Mine to Keep
First Meet
Lia (fl)
Library’s finally closing. My brain’s fried
Lia (fl)
Ugh, why did I agree to this group project alone
Walking home… streetlights flicker.
A sound echoes from the alley
Lia (fl)
Hello? Is someone there?
She kneels, pulling a scarf from her bag, tying it around his arm
????
You shouldn’t… touch me
Lia (fl)
And you shouldn’t be losing this much blood.
His dark eyes lock onto hers. Even in pain, he looks dangerous.
Footsteps approach from the end of the alley — men in black coats.
She stumbles back, heart racing. Turns the corner and runs.
Lia (fl)
I can still hear his voice…
Lia (fl)
Another day, another cold breakfast.
Milly (lia's Mom)
You’re late again. Don’t embarrass us.
Lia (fl)
Morning to you too.
Lia leaves without finishing the toast.
????
Need help with those books?
????
(Smiles) You left without saying goodbye.
Lia (fl)
I didn’t know we were friends.
She hesitates — he’s wearing a black coat, no blood this time, but the same piercing gaze.
Lia (fl)
What’s your name?
Adrian (ml)
I brought it to you.
Adrian (ml)
Umbrella? It’s raining.
Lia (fl)
… How do you know where I am?
Adrian (ml)
I told you. I’m changing things.
** Lia's Family Group Chat**
Milly (lia's Mom)
Don’t come home late.
Liam (lia's dad)
And wear something decent for the fundraiser.
Milly (lia's Mom)
Ungrateful child.
Lia stares at the screen — deletes the chat.
Lia (fl)
Why do you keep helping me?
Adrian (ml)
Because no one else does.
Lia (fl)
That’s not a reason.
Adrian (ml)
It’s my reason.
Adrian (ml)
And because the first time I saw you, I decided I wouldn’t let you go.
Her heart skips. Somewhere deep inside, a piece of her, long ignored, feels warm for the first time.
Shadows in the Rain
Lia (fl)
Morning rain again. Perfect mood for skipping class.
Lia (fl)
But nope… perfect attendance must be my curse.
Lia (fl)
*sigh* Group work again.
Lia (fl)
What are you doing here?
Lia (fl)
My umbrella broke.
Adrian (ml)
Exactly where you are.
Two minutes later, Adrian appears, holding a black umbrella. His coat is soaked, but his smirk is dry.
Adrian (ml)
Maybe. But you’re dry.
Milly (lia's Mom)
Don’t forget the gala tomorrow. Wear the dress your sister picked.
Milly (lia's Mom)
Don’t make a scene.
Liam (lia's dad)
You’ll only embarrass us again.
Lia sets the chat to Mute
Lia was walking in the park
Lia (fl)
You shouldn’t keep following me.
Lia (fl)
Because people will…
Adrian (ml)
People already talk. Let them.
Lia doesn't say anything and keeps walking with Adrian quietly walking behind her
Milly (lia's Mom)
We’re leaving without you.
She stays in her room, books open, pretending not to hear the car drive away.
Lia (fl)
I’m not answering—
Adrian (ml)
Then I’ll stand here all night.
She opens the door — he’s in a black suit, tie loose, hair damp from the drizzle outside.
Adrian (ml)
Like I should be taking you out
Lia (fl)
You didn’t tell me where we were going.
Adrian (ml)
Would you have said yes?
They stop at rooftop cafe
He sets a cup in front of her — warm chocolate, extra cream.
Lia (fl)
How did you know I like this?
Adrian (ml)
I watch. I listen.
They were peacefully having their coffee
Lia (fl)
I’m not special. My family made that clear.
Adrian (ml)
They’re wrong.
Lia (fl)
And you’re right?
Silence.
Rain patters against the glass. She takes a sip, hiding her smile.
Lia was walking home alone — street unusually quiet.
lia receives a phone call
She turns — sees Adrian leaning against his car, phone in hand.
Lia (fl)
You could’ve just waved.
Adrian (ml)
Could’ve. But someone was following you.
Her stomach knots. He glances over his shoulder — two men disappear into the shadows.
Adrian (ml)
People who shouldn’t exist near you.
Lia (fl)
That’s not an answer.
Adrian (ml)
It’s the only one for now.
Lia (fl)
You scare me sometimes.
Adrian (ml)
Good. That means you’ll listen when I tell you not to go somewhere.
Adrian (ml)
Then I’ll come get you.
Lia (fl)
Maybe I want to be.
Adrian (ml)
Want to be what?
Lia (fl)
.............. Yours.
Dangerous Hands
Lia (fl)
Did you know there’s a bruise on my arm?
Lia (fl)
…You put it there.
Adrian (ml)
You were about to walk into trouble. I stopped you.
Later — at the University Gates
Lia (fl)
You don’t have to keep waiting for me here.
Adrian (ml)
I’m not waiting. I’m guarding.
She rolls her eyes, walking ahead. He matches her pace.
Lia (fl)
You think I’m some porcelain doll?
Adrian (ml)
No. I think you’re the only thing in this city I can’t lose.
She’s walking back from the store, bag in hand.
Unknown
Drop the bag. Run to me.
She stops — two men step out from behind a parked van.
She bolts — he’s there in seconds, pulling her behind him. One man reaches forward — Adrian twists his wrist until there’s a sickening crack.
Adrian (ml)
Close your eyes.
She hears the sounds of impact, groans, and the rush of footsteps fleeing. Then silence.
Adrian (ml)
People I’ve been hunting.
Adrian (ml)
I told you. Complicated.
He wipes a streak of blood from his cheek, like it’s nothing.
Lia (fl)
This isn’t normal.
Silence.
He pulls over in front of her building, but doesn’t unlock the door.
Adrian (ml)
You can walk away now. Pretend you never met me.
Lia (fl)
Is that what you want?
Lia (fl)
Then stop giving me a choice.
He leans closer, the leather of his gloves brushing her jaw.
Adrian (ml)
Dangerous words, princess.
Milly (lia's Mom)
I heard you’re seeing someone.
Liam (lia's dad)
He’s not from a good family.
Milly (lia's Mom)
Don’t be insolent.
Lia exits the chat permanently
Adrian (ml)
I never said that.
Lia (fl)
You didn’t have to.
Adrian (ml)
Are you afraid?
His smirk is slow, dangerous.
Adrian (ml)
Then you’re already mine.
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