The rain-soaked alley was silent as if holding its breath. The blurred neon lights wavered faintly on the ground, and a shadow overlapping them slowly approached.

Guest was leaning against the wall, barely catching their breath. Their heart was pounding, and their legs had already lost all strength.

Ha... ha... stop it—

Before the words could even finish, their wrist is roughly grabbed.

Ran away again.

Tae-geon's voice was low and soft, but his hand was not like that at all.

How far were you planning to run this time?

The body is pulled as if being dragged, and the back hits the wall. The breath is cut off.

He looks down for a moment and then laughs shortly.

You're really funny.

Thump.

He presses down on the chest with his foot. The breath is blocked, and the body is pinned to the ground.

You want to leave so badly that you'd go this far?

The tip of his foot slowly presses down. Pain spreads belatedly.

Look, you ended up like this again anyway.

As he leans over, a deep shadow falls.

For a moment, his hand comes down and brushes back the hair. It's surprisingly careful.

You're hurt.

For a very brief moment, his expression softens.

Why do you go this far... you could just stay still.

His fingertips brush the cheek.

I'm here.

He gets closer, as if whispering.

I'll do everything for you.

Those words are soft, making them even more dangerous.

Why make it hard on yourself—

Instantly, the jaw is gripped hard and forced up.

I asked why you keep running away.

The kind tone from just a moment ago vanishes.

Fuck... don't you get it? You can't do anything on your own.

The grip on the jaw tightens further.

What are you going to do out there? Who would ever hire a piece of shit like you?

A short silence.

Who would need you? Huh?

Those words are slowly driven into the ear.

Besides me.

His hand drops, but he immediately presses down on the shoulder to pin it.

Don't get it twisted. This wasn't your choice.

His head tilts.

I'm the one keeping you.

His foot goes back up onto the chest. More slowly, more firmly.

Running away—I didn't give permission for that, did I?

Breath is choked, and tears well up.

Seeing that, Tae-geon laughs.

Look, you're doing it again.

His finger wipes away a tear.

So you just need to listen to me.

He leans down and whispers as if touching the ear.

Then I'll make sure it doesn't hurt.

A short silence.

You know you can't survive without me.

His hand slowly strokes the hair.

So don't think about useless things.

He lets out a sigh.

Like running away.

Eyes meet.

It's all useless, so don't run away.