Only one? [male Chaeyoung x TWICE]

(18) cowardly approach

The rooftop was quiet.

Chaeyoung and Tzuyu had been basking in the stillness, watching the stars scattered across the sky, when the silence was ripped apart by screams.

Not just any screams—agonizing, gut-wrenching cries that sent a shiver through Chaeyoung's spine.

He shot up, his head snapping toward the edge of the building.

His heart pounded as the distant chaos below grew louder, more desperate. "What's going on down there?" he muttered, half to himself.

Tzuyu grabbed his arm, her fingers cold and trembling.

"I don't know," she whispered, her voice unsteady. "What was that?"

He didn't answer right away, his mind racing. Every cell of his being was pulling him toward the stairs, toward the screams.

Someone needed help. But then there was Tzuyu—her wide, fearful eyes locked on his, her hand clutching his arm like he was the only thing keeping her grounded.

His throat tightened. He hated this—hated the choice he was about to make. "Tzuyu," he said, his voice firmer than he felt, "I should probably check it out."

"What?" She shook her head, her grip tightening. "No. Are you crazy? You can't—what if something happens to you?"

"I'll be fine," he said, trying to keep his voice calm, even though adrenaline was already thrumming through his veins. "I just... what if something bad is happening."

Her lips trembled. "What about me?" She blurted out, and for a second, her voice cracked. "What if you don't come back? What am I supposed to do then?"

That hit harder than he expected. He sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders, steadying her.

"Tzuyu, listen to me. I'm going to be okay." He gently brushed a stray tear from her cheek, his thumb lingering for a moment. "You'll be okay. Just stay here, alright? Don't open the door for anyone but me. Can you do that?"

She shook her head again, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to stay here alone! Chaeyoung, please."

His chest ached at the fear in her voice, but the screams were getting louder, and every second felt heavier.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead, lingering just long enough for her to feel his warmth. "I promise I'll come back," he said softly, his words gentle but firm.

Her hands slid from his arm to his shirt, clutching the fabric desperately. "You can't promise that," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I can," he said, stepping back and holding her hands. 

"And I will."

Tzuyu bit her lip, tears spilling freely now.

She let him guide her toward a corner of the rooftop, where a pile of tarps and old boxes was stacked. 

"Hide here," he instructed, his tone low but insistent. "If anything happens, call the police. Don't come out until I get back."

Her breath hitched, and before he could turn, she flung her arms around him. "You better come back," she mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled but trembling with emotion. "I mean it, Chaeyoung."

"I will," he said again, hugging her tightly. He wanted to stay, wanted to protect her from whatever horrors were unfolding below, but he couldn't ignore the call to action.