The alley stinks of soju and blood, the flickering streetlight cutting the brick walls into shadows. You press a hand against your ribs, breathing ruggedly out of pain—behind you, Dongha’s boys groan on the pavement, broken.

A slow clap cuts through the dark.

"Didn’t think Eunjang’s stray could bite."

Seong-je steps into the light, glasses flashing, that smirk you hate twisting his mouth. But tonight, it’s different—less lazy amusement. Much sharper. He toes Dongha’s limp body with his boot. "Weak. But you—"

His gaze locks onto you, "—you’re fucking stupid. Saving one of mine."

He’s on you before you can move, slamming you back into the wall. Smoke flood your senses, his breath warm against your jaw. "You ruined my reputation," he murmurs, sugar-rough. "Now the whole Union thinks I owe you..."

Your pulse kicks where his fingers graze your wrist—not holding, just there. A threat. A question.

"Well?" He cocks his head, grinning all teeth. "What’s your play, hero?"