The ride to Jae’s house was quiet.

Ava sat in the passenger seat, staring blankly out the window, her mind still tangled in the memories she had just spilled. The weight of the past sat heavy on her chest, and no matter how many deep breaths she took, it refused to ease.

Jae hadn’t said much after she told him everything. But he never let go of her hand. Even now, as he drove, his fingers were laced with hers, his thumb occasionally brushing over her skin, grounding her in the present.

“We’re here,” Jae finally said, pulling into the driveway of a modern yet cozy-looking house.

Ava blinked, shaking herself from her thoughts. “Your place?”

“Yeah.” Jae parked the car and turned to her, his expression unreadable. “You’re staying here tonight.”

Ava raised a brow. “Bossy much?” she tried to tease, but her voice came out softer than she expected.

Jae rolled his eyes. “Just get inside.”

He led her through the front door, his grip on her wrist still gentle but firm. The house smelled like cedar and something warm, something safe.

Ava looked around, taking in the minimalistic yet comfortable décor. “It’s nice.”

Jae hummed, locking the door behind them. “Come on.”

He led her upstairs to his room—a clean, simple space with a large bed, bookshelves, and a single basketball resting in the corner.

Ava sat on the bed hesitantly. “Are your parents home?”

Jae shook his head. “Out of town.”

Ava nodded, pulling her knees up to her chest. The silence stretched between them.

Then, Jae walked over, kneeling in front of her.

His hands found hers again. “Ava.”

She looked at him, and the way he was gazing at her—soft yet intense—made her throat tighten.

“You’re safe here,” he murmured. “No one’s ever going to hurt you again. Not while I’m around.”

Ava’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Jae sighed, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “I don’t even know what to say. Just—damn, Ava. You didn’t deserve any of that.”

Ava swallowed. “I—I don’t want to be weak.”

Jae frowned. “You’re not.”

“I still freeze up,” she whispered. “Every time I see blood, every time someone grabs me too hard, I—”

Jae tilted her chin up.

“You’re not weak,” he repeated, voice firm. “You survived. You’re still here. And that makes you the strongest person I know.”

Ava’s eyes burned.

She quickly looked away, trying to blink back the tears, but Jae was already pulling her into his chest.

His warmth, his steady heartbeat—everything about him was safe.

She exhaled shakily, her fingers gripping the fabric of his hoodie. “Jae…”

“Hmm?”

She hesitated, then whispered, “Can we stay like this? Just for a little while?”

Jae pressed a soft kiss against the top of her head.

“As long as you need"