Minho stayed with her the rest of the night, and they had a quiet slow morning. The game wasn't until later. So Minho and her stayed snuggled in bed, and then moved to the couch for a movie, Emily stayed wrapped in a blanket, snuggled close to Minho.

His mom made pancakes and bacon. Minho dragged her outside for ran. She didn't want to, at all, and she grumbled the whole way out, but once she was running she was thankful Minho had dragged her out. They ran side by side, it was a slower pace but it was a good long run. Minho kept looking down at his watch. After the fourth time, Emily was curious.

"You expecting company?" Emily asked between her ragged breathing.

"Something like that. We should head back. Come on Rocky."

"You're not gonna tell me, are you?"

"Nope!" Minho smirked, popping the p.

Emily rolled her eyes, but followed as he turned and headed back. They were almost back when a car sped wildly around the corner, Minho had to pull her back from the curb before she was run over. The windows were tinted and they couldn't see who was driving.

Minho's jaw was clamped shut, his lips pressed together and his eyes cold and hard as stone, as he watched the car speed away.

"This seems too much of a coincidence." He growled.

"Yeah...but what can I do about it? I can't sit inside forever...though that does seem nice. Shut the world out..."

"No. You're right you can't hide. Come on, almost home."

They made it home, Minho told Papa Lee what happened and he also scowled, clamping his jaw. They looked so similar when they made that face it made Emily suppress a smile.

"Okay, I'm going to shower. I'm sure I'll be safe there."

"Wouldn't be too sure..." Minho growled, crossing his arms.

"You think I'm going to be run over by a car in the shower?" Emily asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know. Maybe. Or maybe some hitman is hiding behind the curtain?! Have you seen any cheesy 90's horror movie?"

Emily rolled her eyes, Papa Lee chuckled and walked away.

"Do you need to check the bathroom, Good Sir Knight?"

"Yes please ma'Lady." Minho nodded with such a serious face, Emily almost made her chuckle. She suppressed a smirk. He led the way down the hall and into her room. He started checking her closet and behind the door, under her bed. While Emily leaned against the desk and giggled. He finally went into the bathroom.

He came back a few minutes later with a satisfied smirk and his large arms folded. He stepped in front of Emily, looking her up and down.

"All clear."

"You are safe Ma'Lady." His voice dropped, as he stepped closer.

"Mmmm. My hero." She whispered, he leaned closer, placing his hands on the desk, on either side of her hips, trapping her.

"My Princess needs saving."

"I think your Princess needs a shower." She whispered back. His face was only a few inches away, his breath fanned her face. She could still see the sweat running down his temples. Her stomach backfliped, even hot and sweaty he was really good looking.

"Mmmm. Fine. But then my Princess needs to be smothered in kisses."

"Acceptable."

He chuckled and let her go. Emily pushed off the desk and went to the bathroom and just before she closed the door, she saw Minho leaning on the desk, arms locked and tense with his head down. He was breathing hard. Confused Emily closed the door.

She showered quickly, washing the sweat off washing her hair and running a razor over herself. She wrapped a towel around her hair and body and caustically opened her bathroom door. Minho had left, and closed her bedroom door. She sighed, still confused about Minho's behavior, so she picked up her phone. She needed Sonya's advice.

Hey. Umm boy question.

She grabbed her lotion and lathered herself up while she waited for Sonya to get back to her.

What up girl? Lay it on me.

I don't even know how to explain it...
But when do you know when to go further?
Does that make sense?

It does. There is no time line.

Well that's not helpful.

Sorry Love. It's all up to you and him. You both gotta agree. And you both gotta be 100% okay. Some ppl wait a long time. Others don't. Some wait until their married.

Hmm. K.

Why? Has he tried something?

Oh no. He's too much a gentleman for that. He's super sweet. Just asking.

K.
You still going to the game?

Yeah. Going with the Lee's.
I'll see you there?

Yep.

Emily put her phone down and finished getting dressed. She felt weird not having her necklace on. Mama Lee had brought it to a jeweler friend and said it was an easy fix, same with her bracelet from Minho. She just felt weird without them on.

She opened her door and she heard a small bark. Confused she walked down the hall. Standing in the kitchen was Miss Mary of all people, holding the leash of a young black wolf dog.

"Miss Mary?" Emily asked confused.

The Lee's and Jorge were sitting around the kitchen table. Minho came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her cheek.

"Surprise."

He gave her a squeeze and then went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

"I don't understand." She frowned.

"Well, we thought it was a good idea to get a therapy dog." Jorge said, slowly standing up and coming towards her. "Millie, Mary here trains therapy dogs, she comes highly recommended."

Emily blushed, and looked down. Was she bad enough to need a therapy dog? She felt shame and embarrassment. Jorge raised her chin.

"He's just a four legged friend who gets to go to school with you. Also keeps you safe."

"Am I bad enough to need a therapy dog Papi?"

"I would feel better if you had him with you. Come meet her. He's a sweet dog. His name is Bear."

Emily sighed in resignation, she knew she couldn't argue with Jorge. She did feel better when Chuck, Sonya and Newt's dog was around. Maybe having a dog would be a good idea.

She knelt down in front of the dog. He cocked his head, an ear flopped. Emily giggled. She let the dog smell her. Then she scratched behind his ears.

"So he's trained to recognize and alert you and others to anxiety, panic and PTSD." Mary said.

"What does he do if that happens. He'll find someone to come help. He's also trained to help find medication if it's needed, he'll find your phone if you need to call for help if your alone. He's also protective."

Emily smiled at the dog. He seemed quiet and relaxed. He had climbed into her lap. He was already a big dog. But it felt nice. She lay on her back and Bear climbed onto of Emily making her giggle. He placed his head down on her chest. The weight of the dog and the warmth was calming. She closed her eyes and gently ran her hand over the dog head.

"Okay...I get it." She said quietly, her eyes still closed.

Bear hadn't moved, he picked his head up and watched Minho sit down beside them. He let Bear smell him, Bear lowered his head back to Emily's chest. And Minho scratched the dog head.

"I think your smitten." Minho chuckled. Emily peeked an eye open and smiled a little.

"This was the visitor you were talking about?"

Minho gave her a sly smile. Emily rolled her eyes, but smiled, petting Bear's head.

The rest of the afternoon Emily spent with Mary and Bear learning the different ques and orders. Bear was smart and listened to Emily with little to no treats. They were outside in the backyard.

"I don't think I've seen a bond this fast before. Usually it takes a few meetings. But I think this is going to be a one and done meeting!"

Emily smiled shyly at her.

"You're a good kid Emily. And I'm sorry about everything you are going through. Jorge and the Lee's informed me of what's been going on."

"Oh ..." Emily said quietly. And looked away. Bear came over sitting at her feet and whimpered. Emily smiled sadly at the dog. He sensed a mood shift. Emily knelt down and Bear put his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around the dog.

"It's been an...interesting year." She finally said quietly.

Miss Mary knelt down beside them.

"Emily. If there is anything at all, please feel free to come see me. I know what it's like to feel like the odd one out. And adults who should look out for you that don't."

Emily just nodded.

"I also know..." She paused, "Director Janson can be...a difficult man to deal with. And can be persuaded by individuals with wealth..So if there is anything you need please come see me. Even if it's just a quiet place my room is always open."

Emily nodded again, "thank you."

"I knew Minho was a good kid, with a good head on his shoulders. He comes from good parents. The Lee's and Jorge have taken care of all the red tape and forms to have Bear be able to come to school."

Emily just nodded. Miss Mary spent a bit more time with them and then went inside. Minho came out and sat down beside her.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"So? What do you think?"

Emily shrugged. She chewed her bottom lip thinking.

"Not sure honestly." She said quietly, "on one hand it'll be nice, he's already qued me twice to mood shifts. But on the other...how is this going to affect school? Or boxing? A kick boxer with bad enough anxiety and depression to need a working dog?"

"Remember it's the people who care about you that matter. Who cares what the rest of the school says." Minho shrugged. "Might make it harder to kiss you..." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Emily turned to look at him. He quickly grabbed her face and pulled her to kiss her lips.

Bear sat in front of them and whinned. Emily pulled away. Bear stopped whining and crawled into her lap.

"Looks like I have competition now." Minho chuckled.

"Don't you have a football game to go to?" Emily asked.

"Yeah. Just wanted to see how you were doing. Miss Mary said today would be a good test for Bear."

Emily nodded.

"And your going with my parents?"

Emily nodded again, "and I think Jorge was coming. And I'll meet up with Sonya and Newt."

It was Minho's turn to nod. He looked at her for a second and then slid his hand onto her cheek. His eyes softening.

"Emily ...I love you."

She smiled a real smile. She learned forward. "I love you too." She whispered against his lips.

Her eyes fluttered closed, he kissed her slowly and gently. Like he was savering every second. Both hands held her face. Emily grabbed his shirt holding it tight in her fist. They held on as long as possible, until they had to break for air.

He placed his forehead on hers. His eyes closed, breathing deeply.

"Shuck. I wanna stay but I gotta go." He whispered.

"I know. I'll see you in a bit."

She gently pushed him away, "Go."

He reluctantly got up and grabbed his bag and left. Emily stayed with Bear for a bit longer outside. She just sat in the quiet with Bear on her lap stroking his furry head.

____________________

Emily pulled the yellow working dog vest onto Bear. He sat still as she buckled the vest.

"Aren't you a handsome boy!"

Bear woofed. Making Emily chuckle. Miss Mary left a while ago, saying if she had any questions to call. But she had shown Emily how to do everything.

Emily stood in the mirror one last time. She wanted to just crawl back into bed. But Minho had supported her in her sport, she was going to go to his. She had put on another of his hoodies, and pulled her hair up into a messy bun, with her leggings and sneakers. She grabbed her jean jacket just incase it cooked off once the sun set.

Her and Bear left her room and meet mama and papa Lee and Jorge in the dinning room.

"Okay. We're all here! Good! First stop! Burgers!" Papa Lee announced as they all piled into their huge SUV.

Papa Lee brought them to the fast food place and ordered food. Bear was good. He sat by Emily's side, quiet and patient. He rested his head on her lap at one point but he didn't do much else. A few kids squeaked when they saw a dog in the restaurant, but they kept their distance and Bear didn't react.

Once they were all finished, they packed back up. Papa Lee pulled into a drive through of a coffee place.

"Are we finally ready to go?" Mama Lee asked with an exhaspirated sigh.

"Okay ..NOW we're on our way to the game! Right? Burgers? Check. Coffee check. Emily? You got everything?"

"Yep!" She was feeling better after food and with a big cup of coffee she felt better. Bear hadn't qued her.

Jorge chuckled.

They pulled into the parking lot of the school and got out. It was crowded with people. They had little venders selling soft drinks and water, and snacks there was also a table with school merch. Music was going through the speakers. The cheerleaders were mingling through the crowd.

Her phone buzzed.

Hey you here?

Yep. Just got here. Where r U?

Saving seats at the front.

On my way.

"Sonya and Newt have seats saved for us."

"Lead the way!" Jorge smiled at her.

Emily weaved through the crowd. Bear stuck close to her leg. A few people squealed when they saw Bear but that was it.

Emily saw Sonya waving. She smiled and waved back. She made her way over and ud down the bleacher to sit beside Sonya.

"So you got your doggy did you?" She smirked.

"Of course you knew."

"Duh." She rolled her eyes with a small smug smirk. "Dad had to get it approved by the judge so they could make the school agree to it."

Emily shook her head. She was blown away with everything the people in her life were doing for her. Bear sat at her feet betwther knees, Sonya on one side Newt on the other, Mama and Papa Lee and Jorge, Mr and Mrs Isaac behind her. Jeff and Clint showed up and sat down beside them. Emily felt okay. She felt like tonight would be a good night.

The bleachers filled up and the speakers blared to life with an announcer. Bear lay down at her feet where it was a bit quieter.

"Ladies and Gentlemen..and ALL MY GLADERS FROM GLADE ACADEMY...GET ON YOUR FEET AND WELCOME YOUR STARTING LINE UP!!"

The crowd cheered loudly and wildly. Sonya had brought pompoms and clappers. The cheerleaders made a line, and the players ran through the tunnel, fireworks went off and the crowd roared. Emily cheered with the rest of her friends.

"AND HERE'S YOUR STARTING QUARTER BACK! HE'S LEAD THE TEAM IN 2 STRAIGHT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS! GET ON YOUR  FEET GLADERS FOR YOUR CAPTAIN, MINHO LEEEEEEE!"

The crowd went nuts. Cheerleaders screamed and clapped. Minho came running out, helmet held high. Jumping around and grinning. He waved and fist pumped through the cheer tunnel. He somehow spotted Emily in the mass of red and black and spot lights. He pushed through the cheerleaders and coaches and came over.

She leaned on the railing he looked up at her. With a huge smirk he jumped up holding onto the railing.

"Kiss the QB for good luck?"

"Your such a show off." She smiled back.

"Only 'cause your watching."

Emily blushed and rolled her eyes. She leaned over the railing and kissed him. He raised his helmet to a wild round of cheers. He pulled away with a smirk.

"Now I know we won't loose."

"Play hard. Don't die." She nodded.

"You got it!"

"Go win a football game."

He grinned at her and leapt off and ran back to his team.