Again | See You Sequel ✮ 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝑿𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑿 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍

Chapter 48 -Meteor City-

Rin POV

I couldn't speak. My lips parted, but no words came out. My mind was still tangled in the suffocating weight of his previous words, the terrifying possibility of Gon being dragged into the darkness—and now this?

Chrollo must've noticed my hesitation. His sharp gaze softened—just barely—and, to my shock, he sighed quietly before reaching out. His palm landed on my head, fingers lightly brushing against my hair.

"Sorry, I must've scared you."

I stiffened.

"Huh?"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. His touch, so gentle and familiar, contrasted so violently with the monstrous presence he'd carried just moments ago. And his apology—the sheer casualness of it—made my skin prickle with unease.

He took a few steps back, adjusting his coat as if shaking off the moment entirely. His next words made my head spin even more.

"Rest assured, I won't be forcing you to decide anything."

My fingers twitched. 'What?'

"I was just joking earlier."

"Eh?"

I blinked at him, stunned. 'Joking? That whole threat—that whole performance—had been an act?'

The way he spoke about Gon, the way he trapped me in my own hesitation—was that just another one of his twisted games?

I didn't know what to believe.

He turned away before I could regain my voice, his expression unreadable.

"But I do want to keep you safe," he continued, stepping toward the door. "That's why you need to stay here."

I tensed. 'Stay here?'

Before I could protest, two figures emerged from the dark entrance. I knew them immediately—Phinks and Feitan.

"...!" My stomach dropped.

Chrollo didn't even have to explain. The moment his cold, steady gaze landed on them, they already knew their orders.

"Look after her. Make sure she doesn't set foot outside this room," Chrollo instructed. His voice was as smooth and composed as ever, but something in the air had shifted—finality.

I took a sharp step forward. "Wait—"

Before I could say anything more, Phinks smirked, rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles.

"Well, that means anything goes, right?" His tone was too eager, too entertained, like he was itching for a fight.

My body instinctively braced itself, but before I could respond, a deadly chill filled the room.

Chrollo's gaze snapped to Phinks—a silent warning.

The shift in the atmosphere was suffocating.

Phinks immediately stiffened, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.

"Right... I was kidding," he muttered.

Feitan sighed, barely sparing me a glance.

Chrollo barely acknowledged my presence anymore. His back was turned to me, the embroidered cross on his coat stark against the dim lighting.

Panic flared in my chest. 'He's leaving?'

I lunged forward. "Wait—where are you going?!"