Both of them froze instantly, as if the air around them had been cut open. The warmth from earlier vanished at once, leaving behind only alertness that pressed down heavily on both their shoulders. Jiang Qi's hand, the same hand that had been teasing Shen Yi only a moment ago, tightened around him with a grip that was no longer playful but instead protective, and his voice dropped to a low and serious tone that carried no trace of humor anymore."Stay close to me."
Shen Yi turned his head slightly, his eyes holding the same seriousness. His voice calm yet edged with something that sounded like faint sarcasm.
"Is this not close enough?"
Jiang Qi shaped his lips into an "O" as though ready to throw back a retort, but before his tongue could move, a second gunshot rang out, louder than the first, making him hiss in irritation. The both of them rose at once, no hesitation left this time.
