Chapter 216 - Rescue Arc (13): Confession--->UPDATED

Hyun Jung's team led the way. He was carrying Soo Bin on his back while his men surrounded Ziko. KJ and Mirae followed them with Soohyuk, Dasom and Eli in tow. They left some of their men behind to deal with the rest of the guards in the facility. Members from the Kwon family's side arrived to aid Abyss' men in rounding up the guards while Dojoon was still tied up in his office. 

"How much further?" Hyun Jung asked. 

"Not far," Soohyuk said. "Keep walking ahead." 

The tunnel was wide and dark but Soohyuk brought torches with him just in case. It was a secret passage which was quite deep underground. An abandoned rail track lay before them, snaking ahead. 

"Can we talk?" Mirae hissed at KJ. 

"Now?" he asked. He glanced at the others who were ahead of them. 

"Yes," she commanded. KJ nidded and slowed down, lagging behind with Mirae. 

When they were out of earshot, Mirae turned on him. 

"That was really reckless," she stated. She did not sound angry but it was hard to tell what she felt. "You could have been killed! What if we didn't get to you on time? Or what if we were caught?" 

"I knew you weren't caught," he replied. "But the plan was reckless from the start. I had to step in." 

Mirae sighed. "Are you mad at me?" KJ asked. 

"I'm not," she admitted. "But you go too far. I get it that you want to protect the people around you, but what if you fall into a trap someday? And I'm not there to help? What will happen then?" 

She was really concerned for him. His savior complex was going to lead him into some serious trouble. The Cartel was only waiting for the right time to strike. 

"I only took this risk because I knew you will have my back," he said with conviction. "And I was right." 

"Why do you have so much faith in me?" she questioned him. "Why do you put me before everything else?" 

Her eyes were full of questions. His behavior baffled her. No matter what happened, he was always there for her. Even when he was angry at her, he left behind everything to take care of her. 

"Why?" she repeated, her voice almost a whisper. 

KJ did not shy away from her this time. Instead, he stepped towards her. "Jung Mirae," he said. "No matter what happens, I will always put you before myself. Even if my life is on the line, I'll choose to save you first." 

"I get it that you want to protect me because of my mom but-" 

"No," he stated clearly. "I'm not doing this for your mom. I'm doing this for you." 

Mirar stared at him in shock. "What do you mean?" she whispered. He was looking at her with a burning intensity. His eyes held a soft compassion which scared her. She dreaded his next words. She wanted to turn and run away from his passion but her feet were rooted to the spot. 

"I'm in love with you, Jung Mirae," KJ revealed. 

Mirae was speechless. She did not know how to react to his confession. Her heart was in a turmoil as they stared into each other's eyes. 

"KJ I-" she stammered but KJ did not let her finish. He embraced her in a tight hug. 

"I know what you want to say," he whispered into her ears. "I know he betrayed you. I know he broke your heart. You'll probably never love again." 

His words brought tears to her eyes. She wanted to hug him back but her hands would not move. His deep feelings paralyzed her completely. All she could do was listen. 

"But I'll wait," he went on. "No matter how many years it will take. I'll be by your side. I will fight for your heart and fill it up with happy memories. I…will not give up." 

He did not let go. Mirae stood there, letting him hug her. Even though she could not reply to his words, she felt warm and safe in his arms. 

"What will happen to us in the end?" she finally managed to ask, holding back her tears with great difficulty. 

It took KJ a while to answer. "I don't know," he admitted. 

…. 

The others were waiting for them at the other end of the tunnel. 

"Where were you guys?" Hyun Jung asked as soon as he saw them coming out. 

"I was scolding KJ for his recklessness," Mirae lied. She threw KJ a stern gaze while the latter cleared his throat. 

Hyun Jung could feel an inexplicable tension between them. 

"Is everything alright?" he frowned. 

"Everything is fine," KJ said. "Where's Ziko?" 

"In Secretary Lee's car," he replied. "He'll be taken to one of Abyss' prisons as we've discussed. And Goo Soo Bin has been sent to the hospital. We should head there." 

"What about Dasom and Eli?" Mirae asked. 

"Dasom offered to drop Eli off at her house," he said. "She was pretty shaken up. Today's events took a toll on her." 

Mirae nodded and turned to KJ. "We'll interrogate Ziko tomorrow," she suggested. "Let's go and check om Goo Soo Bin." 

KJ nodded. They followed Hyun Jung into a jeep and drove off. All throughout the ride, Hyun Jung noticed that KJ and Mirae were avoiding each other. He was suspicious of their behavior. Something must have happened inside the tunnel when they strayed away from the team. 

"We're here," he informed them as he pulled up in front of a hospital. 

They hurried out of the car and rushed in. Goo Soo Bin was taken to a VIP ward with high security from Abyss' men. N2 was already there, waiting for them. 

"Hyun Jung had texted me that Goo Soo Bin was brought here," he said before they could ask. "I gave him primary treatment. They injected him with an African drug. Thankfully, we were able to delay the effects long enough to treat him."

"Where is he?" Mirae demanded. 

"The other doctors are pumping out the poison," he stated. "He should survive but will be out for the night." 

"We'll wait," KJ said. 

"No," Hyun Jung said sharply. "You two should go home." 

"We'll stay Hyun," Mirae told him. "We need to know what Soo Bin is hiding." 

"You can find it out tomorrow," he reasoned. "You'll get sick again and KJ should be there by your side. One of the men will escort you. Go home." 

Mirae wanted to argue but KJ stopped her. "Let's go," he said. Mirae looked at him, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded and they walked out of the hospital. 

Mirae felt awkward throughout the ride. They were silent, not daring to face each other after their conversation in the tunnel. 

Once they reached home, Mirae ran straight into the bedroom. KJ sighed. She was overwhelmed by his sudden confession. Her mind was a mess and confused. 

But he was done being cautious. He meant his words inside the tunnel and it was time that he stepped up to take responsibility.

"It's time to win back my wife," he decided.