Michaels in Love (BoyXBoy) English

Chapter 21 - Season 1: The Signs

"Help us! Please, someone help!" I screamed, my voice raw and breaking as panic surged through me. My cries echoed through the street, desperation spilling from every word.

Slowly, heads turned. One by one, people stopped, their curious stares turning into concern. Within moments, a crowd had gathered around us, their murmurs blending into a dull hum in the background of my frenzied thoughts.

A man pushed through the circle, his presence calm but commanding. "I'm a nurse," he said, his voice steady. "Brother, don't move him. He could have a spinal cord injury. I've already called the paramedics from Manila Doctors Hospital—they're on their way."

Relief flooded me, and I clung to his words like a lifeline. "Thank you... Thank you so much," I stammered, my voice trembling.

Time seemed to drag, every second stretching into eternity. I knelt beside Mike, watching helplessly as he lay there, motionless. The world around me blurred, the weight of fear pressing down on my chest. Then, finally, the wail of sirens broke through the haze. The paramedics arrived, their efficiency a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind.

They moved swiftly, securing Mike onto a stretcher with practiced care. Emil and I trailed close behind as they rushed him to the ER. The hospital was only a short distance away, but the walk felt agonizingly long, every step heavy with worry and hope.

Inside the emergency room, I hovered near the doors, whispering silent prayers. The stark white walls and sterile air did little to soothe the storm raging inside me. Minutes stretched on until a nurse emerged, her expression calm, almost serene.

"He's awake," she said, her voice like a balm to my frayed nerves. "And he's asking for you."

My knees nearly buckled with relief. I pressed a hand to my chest, steadying myself. Emil gave me a small nod, his eyes filled with quiet encouragement.

"I'll wait in the lobby," he said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Go to him."

I followed the nurse, my heart pounding as I braced myself for what I might see. After a brief interview with hospital staff and the police, I learned that Mike had suffered only minor scrapes and bruises. The bleeding on his forehead had been stopped with stitches, and initial tests showed no fractures or internal injuries.

Still, the doctors insisted on keeping him under observation in a private room to ensure there were no hidden complications. It was a relief, but the lingering fear hadn't fully subsided.

Once Mike was settled, I returned to the lobby where Emil had been waiting patiently.

"Emil, I'm sorry you had to wait so long," I said, guilt tugging at me.

"It's fine, Michael," he said with a wave of his hand. "You don't need to apologize."

"They've moved Mike to a private room," I continued. "I'll just check on him before heading to work—I've got a shift at 2:00 PM."

"Go on, then," Emil said, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

I raised an eyebrow. "What's with that smile?"

"Nothing," he said, trying to suppress a laugh. "Go!"

I shook my head, laughing despite myself, and headed toward Mike's room. My heart raced, a mix of relief and nervous anticipation building with each step.

When I entered, the sight of him made my breath catch. Mike was sitting up slightly, leaning against the pillows. Dressed in a hospital gown, he looked tired but still impossibly beautiful. He'd just finished a phone call, and as our eyes met, his face lit up with that familiar, gentle smile.