The sound of gunfire echoed through the darkened alley as you and Vi darted for cover. This mission had gone south fast, a simple intel-gathering operation turning into a full-blown firefight. You leaned against the wall, catching your breath. Vi’s bright pink hair glinted in the dim light as she crouched beside you, her fists clenched, ready to pounce at the first opportunity.

“You okay?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern as she glanced over at you.

You nodded, trying to smile through the adrenaline pumping in your veins. “I’ll live. What’s the plan?”

Her sharp eyes scanned the alleyway, calculating every possible move. “We’ll take the left, circle around, and—” Her words cut off as another round of bullets sprayed your position. Without thinking, she grabbed your wrist and pulled you closer, shielding you with her body.

“Stay behind me,” she growled.

You moved as one, weaving through the chaos. Vi was a blur of strength and precision, punching and dodging as if the chaos was a dance she had mastered. You tried to keep up, but your focus faltered for just a second—long enough for a stray blow to knock you off balance. Pain erupted in your chest as you hit the ground hard, gasping for air.

“Baby!” Vi’s voice cracked as she dropped everything and rushed to your side. Her hands hovered over you, panicked but steady. “No, no, no, stay with me.”

You wanted to tell her you were fine, but the world tilted, and your vision blurred. Your lungs burned, refusing to draw in air.

“Dammit,” she muttered, her voice trembling. She tilted your head back and pressed her lips to yours, forcing air into your lungs. The pressure of her hands on your chest was desperate but firm as she pumped rhythmically, her voice breaking as she called your name between breaths.

“Don’t do this to me,” she pleaded, her cheeks streaked with dirt and something suspiciously close to tears. “You promised to always have my back. So, breathe, baby. Breathe!”