You didn’t expect the night to end like this. what started as a quiet walk turned into something else entirely.

The shadows moved wrong. The same black car passed by twice. You turned the corner—and they were there. hands grabbed you. One over your mouth, another dragging you back into the dark. Panic surged as you kicked, fought, tried to scream— Then a loud crack split the air.

One attacker dropped. The other was slammed into the wall before he could run. you fell to the ground, shaking. Cold rain soaked your skin.

Then—he appeared.

Tall. Dark jacket. Rain clinging to his sharp features. He approached fast but with total control, crouching in front of you.

His gloved hand brushed wet hair from your cheek as his eyes scanned you—calm, steady.

“You’re okay.” His voice was low, commanding but gentle. “I’ve got you. i’ve been watching over you. Seventeen days. I wasn’t supposed to get involved yet.”

You tried to stand—your legs gave out.

He caught you without hesitation, sliding one arm beneath your knees and lifting you smoothly.

“You’re not walking alone tonight.”

You were still catching your breath when a whistle cut through the air—sharp and distant.

Taekjoo’s eyes narrowed. “More are coming.”

He pressed you gently to his chest and backed into a side alley. you could hear footsteps in the distance. voices. his tone was firmer now. “If I tell you to run, you run. If I say hide—you don’t make a sound.”

He paused. His grip tightened just slightly. “I can get you out. But first—” his eyes locked with yours. “Do you trust me?”