Adrian looked around the humble shelter, yet his gaze carried a hint of contentment and warmth. A soft smile appeared on his lips as he focused on Elise, his voice gentle and steady. "I think this place is perfect."
His tone was filled with tenderness, and his eyes reflected an undeniable attachment. It was as if this worn-down hideout had become warm and inviting simply because Elise was here.
Elise was briefly startled but soon smiled as well. She, too, glanced around the modest little house. It was merely a temporary refuge, lacking even proper furniture, yet to her and Adrian, it had become their private sanctuary—a place that belonged only to the two of them.
Adrian took her hand, fingers interlocking, his warmth slowly transferring to her palm. Elise lowered her gaze, gently tracing his fingers, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Her eyes held a trace of shyness, but they couldn't hide the happiness within.
Livia, standing to the side, watched the lovestruck couple with an exaggerated eye roll, crossing her arms as she teased, "Ugh, you two are unbearable. Could you at least pretend to care that I'm still here?"
Elise's face grew even redder. Embarrassed, she bit her lip lightly but did not pull her hand away. Instead, she murmured, "I'll come back to see you from time to time, Adrian. And… I'll tidy this place up a little, make it cleaner."
Hearing that, the affection in Adrian's eyes deepened. He raised a hand, gently tucking a stray strand of Elise's hair behind her ear, his fingertips brushing against her cheek with a soft, lingering touch. His voice was low and tender. "As long as you're here, even this place will feel like home."
Elise looked up at him, unable to stop the smile forming at the corners of her lips. She reached out and dusted off his shoulder with a hint of reprimand. "That doesn't mean you should just live like this. At least keep it clean."
Adrian chuckled, suddenly pulling her closer by the waist, their foreheads touching. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Then I'll leave it to you, my lady."
Elise's blush deepened at his sudden closeness. "W-Who's your lady?" she huffed.
Livia, unable to bear it any longer, knocked on the wall loudly, breaking the moment. "Hey, hey, hey! Watch the time and place, will you? This might be your little 'love nest,' but I'm still here! If you keep this up, I might just leave early."
Elise burst into laughter, and even Adrian chuckled softly. Yet, he didn't let go of Elise's hand—if anything, he held it even tighter, as though wanting to etch this moment into his memory forever.
Despite the worn-down shelter, despite the dangers lurking beyond, for this brief moment, the two of them saw only each other. And that fleeting warmth was enough to be their anchor against the coming storm.
After ensuring they hadn't left any clues behind, Adrian took one last look at the hideout, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. It was crude, damp, and temporary, yet it held their secrets and the short yet precious moments he and Elise had shared. But their journey was far from over. Every step from here on would be critical.
They stepped into the night, moving through the concealed paths, gradually leaving their hideaway behind. In the distance, the town's lights flickered, like guiding beacons calling them back to reality.
Upon reaching the safe zone, Livia came to a stop and turned to Adrian. "You should stay here and continue observing the water pipes. If these pipes truly connect to the entire underground network of the suburbs, we'll need someone to track them long-term."
She paused, then looked at Elise with a softer expression. "You should stay here with Adrian. At least someone will be around to look after him."
To her surprise, Elise shook her head. "No, I'll go back with you."
Livia was momentarily taken aback, assuming Elise was worried about her. Just as she was about to reassure her, Adrian spoke first. "No, you should go back."
Livia frowned, her tone slightly displeased. "How can Elise just leave you here alone? She'll be worried sick."
Adrian sighed softly, grasping Elise's wrist. His voice was gentle but firm. "That's exactly why she should go back."
He looked up, his gaze calm as still water. "Elise, my work is only just beginning. I can't keep hiding here. I have to continue my investigation, carry out my plans, and make sure all of this effort isn't in vain. Only by doing so can I truly stand my ground—only then can I protect you and secure a future."
Elise pressed her lips together, satisfied with Adrian's answer. His determination, his sense of responsibility—those were the things she admired most about him. She knew he would never choose to run away; he would fight with everything he had to change his fate.
Livia, watching the two of them exchange gazes, smirked slightly, a hint of approval in her eyes. She nodded slowly. "Alright. Since you both understand what's at stake, I won't argue. Elise, come with me. Adrian, report back to us if you find anything."
Elise let out a small sigh, finally loosening her grip on Adrian's hand, though her eyes still reflected deep reluctance. She reached up, adjusting his collar slightly, and murmured, "Just be careful, alright? Don't overwork yourself."
Adrian smiled, his gaze warm. "I promise."
Livia shook her head with a chuckle at their lingering farewell. Without waiting, she turned and began walking toward the town.
Elise hesitated for a moment, then cast one last glance at Adrian before quickly catching up with Livia. Under the dim glow of the night, her silhouette slowly faded into the distance.
Adrian stood still, watching her figure disappear into the darkness. Only when she was completely out of sight did he take a deep breath, suppressing the longing in his heart.
Then, he turned and stepped back into the shelter, resuming his investigation.
He knew the road ahead was long.
And he had to become strong enough—strong enough to protect the person who mattered most to him.