words but he's calm. He's not been thrown into the deep end because he knew this was a segment at least.
The fighters perk up instantly once the challenge is revealed and now there's a renewed energy. Daniel never did get to see Gun fight during a tournament, maybe this was to make up for it. Daniel watches with interest, still confused by the generosity of the CC and knowing there is something more to this. Still, he has no answers and can only wait and watch to see how everything plays out.
"Alright, let's begin. Say it with me, everyone! SPIN THAT WHEEL!" And surprisingly people do play along, watching as the wheel is spun. It spins and spins, slowing down by the second before eventually it comes to a stop on a number.
"Number 55" James calls, looking up to the top level.
People look around, talking and waiting to see who the lucky person was chosen. A hand raises up and up stands Jake Kim, tall and proud.
"It seems like Jake Kim is our lucky number 55! Please proceed downstairs" Goo provides instructions and people cheer.
Gun vs Jake.
That was a pretty solid fight and Daniel was impressed by how well-chosen the wheel had been. Unless the Founders had somehow in some way made sure the wheel and seat number would align to Jake…although that seemed excessive. It takes a while before Jake shows up on the arena floor, his coat discarded but his slacks and white button-down pristine. He places a pair of gloves on, they are Gapyrong Kim's gloves, and he adjusts a few wires he had been forced to wear.
"Jong Gun Park, it seems like I'll be able to get my revenge on you after all" Jake announces and it's heard loud and clearly through the arena, even with all the screaming and cheers.
"It only took you 8 years" Gun snorted and his voice was hearable too.
Goo wastes no time to initiate the start of the fight and instantly the two men are on each other.
"It seems like it was just yesterday when Gun was sent to take care of Big Deal and now we're having the rematch of the decade! Last time these two went against each other it might have been during one of the earlier tournaments" Goo mentions, watching as Gun ducks and weaves and Jake attacks. "Jake left with a scar to his pretty face and a few missing teeth"
At the mention of this Jake's anger is renewed and he forces Gun back even further.
"I know nothing in the CC is ever safe but…is this safe?" Daniel asks Zack who watches on in awe.
"Probably not," The boxer replies. "Those two have got history and I don't even mean in the sense that they've fought and got bad blood in the past. I also mean that when Gun told us he was a Yamazaki clan member and the son of Shingen Yamazaki a few people figured out that their dads also used to be rivals" Zack explains before letting out an excited shout as Jake lands a hit against Gun's face who just takes it before spinning round and nailing Jake with his elbow.
"They did?" Daniel gapes, wincing at the blood that trickles down Gun's nose.
"Yeah, this shit is generational" Zack acknowledges.
Gun and Jake continue to fight, neither one backing down from the other. Without the handicap of the tournament and previous fights hindering Jake's abilities the man was fast and vengeful. Every gulp of air, every punch, duck and weave, every step was powered through with more confined emotions than he thought the guy capable of. Daniel remembers all the complaints, comments and hate that Jake held for Gun, for what the Founder did to Big Deal in their earlier days. The guy wasn't going to let an opportunity like this go to waste, that was for sure.
Gun on the other hand was just as invigorated, giving everything he's got but also taking everything he needs. Each punch or kick that seems to land against the Founder only powers him up even more. The nasty grin on his face, the one that was sadistic and enjoyed delivering and receiving pain was in full view for everyone. He never looked more deranged and Daniel finds that the thrill in his stomach means he likes that look more than he should.
At some point, the two begin trading insults and they're picked up and projected to the rest of the viewers and steam and the two do not hold back.
"COME ON GUN! IT SEEMS TO ME YOU'VE GOTTEN WEAK AFTER SITTING ON YOUR ASS DOING NOTHING THESE LAST SEVERAL YEARS!" Jake eggs on, ducking a hit from Gun and instead landing a counter against Gun's torso. Gun tanks it, the impact seemingly doing nothing as he grabs Jake by the back of his neck and knees him in the face.
"Says the guy who has never ONCE beaten me! You're the pathetic one!" Gun responds with a crackle as he throws Jake to the floor.
The Big Deal leader rolls before skidding to a stop, standing back up with a glare.
"I'm pathetic? You're the one who beat up and recruited kids into this shit hole, nothing is more pathetic than a guy who preys on kids" Jake seethes and Gun raises a brow.
"Ok don't make it weird" Gun snaps back as he launches himself at Jake, avoiding the blocks that Jake raises up and instead swiping at his feet, tripping him over and severely hurting the guy's ankles. "And you are pathetic, after all this time and all these years, it seems to me like you can never become strong enough to beat me. No amount of training or fights is ever going to allow you to reach my level and your crew is even worse" Gun sighs, almost like he's disappointed.
"Shut up" Jake spits out only for Gun to kick the side of his head.
"I almost feel bad for your dead dad, I mean, you were his one and only legitimate son but you're weak in comparison to what your father was. Hell, even that bastard Gitae is stronger than you. You'll never amount to anything other than a gang leader who has worthless ideals" Gun remarks, going to hit Jake again only for an arm to swipe out and pull at his ankle.
The two go tumbling to the floor, exchanging blow after blow. Daniel grimaces as he watches, feeling uncertain about this fight. He didn't like where this was going, it could get ugly if they kept antagonising each other more and more.
"At least I've got ideas! Standards! Morals! A monster like you has nothing!" Jake rolls them over so that he's straddling on top of Gun, whaling punch after punch at Gun's face which becomes bloodier and bloodier. "I stand for what's right! I FIGHT for what is RIGHT! I don't do the dirty shit that you and your Founders do!" He hisses only to get kicked off Gun where the Founder launches his attack.
"You fight violence with violence. You are the leader of one of the most notorious gangs in Seoul. You spark fear in the eyes of regular people. What you stand for was never right to begin with" Gun breathes out, his voice stable as if he was explaining common sense to the other. "Tell me, would you have been happy if I weren't around to bring you here?" Gun asks, launching a fist straight into Jake's torso.
Jake grunts, not being able to hide his pain.
"We would have!" Jake responds through the gasps of his breaths, stumbling forward with gritted teeth as he right-hooks Gun in the face. It lands but Gun is unmoveable from where he stands, scowling disapprovingly at Jake.
"Wrong! Your crew was already falling apart before I came around. Do you think you would have been happy forever, having to defend your land and territory from others who sought to overtake it and your men? This corporation saved you and it solidified your crew as the owner of your land in Gangseo. Yet you dare to betray me like this? What happened to that so-called passion and romanticism of yours?" Gun questions
"Shut up! You know nothing!" Jake replies.
"But I do. This stopped being about revenge for your crew a long time ago and became the obsession to defeat me. You want nothing more than to overcome the helplessness I made you feel back then, isn't it?" Gun jeers, a taunting smirk appearing on the man's lips.
The words seem to get to Jake as he spreads his legs, and knees apart and moves forward, with all the strength and force that the leader has left he sends a punch straight to Gun's stomach. It holds enough power to catch Gun off guard and lift him off the ground. Not finished yet, with his other arm and in a combination of moves he sends a hook straight to the side of the Founders face.
"I'VE LONG AWAITED FOR THIS DAY! NOTHING YOU SAY IS GOING TO DETER ME FROM WINNING!" Jake screams, blood pours out of Gun's mouth and Daniel gasps, standing from his seat and gripping onto the side of the rails.
Suddenly the fight didn't seem so amusing or entertaining anymore. Worry courses through Daniel as he watches, praying and hoping that either one of them would concede or quit before any real damage is done yet he knows it is impossible. Jake was stubborn but so was Gun. Both men would fight until the other was unconscious, there was no stopping this.
Spinning on his heel, Jake lifts a foot and sends it directly towards the side of Gun's neck, the grunt and impact are caught on tape as the Founder stumbles. The sight of this fight was hard to watch and seeing Gun get hit over and over again was a difficult view process. Was Gun going to lose?
"It doesn't matter what you say and what you think I'm doing! Whether it's taking you down or teaching this 'corporation' a lesson. I'll continue to fight for my ideals of romanticism and passion. I'll continue to fight for the people you've destroyed or gotten rid of. For the people who believe in me. For my crew. For my friends. For my family. That is what it means for me to live, breathe and fight!" Jake grits out, sending another kick to the other side of Gun who barely blocks it with his arms.
Pissed off that even now Gun was able to block his moves, Jake lets out a guttural roar as he steps back and positions himself for another hit. Everyone holds their breath as he yet again aims for Gun's chest, striking hard and piercing whatever defence the Founder's body contains; the sharp and painful gasp that escapes the elder's lips isn't missed.
A few people cry out and scream, Daniel finds himself to be one of them, quickly clawing his mouth shut with a hand as he watches. Gun's body goes flying across the arena floor before it rolls to a stop. The sight is lifeless and dead to the world, Daniel's entire world shatters and he can feel his eyes heat up.
Gaping, horrified and in shock, Jake Kim stands tall, holding his shaking fist as he glares at the sight of Gun's body.
'Get up' Daniel's body and mind scream, directing it to the still limp Gun. He urged the man, the Founder, with every fibre of his consciousness to get up and continue fighting. To win. It was pointless.
"This is what I fight for, this is what I choose, tell me Gun…what is it that you choose? What do you even fight for other than fame, money and notoriety" Jake hisses.
No one cheers, there isn't a resounding crescendo of claps and screams, just utter and complete silence as they all wait for something to happen. For Gun to get up and continue, to suddenly power up and defeat Jake, to do something because never before has a Founder ever lost a fight. No one has seen it happen, the only time anything like this has been close to happening was James versus Gitae but that had been on a different scale. Jong Gun Park wasn't weak and that fight that everyone witnessed, was nothing of what was expected.
Daniel could barely breathe, finding himself not wanting to if it meant that Gun wasn't.
Like sudden gunfire, a laugh rips across the room. Breathy and amused but not coming from Jake at all. The Big Deal leader's pride-filled face contorts to one of shock as he stares at the body on the floor, still lying there but chest moving erratically up and down as Gun laughs at him.
The laugh stifles momentarily as Gun gasps out his words.
"Yeah…what is it that I fight for?" Gun seems to question before he begins to shift his body.
Watching the scene before them, the crowd gapes even wider as Gun sits up and brushes off the dust and dirt that was on his shirt before standing up.
"I see, so that's how it is for you…Jake Kim" Gun states but his voice isn't angry or insulting, simply stating facts. The Founder turns to the VIP booth and the cameras capture him raising a brow at his two co-founders. "So, what do you two think? Is this enough?" He questions and heads turn.
James and Goo, who had been watching the fight with poker faces, not having made a single remark or point of commentary since the two fighters began insulting each other, break out into smiles. They weren't wide or manipulative, simply sad and agreeing.
"It's a good choice, I approve" Goo voices, the usual mischievousness gone and replaced with a flat tone.
"I agree, I would have picked no better contender" James speaks, melodic and soft.
"What the hell is going on?" Jake calls out, looking at the Founders back and forth. "What kind of trickery is this? Are you three fucking messing with me?!" he sneers, defensive and riled up but the lack of ideas as to what was going on.
The crowd is in a similar state, murmuring their thoughts amongst each other. Zack and Zoe say something but Daniel pays no attention to them, not when he's too busy being relieved that Gun is standing, breathing and alive.
"You're right, Jake Kim. Your ideals are noble to a degree" Gun turns back to the leader, fixing him with a smile.
Jake draws back, horror adorning his face at the quirk of Gun's lips. No one has seen Gun smile like that before, at least not in public and front of so many people.
"You might not be my masterpiece or the best but…you've been a long-running candidate that I am confident in. Your skills, your mindset, everything about you would be good for the role" Gun hums, nodding more to himself than anyone watching.
"Candidate for what?! What the hell are you talking about?!" Jake continues to scream, raising his arms defensively as he readies to fight if that is what Gun wants.
"To take over my position" Gun answers simply and those few words seem to stop time.
It seems to take forever before Jake snaps out of shell shocked stupor and screams out 'What?' just like everyone else.
"What the hell do you-No, I'm not doing this! I don't want your position! To hell with that!" Jake denies it, shaking his head. "Did I hit you in the head too hard? Have you lost your mind? Come here so I can knock your head back into the right mindset because what you've just said is crazy!" Marching forward, it's even more unbelievable to see Gun take a few steps backwards until he crosses the arena lines.
"I, Jong Gun Park, withdraw from this match and accept loss and defeat" Gun states, raising both his hands up with both his palms facing outwards. Again, Jake is still in bafflement, his mind racing to catch up to speed with what was going on.
"But…why?" Jake concludes, that the two words take the effort of all his brain cells.
"Isn't it obvious?" Gun asks, lowering his hands. "I'm tired" He sighs, offering another sad and pitiful smile.
The Founder makes sure to turn and look at the crowd, letting them know that this response was for them too.
"I think I've been tired of this for a while" Gun adds and to those who pay attention to the CC, they would notice just how different Gun had been specifically these last three years. "And to answer your question, Jake, I do have my reasons for fighting just like you do…the reason just so happens to be quite an annoying one" The man muses as he turns around and catches sight of something.
Daniel swallows harshly, his grip on the rails tightening exponentially as Gun starts walking towards him. Did he know Daniel was sitting there? How did he know? Did he catch sight of him earlier? Even so, why is he walking over now? What the hell was going on? Coming to a stop in front of Daniel, the lights that were illuminating and following Gun seemed to capture him too.
Daniel lets out a shuddering breath, staring at Gun's bloodied and bruised form. He had never seen Gun like this before and was fearful that the damage was even worse than how it appeared.
"Daniel Park" Gun calls, his voice louder than ever and calling for his attention. The man didn't need to call for it, Daniel's entire attention was already and will always be on Gun. "Did you mean it? Those words you told me that night, every single word…do you mean it?" The Founder asks, his eyes searching Daniel's for any lies or hesitance.
Daniel nods.
"Yes you psychopath, of course I meant it!" His words come out wet and almost like a sob. He didn't know how he could be clearer, how he could say it any more louder or more directly just how he felt about Gun. Nodding at the distressed look that Daniel was giving him, Gun smiles wider this time.
"I love you too" He announces and the world seems to choke or exclaim in surprise at the revelation.
Gun grabs onto the railing and climbs over, hopping the barrier to stand next to Daniel who was blinking in astonishment. Daniel continued to stare, his gaze never leaving the love of his life who stood there proudly, not a single ounce of hesitance as he spoke.
"Daniel Park, I love you and I know it's taken a lot of convincing and time for me to figure out what I want to do but…I know now" Gun steps forward, leaning over and reaching out to swipe a stray hair from Daniel's forehead he cups the Doctor's face and closes the distance. "I choose you" and suddenly Gun's lips are on his.
Daniel's eyes fall shut and he presses into Gun's kiss but just as quickly as it happens it's gone within an instant. Gun pulls away, moving to straighten up but Daniel's hands shoot forward and latch onto the Founder's shirt, pulling the idiot back down for another, deeper kiss. Gun's hands find themselves wrapped around Daniel's waist and the younger doesn't mind it one bit, so long as they can remain this close a little longer.
He recognises that there's cheering in the background, Daniel isn't sure why people are celebrating two guys making out in front of thousands of people. He knows that none of them completely understand why this is happening or how the hell they ended up like this in the first place but Daniel doesn't care. Instead, he lets go and Gun parts away momentarily. He's grinning, that shit-eating grin he always has when he knows he's won and Daniel knows for a fact that the same smile is on his face too.
"So you're coming with me?" Daniel asks just to make sure.
"Fuck yeah, I could use a vacation" Gun grins and Daniel laughs.
Standing straight, Gun turns back to the VIP booth and nods at them.
"I guess this is it for me for now. And Jake, good luck with the CC, I'm passing this role onto you so you better take care of it. Make good choices and…try to survive those two idiots and the paperwork" Gun calls.
Jake is gaping, mouth opening and closing before he sighs in defeat and face palms, groaning softly. The sound is drowned out by the cheers of other people who are still celebrating whatever the hell this is.
"Daniel" Gun turns back to the Doctor. "We should get going, I haven't packed any of my bags yet," He remarks and Daniel snorts.
"I guess we better go" Daniel nods.
Gun reaches for Daniel's hand and instantly his body is being pulled and led through the crowds of people. They part for them, like the red sea they move as Daniel and Gun rush through. They laugh, hands connected and Gun fumbling with a few wires that were attached to him. They make it to one of the exits, stumbling through they bolt down the hallways and through the foyer, the cheering getting softer and softer with each step until they break through the double doors of the building.
The cold night air is a shock to their systems, the arena has been so cold due to all the bodies. Turning around, Gun grabs Daniel and spins him causing the Doctor to laugh at the action. Settling him back onto the floor the laughter and adrenalin die out, and all that's left is Gun and Daniel who are breathing heavily but content with each other.
"Gun" Daniel calls and Gun hums in response, listening to his words but taking the time to observe and stare at the shorter man's beautiful face. "Are you sure about this choice? About coming with me and leaving the CC" The Doctor asks, wanting reassurance and confirmation.
Gun nods.
"I'm sure" Gun breathed out, the high he was feeling never wavering. "I choose you" and those three words cause Daniel's heart to come alive and he finds himself responding with the same confidence.
"I choose you too"
THE END.