NEVER NOT • H.RENJUN

28

| chapter twenty-eight |
it is my choice...
« angels like you can't fly
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The Demon had been there all along, watching the frantic Angel. She smiled sadly before stepping into his vision. "Renjun!"

The Angel turned to the sound of his voice and finally met her eyes. He felt an instant surge of relief throughout his body. He wasted no second as he picked up his pace, running full speed towards her.

Hyewon stumbled back, losing her breath, as his body forcefully collided with hers. He engulfed her in his arms right away, holding her tightly with every ounce of himself pressed against her.

When she softly chuckled, wrapped her arms around him, and nuzzled her head against his chest, he felt like he could finally breathe. His body melted into the demon's finally feeling all his stress and tension fade away with the wind.

It felt the same for Hyewon, being in his arms she finally felt safe. Even though she could easily protect herself, she felt much better with him by her side. Her conflicted mind found peace as his fingers brushed her hair back and he kissed the top of her head gently.

Renjun pulled away to look at her face. He could tell she had been crying. "I'm so sorry," He caressed her rosy cheeks. He didn't say much but the demon knew exactly what he was referring to.

Hyewon placed her hands on top of his and shook her head, smiling up at him. "It is my choice."

"No, it can't be," Renjun refused. "I won't let it happen. Do you know how scared I was when I heard that you were there? I was terrified. I-It felt like everything around me was crumbling down. I thought I was gonna lose you forever, Hyewon." The Angel's eyes brimmed with tears. "I won't let you do this on your own. I'm gonna find a way, I've got to find a way."

"Please, Jun, it is either me or you, and I can't let it be you. Never you. I would never forgive myself if something ever happened to you," The demon held his hands tightly.

Renjun pulled his hands away and ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair. He looked at her and shook his head. There was a mixture of pain, sadness, and guilt in the dark hues of his eyes. His bottom lip quivered and his eyes wavered hesitantly.

"How do you expect me to live without you?!" The angel raised his voice at her for the very first time. The demon was caught off guard but let him pour his pain out. "What about after you're gone? What am I supposed to do after that?!"

"Renjun..." Hyewon reached for his hand as tears streamed down her face. Renjun took her hand and walked into her embrace again.

"I don't want to live without you," He cried into her arms. "We can find another way."

Frankly, there was no other way, they both knew it. However, Renjun still held onto the thin thread of possibility for a happy ending. It was all in vain, but to him, hoping was better than giving up.

All the crying and running made Renjun's knees weaken. His head hurt and his vision blurred. He had never felt so weak in his life. Perhaps, it was part of being locked out of Heaven. He wasn't entirely an Angel anymore.

Renjun fell to his knees. Hyewon gasped as he slipped from her arms. She dropped to her knees as well, holding his upper body before his head hit the ground.

"Renjun." She held his weak body against her chest. His eyes were open but barely. "What–Why is this happening? Renjun?"

The Angel struggled to stay awake. He held onto her tightly. Terrified. "Don't leave me.."

Hyewon shook her head, "I won't. I'm right here." More tears trickled down her cheeks. "What's wrong?" She watched as he closed his eyes. "No, don't do this..wake up! Renjun!"