Trails Of Time (changlix)

16. If he's alive

Changbin was on the verge of unconsciousness. His wounds were deep and he had already bled way too much. He could feel his fingers becoming cold and his head becoming fuzzy.

Look at yourself now. You've driven yourself into the corner.

Are you seriously going to say that in this situation?

Yes. I want you to know this is your fault. It is also your fault that that innocent person is in danger.

C'mon. I'm so tired. Don't do this now.

You are pathetic. You just lie on the floor, doing nothing. Aren't you going to save him?

Well, tell me what to do.

First, open your eyes. Watch your environment. Try to find the route out.

That man is not God. You can escape.

But he has a gun!

And you have the power to outsmart him. Changbin, think about Felix. He must be so scared now... 

So am I! How can I move in this state!?

Listen to yourself now! Don't make yourself weak. If you use your head, you will find the way out.

Now... wake up.

Wake up!

Wake up!

"Changbin, please wake up!"

"Changbin, wake up!"

So he opened his eyes again. His eyes hit Felix, who was bending over him, a stressed-out expression on his face.

"Don't fall asleep now... you're going to bleed out if you do," Felix muttered, caressing Changbin's arm gently.

"I'm not going to... Lixie calm down, I just feel a bit dizzy." Changbin explained, lying a little.

The fact was that Changbin no longer felt his toes. His hands felt cold and it was hard for him to move them. He knew he was in danger, but he preferred to make sure Felix was safe. 

Nothing was as important to him as Felix.

Did you forget what you need to do?

No, I didn't. Let me just collect my breath here, okay?

Move fast... you don't have much time.

Changbin looked around, pushing all the essentials into his memory. There was a window at the checkout, which was too small to fit through. At the back of the store, there was a back door that was covered with cardboard boxes. The front door was a possible escape route, but that psychopath stood in front of it.

Changbin thought. There had to be some solution to this. No one can die. 

Think. You are wise enough to solve this.

Changbin's eyes again hit the man who held them there. The man was clearly nervous because his hand was shaking, as he held the gun. 

Changbin turned to Felix. "Listen..." He whispered.

Felix looked at him and leaned a little closer, listening.

"I need you two to help me walk to him," Changbin said.

Felix seemed frightened and shook his head. "No, absolutely not. What are you even going to do? Tell him to let us go?"

"Lix, I know what I'm doing. Help me to him." Changbin said calmly. 

"But-"

The cashier turned to the two. "We'll do it." She said quickly. "I think I know what you're going to do."

Changbin nodded and looked at Felix. "Lixie... trust me with this, okay?"

Felix stared into Changbin's eyes for a hot second. He then nodded, taking in a sharp breath.

The cashier and Felix helped Changbin stand, then walking towards the man. The man didn't notice them approaching, so when they were next to him, Changbin coughed.

"Why are you up?" The man asked, annoyed.

Changbin made himself look really sick and he gasped. "I... I think I..."

"He's gonna fucking die." The cashier blurted out. "He's seriously in the need of help."

The man chuckled, looking down at Changbin. "Well, that means I can kill you."

"You can't," Felix said suddenly. "You said that you're going to let us go if they get you what you want."

The man put his hand on his chin. "Hmm... maybe."

"Seriously? Are you going to let this man die like this?" The cashier asked raising her voice. "He's going to die any second, so do you want to let him go, or are you just going to watch him die?"

The man smiled suddenly. "That might be fun..." He said, clapping his hands.

Changbin looked at him with pleading eyes. "P-please... it hurts so much... I... I can't feel my legs..."

The man glared at him. "Don't fuck with me."

"Honestly... I think I'm..."

Changbin fell to the ground. He gasped, resting his head on the cold floor. He looked up, trying to figure out the man's reaction.

Fortunately, the man crouched down next to him, slapping his cheek. Changbin moaned, opening his eyes. He looked at the man, breathing heavily.

"The fuck? Are you really gonna die now?" The man asked, poking Changbin's shoulder with his gun.

Changbin quickly looked at Felix and the cashier. He smiled, nodding slightly. That was the sign. The cashier grabbed Felix's hand and they bolted. They ran to the door, going out. 

Felix glanced at Changbin, who was still laying on the floor. "Binnie!!!"

The man turned to look and he cursed as he realized they escaped. He turned back to Changbin.

"You fucking..." He hissed and grabbed Changbin's collar. "So that was your plan, huh?"

Changbin smiled proudly. "Yes."

"You know you're not getting out alive, right?"

Changbin nodded. "I know, but it's more important that they're safe. I don't care what happens to me as long as Felix is out of here."

I don't care what happens to me.

You really don't?

As long as he's okay... 

If he's alive... I'm okay...