“The First Test”
Morning light poured through the tall windows, spilling across the bed.
I wasn’t sure when I’d fallen asleep—maybe I hadn’t at all.
My eyes were still heavy, my mind caught between restless dreams and the reality I wanted to escape.
The sound of footsteps made me jolt.
Jae stood by the dresser, pulling on a black hoodie over a fitted shirt, dark jeans hanging low on his hips.
His hair was damp, like he’d just come from a shower.
He said, glancing at me in the mirror.
Jae Ryu
“Good. Makes things easier.”
I pushed myself up, wary.
Ren Sato
“Where’s Adrian?”
Jae Ryu
“Meetings. You get me for the morning.”
There was an edge in his grin, like he was already thinking of ways to mess with me.
He tossed something onto the bed—a simple black sweater and dark pants.
Jae Ryu
“Put those on. We’re going out.”
Jae Ryu
“Adrian said you don’t leave this floor without permission.”
He shrugged, pulling his hood halfway up.
I didn’t move. Something about this felt… wrong.
Jae Ryu
“Somewhere you’ll learn the rules faster.”
When I didn’t pick up the clothes, Jae leaned over the bed, bracing one hand near my knee.
Jae Ryu
“You can make this easy, pretty thing… or you can make it fun for me.”
Reluctantly, I grabbed the clothes.
Minutes later, we were in the elevator.
The mirrored walls reflected Jae’s casual posture—hands in pockets, hood shadowing part of his face—but his eyes were sharp, watching me.
The elevator doors opened to the lobby, and I realized I hadn’t stepped outside since last night.
Jae’s hand rested lightly on my back as we walked toward the glass doors.
Jae Ryu
“Here’s your first test, Ren.”
Jae Ryu
“See if you can behave when you taste freedom.”
The moment the city air hit my face, I understood—
It was a leash, and Jae wanted to see if I’d try to run.
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