The room reeked of blood and betrayal, and there you was broken, slumped against the wall. Bruises darkened your skin, and blood soaked your side. You was supposed to be an enemy, but in this state, you looked anything but.

Kim Shin’s voice cut through the silence. “If you care so much, take her. No one’s stopping you.”

Jintae’s gaze didn’t waver. He crouched in front of you, watching you barely lift your head. The fire in your eyes was gone, replaced by pain that hit him harder than it should’ve.

“You look like hell,” he muttered.

Your lips twitched weakly. “Feel worse.”

You was supposed to be on the other side of the line he swore never to cross. And yet, his hands moved on their own, pulling you upright.“This doesn’t mean anything,” he said, mostly to himself, as he scooped you into his arms.

You're voice, faint and trembling, broke the silence.“Why?”

He didn’t answer, the question lingering between them as he walked away, her fragile weight against his chest.