The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Aira's bedroom. She blinked awake, momentarily disoriented, her mind replaying the events of the previous nightâthe confession, the kiss, and Tawan's guarded reaction. She turned her head slightly, her heart sinking as she noticed the empty space beside her. Tawan was already up and moving, as always.
Aira sighed, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her chest. She wanted to talk to Tawan, to push through the walls she kept putting up, but she knew it wouldn't be easy. Steeling herself, she got up and headed to the living room.
Tawan was there, fully dressed and alert, her eyes scanning the area as if on high alert. Her professional mask was firmly in place, but there was a subtle tension in her posture, a tightness in her jaw that Aira hadn't seen before.
"Morning," Aira greeted, trying to sound casual.
Tawan turned, her gaze softening for a brief moment before her expression became unreadable again. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"
Aira shrugged, feeling a pang of frustration. "As well as I could, considering..." Her voice trailed off, unsure how to approach the topic.
Tawan's eyes flickered, a hint of somethingâregret, maybeâcrossing her face. "We should talk, but not now. There's something urgent we need to discuss."
Aira's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded, her voice quieter. "What is it?"
Tawan hesitated, glancing at her phone. "We've received new information. The attackers are planning something soon, and it's more serious than we thought."
Aira's stomach tightened. "What do you mean?"
Tawan took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "They're planning a coordinated attack. It's not just a random threat anymore. They want to capture you, use you as leverage against your father."
Aira's hands clenched at her sides, anger flaring up. "So, what are we going to do about it?"
Tawan's jaw tightened. "We'll neutralize the threat, but it's going to be dangerous. I need you to stay close, follow my lead, and trust me."
Aira held her gaze, something fierce and determined in her eyes. "I'm not going to just sit back and let this happen, Tawan. I want to help."
Tawan shook her head, her voice firm. "It's too risky. Your safety is my priority."
"And I'm not some helpless girl who needs to be locked away for her own protection!" Aira snapped, her frustration boiling over. "I want to be involved, to take control of my life. I can't keep hiding, Tawan. I need to stand up for myself."
For a moment, they stood there, the tension thick between them. Then, Tawan's shoulders slumped slightly, a look of resignation crossing her face.
"Fine," she said quietly. "But you need to promise me that you'll listen to everything I say. No arguments, no deviations. If I say run, you run. If I say hide, you hide. Understand?"
Aira's eyes softened, and she stepped closer, her voice gentle. "I understand. I trust you, Tawan. I just... I need to do this."
Tawan's gaze held hers for a long moment before she nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Alright. Let's prepare."
---
The living room was filled with a tense silence as Tawan explained the details she had received. Aira sat across from her, listening intently, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.
"They're not just a random group of attackers," Tawan said, her voice low and steady. "They have a clear motive. Your father made some powerful enemies when he exposed certain corrupt businesses. These people lost a lot because of him, and they're using you to get to him."
Aira frowned, trying to process everything. "So, this is all about revenge? They're using me to force my father to back down?"
Tawan nodded. "Exactly. They think if they can capture you, they'll have the leverage they need to make him retract his statements and restore their businesses."
Aira's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger igniting. "That's not going to happen. My father won't be blackmailed, and neither will I."
Tawan's lips curved slightly in a hint of a smile. "I know. That's why we're going to stop them."
Aira leaned forward, her voice tense. "But how do they know so much about my movements? How are they always one step ahead?"
Tawan hesitated, then took a deep breath. "There's someone feeding them information. Someone close to you or your father."
Aira's heart sank. "A mole?"
"Yes," Tawan confirmed. "And we've identified them. It's... someone from your father's inner circle. They were coercedâthreats, blackmail. They didn't have a choice."
Aira's hands trembled slightly, anger and sadness mixing in her chest. "Who?"
Tawan's voice was gentle. "It's Mr. Wichai, your father's senior advisor."
Aira's eyes widened in shock. "No... That can't be true. He's been with us for years. He's like family."
Tawan nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I know. But the evidence is clear. He's been passing information to the attackers, under duress. He didn't want to, but they threatened his family."
Aira felt a lump in her throat, a wave of betrayal washing over her. "So what do we do now?"
"We confront them," Tawan said firmly. "We know they're planning to make a move soon. We'll set up a controlled environment, something believable. Draw them out and neutralize the threat."
Aira took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Alright. But I'm not going to sit on the sidelines. I'm going to face them."
Tawan's gaze softened, and she reached out, gently touching Aira's hand. "I promise I'll keep you safe, Aira. No matter what happens."
Aira squeezed her hand back, her eyes fierce. "I know you will. Let's end this."
---
The chosen location for the confrontation was a private venue, one that Aira often used for small gatherings and private meetings. It was familiar and comfortable, a place that wouldn't raise suspicion. Tawan's team had discreetly set up security measures throughout the area, carefully balancing the need for safety and the appearance of normalcy.
Aira stood in the center of the room, dressed casually but with a sense of purpose. Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced around, noting the subtle presence of Tawan's team members. They blended seamlessly into the surroundings, their eyes sharp and focused.
Tawan was nearby, speaking quietly with a few members of her team. She glanced at Aira occasionally, her expression a mix of concern and determination. Despite her injuries, she had refused to stay on the sidelines, insisting on being at the forefront of the operation.
Aira's thoughts drifted back to their conversation that morning. The revelation of Mr. Wichai's betrayal still stung. She couldn't believe that someone so close to her family had been feeding information to their enemies. It felt like her entire world had shifted, and she wasn't sure who she could trust anymoreâexcept Tawan.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself. She wasn't going to let fear dictate her life. She was here, facing this head-on, and she was determined to see it through.
Tawan approached, her gaze steady and reassuring. "Are you ready?"
Aira nodded, her voice firm. "Yes. What's the plan?"
"We're going to let them think you're here alone, just like any other day," Tawan explained. "My team will be in place, ready to move as soon as they show themselves. We'll keep it quiet, controlled. We want to capture them, not create a spectacle."
Aira frowned slightly. "And what about Mr. Wichai?"
Tawan hesitated. "He's not directly involved in the confrontation. He's being held for questioning. We'll deal with him later."
Aira's jaw tightened. "I want to talk to him."
Tawan's eyes softened, and she nodded. "You will. But for now, focus on the task at hand. We need to end this, Aira."
Aira glanced around the room, taking in the sight of the team members strategically positioned. "It's strange... being bait."
"You're more than just bait," Tawan said quietly, her voice carrying a note of fierce protectiveness. "You're taking control. That's brave."
Aira's gaze met hers, a brief, intense connection passing between them. "Thank you. For trusting me."
Tawan's lips curved into a small smile. "Always."
They shared a moment of silence, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Then, Tawan took a step back, her professional demeanor snapping into place.
"Remember, stay calm and follow my lead. We'll get through this."
Aira nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Let's do this."
---
The venue buzzed softly with conversations, the low-key gathering meant to bring a semblance of normalcy to Aira's life. Tawan stood a few feet away, her senses on high alert. She had already positioned her backup team discreetly around the premises, prepared for any sudden developments.
A staff member approached Somchai, whispering something in his ear. He turned to Aira, his expression troubled.
"There are two men outside, claiming to have a last-minute meeting arranged through Mr. Wichai," Somchai said.
Aira looked at Tawan, who immediately moved closer. "That's suspicious. Wichai doesn't handle her schedule anymore," Tawan said, her voice low. "Let's bring them in, but be on alert."
Aira nodded, trusting Tawan's judgment. Moments later, the two men entered. They were dressed professionally and carried what appeared to be camera equipment. However, Tawan noticed their stiff movements and the subtle bulges under their jackets. Her eyes narrowed, signaling her team through her earpiece to stay ready.
"Good evening," one of the men greeted, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice."
Aira forced a polite smile. "I wasn't aware of any meeting. Could you remind me who you're with?"
"We represent a media outlet interested in an exclusive interview," the man continued, his voice smooth. "Mr. Wichai assured us you'd be willing to talk privately."
Tawan's suspicions deepened. She stepped forward, her voice firm. "I'm going to need to see some credentials."
The second man's hand moved subtly, and in a flash, he pulled out a stun gun, aiming it at Tawan. She reacted instantly, but the device's prongs hit her left side, sending a searing shock through her body. Pain exploded along her nerves, but she forced herself to stay on her feet.
"Now!" Tawan shouted to her team.
Two agents moved in, tackling the man with the stun gun. The other attacker pulled out a concealed blade, his eyes locked on Aira. Before he could strike, Tawan threw herself in front of Aira, the blade slicing deep into her side. The pain was excruciating, but she didn't let it slow her down.
"Tawan!" Aira's voice was high with fear.
Blood poured from the wound in Tawan's side, staining her shirt. She grit her teeth, using her uninjured arm to land a powerful blow to the man's wrist, knocking the knife from his grasp. The man staggered, but Tawan, fueled by adrenaline and sheer willpower, tackled him to the ground.
The room was a blur of chaosâagents moving in, securing the attackers, and people shouting in the background. Tawan's vision swam, but she didn't let go until the man beneath her stopped struggling.
"It's... over," she panted, her voice barely audible. Her side burned with a fiery pain, and she could feel the warm, sticky blood soaking her shirt.
Aira dropped to her knees beside her, tears streaming down her face. "Tawan, you're bleedingâoh God, you're bleeding so much!"
Tawan's breath hitched as she looked up at Aira. Slowly, she raised her hand, her fingers trembling as she brushed a tear from Aira's cheek. "It's... okay... You're... safe..."
Aira's hands hovered over Tawan's wound, panic and helplessness in her eyes. "No, it's not okay! We need to get you help, now!"
Tawan's lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile despite the pain. "You're... all that matters..."
Her body swayed, her strength fading rapidly. She tried to keep her eyes open, to stay conscious, but the pain and blood loss were overwhelming. The world around her blurred and darkened.
"Please, Tawan," Aira whispered, her voice breaking. "Don't leave me."
Tawan's eyes fluttered shut, her body going limp in Aira's arms. "Always... with you..." she managed to murmur before the darkness claimed her.
"Help! Someone, help!" Aira screamed, her voice echoing in the room.
Tawan's team moved quickly, securing the attackers and rushing to Tawan's side. Aira clung to her, her heart pounding as she watched the blood continue to pool beneath Tawan's body.
"Stay with me," Aira whispered, her tears falling onto Tawan's face. "Please, don't leave me."
---
Aira sat in the hospital waiting room, the harsh fluorescent lights reflecting off the sterile white walls. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, still stained with Tawan's blood. Every nerve in her body was on edge, her mind replaying the scene over and overâthe knife, the blood, Tawan collapsing into her arms.
Somchai sat beside her, his face lined with worry. "Your father called," he said gently, breaking the silence. "He's relieved you're safe, Aira. He's grateful to Tawan for what she did."
Aira nodded numbly, her eyes fixed on the floor. "And the men who did this?"
Somchai glanced at one of Tawan's team members standing nearby. The agent stepped forward, his expression serious. "The attackers are in custody. During the interrogation, one of them confessed they were forced into this by a rival political faction."
Aira's eyes widened. "Forced? What do you mean?"
The agent's voice was steady but tinged with anger. "They were blackmailed. Their families were threatened if they didn't follow through. The faction leader wanted to use you as leverage against your father because his campaign against corruption was getting too close to their operations."
Aira's stomach twisted, a cold fear settling in. "So they thought they could use me to get to him."
"Yes," the agent replied, his tone dark. "But now we have enough evidence to go after the faction leader and everyone involved. Justice will be served."
Aira's heart pounded as she processed the information. The fear and anger that had been simmering beneath the surface now flared, mingling with a fierce determination. "They can't get away with this," she said, her voice shaking but strong. "They can't just... use people like this."
Somchai nodded, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "They won't. Your father and his team are making sure of it."
Aira took a deep breath, the reality of the situation settling heavily on her shoulders. She thought of her father, his relentless fight against corruption, and how that had made them both targets. But more than anything, she thought of Tawanâhow she had thrown herself in harm's way without a second thought.
"It's all because of me," Aira whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "If it wasn't for me, Tawan wouldn't beâ"
"No," the agent interrupted, his voice firm. "This isn't your fault. Tawan knew the risks, and she would do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe."
Aira swallowed hard, guilt and gratitude warring within her. "I just... I can't believe it came to this."
Somchai gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're safe now, and Tawan's going to be okay. That's what matters."
Aira nodded, wiping away her tears. She looked up as another agent approached, his expression calm but serious.
"Miss Aira, the authorities have everything under control," he said. "They're questioning the attackers as we speak. Your father is ensuring that those responsible will face justice."
Aira nodded, a small measure of relief settling over her. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I just want this to be over."
The agent nodded and stepped back, leaving Aira to process everything. She glanced at Somchai, who gave her a comforting smile.
"You're strong, Aira," he said softly. "We'll get through this. All of us."
Aira took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I need to see Tawan."
Somchai nodded. "The doctor said you can go in for a few minutes."
Aira stood, her legs feeling shaky beneath her. She followed Somchai down the hall, her heart pounding as she approached Tawan's room.
---
The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft beeping of the monitors the only sound. Tawan lay still on the bed, her face pale against the white sheets. Aira's heart clenched as she stepped inside, her eyes never leaving Tawan's face.
She moved slowly to the bedside, her hands trembling as she reached out and gently took Tawan's hand in hers. The warmth of Tawan's skin, even though weak, sent a rush of tears to Aira's eyes.
"You really scared me, you know that?" Aira whispered, her voice breaking. "You can't just... do that."
Tawan's eyelids fluttered, a soft groan escaping her lips. Aira's heart leapt as she saw Tawan's eyes open slowly, her gaze hazy and unfocused.
"Aira...?" Tawan's voice was a weak whisper, filled with confusion.
Aira squeezed her hand gently, her tears falling freely. "I'm here. I'm right here."
Tawan's brow furrowed, her eyes struggling to focus. "What... what happened?"
Aira's heart ached as she looked at the confusion and pain in Tawan's eyes. "You were hurt. You saved me... again."
Tawan's gaze sharpened slightly, her grip on Aira's hand tightening. "Are... you okay?"
Aira let out a choked laugh, her heart swelling with love and fear. "I'm fine. Thanks to you."
Tawan's eyes softened, her thumb gently brushing over Aira's knuckles. "Good... I was so... scared."
Aira's breath hitched, her heart aching at the raw vulnerability in Tawan's voice. "You were scared? I thought I was going to lose you."
Tawan's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Can't... get rid of me that easily."
Aira's tears spilled over as she leaned down, pressing her forehead gently against Tawan's. "You're so stubborn."
Tawan's hand moved weakly to cup Aira's cheek, her touch gentle despite the pain. "Just... wanted to keep you safe."
Aira's heart swelled, her voice trembling. "I don't care about that. I care about you. I need you to be okay."
Tawan's eyes closed briefly, her breath shallow. "I'm... still here."
Aira's tears fell onto Tawan's hand as she held it close to her heart. "I know. And I'm so grateful. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. I can't lose you."
Tawan's eyes fluttered open, her gaze filled with a mixture of determination and exhaustion. "I promise... I'll try."
Aira let out a soft, choked laugh, her heart aching with love and fear. "I'm going to hold you to that."
Tawan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good."
Aira leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper. "You need to rest. I'll be right here."
Tawan's eyes closed, a peaceful expression settling over her face. "Stay... please."
"I'm not going anywhere," Aira whispered, her tears falling freely. "I'm right here."
Tawan's hand slipped from Aira's cheek to her shoulder, her grip weak but comforting. "Thank you..."
Aira pressed a gentle kiss to Tawan's forehead, her heart full of love and relief. "I should be the one thanking you. You've done so much for me."
Tawan's breath evened out, her body relaxing as she slipped back into sleep. Aira watched her for a moment, her heart swelling with love and gratitude.
"I'll take care of you now," she whispered softly, her voice trembling. "You've done enough. Just rest, okay?"
She glanced up as the door opened, revealing Somchai standing there with a relieved smile. "Everything's under control, Aira. The authorities have the situation handled. Your father's safe, and justice will be served."
Aira nodded, her eyes never leaving Tawan's peaceful face. "Thank you, Somchai."
He nodded, stepping back to give her some privacy. Aira turned her gaze back to Tawan, her heart full of love and hope.
"We'll get through this, together," she whispered, her fingers gently brushing through Tawan's hair. "Just rest now."
The room was quiet except for the soft beeping of the monitors, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Aira felt a sense of peace. They had made it through the worst, and now, they would face whatever came nextâtogether.