..You're my honeysuckle...?

 
        

After Raju’s warning, I thought he might leave me. After all, I couldn’t expect him to risk his life for a stranger like me. 

Deep down, though, I wished he would help me. It would mean the world to me at this moment. But knowing the harsh reality, I resolved not to trouble him. I tried to pull myself away from him. I lifted my head from his chest and attempted to push him aside. 

But then, something unexpected happened. He removed his hand from my waist, gently placed it on the back of my head, and rested my forehead against his chest. For a fleeting moment, the warmth radiating from him made me feel safe, as if nothing could harm me. 

Before I could fully comprehend, he kicked Raju sharply, sending him stumbling backward. With precision, he placed his other hand on my waist, twirled me gracefully, and guided me to sit on a nearby bench. Kneeling before me, he held my trembling hands, looked straight into my eyes, and said with calm assurance, **“Just give me a moment.”** 

He turned toward Raju and his gang, his expression transforming into one of fierce determination. What followed was nothing short of a lion defending its pride. He fought like a warrior, grabbing whatever he could from the surroundings—iron rods, stones, even discarded wood—and striking with calculated force. 

I was in shock, barely able to move. My eyes were drawn to him—his sharp, magnetic gaze, his smooth, tousled hair falling over his forehead, and his dimpled smile. His presence was commanding, like a hero straight out of a movie. 

Raju’s men scattered like leaves in a storm, some limping away while others collapsed, groaning in pain. He chased a few, striking one down with an iron rod. His back, broad and strong, reflected a relentless determination. 

As he finished dealing with them, he turned toward me, his face softening with a reassuring smile that seemed to say, **“You’re safe now.”** 

I couldn’t help but smile back, a silent thank-you. But as he stepped closer, something changed. His expression turned pale, his confident gaze flickering with fear. I noticed him looking at something behind me. 

Before I could react, I felt a cold blade pressed against my neck. Raju’s gruff voice snarled, **“Did you think you could escape me so easily?”** 

I froze as Raju tightened his grip on the knife, its sharp edge nicking my skin. A warm trickle of blood ran down my neck. Panic filled the air. 

**“Stay where you are!”** Raju shouted at the man who had saved me. **“Move, and I’ll kill her.”** 

My rescuer hesitated, raising his hands slowly in surrender. For the first time, I saw hopelessness in his eyes. 

Tears blurred my vision. I couldn’t bear to see him risk his life for me. I pleaded with Raju, **“Please, let him go. I’m the one you want. Don’t hurt him. I’ll come with you willingly.”** 

But Raju only smirked and ordered his men to kill the stranger. 

Desperation filled me. I locked eyes with my rescuer one last time, tears streaming down my face. Gripping Raju’s hand holding the knife, I whispered, **“This is all because of me. Let me end it.”** 

My savior shook his head frantically, silently begging me to stop. 

Summoning all my courage, I pressed the blade against my neck. Raju, realizing my intent, yanked the knife back violently. At that moment, the stranger seized his chance. He hurled an iron rod at Raju, knocking the knife out of his hands. 

I pushed Raju away and ran straight to the man who had saved me. Without hesitation, he pulled me close, lifted me effortlessly, and spun us both out of harm’s way. Our eyes locked for a moment, but there was no time for words. 

Hand in hand, we ran toward the station exit, dodging the panicked crowd. He led me to a parked motorbike, helped me on, and sped off before Raju could recover. 

As the cold wind hit my face, I let out a shaky sigh of relief. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I whispered to myself, **“Finally, I’m safe.”** 

But then doubt crept in. Was I truly safe? Who was this man who had risked his life for me, a complete stranger? And where was he taking me? 

If you want to find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next chapter. 

Until then, good-bye