[ without thinking, vie shifts closer so they don't have to stretch as far to meet. at least the warmth of jaejin's hand helps ease some of the tension radiating through him. ]

Then we will leave it to chance. [ whatever flight they can board when they get there, they'll take. he can figure out the rest later. ] But I want you to be certain this is what you want. I don't know how long we'll be gone.

[ it's complicated now. everything's complicated, and he's exhausted, the pain he feels tiring him more at the thought of traveling for so long while constantly being on-guard. vie doesn't want to put that pressure on jaejin either, not after he's just killed someone for him. the thought is a strange one, makes him feel even stranger as they navigate what traffic there is at this hour. his fingers squeeze tightly, holding onto jaejin much more forcefully than he intends. being alone isn't what he wants, so he'll do everything he needs to in order to keep them together. ]

I'm sorry, [ he says a few seconds later. ] Something like this used to be easier. I suppose being married for so long made me soft. I don't want to make the wrong choice.

[ because he can't afford to mess up again and lose jaejin for real. ]