𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦 | 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗺𝗶𝗻

Ｓ

The sun had barely risen when Jaemin received the call that would change everything. His usually calm demeanor faltered for just a moment as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line. It was curt, direct, and left no room for negotiation. The police had finally closed in, and they were coming for him.

Jaemin hung up the phone, a strange sense of inevitability washing over him. He had known this day might come, had prepared for it in the back of his mind, but now that it was here, he felt an unexpected surge of emotion—anger, fear, and most of all, protectiveness for Renjun. He couldn't let this drag Renjun down with him.

When the knock came at the door, Renjun was still asleep in their bed, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just outside their apartment. Jaemin didn't wake him. Instead, he walked to the door with a resolve that belied the turmoil inside him. Opening it, he was met by the steely gazes of Detective Mark Lee and Officer Lee Jeno.

"Jaemin Na," Mark said, his voice even, though his eyes were filled with the weight of what he was about to do. "You're under arrest. We have evidence linking you to multiple crimes, and you'll be facing jail time and mandatory psychological evaluation."

Jaemin didn't flinch. He had expected this, though hearing it laid out so plainly made his chest tighten. "I understand," he replied calmly, his voice steady. "But before I go, there's something we need to discuss."

Mark exchanged a brief glance with Jeno before nodding. "We'll talk at the station."

"No," Jaemin said firmly, stepping forward slightly. "We talk here, now. And you're going to listen to what I have to say."

There was a moment of silence as Mark and Jeno weighed their options. Finally, Mark nodded, his expression unreadable. "Go ahead."

Jaemin took a deep breath, his mind racing as he chose his words carefully. "I'll go quietly. I'll accept the charges, the jail time, the psychological help—whatever you're planning to throw at me. But in return, you leave Renjun out of this. He's innocent, and I won't let him suffer because of me."

Mark's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. "And why should we believe that? We know Renjun's been involved in some of your dealings, even if it's just covering for you. Why should we leave him alone?"

Jaemin's gaze hardened, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Because if you drag Renjun into this, you'll regret it. He doesn't deserve any of this. He's only ever tried to protect me, and I'm not going to let you ruin his life because of my mistakes."

Jeno stepped forward, his expression less guarded than Mark's. "You're asking us to ignore his involvement. That's not how this works, Jaemin."

"I'm not asking," Jaemin replied, his voice cold. "I'm telling you that if you leave Renjun out of this, I'll cooperate fully. But if you try to take him down with me, I'll fight this every step of the way. And believe me, I know how to make things difficult for you."

Mark's gaze flicked to Renjun's direction, his eyes softening slightly as he considered Jaemin's words. "You're really willing to go down alone for this? To protect him?"

Jaemin's expression softened, the fierce protectiveness in his eyes unmistakable. "Renjun is everything to me. I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of, but I'll be damned if I let him pay for them. This is my fight, not his."

Jeno hesitated, clearly conflicted. "You know this isn't how things usually work, Jaemin. We can't just let him walk away without investigating his involvement."

Jaemin took a step closer, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "I'm not asking for a complete pass. Look into him if you have to. But I'm telling you now—Renjun is innocent. He's only ever tried to protect me. He doesn't deserve to be punished for loving me."

Mark exchanged a long look with Jeno, the two of them silently weighing the decision before them. It was clear that they weren't entirely comfortable with the deal Jaemin was proposing, but there was also a recognition in their eyes—a recognition of the love and sacrifice that Jaemin was willing to make for Renjun.

Finally, Mark sighed, his expression softening just a fraction. "We'll consider it," he said carefully. "But if we find any evidence that Renjun was more involved than you're letting on, all bets are off. Understood?"

Jaemin nodded, a small sigh of relief escaping him. "Understood. But trust me—you won't find anything. Renjun is innocent, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he stays that way."

Jeno stepped forward, his voice firm. "You know this means you're going to have to come with us now. No more stalling."

Jaemin glanced back toward the bedroom, where Renjun was still asleep, unaware of the life-changing conversation happening just a few feet away. His heart ached at the thought of leaving Renjun behind, but he knew this was the only way to protect him.

"I'm ready," Jaemin said quietly, turning back to face Mark and Jeno. "Just... let me say goodbye."

Mark hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Make it quick."

Jaemin didn't waste any time. He turned and walked back to the bedroom, his footsteps silent on the hardwood floor. When he reached the bed, he paused, his heart clenching at the sight of Renjun sleeping peacefully, his face relaxed and serene.

Carefully, Jaemin sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from Renjun's face. The touch was gentle, filled with love and sorrow for what was to come. Leaning down, Jaemin pressed a soft kiss to Renjun's forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment.

"I love you," Jaemin whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll come back to you, I promise. But you have to stay strong, okay? Don't let them drag you down with me."

Renjun stirred slightly at the touch, but didn't wake. Jaemin's heart ached, knowing this would be the last time he saw Renjun for a long time. But it was necessary—this was the only way to keep Renjun safe.

Standing up, Jaemin took one last look at Renjun before turning and walking back to the living room. Mark and Jeno were waiting, their expressions somber as Jaemin nodded to them, signaling that he was ready.

"Let's go," Jaemin said quietly, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

Mark and Jeno moved to either side of him, guiding him out of the apartment and toward the waiting car. As they drove away, Jaemin couldn't help but glance back at the building, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he had left behind the most important person in his life.

But it was worth it. Renjun would be safe, free from the chaos that Jaemin had brought into their lives. And as the car sped toward the police station, Jaemin made a silent vow to himself: he would survive this, he would endure whatever was coming, and one day, he would find his way back to Renjun.

Because no matter what, Jaemin knew that their love was stronger than anything the world could throw at them. And even if he had to face the darkness alone for a while, he would do it—if it meant keeping Renjun safe and free.