Chapter 1: The Auction House

The atmosphere inside the auction house was thick with anticipation. Seoul’s elite had gathered under the grand chandelier of the Moonlight Auction Hall, sipping champagne as they waited for the night’s most coveted piece—a jade ring rumored to be cursed.

Seo Jun adjusted the cuff of his tailored black suit, eyes fixed on the display case at the front of the room. He wasn’t here for the rumors. He wasn’t here for the prestige. He was here because, for reasons he couldn’t explain, he felt drawn to the ring as if it had been calling him for years.

"Lot 47, ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer announced, his voice smooth yet commanding. "A rare jade artifact, dating back several centuries. The starting bid is ten million won."

Before Jun could lift his paddle, another voice cut through the room. "Fifteen million."

Jun turned his head and his breath caught.

Kaito Nakamura.

The infamous art thief—though no one could ever quite prove it. A Japanese-Korean enigma known for his daring heists and a trail of stolen artifacts that authorities could never pin on him. Kaito’s dark eyes flickered with amusement as he leaned lazily against his chair, fingers drumming against the armrest.

Jun narrowed his gaze. He had heard of Kaito before, but this was the first time he had seen him in person. And now, of all times, he was here to claim the very item Jun wanted.

"Twenty million," Jun countered, lifting his paddle.

Kaito smirked. "Thirty million."

The tension crackled between them, drawing the attention of those around them. The auctioneer’s gaze shifted between them, sensing an unexpected battle that had nothing to do with money and everything to do with dominance.

"Fifty million," Jun said, his voice even, though his pulse quickened. He wasn’t going to lose.

Kaito chuckled under his breath. "Sixty million."

A murmur rippled through the audience.

Jun clenched his fist. He didn’t come here to be toyed with. He came here for the ring. He wasn’t even sure why he wanted it so badly—only that something deep inside him screamed that he had to have it.

"Seventy-five million," Jun said, jaw tight.

Kaito tilted his head, studying him. Then, to Jun’s surprise, he leaned forward slightly, just enough for his voice to reach only him. "You really want it that badly, huh?" His voice was low, teasing, laced with something dangerous. "Maybe I should let you have it... for a price."

Jun’s breath hitched. "What do you want?"

Kaito’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "A night with you."

Jun’s heart slammed against his ribs. He opened his mouth, but no words came. The final bid rang through the speakers.

"Sold—to Seo Jun for seventy-five million!"

A smattering of applause followed, but Jun barely registered it. He was too caught in the heat of Kaito’s gaze, the silent promise that this was far from over.

And for the first time in years, Jun felt a dangerous thrill race down his spine.

To be continued

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