The Return

Chapter 22

I opened my eyes to a lab, strapped to a chair. I panicked as I remembered this feeling all too well.

My last moments in a human body was in a chair like this one.

The only difference was that my head wasn't strapped in.

"I'm sorry we had to meet again under similar circumstances..." I knew that voice. I looked to see him. JK01 and his new cyborg body. I felt confused seeing so much of the past in the present.

"What am I doing here.?" I questioned.

"Well, you have something of mine. Something I need." he laughed "man this is so much like the first conversation we had..."

"I'm not giving you Yumi!" I was getting straight to the point.

"Well that's the thing... I need her to willingly work for RM and his cause. You're the only one she seems to trust after spying on her."

I was trying to stay calm. He was not going to take another person from my life. Not another important person. Not again.

"So, you're telling me that there's no way for you to actually control her."

"She's perfect so of course I can't control her. The thing is though... That if I can't convince her I was ordered to destroy her."

"RM ordered you to do that?"

He nodded his head. There was something different about him. He seemed more reasonable... Less insane. If that's even possible.

"Being an inventor of sorts yourself you can understand the pain it can cause you to destroy something you created... Especially when it's perfect..."

I did know that feeling.

"Well, here's my second solution..." he showed me a small chip in his hand. "I couldn't help but peak around in your mind and I found something I think you would be interested in..."

I had a sinking feeling now as I realized what he was going to say.

"I found the consciousness of Hoseok's mind within your own. Now, honestly, I would just make another robot like Yumi for Hoseok but I don't have the funds or resources to do that. Nor do I have the permission from RM. So, my second proposition to you is that I implant Hoseok's mind into Yumi's. Essentially giving him a body. Bringing him back to life, so to speak."

Why haven't I realized Hoseok was never really dead and was just scattered in my own mind...

"So, do you choose to convince Yumi and let her live whilst working for RM or will you destroy her but gain your best friend back?"

He was making me choose between them... He's still just as cruel. I was wrong to think he might have been better.

"Is there any way I can have both?" I asked automatically.

"Unfortunately, No..."

I knew it was dumb to ask he already stated he couldn't make another robot like Yumi.

She really must have been a happy accident. Why must my life always force me to lose someone I care about. Why bring Yumi into my life when she is the key to bringing my best friend back? Has Hoseok been conscious this whole time? Have our conversations been real?

"I can assure you that I'm not lying to you and that this chip really is Hoseok."

I didn't need proof. I believed him, but my instincts were telling me that something was off. Something was holding him back. The way he looked at me made me feel as though he wished he could give me both. What an odd expression to see on his face.

If I choose to have my friend back, then I'll lose Yumi forever.

I love her, but I miss Hoseok so much. Could I live with the guilt of not giving him a chance at life? A life he sacrificed for me?

Maybe I can make a body for him myself... But I know Jungkook won't allow that... RM wouldn't allow it... Or is it someone else?

I took in a deep breath even though my body doesn't need to for survival. It was just a way for me to clear my mind for a moment. I opened my eyes to look at JK01 deeply into his eyes.

Just as I made up my mind, a bullet came through the window.

This choice...

Was never actually up to me...

Was it?...