Whether he said he wanted to protect her more or wanted to hug her. Saying such things to someone paralyzed by fear.

Rajin shook her head as Ha Eun handed her diamond earrings.

“He’s an inexplicable psycho. So, be careful today, alright?”

Concerned for Rajin’s safety, Ha Eun even showed her videos on how to handle ferocious dogs.

It was ironic to get so worked up over something that hadn’t happened yet.

But today, Rajin had to endure it. Though Prosecutor Kang Ji Ho said it would be fine, it was an opportunity for her to learn something important.

“Ah! Sister. Prosecutor Kang’s calling.”

Ha Eun tapped Rajin’s shoulder and handed her the new phone. Why would he call at this hour?

“Yes, Ji Ho.”

[When are you leaving?]

“Soon. The driver from Myungjin is about to arrive.”

Hearing Rajin’s reply, he sighed deeply.

[I’m not at ease.]

“I’ll just eat and come back.”

[If anything dangerous happens, contact Ha Eun or someone else. I’ll help you.]

His serious concern, spoken in a gentle voice, was reassuring, knowing someone was anxiously waiting for her.

[Call me as soon as you get home.]

Rajin’s laughter came before her response.

“If you’re that worried, come over later…”

Before she could finish, Ha Eun pointed at her phone, frantically waving her hand.

“The driver must have arrived.”

[Rajin!]

The urgent and affectionate voice of the man came through.

[Don’t overdo it.]

Suddenly, memories of him comforting her the night before surfaced. Calming her by patting her back as she sobbed, assuring her, “It’s okay… it will be alright.” The warmth of his reassurance.

Rajin’s heart wavered and then fluttered intensely. She wanted to hear his voice more, even though she knew she had to hang up.

Finally, unable to bear it, Ha Eun stepped out to take the call.
Ha Eun’s voice echoed from beyond the door. As she heard the conversation about going out, Rajin stood up from the vanity.

“I’ll be back.”

[I’ll be waiting.]

His promise lingered like an afterthought as Rajin ended the call.

“Sister, I just told them we’re leaving.”

Ha Eun, who had just ended the call, came back into the room.

It was time for Rajin to head to the Myungjin main house, as if shooting a spy movie. Despite her firm resolve, her weak heart was in turmoil. She felt dizzy, as if suffering from anemia.

Rajin narrowed her eyebrows and leaned on the vanity, prompting Ha Eun to come over and quickly link arms.

“Does your head hurt?”

“Ha Eun, do you have something like chocolate?”

“It’s all because of the nerves. Wait, I’ll get you some headache medicine.”

Ha Eun pulled out a headache pill, a bottle of water, and a candy the size of a thumb from her bag. It was such a solemn situation just to meet Kim Yu Jun.

Rajin couldn’t help but laugh, though she took the medicine and bit into the candy.

“Sister. Everything will be okay.”

Rajin rolled the small candy in her mouth, holding Ha Eun’s soft hand tightly.

“Let’s go!”

She slung her ivory quilted bag over her shoulder as if she was ready for battle, trembling inside.

At the door, a black sedan sent by Kim Yu Jun awaited. The driver, wearing a Myungjin badge, bowed respectfully.

“I will ensure a safe journey.”

As the polite driver opened the door, Rajin nodded lightly and settled in. Ha Eun waved goodbye with a complex expression, and the employee signaled their departure.

Rajin looked back at Ha Eun, growing distant, then turned her gaze to the ordinary streets of the afternoon.

‘What should I do first once Kim Yu Jun is dealt with?’

Even though she hadn’t done much yet, her impatient heart kept thinking ahead.

First, she should go on a trip, learn painting, and limit herself to just one project per year.

Then she pictured herself walking down a daytime street. At first alone, later with Prosecutor Kang Ji Ho by her side. It was just an imagination, but it seemed fitting, and Rajin smiled to herself.

“Actress.”

“Yes?”

“Over there, the executive director is waiting.”

Hearing the driver’s voice, Rajin’s eyes widened.

At the entrance of the vast mansion, Kim Yu Jun stood with a hunting dog on a leash.

She froze instinctively, with no time to label it as a trauma. Kim Yu Jun was there, deliberately, with the big dog, knowing she was afraid. What was he thinking?

Rajin recalled every moment she had spent with him, even the most insignificant actions.

‘I did nothing wrong. Why…’

As Rajin wrestled with her thoughts, the car smoothly came to a stop.

“We’ve arrived.”

Despite the driver’s kind words, Rajin couldn’t move.

“Actress?”

She wanted to get out but couldn’t. Her body was rigid, only gripping the door handle.

“Don’t open the door.”

“Pardon?”

“Just a moment. Oh, I think I’ve got a cramp in my leg. I can’t move.”

As she made excuses toward the driver’s seat, Kim Yu Jun tapped on the car window. Still holding the leash.

“Executive Director!”

The loyal driver forgot Rajin’s request and moved like lightning. Click, the lock opened, and Rajin’s heart sank.

A vivid childhood memory.

No matter how securely a dog was muzzled or leashed, it was futile. Her hands and feet curled up involuntarily, and she gasped for air.

“Rajin.”

“…”

“Aren’t you coming out?”

His gentle voice, the dog panting through its muzzle, and the knocking sound.

Rajin’s vision turned black.