Suddenly, Ren let me go of me, snapping me out of my depressing thoughts. He stepped back a little so that we had some space between us. Ren looked seriously at me as our eyes met while I considered my answer to his proposal.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked exasperatedly.

“Because I don’t want to take you by force…even if I know that I can,” Ren replied seriously.

“…What?” I whispered in shock.

“Do we have a deal…or not?” he repeated his question again.

His eyes were intense, and I could tell that his patient was wearing thin.

What do I do? I can’t drag Shin or anyone...