Beneath the Starlit Shadows."

hythm that seemed to mirror her own racing heartbeat. Couples swayed on the dance floor, their movements slow and i

arely audible over the music. "Do you

His hand brushed against hers as if to reassure her, th

na could feel the weight of people's gazes on them, curious and predatory. She fought the

the balcony, his sharp eyes fixed on the scene below. In his hand was

y?" he asked witho

y," Jihoon said,

at's the thing about my parties, Jihoon. You're not s

Of

The room was opulent, with velvet chairs and walls lined with dark wood. A fire crac

" Jihoon said, his patie

d motioning for them to do the same. "Very well. You want my

them as much as I

. "True. But hatred alone doesn't pay the bills, Jihoon. And

t just expose their operations-they expose their vulnerabilities. Wit

. But I'll need more than just your word." His gaze shifted to Ha

anced at Jihoon, whose jaw was set tightly, then

mused. "You're either v

, his voice cutting through th

finally nodded. "I'm in. But you'll owe m

e

One last thing. If we're going to work together, I

ened. "What

mirked. "Co

louder, the dancing more provocative, and the air thick with desire. Hana's cheeks flushed as

re several items-cards, dice, and what looked like an array of drinks. Around the table sat a gr

g to join the gam

ed. "What ki

. "A test of trust and composure. Let'

looked equally displeased. But he nodded reluctantly,

ame B

ld dictate a challenge-anything from answering a deeply personal question to performing a dare

oup your greatest fear." She hesitated but took a sip of the strong

inally, her voice steady, "is

gh Hana noticed the way Hyun-Taek watch

s card read: "Share a secre

t hesitate. "I've never forgive

ds hanging heavy in the air. Hana glanced at him, her ch

er seamlessly, their connection growing stronger with every challenge. By the end, it w

Afte

hands, his smile genuine for the first ti

Hana to her feet. "T

For now. But remember

ana like a splash of water. She glanced at Jihoon,

ay?" she as

, his gaze softe

eezing it gently. "We'll get t

what felt like forever