Amnesia

Amnesia

By Crab Apple

Nakita sprawls lazily on the couch, her face etched with sheer boredom. She shifts to her side, emitting a prolonged groan as her gaze fixates on the front door. “What’s keeping him?” she mutters under her breath. Suddenly, Nakita rolls off the couch and heads towards the kitchen. “Maybe if I cook him something he’ll wanna…”Her thoughts are abruptly interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.

“Моя любовь(My love)?” Nakita’s heart raced with anticipation as she hurriedly approached the mirror by the front door. With swift movements, she pushed her blonde bangs out of her face and smoothed out her blouse, hoping to present herself in the most captivating way possible. A faint smile graced her lips as she turned to face the door, ready to welcome her husband home. As the door swung open, her smile faded into a disappointed frown.

“Hey sis,” Anya greeted, oblivious to Nakita’s earlier excitement.

Disgruntled, Nakita let out a tired sigh and pivoted away from the door, making her way back to the couch.“What is it Anya?” Anya followed, shutting the door behind her.

“Well me and Adam have been kinda worried about you and June, so I decided to check in.” Anya said swiftly as she took her seat. “Is everything okay…you know between you two?”

“Ugh what difference does it make?” groaned Nakita as she flopped on the couch. “June is just acting an ass to make me feel bad.”

Anya asked, glancing over at the candy bowl on the coffee table, “What even happened between you guys?”

Nakita, crossing her arms, dismissively replied, “It doesn’t matter, he’s just being immature.” Her eyebrows slanted and her nostrils flared.

Anya, with a mouthful of candy, curiously asks, “Seriously, why are you both so mad? I mean, I know you’re not talking, but come on!” Nakita remains silent, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. Just as Anya pops another candy into her mouth, Nakita finally turns towards her.

“June hasn’t touched me in months,” Nakita reveals in a monotone voice. Anya is taken aback by the unexpected news, almost choking on her candy.

“Like at all…?” Anya asks, her voice slightly hoarse from the candy. Nakita shakes her head and gazes back at the dancing flames. “You know, Naki, I know you told me that persuading June to do ‘the dirty’ wasn’t an easy task, but I never anticipated him doing absolutely nothing for months... Doesn’t that bother you?”

Anya witnesses Nakita’s frustration and annoyance firsthand as she snaps back, “Of course it bothers me, Anya! It bothers the hell out of me!” Exclaimed Nakita in a frustrated tone. Taking a moment to compose herself, Nakita takes a deep breath and apologizes. “I wish I could make you understand how challenging it is to cope with this situation when your beloved returns home and doesn’t even acknowledge your presence, let alone share a bed with you.” She gazes at the floor, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her. “It’s awful, and makes me feel….ugly”

Anya gently clasps Nakita’s hand, offering comfort. “You’re far from ugly, sis. June is just…different.” she says while placing a piece of chocolate in her hand.

Nakita arched an eyebrow “Difficult is more like it.” She let out a deep agitated sigh, and casually tossed the chocolate into her mouth. “I need a drink.” she rises from her seat and gracefully glides towards the refrigerator. With a swift motion, she retrieves a generous bottle of vodka along with a pair of shot glasses. Returning to her spot, she sets one glass before Anya, while pouring herself and her sister a shot. The liquid disappears in an instant, and without delay, Nakita replenishes their glasses.

The sisters burst into laughter, raising their glasses in a toast to each other. “So, what’s your take on this, huh?” Nakita asked with a hint of sarcasm. Anya pondered for a moment, deep in thought.

“Well ..why don’t you explore different ways to bond outside the bedroom. Might help invigorate whatever lost passion you guys have,” suggested Anya. Nakita took a few moments to consider the advice, her mind lost in contemplation.

“You know what, Liz? That’s actually a brilliant idea,” Nakita exclaimed, playfully smacking Anya’s shoulder. A wide smile spread across Anya’s face. Nakita glanced at their movie collection, contemplating what to do when he returned. “Perhaps I’ll suggest watching a movie together,” she mused, seeking a pleasant and uncomplicated activity.

Anya’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That’s a great idea!” she exclaimed, about to suggest a specific movie when their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the door opening and closing.

June mumbled, “Finally home,” as he kicked off his shoes. He stretched his tired limbs and let out a big yawn. Nakita glanced towards the hallway that led to the front door, adjusting her posture and brushing the hair away from her face.

“Hey, we’re in here, моя любовь(my love),” Nakita called out loudly, so June would hear her. In an instant, June’s relaxed expression turned into one of paranoia. He cautiously made his way into the living room, finding his wife and sister-in-law sitting on the couch, enjoying a drink together.

Anya greeted June with a friendly wave, catching his attention. In return, he waved back with a smile. “Hey June,” she called out. “I came by to drop something off for Naki. Care to join us for a drink?” Anya held up the bottle invitingly.

June hesitated for a moment, averting his gaze. “Uhh...no thanks,” he replied softly. “I’m kinda tired, so I think I’ll just grab something to eat-”

Before he could finish his sentence, Nakita stood up, interrupting him. “I’ll make you something,” she offered suddenly, her voice filled with warmth and kindness. With a longing gaze, she reaches her hand towards him, hoping for a connection. However, he swiftly withdraws his hand, leaving her feeling a pang of disappointment.

June hesitated, his eyes darting around the room as he stammered, “Y-you don’t have to do that, I can-” Nakita took a step forward, her head hovering over his. Suddenly, her eyes narrow and her eyebrows furrow, causing Junes’ gaze to lower. “It’s alright,” she murmured, her voice filled with agitation. “Why don’t you go sit with Anya, while I make something for you?”

“Ok…” June said while sitting down on the couch, distancing himself from Anya. Anya glanced at both of them completely perplexed. Meanwhile, Nakita headed to the kitchen, her footsteps thumping as she walked around aggressively putting food on a plate and throwing it into the microwave.

Anya approached Nakita and whispered, “Does he act like that alot?”

“All the time,” Nakita replied, her eyes filled with frustration. “I just want to spend time with him…why does he treat me like a monster?” With a heavy sigh, she slumps forward and buries her face in her arms. Anya gently rubs her back, offering comfort.

“Don’t worry, Nakita. Every relationship has its bumps in the road. Once you two get over this little slump everything will go back to normal, I’m sure of it” Anya says, reassuring her with a soft smile. Nakita sits up, and hugs Anya tightly. “I’m heading back to the house. If you need anything, just let me know, alright?” Nakita nods sadly as she watches Anya leave.

After the microwave beeps she grabs the plate holding June’s food. Leaving the kitchen behind, she approaches June, who remains lost in his thoughts. She set it down in front of him with a gentle thud. June snaps back to reality and glances at Nakita. “Go on, June, dig in” she insists firmly, nudging the plate closer to him.

June hesitates for a moment before reluctantly reaching for the plate. “Thanks, Naki...,” he murmurs, eyes glued to the ground while taking a bite.

“How was your day at work?” She inquired, arms folded, her voice lacking enthusiasm.

“It was fine…” he responds, still avoiding eye contact.

“Nothing exciting happened today?” She probed.

“Not really.” June quickly replied.

“It’s strange...you always had work stories to share with me before...looks like that’s changed, huh?” Nakita remarked, in an offended tone. Nakita’s words hung in the air, a subtle accusation that pierced through the silence. June quickly glances at her, but his guilt-ridden gaze quickly returns to the floor.

June mutters under his breath, “Whatever...” as he reaches out for the tv remote, hoping to escape Nakita’s incessant ranting. However, just as he’s about to grab it, she swiftly grabs it from the table and mischievously waves it in the air. Frustrated, June makes another attempt to reach for the remote, but she continuously pulls it away, playfully teasing him.

Growing impatient, June abruptly stands up, his annoyance evident in his tone. “This isn’t funny, Naki,” he says, determined to reclaim the remote. He reaches around her, desperately trying to grab it, getting tangled in her embrace. However, she keeps it just out of his reach, swiftly turning away and holding it close to her chest, while June holds onto her. As June’s hands roam up and down Nakita’s body in search of the remote, she bites her lip, masking her soft moans with giggles.

She raises the remote control high above June effortlessly, taking advantage of their noticeable height difference. June desperately attempts to snatch it from her grip, practically attempting to scale Nakita. Nakita mischievous smirked, swiftly concealing the remote behind her back. As June reaches around her for the remote, Nakita puts her leg between his, tripping June, causing them to tumble onto the couch, entangled in each other’s embrace. Nakita lets out a soft moan as they land, a blush creeping across her face.

His gaze shifts downwards to his hand resting on her chest. Craving more of his touch, Nakita boldly covers his hand with hers, guiding it to gently cup her breast. Their bodies draw closer, their breaths mingling as Nakita leans in for a kiss. But just before their lips finally meet, June abruptly pulls away, untangling himself from Nakita and returning to his original place on the couch. Nakita leans forward while looking at June confused.

Unfazed by June’s cold attitude, Nakita begins to crawl towards him across the couch. Catching a glimpse of her, he attempts to create more distance. However, Nakita’s persistence only seemed to grow as she continued to inch closer, her eyes never leaving June’s. June could feel his heart racing as he tried to come up with a way to escape her advances. But Nakita was relentless, her determination evident in the way she moved closer and closer, until she was practically within arm’s reach.

June could feel the tension in the air as Nakita finally reached out to touch his face. He flinched, unable to control his reaction as he pulled away from her touch. The look in Nakita’s eyes was intense, almost predatory, as she continued to close the gap between them.

“Come on, June.” Nakita’s voice was soft, almost soothing, but there was an underlying edge to it that sent a shiver down June’s spine.

As Nakita’s hand hovered near his face, June finally found his voice. “I...I need some space, Nakita,” he stammered, trying to sound firm despite the fear that was creeping into his voice.

But Nakita only smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. “Don’t worry, June. I’ll give you all the space you need...after I’m done with you,” she whispered, before nibbling on his ear. June tried to pull away before Nakita gently tugs him closer, sliding her hand up his shirt and resting on his chest. His heart races as the warmth of her touch caresses his silky skin.

“Naki...” he whispers, his gaze averted. Nakita’s fingers trace delicate patterns along June’s jawline, with a gentle yet firm grasp, she guides his face towards hers. Their lips meeting in a tender kiss, a fusion of longing and tenderness. But the sweetness is fleeting, as Nakita’s passion intensifies, her hands fumbling to undo June’s belt. With each fumbling motion, their breaths quicken, their hearts pounding in sync.

June suddenly pulls back, separating from the passionate kiss, and pushes Nakita’s hands away, “Hold on, Nakita!” he exclaimed as he tried to catch his breath. His hands tremble as he tries to pry her fingers away from the zipper. She pays no attention to his struggles, moving down from his zipper to grab his pant leg instead. Leaning back, she attempts to yank his pants off. June, fed up with being ignored, uses his foot to push Nakita away causing her to fall back and land on the other half of the couch.

She shoots him an angry look while her nails dig into the fabric, “What is your problem?” Nakita demands, irritation evident on her face.

“I...I didn’t mean to…” June stammers, glancing away as he tries to get up to leave.

Suddenly, Nakita grabbed his wrist, pulling him back down to the couch causing him to startledly yelp. He grabbed her hand trying to pry it off as he pulled away. “Don’t play dumb with me,” Her tone carried a hint of annoyance. “You keep to yourself, never spend time with me, refuse to share the same bed as me, and now you won’t even let me touch you!” Nakita’s voice trembled, her emotions running high.

June shouted, “Nakita, stop!” as he attempted to free his hand. Nakita firmly grasped both of his wrists and pulled them apart. Leaning in closer, she pushed June down onto the couch as she positioned herself on top of him. Despite June’s efforts to push her away, Nakita secured his arms below her knee. With a fierce gaze, Nakita watched him struggle.

Suddenly, Nakita swayed her hips forward, causing June to flinch. Slowly, she began to grind against him, prompting June to turn away in embarrassment. “Naki...” he muttered, his face turning red. Nakita closed her eyes and let out a satisfied sigh as she continued to press and rub against his lap. It had felt like forever since she had felt this kind of intimacy with him, and this moment felt like a long time coming.

As Nakita’s movements became more intense, June’s embarrassment grew. His heart raced as he desperately tried to break free from Nakita’s hold. Nakita, lost in her own desires, continued to press herself against June, her body moving in sync with his discomfort. She relished in the power she held over him, enjoying the control she had in this moment. The intensity of her gaze never wavered, as if daring June to resist her advances.

Nakita’s soft moan escaped her lips, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as a rush of excitement surged through her. Leaning in close, she planted feather-light kisses on his neck, each one a deliberate tease, a playful exploration of his sensitive skin. “Naki! H-hey that-that tickles!” June managed to say, trying to suppress his laughter. Her kisses trailed up to his blushing cheek. June shook his head, attempting to push her away.

She grabbed the side of his head, holding him still. “Nakita, are you even listening to me-” Nakita interrupted June’s protest with a fiery kiss, leaving him speechless. Her hand glided down from his face, tracing a path from his chest down towards his belt once more. With a sudden burst of energy, he grabbed hold of Nakita’s legs and rolled off the couch, leaving both of them on the floor as June scurried to his feet.

Nakita stood up from the floor, her eyes locked on June, a puzzled look on her face. “What the hell, June!?” she burst out, her voice showing signs of annoyance.

“I told you to stop!” June’s voice conveyed a real sense of concern. “I... I can’t even come home without you pouncing on me!” He positioned himself behind the couch, trying to put some space between them.

Nakita’s anger reached its peak as she climbed over the couch, confronting June with a furious expression. “Maybe If you made an effort to spend time with me, I wouldn’t have to pounce on you!” she declared, her frustration clearly written on her face. Startled, June began to retreat from Nakita. “Is it too much to ask to spend time with your wife!?” she said, following after him.

“Yes! Because it’s never just spending time! It always turns into something like this!”June exclaims, stumbling over a piece of furniture in his retreat. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of intimidation whenever she got in that mood. She loomed over him, her temper adding to the unease. He retreats into a corner as she advances, fear evident in his eyes as she glares furiously.

Nakita’s voice trembles as she approaches June, “all I want is my husband back! But no...you insist on making me feel horrible and acting scared of me for no reason!” Nakita came to a halt just inches away from him. The intensity of the situation causes him to sink further into the corner, feeling overwhelmed.

“I’m not acting!” June exclaims, his voice filled with genuine fear. Nakita raises an eyebrow with a confused expression. “You...you scare the hell out of me when you get like this Nakita!” Nakita takes a step back, allowing June to catch his breath. He straightens up a bit from his huddled position in the corner.

“I...I don’t scare you,” Nakita says, her disbelief evident. Before June can summon the courage to reply, her phone starts ringing, Nakita’s attention is immediately drawn to it. With a quick glance, she realizes it’s her boss calling. Letting out a sigh, she answers, “Yes, Dr Briar?” There’s a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Yeah... I’ll be there in a few.” Ending the call, she mutters to herself, “I’m needed at the hospital...don’t think this discussion is over.” Nakita turns away and walks off, leaving June alone in his corner.

The following day, Nakita sitting in her office at her desk, furiously tapping on her phone screen, completely engrossed in a game on her phone. “June is such an idiot,” she mutters, “why would he say something like that... afraid of me, of all people?” Annoyed, she mistimes her move and fails the level. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she rests her head on her desk. “Why can’t things just go back to the way they were?” Nakita fondly recalls the good times she shared with June, goofing around, laughing, and having fun together. “I would give anything for things to go back to the way they were with June.

She lets out a sigh, “that’s enough daydreaming.” Before diving back into the game. Suddenly, her phone vibrates and Anya’s picture appears. “Oh, what now?” Nakita rolls her eyes and picks up the phone.

Anya’s voice trembles as she speaks through the phone, “Nakita! It’s June!”

Nakita’s eyes widen in alarm, “What’s wrong?”

“Adam called me, something’s happened to June, but I couldn’t hear him properly because of the sirens,” Anya rushes to explain.

Nakita gasps, her hand covering her mouth as she jumps up from her seat, “Where is he? Is he alright?”

“Adam said that they’re nearly at the hospital now before he hung up, and Tian is following behind the ambulance,” Ayna added in a hurry, “I should be almost to the hospital too.”

“As soon as you get here, make sure to tell them that his wife is here and on her way down!” Nakita exclaims anxiously before ending the call. She swiftly exits her office, dashing towards the elevator and frantically pressing the call button. “Come on! Move faster, кусок дерьма(piece of crap)!” When the doors finally open, she jumps inside and slamming her hand on the ground floor button. As the doors shut, Nakita attempts to compose herself while observing the floor numbers descending slowly.

Nakita whispered to herself, “He’ll be okay...he’ll be okay,” while tightly gripping the hand rails. “Please, just be okay...” When the doors opened, Nakita hurried out and saw Anya trying to call her.

Anya looks up from her phone, “Naki!” she says as she jogs over. “I was just about to call you…”

“Where is June?” Nakita asked in a shaky voice.

“They got him in a room right now…but he hasn’t woken up yet” Ayna says while looking at his room door worried.

Nakita walked towards it as a whirlwind of thoughts intensified her anxiety. She takes a deep breath before grasping the handle and entering the room, discovering June lying unconscious on the bed, completely still. “June?” She says with a Shaky voice. She slowly approached the bed and reached for June’s hand, clasping it gently.

Tian and Adam walk into the room, only to be met with a piercing glare. “What happened...what happened exactly!?” she bellows, her anger evident in her eyes.

Adam, his voice trembling with unease, explains, “June was up on some scaffolding installing some siding, when he started climbing down the whole set started falling apart and...it sorta fell apart on top of him. When we unburied him we found him like this…”

Nakita glare shifts to Tian, “This is exactly why I didn’t want him to come work at your stupid job.” She says angrily.

“Hey this isn’t my fault, some dumbass didn’t set up the scaffolding right.” Tian says in a defensive tone. “Our boss is at the job site right now-”

“I don’t care Tian!” she yells, interrupting him. “You promised me you would keep your brother safe and told me I had nothing to worry about and now look!” She points to June. “Does this seem like nothing!? Huh?” Tian glares at her but says nothing. “I’m gonna go check in with the paramedics who brought him in, keep an eye on him.” She walks past them glaring at Tian.

“Man, she’s royally furious with us, huh?” Adam exclaimed, his face filled with panic.

“Ah, who gives a damn? Nakita’s always ticked off about something. Except when it comes to him,” Tian remarked, pointing at June. He sat beside June’s bed, gazing at him with a sigh.

Adam’s voice was filled with worry as he asked, “He’s going to be alright, isn’t he?”

“Of course he will be,” Tian reassured him. “He’s walked away from worse. Remember that time he almost fell off that roof and played it off like it was nothing?” Tian says with a chuckle. The friends shared a laugh. Their laughter abruptly came to a halt as June’s loud groans filled the room. Gripping his head in agony, June’s pain was evident.

Both Tian and Adam turned their attention towards June, concern etched on their faces. “June?” Tian exclaimed, rising to his feet.

Adam hurriedly made his way to the hallway, calling out for Nakita, “Naki, June is waking up!”

Slowly, June opened his eyes, his voice filled with confusion as he mumbled, “T-Tian?”

Tian approached June’s bedside, positioning himself directly in front of June. “I’m right here, bro,” he reassured him.

June winced as he tried to sit up, looking around the unfamiliar room.

“Where... are we?” he asked, holding his head in pain.

“Don’t worry, we’re at the hospital in downtown. You’re safe,” Tian reassured him.

“Down…town?” June questioned, squinting at Tian through his fingers. Tian raised an eyebrow.

“June, you’re alright!” Adam exclaimed, walking over with a smile. “You had a pretty bad fall, but it seems like you’re fine now.” June glanced at him, then back at Tian.

“T-Tian... who is this?” he asked, confusion evident on his face. Tian and Adam exchanged worried glances.

The pair shared a nervous laugh. “Oh, you got me good, June,” Adam chuckled. June looked puzzled, as he glanced between them. “It’s me, Adam, your buddy!”

“Umm,” June hesitated, trying to recall. “I’m sorry, I...I don’t recognize you.” Adam’s mouth fell open in shock.

“This is not good,” Tian muttered. “June…what can you remember?”

June paused, deep in thought, “um…oh! I remember us sitting out on our lawn talking about our big move to the city a few nights ago.

Tian’s face shifted from panicked to disbelief. “June….that wasn’t a few nights ago” said Tian “that was a few years ago…”

“Huh,” June said, confused tilting his head to the side. Before he could continue Nakita enters the room and spots June engaged in conversation with the others.

A wave of emotion washes over her as she exclaims, “June!” with joy. Without hesitation, Nakita rushes towards June, enveloping him in a tight hug. “О, Июнь, я так рада, что ты в безопасности!”(Oh June I’m so glad you’re safe) she exclaimed with joy as June tried to wriggle free from Nakita’s hug. She showers him with kisses all over his face, whispering sweet nothings in Russian.

Tian and Adam exchange a glance. “Um, Nakita...” Adam starts hesitantly as Nakita continues smothering June with affection. “Nakita, there’s something we need to talk to you about.”

Nakita shifts her gaze towards him, keeping a firm grip on June. “What’s wrong?” June attempts to break free from Nakita’s hold, but his words are muffled as she presses his head against her chest.

“Oh, umm, Tian will explain,” Adam quickly interjects, his voice filled with nervousness.

“What? Me? No way, you’ll explain it better,” Tian retorts, equally determined to avoid this conversation.

“Boys, just spit it out, already.” Nakita exclaims impatiently. As they try to respond, June tugs at her shirt urgently. She looks down at him, releasing him from her embrace, and he takes a deep breath. “What is it, June?” she asks, in a softer tone.

June’s face was turning as red as a tomato with embarrassment as he averted his gaze, attempting to conceal his blush. “T-T-Tian...who is this!?” he stammered, stealing a quick glance at Tian.

Nakita’s eyes widened in surprise. She raised an eyebrow and gently grabbed his face, running her fingers along his cheek. “Oh, ha ha,” she said in a deadpan tone, playfully shaking his head. “That’s not very funny, June.”

June’s face turned even redder as she shook his head. “I...I’m serious,” he mumbles, grabbing her hands and pulling them away from his head.

“what…?” Nakita uttered with a tinge of sorrow in her voice.

Adam approaches the bed, his expression filled with worry. “What’s wrong with him, Naki?”

“He…has amnesia,” she says. Silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of June’s racing heartbeat. Nakita’s worried expression mirrors June’s own as they both try to process the news. “Tian….can I speak to you in the hallway.” She stands up from the bed and walks out of the door, Tian following after.

Hours pass as June lies in bed, unable to sleep, he overhears a muffled argument between Nakita, the doctor and Tian. The tension just outside the door is palpable, and June can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping over him. “Why can’t I remember…” he mumbles to himself. He looks over at the door. “I hope I didn’t do something wrong...”

Nakita stood in front of the door, arms crossed. “No, Tian,” she said in an agitated voice.

“What’s your problem, Naki?” Tian asked, stopping his pacing. “He’s my brother. I should look after him.”

“Oh? Like how you looked after him at the job site and got him into this mess in the first place?” Nakita replied, raising an eyebrow.

“It was a freak accident that wasn’t my fault,” Tian quickly retorted.

“Regardless of whose fault it is, I don’t trust you to take care of him properly,” she says, shooting him a fierce look. “I’m his wife, and he should be with me.”

“He doesn’t even remember that he’s married!” Tian shouts.

The doctor steps between them interrupting their heated conversation, “Arguing won’t solve anything. One of you needs to sign the release forms, or he will have to stay here for now.”

“You’re right, arguing won’t help.” She shifts her focus to the doctor. “I’m a doctor, his wife, and I have plenty of space in our home for him...so I’ll be the one taking care of him, Tian,” she declares firmly, glaring at Tian. “Where do I sign?” she flips through the papers, completely unfazed by Tian’s growing frustration.

Tian turned away from them, and walked down the hallway, quickly hiding the scowl on his face before he entered the waiting room. His friends immediately noticed him and called him over. A petite girl with fiery red hair hurried over to Tian and wrapped her arms around his. “Is your brother alright?” Èdith inquired, her expression filled with concern.

“Yeah, he’s going to be fine,” Tian reassured her. Èdith let out a sigh of relief.

Anya glanced up from her phone, “Have the doctors said anything about his memories returning?”

Tian takes a seat. “His memories might never come back,” Tian informs them. Èdith gasps softly and clings to Tian’s shoulder.

“How awful,” she murmurs sadly. “Do you know when we can take him home with us?”

“...Nakita is taking him home,” Tian replies, sounding irritated.

The others looked up at Tian. “Seriously?” Adam questioned, his expression filled with confusion. Anya glares at adam, causing him to quickly backpedal. “I just mean…they’ve been arguing so much lately… I mean you even mentioned that something seemed off, Anya.”

“I know that, but Naki is the best person to care for him right now,” Anya replied calmly. “And let’s be honest, he won’t even remember why he was upset with her.” Just then, a nurse approached the group.

The nurse softly interrupts, “June wants to speak with his brother before he leaves. Which one of you is Tian?” Tian nods and follows the nurse back to the room, where he finds Nakita packing June’s belongings into a bag while June stares at the floor.

Tian says, “Hey Nakita, can I have a quick word with him?”

Nakita rolls her eyes, walking past Tian over to the door she pauses, “I’ll be in the hallway when you’re ready дорогой(dear),” she says before stepping into the hallway.

“What did she call me…?” June asked

“Don’t worry about it… The nurse said you wanted to talk, so what’s up?”

“I...I don’t know about going with her,” he admits, his self consciousness evident in his face.

“Why not?” Tian chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

June quickly glances towards the door, checking if Nakita is still there. “She’s kinda scary...” he mumbles, his voice barely audible.

Tian stifles a laugh, pretending to cough. “You got that right,” he mumbles to himself. “Look you got nothing to worry about, June. You can trust her. I promise.” He smiles warmly at June, who slowly returns the smile.

“Alright…If you say so,” June says, his voice filled with uncertainty. Tian assists June in getting out of bed and standing up. After putting his shoes back on, they head into the hallway and notice Nakita waiting a short distance away. She walks up to June, her face only a few inches away from his.

“Ready to go?” She asks in a gentle tone, to which June responds with a nod. “Put this on,” she says, whilst holding up his jacket with a friendly smile. June returns the smile, but blushes and looks down shyly. He takes the jacket and puts it on. As he tries to lift his head, Nakita leans in, caressing his head to examine his bandage.

June flinches and attempts to pull away, but Nakita gently pulls him back. “Does your head hurt anywhere?” She asked while inspecting his bandage. June quickly shakes his head. Nakita chuckles playfully. “Good, that means we can head home,” she assures him, letting go of his head and taking him by the hand to lead him towards the entrance, with Tian following behind the pair.

As they walk along the hallway, June looks over his shoulder back at Tian. A reassuring smile and nod from him put June at ease. “Hey, I’ll swing by sometime soon to check on you, alright?”

“Okay...” June murmurs quietly. As they neared the entrance, the rest of their friends congregated, creating a circle as Nakita and June took their places in front of the entrance. June peers through the glass doors, watching the cloudy sky drift.

“You’ll be back to your usual self in no time, June,” Anya assures him, giving a thumbs up.

“I hope you start feeling better soon,” Èdith says while standing a little bit behind Tian.

“Don’t stress about work at all. We’ve got it covered” Adam says, waving and smiling to his friend.

Nakita quickly puts on her jacket and bag. She loops her arm through his, indicating that it’s time to leave. June waves to his friends and brother as they exit the building, the cool air enveloping them as they step outside and make their way towards the car. June suddenly looks back at the imposing hospital building. “Woah,” he whispers in amazement. Nakita gently pulls June towards her, prompting him to look back at her and notice the small smirk she had.