We'll see each other again when the time comes.

A hint of blue and red lights flashed through the roads, reflecting on the glass windows beside the empty alley that Jake was currently hiding in. He silently stepped back, shoulders brushing the brick wall as he hid behind the metal pole.

This was a bad idea.

Cars rolled onto every street, men in typical dusty old police uniforms that had seen better days, were closely monitoring the area.

Obviously, of course this was a bad idea!

They'd find him here any minute. And clearly, he already knew how this would end. Empty rooms with a flickering lightbulb and interrogations that officers begrudgingly did despite being annoyed at the immense paperwork it had. Or it would go the other way, simpler and easier, basically, load and fire, though that would get them double the paperwork.

Countless footsteps were heard across the street; Jake did not dare to take a look from where he was hiding in the shadows.

This alley would be next.

Jake had one advantage; they did not know what he looked like and the exact alley he was in. If they did, he'd already be dead or well, captured. But even with the advantage, he had no idea how he was going to escape with this situation.

Guilt swarmed him when he thought of the last conversation he had, it was two months back when Jake had to stop contacting MC and the entire group. At least Hannah was safe, but his thoughts were going towards the person who had supported and helped him throughout this journey. A bit recklessly if he might add.

His stomach churned, a bead of sweat dropped down the side of his eyebrow. He was a second away from stepping out and surrendering himself, wanting to put an end to this burden that he'd been carrying.

But then his phone vibrated, he stilled and glanced at it quickly through the notifications.

MC : Need some help?

Before his mind could even register what she meant, a hand pulled him back, Jake almost fell down on the ground if whoever it was, had not caught him and held their hand on his mouth. Another hand right under his neck, pressing hard enough to make it hard to breathe.

They got me.

No.

I haven't even apologized to MC yet.

Apologize? You haven't even thanked her properly yet!

And you're going to die soon.

MC is going to kill you themselves when they find out you died.

The person's breath near Jake's ear, goosebumps rose near his neck, heartbeat rising enough to make him lose his footing. Shoving down his panic, his hand slipped into the pockets of his pants, he tried to get his pocketknife, enough to buy him some time.

"Calm down, hacker boy." The person muttered, annoyance creeping into their tone. Jake knew as soon as he heard the words that it was none other than the guy who irritated him the most at some point with that ridiculous name.

"Just walk and we're gonna save your ass, alright?" Dan said before pulling him back without actually waiting for the muffled reply that Jake was giving.

Within a minute, Jake turned and saw the brief outline of Dan, clearly wearing black attire in order to stay hidden. A low screeching noise was heard from the distant corner of the alley where Dan immediately disappeared to. A small metal door on the side of the brick wall which would clearly be visible in daylight but now the shadows blended with the color of the metal, enough to hide it entirely unless someone thoroughly checked it.

Jake followed in a hurry, looking behind him at least five times as footsteps neared the entrance of the alley.

They're going to see us.

Jake's grip tightened on his pocketknife; he lost his senses for a moment when he saw the person standing beside Dan at the other side. He paused in the way, staring blatantly at MC who had not changed at all since the last time he saw her.

Even now, as she stood in the dark room with the phone torch on, he could not help but look how fascinating she looked with the subtle glow of the torch on her skin.

"Get your ass here," Dan snapped and pulled him in before closing the door fully, locking it. "Are you freaking stupid? You could have stared at your girlfriend AFTER coming in!" Dan continued, gesturing with his hand.

She's here.

She is right here in front of me.

MC looked at him, shifting the torch towards him, scanning him from head to toe as if she is assessing whether he was injured or not. When she was satisfied, handed the torch to Dan, and took a step closer.

Jake did too, her hands immediately wrapped around him tightly as if she could not believe that he was still alive. He tensed at first before relaxing against her, his arms resting lightly on her waist.

They stayed like that for a few seconds before she pulled back. Their eyes met, in the corner of his eye, Jake could already see Dan gagging in mock disgust. She took a step back, not taking his eyes off his.

She still had captivating eyes.

Those had haunted him at night for months.

Then her fist came towards his face, with the entire strength she had, and Jake staggered back from the impact.

What?

He looked at MC and he saw two emotions. Relief because he was okay and his body was in one piece. Irritation because ... he wasn't sure. His lips parted and his hand went to his face, fingers tracing the pain.

Dan let out an amused whistle and clapped once, "Oh you're sooo dead," Jake heard him mutter.

"What? Why?" Jake asked cluelessly, glancing at Dan and then back at MC who raised her eyebrows.

That look.

You're so in trouble.

He should not have said that. Because the look on her face said only one thing. Too pissed to even consider an apology.

"What do you mean why? You were gone for two months, TWO months and you are here asking me 'why'?"

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