Huddled in the safehouse Chen provided, Li Wei finally let himself breathe. Kai sat across from him, coat discarded, revealing the bruises and scratches that bore testimony to the night's chaos.
"I thought I lost you," Kai murmured, voice raw. "And I… I couldn't let that happen. Not you. Not us."
Li Wei stepped forward, brushing Kai's damp hair from his face. "I'm here. And I'm not leaving. We face this together."
Kai's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "Together, huh? That's dangerous… but maybe, for once, worth it."
They moved closer, the storm outside mirroring the storm within. Every fear, every unspoken desire, every risk they'd taken, had led them here.
Chen cleared his throat, reminding them of the files, the danger, the unfinished battles—but for the first time, Li Wei and Kai allowed themselves a moment of connection.
Kai whispered against Li Wei's lips: "Whatever comes next… I want you by my side. Always."
Li Wei's heart soared. "Always," he whispered back, sealing the promise with a tentative, thrilling kiss.
Outside, the city lights of Silver Tower shimmered, a maze of secrets waiting—but for the first time, Li Wei felt ready. With Kai, he could face anything.