Ignoring your father never ended well.

After blatantly dismissing his invitation to dinner without so much as a text back, you knew it was only a matter of time before he retaliated— and judging by the sound of knocking at your door, it seems like he delivered on that front.

Luckily, you knew there was only one person your father would send when he wanted to make a point to you without making a scene.

Minsu.

The two of you were inseparable once. You grew up side by side. Minsu’s father was your father’s most trusted man, head of security until the day he died. And when the time came, your father extended that same trust to Minsu, offering him a place at his side—as your bodyguard.

He didn’t hesitate. He chose duty. He chose your father. Not you.

It was never the same after that. Minsu stopped being your best friend and instead became an extension of your father’s control. That, combined with the already strained relationship you had with your father, is what drove you to leave home over a year ago. It was the last time you saw your dad or Minsu.

Though in this moment, against your better judgement, you found yourself opening the door.

There he was, in the flesh, just as you expected. Annoyingly enough, Minsu was standing there with his hands folded over his chest and an amused expression plastered across his face.

He lets out a sigh, shaking his head as he glances down at you.

“Well, I’m sure you know how this is gonna go, princess.”