They jumped into the vehicle, and Leo quickly started the engine. The roar of the car drowned out the commotion outside as he glanced in the rearview mirror, watching as the crowd began to panic even more.
“Do you think they’re after us?” Mina asked, her voice shaky as she buckled her seatbelt.
“Whoever ordered the hit isn’t going to stop until they get what they want,” Leo said, his expression grim. “We need to get out of here and figure out our next move.”
As he accelerated out of the parking lot, Leo’s mind was consumed with thoughts of betrayal. Someone close to him was involved, and he wouldn’t rest until he found out who it was.
They drove in silence for a few moments, the weight of the situation hanging heavily between them. Leo glanced at Mina, noting the fear etched on her face. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.
“I—I think so,” she stammered, looking out the window as the city blurred past. “But what if they come after us again? What if we’re not safe?”
“We will be safe,” Leo reassured her, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “We just need to stay one step ahead of them.”
Suddenly, Mina’s phone buzzed violently in her pocket, breaking the tense silence. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen. “It’s Ryan’s assistant. Should I answer?”
Leo hesitated, then nodded. “We need any information we can get. But be careful.”
Mina took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”
“Miss Sato! Thank goodness you picked up. We just heard about Ryan,” the assistant’s frantic voice came through the line. “Are you both safe?”
“Yes, we’re okay for now,” Mina replied, her heart racing. “What do you know?”
“The police are investigating the shooting, but they believe it was coordinated. Someone hired more than one hitman. They’re saying that the sniper was likely working for the same person who sent the gunman after Ryan.”
Leo’s jaw tightened. “That means they’re still out there. They won’t stop until they finish the job.”
“Exactly,” the assistant confirmed, panic rising in her voice. “You both need to get out of the city immediately. I can arrange a safe place for you.”
“Do it,” Leo said firmly, taking a quick turn to avoid a roadblock. “And make it quick.”
Mina relayed the information to the assistant, and Leo’s focus sharpened as he maneuvered through the streets, dodging other vehicles. He could feel the tension building in his chest, the anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
*
 Mina stood on the terrace, lost in thought as she admired the Eiffel Tower glittering in the Parisian night. The tension of the past few days was finally easing, and for once, she just wanted to enjoy a peaceful moment. She didn’t even notice when Leo quietly slipped into her room, standing just behind her.
“What are you looking at?” Leo’s voice, smooth and amused, cut through her daydream. 
Mina jumped, whirling around. “Leo! How did you even get in here? You can’t just barge into a girl’s room like this. It’s improper!”
Leo raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, so now we’re talking about proper manners? You’re the one who keeps mentioning you’re a… ‘pure young lady.’” He leaned in, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Are you trying to tempt me or something?”
Mina’s face turned a deep shade of red, and she quickly looked away, clutching the railing for support. “That’s… that’s not it at all! Why would you even say something like that?” she stammered.
“Well,” Leo shrugged, his grin widening, “last night you were practically begging me to stay with you. You even asked me to…” He paused dramatically, watching her expression. “Teach you how to… y’know, ‘have a little fun.’”
Mina’s jaw dropped, and she could feel her cheeks burning. “That’s… that’s impossible! I don’t remember saying anything like that!” She covered her face in embarrassment. “And if I did, I was probably dreaming! And, and… in my dream, I was talking to a famous kdrama actor—not you!”
Leo’s laugh echoed softly, and he couldn’t resist ruffling her hair. “Relax, Mina. I’m just messing with you.” He watched her embarrassed reaction with pure amusement, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her flustered state. “Besides, even if you were serious, I’d never take advantage of a sleepy, half-dreaming Mina.” 
Mina peeked at him from behind her fingers, narrowing her eyes. “You… you’re terrible, you know that?”
“Yeah, but you like me anyway,” Leo grinned, leaning down to press a soft kiss on her forehead. “Now, come on. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’re taking a little tour of the city.”
Mina’s eyes softened, and a small smile escaped her lips. “Fine. But don’t even think about sneaking in here again, okay?”
Leo raised his hands in mock surrender. “As you wish, mademoiselle. I’ll just sleep with one ear open, you know, in case you need to beg for my company again.”
Mina rolled her eyes, pushing him toward the door with a laugh. “Out. Now. And stay out!”
Leo chuckled as he backed out of the room, giving Mina a wink as he closed the door. “Sweet dreams, Miss ‘Pure Young Lady.’ And just so you know, I’m in the room right next to yours… separated only by a connecting door.”
Mina’s eyes widened. “What?! You mean… you’re just there? Right on the other side?”
Leo shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. “Yup. So if you need anything, just a knock away.”
Mina rolled her eyes, trying to play off her embarrassment. “Trust me, I’ll be fine without your… assistance.”
He smirked, leaning against the doorframe. “Alright then. But if you feel like sleep-talking again, I’m right here to listen.”
Mina huffed, pointing at the door. “Out. And I will lock the connecting door, please, now.”
Leo chuckled, backing up with his hands raised in surrender. “As you wish, mademoiselle. Just try not to miss me too much.” With one last grin, he finally let the door close, leaving Mina to fume in embarrassed silence.
*