Chapter Four-"Hold On, Even If It Hurts.

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Lucas frowned as he realized something strange—despite the speed he was riding at, Lia wasn't holding on to him. Not even a little. The wind howled around them, the road blurred beneath, yet she sat stiff and distant. Irritated, he pulled the brakes sharply and brought the bike to a sudden stop.

Without a word, he turned around, took her hands, and firmly wrapped them around his waist.

"I know you're good at being a backpack," he said dryly, "but I want you to hold on. So cooperate."

Lia just gave a small nod, silent and unreadable.

As the engine revved again and the bike took off, Lucas felt her grip tighten—arms clinging to him like she was afraid to fall, or perhaps, afraid to let go.

A few minutes passed in silence until Lia suddenly asked, "Hey… can I bite you?"

Lucas blinked, caught off guard. "Bite me?"

Before he could say anything else, she leaned forward and bit his shoulder—hard.

"Hey—!"

She giggled behind him. "You've got nice muscles."

Lucas glanced at her reflection in the side mirror, stunned. How cute, he thought before catching himself.

They arrived at the training center shortly afterward. Without wasting time, Lucas escorted Lia straight to the head instructor's office.

The instructor raised an eyebrow. "You sure didn't know where she was?"

Lucas opened his mouth. "No, sir, I—"

"I lied," Lia interrupted smoothly. "I told him I went to Martin's Beach with friends and got lost on the way home. That was my mistake. He caught on and found me. You trained him well, sir."

Lucas stood there stunned. She lies… so well.

The head instructor didn't miss a beat. "Cadet Lucas, you may excuse us for a moment."

"Sir, please don't scold her," Lucas pleaded. "She was depressed. She didn't know what she was doing, she—"

"I asked you to leave."

"I'm afraid I can't."

The instructor's face darkened. His lips parted to deliver a sharp rebuke when Lia suddenly sneezed.

"Sorry… achuuuu... sorry again."

The tension in the room broke.

"You shouldn't run away from home like that," the instructor said gruffly.

"Achuuuu. Yes sir. I admit that was foolish."

"You put your life—"

"Achuuu. Sorry again."

"—and a cadet's career—"

"Achuuu! I'm really sorry."

The instructor sighed heavily. "Just take her to the stay house. Get her some clothes. She shouldn't be out in this condition."

"Achuuu. Thank you, sir. I'm sorry again… achuuu."

He waved them off. "Go. I'll make sure you're both back safely."

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Outside, Lucas glanced at her with concern. "Are you okay?"

"Yeadg… achuuu. Sorry."

He led her to the guesthouse and opened the door for her. "Stay here. Are you hungry?"

"Yesh," she said, sniffling.

"Freshen up. I'll get you something."

She gave a tiny nod and disappeared inside.

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Lia stood in the shower for a long time. The hot water washed away the dirt—and her tears. So many tears. What was she even doing? What now?

A loud, aggressive knock yanked her back to reality.

Shit… the food!

She ran to the door, cracked it open just slightly.

"What were you doing?" Lucas snapped.

"Sorry, I was in the shower."

"Open the door."

"I can't…"

"I'll break the damn door if you don't."

"No! I… I'm just wearing your shirt. Can you wait a bit? I'll go change and open the door. Please?"

Lucas paused, realizing. She really was wearing his shirt.

She peeked out just a little.

He turned away. "Okay. Fast. Go."

Lia shut the door and hurriedly changed. When she opened it again, he was standing there with the food bag in hand.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"It's okay. I should be the one apologizing. I thought you were…" He trailed off.

"It's okay," she said gently. "I get it."

Lucas walked inside, noticing his shirt folded neatly on the bed. He stepped over and picked it up, but Lia darted forward.

"Give me that. I'll wash it and return it to you."

"I have to wear it later," he replied. "I'll do it."

"But—"

"No but." His eyes softened. "Did you cry again?"

Lia looked away. "Umm… why?"

"Your eyes. They're puffy."

"Maybe a little…"

Lucas sighed, reached into the bag, and pulled out a plate. He handed her a burger without another word. Lia ate in silence while Lucas sat nearby, just watching her. Her red, swollen eyes said more than words ever could.

She must've cried a lot.

"Take a nap," he said softly. "I'll wake you up when it's time to go."

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Lia curls up on the guest bed, still wearing a tired expression. Lucas stands by the window, arms folded, keeping an eye on the setting sun.

Lucas (softly): "You really scared me, you know?"

Lia (half-asleep): "Sorry… I just… didn't know where else to go."

Lucas walks over and gently tucks the blanket around her.

Lucas: "Next time, come find me before you vanish."

Lia, eyes barely open, murmurs: "Would you come again if I vanished twice?"

Lucas (smirking): "Even if it's a hundred times, I'll find you every single time."

She finally drifts off, this time without tears.

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