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Chapter 20

I was tasked to resume work, checking over new requests for the business as well as filing summary reports for the month. The halt on the business during the hit was an interesting event to comment on, especially on the lack of orders but the steady surplus in the inventory.

Captain popped in every-so-often to track my progress after finding some errors in filing the request schedules. It did bother me that my work was monitored by the person who followed my prepositions for the work. Even in the wee early mornings, before the others were awake, he would pop in and then leave without exchanging any words. Today was not so different other than prolonged silence. 

"Still can't sleep?"
I shrugged, having gotten used to the microsleep. I could tell the captain was trying to comfort me but was doing a very poor job at it. 

"Well, remember to take breaks." Hongjoong got up, "Don't let me catch you staying up all night." 
This man was becoming more and more overbearing as the days passed. At least it was a sign that he did care. I nodded absent-mindedly. My eyes were trained on my open notebook to the sketch of the blue jay captured at different angles. 

Not a moment later, I heard steps tapping outside my office. 
"Oh Cap', you're up early." Yunho greeted cheerily. "Where'd you pop from?"

I didn't need to assume the answer Hongjoong mumbled. I stared back at my sketch, pondering over the vision I saw a few nights ago. I wasn't left alone with my thoughts for long. 

"Knock, knock." 
An overgrown golden retriever popped their head around the frame.
 
What brings you here?

"Still so formal. I thought we were close." Yunho placed a hand over his heart dramatically, coming up with a convincing act of hurt and betrayal. He plopped down into the chair, prolonging his theatrics. I offered a dry smile, clearly strained from exhaustion. 

"What're you looking at?" 

I slid the notebook across. 

"It's pretty. Do you have your memories back?"

I shook my head, already anticipating the question. 

"I'm sure you'll recover them soon." 

I wasn't so certain about that statement. Frankly I was afraid of what I may find. Right now there were some memories I didn't want. I fiddled with the pen in my hands. Flashes of blood running on the ground and a body falling prompted me to close my eyes. I heard the sickening gurgle of a dying choke on blood that overflowed from their mouths agape in shock and pain.

"...ist...Mist...hey," Yunho gently shook my shoulder, "you okay?" 

I snapped back to reality though the haunting image did not leave. I focused on Yunho's face to rid of the horrific impression. The image flashed across my eyes once more before disappearing in mid air. I was met with eyes brimming with concern. 

"You're pale and shaking."

I glanced down at my hands and found that they were indeed shaking. I swallowed, nearly coughing from the sandpaper texture of my dry throat. I placed one shaky hand over the other, squeezing them so that I would somehow regain control over them. They still shook but with less vigour. 

"Are you still shocked over the recent events?" Yunho refrained from using any harsh descriptions. 

I timidly nodded, twiddling my thumb. It grew quiet and I stared at the table for an indefinite amount of time. Yunho clapped loudly, startling me out of my thoughts. 

"No work today, captain's orders be damned. We're going to have fun today." 

Yunho got up from his seat and rounded the table to stoop down in front of me. He extended his hand out. My eyes darted between his face and his awaiting hand. He gave an encouraging smile and nodded. I placed my hand in his, noticing how warm his hands were and how his palm engulfed my whole hand. His fingers curled around mine and I was tugged up from my seat, not harshly, but with enough force to catch me off guard.