L eventually collapsed onto the ground.

"L, gwenchana!?" You asked as you supported his back using your arm. He was writhing in pain, and his hands were trembling badly. 

Daehyun rushed over and dug into his pockets for something. You frowned at him, questioning his motives. He then popped two pills out from a tiny box and pushed it into L's mouth.

Alarmed, you tried to grab his arm. "What are you-"

"They're painkillers." Daehyun said. L cast a doubtful look towards Daehyun's way. Daehyun caught his look and lowered his head guiltily.

"You bastard." L growled in a low tone. "I haven't got you back for what you did to her."

Daehyun then spoke up, "I know I'm your enemy. But I'm also responsible for the smoke bomb earlier."

Both you and L stared at him, astounded. 

"Just trust me for now, okay?" Daehyun tried to be as convincing as he could. L had no choice but to depend on him. His expression contorted into agony as he tried to swallow the pills. You watched as L's breath soon regulated and returned to normal. 

You glanced at Daehyun.

He was facing the door. "Daehyun... what are your motives for doing this?" You asked quietly. L turned slowly to look at Daehyun too.

You weren't sure if Daehyun was deliberately ignoring you or he was too absorbed in his own thoughts, but he did not reply you. "Daehyun?" You asked again. 

Daehyun turned, and you noticed the dismal look on his face. 

"I'm repeating this again... I meant everything that I said in the gym that day."

You were frustrated. "Daehyun, just get straight to the point-"

You stopped when you saw his expression. It was the same expression he gave you, back in the gym when he was holding you by the shoulders. Memories then flooded back like a wave as his words were a blur in your mind. 

There were only three impactful sentences that you recalled.

"I love you, Heeyoung."

You looked up at Daehyun abruptly. He caught your shocked expression, and assumed that you had remembered everything. Daehyun cleared his throat and looked away awkwardly.

"I will help you."

"And I will protect you no matter what."

You were too surprised for words. It was true that Daehyun had deceived you before, but judging from the scenario earlier, he had betrayed his own team member and even helped and led his enemy to safety.

Will you be able to trust him again?

L's movements distracted you from your thoughts. He weakly shifted and rested himself against the wall. 

The pain was less excruciating then before, but it was still bleeding. Concerned, both you and Daehyun went over to him. His lips were pale white and his breaths were sharp and shallow.

It was heart-wrenching to see him like this.

You began to tear at the hem of your skirt. Daehyun observed your actions with a queer look