Mafia's Love

21

As I ascended the stairs, a peculiar smile was plastered on my face, while my stomach was tangled in knots. I couldn't fathom why I was so nervous. I repeatedly reminded myself that this was all for the sake of my revenge, and nothing else. My voice was more excited than I had anticipated when I announced, "Y/N, I'm here."

However, as I caught sight of her parents standing there, I instantly regretted my enthusiasm. Her mother's concerned expression was palpable as she asked, "Namjoon, what happened to her?" I was at a loss for words, struggling to confess that I was the reason her daughter was lying in bed at that moment. With my head hung low in shame, I muttered, "Aunt, I'm sorry."

To my surprise, her father spoke up, his tone devoid of anger or resentment. "It's fine, we know you got her here from your classmates. It must have been hard protecting her all alone." I was perplexed, wondering why he wasn't furious with me. Shouldn't he be berating me at that moment?

He continued, "We've decided to shift her to the city hospital. Do you want to come along or visit after your classes?" My response was instantaneous and emphatic, "I want to come along!" My voice was louder than necessary, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment wash over me.

"I've called for the ambulance; it'll be here soon." I nodded my head, retreating to a corner, wondering how the situation had become so awkward. Her father's words caught me off guard.

"I've heard you've been associating with some questionable characters? Namjoon, I know you're a good student. I've watched you grow up, and I'm offering you some advice. I've been in your shoes before, and I know how it ends. Those kids will lead you down a path of destruction, ruining your future and corrupting your values. Distance yourself from them as soon as possible."

I couldn't help but think Uncle had it backwards. I was the one they should be worried about, the one who was influencing them. Those students' parents should be concerned about me hanging around their children, not the other way around. I was the bad influence, the one who was leading them astray. But I kept my thoughts to myself, maintaining a silent, brooding presence in the corner, waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

The ambulance arrived 15 minutes later, and I was eager to accompany her to the hospital. However, Uncle preempted my intentions and gestured for Aunt to get inside instead. I couldn't help but feel frustrated, wondering why the universe seemed to be conspiring against me that day.

Why was I overthinking this, I asked myself? Shouldn't I be reveling in the fact that my nemesis, Y/N, was finally suffering? After all, hadn't I always wanted to destroy her? But as I watched her being loaded into the ambulance, something inside me shifted. I couldn't bear the thought of her suffering because of my own reckless behavior. For the first time, I saw smoking for what it truly was - a nasty, harmful habit. My self-loathing intensified, and I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with me.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I hastily rushed inside, momentarily forgetting that I was accompanying the patient's father. I'm certain he must have been taken aback by my impulsive actions, and I made a mental note to apologize later.

As I approached the nurse's station, I inquired about Y/N's whereabouts, asking. "Where have they taken my Y/N?" The possessive phrase slipped out unintentionally, and I couldn't help but think. "My Y/N? I'm a lost man today, aren't I?"

Before heading towards her room, I caught the receptionist's gaze, noticing she eyed me with a hint of suspicion. Feeling a tad self-conscious, I asked: "Do I reek of smoke? Or is there a bad odor radiating from my body?" The elderly lady chuckled, shaking her head reassuringly. "Young man, you're totally fine. Don't worry, your friend won't be annoyed by your smell, nor will the hospital authorities."