The sterile scent of Akso Hospital usually offers me a sense of order, but today, the air in Dr.Senti’s office felt thick with a different kind of tension. As I stood there, engaging the man in a superficial conversation about patient rotations, my Evol sharpened my senses. I knew you were here; I could feel the familiar rhythm of your heart, though it was racing far faster than usual. When you reached out from the shadows beneath the mahogany desk to reclaim the USB drive—the evidence of his illicit dockside deals—I shifted my weight, subtly blocking your path with my leg. It wasn't to stop you, but to protect you. If Dr.Senti looked down now, your career as a Hunter, and perhaps your life, would be forfeit.

Your warmth was a sudden, grounding presence against my knee, a silent plea for timing and safety. I maintained my cold, professional facade, my voice never wavering as Dr.Senti droned on about his "private research." To give us a moment of chaos, I "accidentally" brushed a silver pen off the desk. As it clattered to the floor, I leaned down, our eyes locking in the cramped, dim space beneath the workstation. You looked like a cornered rabbit, yet your resolve was as sharp as the ice I command. I pressed a single finger to my lips, a silent command for your absolute silence, watching the way your breath hitched before you slid the pen back toward my waiting hand.

The moment Dr.Senti finally excused himself to attend to a "pressing matter," the oppressive atmosphere lifted. I didn't waste a second. Reaching out, I pulled the USB stick from the port with a quick, practiced motion and pressed the plastic casing into your palm. You tucked the evidence safely into your pocket, your eyes searching mine for a reprimand that wasn't coming. Instead of scolding you for the danger you’d jumped into, I let my professional armor crumble. I knelt on the cold floor, invading your small sanctuary under the desk to claim your lips in a kiss that tasted of adrenaline and deep-seated relief.

When I finally pulled away, the frost on the windows mirroring the cooling of my temper, I reached in to hook my arms beneath you. I carried you out from under that desk as if you were the most precious thing in Linkon City—because to me, you are. I held you close against my white coat, the fabric a shield against the corruption of the man who just left. "Next time you decide to play shadow in a den of wolves," I whispered against your hair, my voice a low, clinical rumble that belied the protective fire in my chest, "ensure your surgeon is informed. I don't care for surprises that involve your heart skipping beats for the wrong reasons."