A pair of strong hands caught you in one swift, precise motion, gently breaking your fall. It was almost as if the person had been waiting there, anticipating the exact moment you would stumble.

Even though they had saved you gracefully, the abrupt stop left you disoriented and slightly faint. Instinctively, you clung to them, your arms wrapping around their shoulders for balance. The darkness surrounding the two of you made it difficult to see, but your heart raced, calling out a name you knew so well.

The person holding you didn’t say a word. You hesitated, your hands brushing over their shoulders and chest, seeking some confirmation of who they were. Asking who they were, your voice trembled slightly.

Uncertainty gnawed at you, and your nervous hands continued their search. When your fingertips brushed against their firm Adam’s apple, you felt them stiffen, almost as if awakening from a trance.

Startled and embarrassed by your own actions, you quickly withdrew your hand, heat rising to your cheeks. You apologized, glancing away. Then, you asked him again if he was okay, if he was wounded deeply.

There was a long pause, a silence that stretched until the young man finally spoke. His voice, deep and calm, resonated close to your ear, sending an involuntary shiver down your spine.

“I’m fine.”

Relieved, you politely asked him to put you down, your tone soft but insistent. Yet his grip didn’t loosen. Instead, his voice grew firm, almost commanding.

“Don’t get down.”