The touch was tender, filled with all the love and sorrow she couldn't express in words. "Thank you, Fei Yu," she whispered against his skin, her voice barely audible. "Thank you."
Mer Chu closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her kiss, and his heart swelled with love and fear. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, as if he could protect her from whatever was causing her pain. He buried his face in her shoulder, holding on to her with a desperate need to keep her safe.
Jiho held him just as tightly, her fingers gripping the fabric of his clothes as she fought to keep her tears from falling. She could feel the steady beat of his heart against her chest, a painful reminder of what she was about to lose. This was the hardest thing she had ever done, but she knew it was the only way to protect him.
As they clung to each other in that quiet, desperate embrace, the world outside seemed to fade away.
