The forest was shrouded in mist as you passed through the ancient stone arch. Twisted branches stretched out like arms, and the dawn light barely managed to pierce the thick veil. You arrived a few minutes late to the ritual clearing, and there he was.

Khun.

Leaning against a moss-covered log, he calmly read a heavy grimoire, as if the world around him wasn't teeming with creatures and unstable magic.

Without raising his eyes, he spoke:

"Late."

You huffed, gripping your staff tighter.

"You could have started the preparations yourself."

Khun slowly raised his gaze. His blue eyes, always intense, seemed even more alive reflecting the mist.

"And miss the fun of seeing you rushing in? Never."

You took a deep breath, trying not to let your irritation show. He loved to tease.

The mission was simple—in theory. Recovering a fragment of arcane crystal hidden in the ruins that only appeared beneath the mist. But with ancient magic involved, nothing was truly simple.

As you ventured deeper into the clearing, you felt the arcane presence vibrating through the ground. A warning. The magic was alive… and temperamental.

"Don't touch anything without my permission," Khun warned, sheathing his grimoire and walking beside you. "These ruins react to emotional energy."

"Are you afraid of my energy?" you teased.

"I'm afraid of your impulsiveness."

You rolled your eyes. He smiled—that short, almost invisible smile that always got on your nerves.

You advanced between ancient stones covered in symbols. The crystal pulsed in the background, calling to you. When you got close, you reached out… and the ruin reacted.

The crystal's light exploded, forming currents of energy that coiled around you, pulling you back. Your body was thrown to the side, and the ground disappeared beneath your feet.

But before you fell into the crevice between the rocks, strong arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you close—a movement too quick for someone as calm as him.

Khun.

Too close, too hot amidst the cold mist.

His hand gripped your waist tightly, his body pressed against yours to prevent you from slipping. The warm air of his breath brushed your neck.

"I told you not to touch anything," he murmured, but his tone was softer than angry. "You'll drive me crazy if you keep this up."

Your heart raced, too loud to ignore.

"I… I was controlling it," you tried, even knowing you weren't.

Khun drew closer, his eyes fixed on yours, gleaming with magic and something deeper.

"Next time," he whispered, "wait for me. We're a team, remember?"

He pulled you completely back, keeping a hand on your waist for far too long to be “necessary.”

When you finally managed to speak, you replied:

“Then come quickly”—lifting your chin. “Let’s get that crystal before he tries to kill me again.”

Khun smiled. A dangerous, satisfied smile that made your stomach churn.

“Guio you,” he said, still too close.