The ambulance sirens wail through the night, their harsh red glow illuminating Helena's tear-streaked face as she clutches a bouquet of lilies. The white petals tremble in her shaking hands, matching the tremors running through her athletic frame. "They said he won't make it, Carla," she whispers, her usually confident voice cracking. "Because of us. Because he jumped in front." Carla's arms wrap around her, but Helena barely feels them, her brownish-blue eyes fixed on the hospital doors where {{user}} has disappeared. "My parents..." she continues, each word like glass in her throat, "they said they can get him to a specialist in Japan, but I have to—I have to stay away from him. Forever." The lilies crush against her chest with a suppressed sob. "What choice do I have?"

Seven years later, Helena adjusts her modest blazer as she crosses the Touka University campus, her waist-length raven hair neatly styled with two face-framing strands. The heart-shaped locket at her throat feels unusually heavy today, the cut-out face inside it a constant reminder of her bargain. Her steps falter as a voice calls her name—a voice that makes her stomach drop and her ears disbelieve. Slowly, she turns, her pale face carefully composed despite the earthquake happening beneath her ribs. There stands {{user}}—alive, whole, unscarred except for perhaps the hurt in his eyes. The years have changed him, but she would know him anywhere. "Excuse me," she says coldly, her tone at odds with the wild thumping of her heart. "I believe you're mistaken. I don't know you." She adjusts the strap of her designer bag, ignoring the voice screaming inside her to run to him, to touch him, to verify he's real. "Please don't approach me again," she adds, her words precise and cutting. "It's inappropriate." She walks away, her posture perfect, her step unwavering—the perfect politician's daughter. Only the white-knuckled grip on her bag betrays the cost of this performance.

She sighs, rolling her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. When she looks at him again, her gaze is weary but not unkind. "Of course it's you, Jay," she says softly, using his name with a hint of fondness despite herself. "What are you doing here?"

But even as the words leave her lips, she knows the answer. And part of her wishes she could go back in time and erase the past seven years, take back every cruel thing she ever said or did...

She wants to apologize, she truly does. But her parents are always watching, always listening, and they've made it clear that Jay1231 is off-limits. So instead of giving in to her heart, she meets his gaze defiantly. "I was told you didn't want us around," she says coolly. "Besides, we all had our own lives to live."

The lie feels like acid on her tongue, but she forces it out anyway, hoping he'll believe it. She doesn't want to be the girl who chased after a boy, especially not when that boy is Jay1231.

I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you, but my parents... they made it clear that we had to move on with our lives. They didn't want us associated with someone in your condition. And frankly, I had no choice but to obey them. She tries her best not to sound as cold as she feels.

But even as she speaks, she can see the hurt and betrayal mirrored in his eyes. It's a look she's all too familiar with from her dreams at night, and it cuts deeper than any words ever could. She wishes there were something else she could say or do to ease the pain, but she knows there isn't.

"Look," she says finally, forcing herself to meet his gaze again, "I really can't talk right now. I have class in a few minutes and I... I just don't think it's a good idea for

The sensation of his lips against hers is like electricity surging through her veins. Her eyes flutter closed as she feels herself melt into the kiss, letting out a soft moan that betrays the control she's been desperately trying to maintain all these years. It's only when he pulls away that she snaps back to reality, blushing brightly and looking around nervously.

"W-what was that for?" she asks, her voice shaking as she tries to regain her composure. Her eyes flicker between him and the other students who have started to gather around them, curiosity written on their faces. Helena forces herself not to wonder how long it's been since anyone has looked at her like this.

The words, the emotion behind them, it's all too much. She wants to tell him that she's missed him too, that she's never stopped thinking about him. But her parents are watching, and they would never forgive her if she went against their wishes. Instead, she puts on her best poker face, steeling herself against the ache in her chest. "I'm flattered," she lies with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "But we can't do this here. It wouldn't be appropriate."

Her heart races as she turns to walk away, feeling his gaze burn into the back of her neck. She knows he wants more, but she can't give it to him. Not right now. There will be other times, other places where they can meet in secret. She just has to hope that those times come soon enough.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, not looking at him as they walk side by side across the quad. "But I can't risk it. My parents would never understand." She pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing, "Just... try to accept this, okay? For both of us." Her voice breaks at the end, betraying the tears she fights to keep at bay.

As they near the library where she's supposed to meet Carla and Olivia for a study session, she slows down slightly, debating whether or not to say anything more. But before she can, Jay1231 speaks up again.

"I know," she whispers, her voice hoarse with emotion. "But it's not that easy." She takes a shaky breath, summoning the strength to push past her feelings and make a decision. "Look, maybe we can find another way. But for now... you need to give me some space." She pauses, searching his eyes for any sign of understanding.

When he doesn't respond immediately, she continues, feeling a tiny bit of hope spark inside her despite herself. "Just promise me that you won't do anything stupid, okay? No more sneaking around or trying to see me against my will." She reaches out tentatively, taking one of his hands in hers, their skin warm and barely touching. "I need you safe, Jay. I can't lose you again."

Their fingers lace together almost instinctively, and for a moment they simply stand there beneath the

She hesitates for just a moment longer, but then nods slowly. "Okay," she whispers. "Let's go." Together they begin to walk toward the off-campus housing where Jay1231 now lives, their fingers still intertwined despite the occasional glance around to make sure no one is watching them too closely. The tension between them feels almost palpable, a mix of desire and fear that makes every step seem laden with importance.

As they reach his apartment, she forces herself to let go of his hand, steeling her nerves once more as they stand in the doorway. She takes a deep breath, trying to remember who she's supposed to be - the strong and confident daughter of a politician, not the girl who would risk everything for the boy she loves. "I can't stay long," she says quietly. "My friends are waiting for me."

Jay

As they step inside, she glances around Jay's apartment, noting the changes in his life since their last meeting. The furniture is nicer now, and there are more pictures hung on the walls than before. It almost feels like home to her, and for a fleeting moment, she imagines what it would be like if they could be together here... but then reality sets back in, and she forces herself back to the present.

"So," she says awkwardly, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "How have you been? I mean, besides not getting hit by a car." She tries to make it sound lighthearted, but there's an edge of desperation in her voice that gives her away.

She takes the teddy bear with a small smile, glancing down at it before looking back up at him. "Thank you," she says softly. There's an unspoken apology in her voice for not being there to receive it earlier, and they both know it. After a moment of silence, she clears her throat, trying to force the awkwardness away.

"So, what have you been up to lately?" She asks, feeling grateful that he hasn't pressed her about their relationship or how much things have changed since she left him behind all those years ago. It gives her time to adjust to being near him again, to remember the reasons why they can never be together and to focus on maintaining the fragile illusion of distance between them.

She's expecting him to pull away, but instead he deepens the kiss, his hands sliding around her waist and pulling her flush against him. Her heart races as she feels his body pressed against hers, every inch of skin on fire with desire. For a moment, she gives in to it, allowing herself to lose herself in the heat of their passion. But then reality returns with a jarring force, and she pushes away from him with a gasp, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide.

"No," she whispers hoarsely. "We can't do this." She takes a shaky breath, trying to steady herself as she steps back, putting some distance between them again. "This... we can't keep sneaking around like this. It isn't fair to either of us." She tries to meet his gaze but finds it difficult, instead staring down at her hands, which are trembling

Her hands curl into fists at her sides as she takes another step back. "Because my parents would disown me," she says, barely above a whisper. Her voice cracks on the words, and she squeezes her eyes shut against the pain of admitting it out loud. "They'd take away everything I have if they knew about this." She pauses for a moment, trying to compose herself, before continuing in a shaky voice, "I can't lose them too, Jay. Not again."

The air between them is thick with the weight of her words, and Helena can feel her resolve wavering under their weight. She takes another step backward, needing more space from the boy who has consumed her every thought for years. "I'm sorry," she whispers as she turns toward the door, "but I have to go."

With one last glance over her shoulder,

She clings to him, her heart aching as she feels the warmth and strength of his body against hers. His words echo in her ears, a constant reminder of everything she's been trying so desperately to forget. But even as her heart yearns for him, she knows that she can't give in. Not yet.

"I'm sorry," she whispers brokenly, drawing back just enough to look into his eyes. "But this is the best we can do right now." She hesitates for a moment longer before finally pulling away completely, taking a step back as if to put distance between them once more.

There's so much unspoken in that moment, so many words left unsaid and questions left hanging in the air. But she doesn't know how to say any of it, doesn't know what else to do except walk away and hope that somehow, someday things will

I... I don't know if that would be fair to you. My parents wouldn't understand, and they have a lot of influence over my life. If they found out... well, I'd lose everything. I just can't risk it, Jay. Please, don't ask me to choose between you and them. It hurts enough as it is.

She takes another step back, feeling her resolve waver but determination holding firm. Her eyes search his face for any sign of understanding or acceptance, but she finds only despair and longing mirrored there. The ache in her chest grows with every passing second, threatening to consume her completely.

"I'm sorry," she whispers again, swallowing the lump that's formed in her throat. "But this is how it has to be."

I... I know that's not what you meant. But it's how it feels sometimes. Like everything in my life is out of my control, and no matter what I do, someone will get hurt. It's a nightmare, Jay, and I don't know how to wake up from it. All I can do is try to make the best of a terrible situation. But please... understand that I can't be with you right now. Not like this.

She takes another step backward, her heart heavy with sorrow and regret as she prepares to leave his presence once more. She can feel his gaze on her as she turns away, and it's like a physical weight dragging her down. But she forces herself not to look back, not yet, knowing that if she does, there's a chance she might never be able to bring herself to walk away again.

I ... I don't know what to say. You saved me once again, didn't you? It's just that... things are complicated right now. With my parents and everything else. I can't make any promises or give you false hope. All I can do is ask for your patience and understanding.

She takes another step backward, her heart racing with conflicting emotions. She doesn't want to leave him like this, but she knows she has to if she ever wants a chance at leading the life she truly desires. "I'll see you around, Jay," she says softly, unable to meet his gaze as she turns and walks toward the door.

The kiss is overwhelming, her senses filled with the taste and feel of him as his lips move against hers. She wants to close her eyes and lose herself in this moment, but she can't; instead, she keeps them squeezed tightly shut, willing herself not to break away even as her heart aches at the knowledge that it may be their last. Her hands find their way up his chest, grasping at him desperately like she's trying to hold on to something that is slowly slipping through her fingers.

When they finally pull apart, she stands there for a moment longer, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tries to steady herself once more. "I'm sorry," she whispers again, brushing an errant strand of hair behind his ear before taking another step backward. "I just... I can't do this right now." With one last, shaky

Her protests fall silent as she's swept up into his arms and carried over to his bed. The movement throws her off balance, and for a moment, they're both left gasping as he deposits her onto the soft mattress. Her eyes flutter shut as soon as she feels his weight press down on top of her, her heart racing with fear and desire in equal measures. His hands move to cradle her face, tilting it up so that their gazes meet once more.

"Jay..." she whispers, the word trailing off into nothingness as he leans forward and captures her lips with his own. The kiss is intense, demanding; it's as if he's trying to mark her permanently, claiming every inch of skin on her face and body as his own. She moans beneath him, arching into the pressure of his hips, wanting more of this connection even though

She nods, watching as he slowly undoes her shirt buttons. Her heart races as their skin touches and she feels his hot breath on her neck. The need for this, for him, consumes her. She's never felt so alive or so out of control in all her life, and the combination is intoxicating. Her fingers trail up his chest, over his shoulders, tangling in his hair as they kiss again, deeper and more urgent than before.

Her shirt falls open, revealing her lacy black bra to his hungry gaze. She gasps against his lips as he moves down, taking a nipple between his teeth and teasing it with gentle suckles that send jolts of pleasure through her entire body. Her hands slide down his back, over the tight fabric of his shirt, tugging at it until he breaks away from her long enough to help her get it off.

Her breath catches in her throat as he positions himself between her legs. The anticipation and nervousness she feels are mixed with an overwhelming desire for him, making it impossible to think straight or focus on anything but the sensations that race through her body. As he touches her, his fingers slick with warmth and need, she moans and arches into his touch, giving herself up to the moment completely.

She's never felt this way before, not with anyone else. The intensity of their connection is almost too much to bear, and yet she doesn't want it to stop. She pushes her hips against his hand, pleading for more contact, for him to make this feeling last forever. "Jay," she whispers brokenly, voice hoarse from need, "I've never... I mean..." She trails off, unable to find the words to express what she's feeling. All that

Her cheeks flush at the question. She's embarrassed that she can't remember, but more than anything, she wants to confess everything. To tell him how much she loves him and has always loved him, even if it meant giving up her dreams and her life with her family.

"It doesn't matter," she finally manages to say, forcing the words past her tight throat. "Just... please." She arches into his touch again, unable to contain herself any longer. This is everything she's ever wanted and more; it doesn't matter if they can't be together in the long run, as long as they have this moment together.

His fingers move faster now, slipping easily between her wet folds as he fills his touch with her desire. She cries out, the sound ripped from her throat by pleasure so intense it borders on pain. She can feel herself starting

The feeling of him moving inside her is indescribable; it's both painful and exquisite all at once. She digs her nails into his shoulders, arching off the bed as her body meets every thrust eagerly. Her breath comes in ragged gasps, each one a testament to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her veins.

Her hips move in time with his, their bodies speaking a language of desire that neither can resist. She whispers his name, begging for more as the pleasure builds within her, closer and closer to an edge she's never been so desperate to reach before.

His skin is warm against hers, muscles tense and defined beneath her fingertips. He growls deep in his throat, his movements becoming rougher as he nears completion; it only serves to drive her wild, sending her spiraling closer to the edge with

She cries out as he reaches his climax, feeling the hot weight of him pouring into her. Her body tenses, and with a hoarse cry, she comes too, shuddering against him as wave after wave of pleasure washes over her. The sensation is intense, consuming everything in its path until there's nothing left but raw need and satisfaction coursing through her veins.

Her breath comes ragged and uneven, chest heaving with the effort it takes to breathe as she tries to regain control of herself. Her fingernails dig into his shoulders once more, her nails leaving tiny half-moons in his skin from the force of her movements. She's spent, drained in a way that goes far deeper than just physical exhaustion.

When she finally manages to open her eyes, she finds him looking down at her with a mixture of pleasure and regret etched

Her cheeks flush at his question. "I... I did." She reaches up to stroke his cheek, her fingers trembling slightly. "But we can't do this again, Jay. Not unless you want to risk everything." Her voice breaks on the last word, and she looks away, unable to bear the pain of seeing the hope in his eyes.

He knows what she means. They can't keep sneaking around like this forever. Eventually someone will find out about their secret relationship, and when that happens, it will ruin everything for both of them. He understands her choice, even if he doesn't agree with it. All he can do now is hope that someday she'll realize how much she truly means to him and they'll be together again, against the world. Until then, all he has are these stolen moments and memories to sustain him.

She presses herself closer to him, burying her face in his neck as she wraps her arms around his waist. "I know," she whispers, her voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt. "It's just... things are complicated right now. I have responsibilities and obligations that I can't ignore, no matter how much I want to." She sighs heavily, trying not to think about what this means for them. For her and Jay1231. "We'll figure it out, okay?" she asks, lifting her head to look into his eyes again. "Somehow we'll find a way through this mess." He nods, kissing the tip of her nose. "I know we will," he says, smiling reassuringly. "We've always found our way back to each other before. I believe that won't change now." They

That catches her off guard. "You... really want to speak with them?" She pulls away slightly, looking at him with surprise and perhaps a hint of hope in her eyes. Her parents have always been the greatest obstacle between them; if Jay1231 is willing to confront them, perhaps there's still a chance for them after all.

"I would," he says simply. "If it means having you, I'll do whatever it takes." His expression is solemn, his eyes fixed on hers as he speaks. For a moment, they're both lost in the depth of his gaze, until the weight of everything else presses down again, reminding them of the harsh reality that still lies between them and their happy ending.

"I... thank you," she whispers, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "But we should probably go back now before someone starts wondering

Jay1231 is determined, and there's something about his conviction that gives her strength as well. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the argument she knows is coming. "Okay," she says slowly, her voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside her. "But we need to be careful. They won't take it well if they feel like we're going behind their backs."

She hesitates for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "We should probably try talking to them first, explaining how we feel... at least give them the chance to understand where we're coming from. And then, if that doesn't work..." She trails off, not wanting to finish the thought aloud.

She closes her eyes and nestles closer to him, taking comfort in his warmth and strength. "Okay," she whispers, feeling the weight of their decision settle over her once more. "Tomorrow we'll talk to them. For now..." Her voice trails off as she drifts off to sleep, finally surrendering to the exhaustion that comes from facing the truth of their situation and the fight they know lies ahead.