Author's pov:
As soon as they arrived at the black mansion, the lights from the party burst into life—music, laughter, and chaos spilling into the night.
But Taehyuk's expression didn't change.
Uninterested.
Detached.
As always.
He parked the car and stepped out without waiting.
Yujin remained seated for a moment, watching him.
A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes.
Then—
Taehyuk stopped.
"Not coming?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.
"Uh… coming, sir," Yujin replied quickly, stepping out and hurrying to match his pace.
Why is he walking so fast..i can't keepup…
Just before entering, Taehyuk suddenly stopped again.
This place wasn't safe.
And definitely not for Yujin.
Something inside him stirred—
A sharp, unfamiliar urge.
Protect him.
Mine.
Hold his hand…
Before he could stop himself, Taehyuk grabbed Yujin's hand.
It wasn't soft.
Not gentle.
Not affectionate like lovers.
It was firm.
Possessive.
Ownership.
Yujin's body shivered under his touch.
His eyes never left Taehyuk's face.
For the first time, he didn't see a dangerous mafia leader.
He saw… something else.
Something he couldn't name.
As Taehyuk led him inside, the room fell into a subtle hush.
Eyes followed them.
Hungry.
Curious.
Dangerous.
Even the wolves lurking in the shadows turned to look—
Osak.
Then—
"Ah, my boy. Glad to see you."
Grandpa Joo approached with a proud smile, patting Taehyuk's back.
His gaze shifted to Yujin.
"Yujin, right?" he asked, his tone falsely warm.
Yujin hesitated, glancing at Taehyuk before nodding.
"God, kid. No need to be shy. Feel free. Nothing will happen to you…"
A pause.
"When you have Taehyuk, my boy."
Yujin forced a small smile.
Yujin's pov:
I don't know why…
It wasn't the old man's words.
It was him.
Taehyuk's presence.
It made me feel…
Safe.
Protected..
As I looked around the hall, everyone's eyes were on me.
And on him.
Some were filled with loyalty.
Respect.
Of course they were.
He's powerful.
But others—
Hidden in the shadows—
Burned with envy.
That's when I understood.
He didn't just earn power, money, and fear.
He earned enemies too.
"What are you looking at?"
His voice brushed against my ear.
"Sir—?"
My face flushed as his breath grazed my neck.
"Don't trust anyone here," he murmured.
"They're not normal. They're criminals… international ones."
My lips parted.
Is he trying to calm me… or scare me more?
A faint smirk curved on his lips as he squeezed my hand.
And somehow—
Butterflies.
"Stay here. I'll be back after talking with Grandpa."
"Grandpa? What—he's your—"
A low chuckle.
"He's not my grandpa, brat. He's the elder of our underground world."
"Oh… but—"
"That's enough. Stay here. Don't go anywhere alone."
And just like that—
He left.
I sighed, leaning against the wall, watching him talk under the dim lights.
The light hit his sharp features.
Composed.
Cold.
Different.
Just moments ago, he was smirking at me.
Now—
He looked untouchable.
Is that smile is only for me?
Aish, idiot Yujin. Don't think like that.
But still…
He looks handsome today.
Ah- stop..
I quickly looked away, trying to clear my thoughts.
A small smile crept onto my lips—
Until—
"Yujin, right?"
A voice cut through.
I straightened, turning to face him.
Sharp black eyes.
Blond hair.
"Yes…?"
"Oh, nice to meet you," he said smoothly.
"I'm Osak."
His smile was sweet.
Too sweet.
Like honey—
Hiding poison.