---
(Seo-rin's POV)
---
He was new.
Taeyang.
Sharp suit. Silver rings. A smile that could make trouble feel safe.
He said he was here for "a short-term alliance."
But from the way he looked at her?
Seo-rin doubted "business" was the only reason.
---
"You're prettier than I expected," he said casually, sitting across from her in the garden.
She blinked. "Excuse me?"
He chuckled. "Sorry. That came out wrong. I meant—you're different. From the rumors."
She raised a brow. "There are rumors about me?"
"Of course." His voice dropped. "The girl Jae-hyun's keeping close. The one no one's allowed to touch."
---
She felt a chill at the way he said it.
But there was something teasing behind his eyes—like he was poking a fire just to see who'd burn first.
"I didn't realize I was the mafia's hottest topic," she muttered.
"Oh, sweetheart…" He leaned in. "You're not a topic. You're a problem."
---
Then suddenly—he was gone.
Because Jae-hyun had arrived.
And everything in the air changed.
His posture was stiff. Eyes locked onto Taeyang like a warning shot.
"Leave," he said flatly.
Taeyang just smiled.
> "Don't worry, boss. I was only saying hello."
"Now."
---
As soon as Taeyang left, Jae-hyun followed.
Didn't look at her.
Didn't speak.
And for the next two days, he kept his distance.
---
No training.
No check-ins.
No glances.
Just pure avoidance.
---
At first, she told herself it didn't matter.
Then she started slamming doors just a little too hard.
Then she got tired of being confused.
And then—she barged into his office like a storm.
---
"You're avoiding me."
Jae-hyun didn't even look up.
"I'm working."
Seo-rin crossed her arms. "Really? Because it looks more like pouting."
His jaw clenched.
"Don't push me," he said quietly.
"I wouldn't have to—if you'd just act normal."
---
He stood.
Slow. Controlled.
But his eyes? Wild.
"You don't know who Taeyang is."
"I know he's charming," she said. "And polite. Which is more than I can say for you lately."
Jae-hyun stepped closer, voice like gravel.
> "He's not polite. He's dangerous."
"Then say that. Don't just disappear on me."
---
A long pause.
Then—
"Don't talk to men like him again."
Seo-rin stared at him.
"No."
His head snapped toward her.
She took a breath.
> "If you want me to stay away from him—say it's because you care. Not because he's dangerous. Not because I'm weak. Say it's because you don't want anyone else near me."
---
His lips parted.
But no words came out.
Seo-rin stepped forward.
"You won't say it. But it's true, isn't it?"
Jae-hyun didn't move.
Didn't deny it.
Just whispered—
> "You shouldn't know what I feel for you."
---
And left her standing there…
With a heart that finally understood everything he wouldn't say.
---
---