Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder. 29

Zhan's Pov.

I sat by Wang's bedside, watching him, waiting. Seven hours, and he still hadn't woken up.

The doctor said he was fine, just a bruised rib and some minor injuries, but I wasn't buying it. If he was fine, why wasn't he waking up?

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. Last night had already been a disaster, and then this? The universe really had a twisted sense of humor.

Lusi had stayed for a while, hovering awkwardly, but I urged her to go home. She hesitated, then finally left after I promised to call when he woke up.

Now, it was just me and him.

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, staring at Wang's peaceful—but far too still—face.

"You don't even understand half of what happened last night," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "You thought I was ignoring you when, really, I was just trying to breathe in the same space as you and your fiancée."

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.

"You kissed her, Wang," I continued. "After telling me I was the only one you'd ever touch like that." A bitter chuckle escaped me. "You didn't even see how much that wrecked me."

I wasn't even angry anymore. I was just... tired.

I had spent weeks holding back, forcing myself to accept reality. Wang was leaving in five weeks. That's what I kept reminding myself. He wasn't mine to keep.

Maybe it was time to end things before it got even worse.

I sighed, rubbing my face. "I'm not proud of what I did to survive, Wang. But you—" I exhaled shakily. "You don't get to judge me for it."

The machines beeped softly in response. Wang remained still.

I leaned back, exhaustion creeping in, and whispered, "Please wake up."

I was dozing off in the uncomfortable hospital chair when I heard a low groan. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up immediately.

Wang's fingers twitched against the sheets before his eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused. Then, slowly, they landed on me.

"Zhan..." His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.

Relief flooded me so fast I almost felt dizzy. "You're awake," I breathed.

His gaze softened, guilt flickering behind his eyes. "I'm sorry," he rasped, trying to sit up, but he winced in pain. I was quick to press a hand to his chest, keeping him still.

"It's okay," I said, shaking my head. "Don't push yourself."

"No, I—" he exhaled sharply. "I didn't mean what I said. I was angry and stupid, and I—"

I didn't let him finish.

Instead, I leaned in and kissed him.

He stilled for a moment, probably surprised, but then he kissed me back, his lips soft but desperate. My hand slid up to cup his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers.

When I pulled away, his breathing was uneven, his eyes searching mine.

"You're okay," I murmured. "Just a bruised rib. You scared the hell out of me, though."

Wang let out a shaky chuckle, wincing slightly. "Guess I'm tougher than I look."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Idiot."