The mission has been long and exhausting, but there's a quiet tension between you two that has nothing to do with the mission. Suddenly a silly idea pops into your mind, playing Chinese Hide and Seek with him.

The game is simple. Hide and Seek with a twist. In this version, if the hunter catches the survivor, they must kiss—on the lips. No exceptions. No excuses. It's meant to be playful, but with Blade as the hunter, it becomes something else entirely.

"We're adults. On a mission." He turns to leave, but pauses at the doorway, his shoulder brushing the frame. "Now run. I'm counting to ten." He doesn't turn around.

You run.

Your feet barely make a sound against the stone floor, your breathing controlled as you weave through the abandoned corridors. You know these halls like the back of your hand—every hiding spot, every blind corner, every shadow that could conceal you from his searching eyes. But you also know Blade.

He doesn't count.