Lines We Cross

Chapter 33

The cold, sterile air of the hospital lobby felt heavier as YN moved toward the exit with Elizabeth by her side. She couldn't shake the feeling that her own legs weren't steady yet, as if they were still learning how to hold her up after days spent lying still. The soft chatter of nurses and doctors, the faint smell of antiseptic, and the low hum of machines followed her out, reminders of what she'd endured and barely survived. But it wasn't until she saw Elizabeth's car parked out front that her chest tightened.

Her vision blurred as flashes from that night—the headlights, the shouts, the blinding pain—cut into her mind. She staggered, grabbing onto the metal railing beside her.

"YN?" Elizabeth's concerned voice grounded her. She stepped closer, worry etched on her face as she gently placed her hand on YN's shoulder. "Are you alright?"

YN closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She forced herself to push through, focusing on Elizabeth's touch, the warmth radiating from her palm. "Yeah... just, I don't know, everything's...a little overwhelming right now." She offered a faint smile, one that Elizabeth didn't buy but chose not to question.

"Take your time. There's no rush," Elizabeth murmured softly. Her gaze held steady, unwavering in its strength and support.

YN nodded and, after another breath, managed to gather herself enough to walk to the car. But just as she opened the door, she caught sight of her mother standing nearby. Claudia's expression was unreadable, but there was an urgency in her gaze that made YN stop.

"YN...Elizabeth," Claudia began, folding her hands as she looked between the two. "There's something I need to say before you leave." She paused, then continued, her tone soft yet firm. "Your father, YN...he's already spoken with people at Yale. The dean, the president—they're old friends, and... he's told them about you two."

Elizabeth's hand tightened on the car door, and she shot a quick glance at YN, her face barely masking the unease. YN could feel Elizabeth's pulse quicken as she stayed close.

"Mom, please, I know Dad's...on a mission," YN replied, sighing, "but this isn't just about him or Yale. I..." She stopped herself, sensing the growing tension between Claudia and Elizabeth. "I'm not going to let him push us around like this."

Claudia's face softened, and for a moment, YN thought she saw a glimmer of sympathy. "I'm not here to defend him, YN," Claudia said, her voice almost a whisper. "But he won't stop until he thinks you're...back on track. He's your father, yes, but he's also Alexander Sterling. He sees you as more than just his daughter, and right now, he'll protect the Sterling name above all else."

Elizabeth spoke up, her tone gentle but firm. "Claudia, I respect your honesty. But please understand, I care deeply for YN. Whatever comes, I'm not going anywhere."

Claudia nodded, a flash of respect in her eyes. "I know. That's why I'm here...to remind you both of what's at stake. Just be careful."

YN hugged her mother tightly. "I will. Thanks, Mom."

As Claudia stepped back, YN climbed into the car, and Elizabeth slipped behind the wheel. The drive was quiet at first, the only sound being the soft purr of the engine as Elizabeth navigated the winding roads. YN could feel Elizabeth's tension, could see the way her hands gripped the steering wheel just a little too tightly.

After a few moments, Elizabeth finally broke the silence. "YN... I didn't want to tell you about your father's plans while you were in the hospital. You needed to focus on getting better."

YN looked at her, seeing both worry and guilt etched into her expression. She reached over, placing her hand over Elizabeth's. "You don't need to protect me from him, Lizzie. I can handle him... I always have."

Elizabeth managed a small smile, though the worry didn't leave her eyes. "I know you can, but..." She trailed off, her voice barely a whisper. "He's making it his mission to tear us apart, and I just... I can't lose you, YN. I've worked so hard for everything I have, but it's all... meaningless if I lose you."

YN felt the ache in her chest deepen. She squeezed Elizabeth's hand, the weight of her own decision forming silently within her. She knew, at that moment, what she'd have to do to protect Elizabeth. It was a quiet, painful resolve, one she would keep hidden, if only to spare Elizabeth the heartbreak of knowing.

When they finally arrived at Elizabeth's apartment, YN felt the tension ease slightly, knowing they were away from prying eyes. Elizabeth led her inside, and the familiar warmth of the space welcomed them both.

Elizabeth turned to YN, her gaze softening. "How are you feeling?"

YN shrugged, attempting a smile. "Better, now that we're here."

Elizabeth nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained. "You know... your father's influence... it's everywhere. I don't want you carrying that weight alone, YN. I'm here, no matter what."

Her words cut through YN, and without thinking, she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Elizabeth, pulling her in until they were face to face. She felt an intense need to be close, as if anchoring herself to Elizabeth would ground her through all the chaos.

"Lizzie," she murmured, barely able to keep the tremor out of her voice, "there's so much going on, but... I need you. Right now."

Elizabeth's gaze softened, her hands settling on YN's waist. "You know we shouldn't—you're just out of the hospital, and you're supposed to be resting." She tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered, the vulnerability evident.

"I don't care," YN whispered, her hand coming up to cradle Elizabeth's face. Slowly, she leaned in, capturing Elizabeth's lips in a kiss that was both tender and desperate. Elizabeth melted against her, wrapping her arms around YN's shoulders, the warmth between them growing as the kiss deepened.

Before either could pull away, YN gently tugged Elizabeth onto her lap, Elizabeth straddling her, the intensity of the moment stealing away all thoughts of caution. YN felt her heartbeat quicken as Elizabeth's fingers threaded through her hair, grounding them both in the quiet, shared urgency of the moment.

"You don't have to bear this alone, YN," Elizabeth whispered, breaking the kiss but staying close, their foreheads pressed together. "We're going to figure this out. Together."

YN swallowed, feeling the weight of her own unspoken decision settle in. She couldn't bring herself to tell Elizabeth, not yet. Instead, she leaned in, kissing Elizabeth again, her hands pressing against the small of Elizabeth's back, holding her close as if she could somehow keep her safe.

"YN..." Elizabeth murmured, a faint chuckle in her voice. "You're supposed to be recovering. This isn't exactly resting."

YN smirked, brushing her thumb over Elizabeth's cheek. "Then I guess you'll just have to take care of me," she teased softly, earning a small, reluctant laugh from Elizabeth.

They stayed like that for a while, lost in each other, the weight of everything else momentarily forgotten. Eventually, Elizabeth shifted back, brushing a strand of hair from YN's face. "Promise me, whatever happens, you'll let me in. Don't shut me out."

YN nodded, her voice quiet but steady. "I'll do my best."

———

As the evening settled in, they curled up on the couch together, wrapped in a blanket as they watched a movie. YN could feel the heaviness in her chest, but Elizabeth's presence brought a sense of calm that made everything feel manageable, even if just for a moment.

Elizabeth glanced at YN, her head resting against her shoulder. "It feels nice... to pretend, even if it's just for tonight, that nothing else matters."

YN nodded, threading her fingers through Elizabeth's. "Then let's keep pretending. Just for a little while longer."

As YN eventually drifted off, Elizabeth watched her, her heart filled with a mix of love and fear. She ran her fingers gently through YN's hair, silently vowing to protect her, no matter what came next. She could see the quiet determination on YN's face even in sleep and sensed that YN was preparing for something difficult.

Elizabeth stayed by YN's side, feeling the weight of her own resolve settle within her. She'd do anything to protect what they had—anything to keep YN safe

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