Part 58 : Shelter in the Storm

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When protection means stepping into the unknown... and hearts burn quietly in the dark.

"Nat! Nat!!"

The urgent knocking and frantic call of her name made Nattrinee rush to the door.

"Whoa—Krit?!"

Akira stumbled in, supporting Kritin's nearly unconscious body. His weight leaned heavily on her, too weak to stand. His face was pale, drenched in sweat, his breath ragged and shallow—the clear aftermath of a brutal battle that had drained him to the core.

"What happened?! Is he okay?"
Teerathep jumped up, alarmed at the sight of them.

"Calm down..."
Kritin muttered, eyes half-lidded as Akira gently lowered him onto the couch.

"I'll get a cold towel!" Nattrinee hurried off to the kitchen.

"How are you feeling?"
Akira's voice was soft, her hand trembling slightly as she brushed sweat from his forehead.

"...Just need a minute."
Kritin leaned his head back, eyes closed.

Moments later, Nattrinee returned with a damp towel and handed it to Akira.

Akira took it and began wiping Kritin's face and neck carefully. Her fingers shook slightly, but she did her best to hide her worry. He was still struggling to breathe steadily, but his expression was beginning to relax.

"You're being... targeted..." Kritin finally said in a hoarse whisper, eyes still closed.

"Targeted? By who? Me? Nat?"
Teerathep furrowed his brows.

"All three of you."

"...Me too?" Akira blinked.

Kritin nodded slowly.

"I don't know who yet. But this power—it's not normal.
You need to move. This place isn't safe anymore."

"Move where?"
Nattrinee asked quietly.

"...You'll stay at my house."

"What? Your house?"
She and Teerathep exchanged a look.

"There's a protective barrier there. They can't reach you. But if you stay here, they'll keep coming. And I can't guarantee I'll make it in time next time."

Teerathep sighed and nodded.

"If you say so... we'll go with you."

"We'll go pack the essentials."
He tugged Nattrinee toward the hallway to get ready.

As they left the room, Akira turned to look at Kritin again.
His body was still weary, his eyes heavy—but she could see him recovering little by little.

"I should pack too," she said softly.

But instead of replying with his usual seriousness, Kritin smiled.
A sly, mischievous grin curled at the corner of his lips.

"You won't need anything."

"...Why?"

"Because you sleep at my place almost every night already."
His voice dropped to a husky whisper.

Akira's eyes widened.
Her cheeks flushed with a warm pink, and she looked away instantly.

She knew their relationship had grown far beyond casual, but hearing him say it so directly...

"Do you have to say it out loud?" she mumbled, flustered.

Kritin chuckled, eyes glinting.

"Am I wrong?"
he whispered near her ear, making her turn away in embarrassment.

"Where's my reward?"
He pulled her into his arms, nose brushing against her cheek.

"...Reward?"

"For helping your friends, of course."

"You don't need a re—mmph!"

Before she could finish, his lips pressed softly against hers.

What began as a gentle kiss quickly deepened.
His hands wandered; hers froze on his chest.

"Mm... enough..."
She slapped her hand over his mouth before he could kiss her again.

He ignored it.
And kissed her palm instead.

"Kritin... this isn't—"

"Can you hand me that thing over there?"
Nattrinee's voice echoed from the hallway.

Akira bolted away from Kritin in an instant.

"Tch..."
Kritin made a sound of annoyance under his breath.

"We're ready to—uh..."
Nattrinee emerged, halting when she spotted her friend blushing furiously beside a very smug Kritin.

"...Then let's go," Kritin said as he stood up, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Tonight's gonna be a long one..."
he murmured near Akira's ear with a wicked grin before heading out.

"You recovered fast..."
Akira muttered behind him.

"What's wrong with your face? It's so red,"
Nattrinee teased.

"Let's just go!"
Akira pushed her friend ahead, still burning with embarrassment.

That night's decision wasn't just about survival.
It was the first step toward facing a hidden enemy—
An unseen force that loomed just beyond the veil.

And it was only just beginning.

🌙 "Even in the safest shelter, shadows find a way in..."

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