The warehouse was silent.
Too silent.
Six-year-old Lee Ha-rin hid behind wooden crates, her tiny hands shaking as she pressed herself against the cold floor. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was afraid someone might hear it.
Then—
Gunshots echoed through the darkness.
Ha-rin froze.
Through the narrow gap between the crates, she saw a man standing calmly with a silenced gun in his hand.
Ryu Tae-jin.
His face showed no fear. No regret.
He pulled the trigger.
The man collapsed.
Ha-rin's breath caught in her throat.
That man was her father.
Not far away, another lifeless body lay on the ground—
Lee ha-rin's father.
Ryu Tae-jin lowered the gun and whispered coldly,
"No one will ever find out… everything will belong to me."
Ha-rin covered her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Appa…"
Her voice never reached him.
Present Day —
Sunlight filtered into the Detective Unit, but Lee Ha-rin felt nothing.
She sat at her desk, staring at the crime board in front of her. Photos, reports, and red strings connected a past she could never escape.
Detective Seo-jin walked over, placing a coffee beside her.
"You slept late last night," he said softly.
"I was busy," she replied without looking up.
Seo-jin frowned. "You should take better care of yourself."
She hummed in response, then suddenly asked,
"You called me last night?"
"Yes," he said while checking files. "But you didn't answer. Didn't you have your phone?"
"I was outside."
Seo-jin nodded. "Alright. We need to visit Ryu Seon-woo today. We have questions about his attack."
Ha-rin paused.
Just for a second.
Then—
"…Okay. Let's go."
Lumora Group — CEO Office
Ryu Seon-woo entered his office, sharp and confident in his tailored suit.
Choi Dae-jin followed closely.
"Your security has been doubled today," Dae-jin informed him.
"The Commissioner personally sent the request."
Seon-woo stopped.
"Security?" His voice was cold. "I don't need security."
"These are orders. Detective Lee Ha-rin has been assigned to protect you."
Seon-woo turned sharply.
"Lee… Ha-rin?"
"Yes. She's considered one of the best detectives in Korea."
Seon-woo scoffed.
"I don't need protection. And especially not from a female detective," he said flatly.
"She can't even protect herself. How is she supposed to protect me?"
He looked away.
"I can handle my own safety."
He didn't know—
The briefing room was quiet, heavy with tension.
Lee Ha-rin stood straight as the Chief addressed the team. His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Ryu Group has been facing multiple attack attempts over the past few days," he said.
"Your responsibility is to ensure Ryu Seon-woo's safety at all costs."
Ha-rin's heart skipped a beat.
For a split second, shock flashed across her face—
but she hid it perfectly.
"Understood, Sir," she replied calmly.
Seo-jin glanced at her as they walked out.
"You're really going to take this assignment?
" he asked quietly, as they entered Lumora Group.
"There's no other option," Ha-rin answered. "Orders are orders."
Lumora Group – CEO Office
Inside the sleek office, sunlight reflected off glass walls and polished furniture.
Choi Dae-jin knocked gently and stepped inside.
"Sir," he said respectfully,
"Detective Lee Ha-rin and Detective Seo-jin are here to see you."
"Send them in."
Ha-rin and Seo-jin entered and sat across from Ryu Seon-woo.
For a brief moment, Seon-woo's eyes locked onto Ha-rin.
Shock flickered in his gaze—
But he masked it instantly.
"What would you like to ask?" he said coolly.
Ha-rin didn't waste time.
"Mr. Seon-woo," she said sharply,
"Do you suspect anyone who might be behind the attack on you?"
"No," he replied without hesitation.
She studied him carefully.
"Any family friend… or enemy?"
"Anyone who might want to harm you?"
"I don't think so," he said.
"And honestly, what do I even have that someone would want to attack me for?"
Seo-jin leaned forward.
"You're a successful businessman," he said.
"Jealousy alone can be a strong motive."
Ha-rin's gaze sharpened.
"Where is your uncle?" she asked.
"As far as I know, he recently returned."
"Yes," Seon-woo replied.
"He's at his house right now."
Ha-rin hesitated, then asked—
"Your parents' death… it was a car accident, correct?"
"Yes," he said, then frowned slightly.
"Why are you asking?"
"Are you certain," she pressed,
"that it was only a car accident?"
Seon-woo went silent for a moment.
Then, more seriously, he said,
"Yes. We checked everything back then.
Every report confirmed it was an accident."
Ha-rin nodded slowly.
"…Alright."
"Anything else?" Seon-woo asked.
Seo-jin was about to speak when his phone rang.
He excused himself and stepped outside.
Ha-rin stood up as well.
That's when—
"Miss Lee Ha-rin."
She stopped instantly and turned back.
"Yes?"
Seon-woo met her eyes.
"I don't need security," he said firmly.
"I can protect myself.
I can't tolerate someone staying around me 24/7."
Ha-rin's voice remained calm—but firm.
"You need security now more than ever," she said.
"You're being watched. Every moment."
She paused.
"I know you can protect yourself.
But my hands are tied. These are orders from above."
Another pause.
"And one more thing—
I'm not going to stay with you 24/7. I have no such interest."
"During the day, I'll be with you.
At night, my apartment will be right next to yours."
She looked straight at him.
"So… do you have a problem with that?"
Seon-woo stayed silent for a moment.
Then quietly—
"No. You may leave."
Ha-rin gave a slight nod and walked out.
Seon-woo remained seated, lost in thought—
Her presence lingering longer than he expected.
On the Road – Day
The car moved smoothly along the road, sunlight flashing through the windshield.
Inside, there was a comfortable silence.
Lee Ha-rin sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed outside the window. After a moment, she spoke—slowly, thoughtfully.
"Don't you think… Ryu Tae-jin is a little strange?"
Seo-jin glanced at her, curiosity rising.
"Why do you say that?"
Ha-rin turned slightly toward him.
"He's rarely seen in public," she said.
"And have you noticed? Since the attacks on Seon-woo started… he hasn't shown himself at all."
She paused.
"Very few people have actually seen him.
Even I've never seen him in person."
Seo-jin tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his tone slightly defensive.
"Maybe," he said.
"I heard his father disowned him years ago. That might be the reason he stays out of the spotlight."
Ha-rin's brows furrowed.
"When did that happen?"
Seo-jin replied confidently,
"Three years before Seon-woo's parents died."
Ha-rin fell silent.
"Ahh…" she murmured.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as thoughts connected inside her mind.
Ha-rin & Soo-yun's Apartment – Night
The apartment felt warm and quiet.
In the kitchen, Soo-yun—Ha-rin's best friend —was making tea.
The soft sound of the stove and rising steam filled the room with comfort.
Ha-rin sat on the sofa, lost deep in thought.
Soo-yun placed the cups on the table.
"Why do you look so serious?"
Ha-rin lowered her gaze.
"Nothing… I'm just thinking."
"About what?" Soo-yun asked.
Ha-rin hesitated, then asked softly—
"Can someone really kill… for property?"
Soo-yun smiled faintly.
"Of course," she replied.
"Why not?"
Ha-rin looked at her, shocked.
"But… why?"
"When someone believes something belongs to them," Soo-yun said calmly,
"and that thing is taken away… people can cross any limit to get it back."
Ha-rin's eyes lit up—relief washing over her face.
"Thank you… thank you," she said quickly.
"You helped me a lot. Now I just need proof."
Soo-yun frowned.
"Proof? Against whom?"
Ha-rin stood up, avoiding her gaze.
"I'll tell you later. Just… don't say anything to anyone."
She paused.
"From tomorrow, I'll have to live separately."
Soo-yun's face brightened mischievously.
"I'll be sad—but I'll shift with you," she said excitedly.
"And I'll get to see Seon-woo every day!"
Ha-rin tried not to smile.
"You're impossible."
"Didn't you see him?" Soo-yun continued, dreamy-eyed.
"He's so handsome!"
Ha-rin rolled her eyes.
"Handsome or not… he's definitely rude."
Soo-yun laughed.
"People see others the way they see themselves."
Ha-rin raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
"Yeahhh," Soo-yun laughed.
Inside the Car – Next Day
The car moved smoothly along the wide road.
Choi Dae-jin drove in silence, his hands firm on the steering wheel, eyes focused straight ahead.
Ryu Seon-woo sat beside him, gazing out the window. After a moment, he spoke casually—
"Dae-jin, let's stop by and meet Oh Mi-rae first.
She might be waiting for us."
"Alright, sir," Dae-jin replied without taking his eyes off the road.
In the back seat, Lee Ha-rin remained quiet, her phone resting in her hand.
Seon-woo glanced at her through the side mirror, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"Miss Ha-rin," he said lightly,
"You'll probably get bored there. It might take a while.
Maybe you have other work to do?"
He hoped—just a little—that this would get her off his back.
Ha-rin didn't even look up.
"It's okay, Mr. Seon-woo," she replied calmly.
"I don't have any other work right now…"
She paused, then added softly—almost to herself—
"…except one useless duty."
The air inside the car shifted.
Seon-woo heard every word.
He turned toward her, his tone suddenly serious.
"What useless duty?"
Ha-rin scrolled through her phone casually.
"Your security."
The realization hit her a second too late.
She looked up sharply.
"Oh—sorry. I mean… I don't have any work."
Dae-jin bit his lip, trying hard to control his smile—but a soft chuckle escaped him.
"Seon-woo… we've arrived."
Seon-woo shot Ha-rin a sideways glance—half irritated, half amused.
Ha-rin, on the other hand, deliberately avoided his gaze.
The battle had just begun.
Seon-woo and Ha-rin walked into the café. Oh Mi-rae was already seated at an elegant table. Her face lit up the moment she saw Seon-woo… but when her eyes fell on Ha-rin, the smile faltered slightly.
"Who's she?" Oh Mi-rae asked, pointing subtly at Ha-rin.
Seon-woo's tone was calm, confident.
"She's Detective Lee Ha-rin… here for my security."
"Oh…" Oh Mi-rae forced an awkward smile.
"Hello."
Ha-rin returned a polite smile, then quietly moved to sit at another table, keeping her distance.
"Oh… will she always be with you?" Oh Mi-rae asked, trying to sound casual but the trace of jealousy was clear.
"Yes. Why? Is that a problem?" Seon-woo replied without a hint of hesitation.
"No… just asking," she muttered, hiding her irritation.
After a pause, she continued, "You're coming to the party with me tomorrow, right?"
Seon-woo's calm tone remained unchanged.
"No. I can't go alone anymore."
"Oh…" Mi-rae's face tightened. "So… she'll be there too?"
"Yes. She'll be with me everywhere now."
Seon-woo rose from his chair.
"I'm leaving. Miss Ha-rin, shall we go?"
Ha-rin got up and followed him, leaving Oh Mi-rae visibly annoyed. As soon as they were out of sight, Oh Mi-rae called Dae-jin over.
"Dae-jin… I need updates on Seon-woo and Ha-rin every single second. And make sure… they don't get too close to each other.
Understand?"
Dae-jin hesitated slightly but nodded.
"Okay… I'll try."
Seon-woo sat at his chair while Ha-rin worked quietly on her laptop. Silence hung between them until Seon-woo spoke.
"I feel like I've seen you somewhere before," he said, casually.
Ha-rin looked up, a hint of surprise crossing her face.
"Where?"
"Maybe… in my childhood."
Ha-rin shrugged.
"Maybe you did. But I've never seen you before."
He smirked teasingly.
"Do you stay angry all the time… or just with me?"
Ha-rin's tone turned cold.
"Just with you. I don't like anyone being free around me."
Seon-woo laughed softly.
"Free and me? Huh… what need do I have to be free? Girls… they…"
"Yeah… crazy," Ha-rin cut him off sarcastically.
Seon-woo smirked.
"I think you did all this just so you could stay around me. Maybe… you like me too."
Ha-rin immediately stood up, walking over to him, anger flashing in her eyes.
"Like? Me?" she yelled. "Mr. Ryu Seon-woo! I think you should get your mind checked. You're living in some serious delusions!"
She spun around to return to her seat—but her foot twisted and she almost fell. Seon-woo caught her just in time.
Their eyes locked. Silence stretched… six seconds felt like forever.
Suddenly, the door opened. Dae-jin stepped in.
"Oh… sorry, sorry," he said, raising his hands.
Both straightened, putting distance between them. Seon-woo looked at Dae-jin first, then sneaked a glance at Ha-rin.
"Dae-jin, you had something to do?"
"Yes… your meeting is about to start," Dae-jin said, trying to hide a small smile.
"Go ahead. I'm coming."
Dae-jin left. Ha-rin shut her laptop, irritation clear on her face.
"God… I think I'll go crazy living with him,"
she muttered under her breath.
The basement was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls. In the corner, a large wooden table was cluttered with files, blueprints, and half-empty whiskey glasses. Ryu Tae-jin sat in his chair, a cold, calculating expression etched on his face.
Ji-hoon stood before him, slightly nervous, holding Seon-woo's file.
"That detective… she's hovering around Seon-woo," Ji-hoon said, hesitant. "Should we… get rid of her?"
Ryu Tae-jin slowly lifted his glass, took a sip, and gave a thin, dangerous smile.
"No," he said, his voice smooth and sharp. "We'll use her. Until our property is completely in our hands… she's necessary."
Ji-hoon looked puzzled but nodded silently.
The basement felt heavier with the silence that followed.
"And… when do you plan to meet Seon-woo?" Ji-hoon asked cautiously.
Ryu Tae-jin placed his glass on the table, stood up, and his face slipped partially into shadow. His eyes were sharp, dangerous.
"Tomorrow. At the party. Make sure he knows… that I'm waiting for him."
Ji-hoon bowed.
"Yes, sir."
The single hanging bulb swayed gently above them, casting long, thin shadows across the room—a quiet foreshadowing of the danger yet to come.
The black car was parked on the roadside, the dark street illuminated only by flickering streetlights that highlighted their faces. Seon-woo sat behind the wheel, Ha-rin in the passenger seat, and Dae-jin quietly in the back.
"Miss Ha-rin… be ready tomorrow," Seon-woo said casually, glancing at her. "We're going to a business party."
Ha-rin rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
"I don't go to parties."
Seon-woo smirked, leaning slightly closer.
"That's part of your duty. And you will go."
Her eyes shot toward him, sharp and serious.
"You can't just tell everyone I'm your security. You need to hide it. So if I leave… what will you tell the media? When people ask who I am?"
Seon-woo paused, considering her words. Then, with a mischievous smile, he said casually, almost before thinking:
"Then… should I say… you're my girlfriend?"
Instant silence. Even Seon-woo felt a flicker of confusion at his own words. The car was heavy with awkward tension. Ha-rin and Dae-jin both stared at him—shock, disbelief, and something unspoken hanging in the air.
"What are you staring at?" Seon-woo finally asked, annoyed.
Dae-jin cleared his throat awkwardly, forcing a small smile.
"Nothing…"
Ha-rin tilted her eyes at him, half-annoyed, half-flustered.
"Looks like… your brain's gone bad."
Seon-woo leaned back, confident smirk in place.
"This… is the only way to hide your identity."
Ha-rin's expression was a mix of irritation and embarrassment. The streetlight outside reflected the moment: Seon-woo's confident grin, Ha-rin's flustered frown, perfectly captured in the car's window.
Seon-woo stopped at his apartment door. Ha-rin stood just in front of him.
"Good night," he said simply, walking inside.
"Good night," Ha-rin replied, voice soft, almost reluctant, as the door closed behind him.
Seon-woo stepped out of the sleek black car and approached Ha-rin's apartment door. He knocked lightly.
Ha-rin opened the door, and Seon-woo glanced at his phone, pretending to be busy.
"Are you rea—" he started, but his words died on his lips the moment he looked up.
Ha-rin was standing there in a stunning long red frock, her hair falling softly over her shoulders. The warm glow of the evening lights made her look ethereal. Seon-woo froze, staring at her without blinking, utterly captivated.
Ha-rin felt his intense gaze and shifted slightly, a bit awkward under his scrutiny.
"Shall we?" she asked softly, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Seon-woo paused, then smiled faintly.
"Yeah… let's go."
[ Party Hall – Red Carpet Entrance]
The black luxury car stopped at the red carpet entrance of the grand hall. Flashlights from cameras flickered wildly as the doorman hurriedly opened the door.
Seon-woo stepped out first, sharp in his black tuxedo, every inch the confident heir. Then Ha-rin emerged, elegant in her evening gown, a nervous but composed smile gracing her lips.
The media immediately swarmed.
"Seon-woo ssi! Who is this with you?" one reporter shouted, flashes going off in rapid succession.
Seon-woo slowed his pace, glancing briefly at Ha-rin, and a mischievous, almost protective smile crossed his face. Ha-rin's eyes widened in surprise.
"My assistant," he said calmly but firmly, turning slightly toward the press.
The flashes intensified, reporters whispering among themselves, trying to guess the truth. Ha-rin's heart raced—she hadn't expected him to cover her like this.
Seon-woo paused for a second, adjusting his tie, confident smile in place, and added,
"Any other questions?"
Reporters' voices rose, but Seon-woo simply guided Ha-rin along the red carpet, shielding her from the chaos as they walked into the hall. The sound of camera shutters and shouting faded behind them, leaving only the hum of anticipation.
Ha-rin stood to the side, keeping a safe distance as Seon-woo engaged in light conversation with Oh Mi-rae and other business acquaintances.
Soon, Oh Mi-rae excused herself from the group and casually approached Ha-rin.
"Hi, we met yesterday," Oh Mi-rae said, her tone deceptively sweet, tinged with a hint of jealousy.
"Hi," Ha-rin replied softly, saying no more—she wanted nothing to do with the party.
"Oh, look at Seon-woo… isn't he handsome? And today… he looks extra good."
Ha-rin raised an eyebrow, confused. Why was Mi-rae telling her all this? She chose to remain silent.
"Oh… and Seon-woo and I will be married soon," Mi-rae added casually. "He hasn't told the media yet."
Ha-rin frowned internally. "Why are you telling me this? I have zero interest in all this," she said, politely.
"Interest or not, that's fine," Mi-rae said with a sly smile. "Stay away from Seon-woo. He's mine. Only mine."
Ha-rin leaned in slightly, her voice soft but firm.
"Mi-rae… I just want—"
Her words froze mid-sentence. Across the hall, a middle-aged man was talking to Seon-woo with a warmth that immediately set Ha-rin on edge. Her heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught. Her eyes widened.
Ryu Tae-jin.
"Who… who is that?" Ha-rin whispered, almost to herself.
"Oh… that's Ryu Tae-jin," Mi-rae said casually, surprised. "Seon-woo's uncle."
Ha-rin's heart thundered in her chest. Her ears rang with the sound of her own heartbeat. Memories she had buried for over ten years crashed back—
[FLASHBACK – 10 YEARS AGO, RAINY NIGHT]
A dark warehouse. Rain splattered against the roof and windows. A single dim bulb flickered above a desk where Ha-rin's father was organizing files.
The heavy footsteps came slowly through the door.
"Secretary Lee… you've seen too much. Your voice… will be silent… forever," Ryu Tae-jin said, his tone cold and deadly.
Her father stood his ground, anger and pain etched across his face.
"Tae-jin… why won't you support your brother? You're selling your own blood for money!"
Ryu Tae-jin smiled thinly.
"Blood… is only valuable as long as it serves your purpose."
He drew a pistol from beneath his coat. Ha-rin, hiding in the shadows, stifled her gasp.
The trigger was pulled.
A deafening shot rang out—and then only the sound of rain remained.
[BACK TO PRESENT – PARTY HALL]
Ha-rin's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Her hands went cold. Her gaze refused to leave Ryu Tae-jin, who laughed lightly beside Seon-woo, as if nothing had ever happened.
The car glided smoothly under the golden glow of the streetlights. Dae-jin drove calmly, while Seon-woo sat in the back seat, loosening his tie, and Ha-rin stared out the window, lost in thought.
A heavy silence filled the car, soothing yet tense. Ha-rin's eyes were moist, her mind drifting far away—back to the memories she had hoped never to face again.
Little Ha-rin sat on the soft green grass, her small legs swinging, ice cream melting slowly in her hands. Her father sat beside her, brushing her hair gently.
"Ha-rin… when you grow up, always be brave," he said with a soft smile.
"Brave? Like… superheroes?" she asked, eyes wide with innocence.
He chuckled lightly. "Yes… but also chase your dreams. Become a detective, always stand for the truth." His expression softened but carried a serious undertone.
"And… if anything happens to me… help Seon-woo. Always trust him… never leave him alone," her father said, his voice heavy with meaning.
Ha-rin frowned slightly, confused. "Why?
What will happen to you?"
Her father let out a deep sigh. "There are many enemies around him… and you… you will be his shield. If we aren't there, you must be."
Little Ha-rin nodded silently, the weight of his words sinking in deeper than she realized.
PRESENT –
Seon-woo's voice pulled her back from the memory.
"Ha-rin… are you okay? You've been quiet today," he asked, concern lacing his tone.
Ha-rin forced a small smile. "Yeah… just thinking. Old memories."
He smirked faintly. "I feel like you're always thinking. Sometimes… you should tell me too."
Ha-rin glanced at him briefly, but then her eyes drifted back to the passing streetlights outside the window, lost in thought.
Ha-rin snuck into the archives, heart racing. She pulled out an old case file labeled: "Ryu Group Murders – Closed."
She whispered to herself, voice barely audible:
"I will prove… that man is a murderer."
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Seo-jin calling.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Keep an eye on Ryu Tae-jin. Every move, every report… I need all proof against him. This time… he won't escape. He'll pay," Ha-rin ordered, her determination sharp in every word.
"Got it. We'll discuss the rest tomorrow," Seo-jin replied.
"Okay," she said, ending the call.
Ha-rin and Seon-woo walked together through the dimly lit parking lot.
Suddenly—GUNSHOTS!
Both duck instinctively. Seon-woo tries to shield her, but Ha-rin reacts differently—she pushes him behind a car, taking cover herself.
BANG! BANG! Two sharp gunshots echo across the lot.
Seon-woo quickly pulls her towards him, trying to cover her with his body.
"Ha-rin… stay down!" he shouts urgently.
But she pushes him forcefully behind a car instead, her eyes blazing with determination.
"I told you… you're not safe anymore!" Ha-rin snapped, her voice sharp, fearless.
A shadowy figure with a gun runs in the background. Time seems to slow—their intense expressions frozen in the chaos.
Ha-rin's unwavering gaze meets Seon-woo's shocked face.
Her voice cuts through the tension, steady and commanding:
"I told you… you're not safe anymore."
To be continued…