Akil stood frozen near the café door, fingers gripping the handle so tightly his knuckles paled. He told himself he didn't care. He told himself she was trouble.
But watching her sit there alone, eyes burning with stubborn pain…
…it did something to him.
He turned back.
Not to comfort her.
Not to be her hero.
Just to… make sure she didn't destroy herself completely.
He took a breath and walked back toward her table.
Aira didn't notice until his shadow fell across her hands. She stiffened instantly, wiping the last sign of weakness from her face.
"What now?" she hissed. "Come to gloat?"
Akil slid back into the seat opposite her. "I came to talk."
"Oh, so now you want to cooperate?" She pushed her chair back, ready to stand. "I don't need your help. I never asked—"
He cut her off, voice cold and sharp.
"You can't fight a giant alone."
Aira's jaw locked.
"I'd rather die trying."
"That's exactly what they want," he replied, leaning forward. "You make noise. They erase you. Simple."
Aira stared at him, chest tightening. The threat felt too real now. Her phone still buzzed with silent danger.
She swallowed. "Then what? I sit quietly and pretend they didn't try to—" Her voice cracked. She looked away.
Akil's gaze softened a fraction. Just a fraction.
"Tell me what you know," he said. "Everything."
Aira hesitated. Her brain screamed NO, her heart whispered maybe.
She finally leaned back, eyes still full of suspicion.
"I know the room number they put me in," she said. "I know the building. The staff faces. And I know this—" she pulled out her phone, "—they're watching me already.and also i have hidden the counterfeit documents of them" that's why they want me," she continued. "They think I still have the documents. If they find out where they are first—"
"They won't."
His voice was iron.
"They won't get anywhere near you."
Her heart thudded — that dangerous warmth rising again.
Trust felt like falling.
For once, she wasn't walking into danger alone."
Akil's expression darkened.
"That's enough for them to come after you."
"So be it," she whispered.
He rubbed a hand over his face.
"It's such a simple plan but also so dangerous What if… there's another way?"
Aira scoffed. "Like what? Sit home and cry?"
"No," he said. "Like getting someone on the inside."
She blinked. "And who would be that stupid?"
Akil's silence answered her.
Her eyes widened.
"You?"
She almost laughed. "You won't risk your pretty little life. Don't act like you care."
Akil felt something sharp twist inside him—annoyance and… something else he didn't want to name.
"You have no idea what I'm willing to risk," he said quietly.
Aira leaned closer, challenge in her gaze.
"Then prove it."
Akil stared right back.
"I will."
Their eyes locked.
A spark—dangerous, electric—crackled between them.
---
A silent enemy
Outside the café, a sleek black car rolled to a stop.
A window lowered just slightly—watching.
---