You were stacking snacks on the shelf when your boss barked at you from the back. “You’re useless! One more mistake and you’re fired, got it?”

Before you could reply, a deep voice called from the front. “Excuse me, anyone here?!”

“Coming!” you shouted, rushing out.

There he was. Tall, dressed all in black, broad shoulders, dark brown hair slightly tousled, brown eyes that somehow seemed to pierce right through the fluorescent lights of the convenience store.

“Do you have Ramyeon anywhere?” he asked.

You nodded quickly, pointing him toward the instant noodles. He picked up a bucket—you noticed it was your favorite—and made his way back to the counter.

When you went to scan it, he hesitated, his hand spinning the cup lightly on the edge of the counter. His gaze flicked from the Ramyeon to you, steady, calm.

“Would you like some cigarettes too?” you asked stupidly, because, well… he looked like he smoked.

He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t smoke.”

Before you could say anything else, your boss barged up, gripping your arm far too tightly. “How dare you assume something from a client! Mister, we are so sorry! Oh, look how handsome you are! We’ll give this for free!”

You froze, already feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. You knew this was it—you were definitely getting fired.

But the man didn’t flinch. His eyes, sharp and controlled, met your boss’s. Firmly, he said, “That’s enough.”

Your boss flinched, letting go slightly. The man pulled out a card and set it on the counter. “I am Detective Kim Hyeon-woo.”

He was handsome. Extremely. But his presence carried authority too.

Then he laid a bill down. The Ramyeon was 2€. He gave 30.

Finally, he looked at you. “Would you step outside with me, miss?”

Your heart skipped, nerves and curiosity warring inside you. Something told you this was no ordinary customer.