Chapter 46: A Bullet Between Us
Morning came quietly, but the weight of the previous night lingered in the air. Kai moved silently through the apartment, his face a mask of stoic determination as he prepared coffee. The scent wafted into the bedroom, where Leo lay tangled in the sheets, his brow furrowed even in sleep.
Kai placed the coffee on the nightstand and leaned down, his voice soft but steady. "Leo. Coffee's ready."
Leo stirred, his lashes fluttering as he blinked himself awake. He reached for the cup, his hand brushing against Kai's briefly. "Thanks," he murmured groggily, taking a sip before sinking back into the pillows.
Kai watched him for a moment, an unusual vulnerability flickering across his face. But as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. "I have some errands to run," he said, his tone clipped.
Leo nodded, already half-asleep again. Kai lingered for a moment longer before grabbing his keys and heading out.
---
Kai's day was anything but ordinary. Business as usual had become a dangerous balancing act, keeping the underworld at bay while maintaining the façade of a normal life with Leo.
Unbeknownst to Kai, trouble had been brewing. A rival gang had marked Kai's movements, and they weren't just after him—they had learned of Leo's connection.
---
Later that afternoon, Kai and Leo were driving through the city. Kai had insisted on bringing Leo along, wanting to keep him close.
As they approached an intersection, the atmosphere changed. A convoy of black SUVs screeched to a halt around them, boxing in their car. Men armed with weapons emerged, their intentions clear.
"Stay in the car," Kai ordered, his voice sharp as a blade. He stepped out, his aura commanding immediate attention. The gangsters hesitated, their confidence faltering under his gaze.
Leo, ignoring Kai's order, stepped out as well. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his eyes darting nervously between the men.
Before Kai could respond, a shot rang out. The sound echoed like a thunderclap, and everything slowed.
Kai turned, his blood running cold as he saw Leo stagger, clutching his chest. Blood seeped through his shirt, a crimson bloom spreading across the fabric.
"Leo!" Kai's voice cracked as he ran to him, catching him before he could collapse completely.
---
The world around Kai became a blur. His men arrived in a flash, their sleek black cars and motorcycles surrounding the area. The sound of engines roared like a storm as Kai's bodyguards descended, ruthlessly eliminating the threat.
But Kai wasn't focused on the chaos. He held Leo tightly, his hands pressing against the wound, his heart pounding.
"Stay with me," Kai whispered, his voice trembling. "You're not allowed to leave me like this. Do you hear me?"
Leo's lips moved, but no sound came out. His eyes fluttered, his breathing shallow.
"Kai... it's... cold," Leo murmured weakly, his words barely audible.
Kai's jaw clenched as he barked orders to his men. "Clear the path. We're going to the hospital now!"
---
In the car, Kai cradled Leo in his arms, his usually stoic demeanor shattered. He kept his eyes on Leo, his mind racing. This wasn't supposed to happen. He had promised to protect him.
"Kai..." Leo whispered again, his voice faint.
"I'm here," Kai replied, his voice softer now. "Just stay awake. We're almost there."
Leo's eyes closed, and panic surged through Kai. "No, no, no. Don't you dare!" he shouted, shaking him gently.
---
The episode ends with the car screeching to a halt in front of the hospital. Kai leaps out, carrying Leo in his arms, his face a mask of anguish and fu
ry. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience in suspense.