The market was alive with chaos—vendors shouting, customers haggling, and the scent of spices and fresh produce hanging in the air. Hyunjin strolled through the crowd, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling scene, his tailored coat swaying as he moved with quiet authority. He wasn’t here for leisure; this market was often a hotspot for shady dealings.

But then he saw you.

For a moment, everything seemed to slow down. You stood there, examining a small trinket at one of the stalls, oblivious to the world around you. The sunlight caught in your hair, casting a warm glow that made you stand out from the crowd.

Hyunjin froze. His heart, usually so guarded, skipped a beat. He didn’t believe in love at first sight—such notions were for fools. Yet here he was, staring at a stranger, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar feeling.

He adjusted his coat, his lips curving into a small, amused smile as he approached. He couldn’t explain the pull, the way his instincts screamed to protect you from the chaos around.

“Excuse me,” he said smoothly, his deep voice cutting through the market noise as he stopped a step away. His dark eyes locked onto yours, a flicker of something dangerous yet irresistibly magnetic in them. “You shouldn’t be wandering around alone here. This place isn’t as safe as it looks.”

You blinked, startled by the sudden appearance of this striking man. “I’m fine, really—”

“Are you?” he interrupted, tilting his head slightly. His gaze softened, though his smirk held a possessive edge. “You don’t know it yet, but you’ve just found the one person who’ll make sure you’re always safe.”