episode 3. Their threats.

The world around y/n and Ae-cha faded into a blur as adrenaline surged through their veins. The air thickened with tension, and y/n’s instincts kicked in; she glanced around for any potential escape routes, assessing the situation.

“Ae-cha, stay behind me,” y/n whispered fiercely, channeling the badass lawyer persona that had earned her fear and respect in courtrooms across Korea. Her heart pounded rhythmically against her chest; she couldn't let their past haunt them at this moment—it was about survival.

The lead man, a stocky figure with slicked-back hair, stepped closer. “Didn’t your family teach you to stay in your castle, little princess?” he sneered, eyes glinting with mischief.

Ae-cha flinched, and y/n clenched her jaw. “You have no business here. Leave us alone,” she said, trying to project confidence she hoped to feel.

“Oh, but it’s precisely our business to check in on those who might have... dangerous connections. You wouldn’t want any ‘accidents’ stirring in your perfect little life now, would you? Especially not with the Kang name behind you,” the man chuckled, a chill running down y/n’s spine at his meaning.

She stepped forward, her mind racing. “I suggest you back off before you regret it.” Her voice was steady, but she could feel her heart racing. She had learned how to fight, how to use a gun, but facing off against the one family perceived to be their biggest rivals was no light burden.

Ae-cha trembled behind her, clearly terrified. “y/n, please,” she whispered. “We should just go.”

But y/n knew "going" wouldn’t be that simple. Their threats were implied, and retreat would only make them look weak.

The man smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. “You think just because your daddy is the king of this town, you can play tough? You’re only making it worse for yourselves.”

Struggling to keep her composure, y/n glanced at Ae-cha, whose face was pale. “We need to stand our ground,” she whispered, fierce defiance lighting her eyes. "If we show fear, they’ll take that as a victory."

“Courage can be mistaken for foolhardiness, princess,” another member of the group chimed in, stepping forward. He was tall and muscular, with tattoos peeking from his cuffs, portraying an image of a man who thrived in chaos.

“If you think you can intimidate us into silence, you’re mistaken,” y/n shot back, rallying her inner strength. “We will not let the Sung family push us around.”

At that moment, the lead man stepped closer, invading her space. “Why don’t we test that theory? It’s always so delightful when princesses are reminded of their place.”

The cold steel of fear gripped y/n’s stomach, but she returned his gaze with equal ferocity. Something deep inside held her grounded; she wouldn’t allow them to see weakness.

Suddenly, a voice boomed from across the park, interrupting the tense standoff. “Get away from them!”

Startled, y/n turned to see Ji Chang-wook striding towards them, flanked by two security personnel from his agency. He maintained a confident stance, oozing authority and determination.

“Chang-wook, you shouldn’t be here!” y/n exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over her, even as she knew it might compromise their safety.

“And why shouldn’t I? We don’t allow bullies in this territory,” Chang-wook replied, eyes narrowed at the approaching men. “I suggest you leave before this becomes very messy.”

Interest sparked in the lead man’s eyes, but he didn’t flinch. “We’re just having a friendly chat with our esteemed guests here.”

“Friendly, huh? I’d hate to see your idea of unfriendly,” Chang-wook retorted, his eyes scanning the group, calculating the threat level. The shift in dynamics gave y/n a slight glimmer of hope.

As the tension escalated, y/n whispered to Ae-cha, “We need to stick together and move closer to Chang-wook. He won't let anything happen.”

The two women sidled toward Chang-wook, who stood tall and unyielding. The men began to shift their weight as they eyed him, uncertainty creeping into their expressions.

“Last chance to back off,” Chang-wook warned, a hard edge in his voice.

The lead man scoffed. “This isn’t over, princess. Your family has coddled you long enough. I’ll be watching.” With a nod, he turned on his heel, gesturing for his men to follow. The moment they left, an overwhelming pressure lifted.

Breathing deeply, y/n felt the adrenaline still thrumming through her. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, trying to scold Chang-wook, though relief softened her tone.

He shrugged, a boyish grin breaking out on his face. “I couldn’t let you wander around unprotected, could I? It’s not the time for foolish bravery when there are threats lurking.”

“You should have known I was fine,” she replied, her heart still racing from the close encounter.

“I’ve known you long enough to realize that you never quite are,”

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