Bound by Sin and Light

Lisa stood in the courtyard, lost in thought. The cool evening breeze ruffled her hair, carrying the scent of blooming nightflowers. The sky was painted in deep hues of violet and navy, stars beginning to peek through.

She had been thinking—too much, probably. Jennie's words still echoed in her mind.

So don't ruin it by being scared.

Easier said than done.

Lisa sighed, tilting her head back to look at the sky. Maybe she should just go find—

A sudden whoosh of wind sent her hair flying as a massive shadow swooped down from the sky. Before she could react, strong arms wrapped around her, and suddenly—

She was airborne.

Lisa gasped, instinctively clutching onto the one who held her.

Jungkook.

His black wings stretched wide against the night, carrying them higher and higher.

Lisa's breath caught as she glanced down—oh gods, they were already so high. The castle lights twinkled below, and the vastness of the sky surrounded them.

Then, Jungkook's voice rumbled against her ear, low and dangerous.

"You've been hiding from me."

Lisa froze.

Jungkook's grip on her was firm, but not rough. His warmth seeped into her skin, his scent—dark spice and something inherently him—wrapped around her.

She swallowed hard. "I—I wasn't hiding."

Jungkook huffed a dry laugh. "Really?"

Lisa forced herself to meet his gaze. His dark eyes glowed with something unreadable, but she could sense the frustration simmering beneath.

"Lisa." His voice dropped lower. "Do you think I wouldn't notice?"

Lisa bit her lip. "I just needed—"

"Time?" Jungkook cut in, arching a brow. "Fine. I gave you time." His grip on her waist tightened slightly. "But not forever."

Lisa's heart pounded.

She wasn't sure if it was the height, or him. Probably both.

Jungkook studied her face, his expression unreadable.

Then, he did something unexpected.

He slowed his wings, letting them hover in the night sky. The castle, the world, everything below them felt so far away. It was just the two of them, surrounded by nothing but stars.

"Are you scared?" Jungkook asked softly.

Lisa blinked. "Of what?"

His gaze dropped briefly—to her lips, then back to her eyes.

"You know what."

Lisa's throat went dry.

She should lie. She should say something witty, turn the conversation around, make a joke, anything.

But she couldn't.

Because Jungkook was here. Holding her. Looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

And she wasn't sure what scared her more—falling from this height...

Or falling for him.

Lisa swallowed. "I don't know."

Jungkook's jaw clenched. His wings gave one powerful beat, pulling them even higher, until the wind roared around them.

Then, suddenly—

His arms loosened.

Lisa's eyes widened. "Jungkook—?"

"Trust me," he murmured.

And then—

He let go.

Lisa's breath hitched.

For a split second, she fell.

The wind rushed past her, her heart leaping into her throat—

Then, before she could scream, strong arms caught her again.

Lisa gasped, clutching onto Jungkook's shoulders as he pulled her back against him.

Her breath was ragged, her heart racing wildly.

Jungkook held her close, his lips brushing against her ear.

"That," he murmured, "is what you do to me."

Lisa froze.

Jungkook's grip was firm, unrelenting, as he carried her through the sky. "You drive me insane, Lisa. You avoid me. You hide. You make me want to tear the world apart just to find you."

Lisa's breath shuddered.

Jungkook turned his head slightly, his nose grazing against her temple.

"And yet..." His voice softened. "I'd still catch you. Every. Single. Time."

Lisa's chest ached.

She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply.

Then, slowly...

She relaxed against him.

Jungkook stilled.

Lisa let out a quiet exhale. "I wasn't hiding from you."

Jungkook said nothing, but his grip tightened.

Lisa hesitated—then, finally, admitted, "I was hiding from myself."

Jungkook's breath hitched.

Lisa clenched her fingers around his shirt. "But I don't want to hide anymore."

For a long moment, Jungkook didn't move.

Then—

He tilted her chin up.

Lisa barely had time to react before his lips crashed into hers.

And this time—

She didn't run.