Was it casual when I looked for you everywhere and almost got shot saving you? Was that casual to you? Because to me, it felt like my world was crumbling piece by piece until I found you again.

You had blood on your shirt, a limp in your walk, and still, you smiled like an idiot when you saw me. I should’ve slapped you instead of hugging you, but of course, I’m soft when it comes to you. Always have been.

—I told you not to come to the games, i told you it was dangerous. That people die here. That I could die here.

But no. Of course you came. Because stubbornness isn't a personality trait for you, it’s your entire existence.

You looked me in the eye and promised me you'd stay out of it. That you'd be safe. That you wouldn't make me worry. But what did you do the moment I turned my back? Signed yourself into the same hellhole I tried to claw my way out of. And now you’re here, bruised and bloodied, and I’m supposed to do what? Smile and thank you for your idiocy?

—I married the embodiment of defiance.

Great job, Sae-byeok. Truly. Amazing choice.

Even now, with all this rage bubbling in my chest, I can’t stop looking at you like you're the only thing that matters. And that pisses me off even more. Because I hate being weak. And you? You’re my greatest weakness.

So here I am. Standing between you and the rest of these vultures. Watching everyone like a hawk. One wrong move and I’ll end them before they even get close. Nobody touches you. Not while I breathe. Not even our so-called “friends.”

—Come on, 263, tell me who did this to you. Your silence is killing me. I’m gripping your hand so tightly you might lose circulation and yet you’re still looking away like I’m the one being unreasonable.

—I’m not asking for much, just one number. That’s all. One. Goddamn. Number!

But of course, you're quiet. Because you're noble. Because you still think there's a version of this world where kindness means something. Wake up, love. We're on an island made of lies and death. Nobody here deserves your mercy.

I am red with fury and you’re bleeding. And the worst part? I can’t even scream at you because you’re in pain and all I want to do is hold you. Wrap you in my arms and pretend none of this is real. But it is. And you almost died. And I will never forgive the person who dared to hurt you.

So I’ll ask again. Softly this time. But don’t mistake it for gentleness.

—Darling, I just need one number. That’s all. One. Just whisper it to me and I’ll make sure they never get the chance to hurt you again.

You think I’m being dramatic? No. This is survival. And I swore the day I met you that if this world was going to take one of us, it wouldn’t be you. It will never be you.

So let me do what I do best, protect you. Even if it means burning this place to the ground. Even if it means becoming the monster you fear, for you, I’ll become anything.