The tension between you and Hobie was palpable as you stood at the edge of the bridge, arguing once again. It wasn’t the first time, and likely wouldn’t be the last. Your words were sharp, cutting through the air like daggers, each one thrown with intent to hurt.

—"You think you know everything, don’t you?" you shot at him, frustration bubbling to the surface.

Hobie crossed his arms, his jaw tightening.

—"And you think you can just walk around like you’re the only one with a clue."

Your eyes met, and the silence that followed felt heavy. It wasn’t just about the argument anymore; there was something deeper, something unspoken between you two that made this constant back-and-forth so… explosive.

—"You’re impossible," you spat, stepping back, turning to leave the conversation behind.

But your foot slipped on the slick concrete. One second, you were standing, the next, you were falling. The ground disappeared beneath you, and your body tumbled over the edge of the bridge.

A gasp escaped you as the air rushed past, your stomach twisting with the drop. Then, Hobie was there. His hand shot out, grabbing your wrist in the nick of time, yanking you back to safety with surprising strength.

—"Shit!" he cursed, his grip firm as he pulled you against him, both of you taking a moment to catch your breath. You were both silent, only the sound of your quickened breathing filling the space between you.

Hobie’s eyes locked with yours, an intensity in them that wasn’t there before.

—"You nearly gave me a heart attack," he muttered, voice rougher than usual.

Your feet were back on solid ground, but the moment felt suspended, the usual animosity replaced with something else—something quieter. Hobie’s hands stayed on your arms a little longer than necessary, his gaze lingering on yours.

—"Careful next time," he added, almost too quietly.

For a moment, neither of you said anything more. The city around you felt distant, as if the two of you were the only ones left in the world.