The Gentle Stranger

The music and chatter of the ballroom echoed faintly behind her, but Hana barely heard any of it. Her vision blurred with tears as she hurried down the grand staircase, the glitter of chandeliers above her only making her pain feel sharper. The memory of Youhan’s cold words echoed in her head, tightening her chest until she could hardly breathe.

Her steps faltered. The world tilted.

Her heel slipped on the polished marble, and her body lurched forward.

But before panic could set in, a steady hand caught her.

Strong, warm fingers curled gently around her wrist, anchoring her in place. Hana gasped and looked up.

Before her stood a young man she had never seen before, yet in that instant, it felt as if the world had stopped just to let her see him. His tall frame, perfectly fitted in a dark tailored suit, carried effortless confidence. His eyes—deep, kind, and strikingly gentle—met hers with such calm that Hana felt her heartbeat stumble.

“Careful,” he said, his voice rich yet soft, a tone that seemed to soothe the storm inside her.

Hana blinked, still frozen in his grasp, her breath caught.

“I—I’m sorry…” she stammered, her cheeks warming.

The man smiled, the corner of his lips curving into something both charming and reassuring. “There’s no need to apologize. It would’ve been my greatest regret to let such a beautiful girl fall.”

Her heart skipped violently at his words. She had never been spoken to like that—not with such sincerity, not with such ease.

He slowly released her wrist but remained close, his presence steady, as though he was unwilling to let her stumble again.

“This must be our first meeting,” he said with polite confidence. “I’m Suinan. My father, Mr. Corner, works closely with your family.”

Hana’s eyes widened slightly. She had heard of Mr. Corner—her father’s esteemed business partner. But his son? She hadn’t expected someone like this.

“Hana…” she whispered, introducing herself, though her voice trembled.

Suinan’s eyes softened. “A lovely name, for a lovely lady.”

Hana’s face grew warmer. She didn’t know what to say, so she simply followed as he offered his arm and guided her gently back toward the ballroom.

The glittering lights of the chandeliers cast a dreamlike glow across the hall. Couples swayed, laughter floated in the air, and music played sweetly, weaving magic into the atmosphere. Hana had felt like an outsider moments ago, drowning in sorrow—but Suinan’s presence changed everything.

He spoke with ease as they walked. “You seemed troubled earlier. I hope I’m not wrong to say this, but… the night should be kinder to someone like you.”

His words felt like a balm to her heart. She gave him a small smile, shy but genuine—the first since her encounter with Youhan.

As if on cue, the crowd’s attention shifted. Youhan entered, Jeena’s hand looped around his arm. Guests admired them, whispering about how perfect they looked together. Hana’s chest tightened, but before her thoughts could sink back into despair, Suinan’s voice cut through the noise.

“Would you like to dance?”

Hana looked at him, startled. His hand was outstretched, his eyes never leaving hers. Unlike Youhan’s coldness, Suinan’s gaze was warm—patient, as though he was giving her the choice to step into something new.

She hesitated for only a moment. Then, slowly, she placed her hand into his.

The music shifted into a graceful waltz. Suinan’s hold was firm yet delicate, guiding her effortlessly as if they had danced together for years. Hana’s steps, uncertain at first, began to flow in rhythm with his.

“You’re a natural,” he murmured with a gentle smile.

Hana lowered her gaze, her lips curving in the faintest blush. “No… it’s just that you’re leading so well.”

Their laughter mingled softly, light and easy. For the first time that night, Hana’s heart felt light again, as though the pain was being washed away by something warmer, something unexpected.

Across the ballroom, Youhan’s eyes flickered toward them. His expression remained calm, lips curved in a polite smile as he stood with Jeena. But his gaze lingered too long—too sharp—watching Hana laugh with another man. Still, he said nothing.

The chandeliers sparkled overhead, the music carried them through the dance, and Hana found herself lost in the moment. Suinan’s hand was warm in hers, his presence comforting yet exciting, like a promise she didn’t know she wanted until now.

By the time the music faded, Hana realized she was smiling—a soft, genuine smile that felt foreign yet precious.

Suinan bowed slightly, his eyes still holding hers. “Thank you for the dance, Hana. I hope it won’t be our last.”

Her heart fluttered. Something inside her whispered that this night, which began in heartbreak, might just mark the beginning of something she had never imagined.

And as the party wound down, glittering lights dimming and laughter fading, Hana knew she would never forget the gentle stranger who caught her before she could fall.

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