The coughing did not stop until we reached the hospital.

The nurses immediately helped Kaiden, while Akio and I stayed outside.

"He'll be fine." Akio rubbed my back while I slouched, staring at the stains on the white floor.

I thank the circumstance whenever Kaiden gets into an emergency when I'm not around. Sounds selfish, but seeing him in this state does no good to me.

"I just want this to stop," I said, burying my face in my palms. "He's been suffering all his life."

A nurse came out with a tight expression; I knew the news wouldn't be good. 

"How is he?" I asked, unconsciously gripping my pants.

"He's stable for now," she said quickly, glancing at the chart. "But his lungs aren't responding the way we hoped. We'll need to admit him immediately for intensive treatment. The doctor's adding another round of medication and emergency tests—it's going to cost more than we estimated."

Then, she looked at me. "We'll need payment approval before we proceed."

My stomach dropped. "How much?"

She hesitated, looking down at the clipboard like she didn't want to be the one to say it. "Around eighty thousand. Maybe more, depending on how he responds."

I nodded, because that's what you do when you don't have money—you nod like you do.

She came back inside the room, leaving Akio and me staring at nothing.

"What am I gonna do?" My voice broke, and I could only sit back weakly as Akio watched me lose it.

What if I...

"What if I just sell my body?" I mumbled, enough for Akio to hear.

He took a surprised step back before cupping my cheeks as my tears flowed down. His eyes were staring intensely at me, and his jaw tightened, and I felt like he was about to break mine from how tight he gripped.

"You what?" The words came out tight from his mouth as he stated them through gritted teeth. "Don't you fucking say that."

"Then what?" I snapped. "What do you think will happen to my brother if I still mind my dignity?" A sob escaped my lungs. "Nothing matters more to me. He's the only one I have."

Akio shook my shoulders when he realized I wasn't with him. "Stop imagining bullshit," he said. "You think ruining yourself is the only way? You really think that's your last option?"

I tried to pull away, but he didn't let go.

"What else am I supposed to do?" I hissed. "I can't afford Kaiden's treatment anymore—"

"You can," he interrupted, his voice low. "If you'd just say yes."

He loosened his grip, his thumb brushing the side of my hand as his tone softened. I slowly looked up, not knowing what he meant by that.

"Yes, to what?"

Akio took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "My offer still stands, Aiden," he said. "Be my muse. I'll take care of everything."

I froze, remembering what he had said that night. If I became his "muse", he'll grant my wishes like a genie.

"I don't get why you need to pay me a lot for that." I sniffled, wiping my tears.

He took my hand and wiped my face with his handkerchief, which smelled like dessert.

"Trust me, Aiden. I know what I'm doing."

I stared back, swallowing hard. The air between us felt heavier than the room we were in. I wanted to fight it, but all I could think of was Kaiden in that hospital bed, coughing, pale, and small.

Akio waited for my answer, but couldn't speak; it felt so unreal. My mind tells me to say yes, but my gut can't stay calm. Somehow, I thought that agreeing to this would change my life forever.

"Let me help you." He mumbled, wiping the fresh tears on my face again.

His thumb lingered on my cheek a second too long, his gaze searching mine like he was trying to memorize the shape of my pain. Then, almost as an afterthought, he said, "I love you."

Something inside me twisted. My lips parted, but nothing came out.

I stared at him, waiting for him to take it back—but he only gave me a smile that gave me confidence—that I'll be able to do this with him, that he'll help me no matter what.

I've never met a person like Akio before. I don't wanna trust him right away. However, the way he provides for me, as if his pocket never runs dry, is making it easier for me to give in.

It felt like stepping into a deal I'd never escape.

I couldn't even tell whether he was comforting me or trying to claim me by how he stared.

"Please? This is for your own good, and Kaiden's too." His hand gripped my knuckles before kissing them. His sweet scent and the way his eyes looked at me, as if he were no more than a man who was trying to help, somehow made me breathe easier.

He's never given me a reason not to trust him.

I took a deep breath. Then, finally, nodded. "Fine," I whispered. "I'll do it."

A small smile appeared on his face upon hearing that, then he stood up and left me alone to go to the cashier—I assume.

A tight smile appeared on my face as I looked down at my fingers. I noticed how cracked my nails were. It's been a long time of suffering, working hard while earning lightly.

It's the right moment for me to relax.

I told myself that working with Akio was the right decision. 

But for now, I’ll take whatever I can get—just as long as he doesn’t let me go.