Seoul, Gwangjin-gu – 2017
In a forgotten corner of western Seoul, among rusting car parts and broken machinery that looked like an abandoned junkyard, Emma was sprawled lazily on a worn-out couch. Dark sunglasses hid her sharp gaze, but her voice dripped with irritation.
"How am I supposed to get used to this country? Even the air stinks here. How am I supposed to eat, sleep, or live without a job? And let's be honest… I'm not even good at anything."
With a sharp kick, she sent a rusty piece of metal clattering across the ground.
"Damn it! We should've taken all the money. And where the hell is he? What's taking him so long?"
At that moment, a shadow approached from behind. She sensed it immediately, her body tensing. Without hesitation, she spun around and launched a sharp punch. But just before impact, she stopped herself, lowering her fist with a grunt.
"Sorry… thought you were someone else."
When she finally saw his face clearly, her expression changed to worry.
"Daewon, what happened to your face?! We agreed not to cause trouble here."
Daewon collapsed onto the ragged couch beside her with a sigh.
"That's the point. I didn't want trouble, so I let myself get beaten like an idiot. You have no idea how much this burns me inside. First time in my life I've ever been hit like that… and it's all because of you."
Emma's eyes narrowed.
"Because of me? You're blaming me now?"
"Everything started when you stepped into Hiroto's fight," he shot back.
Her words died in her throat. She clenched her jaw, unable to respond.
"If we hadn't interfered that day, none of this would've happened," Daewon continued.
Emma lowered her gaze, silent, guilt clawing at her chest. He's right… none of this would've happened if I hadn't stepped in that day. Hiroto, Kazuki… it was all my fault.
Daewon studied her carefully. His tone softened.
"Emma, are you okay? You should've told Hiroto we were leaving."
She scoffed bitterly.
"Why would I? He never cared about us anyway."
"You're wrong. He cared about you. Why else do you think he spared you that day, even after you interfered? Hiroto is the strongest man in that world, and yet… he couldn't lay a hand on you."
Emma's voice cracked, harsher than she intended.
"Daewon, stop."
He raised his hands in surrender.
"Fine, fine. We're in Korea now. The past is behind us. Let's start over—live a new life."
Her laugh was bitter.
"A new life? Don't be naive. Kazuki may be in Japan, but his reach is long. We could be killed any moment."
Daewon leaned forward, his tone lower, heavier.
"What happened to me today… it wasn't a coincidence. Someone noticed us. But then… I got an offer."
Emma blinked.
"An offer? From who?"
"A wealthy man. He wants me to work as his son's bodyguard. In return, he'll give us new names, new identities… protection from Kazuki. Just like in the movies."
"Wait. How does he even know about us?"
Daewon let out a bitter laugh.
"Long story. I crossed paths with some mafia-like men. Turns out they worked for him. He knew everything—our past, our faces, even our secrets. Tonight, he tracked me down and made the offer."
Emma frowned.
"And you're considering it? Someone who knows all that about us… that's dangerous."
"It's the only way, Emma. Our lives are already in danger. If this man can protect us, even for a while, it's better than nothing. I accepted—but under one condition."
She crossed her arms.
"You accepted?! What condition?"
"That you work as his bodyguard too. Let's be honest, you're better at this than I am."
Emma hesitated. Trust a stranger with our lives? Impossible… but what choice do we really have? Finally, she exhaled and muttered,
"Fine. I'll do it."
Daewon reached out and squeezed her shoulder gently.
"Good. We'll meet him tomorrow."
Emma allowed a faint smile.
"And what should Daewon do until then?"
He smiled back.
"Never let go of his sister's hand. Not even if it's cut off."
"And Emma? What should she do?"
Her voice was soft, but steady.
"Never let go of her brother's hand."
They both laughed lightly, though their hearts still carried the weight of the past.
---
The following day, they walked into a luxurious private office building. Armed guards escorted them through spotless marble halls until they were led into an elegant room. A refined man in a tailored suit awaited them.
He stood and extended his hand politely.
"Miss Emma, I presume? I'm Kim Sungmin. A pleasure to meet you."
Emma shook his hand briefly, her eyes cold.
"So, you're the man behind all this secrecy. With this many guards and this much silence, you must be someone important. But if you already know everything about us, there's no need for introductions."
Sungmin only smiled, gesturing for them to sit on a velvet couch.
"Very well then. I'll get straight to the point. By coming here, you've already accepted my proposal."
Daewon's voice was sharp.
"We accepted, but only if you keep your promises first."
Still smiling, Sungmin signaled to one of his men. Moments later, two new identification cards and thick envelopes were placed on the table.
"Everything has been prepared," Sungmin said smoothly. "New names, new identities, a new life. No one will ever know who you really are."
Emma crossed her arms.
"Fine. What exactly do you want from us?"
"It's simple," Sungmin replied. "You'll work as personal bodyguards for my son. But in secret."
Daewon frowned.
"Secret? What do you mean?"
"My son refuses to have guards. He hates the idea. So Daewon, you'll be his driver. And Emma… you'll be his secretary. On the surface, nothing unusual. In reality, you'll both protect him."
Emma raised an eyebrow.
"You're asking me to be a secretary? I don't know a thing about that."
"Don't worry," Sungmin assured. "My staff will train you in the basics. All you need to do is stay by his side. The rest… you'll learn quickly enough. But before that, I want to see your skills with my own eyes."
Emma stood, her expression sharp.
"Fine. Watch carefully, and remember this—I don't take kindly to betrayal."
Sungmin chuckled.
"Nor do I. Now, follow me."
After a brief test that displayed their combat strength, Sungmin was satisfied. Contracts were signed, complete with salaries, housing, and conditions.
Three days later, dressed in their new roles, they walked into a towering company building. Daewon grinned as he slid behind the wheel of a sleek black car.
"Damn, Emma. Look at this ride. I think I'm in love."
Emma rolled her eyes.
"Seriously? We're about to meet the son of a powerful man and all you care about is the car?"
"Relax. Just remember—we're not Emma and Daewon anymore. I'm Lee Youngjae, his driver. You're Park Hyuna, his secretary."
She sighed.
"At least we finally have family names, even if they're fake."
Together, they entered the upper floors of the building. The atmosphere grew heavier as they reached the second-to-last level. A grand wooden door loomed ahead. Behind it was a spacious office that looked more like a throne room.
And there he was.
The young man turned slowly, his sharp features and calm aura commanding attention. Emma froze for a moment, surprised at his presence. So this is him… Sungmin's son. He's… handsome. And dangerous.
He spoke first, his voice cool and steady.
"So you finally arrived."
Daewon bowed slightly.
"Sir, I'm Lee Youngjae, your new driver."
Emma followed, bowing politely.
"And I am Park Hyuna, your secretary. I'll do my best to serve you well."
The man's gaze lingered on her, unreadable.
"Since my father sent you, I'll spare the formalities. Youngjae, you may leave. As for you… stay."
Emma stiffened but remained silent.
His eyes swept over her from head to toe. His thoughts, though unspoken, were clear in the way he studied her: A bold stance, simple hairstyle, minimal effort in appearance, yet… there's an elegance in her simplicity. She's not ordinary.
Finally, he stepped closer, his gaze piercing.
"Miss Park… do you have a boyfriend?"
Emma's eyes widened. What the hell kind of question is that?! This arrogant bastard—
She forced her voice steady.
"Excuse me, sir?"
The young man smirked faintly. His name was Soojin.
And just like that, Emma realized… her new life had only just begun.