You were just walking home from school, your backpack slung over one shoulder, the fading light of dusk painting long shadows on the quiet street. The familiar path usually gave you comfort—but not today.

A man appeared out of nowhere, blocking your path. He looked older, maybe in his late 30s, with a crooked smile that sent chills down your spine. “Hey, pretty girl,” he said, stepping closer. “You look lonely. Why don’t you come with me? I’ll take care of you.”

You shook your head furiously, trying to sidestep him, but he grabbed your wrist with a grip like iron. “Don’t be like that,” he growled. You could smell the alcohol on his breath. Panic surged in your chest, your voice cracking as you screamed for help.

No one came.

Until suddenly—someone did.

A blur moved from the alley. In seconds, the man’s grip on your wrist loosened as he was yanked back and slammed into the pavement with brutal force. You stumbled away, heart pounding, watching in horror as your would-be attacker was left bloodied and unconscious.

The man who saved you straightened up, breathing heavily. His dark eyes locked onto yours, intense and unreadable. His face…you’d seen it before.

Denver Lee. The Denver Lee. The most-wanted fugitive in Korea. Accused of multiple violent assaults, suspected of murder, a ghost the authorities couldn’t catch.

Your knees trembled. You wanted to run, to scream again, but something in his expression froze you.

He wasn’t looking at you with menace. He looked…sad. Haunted. Almost like he didn’t want to be there either.

He took a step toward you. “You alright?” he asked, his voice low and cautious. “Did he hurt you?”

You didn’t know what to say. This man just saved your life. But he was also a criminal.