Ava’s head throbbed.

She groaned, forcing her heavy eyelids open, only to be met with darkness. A dim, flickering light barely illuminated the room, casting eerie shadows on the damp walls.

Where am I?

Her wrists ached. She glanced down—her hands were tied.

Shit.

Then, she heard it.

A slow, mocking chuckle.

"You’re awake," Jin drawled, stepping out of the shadows.

The Trap

Ava’s jaw clenched as she struggled against the restraints. "What the hell is this, Jin?"

Jin crouched in front of her, his gaze dark. "You humiliated me in front of the whole school, Ava. Did you think I’d let that slide?"

Ava refused to let him see her fear. She scoffed. "So what? You kidnap me like some low-budget villain? Pathetic."

Jin’s eyes flashed. "You should be more careful with your mouth."

He reached forward, tilting her chin up with his fingers. Ava froze.

Every instinct in her body screamed danger.

"You act all high and mighty," Jin murmured, his fingers trailing down her cheek, "but I know your type, Ava. You play tough, but deep down, you just want attention."

Ava’s stomach churned. Disgust. Rage. Panic.

She twisted her head away. "Touch me again, and I swear I’ll rip your hand off."

Jin chuckled darkly. "Still feisty. I like that."

He leaned closer, his breath hot against her skin—

And then—

BOOM.

The door slammed open.

The Rescue

Jin barely had time to react before a fist connected with his jaw.

He crashed to the floor, groaning in pain.

Ava’s breath hitched as she saw who stood in the doorway.

Jae.

But he wasn’t alone.

Behind him, Eli, Minho, and Kai stepped into the room, each radiating pure fury.

Jae’s eyes—normally cold and unreadable—were burning.

His jaw clenched. His hands trembled with restraint.

"You. Touched. Her."

Jin wiped the blood from his lip, glaring up at them. "So what if I did?"

That was his last mistake.

Jae Snaps

The moment those words left Jin’s mouth, Jae lost it.

He grabbed Jin by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

"You think you can lay a hand on her and walk away?" Jae’s voice was deadly quiet.

Jin coughed, trying to push him off. "Dude, it’s not that serious—"

Jae punched him.

Hard.

Jin’s head snapped to the side.

The room was silent—except for the sound of Jae’s heavy breathing.

"You’re lucky I don’t kill you," Jae spat.

His hands clenched into fists, ready to hit him again—

But then, Ava spoke.

"Jae."

His head snapped toward her.

She was staring at him—not with fear, but with something soft.

"Let’s just go," she murmured.

Jae’s fingers twitched. He wasn’t done. He wanted to break Jin.

But when Ava looked at him like that—like he was the only thing keeping her safe—

He let go.

Jin slumped to the floor, coughing.

"You ever look at her again," Jae said darkly, "and I swear you won’t be breathing next time."

With that, he turned, walking straight to Ava.

The Aftermath

Eli quickly untied Ava’s wrists while Minho and Kai made sure Jin didn’t try anything stupid.

Ava rubbed her sore skin, glancing at Jae.

He was still tense, his hands trembling with leftover rage.

Without thinking, she reached out, taking his hand.

"Jae."

His breath hitched.

She squeezed his fingers. "I’m okay."

Jae’s shoulders finally relaxed.

Eli sighed dramatically. "Man, this was too much. Can we all agree to keep Ava from being kidnapped again?"

Kai smirked. "I mean, unless she enjoys the attention."

Ava groaned. "Shut up."

Minho chuckled. "Let’s get out of here before we really kill this guy."

And with that, they left Jin behind.

But as they walked out, Ava felt something shift between her and Jae.

Something deep. Something irreversible.

And it scared her.