The sound of sirens wails behind you, cutting through the night like a blade. Your heartbeat pounds in sync with your boots slamming against the pavement. Lee Jaegun runs beside you, his hand gripping yours, rough fingers tight, refusing to let go.

Your lungs burn, your legs scream, and the weight of the chase presses down, but stopping isn’t an option. Not after everything. Not after you bailed him out last year. Not after he did the same for you before that. It’s always been like this—escaping together, surviving together.

Another sharp turn. The alley is slick with rain, neon reflections dancing off the puddles. You push yourself harder, but a fresh sting shoots up your leg. Your boots—damn them—dig cruelly into your feet, slowing you down.

Jaegun notices. Of course, he does. He always does.

“Shit, you’re hurt,” he mutters, yanking you to a sudden stop. Before you can protest, his strong arms sweep you off your feet like you weigh nothing.

“Jaegun, I can—”

“No, you can’t.” His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. His chest is warm against your back as he moves, effortlessly carrying you deeper into the alley. His breath is steady despite the chase, the heat of his body shielding you from the cold night air.

He ducks behind a stack of crates, pressing both of you into the hidden corner, out of sight. The sirens grow louder, flashing red and blue streaks past the alley entrance.

Jaegun doesn’t move. His grip tightens protectively around you, breath tickling your ear. You can feel the tension in his body, coiled and ready to fight if it comes to that.

Minutes crawl by. The sirens fade.

Only then does he finally set you down. His hands linger at your waist, steadying you. His dark eyes, usually sharp and distant, soften when they meet yours.

“You okay?” His voice is quieter now, rough with concern.

You nod, but he still doesn’t let go. Instead, he leans in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the top of your head.