Beneath the Starlit Shadows."

tment tucked far from the main streets of Seoul. Its walls were bare, and the air smelled faintly

ll heavily, and her hands shook despite her attempts to steady them. The events of the evening replayed in her mind li

ce between them felt oppressive, charged with questions Hana couldn't hold

e sharper than she intended. "E

link, his shoulders visibly tensing

What's in that file you gave me? And why does it feel lik

ough the tension like a blade. Jihoon

ice low and biting. "Do you think I have the luxury to

me into this? Why give me the bracelet? Why act like yo

ne. He took a step toward her, his m

rely above a whisper, but it was heavy with emot

ng in her eyes. "Stop hiding behind your

heir labored breathing, the weight of their emotions filling the spac

softer now. "Because it's the only thing I have that I can give you.

She looked up at him, her chest tight with a

. It's everything The Obsidian Circle has tried to hide accounts, transact

haven't yo

target on everyone I ca

to the floor. "And what about us, Jih

so she would meet his gaze. "We stand where we've alwa

Turns to Re

ngered against her cheek. The fire in her chest

l of this before?" she asked, h

eople in," Jihoon admitted. "And b

ng his hand with her own. "You don't have to do this

e faintest smile. "You're

back, a small smile of

their argument softening into something more tender

ured. "I can't promise to

I need," s

each other for far too long. Hana felt the weight of their fears, their desires, and their unspoken pr

g, Jihoon sighed. "We'll rest for now, but tomorrow we need

und the bracelet on her wrist. "What

ornin

mall apartment. She rubbed her eyes, sitting up to see him standing by the c

d, her voice still

his expression sof

ng at the file. "Do you think

erous. Having this file is like holding

grounding him. "Then we'll be

licker of determination