CHAPTER 18: Cracks in the Armor
Hana paced her suite like a caged tiger.
She hated feeling weak.Hated that seeing Park Sung-jin had shaken her to her core.
But what she hated more...Was that Kang Min-ho had stepped in like some knight in a tailored suit.
Who did he think he was?
A knock interrupted her spiral.
It was Min-ho.
He entered without waiting for permission, as always.
"You sent him away," Hana accused, arms crossed.
Min-ho's expression was unreadable.
"Yes. You're welcome."
"I didn't ask you to play my hero."
"No. But you needed one tonight."
Silence crackled between them.
"You think this is a game, Hana?" Min-ho said, stepping closer."You walk into this world wearing borrowed confidence, but there are men like Park Sung-jin who will eat you alive."
"I'm not afraid," she lied.
Min-ho's hand reached out—hesitant, then bold—brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"You should be," he whispered.
For the first time, there was no coldness in his eyes.Only... something raw. Unfiltered.
Vulnerability.
Hana swallowed hard.
This man who had once been her captor in name...Was now her shield in ways that confused her more than she dared admit.
"Why are you doing this?" she finally whispered.
Min-ho's jaw clenched.
"Because whether I like it or not...You're mine."
Their breaths mingled.The space between them disappeared.
But just as the moment threatened to tip over into something more, Hana pulled away.
"I don't need saving, Kang Min-ho," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Maybe not," he said softly."But I need you."
And with that, he walked out—leaving her more breathless than any kiss could.