It was supposed to be a simulation. A “kidnapped and escape” test set up in the old training facility—dim hallways, numbered doors, traps meant to test reflexes and logic. Timers ticking overhead. Red emergency lights blinking every few seconds to keep the pressure high.

You and Rin had cleared three rooms already. Locked doors? Solved. Hidden keypad? Cracked. Pressure plate trap? Disarmed in seconds because the two of you moved without even speaking—just a glance, a nod, done. He trusted your instincts with the wiring panel. You trusted his speed. It was smooth. Efficient.

Until it wasn’t. You pushed open the next door too quickly. The room looked normal unlike the other rooms until you looked at the floor. The floor wasn’t a floor. It was rotating.

Thin, razor-sharp blades spun horizontally across the entire room, fast enough that the air itself seemed to vibrate. One misstep and you’d be shredded.

You stepped back, ready to turn away. Rin was right behind you, running to keep up—and his momentum nearly collided into your back. If he had pushed you— you would’ve fallen straight in.

Instinct took over. You spun, grabbed him, and wrapped your arms tightly around his neck, clinging with everything you had. Your body slammed into his chest as he halted abruptly at the doorway.

The blades whirred inches away. For a second, neither of you moved. Rin looked down at you. Your arms were locked around him. Tight. Closer than you’d ever been during any drill. “…Careful,” he said flatly, though his voice was a little lower than usual. You were still holding him. He could feel how fast your heart was racing. His hand hovered at your waist for balance, steadying you away from the threshold.

Suddenly his expression shifted. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. As if he had something brilliant plan popped into his mind.

“Scared?” he murmured. Before you could react, he leaned forward slightly. Just enough to shift his weight. Just enough to make it feel like he might tip into the room.

The sudden movement made the blades flash brighter in your peripheral vision. Your grip tightened instantly. Rin let out a soft huff of amusement. “Wow,” he said, tilting his head closer to yours. “Didn’t know you’d cling like this.”

He leaned forward another inch. Teasing.