Jung-Wook closed his eyes, his left hand resting gently on the dressing mirror in his room. As he opened his eyes, the reflection shifted, revealing Hye-Jin conversing with an unseen figure.
"Why can't I see the man's face? Why can't I hear their conversation?" he murmured to himself, a sinister smile creeping across his lips.
---
In the dimly lit parking lot, Hye-Jin, also known as Ji-Hyun, stood with a tall man cloaked in a black hooded robe, adorned with a small stripe of red. Her gaze fixed on the eye and flame symbol etched on his forehead.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Είμαι ο Εωσφόρος, ο διάβολος (Eímai o Eōsfóros, o diávolos)," he replied in Greek, then translated, "I am Lucifer, the devil."
"W...what do you want?" Her voice cracked.
"Ji-Hyun... I'm just here to fulfill my promise," he paused, a smirk playing on his lips. "Who do you think gave you that blood when you were sick?"
"It's me, my blood runs through yours," he continued. "I promised your parents to protect you. I've watched you endure the worst because I wanted you to learn some lessons." He caressed her cheek gently. "Your parents gave their souls to me to ensure your protection."
"You killed them?" she asked, her eyes wide with fear.
"No, someone was one step ahead of me, killing them before I could," he replied.
"Who?" she demanded.
"Find out yourself," he said, his voice cold.
"Now, my blood runs through yours, and that means I've fulfilled my promise by giving you half of my powers," he declared.
"What?" she gasped in surprise.
"Σε περιμένω στην κόλαση, καθώς μπορείς να αποκαλείς τον εαυτό σου την υιοθετημένη μου κόρη (Se periméno stin kólasi, kathós boreís na apokalís ton eaftó sou tin yiothetiméni mou kóri)," he said, this time without translation.
And then, in an instant, he vanished, leaving her alone in the parking lot.
Hye-Jin stood frozen in the parking lot, her mind racing with the revelations. The air around her seemed to crackle with the remnants of Lucifer's presence. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
Determined to uncover the truth about her parents' death, Hye-Jin decided to seek out the mysterious figure who had outmaneuvered Lucifer. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she felt a newfound strength coursing through her veins, a gift from the devil himself.
Back in his room, Jung-Wook was still staring at the mirror, trying to make sense of what he had seen. He felt an inexplicable connection to Hye-Jin's plight, as if their fates were intertwined.
As Hye-Jin delved deeper into her investigation, she encountered a series of cryptic clues that led her to an ancient library hidden beneath the city. There, she discovered a dusty tome that spoke of a powerful sorcerer who had once challenged Lucifer and lived to tell the tale.
The sorcerer's name was Arin, and according to the book, he possessed the knowledge and power to defeat even the most formidable of demons. Hye-Jin knew she had to find Arin if she had any hope of uncovering the truth and protecting herself from the dark forces at play.
Meanwhile, Jung-Wook's search for Hye-Jin brought him to the same library. As he wandered through the labyrinthine corridors, he felt a strange pull guiding him towards a hidden chamber. There, he found Hye-Jin, engrossed in the ancient tome.
Their eyes met, but he quickly hide,escaping from her gaze.
—————
On the other hand, Ji-Hoon's fame adds a complex layer to their connection, creating both challenges and unique moments of intimacy. On one hand, his status as a well-known K-pop idol means that their relationship is often under the scrutiny of the public eye. The constant attention from fans and media can be overwhelming, making it difficult for them to enjoy simple, private moments together.
However, this fame also brings a sense of shared adventure and resilience. Jae-I's understanding of Ji-Hoon's world, having been a fan herself, allows her to navigate the complexities of his celebrity life with empathy and grace. Their bond is strengthened by the trust and support they offer each other, knowing that they must face the pressures of fame together.
Ji-Hoon's fame also amplifies the significance of their private moments. Every stolen glance, every whispered conversation, becomes a cherished memory, a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. Their connection is deepened by the knowledge that, despite the challenges, they have found something rare and beautiful in each other.
In essence, Ji-Hoon's fame tests their relationship, but it also highlights the strength of their bond. It forces them to be honest, to communicate openly, and to cherish the moments they have together, making their love story all the more poignant and resilient.
————
In the grand meeting room of Seoul Dynamics, the air was thick with anticipation. Lee Bo-Young and Park Min-Joon walked into the room together, their presence commanding attention. Hye-Jin, the president of HJ Corporation, stood with her executives, her gaze unwavering.
He-Ra, Hye-Jin's personal assistant and best friend, shot a hard glare at the couple, her loyalty evident. The meeting commenced, discussions of collaboration and future ventures filling the room. Hye-Jin, ever composed, ignored the couple's presence, her focus unbroken.
Lee Bo-Young's smirk was a silent challenge, one that Park Min-Joon noticed. Hye-Jin's anger simmered beneath the surface, but her face remained a mask of calm. Instead, she glanced at her wrist, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Suddenly, the bulbs in the meeting room sparked, casting a brief, blinding light. Gasps filled the room as everyone recoiled in shock—everyone except Hye-Jin. She stood still, her eyes gleaming with a hidden power, the only one unfazed by the sudden disruption.
As the meeting concluded, the room emptied, leaving only four: Hye-Jin, He-Ra, Lee Bo-Young, and Park Min-Joon. The tension was palpable, a silent battle of wills.
Lee Bo-Young approached Hye-Jin, her smile a mask of insincerity. "Here is my wedding invitation card with Min-Joon Oppa. I hope you will attend," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Hye-Jin returned the smile, her eyes cold and calculating. "Don't worry, I will surely attend and also give you my blessing," she replied, gesturing for He-Ra to collect the invitation card.
Turning to Park Min-Joon, she added, "Happy wedding in advance." Her words were polite, but her tone carried an undercurrent of something darker.
As Lee Bo-Young handed over the wedding invitation, He-Ra's eyes narrowed slightly, her protective instincts kicking in. She took the card with a polite nod, but her gaze never left Lee Bo-Young and Park Min-Joon.
When Hye-Jin spoke, He-Ra stood by her side, her presence a silent testament to their unbreakable bond. She could sense the underlying tension and the unspoken words between Hye-Jin and the couple.
After Hye-Jin's parting words, He-Ra followed her out of the meeting room, her expression a blend of concern and determination. She knew Hye-Jin was putting on a brave face, and she was ready to support her friend through whatever challenges lay ahead.
Once they were alone, He-Ra gently touched Hye-Jin's arm. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine care.
Hye-Jin gave a small, reassuring smile. "I will be," she replied, appreciating He-Ra's unwavering support.
Together, they walked away, ready to face whatever came next, knowing they had each other's backs.
Hye-Jin hurried home, her mind racing with the cryptic words Lucifer had spoken. As soon as she entered her Mansion, she went straight to her computer. Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed the Greek phrase into the translation tool.
"Σε περιμένω στην κόλαση, καθώς μπορείς να αποκαλείς τον εαυτό σου την υιοθετημένη μου κόρη," she muttered under her breath, hitting the translate button.
The translation appeared on the screen: "I'm waiting for you in hell, as you can call yourself my adopted daughter."
A chill ran down her spine. The weight of Lucifer's words settled heavily on her. She realized that her connection to him was deeper and more complex than she had ever imagined. The revelation of being his "adopted daughter" added a new layer of mystery and fear to her already tumultuous life.
Determined to uncover the truth and understand the full extent of her powers, Hye-Jin knew she had to prepare for whatever lay ahead. She closed her laptop, her resolve hardening. The journey to hell and back was just beginning, and she would face it head-on.