1.25 I shouldn't stay here

We've transferred from the helicopter to David's car now, and he's still gripping my hand like his life depends on it. My palms are getting sweaty. It must feel like he's holding wet sandpaper (I can't be bothered to moisturize, bite me), but he does not let go.

"You okay?" I ask him for the millionth time as we settle in his car. It's probably the stupidest question of the year, but I do not know what else to say. David gives a tight nod, and I decide that's good enough for now.

The drive is quiet, with David going over a hundred miles an hour despite our hurry. I don't know how to drive, and I don't plan to bother myself with cars. But if I did, I probably would've gone all out with the speed if a loved one was in the hospital. David really does have good composure.

It gets a bit busy as we arrive at the city. Still, there's only a little bit of traffic by some miracle, and we get to the hospital more quickly than expected.

"Hi, may I know which room Kim Eun-Kyung' is in? I'm her grandson." David asks the nurses, panting. I'm barely recovering from our flight up the stairs to the hospital's private wards. I am out of breath, too, and I feel like my temperature just went up a notch.

"Sure, Sir. Please hold on a second." the nurse at the station says, typing into her computer. "She's in Room 302. Right down the hallways to the right."

"Thanks," David murmurs. He starts to pull me along with him, but I hold him back.

"Maybe I should wait here," I tell him. He looks at me like he's confused at my offer.

I sigh impatiently, "David, it's just us here. We don't have to pretend."

We stare at each other for a while, his hand still in mine. Without taking my eyes off of him, I slowly take my hand back, clasping it onto my chest. I'm scared he'd take it back, yet I also can't help but worry that he might not want to hold it again. My brain's just one convoluted mess when it comes to him.

"Min-jun-ie?" an elderly man approaches us, and I don't have to look closely to know that he's David's grandfather. He's almost as tall as David, and they have the same eyes, which now look at David with such love. I look away.

"Haraboji," David turns to his Grandpa, and the two converse in Korean, their tones hushed and worried. Instinctively, I take a step back from a potentially awkward situation, deciding what to do next. I don't want to seem rude by leaving. But I can't stay either. This is a family matter that I have absolutely no right to be involved in. Plus, if David and his grandfather knew what I know. They wouldn't want me near them at all.

I stall on my decision long enough for David's Grandpa to finally notice me, "Dina?" he says. I look at David in question. He avoids my gaze, looking guilty.

"Yes, that's me, Sir," I answer, trying not to think of the possible reasons why David's Grandpa would know me.

Smiling warmly, David's Grandpa makes his way towards me and puts his arm warmly on my shoulders. Tense, I give him a tight smile. He says something in Korean to David, who shyly scratches the back of his neck as he answers. I raise my eyebrows. So, this is the secret to breaking Mr. Cool's composure. Make him introduce a girl to his grandparents. I would have enjoyed this more if I were not the girl in question.

I clear my throat, hoping to clear the awkward atmosphere a bit. "Um. I didn't quite catch that." I tell them, referring to their unfamiliar conversation.

David's Grandpa gives me another smile. "Oh, Dave, she's exactly as you say she is. Tough and funny, huh?" he tells me. The corners of his eyes crinkle. "Ahh. Dave's Grandma would be so happy once she finally meets you."

I open my mouth to reply, even though I'm not exactly sure what to say. This is not how I want things to happen. It's hard enough to hang out with David and know what my Dad did to his parents. I don't think I can handle fooling his grandparents too. I glance at David, hoping he'll take the hint. He must have understood my look because he gently ushers his Grandpa back towards him.

"Well, maybe a little later, Gramps. Grandma's asleep, right? She can't meet Dina now anyways." he says. "Why don't you two get something to eat? I'll just go check on her and join you in a moment."

I widen my eyes at David. Damn him. I wanted him to help find me an excuse to leave, not make me spend time with his grandfather.

"Oh, of course." David's Grandpa says, heading towards the stairs. " Right this way, Dina."

"I'm right behind you," I say, but I remain rooted in my spot, glaring at David. "Dude, I'm sorry about your Grandma. I really am. But I shouldn't stay here."

"Why not?" David asks, distracted.

"Because..." I begin, but I can't think of an excuse. I can't tell him I shouldn't be here because I'm only his fake girlfriend. He said we're friends now. I don't think you'd abandon a friend at a time like this, either.

"Look, Dina. Can you just stay for a while? Look out for Gramps. I really need to see my Grandma now."

I grit my teeth, stopping myself from berating him. My feelings are not important right now. "Fine. I'll join your Grandpa. But you owe me." I say, turning towards the stairs. Just then, David's hand circle my wrist, pulling me back.

"Thank you, Dina. Really. I wasn't lying when I said that I needed you here. I wanted them to meet you, especially my grandmother, " he tells me softly, firmly meeting my eyes before finally heading towards the hallways. I stare at his back wonderingly. What did he mean by that?