Rin hadn't meant to stay this long.
The meeting in Than's office had ended two hours ago, but his hands still smelled like the leather chair he couldn't stop clenching. The words still echoed—You let me in. He hated that it almost felt true.
He needed air.
He slipped out of the building, past security, and onto the quiet street outside HanCorp headquarters. Just five minutes of distance. Five minutes to pretend he hadn't been cornered into feeling something again.
And then a voice stopped him.
"Rin Saetang?"
He turned, brows drawing together. A tall figure leaned against a black Vespa near the curb. Slim frame. Coffee-colored coat. Dark eyes that sparkled like they already knew too much.
"I'm Kieran Tae," the stranger said, pulling out a press badge from his coat. "Freelance. Formerly with The Watchlight."
"Okay…" Rin said slowly.
"I was close with Jun," Kieran said. "And I've been trying to talk to you for weeks. HanCorp's people have a nasty habit of intercepting messages."
Rin tensed. "What do you want?"
"To help you," Kieran said. "And maybe blow a few powerful egos into dust while I'm at it."
Rin almost smiled. "That sounds dangerous."
"You're already dancing with dangerous," Kieran replied, eyes flicking up toward the HanCorp tower behind him. "At least I'm honest about what I want."
---
They ended up at a corner café, just off the main street. Somewhere public. Neutral. But Rin was too aware of the way Kieran leaned forward when he spoke, voice low like a secret.
"Jun was paranoid the last few weeks," Kieran said, sipping espresso. "He told me he was being watched. And it wasn't Than."
"You're sure?" Rin asked, fingers tightening around his glass.
"He said Than was part of it," Kieran said carefully. "But not all of it."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you're the only one he trusted who's still standing."
Rin looked away, throat tight. "I don't know if I deserve that."
"Maybe not," Kieran said softly. "But you're the only one who wants the truth. And that makes you dangerous to them."
Rin blinked. "Them?"
"HanCorp. Than. His father. Whatever web they're spinning."
"You don't think Than's the same as his father?"
"I think Than's worse," Kieran said. "Because he pretends he's doing it for love."
Rin's stomach twisted.
Then—like fate had heard the cue—Than walked into the café.
He didn't storm in. He didn't yell. He just walked through the door like he owned the place, coat still buttoned, eyes locked on Rin and Kieran in their tiny corner.
Rin stood quickly. "It's not what you think."
Than's smile was terrifyingly calm. "Then what do I think, Rin?"
Kieran stood too, eyes amused. "Nice to see you again, Than. Still sending security to stalk people instead of replying to messages?"
Than didn't look at him. "Rin. Outside. Now."
"No," Rin said quietly. "You don't get to drag me every time I breathe near someone you don't like."
Than tilted his head. "I don't dislike him. I just think he's using you."
"You mean like you do?"
Something flickered behind Than's eyes. A crack.
Then his voice dropped low. "This man has a history of manipulating grieving families for headlines. Ask him how he got his last story published."
Kieran snorted. "Desperate much?"
Than turned fully toward him now. "Touch him again and I'll make sure no press outlet ever takes your calls."
Rin grabbed Than's arm, low voice urgent. "Stop. You're making a scene."
Than leaned in, face inches from his. "That's what you want, isn't it? Someone to fight over you."
"You're insane."
"No," Than said darkly. "I'm in control."
Kieran stepped forward, not backing down. "You sure about that?"
Than smiled at him. Cold. "You're in my city. My rules."
Rin yanked away from both of them, breath heavy. "I'm not a goddamn prize."
He walked out without looking back.
---
That night, his phone buzzed.
Than: You don't walk away from me.
Rin stared at the screen for a long time. Then blocked the number.
His hands were still shaking.
And he couldn't stop thinking about how alive he felt when they were both in the room.
---
End of chapter 5