Detective Choi Dojoon stepped into the station with a new badge gleaming over his heart - the proof of a promotion that still didn't feel real. He paused when he spotted her.
Agent Lee Chaerim stood at her desk, quietly packing her things into a sleek suitcase. NIS was calling her back. The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the space between them when their eyes met.
"So..." Dojoon began, trying not to sound disappointed. "You're leaving."
Chaerim lifted her gaze, a small smile softening her usual sharp expression.
"The mission is over. My work here is done."
He nodded once - strong enough to seem okay, soft enough to show he wasn't.
"You're promoted," she reminded him. "A commendation for courage. You should consider joining NIS. We could use someone like you."
Dojoon chuckled faintly, scratching the back of his neck.
"I think... this is where I belong. With my team."
Chaerim's eyes flickered - understanding mixed with something harder to name. She picked up her bag and stepped toward the door.
Before the moment slipped away-
"Chaerim-ssi!"
She paused.
Dojoon exhaled, gathering every last drop of bravery in him.
"Maybe next time... we could get coffee? Or a meal? Just... the two of us?"
Her brows rose in surprise - impressed - and then softened into a warm, genuine smile.
"Sure, Detective Choi. Just call me."
She walked through the door, leaving Dojoon stunned for a heartbeat - before a triumphant grin broke across his face.
"...Yes."
A small, victorious grin blossomed on his face.
---
The motorcycle engine purred beneath them as Jaemin and Dahlia traveled the roads of their past. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, her cheek resting between his shoulders - a place that felt like home.
Their first stop was the Seo family grave. Jaemin knelt before his parents' tombstones, fingers drifting over their names.
"Mom, Dad," he whispered, a shaky smile forming, "I'll protect the family you left me. And soon... you'll meet your grandchildren."
Dahlia placed a white lily beside him and squeezed his hand, sharing the moment in silence.
They continued to the new training facility - once a humble gym, now a thriving center buzzing with eager young fighters. A large sign proudly read:
Moon Blade Martial Arts Academy
- Founded by Coach Han Insung & Seo Jaemin -
Coach Insung spotted them and pulled Jaemin into a firm hug.
"Look at you now, son," he said with watery pride. "From a lost boy... to a man leading the next generation. Your parents and your ancestors would be proud."
Dahlia smiled at them, her heart full.
They continued to Hwayang Valley, where Dahlia knelt before the graves of her grandmother and great-grandfather GunWoo.
She placed two roses gently on the soil - one white, one red - and whispered, voice trembling but full of peace:
"We returned stronger.
Thank you for guiding us here."
Jaemin rested his hand on her shoulder, standing silently beside her - honoring the family who once protected the thread of fate.
Their final stop was the cliff - high above the roaring sea.
Waves crashed against the rocks below, wild and alive, like the heartbeat of fate itself.
Jaemin stood behind Dahlia, arms wrapped around her waist, the ocean breeze sweeping her hair back like a banner of freedom.
"Dahlia..." he said softly, voice barely louder than the waves.
"When I met you... everything in my life finally pointed somewhere. Like the stars were trying to guide me to you."
She turned in his embrace, fingers brushing his cheek.
"And even when the world kept trying to pull us apart... our threads always found each other again."
Foreheads touched.
The sea wind carried their breaths away.
He kissed her - slow, burning, lasting.
No more running.
No more fear.
Just the fate they chose... together.
---
Three years later, laughter filled their bright new home. Photo frames decorated the walls - a stunning wedding portrait and a chaotic family picture where two toddlers refused to stay still.
Jihwan and GunWoo sprinted through the living room with foam swords, shouting at the top of their lungs:
"We are the Moon Guardians!"
"No, I'm the strongest!"
"Yah! Jihwan-ah! GunWoo-yah! Come here!"
Jaemin chased hopelessly behind them, already exhausted.
Dahlia, heavily pregnant again, rubbed her temple.
"Boys... please... Mommy's tired..."
Coach Insung pretended not to notice the chaos inside the house, grilling barbecue peacefully in the backyard.
The door swung open and Judge Choi entered with a mountain of toys.
"My grandsons!" he boomed proudly.
The boys immediately clung to him like little koalas.
Soon after, Dojoon walked in - and Jihwan launched straight into his arms.
"Uncle Dojoon!!!"
Dojoon swung him once in greeting.
"You're heavier every week!"
Chaerim followed behind with a small, thoughtful gift bag. GunWoo rushed over to hug her leg.
"Aunt Chaerim!!!"
She laughed and ruffled his hair gently.
Dahlia approached Chaerim, leaning slightly on her for support.
"A family of boys, huh eonnie?" Chaerim teased, grinning.
Dahlia sighed dramatically and pointed at her stomach.
"Well, when this one arrives... I'll finally have my ally. She's a girl."
They exchanged soft laughter.
Chaerim's voice lowered.
"You won the war, Dahlia-ssi... not with blades, but with love."
Dahlia's eyes softened with grateful tears.
"Thank you... for staying by Dojoon. He needs someone who keeps him grounded."
Dojoon, overhearing, gasped dramatically.
"Hey! I heard that!"
Chaerim shrugged smugly.
"Good. You were meant to hear it."
The whole room erupted in laughter.
Later, as the family gathered outside beneath string lights, Jaemin slipped his arm around Dahlia's waist, pressing a kiss to her temple.
"We survived," he told her quietly.
She smiled against his lips.
"We lived."
A warm breeze swept through the yard - gentle, ancient - carrying a whisper of old prophecy fulfilled:
> The Moon Tribe rises again...
not to fight...
but to love.