Beneath the Starlit Shadows.

her glasses fogged slightly from the warmth of the room. The events of the day swirled in her mind like a whirlwind Jihoon's sudden

phone buzzed on the table, but he ignored it, his focus fixed on something unseen. After what

here tonight,"

caught off gua

tone leaving no room for argument. "Those men... they

even know what's going on. Why are these people

f her, his dark eyes meeting hers. "I know you have questions, Hana. And I'll answ

h hitched. "

he centerpiece was a star-shaped pendant, its surface catching the light like it was kissed

softly. "She used to say it was more than

choed, her voice ba

ld protect the person I care about most." He gently took her hand,

ed at him, searching his face for some hint of insi

this," she finally sai

low but firm. "Because as long as you wear it, I'l

he didn't need his protection, but deep down, she knew she couldn't. Slowly, she allowed him to fasten the b

voice softening. "Now, y

e star-shaped charm. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thic

stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Because you're the only light I

the city below, her thoughts a tangled mess of fear, confusion, and something else she couldn't q

crept into her chest. She couldn't shake the feeling that this bracelet was m

ble. He knew he had crossed a line, but he couldn't help himself. Hana

y anyone who dared