Chapter 11:

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As the car pulled up to the rural hideout, the group was greeted by Kade, who stood at the entrance, already coordinating with Dr. Ling. The area was quiet and remote, far from the reach of Mike and his thugs. The air was crisp, and the distant sound of a river flowing provided a peaceful backdrop, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just Kade rushed over as they exited the car. "Is everyone okay?" he asked, his eyes sweeping over the group.

"Becky's hurt," Freen said, his voice tinged with worry as he helped Becky out of the car, his arm still wrapped protectively around her. "She took the hit for me."

Becky, her face pale but still brave, gave a small smile. "I'll be okay, I promise."

On the other side, Irin  was carefully guiding Noey out, his face full of concern. She had hardly taken her eyes off him since the escape, her  usual light-hearted demeanor replaced with something more serious. "Let's get them inside," she said, his voice unusually soft.

Noey, bleeding from a deep gash on his arm, leaned heavily on Irin, who supported him, her face pale with concern. Freen, on the other hand, had his arm protectively around Becky, who had taken a hit while shielding him. Her injury wasn't life-threatening, but it was enough to cause concern. Her side throbbed painfully, but she said nothing, focused on making sure everyone else was safe.

Inside, Kade and Heng hurried to make space, while Dr. Ling quickly set up her supplies to treat them. Freen helped Becky to a couch, his worry evident in the way he hovered over her. "You shouldn't have done that," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "You should have let me take the hit."

Becky smiled, her innocence and kindness shining through, even through the pain. "I couldn't let you get hurt, Freen. You're more important."

Freen's heart clenched at her words. She was always so selfless, always thinking of others first. He gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, unable to hide the deep affection he felt for her. But right now, his focus was on making sure she was alright.

Dr. Ling moved between Noey and Becky, treating their wounds. As she bandaged Becky's side, Freen stayed close, his hand gripping Becky's, offering her silent comfort. Ling worked swiftly, but Freen couldn't help but notice Becky wince slightly. His grip on her hand tightened, his thumb brushing over her skin as if to reassure her.

Irin, meanwhile, knelt beside Noey, carefully tending to his arm as Dr. Ling gave instructions. Noey, ever the protector, tried to brush it off. "I'm fine, Irin," he said with a strained grin. "Don't worry about me."

But Irin's brow furrowed with concern. "You're not fine, Noey. Let me help you."

The gentle care Irin gave Noey didn't go unnoticed by the others, especially Kade, who shot a teasing look in Noey's direction. "Looks like you're in good hands, buddy."

Despite his injury, Noey gave a weak chuckle. "Yeah, I guess I am."

Once the wounds were treated, and the adrenaline of the fight started to wear off, everyone settled down for the night. Freen, however, was still restless. He couldn't shake the feeling of danger, couldn't forget the way Becky had thrown herself in harm's way to protect him. As he sat beside her, his mind raced, unable to find peace.

Becky, ever in tune with his emotions, noticed how tense he was. She shifted slightly on the couch, wincing at the movement, but her focus remained on Freen. "You need to rest, Freen," she said softly, her voice gentle and filled with concern. "You've been through enough."

Freen shook his head. "I can't. My mind is... It won't stop."

Becky, with her innocent and kind heart, offered him the only comfort she knew might help. Slowly, she patted her chest and said, "Rest here, Freen. Maybe it'll help."

At first, Freen hesitated. He wasn't the kind of person to lean on others, but something about the sincerity in Becky's eyes made him relent. With a soft sigh, he laid his head against her chest, feeling her warmth and the steady rise and fall of her breathing. It was the safest he had felt in a long time.

Becky, careful not to aggravate her injured side, wrapped her unharmed arm protectively around Freen, holding him close. It was a simple gesture, but one filled with care and trust. As she cradled him, Freen felt the tension in his body slowly release. Becky's heart beat steadily beneath his ear, lulling him into a state of calm he hadn't experienced in ages.

"You always know how to make me feel safe," Freen whispered, his voice barely audible, but Becky heard him.

She smiled softly, her innocence and purity shining through. "I'm glad I can help."

And so, they stayed like that, Freen resting his head against Becky's chest, her arm wrapped around him protectively. The storm outside seemed distant now, the danger far away. In Becky's embrace, Freen found a peace he hadn't known in years, and as he drifted off to sleep, Becky stayed awake just a little longer, making sure he was truly at ease.

For the first time since the chaos began, Freen's restless mind found solace, and it was all because of Becky's innocent, unwavering care.

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