Hwan leaned his head back. The burning sensation of the alcohol coursed through his veins. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his vision blurred. He was drunk. But it wasn't just because of the alcohol.
There was another fire inside him—one he couldn't extinguish.
He took a step toward the bed. The moonlight illuminated Yuna's face. She was in a deep sleep, her pale skin rising and falling with each breath.
Hwan's drunken breath lingered near Yuna's neck.
His vision was hazy, his mind in turmoil.
His fingers brushed through her hair. He leaned closer.
And suddenly…
He pressed his lips against hers.
Yuna's eyes snapped open in shock.
Panic flooded through her entire body.
She pushed Hwan away with all her strength. "What are you doing?!"
But Hwan didn't move an inch.
Yuna quickly scrambled out of bed and ran toward the door.
But a dark shadow blocked her way.
Hwan narrowed his eyes. He could barely stand straight due to the alcohol, but he wasn't about to let her go.
"You can't escape."
Yuna glared at him. "Why are you keeping me here?! Is it because of the bracelet?"
Hwan remained silent for a moment. Then, he let out a low, mocking laugh.
"Yes, at first, I kidnapped you for the bracelet."
But then, his expression darkened.
"But something changed, Yuna. I tortured you, I hurt you… but now, I regret it."
His eyes sharpened, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Yes, I'm a demon. But even demons… can love, right?"
Yuna held her breath for a moment.
But no!
This had to be a game.
She couldn't believe him.
She took a step back, ready to run again.
But Hwan's hand shot up.
"I know you won't forgive me."
"But for now… you need to sleep."
His fingers touched Yuna's forehead.
And everything went dark.
Once again, she collapsed into his arms.
THE GATES OF HEAVEN
When the golden gates of heaven opened, a figure bathed in radiant light stepped onto the earth.
Seonwoo, his long cloak billowing behind him, approached Eunwoo.
"You called for me."
Eunwoo's eyes were sharp, burning with fury.
"Yuna is in danger, Seonwoo. Help me."
Seonwoo studied him carefully.
"You know I can't interfere directly. But…"
His gaze fell on the bracelet wrapped around Eunwoo's wrist.
"…that bracelet is more powerful than you think."
Eunwoo's eyes widened in surprise.
"I came to inform you of your fifth mission."
Eunwoo frowned. "What is it?"
Seonwoo took a deep breath.
"Your fifth mission: 'Illuminate the Lost Soul.'"
Eunwoo's brows furrowed. "What does that mean?"
Seonwoo shook his head. "You must find the answer yourself."
Eunwoo clenched his jaw. Yuna's face flashed in his mind.
He had to save her from Hwan's grasp.
But now… he also had a concert to attend.
His missions… Yuna… The bracelet…
Everything was happening at once.
But the only thing he knew for sure…
Someone needed him.
NOVA'S CONCERT
The crowd roared.
"NOVA! NOVA! NOVA!"
When Eunwoo stepped onto the stage, he looked perfect under the dazzling lights.
But…
His heart was somewhere else.
He sang, he smiled, he danced.
But his mind…
Was stuck on the girl in a demon's grasp.
And when the performance ended, he knew that in the morning, there was still a fan meeting waiting for him.
But most importantly…
He knew he only had two days.
And time was running out.