Chapter 1: A Meeting of Two Worlds

Chapter 1: A Meeting of Two Worlds

The evening was crisp in Seoul, the city lights flickering like fireflies against the dark sky. Avani had spent the entire day at an international criminology conference, where she had been invited as a guest speaker. It wasn’t her first time in South Korea, but it was the first time she had allowed herself a break from her usual world of crime scenes and forensic reports.

Stepping into the art gallery where the afterparty was being held, she let out a sigh. Paintings, sculptures, and soft jazz music filled the space. It was a different world from the one she was used to—a world where blood splatters and crime scene photos dictated her life.

And then, she saw him.

Kim Taehyung.

She wasn’t one to follow K-pop, but she knew who he was. His deep, honeyed voice and soulful eyes were hard to miss. He stood near a large canvas, his fingers grazing the edge of a paintbrush, lost in thought.

Avani was about to walk past him when he spoke.

"You don’t look like you belong here."

She turned, raising an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

He smirked slightly, tilting his head. “You look... different. Everyone here is either an artist or a critic. But you... you seem like you observe things differently.”

She crossed her arms, amused. “And you figured that out by just looking at me?”

Taehyung nodded. “I have a thing for observing people.”

Avani chuckled. “Well, you’re not wrong. I’m a criminologist.”

His eyes widened slightly, intrigue flashing across his face. “A criminologist?”

She nodded. “Yes. I solve crimes, study human behavior, and figure out why people do what they do.”

Taehyung’s lips curled into a slow smile. “That’s fascinating. So, tell me, Avani-ssi, what do you see when you look at me?”

She hesitated for a moment before replying. “A man who’s always looking for something deeper, someone who sees beauty in the little things... but also someone who hides his own emotions behind a carefully crafted mask.”

Taehyung’s smile faltered for just a second before he chuckled. “Impressive.”

Taehyung had met countless women in his life. Models, actresses, business elites—women who carried themselves with grace and power.

But none of them had intrigued him the way Avani did.

A criminologist. An enigma. A woman with sharp eyes and a sharper mind.

From the moment she walked in, dressed in a simple yet elegant black saree, Taehyung knew she was different. She wasn’t interested in the glamor, the wealth, or the status. She was here for something else—something deeper.

And Taehyung wanted to know everything

“So,” he leaned in slightly, his deep brown eyes searching hers, “what made you choose this field?”

Avani took a slow sip of her drink before answering. “People lie. But their actions tell the truth. I wanted to understand why people do what they do.”

Taehyung tilted his head, intrigued. “And? Have you found the answer?”

She smirked. “Not yet. But I enjoy the chase.”

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “You sound like a hunter.”

Avani leaned forward just a little, locking eyes with him. “And you sound like a man with too many secrets.”

Taehyung’s breath hitched.

Most people were blinded by his fame, his charm. But Avani? She saw through him.

He grinned, resting his chin on his hand. “I like secrets.”

“I like exposing them,” she countered.

God, she’s fascinating.

Taehyung decided then and there—he wanted more time with her.

So he asked, “Do you mind playing a little game?”

Avani raised a brow. “What kind of game?”

“A question game. You ask, I answer. I ask, you answer.”

She considered it for a moment before nodding. “Alright. You first.”

Taehyung thought for a second before smirking. “What’s the most dangerous case you’ve ever worked on?”

Avani’s expression darkened slightly. “A serial killer in Mumbai. He had a pattern—he would only kill women wearing red bangles.”

Taehyung’s gaze flickered to her wrist, where a single silver bangle rested. “And did you catch him?”

Avani’s eyes gleamed. “I did. But not before he tried to kill me first.”

Taehyung stiffened. “And?”

She leaned back, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “Let’s just say… I don’t go down easily.”

His heartbeat quickened. She wasn’t just intelligent—she was fearless.

He exhaled, shaking his head. “I think I just became a fan.”

Avani chuckled. “Your turn.”

Taehyung tapped his chin. “Alright. What do you think is my biggest crime?”

Avani studied him carefully. Then, with a mischievous smile, she said, “Stealing hearts.”

Taehyung blinked before bursting into laughter. “Wow. Smooth.”

Avani smirked. “You’re not the only one who can play.”

Taehyung leaned in, lowering his voice. “I think I just found my match.”

The air between them crackled with something electric.

And for the first time in a long time, Taehyung felt something he hadn’t felt before—genuine curiosity.

He wanted to know more.

More about Avani.

More about the woman who wasn’t afraid of danger.

More about the woman who had just made him forget about the rest of the world.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly after that. She told him about her cases, and he spoke about his art, music, and the way emotions inspired his work. It was strange—how easily they connected despite coming from such different worlds.

But Avani knew better than to get attached. Her world was dangerous, unpredictable. And love had never been a luxury she could afford.

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To Be Continued…

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