Hwan's Mansion
Yuna's wrists were burning.
The tight ropes had left deep marks on her skin.
But that wasn't the only pain she was feeling.
Eunwoo… is an angel?
Hwan's voice echoed in her mind.
"Don't look so shocked, sweetheart. You didn't know?"
Yuna clenched her teeth, staring into Hwan's eyes.
"You… you're lying."
Hwan smirked. It was a mocking yet deadly smile.
He took a step closer. Then he leaned down, his face dangerously close to hers.
"Lying?"
His voice was a warm whisper against her ear.
"Your precious angel… didn't tell you the truth?"
Yuna held her breath.
Could this really be true?
Hwan narrowed his eyes before tilting his head slightly with an amused grin.
"Oh, poor Yuna. Are you ready to hear the truth?"
Slowly, he pulled his hands out of his pockets.
And then…
He grabbed her tied wrist.
Tightly.
"Ahh!" Yuna cried out in pain.
Hwan squeezed even harder.
It was so strong that Yuna felt her bones nearly crack.
"I don't know if this will be fun for you, but…" Hwan whispered as he leaned closer to her neck. "I would love to watch it."
"Watch what?!" Yuna's voice trembled.
Hwan chuckled darkly.
"If an angel falls in love with a human…"
His fingers tightened around her wrist even more.
"He loses his wings in agony… and receives fifty deadly lightning strikes as punishment."
Yuna's breath hitched.
The moment she heard those words, tears welled up in her eyes.
Eunwoo…
He… saved her…
Would he really suffer that fate because of her?
Hwan stared at her tears.
And for a moment…
Something strange stirred inside him.
But what was it?
His grip loosened unconsciously.
Then…
He slowly untied her wrists.
Yuna's hands were finally free, but she was still trembling.
Hwan's gaze locked onto hers.
For the first time…
He saw something in her eyes.
It wasn't anger.
It wasn't amusement.
Was it pain?
For the first time, Yuna's tears awakened something in Hwan.
But at that very moment…
Yuna's body swayed.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
Just as she was about to collapse…
Hwan caught her in his arms.
Yuna had fainted.
But as she lay in his embrace…
For the first time, he truly looked at her.
And without even realizing it, he whispered the words that escaped his lips.
"Why is my heart suddenly racing?"