In great haste, Zaki grabbed a taxi and gently put Hinari at the back. He forced the driver to move to the passenger seat and he drove at a deadly speed until they reached the nearest hospital in a matter of a few minutes.

In no time, Hinari was treated immediately. The doctor said she was fine and the wounds gladly weren’t that deep. However, this didn’t change Zaki’s dark expression. He remained silent and cold as he watched Hinari who was already sleeping on the hospital bed.

After some moments, Sei arrived. Sei actually had ordered someone to keep an eye on Zaki’s movements so Sei received the report of what happened immediately. Sei first ordered his men to clean up everything that happened in the hotel and find out who was behind all this. Of course, Sei immediately found the mastermind but he didn’t do anything about it yet. He first destroyed all the footage about what happened inside the ballroom before he went to the hospital.

"Zaki, we need to talk." Sei said as he looked coldly at the silent and emotionless Zaki sitting there.

"Ryou, stay with her." Sei continued and without waiting for Zaki’s reply, he walked towards the door. Sei opened it and looked at him again, forcing Zaki to stand from his seat and follow after him lazily.

The two walked toward the stairs down the emergency exit.

When Sei stopped, Zaki immediately sat on the step as if he was suddenly exhausted.

"Let’s go back home later. I already called doctor Su to come. You can’t be seen by anyone being treated in these places again." Sei said but Zaki remained silent.

"You already know this but more and more organizations have got their eyes on you. They might have noticed already so I am taking you off any operations. You’re not allowed to fight or be little Shin’s guard. You won’t go out without bodyguards either. Ryou and Kaide will be among your bodyguards from now on." Sei continued. His voice was firm as usual.

When Zaki heard him, he clenched his fists tight before he heaved a long deep sigh. The cold look in his eyes changed and his expression was seemingly forced to change back to its usual state. He then loosened his clenched grip before he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Sei... why are you making it sound like I’m a baby here? You’re too much of a worrywart. I can still protect myself." Zaki replied in his usual tone and Sei’s brows knotted.

"Shut up and listen to me." Sei said in a serious, don’t-argue-with-me voice, causing Zaki to lazily lean on the railing like he was so tired.

"Tch! You’re too bossy." He muttered like an annoyed teenager, complaining about his strict father.

"This is for your own good. Don’t do anything or else..."

"Yes, yes. I understand, boss. I will lock myself in your house and stay there till the day I die."

"..."

Speechless with Zaki’s words, Sei sighed as he leaned on the railing.

"I am not telling you to stay in the house. What I’m saying is, listen to me and let me protect you this time. This is my duty as your big brother so don’t be stubborn." Sei said, speaking so sincere and serious as usual.

Hearing him, Zaki ruffled his own hair.

"I got it, I got it. Very loud and clear. Don’t say anything more." Zaki uttered, looking exactly like the little brother who could only concede defeat because he couldn’t win against the counsel of his older brother.

However, Sei, the big brother, continued his counselling.

"Also, about Hinari. Zaki, what are you really planning to do with her? Why didn’t you attend her birthday? You are obviously telling her that you are avoiding her now." Sei asked and suddenly the atmosphere turned quiet. Zaki who already looked weak felt like pandora’s box had been opened up and it was making him even weaker just thinking about it.

Moments went by and Zaki didn’t say a word. He remained there sitting and resting his head on his palm.

When Sei was about to speak again, Zaki finally opened his mouth.

"I will settle things with her once she recovers." He said and Sei could only crease his forehead. Sei knew that Zaki wasn’t like him. He wasn’t used to voicing out his feelings and talking about himself. He didn’t speak about his feelings or what was he thinking even if Sei asked him to. Gladly, from all these years they’ve spent together, Sei could already somehow understand what he was up to from his answers.

"Zaki, I know you’ve been thinking about this but I will still tell you to think properly about whatever you decide again. I can’t order you to choose but I’m hoping that before you decide, you could at least tell her about your situation."