The gym was dimly lit, with bright fluorescent lights above the sparring ring casting a sharp glow on the two figures trading blows in the center. Tae-hyun smirked, adjusting his gloves as sweat dripped down his temple. Across from him stood Adrien, a professional boxer, his chest heaving but his stance determined. Five rounds in, neither had backed down despite the bruises coloring their skin.
"Giving up already?" Tae-hyun taunted, voice dripping with mockery.
Adrien bared his teeth in a grin. "You hit like a spoiled prince."
Tae-hyun's jab came fast, forcing Adrien to block in a scramble. His footwork, quick but unsteady, didn't go unnoticed.
"Your guard's sloppy," Tae-hyun called out, stepping back with that lazy, lethal grin. "Keep this up, and I'll knock you out by round six."
Adrien lunged, aiming a side blow—only for the moment to snap in half as the gym door creaked open. Mr. Jun entered, bowing sharply.
"You have a guest, sir."
Tae-hyun caught Adrien's punch mid-air, twisting and pushing him back in a move so fast it left Adrien blinking.
"Next Saturday, princess," Tae-hyun said, patting Adrien's shoulder before stepping out of the ring.
As Mr. Jun led the way, Tae-hyun's eyes found Soo-ji standing awkwardly by the doorway, determination flickering behind the unease in her eyes.
A smirk curled across his lips. "Miss me already?"
"I could never!!" Soo-ji shot back, scanning the room.
"Looking for something, sweetheart?" he teased.
"A first aid kit," she snapped, eyes sharp.
"Oh? Worried about me?" Tae-hyun raised a brow, a teasing lilt in his voice.
"Don't flatter yourself. Where is it?" she demanded, glaring.
"Forget that." His smirk faded, replaced by a careful curiosity. "Why are you here?"
Soo-ji took a breath, squared her shoulders, and looked him dead in the eyes. "I want you to teach me how to fight."
Silence swallowed the gym. Then Tae-hyun laughed, the sound bright, disbelieving, echoing against the high ceiling.
"What's so funny?" Soo-ji snapped. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Tae-hyun hopped up to sit on the ropes, eyes narrowing with amusement and calculation. "You think fighting is some anime scene? You can't just yell 'hey!' and flail your arms—"
"Hey!" she protested, cheeks flushing.
"Exactly." His grin widened. "But I'll make you a deal. I protect you, and in return, you become my personal doctor. But you're going to tell me why."
Her fingers tightened on her bag, her eyes dropping for just a moment before meeting his gaze again, defiant. "Because I'm being followed."
Tae-hyun's smirk dropped.
"How long?"
"Four months."
"Interesting."
She swallowed. "That night at the hotel—I wasn't there by accident. I followed the stalker, but he disappeared, so I went to the roof to look for him."
Tae-hyun's gaze sharpened. "Anyone else up there?"
"Not until you showed up."
"Why didn't you tell Do-yoon?"
"Because I didn't trust any of you," Soo-ji shot back. "But… Mr. Do-yoon seems trustworthy."
"Only him?" Tae-hyun asked, voice low.
"You're hard to trust," she admitted. "But that's not the point. I need you to help me find this stalker and protect my grandma. If you do that, I'll do whatever you want."
His eyes glinted dangerously. "Why not go to the police?"
"Because it'll drag your hotel into it."
Tae-hyun's lips twitched. "Being considerate, huh?"
He sighed, stepping off the ropes, towering over her. "Fine. We help you. You become my doctor."
At that moment, Mr. Jun placed a thick folder on the table with a quiet thump.
Tae-hyun nodded at it. "I don't do anything without a contract."
Soo-ji skimmed the papers, her eyes widening. "I have to live with you?"
"Of course. Anything could happen to me at any hour," Tae-hyun replied, voice like a dark promise.
She hesitated for a heartbeat, then slammed the pen down and signed, shoving the folder back.
"As long as my grandma is safe, I'll do it."
Tae-hyun chuckled softly. "You caved faster than I thought. I was looking forward to watching you squirm."
"And if I said no?"
"I'd have kidnapped you," he said, eyes twinkling. "See you at the hotel."
As he strode off, Soo-ji turned to Mr. Jun. "What did he mean by living with him?"
"Mr. Tae-hyun lives in the penthouse of the hotel," Mr. Jun explained calmly. "It's large—like a mansion. You'll have your own space."
"That wasn't my question" Soo-ji murmured before she continued "Why does he need a doctor so close?" she demanded.
Mr. Jun's gaze flickered. "Because, as he said, anything can happen."
A cold shiver slid down her spine. "Did I just make the worst mistake of my life?"
"You'll be safe," Mr. Jun said softly. "Mr. Tae-hyun doesn't let harm come to those under his protection—especially his doctors."
"How many doctors has he had before me?" Soo-ji pressed.
Before Mr. Jun could answer, a deep voice cut in, smooth and calm.
"You'd make a good detective, asking all these questions."
Soo-ji turned sharply, finding Do-yoon approaching, his presence steady and composed. Mr. Jun gave a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Mr. Do-yoon," Soo-ji greeted stiffly.
"I wasn't expecting you this early," he said, taking a seat across from her, eyes steady. "I see you took my advice."
Mr. Jun stepped forward. "Sir, would you like anything?"
Do-yoon ignored him, his gaze never leaving Soo-ji. "Do you have plans today?"
She shook her head. To
"Good." Do-yoon stood, adjusting his jacket. "Mr. Jun, have the car ready."
"Where are we going?" Soo-ji asked, a knot tightening in her chest.
Do-yoon's dark eyes met hers, unreadable. "Mr. Jun would be taking you on a tour around the penthouse, I and Tae-hyun have a meeting to attend, anything you need relay it to Mr. Jun." he said and turned towards Mr. Jun "Make sure she has everything she needs, I'd be leaving now"
"Yes sir!!" Mr. Jun echoed with a bow.
"Good bye Mr. Do-yoon" Soo-ji said with a respectful bow.
"I hope you enjoy you're stay" he said briefly and walked out.
Soo-ji's heart sank as the weight of her choice settled in, enjoying her stay wasn't even an option, she knew deep down that things were never going to settle especially when she gets to leave with HEE TAE-HYUN, she let out a heavy sigh unconsciously
"I know I haven't been the best disciple but please Lord spare me this time".