The night air was crisp as Seo-Won carried Ha-Joon out of the café. His grip was firm yet gentle, careful not to wake him. Ha-Joon's head rested against his chest, his soft breaths warm against Seo-Won's skin.
Seo-Won's car was parked nearby. Without hesitation, he opened the door, carefully placing Ha-Joon in the passenger seat before getting in himself. His blue eyes darkened with thought as he started the engine.
Min-Soo… You won't get away with this.
As he drove, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to his men:
"Find Min-Soo. Now."
He had resources—connections that most people wouldn't dare mess with. Within minutes, his men were on the hunt.
But when Seo-Won arrived at his apartment and checked his messages—
No sign of Min-Soo.
A muscle in his jaw tightened. Damn it.
With a sigh, he turned to Ha-Joon, who was still asleep. His delicate features looked peaceful, despite everything that had happened.
Seo-Won reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Ha-Joon's face.
"You'll be safe here."
The Next Morning
Ha-Joon stirred, his body sinking into something soft and warm. His eyelashes fluttered as he slowly opened his eyes, blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling.
Where…?
He turned his head and—
Seo-Won.
Standing by the window, arms crossed, his golden hair illuminated by the morning light.
Ha-Joon sat up abruptly, the blanket slipping off his shoulders. "W-Why am I here?"
Seo-Won turned to him. "You fell asleep after what happened. I brought you here."
Memories of Min-Soo, the café, and the scalding water came rushing back. Ha-Joon shivered.
Seo-Won sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "Don't worry. No one can step foot in my apartment without my permission. You're safe here."
Before Ha-Joon could respond, a sudden ringtone broke the silence.
Seo-Won answered his phone, his expression unreadable. After a few seconds, he spoke.
"Yes, sir. He's with me."
Ha-Joon stiffened. Who is he talking to?
Seo-Won handed the phone to him. "It's your grandfather."
Ha-Joon's breath hitched. He hesitated before taking the phone. "H-Hello?"
"Ha-Joon, are you okay? I heard what happened," his grandfather's worried voice filled his ears. "That bastard Min-Soo—how dare he?!"
Ha-Joon's throat tightened. "I… I'm fine, Grandfather."
A sigh of relief came from the other end. "Come home. I'll make sure you're protected."
But before Ha-Joon could answer, Seo-Won took the phone back.
"With all due respect, sir," Seo-Won said firmly, "Ha-Joon should stay here."
A silence. Then—
"What?" his grandfather asked, startled.
"I will take care of him," Seo-Won continued. "No one will step foot in my apartment. Not Min-Soo. Not anyone."
Ha-Joon stared at Seo-Won, wide-eyed. Why is he doing this for me…?
Another long pause. Then his grandfather sighed. "If I trust anyone with my grandson's safety… it's you."
Seo-Won smirked slightly. "Good choice."
After a few more words, he ended the call and looked at Ha-Joon. "Looks like you're stuck with me."
Ha-Joon's face turned red. "I-I didn't agree to this!"
Seo-Won leaned in closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You're free to leave if you want."
Ha-Joon opened his mouth—then closed it. Where would he even go? What if Min-Soo was still out there?
Seo-Won chuckled at his silence. "That's what I thought."
With a sigh, Ha-Joon crossed his arms. "…Fine. But only until it's safe."
Seo-Won smirked, leaning back. "Of course. Whatever you say."
But deep down, he knew—
He wasn't planning to let Ha-Joon go anytime soon.