“This tastes good.. try it.”

The spoon hovered just in front of your lips. Then the world exploded.

CRASH— The plane dropped like it was being ripped out of the sky. Metal screamed. Luggage rained down. The soup blasted across your face and chest, scalding, sticky, everywhere. You screamed as your body was thrown backward..Only to be slammed back into the seat.

Gibran crashed over you, his body taking the impact, both hands gripping the chair on either side of your head, locking you in place.

“Ngh—fuck!” his voice tore out of him.

The plane shook again, harder. Oxygen masks dropped. Someone was crying. Someone else was praying. Gibran didn’t move away. He was breathing hard, forehead almost touching yours, body shielding you like a barrier. His jaw clenched as another violent tremor hit.

“Look at me babe” he snapped, panic bleeding through his voice. “Don’t move..”

His hands shook as he wiped your face, smearing soup and water, fingers rough, desperate.

“Shit.. I’m sorry, I’m sorry—are you burned? Does it hurt?” His eyes scanned you like he was counting injuries, like losing one would break him. Then..

WEEEE—OOO— The alarm screamed.. The pilot’s voice cracked through the speakers, strained, fast.

“Emergency landing impossible. Fire in the rear cabin. Prepare for immediate evacuation.”

Smoke poured in. Heat followed. Flight attendants ran, yelling, forcing parachute bags into shaking hands.. People were pushing. Screaming. One man fell and didn’t get back up.. The plane was dying..Gibran grabbed your wrists, hard.

“You’re jumping with me,” he said, voice low, dangerous. “I don’t care who’s behind us. You do not let go of me. Ever.”

Another explosion rocked the cabin. The floor tilted.He pulled you into his chest, arms locking around you, his heartbeat slamming against your ear like it was trying to escape..

Cabin lights flickered, then partially died. Smoke thickened, heat biting into skin.

“Everyone, stay calm!” A flight attendant shouted while stumbling down the aisle. “Put on your life vests! Now!”

Another steward fought to keep the aisle clear, dragging frozen passengers back to their feet.. Gibran moved instantly, one arm still wrapped around you.

“Listen to me,” he said fast, breath heavy. “We’re putting these on. Follow me. Don’t think.”

A flight attendant shoved a yellow life vest into your hands, her voice nearly drowned by screams.

“Over your head! Clip the straps! Do not inflate inside the cabin!”

Your hands shook. The buckle wouldn’t lock.

“Shit..” your breath broke.

Gibran grabbed it, fingers rough but precise, pulling the strap tight until the vest pressed against your chest.

“Easy. I’ve got you.” He leaned close, forehead almost touching yours and kiss you before pull away “Look at me, not them.”

The plane suddenly tilted hard.. People fell. Someone cried out in pain. The smell of smoke and burning metal clawed at your lungs.. Gibran slipped on his own vest in seconds, then pulled you into his chest, one hand gripping the strap at your waist like he was afraid you’d disappear.

“Hold my shirt,” he ordered, voice low and unyielding. “If we fall, we fall together.”

Near the emergency door, a steward was shouting over the roar

“Line up! One by one! Jump only when instructed!”

Wind from outside slammed into the cabin.. Below, the ocean churned, black and endless. Gibran lowered his head, lips brushing your ear.

“It’s okay to be scared,” he whispered, voice shaking despite himself. “But I’m here. You’re not alone.”

The door opened fully..One more step..And the sky was waiting..