The wait

The hospital's fluorescent lights cast an eerie glow over the chaotic scene unfolding outside the operation room. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the scent of antiseptic and blood. Nicky's face was a picture of anguish, his eyes blazing with anger and worry.

"Who's on duty?!" he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. His fists clenched, his arms trembling with rage. "Don't you people know your jobs? I'll have to teach you!" He spat the words, his face reddening with fury.

As Nicky pushed the bed towards the operation room, the doors swung open, revealing a sterile, white space. The red light above the door flickered on, casting an ominous glow over the scene. Nicky's eyes locked onto Alex's pale face, his heart racing with fear.

Mia stood outside the operation room, her eyes wide with terror. She stared blankly ahead, her face ashen, as if lost in thought. Her hands trembled, her fingers intertwined in a desperate prayer. The doctor's terrified expression was visible to her, but she didn't flinch.

Nicky's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing into a deadly glare as he turned to face the doctor. "If he dies, you die too," he growled, his voice low and menacing. His teeth clenched, his jaw working with anger. The doctor cowered, terrified, as Nicky's gaze seemed to bore into his soul.

As Nawe approached Nicky, her eyes widened in alarm. "Stop, you're scaring him!" she pleaded, trying to reason with Nicky. Her hands grasped Nicky's arm, trying to calm him down.

Mia's gaze finally shifted, her eyes locking onto Nicky's, filled with a deep sadness and concern. Her eyes welled up with tears, her face contorting in anguish. Her view was clouded by tears, but she stood frozen, unable to move or speak.

The hospital's corridors seemed to stretch on forever, a maze of worry and fear. Nicky's thoughts echoed through the chaos, a desperate plea: "Alex, we've won. Don't dare leave me. If you do, I'll follow you. I need to know the danger." His voice cracked with emotion, his body shaking with sobs.

As the operation room doors closed behind Alex, Nicky's anger boiled over. He slammed his fist into the wall, the sound echoing through the corridor. "No! No! No!" he shouted, his voice hoarse with emotion. His body slumped against the wall, his eyes fixed on the operation room door, his heart heavy with fear.

Nawe backed away, her eyes wide with alarm, as Nicky's rage consumed him. She turned to flee, covering her face with her hands. "We won... why is this happening?" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling.

She rushed into the toilet, opening and closing the door repeatedly as if trying to shut out the chaos. Finally, she collapsed onto the seat, her body shaking with sobs. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by her ragged breathing. The mirror on the wall reflected her distraught image, her face pale and tear-stained.

A knock on the door broke the silence. "Come out now... he needs us," Mia's voice called out, her tone laced with desperation. "He needs you more." With that, she walked away, leaving Nawe to compose herself.

The toilet door creaked open, revealing Nawe's tired, worried, and scared face. Her lips trembled as she spoke, "He's... he's my only family..." Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Before she could continue, Nicky appeared behind her, his eyes red-rimmed from tears and lack of sleep. He pulled Nawe into a warm, bloody hug. "You have brothers, Nawe... not one, but four," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "And don't worry, he'll be okay soon."

The hospital's corridors stretched out like a maze, the fluorescent lights above casting eerie shadows on the walls. James's eyes were wild with worry as he ran from the main door. "Where is he?" he asked, shaking uncontrollably. His small frame trembled with fear, his eyes scanning the area frantically.

"He's here, James," Paul replied, trying to calm him down. But James's cries only intensified, his face contorted in anguish. Inspector John and Paul followed behind, their faces etched with concern.

Paul pulled James into a tight hug. "It's okay, he's alive. We'll find him, okay?" But James's cries never stopped, his body shaking with sobs. "Man up, James!" Paul exclaimed, trying to snap him out of his hysteria.

James took a few steps back, his pale face twisted in sadness. His eyes welled up with tears, his lower lip trembling. Mia appeared, gesturing for them to follow him.

As they reached Nicky, who was on the phone, James's eyes widened with desperation. "Where is he?" James asked Mia, who walked down the row and reached Nicky.

Nicky's face was etched with concern, his eyes locked onto James's. "He's okay, James. He's going to be fine."

Nicky asked the person on the phone, "So, how is it?" Then, his focus shifted to the door as it opened. The doctor's fearful expression made Nicky's heart skip a beat.

But the doctor forced a smile. "It was successful."

Nicky's eyes lit up with hope. "So, how can we see him?" he asked. The doctor hesitated. "Only one can enter at a time."

Nicky nodded, opening the door for Nawe. "Enter. Let me finish here."

As Nawe entered, James asked Nicky, "Is he okay?" Nicky hugged James reassuringly. "Yes, come here."

After cutting the call, Nicky turned to face Paul and Inspector John. His expression changed, revealing a hint of fear. "He's fine. We managed to bring him in time."

But Paul's eyes widened in terror. "What if you were late?" Nicky's gaze turned soft, his voice calm. "Then you would have found two dead bodies."

As Nicky walked away, Paul's eyes locked onto his twin brother's, and he saw something that made his blood run cold. "You see! You never reach that," Paul muttered, taking a step back.

Paul turned, a hint of a smile on his face. "Hahaha, am joking. You love me a lot."Paul's words died in his throat as he saw his brother's deadpan expression.

In the evening, Alex opened his eyes, weak but alive. He whispered Nawe's name, then Nicky's, his voice barely audible.

As the night fell, Alex removed the wires from his body and slowly made his way out of the room. He walked past Jake and Mia, who sat on the resting chairs, oblivious to his departure.

James's face lit up with hope, his eyes shining with tears. "He's awake!" James exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement.

James's expression turned worried. "Where is he going?" James asked Nicky, his voice laced with concern.

Nicky's gaze followed Alex, his expression a mix of worry and understanding. "He needs some time alone, James."

As Alex climbed the stairs, his weak body struggling to keep up, Nicky followed quietly, placing a paper bag near Jake and Mia.

James's eyes narrowed, his expression a mix of anger and worry. "What's going on?" James asked Nicky, his voice low and menacing.

But Nicky's gaze remained fixed on Alex, his expression soft. "He's fine, James. Just give him some space."

Alex climbed the stairs, his weak body struggling to keep up. Nicky followed quietly, placing a paper bag near Jake and Mia.

As Alex reached the rooftop, he opened the door and walked out into the darkness. The bed sheets spread out on the rooftop seemed familiar, and Alex's eyes narrowed.

Nicky appeared beside him, a mocking glint in his eye. "Yes, we have to add to our memories, you know."

Alex shook his head, sitting down on the rooftop. Nicky followed, his eyes fixed on the dark sky.

"So, are we going to jump?" Nicky asked, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Alex looked up at Nicky, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "If I wish to jump, I want to jump alone. But you're like a bug who will never let me die in peace."

Nicky chuckled, sitting down beside Alex. "Even today, you save me, just like you did 18 years ago."

Alex's eyes dropped, tears welling up. "Am I not ready to die with you?" Nicky's expression turned serious.

"Do I really deserve happiness?" Alex asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Nicky's eyes locked onto Alex's, his expression soft.

"What I mean is, do I deserve Mia?" Alex's eyes searched Nicky's, seeking the truth. Nicky's gaze never wavered.

"You know me well, so you have to say the truth." Alex's eyes dropped, his voice cracking.

"Please, I need to clear my mind today."

Jake walked, his footsteps slow and heavy, his eyes locked on Alex as he sat there, shoulders slumped, his face a mask of sorrow. His heart twisted painfully in his chest. For a moment, he thought about running to him, wrapping his arms around him in a tight, warm embrace, letting him know everything would be okay. But no, he didn't. Instead, his feet seemed to be glued to the spot as the weight of his own emotions flooded in, and he felt something inside him crack. The frustration, the anger—it all collided with his sadness.

Alex was hurt, and so was Jake. The raw ache in his chest wouldn't let up, and he could feel his eyes start to burn as tears began to well up. Why couldn't things just be easy? Why couldn't they just fix this? But no, he had to stand there, helpless. His hand balled into a fist at his side as he fought to keep it together. It was a struggle, and he hated it. Every second felt like an eternity, and all he could do was watch.

Nicky, sitting nearby with a half-eaten sandwich in hand, glanced up at James and then back at Alex, his face unreadable. "So, Alex… do you really think you deserve her?" His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it, as though he was daring Alex to answer. "Or is Jake the one who should be with her?"

Alex shot him a glare, his jaw clenching. He wanted to shout, to throw something, to make Nicky understand. But the words got caught in his throat, thick with anger and frustration. "I—I don't know," he muttered, his hands trembling at his sides. "I just—can't I just fix this? Why does everything always have to be so messed up?"

Nicky didn't flinch. He took another bite of his sandwich, his gaze never leaving Alex. "You're not the one to decide, you know. You've got to decide if you really deserve her, if you're ready to fight for her. Because this... it's not on me."

Alex clenched his fists tighter, his face contorted with a mix of rage and despair. "You think I'm just... just gonna give up? Just walk away?" His voice cracked, trembling with all the emotion he was trying to hold in. "I'm not some coward, Nicky! I'm not gonna just let her go."

Nicky sighed, his eyes softening slightly. "Then prove it. But don't go asking other people to make your decisions for you."

The words stung, and Alex felt a childish flare of anger rise up in him. His body tensed, ready to snap. "I don't need your advice, Nicky," he spat, his face twisted into a mocking smile. "I'll figure it out. Don't you worry about me."

Nicky raised an eyebrow, unfazed, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. Alex felt the childishness of his reaction settle in, but the hurt, the anger—it was still there. It was all so complicated, so messy.

And all the while, Alex sat, oblivious to their conversation, wrapped in his own sorrow. Alex's chest tightened, and his gaze softened, just a little. He wasn't ready to give up, but God, it felt like he was sinking.

But in that moment, as the tension in his body slowly ebbed, he knew one thing: he had to find the courage to face this, no matter how much it hurt. And maybe, just maybe, Nicky was right—he had to figure it out for himself.

"Jake, can we have a word?" James called out, his voice cutting through the silence like a sharp blade. Jake didn't respond at first. His eyes were fixed on Alex and Mia, who were standing on the far side of the street. The night had wrapped itself around them, dark and suffocating, but the two figures stood there, separated from the rest of the world, lost in their own quiet conversation. Or was it something more?

Jake's heart pounded in his chest as he watched them. He could see it, clear as day. Mia's laughter, the soft curve of Alex's lips, the way their bodies leaned in just a little too close.

No, this couldn't be happening. Not now. Not like this.

He shifted his gaze, staring blankly at his shoes, trying to swallow down the lump of frustration and hurt that had lodged itself in his throat. The truth hit him like a punch to the gut. Mia was never his. She would never be his. She belonged to someone else.

And it wasn't fair. It wasn't.

"James, do you know what?" Jake finally spoke, his voice rough, barely a whisper. His words hung in the air between them like smoke. "Everyone wants to be loved, but few find it." He paused, his throat tightening as his eyes glistened. "I— I just want them to be happy. If this is what Mia wants, then… I have to let go."

Jake fought the tears that threatened to spill. He had never felt more exposed, more raw. "I'm happy my bro will get his," he said, a hollow smile pulling at his lips. But even as he said it, he could feel the betrayal in his heart.

James bent down, his hand gently resting on Jake's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "Jake, it's okay," he said softly, as if the words could erase the pain. "Let's go. We can talk about it somewhere else."

But Jake didn't want to talk. He didn't want to hear words, because there was nothing anyone could say to make him feel any less broken.

Across the street, Mia parted her lips, but before she could speak, Alex's voice cut through the air. "I want to tell you something," they both said in unison, and then, in an unexpected burst of laughter, the tension between them seemed to vanish for a moment.

But it wasn't enough to shake the heaviness in the air. It was as if the night itself held its breath, waiting for something more to unfold.

Alex inhaled deeply, his expression clouded with confusion. "Are we really ready for what our friends and families expect of us?" His eyes were troubled as they met Mia's.

Mia didn't hesitate. "The question is, are you ready?" she corrected, her voice firm.

Alex took a step back, his chest tightening. "I'm not. I can't do this right now, Mia. It's too fast. I don't even know who I am anymore. I can't ask you to wait for me to figure it out. You deserve better."

Mia's face remained unreadable, but her heart raced in the silence that followed his words.

"I need time," Alex continued, his voice cracking under the weight of his confession. "I love you, Mia, but if you have to fix me... if you have to be the one to save me, you might lose yourself in the process."

He took another step back, trying to create distance, but it only made the words feel more suffocating. "I don't want that for you. Please, Mia. I can't keep dragging you down with me."

Mia's eyes were fixed on him, but she said nothing. She couldn't. Her throat was tight, her chest aching with a mix of love and frustration.

"I'm not ready, Alex," she finally whispered, her lips trembling as she spoke the truth that had been building inside her.

Their faces were inches apart, the air between them crackling with so much unsaid emotion. The tension was unbearable. Alex could feel the heat of her breath on his lips, and for a brief moment, he thought—No, don't do this. Don't pull me in.

But Mia didn't listen. She leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Why?" she teased, her voice a soft challenge.

Alex's body stiffened, every fiber of his being begging him to pull away, but his feet were rooted to the ground. "Mia," he whispered, his voice thick with desire, "you should step back."

"Why?" she repeated, her lips curving into that infuriating smile. She was playing with him—dangerously.

He fought against the flood of emotions coursing through him. "Don't be stubborn," he whispered urgently, his voice strained as he tried to keep his composure.

Mia pulled back, and for a moment, Alex thought he might be able to breathe again. But then she smirked at him, a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes.

"Hey," she said with a playful wink, "don't tear up. I'm just messing with you."

Alex exhaled shakily, the relief that washed over him was fleeting. His heart was still in his throat.

"Okay," she said, her tone shifting into something more serious. "We'll meet again. But next time, you'll come to me." Her voice was dripping with confidence. "If not... well, I'll find someone else. Someone who won't make me wait."

She turned to leave, her words hanging in the air like a challenge, the finality of them cutting deep.

Alex's heart skipped a beat, and for the first time, fear crept up his spine. "Mia!" he called out, his voice barely a whisper.

She stopped, but didn't turn around immediately. When she did, her smile was pure mischief—dangerous, and knowing.

"Don't forget," she said, her voice low, almost a taunt. "You're mine. Alone. No one else can have me."

The words sent a chill through Alex, his pulse quickening in panic. But he couldn't move, couldn't speak, as the reality of what she'd said began to sink in.

Was this her way of pulling him closer? Or was it a warning?

As she walked away, her figure dissolving into the night, Alex stood frozen, his mind racing. He couldn't breathe. His chest felt tight. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.

What did she mean by that? And why did it feel like he was on the verge of losing everything?

But Mia's words echoed in his ears, louder now than ever before. "You're mine, Alex."

But was he? Mia's mind was so messy

Alex's mind was filled with Mia's petty threats. They seemed petty to him because, even if she didn't say it, he was already hers. His smirk grew as his eyes narrowed, staring at the back of Mia, who was still putting on a serious face.

"Mia," Alex called out in a calm, cool voice. The calmness of his name coming out of Alex's mouth made Mia freeze.

"Wait, I thought he went," she thought, but again she mumbled, "His voice... wait, his breath is on my neck. Is he... no, no, he was at the end of the street when we spoke. How could he have..."

Alex's voice again broke her spirit because he was standing right behind Mia. Alex's warm breath made her take a few steps forward, but she was stopped by Alex's hold on her right hand.

"Won't you look at me?" Alex whispered. "I only have a few words to say. I listened to you; won't you give me two minutes only?"

Mia slowly turned as her breath seemed to leave her soul. Alex was near, with no space between them. She tried to stay as calm as she could.

"Ah, no problem. What do you want to say? Only two minutes, as you requested," Mia replied, trying to sound calm.

"Oh, Mia, thanks. And don't worry, I will keep in mind whatever you said. But if... I mean, Mia, even if someone has just a crush on you, I won't promise," Alex said with a giggle.

"What... what do you mean, Alex?" Mia asked with panic in her eyes. The wind blew her hair, which partially covered her forehead.

"Hmmm, Mia, you're so naive," Alex said, removing Mia's hair from her face.

"Nothing, I was joking around. I will do nothing," Alex added, his words seeming to hold no meaning.

But Mia insisted, in vain, as Alex placed his finger on her lips.

"Ah-ah-ah, no. It's my turn talking, dear. You seemed to enjoy acting cool with me earlier. Why is your body shaking? Why?" Alex whispered, his breath sending shivers down Mia's spine.

Mia tried to convince herself it was a lie, but her body betrayed her.

"So, I have one wish. Will you grant it for me?" Alex leaned in even closer, his face inches from Mia's.

Mia's face burned, and Alex made it even more difficult by leaning in closer until their cheeks touched.

"Mia," Alex whispered, and Mia's body reacted as if an electric current had passed through it.

While holding Alex's coat tightly on both sides, Mia replied to Alex's call with a soft "Yessss."

"Only three months after that, I will come back," Alex whispered.

Mia replied with her eyes shut, a soft "Yes."

"How does it feel? Do you like it?" Alex asked.

Alex's cheek brushed against hers, making Mia blush.

"Alex, can you stay?" Mia replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, I need to go. You also need it," Alex added.

"I... I will wait, Alex," Mia said, feeling her embrace lessen as Alex pushed her slowly away.

"Okay, three months. Let's meet soon," Alex said, walking to the car without turning around.

"If I turn around to see your face, Mia, I won't go, and I'm not ready," Alex thought, walking away.

"Don't worry, soon we will be together," Alex's thoughts whispered.

Alex's goodbye made Mia want to stop him, but her legs and body froze in space.

"I will be here, Alex. After three months," Mia whispered to herself.

The days passed, and Mia's excitement grew. Finally, the three months were over, and Mia ran to James' apartment, dancing all over the house.

"He's coming back! Three months are over today! Where the heck are you hiding, James? Jake? Nicky? Where are you? I can't wait!"

But the apartment was empty. Mia's mind started to wander.

"What if he got someone? He's handsome, tall, calm, kind... So, he might even bring him back. Ha! I will kill you, Alex!" Mia's fists raised in the air.

"I will kill you, Alex! I waited for so long, don't disappoint me!"