𝐼𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓈 || PJS • ENHYPEN

𝑅𝒾𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒯𝑒𝓃𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈

[Rina's POV]

After the kiss, everything changed. The tension hung in the air like a storm cloud, and despite the unspoken words between Jay and me, I felt more determined than ever.

As we trained together, I couldn't shake the feeling that our connection was growing deeper, but the unease was palpable. Jay seemed distant, lost in his thoughts, and it worried me.

One evening, while we were running drills, I decided to confront him. "What's going on with you?" I asked, halting mid-movement.

He paused, his gaze flickering with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I mean you're not the same," I pressed. "Ever since the kiss, it's like you're shutting me out."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated. There's a lot of pressure right now, and I don't want you to get hurt."

I crossed my arms, frustration bubbling inside me. "I can handle myself, Jay. You don't have to protect me."

"Protecting you is part of my role," he replied, his tone firm. "You're important to the clan—and to me."

My heart fluttered at his words, but I pushed it aside. "Then don't push me away. I want to be here with you, no matter what."

He looked at me, a mix of admiration and uncertainty in his eyes. "I wish it were that simple. The clan is on edge. The Lee clan is planning something, and I can't afford any distractions."

"Distractions?" I echoed, feeling hurt. "Is that what I am to you?"

"No! That's not what I meant!" he exclaimed, frustration etched on his face. "You're more than that. But if you're here, you need to be all in."

"I am all in," I said, determination shining in my eyes. "But I can't do that if you're holding back."

He stepped closer, our faces inches apart. "Then trust me. I'll protect you."

I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—fear, anger, but most of all, a deep-seated desire to fight alongside him. "I trust you, but I need to be part of this, Jay."

He nodded slowly, the tension between us palpable. "Okay. We'll face this together."