Second Chance

30

Jisoo's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding in her chest.

The echo of the gunshot still rang in her ears, but the sight that met her eyes was even more terrifying. Chaeyoung was hugging her tightly, and as Jisoo pulled back to look at her, she saw fear in Chaeyoung's eyes.

"Chaeyoung..." Jisoo whispered, her voice trembling.

Before she could say more, the guards rushed over, their guns trained on Soo Ho, who stood frozen, the gun still smoking in his hand. Jennie and Lisa, along with all the butlers and maids, came running out, their faces etched with horror as they took in the scene.

Jisoo's world seemed to crumble in slow motion. Chaeyoung's embrace weakened, and Jisoo watched in horror as Chaeyoung's legs buckled beneath her.

Jisoo gently lowered her to the ground, her hands immediately pressing against the wound in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

"No, no, no," Jisoo cried, her voice breaking. "Stay with me, Chaeyoung. You're going to be alright. Help! Somebody help!"

The parallels to that night, so many years ago, were uncanny. This time, however, it was Jisoo who was the one trying to save the person she loved. Chaeyoung's breathing was labored, her eyes fluttering as she fought to stay conscious.

"Jisoo," Chaeyoung whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Don't talk," Jisoo begged, tears streaming down her face. "Save your strength. You're going to be okay. Help is on the way."

Chaeyoung's tired eyes found Jisoo's, and she managed a weak smile. "You're so strong, Jisoo. I'm...proud of you."

Jisoo shook her head, her hands trembling as she tried to keep pressure on the wound. "Don't say that. We're supposed to be together, remember? You can't leave me."

With a shaky hand, Chaeyoung reached out and touched the necklace Jisoo always wore-a guitar pick. Jisoo's tears blurred her vision as she realized what Chaeyoung was trying to show her. From her pocket, Chaeyoung pulled out a matching guitar necklace.

Recognition and disbelief washed over Jisoo.

"You...you came back," she sobbed. "We were supposed to be together this time."

"You promised!"

"I'm sorry." Chaeyoung breathes out, each breath felt worse. "I've wanted to see you for so long...I'm glad I did."

"Chaeyoung-"

Chaeyoung's smile faded as her eyes started to close. "I love you," she whispered.

The sirens of the ambulance grew louder, and moments later, paramedics rushed to Chaeyoung's side, gently pushing Jisoo away to assess her injuries. Jisoo watched in anguish as they worked quickly, their faces grim.

"We need to get her to the hospital, now!" one of the paramedics shouted.

Jisoo followed them as they loaded Chaeyoung into the ambulance, refusing to let go of her hand. She climbed in beside her, holding her hand tightly, whispering reassurances despite the overwhelming fear that threatened to consume her.

"You'll make it, Chaeyoung," Jisoo said, her voice a mixture of desperation and determination.

"You have to."

The ambulance sped through the streets, its sirens wailing. Jisoo barely registered the movement; her entire focus was on Chaeyoung. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each second an eternity of fear and hope.

As they arrived at the hospital, the paramedics rushed Chaeyoung into the emergency room, leaving Jisoo standing in the corridor, her hands stained with Chaeyoung's blood. She felt numb, the events of the night replaying in her mind like a nightmare she couldn't escape.

Jennie and Lisa arrived shortly after, their faces pale and drawn. Jennie wrapped her arms around Jisoo, offering silent support. Lisa, still weak, stood beside them, her expression a mix of concern and anger.

"She'll make it," Jennie said softly. "She's strong, just like you."

Jisoo nodded, though her heart was heavy with uncertainty. It was her fault. She came back here for a second chance, revenge. It was her fault Chaeyoung's life was in the hands of hers now.

"Hey..." She looked up at Lisa lifeless, "you want to talk outside?" Lisa offered.

Jennie let go of Jisoo watching as the two left her alone, the pair walked down the hall and outside where the cold air hits them.

Jisoo looked up at the sky and felt her legs give out, she fell to her knees and sobbed into her hands. Lisa kneeled down to pull her into a tight hug.

"It's my fault. All of it is my fault." Jisoo cried, "if I hadn't wanted revenge..."

"Jisoo, it's not your fault." Lisa said, "Chaeyoung chose to protect you, she loves you."

"It's not supposed to be like this, Lisa. It wasn't supposed to end like this." Jisoo lowered her hands from her face, her hand reaching into her pocket.

Chaeyoung's necklace, the very one the blonde wore when they first met.

"Her second chance isn't supposed to end like this, we're supposed to be happy together."

Lisa watched as Jisoo held onto the necklace tightly, she understood why it meant a lot to her.

"You have to be strong." Lisa said, pulling away. "You can't assume the worse! Chaeyoung did that for you! She stood by your side and waited for you to wake up one day. You can't give up on her!"

"You can't."

Jisoo looked at Lisa with pain, she felt many emotions pouring into her heart. It was like her soul knew.

"JISOO! LISA!" Jennie rushes outside breathlessly, "It's Chaeyoung!"

Jisoo immediately stood up with the necklace tightly in her hand.

"Is she okay?"