Closers - Best of The Worst.

-2-

I felt awful. It was as if all life had been drained from my body, save for a few extra bits that just barely kept me going. I was clearly wounded, and badly at that. I could hardly remember what happened; all that came to mind was my ears ringing, and Seha. Seha... What happened to him? Was he okay? With a great amount of effort, I managed to open my eyes. Everything was blurry as could be, but I could still make out the figures of about 6 people kneeling at my sides, and a seventh behind me. Holding consciousness was not an easy feat, however. I soon felt myself begin to slip back into the void of black, which consumed me.

"Seulbi?" I heard my name. "Seulbi, you awake?" The same voice called out to me, prompting me to groan in response. I felt slightly better than before... But everything was sore and heavy. Even opening my eyed was a feat all it's own. "Seulbi..." My vision cleared rather quickly, revealing the only thing I could see -

Seha.

He flopped back in a chair next to me, sighing in what seemed to be relief. "That's good..." I heard him mutter, his eyes still on me. It didn't take long for most of my other senses to return, prompting me to take in my surroundings. I was laid on a hospital bed, probably somewhere in the battle care ward - a place I used to visit frequently as a fresh recruit. I'd always come here when I had to the chance, just to help out in any way they'd let me. As I was so young, I couldn't do anything much, but that didn't deter me. I ended up there so much that I was told to stop by none other than my teacher and officer, as I overworked myself and nearly ended up in the same bed I was in now. Cringing, made an attempt to sit up but found myself stopped by a strong hand. "Quit that." Seha told me, holding me back from moving. "Just lay still." His tone was gentle for once, lacking it's usual nonchalant edge. I complied, easing back into the bed once more.

Without any words being exchanged between us, we simply sat there; him, face buried in his hands, and me, unable to move in bed. Unsure, of what to do, I simply smiled at him. It caught his gaze in seconds, earning a smile and a nod. "I'll uh, go get the doctor. Tell him you're awake and stuff." Seha briskly left the room, and I could swear I saw tears well up in his eyes. Did Seha seriously just cry? And for my sake? I mentally shook my head, shaking the idea off. No. There was no way that'd happen. He returned a few moments later with a tall man clad in white, who quickly flipped through a clipboard. "Mmm, Lee Seulbi, correct?" A scratchy voice asked me, continuing without giving me a chance to nod. "Mmm hmm... Welcome back. Let's see... Comatose for 3 days, deep gashes in lower body and thigh... You'll do fine." He rattled off, earning a mixed face of relief and frustration from Seha.

The doctor whispered something to him before leaving the room, his shoes clacking about on the tile floor. Seha was quick to return to my bedside, this time leaning on the bed. "You... You feelin' okay?" He asked, looking at me with sorrowful eyes. He clearly hadn't slept in a while; dark bags lined his eyes, adorning his almost drooping face. I gave as much of a "yeah" as I could, but what came out was weak and quiet. He seemed to get it however, nodding to me. "That's good... Good...." Seha kept his gaze fixated on my face, making me turn away. "You remember anything about what happened?"

It all came flooding back to me now - the Dragoon, the explosion, Seha - everything came back all at once, causing the realization to hit me.

Seha saved my life.

Had he really saved me, though? I mean, anyone in that situation probably would have done the same. But this was Seha. He didn't actually take any care in doing missions, right? So why would I be alive like this? A swarm of thoughts and questions encompassed my thoughts, leaving me utterly speechless. "Seulbi?" He asked again, causing me to look back at him, my thoughts disappearing. However, the next few words of his would change the way I thought forever; "Seulbi." He said again. "I love you."

It took a few seconds for those words to fully hit me. And when they did, I couldn't think right at all; Seha didn't just say that, did he? That's impossible! We hate each other! There was absolutely no possible way he said what he said. As I slowly came to accept he did indeed say he love me, I was still at a loss for words. This changed everything; how was I even able to look him in the eye right now? I noticed a bright blush form on his face, before he held my hand in his own. "Mean it, stupid." He said with a small smile, leaving the room.

I later found out it visiting hours were over, and I'd be without company for most of the night. It was long and empty, finally giving me time to think. What had happened to me? I'd gotten injured in a stakeout mission, had been taken to hospital, woke up in hospital, and then - well, that happened. Even the thought of it brought a blush to my face. He must have really meant it, that boy. I felt all warm inside, causing a smile to form on my face once again. If he meant it, surely he'd be back tomorrow, right? And I myself could accept it then. That wasn't all, either;

I could finally confess to him, myself.