Night was heavy with mist

Night was heavy with mist.

Outside, snowflakes drifted endlessly, covering the world in a soft, white blanket.

Inside the cozy little house, warmth filled the air — and from the kitchen, the comforting aroma of dinner spread through every corner.

Ren stood by the stove, messy hair falling over his forehead, a calm smile on his lips despite the faint tiredness in his eyes.

He stirred the pan gently, lost in thought, until suddenly —

Warm arms wrapped around him from behind.

Noa, his slightly swollen belly pressing against Ren’s back, hugged him tightly.

"What are you cooking tonight?" Noa asked, resting his cheek against Ren's shoulder.

Ren turned around slowly, gently pulling Noa into his arms.

"If you're still tired," he said softly, brushing Noa’s hair back, "you should go and sleep a little more."

Noa pouted, eyes full of mock irritation.

"How can I sleep when your little troublemaker is starting a war inside me?"

Ren let out a quiet laugh, dropped to one knee, and placed his hand softly on Noa’s belly.

Leaning close, he whispered with a tender smile,

"I know it’s not you who’s hungry… it’s your mommy."

He looked up at Noa with a teasing sparkle in his eyes.

"But he keeps blaming you, saying you eat too much — when really, it’s he going back for thirds."

Noa gasped, lightly tapping Ren’s forehead.

"Do I really eat that much?" he grumbled, his cheeks flushing pink.

Their playful laughter filled the small kitchen, wrapping the home in warmth and joy — a quiet, perfect world tucked safely away from the storm outside.

And then —

Ding dong!

The doorbell rang, shattering their little bubble.

They froze, exchanging a glance.

Ren chuckled softly.

"Now who could that be this late… in this kind of snow?"

"Go sit on the couch," Ren said gently to Noa, wiping his hands on a towel.

"I'll go see who it is."

Noa nodded, shuffling towards the living room, wrapping a blanket around himself as he sat down.

Ren made his way to the front door, the cold seeping in through the cracks.

But the moment he opened it —

—the smile on his face instantly vanished.

Standing there was someone he hadn’t expected.

His voice was low and sharp as he said, "What are you doing here?"

Before Ren could react further, the man lunged forward, grabbing him roughly.

In one swift motion, he covered Ren’s mouth with one hand and stabbed a knife into his side with the other.

Pain shot through Ren’s body as he struggled, trying desperately to push the man away.

He could feel the warm blood seeping through his shirt, but he refused to fall.

He had to protect Noa.

From inside, Noa's soft voice floated over,

"Ren? Who is it? Why aren't you coming in?"

Hearing Noa’s voice made the man turn his attention toward the living room.

He started moving toward Noa —

—but Ren, mustering all his strength, grabbed him from behind, refusing to let go.

When Ren didn't return, Noa grew worried.

He got up slowly and walked towards the door —

Only to stop in horror.

The sight before him made his blood run cold.

Ren was on the floor, holding onto a man who was clearly trying to break free.

Blood stained Ren's side.

Their eyes met —

Ren's face paled even more.

"Noa... Run! Get out of here!" Ren shouted, his voice trembling with both fear and pain.

Noa shook his head furiously.

He didn't want to leave Ren alone.

He couldn't.

"Please, Noa! For the baby! Run!" Ren pleaded desperately.

Finally, with tears streaming down his face, Noa turned and ran.

He rushed through the snowy fields, looking around desperately for someone — anyone — to help.

But the snowstorm had covered the area, and this place...

This place was isolated.

There was no one around.

Noa ran as fast as he could, but being pregnant, his body couldn't keep up with his fear.

His breath came out in sharp, painful gasps, and the world blurred with every step.

Tears froze on his cheeks.

He kept running... and running... until finally —

—with a soft cry, Noa collapsed onto the snowy ground, unconscious.

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