Chapter 30: In Your Arms (Steven POV)

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He didn't expect JL to show up.

Didn't expect to look up from his phone and see him -- flushed, sweating, eyes too wide-eyed and red rimmed to be okay, too proud to fall apart in front of anyone else.

But there he was.

And Steven, like an idiot, still had one earbud in.

Still hadn't figured out how to stop wanting him.

Still said nothing.

He just opened his arms.

Because what else do you do when the person you love looks like they just clawed their way out of a fire?

JL stepped in like he was afraid of his own legs. Like they might give out if he didn't lean on something -- someone.

So Steven became something.

Held him.

JL was damp with heat and adrenaline and that scent he always had -- like citrus and something sharp underneath, like exhaustion. His arms hung loose for a beat, then slid around Steven's back, slow and heavy. Not a hug. Just... anchoring.

Steven rested his cheek on JL's head.

Didn't breathe too hard.

Didn't think too hard.

Except he was thinking. Obviously.

Like: don't squeeze too tight.

Like: don't say anything you can't unsay.

Like: he's not yours.

But he stayed. And that was enough.



Running to You | Park Han + JL + Steven |  Haneulz + Stejay AUWhere stories live. Discover now