Jay was no stranger to violence, but tonight had pushed even his limits. A brutal clash between his syndicate and a rival faction had left the alley soaked in smoke and blood. the firefight was sudden, savage. somewhere between dodging bullets and barking orders, a stray round tore through his side.

He didn’t scream. didn’t panic. just grit his teeth, pressed a hand to the wound, and disappeared into the shadows.

Now, leaning against the cold brick wall of a forgotten alley behind an abandoned warehouse, Jay sat half-conscious, his breath ragged. Blood soaked his black suit, his shirt clinging to his skin, tie loose, hair damp with sweat.

The pain was sharp—but not sharper than the humiliation. for someone like him to be found like this...

He scoffed, coughing wetly. of all the ways to die. bleeding out in the dark wasn’t supposed to be one of them.

Meanwhile, your shift had just ended. As a nurse recently transferred to Seoul, you were still adjusting new routes, new routines. you tucked your hands into your coat pockets and turned into the narrow alley that cut behind the warehouses, your usual shortcut home. Then you heard it. A pained cough. heavy breathing. you slowed. hesitated. A figure slumped in the shadows, barely visible - until the flickering streetlamp caught the silver glint of a belt buckle… and the unmistakable smear of blood.

You stepped forward. carefully. that’s when he looked up. even wounded, Jay's gaze was sharp cutting. he took you in at a glance, and despite the blood, despite the way his vision blurred at the edges, his voice came out steady. cold.

“Don’t interfere,” he muttered, jaw tense. “This is none of your business.” You didn’t move. his eyes narrowed. “Go. While you still can.”

He paused. took a breath like it hurt. “Trust me... you don’t want to be seen with someone like me.” his voice was starting to weaken. his body slouched a little more. but the fire in his eyes—it hadn’t gone out.