Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Man in the Ravine
Jay sighed as he flipped the sign on the door to closed. Walking back behind the counter he collapsed onto the stool. It had been yet another slow day and he knew if things continued this way there was no way they would stay afloat. While some of the townspeople had been supportive as he had opened the store, many still viewed him with suspicion, seeing him and his brother as bad luck. He couldn’t blame them either. Only a few years after having moved to the small town from the east, both parents were dead and his younger brother too scared to talk. That and the declining number of people due to the numerous accidents at the nearby mine.
He was ripped from his thoughts as the door to the store was thrown open and Yedam burst through the door, breathing heavily. Looking around wildly, his eyes settled on Jay who walked quickly to him.
“Yedam what’s wrong? Is everything okay?”
Yedam shook his head and grabbed Jay’s sleeve pulling him out the door.
“Wait a second! Where are we going?” He questioned even though he knew he would get no response from his brother. “At least let me lock up ok?”
Yedam paused and let go of his sleeve. Jay ran back behind the counter grabbing the keys and back out the door, locking it behind him. Immediately Yedam grabbed his hand and pulled him down the street.
They continued out of the town, Jay growing more and more confused as they walked towards the ravine. Why did Yedam want him to see here, especially in such a dangerous area?
Finally Yedam came to the edge of the cliff and pointed down to the creek. Confused Jay looked over until he saw a dark shape on the ground below. Was that a person? His question was answered as the shape moved and he heard a groan.
"Help… please…"
"Fuck. Yedam I need you to run back to the store and grab a rope ok? And also stop by Kamden's and get him."
Yedam nodded frantically and then took of running.
"Don't worry I'm coming!" He yelled down to the person below then crouching down Jay began to slowly move down the steep hill. After several minutes he finally reached the bottom where he rushed to the person. Kneeling next to them he gave them a light tap on their shoulder.
"I'm here, can you tell me where you're hurt?"
He leaned in closer as he heard the man whisper something.
"My head…" The man lifted his hand away from the side of his head to show it covered in blood.
"Shit" Jay muttered under his breath. Alright first rule of first aid is stay calm. Do not panic Jay. Focus on stopping the bleeding. Right I need something to bandage it with… In the novels they rip their shirt, maybe that would work?
"I've got you now, you're going to be ok I promise."
He grasped the edge of his shirt, then using his teeth he managed to tear the bottom of his shirt. This cannot be sanitary but I guess it's better than nothing. Turning his attention back to the man he carefully lifted his head and examined the wound. It was still bleeding heavily so he hurried to wrap it in the makeshift bandages.
"Does that feel ok?"
"'S good" the man slurred, then his head dipped.
"Oh no you don't. I'm pretty sure it's a bad thing to let people who've lost a lot of blood fall asleep." he said tapping the man's shoulder.
The man's eyes opened and he glared at Jay. It might have been intimidating if he wasn't covered in dirt and adorned with makeshift bandages.
"Listen you just need to stay conscious until my brother gets back with help. Then we can get you to the doctor. The town isn't far away so he should be back soon."
In perfect timing he heard voices from the top of the cliff.
"Yedam! Kam!"
He saw his friend's figure appear at the top of the cliff, followed by Yedam and Brian who carried a rope.
"Wait is that you Jay? No wonder Yedam was so anxious. How did you get down there?" Kamden yelled.
"I'm ok, but there's an injured person down here and it's not looking good. Could you throw the rope down?"
"Yeah let me just anchor it to something."
The figures disappeared and then a couple minutes later a rope was tossed over the edge. Jay pulled on it testing his weight. When it held he yelled up, "I just need to see if I can get him to move! One second!"
He walked back over to the man on the ground. "Hey I'm going to need you to hang onto me can you do that?"
The man nodded weakly and Jay stooped down to let him climb onto his back. The man dragged himself up and Jay carefully stood up. "You ok?"
The man grunted in response, which Jay took as a yes. Moving slowly, he made his way up towards the rope. "I'm going to need both my hands for this so you're going to have to hold on tight." He felt the arms around his neck tighten and so he began the climb upward, his muscles screaming as he slowly pulled the two of them up the cliff. Eventually they reached the top, Kamden and Brian reaching to help pull the man up.
Jay collapsed on the dirt panting. "Would you two mind taking him to Doha and Mingyu? I think I'm going to need to recover for a second."
They nodded and hoisted the man in between them and began the slow trek towards the town. Meanwhile, Yedam bent down looking worriedly at his brother. "I'm ok kiddo, don't worry. You did well going to get Kam and Brian." Yedam's eyes began to water and Jay pulled him into a hug. "Shhh it's ok. I'm just tired."
After a few minutes they broke apart and Jay stretched. "Let's start heading back. We can check on our new friend too." Yedam nodded and Jay struggled to his feet, wincing at the soreness in his muscles.
🏜
Upon arriving in town they made their way to the doctors' house, knocking softly on the door. A few moments later the door opened revealing Dr. Doha. "We came to check on the stranger."
"You two were the ones who rescued him right? Come in." He gestured them through the door and into the house. "Mingyu is looking him over right now. He apparently passed out on the way here. I'm honestly surprised he stayed conscious for as long as he did. He's lost a lot of blood."
Looking over at Yedam who was looking around, Jay lowered his voice and asked, "Do you think he'll make it?"
Doha responded quietly, "He's not out of the woods yet, but the first aid you administered definitely saved his life. We'll know within the next twenty-four hours." Then speaking at a normal tone again he said, "Kamden told me you carried him out of the ravine. How are you holding up?"
Jay took stock of himself. "My hands are pretty rope burned and I think I'll have some trouble moving for the next few days but nothing too serious."
"Let's get you sitting down and I can take a look and see if I can get you some relief ok?" Doha gestured to the living room. "In here will have to do since Mingyu is taking care of your stranger in the clinic and I'm sure you don't want Yedam seeing that."
Touched at the doctor's consideration, Jay gestured for Yedam to sit on one of the comfortable chairs while he perched on the couch. Yedam curled up on the chair his eyes never leaving Jay. Doha returned carrying a box full of medicines.
"First lets look at your hands." he said and Jay extended his hands. He had avoided looking at them this whole time and only now took stock of the damage. They were raw and slightly bloody. "Well that was worse than I thought," Jay said wincing.
"This might hurt" Doha said as he unstoppered a bottle of alcohol. A few painful moments later his hands were bandaged with strict instructions on how to treat them going forward. Standing up he thanked Doha once again before looking over at Yedam, only to find him asleep.
"You've both had a long evening. Do you want to stay here for the night?" Doha asked upon noticing.
"That would be great honestly. He has enough trouble sleeping so I don't like waking him if I can help it."
"Of course. Let me just put this away then I'll grab you a blanket and a new shirt for the morning."
Jay smiled tiredly, "You're incredible Doha, thank you."