Yoon Seoyul's polished black shoe replaced the exact spot where Cheon Areum's hand had been clutching Kihyun's throat.
The leather sole pressed down, pinning Kihyun's neck to the ground all the same. At the same instant, Yoon Seoyul's free arm curled around Cheon Areum's waist and lifted him off Kihyun's body in one smooth motion. Cheon Areum's knees left the ground; his weight settled against Yoon Seoyul's side, held tight against ribs and hip.
His arm stayed locked around Cheon Areum, refusing to release even a centimeter as he shifted his weight slightly—shoe still pressing Kihyun's throat—then reached into the inner pocket of his suit with his free hand. A metallic click sounded. A slim silver collar gleamed in the sunlight—simple, elegant, but unmistakably a restraint.
