Chapter 8: The Golden Cage and the Open Sky
The temperature inside the gallery had plummeted. On one side stood Kim Si Jin's possessive protection; on the other, Park Hyung-suk's challenging smirk. There was a dangerous glint in Si Jin's eyes, the kind that made even the most powerful businessmen step out of his way.
Kim Si Jin: (Taking a step toward Hyung-suk, his voice low and heavy) Hyung-suk, your defeat in Tokyo isn't old news yet. Don't you dare lay your eyes on anything that belongs to me again.
Park Hyung-suk: (Laughing carelessly) "Anything"? You're still treating them like a possession, Si Jin? That is exactly your greatest weakness. Joon, remember... an artist doesn't need protection. They need experience and freedom.
Hyung-suk placed his card on the table and, after one last lingering look at Joon, disappeared into the night. Even after he left, the weight of his words remained in the air.
Silence and Shadows
After the press and guests had cleared out, Si Jin and Joon headed back to the penthouse in a heavy silence. Si Jin's jaw was set tight, his fists clenched throughout the drive. The moment they stepped inside, he gripped Joon's arm and pulled them toward him.
Kim Si Jin: (A mix of rage and anxiety in his voice) Why did you step forward? You didn't need to answer him. He was only trying to provoke you to get to me.
Joon Jimeya: (Calm but firm) I stepped forward because I am not an object for you to hide away. Si Jin, if I can't speak for myself, my paintings will lose their soul.
Si Jin pinned them against the wall, his breathing ragged. In his eyes was a fear that a powerful Alpha rarely shows—the fear of loss.
Kim Si Jin: (Whispering) I don't care what he thinks. I only care that you might listen to his talk of "freedom" and leave me.
The Turning Point: An Invitation to Tokyo
The next morning, Joon received an email. It was an invitation to the International Art Grand Prix held in Tokyo. The head of the judging committee was none other than Park Hyung-suk.
Going to Tokyo would mean a chance for Joon to establish an identity outside of Si Jin's shadow. But it would also mean moving away from Si Jin and closer to his greatest rival.
Joon Jimeya: (To themselves, looking out at the Eiffel Tower) Can I really leave him behind to find my own wings? Or does my "Golden Touch" only shine when I'm by his side?