"That's precisely why we're here," he said. "To offer you an alliance."
"An alliance?" Eun-woo looked at him in bewilderment. "But... what can I offer you?"
Gunnar let out a short exhalation and moved a little closer.
"There are Guides within the rebellion. If you choose one, you could bond with him."
Eun-woo wanted to bond with Rhys.
He had known it long before he even understood what bonding meant, long before anyone had ever told him about Espers or Rifts. He'd known it when he first touched him, when he felt safe by his side, when his body began to seek him out.
But along with that thought came a clear memory from moments ago.
Rhys, his fingers clutching the hem of his shirt as he began to peel it off. His gaze unfocused. Terror, not at Eun-woo, but at himself. At what that closeness meant.
And then, panic on his face.
Eun-woo looked down.
He didn't want to force Rhys to do something that caused him fear or pain.
