Deadly Devotion | Heesunsun

Chapter 79 | S3: Devil's Arms

Sunoo's POV

I lay on the bed, facing the wall, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. The room was quiet, almost too quiet, making every little sound seem amplified. I heard the door open softly, followed by Heeseung's gentle voice.

"Sunoo? You awake?"

I turned slowly, sitting up and hugging my knees to my chest. "Yeah, I'm up."

Heeseung sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes filled with concern. "You okay? Need anything?"

I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine. Just... thinking."

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us. We'd already gone through all the apologies, all the what-ifs, even said our goodbyes just in case. What else was there to say?

"San's gone out for a smoke," Heeseung said, breaking the silence. "Niki's still patching up Jay."

I nodded, picking at a loose thread on the blanket. "How's Jay doing?"

"He's tough. He'll pull through." Heeseung replied, but I could hear the worry in his voice.

Another silence fell. I looked at Heeseung, really looked at him. The lines of exhaustion on his face, the tension in his shoulders. He looked like he was carrying the weight of the world.

"Remember when we first met?" I asked suddenly, surprising even myself.

Heeseung's lips quirked up in a small smile. "How could I forget? You looked so scared, but tough. Then the deal."

I chuckled softly. "And you were such a fucking jerk about it."

"Hey, I was so into you back then! And... I still am." Heeseung said, but he was grinning now.

"Who knew back then that we'd end up here?" I mused, the brief moment of lightness fading.

Heeseung's smile faltered. "Yeah, who knew?"

I reached out, placing my hand on his cheek. His skin was warm under my palm, familiar and comforting. "Tell me you won't die for me," I said softly.

Heeseung shook his head, his eyes meeting mine. "Sunoo..."

"Please," I insisted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to hear you say it."

Instead of answering, Heeseung covered my hand with his own, holding it against his cheek. "I can't promise that," he said gently. "But can you promise me that you'll live?"

"If you do," I replied immediately.

Heeseung scoffed, but there was no real humor in it. "I'll try my best."

I chuckled, but it came out more like a sob. "That's not very reassuring, you know."

"I know," Heeseung said, his voice soft. "But it's the best I can do right now."

I pulled my hand back, wrapping my arms around my knees again. "I'm just... I'm tired, Heeseung. Tired of losing people. Tired of being afraid all the time."

Heeseung shifted closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "I know, Sunoo. I'm tired too."

"First Sunghoon, Minho, Jake, and now..." I trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

"Hey," Heeseung said firmly. "We're not losing anyone else, okay? I'll protect Niki, Jay, and San. I promise."

I looked at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt. "And who's going to protect you?"