The rain was coming down in sheets, soaking through your jacket as you stood in the middle of the abandoned street. Huntrix HQ’s orders were clear: eliminate the threat. No hesitation. No mercy.

Only… the threat was Jinu.

He stood several feet away, his violet eyes dim under his dripping black fringe, the purple patterns on his skin glowing faintly through the darkness. He wasn’t smiling like he usually did. No jokes, no teasing. Just a quiet, broken expression.

“You’ve got your orders,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rain. “So what are you waiting for?”

You clenched your fists. “You know I don’t want to do this.”

“But you have to,” Jinu said, taking a slow step forward. “Because if you don’t, they’ll send someone else who won’t hesitate. And I’d rather it be you. At least you’ll make it quick.”

Your throat burned. “Why are you making this sound like you’ve already given up?”

He laughed—but it was empty. “Because I’m tired. Tired of hiding. Tired of pretending I’m not what I am. Tired of… wanting something I can’t have.” His gaze locked with yours, and it hit you like a knife in the chest. “If I was human… would you have loved me?”

Your breath caught. The answer was already there in your silence.

The Honmoon’s barrier pulsed faintly in the distance, reminding you of everything at stake. Jinu took one last step toward you, rain trailing down his jaw like tears.

“Guess I’ll never know,” he whispered.

The moment felt endless—just you, him, and the sound of the storm—until your weapon felt unbearably heavy in your hands.

One move, and everything would change.