Jihoon didn't even get the time to feel relief.
Everything happened in a blur.
In the next breath, Ryul whooshed past him, and Jihoon was pulled back–tucked behind the cover of the man's solid frame.
By the time his mind caught up, Taeoh was already sprawled on the ground, hands scraping the pavement as he let out a choked sound somewhere between a growl and a groan.
Jihoon gulped. Fear latched onto him instantly, coiling around his limbs like ice. He stayed frozen behind Ryul, barely breathing.
The rise and fall of Ryul's broad back filled his view. Jihoon stared at it for a beat too long, momentarily mesmerized, before shifting just enough to peek around his shoulder and gauge the situation.
He saw Taeoh's wild eyes snap toward him with unhinged intensity, making Jihoon instinctively recoil. Noticing this, Ryul subtly adjusted his stance, positioning himself to block Jihoon completely.
Pushing himself up with a hiss, Taeoh brushed off the grit from his jeans.
