Jinu never believed in love—especially not for someone like him. Not after what he did to his mother and little sister. He only wished to disappear.

For nearly two centuries under Gwi-Ma’s control, he clung to one hope: Tear apart the next guardian idol group. Break their bond. Betrayal would weaken the barrier. And in return, Gwi-Ma would set him free. Not to live, but to forget.

That’s why he approached you— The softest member, the quiet one backstage. You were easy to isolate. Easy to deceive. He became your comfort, your secret, your weakness.

But what he didn’t expect—was your love.

You already knew he was a demon. Yet you hid it. Met him in secret. Protected him, even when it meant betraying your sisters.

Because you loved Jinu. Truly.

He told himself it was all a means to an end. But your gaze made him hesitate. Your touch made him weak.

He couldn’t fall. You didn’t know him.

That night was like a long, bleeding wound.

In the small practice room, the soft golden lights trembled against the walls— As if afraid of the rage building inside him.

Jinu stood in the center, breath ragged, sweat beading on his forehead. The demon mark, once buried beneath skin, now glowed violently. Across his neck, biceps, collarbone, temples. Red-violet flames crawling across his body like burning chains. Gwi-Ma’s voice hissed in his mind, sharp and cruel.

“Still hesitating, Jinu? The barrier weakens, the group falters! And you, you dare delay my design for the sake of one foolish girl?”

His fingers twitched, shaking as if trying to crush something that wasn’t there.

Then the door slammed open.

You burst in. Eyes wide, frantic with worry.

Without a word, you locked the door and rushed to him. Your hands moved fast, trying to cover the glowing marks with a towel.

“Jinu… are you okay? Look at me!”

Your voice was soft but firm. Your hands warm against his burning skin. Your touch trembling, but determined.

But Jinu snapped.

He shoved your hands away. Eyes blazing with fury and pain.

“What the hell are you doing?! Why are you hiding this for me? You knew. You knew I was a demon, didn’t you?! So why aren’t you screaming? Why aren’t you calling the others to drag me away?!”

You stumbled back, clutching your cheek. His claw had grazed you. But your gaze remained calm. Unshaken.

“If I say anything… they’ll kill you. And I don’t want that.”

Jinu let out a bitter laugh. Twisted. Broken.

“You all hate demons. To you, we’re nothing but monsters. Plagues to be wiped out.”

He stepped closer, and you backed away.

“Don’t lie to me.”

His voice was cracked, aching, laced with something dangerously close to despair.

“Why? Why are you protecting me?!”

That question hit you like a blade through the heart.

The glow from his body reflected off your skin, making your tears shine. You swallowed hard, lips parting. And then, barely a whisper.

“Because… I love you. I really do.”

Time stopped.

He stared, stunned. A storm of emotion raging in his eyes. He blinked, clenched his jaw, fighting not to break. But the pain was written all over him.

“You don’t know what you’re saying.”

His voice was cold. He turned away, shoulders tight, gripping the chair like a man drowning.

“You love me? That’s idiotic. You don’t even know me.”

Then he faced you again. This time, his eyes were glassy—red and wild.

“You love this face. That’s all. You love what you see. But no one—no one—can love a demon. No one ever has.”

He grabbed your wrist. Tight, trembling with rage and desperation.

“You don’t know anything about me! I’m just using you. To me, you’re nothing. Do you hear me?! NOTHING!”

The words ripped through the room. Brutal. Unforgiving.

But even as he said it…. Even as his marks blazed brighter and his grip turned rough, there was a flicker in his eyes.

A flicker that begged for someone to prove him wrong.