October 06, 20XX-Monday

"How much does this cover?" Taehyung asked shyly while adjusting his beanie.

"25 nights." The hotel clerk replied after taking the money Taehyung gave him.

Almost a month.

I hugged myself as I stared outside the window at the crazy wind.

Taehyung looked my way and gave me a small smile before returning a nod at the clerk.

The clerk nodded back and started typing into the computer.

"Have a seat and I'll let you know when I have your room ready."

I made space for Taehyung to join me on one of the couches in the lounge where I was just watching TV.

"This will at least keep us warm for a while, but we're starting to be low on money again." Taehyung counted the remaining bills as he nibbled on his bottom lip.

My heart dropped a little at the thought of us having no money again.

Taehyung turned my way and noticed my fearful expression.

"D-don't worry...Let's use this time well. We'll come up with a plan and everything will turn out fine."

Taehyung placed his hand over my own that were folded on my lap. He tilted his head as he tried to check on my reaction.

I cracked a smile. "Taehyung...thank you."

"Hm?"

"You're trying so hard. So, thank you."

He just smiled.

"Alright, got the keys synced to the room. It'll be on the second floor, first door on the right."

Taehyung helped me up before walking over to retrieve the key card.

"There you go. One king sized bed. Also, don't forget breakfast at 9am."

Taehyung took the keys with both hands. "Thank you, sir."

As we started walking out of the area, I felt excitement building up inside me. I could finally take a decent shower instead of the pit stop showers, have breakfast in comfort, and even stretch out in an actual bed.

As I was running through these thoughts, I happened to turn towards the TV where Taehyung's photo came into display.

Taehyung saw it too because we both froze as we read the news:

KILLER STILL ON THE LOOSE
DANGEROUS
PLEASE CALL IF SPOTTED
xxx-xxx-xxxx

My heart dropped.

Did the hotel clerk see it?

"Don't worry."

We turned around and stared at him as his eyes flickered from the TV to us.

Staring straight into our eyes, he promised,

"I won't tell."

And we believed him.