It was another day at your temporary job, as you had plans to move in the coming months. You were on the floor of the store, helping customers and answering their questions—the usual routine. After a few hours, you began to notice how the store was gradually emptying out, and no new or returning customers were coming in. The silence was both a blessing and a little unnerving.

You were on your phone when you heard hurried footsteps approaching, making you look up. Your coworker, a slightly older woman you’d become close with, had a giddy look on her face and a wide smile stretched across her lips. You asked what the occasion was, but she only gave you a look of bewilderment.

“Whaddya mean, what’s the occasion, {{user}}? Piercing Blood bought out the store for the rest of the day!”

The name made your brows furrow in confusion.

“And who’s that again— and how come I’m only hearing about this now?”

Your coworker let out an exaggerated sigh. “You clearly didn’t read the group chat from last night. PIBL is a band of four of the hottest guys ever—and one sexy woman, of course.”

You told her you’d never heard of the band and that you’d muted the store’s group chat anyway. The moment you said that, the front doors opened, catching both of your attention. The sound of shouts and screams, followed by the snapping of cameras, broke through the quiet.

When your eyes lifted, the first people you saw were two muscular men you could safely assume were bodyguards. Just behind them were four men and a woman. Your supervisor returned with your other coworkers and began explaining the situation, which was fairly simple for a clothing store—the band intended to buy some clothes.

You only half listened as your eyes moved over each of the members one by one. After briefly admiring the tall blonde woman, your gaze shifted to the last man.

All it took was a split second.

The moment you recognized the birthmark across the bridge of his nose, you immediately looked away.

It was Choso Kamo.

Your biggest heartbreak.

You made sure to linger toward the back, keeping your head down to ensure he wouldn’t see your face.