The city never truly slept. Even as midnight cloaked the streets, neon lights flickered and cars rushed by, their headlights piercing the darkness. For most, it was just another night. But for Qin Yue, the shadows seemed sharper, heavier, as if they were waiting to swallow her whole.
She walked briskly along the narrow road near her rented apartment, clutching the strap of her bag tightly. Her body was exhausted from the day's turmoil, but her mind was worse—replaying Han Jin's words over and over.
"I care about you."
Her steps faltered, her chest tightening. She had pushed him away, denied him, but why did her heart ache so badly now?
"Stop thinking about it," she muttered to herself. "He's my boss. Nothing more."
Yet the warmth in his eyes, the command in his voice, refused to leave her.
She sighed and turned into the quieter street leading to her building. That was when she noticed it.
Footsteps.
Slow, deliberate, echoing behind her.
Her skin prickled. She glanced back quickly, but the street was empty. Only the flickering light of a half-broken lamp post cast long, eerie shadows.
It's nothing, she told herself. Just my imagination.
But when she walked faster, the sound followed. Steady. Closer.
Her heart leapt. She tightened her grip on her bag and quickened her pace.
Then she heard it—a low chuckle, sharp in the silence.
"Pretty little thing, walking alone so late at night…"
Her blood ran cold. Two men emerged from the shadows, their grins wide and malicious. Their clothes were messy, their eyes glinting with ill intent.
Qin Yue froze, fear clawing at her throat. "W-what do you want?"
One of them laughed. "Relax. We just want to talk."
The other stepped closer, his gaze raking over her. "Or maybe more than talk."
Her heart pounded. She backed away, but the wall of a closed shop blocked her escape. "Stay away!"
"Oh, don't be scared," one of them sneered. "We'll take good care of you."
They reached for her, and panic surged. Qin Yue swung her bag wildly, hitting one in the chest. He cursed, stumbling back, but the other grabbed her wrist hard.
"Fiesty, aren't you?" he hissed. "Makes it more fun."
"No!" Qin Yue screamed, struggling with all her strength.
And then—
A car screeched to a halt at the end of the street. Its headlights cut through the darkness, blinding the men.
The driver's door slammed open.
Han Jin.
He strode toward them, his tall figure radiating fury like a storm unleashed. His voice was cold enough to freeze blood.
"Let. Her. Go."
The men stiffened, but one tried to laugh it off. "And who are you? Her boyfriend?"
The next moment, Han Jin's fist connected with his jaw. The man crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.
The second tried to shove Qin Yue forward and run, but Han Jin caught him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. His eyes burned with deadly fire.
"You dared touch her," he said in a low, lethal voice. "Do you value your life so little?"
The man whimpered, trembling under his grip. Han Jin shoved him aside like trash, watching as both scurried away into the night, too terrified to look back.
The street went silent again.
Qin Yue stood frozen, her body shaking uncontrollably.
Han Jin turned to her, his eyes softening for the first time that night. He took a step closer. "Qin Yue…"
The sound of her name on his lips broke the last of her strength. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she collapsed against him.
His arms wrapped around her instantly, firm and protective. She buried her face into his chest, sobbing.
"I-I was so scared," she whispered, her voice broken.
Han Jin tightened his hold. "I know. You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."
The promise in his voice was so steady, so absolute, that it made her cry harder. For the first time in years, she let herself lean on someone completely.
They stood like that for what felt like forever, the city noise distant, the world reduced to just the two of them.
When her sobs finally quieted, Han Jin tilted her face up gently. His eyes searched hers, deep and unwavering.
"Do you understand now?" he asked softly.
She blinked. "What…?"
"Why I can't let you go. Why I can't just see you as an employee. Because every time you're in danger, every time you're hurt, I…" His voice faltered, rare vulnerability flashing across his face. "…I feel like I'll lose my mind."
Her heart trembled.
But then fear returned—the fear of believing him, the fear of giving in. She shook her head, stepping back slightly.
"Han Jin… please don't. Don't say these things. I can't—"
He caught her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. His gaze burned into hers.
"You can deny me a hundred times, Qin Yue. But your tears just now, your fear, the way you clung to me… Tell me that means nothing. Tell me you don't feel anything."
Her lips trembled. She wanted to deny it, wanted to escape. But her silence betrayed her.
Han Jin's expression softened, his thumb brushing her wrist. "One day, you'll admit it. Until then, I'll protect you—whether you accept me or not."
Qin Yue's chest tightened painfully. She wanted to protest, but the warmth of his words left her speechless.
He guided her toward his car, opening the door. "Come. You're not going home alone tonight."
She hesitated, torn between pride and relief. Finally, she nodded, slipping inside.
As the car pulled away, Qin Yue stared at the passing lights, her heart in chaos.
She had denied his confession, but deep down… she was terrified that her heart had already betrayed her.
And somewhere, hidden in the shadows of the night, a pair of cold eyes watched the car drive away.
Lin Jia.
Her lips curled into a smile devoid of warmth.
"So… the little assistant has captured even his heart. Interesting. Let's see how long she survives."
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