Jimin and Namjoon bolted, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they sprinted down the corridor. Shouts rang out behind them, footsteps pounding on the concrete floors as the men from the table gave chase.

“Jimin, this way!” Namjoon called, veering sharply to the left as they reached a fork in the path. Jimin followed without hesitation, their instincts guiding them as they navigated the maze of the warehouse.

They ducked into a small room, quickly shutting the door behind them and pressing their backs against it. Jimin’s heart raced as he listened to the sounds of pursuit drawing nearer. He glanced around the dimly lit room, taking stock of their surroundings. It was a small storage area filled with boxes and old equipment, providing just enough cover.

“We need to wait it out,” Namjoon whispered, his breath coming in quick bursts. “If they don’t find us in here, we can make a break for it.”

Jimin nodded, his mind racing. He could feel the tension in the air as they strained to hear the sounds outside. The footsteps grew louder, then faded as the men passed by their hiding spot. Jimin held his breath, feeling a surge of relief wash over him as he realized they had avoided detection—at least for the moment.

After a few tense minutes, Namjoon peered through a crack in the door. “Looks clear. Let’s move.”

They slipped out of the room cautiously, their senses on high alert. The adrenaline still coursed through Jimin, but his thoughts remained tethered to Rosalia. He had to get back to her, to ensure she was safe and oblivious to the dangers he faced.

As they navigated through the darkened corridors, Jimin’s phone buzzed again in his pocket. He pulled it out cautiously, heart pounding as he saw Rosalia’s name flashing on the screen.

*Where are you? I’ve been worried!*

He hesitated, glancing at Namjoon, who urged him to respond quickly. Jimin typed back rapidly, trying to calm her fears without revealing the truth of his situation.

*I’m okay, just got caught up with some work. I’ll be home soon.*

His heart sank as he sent the message. He hated lying to her, especially when all he wanted was to be with her, to keep her safe. He tucked his phone back into his pocket, his mind racing with thoughts of how to explain his absences when all this was over.

“Let’s keep moving,” Namjoon urged, snapping Jimin back to the present. They navigated through the darkened warehouse, their eyes scanning for any signs of danger.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached an exit. Jimin pushed the heavy door open, wincing at the loud creak as they stepped outside into the cool night air. They quickly made their way to Jimin’s car, adrenaline still surging through them.

“Get in!” Jimin urged, glancing over his shoulder to ensure they weren’t being followed. They jumped into the vehicle, and Jimin slammed the door shut, his heart racing as he started the engine.

“Drive! Now!” Namjoon shouted, and Jimin peeled out of the parking lot, tires screeching as they sped down the street.

“Did you get everything?” Jimin asked, glancing over at Namjoon as they made their way through the night.

“Yeah, we’ve got enough intel to take them down,” Namjoon replied, his expression tense. “But let’s not celebrate just yet. We need to lay low until we can regroup with the others.”

Jimin nodded, focusing on the road ahead. His thoughts drifted back to Rosalia, the worry gnawing at him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had put her in danger just by being involved in this world.

As they drove through the city, Jimin’s mind raced with how he would explain his absence to Rosalia. He couldn’t bear the thought of her feeling neglected or worried, especially after everything they had shared.

“Let’s stop by my place first,” Jimin said suddenly, making a quick turn towards his apartment. “I need to change and then we can figure out how to approach this.”

When they arrived, Jimin quickly parked the car and they rushed inside. He moved swiftly, tossing off his jacket and loosening his tie as he grabbed a fresh shirt from his closet.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Namjoon asked, watching Jimin as he hurried through the motions. “You’re not usually this frantic.”

“I just… I need to see her,” Jimin replied, his voice laced with urgency. “She deserves to know I’m okay.”

Namjoon nodded in understanding. “Just be careful. You don’t want her to worry about you more than she already does.”

After quickly changing, Jimin grabbed his phone and shot Rosalia a text before leaving the apartment.

*On my way home now. I promise I’ll explain everything when I get there. I miss you!*

He pocketed his phone and turned to Namjoon. “Let’s go.”

They made their way back to Rosalia’s apartment, Jimin’s heart racing with anticipation. He knew he needed to reassure her that he wasn’t in danger and that everything was fine. But as he approached her door, the apprehension in his chest deepened.

What if she was upset? What if she thought he was neglecting her? The thought made his stomach churn.

“Here we go,” Jimin murmured, knocking on the door. The wait felt like an eternity, but soon he heard her soft footsteps approaching.

When the door swung open, Rosalia stood before him, her expression a mix of relief and confusion. “Jimin!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with worry. “I was starting to think you weren’t coming back!”

Jimin stepped inside, pulling her into a tight embrace. He inhaled the familiar scent of her hair, feeling the tension slowly dissipate as she melted into him. “I’m here now. I’m sorry for being gone so long.”

As he pulled back, he noticed the shadows under her eyes. She looked tired, and the concern etched on her face tugged at his heart. “Are you okay? You look worried,” she said, her brow furrowing as she studied him.

“I’m fine. Just… busy with work,” he replied, hoping to ease her mind. But the truth lingered, unspoken between them, heavy in the air.

“Busy?” she echoed, crossing her arms. “Jimin, you’ve been gone all day. You didn’t even text me.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. Things just got out of hand,” he explained, taking a step closer. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Rosalia’s expression softened, but Jimin could still see the uncertainty in her eyes. “It’s just… you’re always so secretive about your work. It makes me anxious.”

“I promise, I’m not hiding anything from you,” he assured her, reaching out to hold her hands. “I just wanted to protect you from all the chaos. I thought it would be easier this way.”

“Easier?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “Jimin, it feels like you’re pushing me away. I don’t want to be left in the dark. If you’re in danger, I want to know.”

“I’m not in danger,” he insisted, squeezing her hands tightly. “I promise you that. But the world I’m in… it’s complicated. I never wanted this for you.”

Rosalia searched his gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I care about you, Jimin. I want to be there for you, but I can’t if you don’t let me in.”

“I know,” he said, his heart aching. “And I’m so sorry for making you feel this way. It’s just hard for me to navigate everything. I don’t want to put you in danger or make you worry.”

“Jimin, I can handle it,” she said firmly, her voice steady. “I want to support you, but I need you to be honest with me. Please.”

He hesitated, the weight of her words pressing down on him. “Okay, I’ll try,” he finally said, his voice filled with determination. “But I need you to trust that I’m doing everything I can to keep you safe.”

“Trust goes both ways,” she replied, her eyes locking onto his. “I want you to feel comfortable sharing things with me, even the hard stuff.”

Jimin nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her understanding. “You’re right. I’ll do my best to open up.”

“Good,” she said softly, a small smile breaking through the tension. “Now, how about we sit down and you tell me about your day?”

“Sure,” he said, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. They settled onto the couch together, and Jimin took a deep breath, ready to share a part of his life with her.

As they talked, he found solace in her presence, realizing just how much he needed her by his side. They laughed and shared stories, the shadows of the day slowly lifting as they connected over their experiences.

But as the evening wore on, Jimin knew he couldn’t avoid the truth forever. He would have to explain the reality of his life—the dangers that lurked in the shadows and the choices he had to make to protect her.

And as they sat together, Jimin felt the resolve strengthen within him. He was determined to shield Rosalia from the chaos of his world while finding a way to include her in his life—a life he desperately wanted her to be a part of.