Chapter 14: Risky Proposition

Yohan's eyes darted between Camellia and Leo, a glimmer of hope and determination shining in his gaze. "Okay, then. I trust you, both of you. What do we do now?"

Camellia and Leo exchanged a weighted look, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on them. They knew that whatever path they chose, it would be fraught with danger and uncertainty.

"Yohan, we need to be very careful here," Leo began, his voice low and serious. "The NIS is the one with the resources and expertise to keep you safe. Going against their plan could put you in even greater jeopardy."

Camellia nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "But we can't just sit back and do nothing, Leo. Yohan's life is at stake, and we have to do everything in our power to protect him."

Yohan's gaze shifted between his two friends, his expression a mix of fear and determination. "I'm willing to take the risk, Camellia. I can't keep living in constant fear, wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. I need to take control of my own life, even if it means going against the NIS."

Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I understand, Yohan. But we need to be smart about this. We can't just charge in blindly and risk everything."

Camellia leaned forward, her eyes intense. "Then let's think this through, Leo. What options do we have? What can we do to keep Yohan safe without jeopardizing the NIS's plan?"

The three friends fell into a tense silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they tried to devise a plan that would keep Yohan out of harm's way.

After what felt like an eternity, Yohan spoke up, his voice hesitant but resolute. "What if... what if we went to the media?"

Camellia and Leo both turned to him, their eyes widening in surprise.

"The media?" Camellia echoed, her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Yohan took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly. "I mean, what if we went public with what's happening? Surely the NIS wouldn't be able to ignore the public scrutiny and pressure if we brought this to the attention of the media."

Leo shook his head, his expression skeptical. "I don't know, Yohan. That could be an incredibly risky move. The NIS might see it as a betrayal, and they could retaliate in ways we can't even imagine."

Camellia chewed on her lip, her mind racing. "But what if it works, Leo? What if the media attention forces the NIS to take more concrete action to protect Yohan?"

Yohan leaned forward, his eyes pleading. "Please, you guys. I can't keep living like this, constantly looking over my shoulder and wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. I need to take control of my own life, and if going to the media is the only way to do that, then I'm willing to take the risk."

Camellia and Leo exchanged another weighted look, the tension palpable in the air. They both knew that Yohan was right – he couldn't keep living in fear, and they had to do something to help him. But the risk of going against the NIS was immense, and they couldn't shake the feeling that they were playing a dangerous game.

After a long moment, Camellia reached out and placed her hand on Yohan's, her expression resolute. "Okay, Yohan. We'll do it. We'll go to the media and expose what's happening."

Yohan's eyes widened, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You... you really mean it?"

Leo sighed, his expression conflicted. "I still think this is a huge risk, Camellia. But if it's what Yohan wants, then I'm with you."

Yohan's smile widened, and he reached out to pull both Camellia and Leo into a tight hug. "Thank you, both of you. I know this is dangerous, but I feel safer with you by my side."