Fractured picese
388 Words
Chapter 16:
The car ride was silent.
Seo Yuan sat beside Yoon-gi, wrapped in his jacket, staring at the passing city lights. Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the fabric close, inhaling his scent—smoke, leather, and something unmistakably him.
She should feel safe.
She was safe.
But then why did her body still feel cold?
Yoon-gi hadn’t let go of her hand since they left the warehouse. His thumb traced slow, steady circles on her skin—silent reassurance.
But he said nothing.
Neither did she.
She didn’t know how to start. Did she thank him? Apologize? Pretend like everything was fine?
Nothing was fine.
Her mind kept replaying it. The ropes. The gun. The knife against her skin.
The look in Dae-hyun’s eyes when he said, “Even if Yoon-gi wins, will he get to you in time?”
Seo Yuan squeezed her eyes shut. He almost didn’t.
She felt Yoon-gi’s gaze on her. He was watching—waiting.
Finally, he spoke. "Talk to me."
His voice was softer than she expected.
Seo Yuan exhaled shakily. "I don’t know what to say."
Yoon-gi nodded, like he understood. Because he did.
After a pause, she whispered, "I thought I was going to die."
His grip on her hand tightened.
She turned to him. "And the worst part? I was more afraid for you than for myself."
His expression darkened. "You should never have to be afraid because of me."
Seo Yuan shook her head. "It’s not that simple, Yoon-gi."
She looked down at their intertwined hands.
"I don’t know what’s happening between us. I don’t know if I should stay or if I should run." Her voice cracked. "But what I do know is that you terrify me."
His breath hitched. "I would never hurt you."
She lifted her gaze, searching his eyes. "Not you. The world you live in."
Yoon-gi didn’t answer. He couldn’t.
Because she was right.
The life he led—it was violent. Dangerous. Deadly.
And now, she was a part of it.
The car stopped in front of his penthouse.
Yoon-gi turned to her, his voice raw. "Just for tonight, stay with me."
Seo Yuan hesitated.
Then, slowly, she nodded.
Because despite everything—the fear, the uncertainty, the chaos—
There was nowhere else she wanted to be.
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- Writer
