Chapter 1 – New Assignments
The office was quiet except for the steady hum of the air conditioner. Krit stood near the window, his posture straight, eyes calm, waiting for the man across the table to speak.
"Lin Yue," the manager said, tapping a pen against a file. "You've probably heard the name. He's one of the biggest stars in Asia right now — singer, actor, brand ambassador, everything. The company has received several concerning letters and attempted break-ins. He'll need personal protection starting this week."
Krit nodded. "Understood."
The manager leaned back, studying him. "You come highly recommended. Discreet. Reliable. But this one's different. You'll be living with him."
Krit didn't react, though a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes. "Living with the client?"
"Yes. Twenty-four-hour surveillance. You'll be part of his schedule — rehearsals, sets, even trips abroad. Keep a low profile, but stay close. You'll meet him this evening."
Krit gave a curt nod. "I'll prepare."
---
The ride to Lin Yue's residence was smooth and quiet. The car moved through city lights that glimmered like reflections in water. Krit rarely cared for luxury, but the tall white building before him was something else — a private penthouse with its own security floor.
A staff member greeted him at the entrance. "You're the new bodyguard, right? Please follow me."
Inside, the place was spotless — marble floors, soft lighting, framed photographs of concerts and red carpets. It felt more like a museum than a home.
"Lin Yue is finishing an interview," the assistant whispered, leading Krit toward the main room. "He'll be done soon."
Krit gave a short nod and waited silently near the doorway.
He didn't have to wait long.
---
The moment Lin Yue entered, the room seemed to shift. He wasn't in stage mode now — no fake smiles or practiced charm. His dark hair was slightly damp, falling over his forehead, his expression sharp and distant.
Their eyes met.
For a heartbeat, neither spoke.
"This is Krit," the manager said quickly, breaking the silence. "From today, he'll be your bodyguard."
Lin Yue's gaze moved from Krit's boots to his face — steady, assessing. "He looks too calm," he said, voice soft but teasing. "Are you sure he can handle the chaos?"
Krit didn't answer right away. "I'm trained to handle what's necessary."
The manager chuckled awkwardly. "You'll get along once filming starts. Krit, you'll accompany Lin Yue to every schedule. He doesn't like delays."
"I'll keep up," Krit replied.
---
Later that night, the city was silent through the wide glass windows. Krit unpacked in the guest room next to Lin Yue's. The house felt too quiet — the kind of silence that belonged to someone used to noise.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," Krit said.
Lin Yue stood there in a loose sweatshirt, holding two mugs of coffee. "You don't talk much, do you?"
Krit blinked, slightly taken aback. "I'm not paid to talk."
Lin Yue smiled faintly. "Then humor me tonight. I can't sleep."
Krit hesitated, then nodded. Lin Yue handed him a mug and sat by the edge of the sofa. "You must think I'm spoiled."
"I don't think anything," Krit said simply, taking a sip.
"Liar," Lin Yue murmured with a small grin. "Everyone does. Fame makes people forget you're human."
Krit glanced at him. There was something tired behind the idol's smile, something real. "Then stop pretending for a while," he said quietly.
Lin Yue turned to him, surprised by the calm honesty in his voice. For a second, neither looked away.
The air between them felt heavier, softer — the kind of silence that carried more meaning than words.
"I'll try," Lin Yue whispered, standing up. "Good night, Krit."
"Good night."
---
After Lin Yue left, Krit stayed by the window.
He could still feel the warmth of the coffee mug in his hands — and the faint echo of Lin Yue's voice in his head.
He didn't come here to feel anything.
But somehow, from that first look… it had already begun.