Isaiah gave me a look, a mix of exhaustion and disbelief. “Not you too…”

Elijah let out a faint laugh. “Even your girl thinks your name choice is lacking creativity.”

Randall nodded, still chuckling. “Yeah, ‘Wilhelmina’ is definitely unique. It’s got a certain royal ring to it, don’t you think?”

Isaiah let out a long, frustrated sigh. “Enough! You two are like damn children, I swear. Seriously, can you guys just shut up already?”

Elijah tilted his head slightly. “You say that like it’s news. Besides ‘Lady Wilhemina’ here is definitely interesting.”

Isaiah’s grip on me tightened again, his voice sharp. “Don’t drag her into this. She’s not here for your amusement. So leave her out of your stupid teasing.”

Randall raised a brow. “Aw, look at you, playing the knight in shining armor. That’s adorable. But don’t worry, we won’t drag her into anything. We’re just enjoying watching you get all worked up. It’s hilarious.”

Isaiah growled softly. “You’re both bastards, you know that? Seriously, can’t you find something else to do than harass me about my girlfriend? You’re so damn annoying.”

Elijah leaned back, calm as ever. “We could. But this is significantly more entertaining.”

Isaiah narrowed his eyes. “You better, or I’ll punch you both in the face.”

Randall laughed, unfazed. “Oh, now you’re resorting to physical threats? That’s low, even for you. But don’t worry, we’ll behave. For now, anyway.”

“You better,” Isaiah muttered. “You’re both insufferable. I don’t know how I put up with you.”

Elijah gave a light shrug. “We’re a long-term investment. The benefits will show eventually.”

“You love us, you know you do. We’re the best entertainment you have. Besides your little girlfriend, of course.” Randall said, with a wide grin.

Isaiah rolled his eyes. “You’re definitely not entertaining. You’re irritating,” he snapped. “Every single time I see your annoying faces, I get this urge to strangle you.”

Randall winked. “Oh, come on, Isaiah. You don’t really mean that. You secretly love our banter. And besides, we’re just looking out for you. Gotta keep things interesting, right?”

Isaiah let out a groan. “Just shut up and get lost. Leave us in peace. And don’t tell others about this.”

Elijah raised his hands. “Alright. We get it. We’ll leave you alone.”

“Yeah,” Randall added. “We’ll keep this little secret safe.”

Isaiah exhaled in relief. “Good. Finally, you guys are going to leave me alone.”

Elijah gave him a small wave.

“Only for now...” Randall smirked. “But remember. This isn’t the end of our teasing.”

“Great. Just what I need, more teasing from you, idiots,” Isaiah grumbled.

Randall smiled. “Oh, don’t worry, Isaiah. We’ll make sure it’s entertaining. Just keep your guard up, okay?”

Isaiah rolled his eyes, clearly done with them. “Oh, joy. I can’t wait. Your version of entertainment is so much fun. Just the best.”

“You love it,” Elijah said. “You just won’t admit it.”

“Just leave, jerks.”

Elijah nodded, “Alright, alright. We’re leaving.”

Isaiah sighed as they turned to go. “And close the damn door while you’re at it.”

Randall looked back with a teasing smirk. “Try not to kiss your sweetheart too much after we leave.”

He shut the door behind him, leaving Isaiah red-faced and muttering.

“Ugh, those idiots. Can’t they leave without dropping a stupid comment?”

From behind the door, Randall’s voice rang out again, muffled but clear.

“And make sure to behave like a gentleman and let her breathe.”

“You!…” Isaiah's face turned bright red.

Once the last footsteps faded down the hallway and the distant hum of the prom returned, Isaiah let out a deep breath against my ear. His arms still held me close—firm and possessive, even as the danger had passed.

“Phew...” I sighed in relief, my voice barely audible.

He didn't let go. Instead, he stayed pressed against me, “Those idiots…” he muttered, irritation laced with a sliver of amusement. “They can be so annoying, you know…”

I tried to pull back gently, resting my hands against his chest. “Thanks for saving me… you can let go of me now. They’re gone.”

But his grip only tightened, wrapping around me like steel. “Not yet…” he said quietly, burying his face into the crook of my neck. I felt the way he inhaled slowly, deeply, like he was trying to memorize my scent—trying to hold on to something that might vanish too soon.

I didn’t know how to respond to that. My hands hovered mid-air for a moment before I rested my forehead lightly on his shoulder, closing my eyes. I could feel his heartbeat against my chest—steady, but heavy. Like he was holding something back.

“Isaiah…” I whispered, unsure of what I was asking for comfort or permission to leave.

“Mmm…” His lips brushed against my neck, the faintest graze sending a chill down my spine. “Just a little longer…”

Guilt tugged at my chest. “Let go now…” I said softly, trying to stay firm. “I should leave. The longer I stay, the higher the chance I’ll get caught. That act earlier won’t protect me forever. I should go while the others are still distracted by the prom…”

I patted his back gently, hoping it would help loosen his hold.

He finally lifted his head, and our eyes met. His gaze was heavy with something I couldn’t quite name—pain, maybe. Or longing. “I know…” he murmured, his voice low and rough. “But… I don’t want you to leave.”

“You have to let me go,” I said, barely above a whisper. “Or I will actually get caught.”

He didn’t speak right away. He just stared at me like he was trying to memorize every inch of my face, every flicker of emotion. “I know…” he said again, but this time his voice cracked slightly. “But I don’t want you to go…”

His arms squeezed around me once more, reluctant and desperate, before finally loosening. He inhaled deeply and looked away briefly, his expression shifting to something colder—something more composed. “Okay…” he said, as if forcing the word out. “But promise me something before you go.”

“What?” I asked, stepping back just enough to see his face clearly.

He reached out and gently cupped my face in his hands, thumbs brushing my cheekbones. “Promise me you’ll be careful,” he said, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my chest tighten. “I don’t want you to be discovered. Or worse, get hurt. Promise me you’ll be careful out there.”

“Alright,” I nodded, my voice soft but steady.

“I’m serious,” he said, his tone sharper now, more protective. “No stupid risks. No reckless stunts. You need to watch your back at all times. Don’t do any dangerous jobs again… especially not spying. Promise me.”

I nodded again, this time more firmly. “I promise.”

His eyes softened, just a little, and he exhaled like he’d been holding his breath the entire time. “Good…” he muttered, relief flickering across his features. “I don’t want anything happening to you… I—”

He paused, as if catching himself. His eyes darted away, and he swallowed hard before pulling his composure back in place.

After a moment, he met my gaze again, his expression guarded but still filled with concern. “Just be careful, alright?” he said, his voice still rough. “I mean it.”

“I will…” I whispered.

He looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself. Instead, he nodded slowly. “Okay… good. Go, before anyone notices.”

I gave him one last look and took a step back. His eyes followed me with every move, like he was silently counting the seconds slipping away. I could feel his hesitation from across the room…the way his fingers twitched slightly, as if fighting the urge to pull me back.

“Please… be careful” he said again, voice low and hoarse.

“Yes. I will,” I reassured him, trying to smile despite the ache in my chest.

I reached the door and paused, turning to look back at him one last time. Our eyes met, and in that lingering moment, it felt like time had slowed down. There was something unspoken in his gaze—something fierce and vulnerable all at once.

“Be safe,” he whispered, so faint I barely heard it.

“Yes…” I said, my voice catching just a little. “Goodbye, Isaiah.”

I gave him a small, sad smile, then turned around and left, the cold air of the hallway wrapping around me like reality settling back in.

---

Grateful for every one of you who made it this far. Your time and interest keep this story alive. See you in the next chapter!