third time's a charm

38

As Bright strolled through the playground, his eyes caught sight of a young boy being surrounded by a group of bullies. His heart sank as he watched the scene unfold, feeling a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He couldn't explain why, but he felt an inexplicable connection to the boy as if he had known him from somewhere before.

Pushing through the crowd, Bright approached the boy, his steps quickening with each stride. "Hey, leave him alone!" he exclaimed, his voice firm and resolute. The bullies turned to face him, startled by his sudden intervention.

The young boy looked up at Bright with wide, tear-filled eyes, a mixture of surprise and gratitude shining through. Bright couldn't help but feel drawn to him, captivated by his innocence and helplessness. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone gentle and comforting.

The boy nodded, offering a timid smile in response. "Thank you," he murmured softly, his speech hardly audible above a murmur.

Warmth filled Bright's heart as he returned the smile. "No problem. Do you need help with your sandcastle? I'm really good at building one." He offered, extending a hand to the boy.

After a brief moment of hesitation, the child tentatively extended his hand to grasp Bright's, and he returned the smile. "All right."

The young Bright felt a wave of familiarity pass over him as he looked into Win's eyes, for he had known him far longer than a short while. He silently promised himself then and there to keep this youngster safe and to make sure they would cross paths again in the future.

With that promise lingering in his heart, Bright bid Win farewell, knowing deep down that their paths would cross again someday.

╔══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╗

As Win slowly stirred from his slumber, he found himself in a hospital room, his hand clasping tightly onto Bright's, who still lay unconscious beside him. With a soft sigh, Win gently squeezed Bright's hand, hoping to rouse him from his deep sleep.

"Hey, babe," Win whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. "I'm here. You gotta wake up now."

As he waited for a response, Win began to recount his day to Bright, his words filled with a mixture of longing and tenderness. "You know, today was quite something," he started, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I went to the park where we first met, and I couldn't help but think about that day."

Win paused, memories of their first encounter flooding his mind. "I remember you being so brave back then," he continued, his voice tinged with admiration. "You stood up for me when no one else did, and I'll never forget that."

With a gentle sigh, Win shifted his gaze back to Bright, his eyes brimming with emotion. "And then I had this strange dream," he confessed, his voice trailing off slightly. "I dreamt of a future where we were together, happy and in love. It felt so real, Bright."

As he spoke, Win could feel a warmth spreading through his chest, a sense of hope and longing intertwining within him. "I know you're gonna wake up soon," he murmured, his words filled with conviction. "And when you do, I'll be right here, waiting for you."

Just as Win finished speaking, the door to the hospital room swung open, revealing Off, Gun, Nani, and Dew standing in the doorway.

"Switched?" Dew asked, Win responded with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Gun stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Win's shoulder. "Hey, Win, you should really take a break," he implored gently. "We'll watch over Bright for a while. You need some rest."

Win hesitated for a moment, torn between his desire to stay and the exhaustion. "Thanks, Gun, but I can't leave him," he told his best friend. "Not now."