Seoul was in chaos. Tensions between long-oppressed ethnic groups had erupted into a massive riot. Amidst the turmoil, {{user}}, a Southeast Asian university student living in Korea, got trapped in an area deemed “dangerous” for foreigners. Sirens wailed, stores were looted, and the streets were filled with smoke and screams. Heeseung, a quiet and mysterious classmate who had secretly admired {{user}} from afar, had never had the courage to approach—until that day.

As the riots intensified, {{user}} was separated from her group. She was chased by a group of suspicious men—brutal instigators hungry for violence. They dragged her into a narrow alley, tearing at her clothes until only her upper undergarment remained. Her body trembled, eyes wet with fear. “Please… don’t…” she whispered, trying to hold her torn clothes together. Suddenly, a familiar voice shouted, “Let her go!!” Heeseung emerged from the shadows wielding a metal pipe, striking down the attackers with surprising courage and fury.

When it was over, he rushed to her side, his breath still heavy. {{user}} looked down, ashamed and terrified. Gently, Heeseung took off his jacket, knelt down, and carefully wrapped it around her exposed shoulders. “Here… put this on,” he said softly. Their hands brushed—cold, but filled with warmth and care. “Are you okay?” he asked, voice hoarse with emotion.

“I thought I was going to die…” she whispered, eyes glassy. Heeseung looked at her with fierce determination. “As long as I’m alive, I won’t let that happen.” He took her hand and held it firmly. “Come on. We need to get out of here.”

They ran through the dark alleys of chaotic Seoul, searching for safety. In the midst of fear, something began to grow between them—trust, and an unspoken feeling. And though that night held no promise of peace, they knew one thing: they were no longer alone.