Forbidden

Chapter One

~~~

"We shouldn't even be seen together."

"Why shouldn't we? I don't know about you, but I don't see anybody else in this elevator."

"I'm talking about you following me around. It looks a bit suspicious."

"But, Lyra," he moved closer to her, "I love you."

~~~

Lyra's warm smile illuminated the sterile hospital room as she entered, her presence bringing a quiet calm with it. "Good morning, Mr. Kai! How are you feeling today? Any improvement?" she asked, her gaze gently searching his face for traces of pain or fatigue.

Mr. Kai's features softened, his eyes crinkling with a grateful smile. "I'm doing much better, dear. The pain's eased, and I finally feel like myself again."

His voice was steady, comforting—a sound Lyra had grown to appreciate on these long, exhausting shifts.

"When do you think I'll be discharged? I'm itching to get back to my routines."

Lyra chuckled, setting her clipboard down on the bedside table with a soft metallic clink. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, alright?" she teased. "We need to make sure you're fully recovered before we send you home to tackle the world again."

With practiced ease, she began her examination—her hands confident, movements precise. She checked his vitals and inspected the dressing on his shoulder, nodding to herself in quiet approval.

"You're healing remarkably well, Mr. Kai. Honestly, I'm impressed."

His smile deepened, his gratitude shining in his eyes. "All thanks to you and the rest of the team. You've been nothing short of exceptional."

A rush of quiet pride warmed Lyra's chest. She picked up her clipboard again, scanning her schedule as a flicker of relief washed over her. Finally, a brief break was in sight.

She gave him one last warm smile. "It's my break time. I'll have Luke check in on you in a bit, okay?"

Mr. Kai nodded. "Sounds good, dear. Thank you."

As Lyra stepped into the break room, expecting to find Luke lounging around as usual, she found it empty—just the soft hum of the refrigerator and the muted buzz of the intercom. She took a few more steps in, calling out, "Luke? You in here?"

No answer.

Then, suddenly—a hand gripped her arm. She gasped.

"Boo," Luke whispered, right behind her, his breath tickling her neck.

Lyra spun around, her heart pounding. Her glare could've sliced steel. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that," she said, voice tight. "One day, someone's going to react, and you'll regret it."

Luke only laughed and dropped into a chair, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Come on, Doc. Loosen up. Learn to have a little fun."

Unimpressed, Lyra folded her arms. "I don't have time for your nonsense, Luke. You're on Mr. Kai's case for the rest of the day—and yes, you're cleaning his bedpan."

Luke's face twisted. "Seriously? That's a nurse's job."

Lyra arched a brow, smirking. "Look at you, finally using that peanut-sized brain. Mommy and Daddy would be so proud."

His expression darkened. "Shut up, Lyra. At least I'm not wound up as tight as you."

The tension crackled between them, sharp and palpable. But Lyra wasn't backing down.