Tension

The soft hum of the airplane filled the cabin as the two sat beside each other, an awkward yet charged silence stretching between them. She kept her gaze fixed on the view outside, her fingers clutching the strap of her bag. He leaned back in his seat, casual and composed, yet his eyes flicked toward her every few seconds.

"First time flying?" His voice broke the silence, deep and warm.

She hesitated, then nodded. "No but i am still not habituated."

"Don't worry," he smirked, his tone teasing. "I'll make sure you survive."

Her lips twitched into a reluctant smile, but she didn't respond. Her heart fluttered, recalling the kiss they shared a few weeks ago. Every time she looked at him, her cheeks turning a faint pink. She hoped he wouldn't notice.

He, on the other hand, noticed everything the way she nervously adjusted her scarf, how she avoided his gaze, and the way her lashes fluttered like she was caught in a delicate dream. She had no idea about the darkness he carried, and he intended to keep it that way, at least for now.

As the plane took off, she instinctively gripped the armrest, her knuckles white. He chuckled softly and placed his hand over hers, steadying her.

"It's okay," he murmured, his voice unusually tender. "Just close your eyes."

She didn't pull away, letting his warmth seep into her, calming her nerves. His existence was intoxication for her, but she quickly looked away, unsure of what this moment meant.

After settling into their hotel, he suggested they explore the streets of Zurich. The cobbled paths were lined with fairy lights, and a soft snow began to fall. She clung to her coat, her breath visible in the crisp air.

"I know a place," he said, leading her down a quieter path to a small café overlooking a frozen lake. The setting was magical, with a cozy fire crackling inside and the scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air.

Over cups of hot chocolate, he found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her. She looked like she belonged to the snowy landscape outside—pure, untouched, and quietly captivating.

"You're quiet tonight," he said, breaking the silence.

"I'm always quiet," she replied, a small smile gracing her lips.

"where is that cheerful girl who was jumping like kid after knowing about the trip" His words made her heart skip a beat.

She looked down at her drink, her fingers tracing the rim of the cup. "it's just "

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Do you trust me?"

She hesitated but then nodded. "Yes."

If only she knew how dangerous that trust was.

The rain started as a light drizzle, soft droplets brushing against their skin. She laughed, tilting her face up to the sky, letting the cool rain kiss her cheeks. He walked beside her, hands buried in his coat pockets, watching her with an indulgent smile.

But then, the soft droplets turned into a downpour.

"Let's head back," he said, his voice calm but firm. She nodded, clutching the edges of her scarf as the rain soaked through her dress. They began to run, his long strides guiding her through the street, the distant sound of thunder rolling in the background.

It was then that his instincts flared.

He stopped abruptly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into a shadowed alleyway. She gasped, her body pressed against his as he shielded her with his broad frame.

"Wh-what's wrong?" she stammered, her wide eyes searching his face.

"Quiet," he whispered, his tone low and commanding. He scanned their surroundings, every sense on high alert. Had he caught a glimpse of a figure following them? Or was it just his paranoia?

The rain poured down around them, the world beyond the narrow alley blurred by the torrent. She shivered against him, her wet hair clinging to her face, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"You're scaring me," she said, her voice barely audible over the rain.

His gaze dropped to her, softening for a moment. He reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. His fingers lingered, the warmth of his touch a stark contrast to the cold rain.

"I won't let anything happen to you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Their eyes met, the charged silence between them increasing the tension. Her lips parted slightly, her breath hitching as he leaned in, his face inches from hers.

"Stay close," he said, his voice a whisper against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

She nodded, her hands clutching his coat instinctively. Every sound every shadow felt amplified. They were pressed so close together that she could feel the rapid beat of his heart, mirroring her own.

"Are we in danger?" she asked softly, her trust in him unwavering despite the fear gnawing at her.

He didn't answer, his focus still on their surroundings. But then his gaze flickered back to her, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.

"If we are," he said finally, his voice a mix of reassurance and raw emotion, "you'll be safe with me."

Her breath caught at the intensity in his eyes, the rain dripping from his lashes as he looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered. The distance between them closed ever so slightly, and though the danger might have been real, in that moment, the only battle they were fighting was against the magnetic pull between them.