Chapter Three: Hearts and Crossfires

Title:

Content:

The rain fell in relentless sheets, drenching Seoul in a cold, silver haze. Lisa stood on the rooftop of an abandoned office building, her breath visible in the chilled air. The city sprawled beneath her, alive and buzzing, but up here, it was eerily quiet.

The note she received earlier had led her here. Another cryptic message, delivered to her hotel room:

“Come alone. Midnight. No second chances.”

Her instincts screamed at her to turn back, but her determination to uncover the truth kept her rooted in place. She clutched her small bag tightly, feeling the weight of the knife hidden inside.

“Impressive.”

The voice cut through the rain like a blade. Lisa spun around to see Taehyung leaning against a rusted air duct, his dark suit slick with rain. He looked like a ghost emerging from the shadows, his piercing gaze locked onto her.

“You followed me,” Lisa said, her voice sharper than intended.

“I saved you.” He stepped closer, his movements unhurried, predatory. “Do you even know who sent that note?”

Lisa’s jaw tightened. “I don’t need your help.”

“Don’t you?” Taehyung’s voice dropped, his tone dangerously soft. “Because right now, there’s a sniper half a block away with a clear line of sight on this rooftop. If I hadn’t disabled his scope, you’d already be dead.”

Her blood ran cold, but she refused to show fear. “Why should I trust you?”

Taehyung took another step closer, the space between them shrinking. “Because I know more about the people you’re chasing than you think. And because, whether you like it or not, you’re part of their game now.”

Lisa’s heart pounded, her mind racing with questions she couldn’t ask. She hated the way he made her feel—off balance, vulnerable, yet drawn to him in a way she couldn’t explain.

“Why are you here, Taehyung?” she demanded.

“Because I couldn’t stay away,” he admitted, his voice low and rough.

Her breath hitched as he closed the distance between them, his hand brushing her rain-soaked cheek. His touch was both gentle and possessive, sending a shiver down her spine.

“You’re reckless, Lisa,” he murmured, his thumb grazing her lower lip. “But I can’t decide if that’s what makes you dangerous or what makes you irresistible.”

Lisa’s resolve crumbled under his intense gaze. She knew this was dangerous, that getting involved with him could complicate everything, but when his lips captured hers, she couldn’t bring herself to care.

The kiss was fierce, a clash of desperation and need. His hands slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him, and she responded with equal fervor, her fingers tangling in his rain-drenched hair.

For a moment, the world disappeared—the rain, the danger, the lies. There was only him, his lips on hers, his body pressed against hers as if he were afraid to let go.

But reality came crashing back all too quickly.

A gunshot rang out, shattering the fragile silence.

Taehyung broke the kiss, his body moving instinctively as he pulled Lisa down behind the air duct. “Stay low!” he barked, his calm demeanor replaced by sharp focus.

Lisa’s heart thundered in her chest as she peeked around the edge of their cover. A red laser dot danced across the rooftop, searching for them.

“How many?” she whispered.

“At least three,” Taehyung replied, pulling a sleek pistol from inside his jacket.

“You came armed?”

“I came prepared,” he said, his tone clipped. “Stay behind me.”

Lisa bristled at his commanding tone but held her tongue. The gunfire intensified, bullets ricocheting off metal and concrete as the rain masked their attackers’ movements.

Taehyung returned fire with precision, his every movement calculated. Lisa couldn’t help but notice the way he moved—graceful yet lethal, like a predator hunting its prey.

“Do you always walk into traps, or is tonight special?” he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Lisa glared at him. “I didn’t ask for your help.”

“No, but you needed it.”

Before she could retort, a figure emerged from the shadows, gun raised. Without hesitation, Lisa grabbed her knife and threw it, the blade burying itself in the attacker’s shoulder. He cried out, dropping his weapon as he stumbled back.

Taehyung glanced at her, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “Not bad.”

“Don’t patronize me,” Lisa snapped, grabbing the downed attacker’s gun.

The remaining assailants regrouped, their movements methodical. Taehyung and Lisa exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them.

“Follow my lead,” he said.

Lisa nodded, adrenaline surging through her veins as they moved together, weaving through the rain-soaked rooftop like a single entity. The fight was brutal and chaotic, but they emerged victorious, the attackers either incapacitated or retreating into the night.

As the last of the gunfire faded, Taehyung turned to Lisa, his breathing heavy. “You’re reckless,” he said again, his voice softer this time.

Lisa met his gaze, her chest heaving. “And you’re insufferable.”

He chuckled, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “Maybe. But you’re alive because of me.”

Lisa rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. “I could’ve handled it.”

“Sure you could.”

As the rain continued to fall, Taehyung stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. The tension between them crackled like electricity, and Lisa knew this was far from over.

The game they were playing was deadly, but in that moment, with Taehyung by her side, she felt like she might have a chance.

“Come on,” he said, his voice low. “We’re not safe here.”

Lisa followed him, her heart pounding with equal parts fear and exhilaration. Whatever came next, she knew one thing for certain: she was in too deep now, and there was no turning back.

---

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***