Chapter 2: Falling in Love in the Shadows.

POV: Kang Ji-ah (FL)

Falling in love wasn't part of the plan.

It had started subtly, creeping in like a shadow until it was impossible to ignore. I was his bodyguard, meant to stand beside him only as his protector, but somewhere along the way, Ahn Jae-hyun had become more than just my responsibility—he had become someone I couldn't stop thinking about.

The realization hit me in moments I never saw coming.

Like now.

We were at an elite business gala, hosted by one of Ahn Group's most important investors. The ballroom was dazzling with golden chandeliers, the air filled with soft classical music, and laughter from high-society elites who only spoke in wealth and power.

Jae-hyun stood near the center of the room, engaged in conversation with foreign investors. His expression was unreadable, but I had been around him long enough to notice the slight tension in his jaw.

He's tired.

He would never admit it, but his schedule had been relentless. Meetings, negotiations, and endless scrutiny—it was no surprise he was exhausted.

"Ms. Kang," came a voice beside me.

I turned slightly to see Secretary Min, Jae-hyun's ever-efficient right-hand man.

"The CEO doesn't usually bring a bodyguard inside the ballroom," he noted, his tone neutral.

"His safety is my priority," I responded. "Crowded places make security unpredictable."

He hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Or maybe, you're staying close for a different reason."

My grip on my glass tightened slightly, but I schooled my expression. "I don't know what you mean."

He didn't push further, but his knowing smile said enough.

---

A Dance in the Moonlight

A while later, after what felt like hours, Jae-hyun finally stepped away from the main hall. I followed him without a word, my presence a silent shadow behind him.

Instead of heading toward the VIP lounge, he stepped onto the balcony. The view of the city stretched beneath us, the lights twinkling like fallen stars. The night breeze was cool against my skin.

"You're not supposed to follow me everywhere," he murmured, looking ahead.

"I go where you go," I replied simply.

He turned slightly, his sharp gaze meeting mine. The moonlight softened his features, making him look almost… vulnerable.

"You work too much, Ji-ah."

I blinked. It was rare for him to say my name like that. Softly.

"I could say the same for you," I countered.

A chuckle escaped him. "Fair point."

Silence settled between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. For once, it felt… peaceful.

Then, something unexpected happened.

Jae-hyun extended his hand toward me. "Dance with me."

I stared at him. "What?"

"A dance," he repeated, his lips curving into the faintest smirk. "You've been watching my back all night. Let me distract you for a moment."

I hesitated. "This isn't necessary."

"Neither is you following me onto this balcony," he shot back.

I exhaled. This was dangerous. Being this close to him, seeing this rare playful side… it was dangerous for my heart.

But against my better judgment, I placed my hand in his.

His fingers wrapped around mine, firm yet gentle. Slowly, he pulled me closer, guiding me into a slow rhythm. There was no music, only the distant hum of the city and the sound of our own breathing.

I felt his gaze on me, but I refused to meet it.

If I looked at him now, I knew I would fall.

"Ji-ah," he murmured.

My heart stuttered.

"Don't look at me like that," I whispered.

"Like what?"

"Like… I'm something more."

His grip on my waist tightened just slightly. "What if you are?"

My breath caught.

This was wrong. I was his bodyguard. This wasn't supposed to happen.

But for a fleeting moment, under the moonlit sky, I let myself forget.

And that was the moment I knew—I had already fallen.

---