To Love Kris

Chapter 6

Later that evening, as Finn sat quietly with Kris asleep against them, their mind drifted to the mystery of Kris Monaco. Beneath the quiet moments, Finn sensed that Kris carried a weight far heavier than what meets the eye—something that clung to her like a shadow. They couldn't place it, but it was there, lingering in the way Kris seemed to tense whenever she thought no one was looking, or how her smiles, as warm as they were, always felt a little guarded.

Finn leaned back, careful not to disturb Kris, the movie playing on in the background. They wondered—What are you running from, Kris? Because Finn could feel it: Kris wasn't just new to the campus. She was escaping something.

One week ago.

On the other side of the world, life had been falling apart for Kristen Monaco. She hadn't planned on leaving so abruptly, but staying wasn't an option anymore. Not after what had happened. The people she was running from—the ones who had already caught her once—wouldn't stop hunting her. If she stayed, there would be no second chance.

Her feet echoed down the nearly empty airport corridor, the soft pitter-patter of her hurried steps mixing with the low hum of announcements on the speakers. She clutched her luggage tightly, heart thudding painfully in her chest. She'd made sure to buy the ticket last minute, covering her tracks the best she could. But she knew it wouldn't take long for them to figure out where she was headed.

The airport was stifling, and every glance in her direction made her skin crawl. As she waited in line to check in, anxiety churned in her stomach, twisting her insides like a knot. It felt as if the walls were closing in, and any moment someone would grab her by the arm and drag her back to the life she'd fought so hard to escape. But eventually—agonisingly—the process was over. With her boarding pass in hand, Kris rushed through security, barely able to breathe until she reached the gate.

The boarding call came, and with one last look over her shoulder, Kris stepped onto the plane. As the engines roared and the wheels lifted off the ground, she watched through the window as the familiar landscape of her home country shrank below her. It disappeared, swallowed by clouds, until it was gone completely.

Kris exhaled slowly, the tension she'd carried unravelling just slightly. She leaned her head against the cool glass, her heart still pounding but quieter now. Maybe this time, she thought, maybe this time I can finally be free.

But even as she closed her eyes, the fear lingered at the edges of her thoughts. She could only hope that wherever she landed, no one would find her. Not again.

The sound of Kris shifting beside them brought Finn back to the present. They looked down at her, watching the way her brow furrowed even in sleep, as if some invisible nightmare were chasing her. Gently, Finn reached out, brushing her hair back from her face.

"You're safe now," Finn whispered, even though Kris couldn't hear them. "I've got you."

They knew, deep down, that whatever had brought Kris here—whatever had made her run—it wasn't something she'd easily escaped. But Finn was determined to protect her, no matter what.

With a sigh, Finn adjusted the blanket around Kris and leaned back into the cushions. The future still felt uncertain, but as Kris slept peacefully beside them, Finn made a silent promise: Whatever happens, you won't be alone. Not anymore.

Finn stayed still, listening to the soft rhythm of Kris's breathing. The weight of that silent promise settled deep in their chest—you won't be alone, not anymore—but with it came the sharp edge of doubt. Protecting Kris was something they wanted to do, something they would do, but Finn couldn't help wondering if Kris would ever let them all the way in.