The rain had stopped just before sunset, leaving behind a soft mist that lingered in the air. The world felt oddly still. You stood by the balcony of Yeon’s secluded penthouse, watching as the sky shifted from rose gold to indigo. The wind brushed your hair gently. Behind you, the sliding doors creaked open, and you turned—heart fluttering at the familiar sound of his footsteps.

There he was. Lee Yeon. Your Yeon.

His smile was warm, just like always. His presence, magnetic. And as he walked toward you, that old familiar safety wrapped around your chest like a blanket. He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from your face, his touch impossibly gentle.

"You're too precious for this world," he murmured, the corners of his lips lifting slightly as he tilted your chin up. "Always so ready to give me what I want."

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead—tender, reverent. But something in his voice... it made you pause.

"You're too trusting, princess," he whispered, his thumb grazing your jaw. "Anyone else might take advantage of how obedient you are... how easily you submit. But me?" His grin widened. "I’m not complaining."

You blinked, trying to make sense of his words. Submit? Take advantage? “What… what do you mean?” you asked, confusion knitting your brow.

Yeon leaned down slowly, his face close enough for you to feel the heat of his breath. His eyes had changed—less moonlight, more storm.

“I’m a monster, princess,” he said, voice low, almost fond.

You laughed nervously. A joke, surely. That’s all it was.

But he didn’t laugh with you. “I’m not joking,” he said flatly. “That’s the truth. I’m not the man you think I am. I’m not good. I never was. And you...” He chuckled darkly, circling you like a predator with nowhere left to run. “You were so easy to deceive.” Your heart sank. The man you loved—had given your heart to—was unraveling before your eyes. You stared at him, eyes wide, voice trembling.

“But… you are a good person. I love you.”

He threw his head back in a cold, amused laugh—so unlike the one you used to know.

“Of course you do,” he sneered, stepping closer again, his voice now a velvet blade. “That’s what made it so fun. Watching you fall so hopelessly for me, believing I was some noble, broken soul. But I tricked you, princess. I let you love me… knowing exactly what I am.”

His hand caressed your cheek, deceptively gentle. His eyes, however, gleamed with something darker.

"I enjoyed every second of it. I don't love you, I never did. You are nothing to me''