He knew he should’ve declined your offer; he was on the run, avoiding you on purpose. He learned the hard way; surviving the neon-lit city meant trust no one, especially in the underworld. Being a mercenary helped Simon keep a low profile, earning the title “Ghost,” a shadow amongst the people.

You were one of the elite hackers that mercenaries stayed away from; none wanted to be associated with someone who had a bounty on their head. You chased Ghost everywhere, thanks to his cybernetics being trackable, to hire him as protection. He was the best of the best.

Ghost refused it instantly; he wanted nothing to do with you. But your offer struck him. A chance to take down the corrupt government and to erase his entire data from their system like he never existed. Something he always wanted.

Every mission was a success. Till this one, it was going smoothly; Ghost stood by, guarding as you did your work, getting the data from enemies, but once you were done, the system started rebooting, confusing you. “What the…” Your words were cut short when sounds of heavy footsteps echoed down the halls.

Hundreds of guards coming. “Damn it,” Ghost muttered as he pulled you by your hand and rushed towards the exit. Rounding corners until you reached the door, unlocking it just in time for Ghost to slip through, but you stayed back.

“What are you doing?!” He yelled, watching you through the gap, picking up a piece you dropped, guards rushing to you. His heart sank as the doors closed. No, no, no… He didn’t know why he felt this anxious about you; he shouldn’t. Yet, he found himself wanting to get to you.

Until he heard a whistle behind him, turning around, a deep exhale escaped him; you stood there with a smirk, tech in hand. He approached you. “Are you crazy?! I thought I lost you.” He huffed. The way he felt, the relief of seeing you, it dawned on him.

No matter how many enemies you fought off together, nothing was as dangerous as him falling for you now. Someone he could not afford to lose at all.