Astronomy // Duty After School

Chapter Thirty-Six.

"Wild Goose, this is Seagull. Over," Chun-ho spoke over the radio, hoping that, against all odds, they would be able to get in contact with headquarters. He was witness to the Cells tearing down a satellite, so he knew how low the chances of reaching anyone were. "Wild Goose, this is Seagull. Over." His shoulders slumped in defeat, tossing the speaker down onto the desk. He hit his fist against the desk, taking a moment to think before he headed off to see Won-bin.
Yeon-ju and Deok-jung were the only ones left with Won-bin. (Y/n) had to go first due to having a guard shift with Hui-rak, who whined and complained about being alone until (Y/n) came to join him. Yeong-hun headed off once it was confirmed Won-bin would be stable enough with just one medically trained person on watch.

"I—" Deok-jung started to say to Yeon-ju. He was cut off by Chun-ho entering the room. The two watched as Chun-ho walked around the bed and to Won-bin's side. "Will Hyeong be okay?" Yeon-ju side-eyed Deok-jung. She had already confirmed that Won-bin would be fine at least ten different times.

"Fortunately, the bullet went through his shoulder," Chun-ho answered. "It's not life-threatening."

"Seriously..." Deok-jung sighed in relief.

"But we still need to treat him quickly," Yeon-ju said. They looked down as Won-bin groaned.

"I'm fine, so don't worry too much," Won-bin assured.

"Hyeong! Are you okay?" Deok-jung asked.

"Geez," Won-bin weakly chuckled. "I told you I'm okay." His smile dropped the second he caught sight of Chun-ho's stern glare. He attempted to sit up but was held down by Chun-ho.

"Just stay down," Chun-ho ordered coldly.

"Thank you," Won-bin whispered.

"You guys can go now," Chun-ho said to the two kids.

"Deok-jung, what time is it?" Yeon-ju asked. Deok-jung looked down at his watch.

"Ten o'clock," Deok-jung answered.

"It's time for his painkiller," Yeon-ju said.

"I'll give it to him... Good work," Chun-ho praised. Won-bin smiled at the two.

"I won't go. I want to stay with him," Deok-jung insisted.

"Come on," Yeon-ju sighed, grabbing Deok-jung's arm and pulling him out with her. "Hurry and come."

"Are you sure he's okay?"

"He will be okay!"

"Aigo," Won-bin muttered, amused by the two. Chun-ho glanced down at him before picking up the painkiller and a needle. He stuck the needle into the bottle and injected the medicine into it. "P-P-Platoon Leader," Won-bin stammered upon seeing the needle. "P-Please be gentle..." Chun-ho frowned.

"I want to punch you, but I'm holding back," Chun-ho said. Won-bin clenched his eyes shut in dismay as Chun-ho poked the needle into Won-bin's arm and injected the painkiller. "Who the hell do you think you are to put yourself there?"

"If something happens to you, what will happen to the kids?" Won-bin asked, shaking his head. "I'm not confident that I could do it." Chun-ho clenched his jaw before sitting in the chair by Won-bin's bedside. "That female student... don't blame her too much. She must be so confused and afraid."

"She must feel so betrayed by the grownups, whom she trusted would protect her," Chun-ho murmured. He sighed. "And I'm one of those grownups." Won-bin turned his head toward Chun-ho.

"So where do we go from here?"

"I will have to do my very best."

Inside their temporary barracks, the girls watched the other two female survivors like hawks. They looked up as Yeon-ju entered the area and went to sit down beside Sun-yi. Na-ra sat up in her chair straighter and Ae-seol paused her writing.