[ 3 Years Ago ]

"Have you never held a girl's hand before?"

Hyuk looked at her with those lazy eyes of his. He smirked and took her hand expertly in his. She smiled and pinched his cheek. 

"So, you have!" she exclaimed, lightly punching him with her free hand. 

"Of course I have," he answered.

"Plenty of hands?"

"No. Just one other."

She pouted at him with those pink petal lips. Hyuk could feel himself blushing at the sight of her. She often complained how he was so emotionless sometimes; she didn't know if he was really interested in her or not. But if she could only see him, she'd see a catastrophe of feelings. He wasn't that showy type.

"What happened to that?"

He frowned. "You know what happened."

She pursed her lips when she noticed his frown. "Ah poor baby," she cooed, "I'm sorry. Was this the girl who broke your heart?"

"Yeah," cringing at the memory.

She laughed and pulled his rigid form closer. "Oh my Hyukie, don't worry," she told him, "I'm sure her hands were pretty scaly anyway since she's a no-good-girl."

He smiled crookedly as he rested in her embrace. His ex's hands were not scaly, contrary to her belief, but her touch was definitely better than the last one. It spoke of assurance, love, and the possibility that she won't leave him.

[ 8 Years Ago ]

It felt so surreal.

"Is this your first time holding a girl's hand?"

She looked at him with those wide eyes he always adored from afar. Hyuk never really thought he'd actually fall in love with someone. His mother often expressed her worries; were she and his father not a good example of a couple? Did they set such a bad example that Hyuk was turned off from romance?

But when she came into his life, he knew he wasn't heartless or cold at all.

The feeling of her small hands in his felt so surreal.

She was right when she said it was his first time to hold a girl's hand. He was never really interested in those love and feelings stuff. But when she came into his classroom, he couldn't take his eyes off her. When they started talking, that's when he found out his feelings worked properly. 

He didn't reply. He just looked at her, thinking that she was too pretty for her own sake. He felt so unworthy.

Also, she had super soft hands.

"Do you love me, Lee Hyuk?" she asked casually. 

He gulped.

"Yes."

What?

He didn't know how that came out so fast, but that was how he felt.

She smiled and held his hand tighter -- an assurance that she would never leave.

[ THE PRESENT]

Kim Sun Hee was holding his hand tightly, but not too tight that he would wince in pain. In fact, the pressure was just right, but it was a new feeling altogether. It had been years since a woman held his hand that way (not counting the creepy hookers who tried to harass him during arrest). But as he stood in line with other couples, his eyes were nailed on the hand holding his. 

"...I'm pretty sure I know that bouncer somewhere," she was saying.

Hyuk's eyes lifted from her hand to the actress' face, who was busy staring at the guard checking the couples. Despite the dark surroundings, she managed to stand out among the rest of the women in the line. He noticed some of them trying to keep their boyfriends to stop staring at the beautiful stranger. Hyuk didn't know if they stared because she was pretty or they knew her from the drama (Pretty sure because she's beautiful. What kind of guy would watch dramas anyway?).

His silence alerted Kim Sun Hee. Her eyes fell on him. 

"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, "You look like you spaced out."

She was waving her free hand at him. Hyuk cleared his throat.

"I...I was just observing," he told her, "Hey, do you really think that bouncer would let us in? Is there no invite or anything?"

"I don't think so," she said, "Look at that sign!" her hand held his chin and gently directed him towards a nearby poster, which read: COUPLE'S NIGHT AT THE CROW. Details indiciated that all couples can go in the club at a 50% off rate that comes with free drinks and "cozy love chairs."

"All we have to do is to look like a couple," continued the actress, "So," she smiled at him, "Honey, keep calm."

She smiled at him, pinching his cheeks. The feeling was entirely new for the helpless detective. It didn't help that she was holding his hand (and the mere fact that she kissed him on the cheek!). One part of him screamed that this was all wrong, that he shouldn't put himself in such a compromising situation. But, whether he liked it or not, another part of him was completely fixated with Sun Hee's smile. It was blinding and beautiful at the same time. 

She noticed.

"Ah...honey, you can't keep spacing out like that," she told him, then she whispered, "If you keep doing that, people might notice that you're so rigid."

"What do you want me to do then?" he whispered back.

"I don't know, do something what a boyfriend would do," she said.

He looked at her with eyebrows raised. Was she kidding him? 

But she also had a point; his reflexes were a bit rusty. He had to shake it off and chill. 

He heaved a deep sigh and just smiled at her.

And nothing more.

Oh my god, why is he so rigid?

Sun Hee couldn't understand how the detective could not play along with their little facade. After all, this was for his case anyway. It wasn't as if she was intentionally just doing this for fun -- but deep inside, she sort of was. When you like someone, you can't help but take advantage of the situation. Sun Hee reasoned that it hits two birds with one stone: get his drug dealer case rolling and somehow, get something rolling between them. 

But given the state of the detective, who was always looking so stiff and spaced out, he wasn't getting anywhere. 

That smile on his face, however, was something.

The line moved again and this time, they were only two couples away from the bouncer. She sounded so confident when she told him they'd be fine, but she wasn't that sure either. Having his hand in hers, however, made a difference. 

"Remember, act natural," she hissed at him.

He scoffed.

Two couples later, they found themselves by the door, being inspected by the bouncer in charge. Sun Hee was right -- she sort of knew the man somewhere (probably from one of the parties she attended). Once he checked they were both of legal age and as his partner frisked Hyuk for guns, the man was staring at Sun Hee with interest.

"Have I seen you somewhere?" he asked.

She smiled. "Do you watch dramas?"

The bouncer's eyes brightened. "That's it! You were in that cop drama about five months ago, right?" he asked, "My sister was a big fan of that show."

Finally!

She acted as if it was nothing, graciously smiling at the bouncer. 

"Did you enjoy it too?"

He just smiled widely at her. "Well, to be honest, I wasn't that invested in dramas, but with an actress as pretty as you, it's hard not to notice."

Sun Hee knew he was definitely flirting with her. The signs are all there: the sparkle in the eyes, the one-sided smile, and the sudden edging towards her. Let's not forget that subtle flex of the muscles. He was obviously fascinated with her and she can't help but revel in it. 

"Hey."

Lee Hyuk's voice came out of nowhere.

She looked at him and saw the detective eyeing the bouncer with...was it displeasure? Annoyance? Whatever it was, it did not convey positive feelings. 

"I'd appreciate it if you stop flirting with her," was all he said.

Wait? What?

The bouncer froze and for a moment, Sun Hee feared he might do something to Lee Hyuk. Fortunately, he chuckled good-naturedly and looked at the actress.

"My, don't you have a jealous boyfriend," he remarked, then he bowed at Hyuk, "I'm sorry. Forgive me for being so fascinated with your girlfriend."

The detective did not smile. Instead, he tightened his hold on her shoulder and kept his eyes on the bouncer. When they were allowed to enter, his hand left hers as his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulder. He led her towards the dark hallway, clueless to the fact that Sun Hee was gaping behind him. His hold on herwas tight (too tight, in fact). She could feel her cheeks reddening and was grateful that it was dark enough.

He wouldn't see how flustered she was. 

"What was that about?"

Hyuk had just received his first bottle of beer when Kim Sun Hee's voice rang out against the crowd. They were sitting at the bar, away from the dancing couples but the music blaring loudly. They had just ordered their drinks when the bartender gave him a beer and Sun Hee her cocktail. 

She was stirring the olive when she asked.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

The actress took a sip from her glass. "The arm around my shoulder. What was that about?"

He took his first drink. "You said to act like a boyfriend."

Sun Hee was staring at him with uncertainty. Hyuk didn't know if she didn't entirely believe him or he wasn't convincing enough. He just ignored her silent questions and casually took another drink, enjoying the cold beer. 

If he was going to be honest, he wasn't entirely sure he was acting either. But he wasn't going towards that territory. 

"Have you ever been a boyfriend?"

There was something about her tone that said she couldn't picture him in such a role.

Hyuk was too busy gazing at the dancing couples, surveying the crowd. His target person was in the exclusive VIP room on the second floor. His eagle eyes were peeled on the second floor, hoping he could see something.

"Hey."

Her hand waving at him brought his attention back.

"What?"

"You didn't answer my question."

She was eyeing him with such interest. 

"Have you ever been a boyfriend?" she asked.

"What do you think?" he asked, drinking from his bottle, eyes still peeled at the second floor. 

"You look like you haven't been," she answered promptly, "I mean, no offense, but you were sort of pawing around when we were outside. What kind of boyfriend is too stiff around other couples? And I swear to God, you were obviously sweating."

Hyuk immediately finished his first bottle of beer and asked the bartender for another one. If he was going to answer this question, he might as well be a little drunk. 

Before the actress could ask him again, he held up two fingers. 

"What's that?" she asked.

"The answer to your question," he said, "I've been a boyfriend twice."

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Really?" 

"Really."

The bartender handed him another bottle.

"Here you go sir," he said, "And might I just add, you two look lovely together."

The clueless bartender smiled pleasantly, thinking he had done his customers a favor by shooting such a compliment. Sun Hee smiled graciously while Hyuk nodded emotionlessly. He just opened his second beer and gazed at the crowd again, hoping his target would show up. 

"What happened?" 

Sun Hee was obviously interested. Normally, he would've changed the topic, but the second beer combined with the fact that he was too distracted gave him away. 

"Cheated on me."

"Both of them?"

"Yep," he said, drinking from the bottle, "One with a boy, one with a girl."

The actress cringed. "Oh god, that ."

"I know."

The memory of both women sent a subtle pang in his heart. He remembered why he chose not to disclose the stories to anyone as much as possible: he would be forced to recall how he made a fool of himself -- TWICE. Hyuk sincerely hoped that Sun Hee would no longer pry, but he expected her to do so. After all, she was that type of woman.

"I'm sorry."

He almost choked on his beer. Instead, he looked at her and saw the actress staking a sip from her glass again. She didn't wear the usual interrogation-ready expression or the "Don't mess with me!" look she wore so well; instead, she just looked at him. 

Hyuk was taken aback by the actress, but he chose not to dive into it further. 

"Well, if it's any consolation," she said, "They're stupid."

"What do you mean?"

Sun Hee was already finishing her first drink. She set her glass on the table.

"I don't know of any smart girl who would try to cheat on you," she explained, "I mean, they clearly did not get a good look at you. Have you seen yourself? You look like you were chiseled by the gods or something."

"And for the record, it's not just the looks. You're a detective too, for Pete's sake. You save people, you're a good guy. What's not to like?" continued the actress, "I've seen you at your work, you're dedicated, which means you are serious. If there was anything I'd pick on you, it's the fact that you're too rigid."

There, she said it.

Hyuk set his bottle on the table too. He wondered if he should say something, but Sun Hee's lit eyes suggested that she realized.

"That's it, huh? That's why they left? The rigid thing?"

Suddenly, she had that exasperated expression on her face.

"God, that's not even a good excuse to leave you," she exclaimed, almost brushing off her glass. Hyuk's reflexes managed to catch it before it breaks, immediately placing it on the table.

"Miss Sun Hee, not so loud, people can hear -- "

"Sure, you being so cold can be annoying at times, to the point that I want to strangle words out of you. It's annoying, but that's all there is to it," she continued, "Lee Hyuk would not be Lee Hyuk if he's not cold and rigid. What sort of love cheats on someone just because they can't accept who they are?! God, I hate it when that happens. Bartender!"

Her squeal surprised both Hyuk and the bartender.

"Another round!" she exclaimed, raising her glass, "Another round for me and my poor boyfriend over here!" 

The actress wrapped an arm around Hyuk. He was sure she just had one drink, so she couldn't be drunk. The detecitve automatically went stiff when he felt her arm around him. Despite being stronger than she was, however, he could not break away from her touch. Sun Hee just pulled him closer, her free hand squeezing his cheeks.

"Lee Hyuk, you listen to me," she told him, her face mere inches away from his, "Listen to me well."

"There's nothing wrong with being rigid," she said, "It's annoying and you can change it, but if a woman leaves you because of it, she's stupid. Stupid because she let a good guy like you go." Sun Hee then pulled him closer; he could already see the spots on her face.

"Say it with me," she whispered, "I am worthy of love."

"What?"

"Just say it!"

She was very much determined to make him say it.

Just say it and be done with it.

"I am worthy of love," he said.

She smiled and he felt his heart skip a beat.

"Good," she said and she finally let go of him as the bartender returned with their drinks, "Now get drinking because you deserve it."

Hyuk's cheeks still felt warm and he hated himself for it.To distract himself, he returned his eyes to the second floor. The doors were opening and there was some activity.

It was time to act.

Immediately, he got out of his chair, surprising the actress.

"Miss Sun Hee, stay here," he said, "I have business to do. Remember our deal: you stay here, don't do anything that would put in any harm, and don't talk to strangers."

"I will, I will," she told him, "Do me one favor."

"What's that?" he asked, grabbing his jacket.

She sipped. "Come back to me."

Now that he was inside the bar, it was easier to navigate inside. The only problem was, suspect Lee Sang Hyuk's private room was too guarded for his liking. The best way he could get to his target was if said target would go out from the room -- or, he could always plant those eavesdropping bugs he had.

After all, he just needed the intel. 

Hyuk surveyed the line of bodyguards outside the private room. 

It would be much better if I just dragged that jerk out of the room, he thought, I don't have to file for overtime work and I could just put him in jail. Why does the station need the information first? Aisht, this is so troublesome.

He sighed as he made his way, excusing himself from the couples making out, the women who tried to get his number, and the drunkards falling all over themselves. Once he got to the small partition between the room and another one, he stopped.

There really was no going around the guards. 

Damn it. I really have to record.

Subtly, he got out his device and started getting to work. With the number of partygoers, he hoped no one would notice him.

"There's nothing wrong with being rigid."

Her voice resonated with him as he got out the receiver and started coding it. 

No, you can't lose your focus.

Hyuk pushed the button and placed the receiver on the wall, tuning it out. He could already hear a blur of voices, but the party was too much. He tried adjusting it again and pressing more buttons to ensure he would record everything. 

"Lee Hyuk would not be Lee Hyuk if he's not cold and rigid."

He keyed in the wrong combination. 

The detective told himself off as he re-set the device, keying in the proper number combination. He didn't know if the two bottles of alcohol were to blame for these sudden distractions. Why was he hearing her voice out of nowhere, clearer compared to his poor transmission?

As he fondled the knobs and finally -- he got it right.

"...the drug cartel in Mexico would be a big help. All we have to do is communicate with their head."

Tsk. I knew it. 

This case had been one of the longest they've ever had. The Gangnam police station had been trying to track the Lee Sang Hyuk and his connections. According to DA Park, it was better to gather the data first before they capture the drug dealer. 

The people inside were already talking about their networks in Mexico, dropping out important names and information. Hyuk was already ensuring the device recorded every juicy detail. 

"Stupid because she let a good guy like you go."

He lost track again, messing up with the knobs.

God, this should stop, he told himself, Damn it, Hyuk. 

He lost reception again so he tried to re-set and gain a better signal, all the while telling himself off for being so distracted. Once he re-keyed the code, he finally got it again.

"...don't forget the account numbers, 0980-2201-2000..."

Hyuk listed them down for more proof. His district attorney would enjoy the wellspring of information from the device. 

"Have you seen yourself? You look like you were chiseled by the gods or something."

He couldn't help but smirk.

Where did she get that idea that he looked like he was crafted by deities? People have said that he did possess good looks, but nothing like what she said. He always brushed their compliments off, but hers...it struck a bit. 

As he continued to listen in the conversation between the drug dealers (they were talking about their next locations), that look on her eyes suddenly came back to him. 

It was no longer a secret to him that she had a crush on him. Everyone in the drama's staff talked about it, but he never took it seriously. He brushed it off like those school-girl crushes he encountered before. Now, however, he wasn't sure anymore.

"...In Korea, the police are on a our tail, I can feel it."

Of course you can.

So far, he was gaining a goldmine of information, but it also proved the widespread reach of this particular case. He figured they would need the help of other departments since it touched numerous bases. Now, he understood why his DA was not that keen on capturing the drug dealer first. 

"You save people, you're a good guy. What's not to like?"

She talked about him so casually yet knowingly, almost as if she already memorized him by the book. It made the detective wonder if the actress had been observing him all these months. Why is it that she sounded like she knew him that much? Apart from that, however, Hyuk did feel something when she said those words and it wasn't just gratitude. 

As he listened in the conversation, his eyes wandered around the club, looking at the couples and the bystanders. He wanted to see how the actress was doing; after all, he was still on the job to watch out for her. His eyes then landed on her, casually seated on the bar, drink in hand. Only this time, however, she wasn't alone.

What the -- ?

A good looking man was leaning over her, drink also in his hand, and a casual smile. He was conversing with her, clearly intrigued by her beauty. Hyuk didn't know if she was familiary with this guy, but judging from her expression, the latter was forcing himself on her. She smiled every now and then, but she would also look away, asking the bartender for another drink. 

The man, however, was not fazed with her disinterest. Instead, he came closer.

And even touched her hair. 

Okay that's it.

He was so distracted by Sun Hee and the stranger that he didn't notice his equipment was whizzing out of control. Since it lost its algorithm, it started squealing a deafening, high pitch sound, cauing him to wince violently. Everyone around him was startled by the sound; the poor detective, on the other hand, attempted to subdue the malfunctioning machine.

Seconds later, three men stood in front of him.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" one of them asked. 

Before Hyuk could even reply, Lee Sang Hyuk, the drug dealer, came out of his private room. He loudly wondered where the noise came from before his eyes set on the hunched form of the detective on the floor. It didn't take him a minute to realize what was happening; one look at the botched equipment gave Detective Hyuk away.

The drug dealer looked at his men.

"Get him."

"I've been a boyfriend twice."

Sun Hee finished her second cocktail and set it on the bar table.

Twice. He's been a boyfriend twice.

She could never really imagine the detective being in a serious relationship before. When she first met him, he was so cold and rigid, she thought no girl probably could break that tough exterior. But if he's had two girlfriends in the past, that means a lot. 

That means he's been kissed twice as much.

The actress didn't notice she was firmly holding the stem of her wineglass, just thinking about the women he probably loved. She had a difficult time imagining Lee Hyuk being intimate with someone, caring for someone, or even giggling in love. He was so stoic, she thought he was a robot. But the reality that he used to be in a long-term relationship was surprising.

That and the fact that they cheated on him. 

She felt terrible for him -- so much that she was sorely tempted to hug him. But Sun Hee knew she couldn't expose herself too much.

She looked at the party goers and the couples making out in the middle of the dance floor. As much as she hated to admit, there were feelings of jealousy somewhere -- jealous over the fact that these people already found their significant others while she was hopelessly pining after a detective who probably had zero feelings for her.

Everyone knew about her crush -- everyone, except him. 

Sun Hee knew it wasn't right to like someone who was assigned to protect her, but it's the 21st century and rules aren't as rigid as before. She's been holding back her feelings for the detective. There were times when she would catch herself thinking about him, wondering if he was okay. It was odd since she's only known him for a couple of months.

But the connection, it's there.

"Hi."

A deep voice disrupted her thoughts.

Right in front of her stood a good-looking guy who was carrying a drink of his own. He dressed like a celebrity, but Sun Hee was sure she had never seen him anywhere. Plus, there was something unnerving about that cocky smile on his face.

"Hello," she replied coolly.

"Well, aren't you a cold beauty?"

You got that much? Why don't you shoo away then?

She just shrugged and returned her attention to the bar.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doing alone in a couples' event?" asked the man.

Sun Hee returned her gaze to him. It was the usual: guy trying to flirt with her by charm and confidence. Usually, it was cute to see them try; if she felt gracious, she might even flirt back. Despite his good looks, however, the actress wasn't up for his charade. She could see everything about him with just one glance: cocky, rude, and oozing with confidence. 

She smiled sarcastically. "What's a guy like you doing in a couples' event and hitting on girls like me?" she asked, "Don't you have a girlfriend?"

He smiled crookedly. "Touche; good question," he replied, "No, I don't have one. I came here stag. My friends are the ones with significant others. But I'm pretty hopeful I could change my night." He raised an eyebrow seductively. 

Oh god.

"That's cute," was all she said, "Bartender! Another round please."

Sun Hee turned her back on him, hoping he got the message.

But the man was persistent, choosing to lean closer and look at her.

"Girl, don't ignore me like that," he said, "It's rude."

She laughed. "I have a boyfriend."

"Really?"

"Really."

He looked around. "Well, where is he?"

"He's busy."

"What kind of a boyfriend leaves a pretty young thing like you behind?"

"He's a detective," answered Sun Hee, "If you don't leave, he might kick your ."

The man laughed again and touched her hair. "I doubt that sweetheart."

Okay, that's it.

She was about to give him a piece of her mind when a strong arm pulled the man away. With one swift move, Lee Hyuk punched the annoying stranger before pulling Sun Hee's arm. 

"We need to get out of here," he told her.

"What?"

"Now!"

Without any hesitation, Sun Hee got out of her chair, took her bag, and threw the dazed man one last look.

"I told you," she said before running off. 

"Okay, what the hell is happening?"

Lee Hyuk's hold on her arm was too tight for her comfort as they ran past the dancing couples in The Crow. He hasn't said much; he was just pulling her through the crowd and looking back whenever.

"We have to get out of here," he said.

"Why?"

They dodged another group that was throwing shots in the air (they were breaking plenty of glasses during their party) and ran past a string of couples busily making out on the couch. 

"Look behind you," was all he said.

Sun Hee did so and saw three men running after them. They didn't look like typical bouncers; judging from their uniforms, they looked like security guards of some first-class guest. She turned back to the detective.

"Oh my god, who the hell did you piss off?!" she exclaimed.

"Just run."

They were swerving and bumping into people. From her peripheral vision, she could see the men closing the distance between them. On top of that, her feet were also hurting from the high heel shoes she wore. She mentally cursed the detective for putting her through such an ordeal; had she known there would be running and escaping, she would've worn comfortable sneakers.

Once they got to the dark hallways, the distance between them and the pursuers were uncomfortably closer. It was then Sun Hee knew what she had to do.

She stopped.

"What the -- !" exclaimed the detective.

Before he could stop her, she quickly took her heels off and threw them at the pursuers, hitting one squarely in the face. This momentarily distracted the other two, which bought them more time. Without another word, she grabbed the detective's hand and ran off towards the exit, feeling very much proud of herself. She couldn't help but laugh.

What is it with this woman?

Detective Lee's mind whizzed with such questions as they turned towards a deserted alleyway, hoping to escape their pursuers. As they did, Kim Sun Hee was laughing her head off, which was not the reaction you'd expect from a woman on the run. 

"Oh god, this actually happens, huh?" she asked.

"What?"

"Like the running I see on TV!"

"Yeah."

Hyuk could still sense the men chasing after them; his peripheral vision offered two options -- an alleyway on the right or the left one. He made a quick right, pulling Sun Hee along. She was still laughing, loudly talking about the excitement and the "thrill of it all."

There was a mix of feelings as he ran with Kim Sun Hee in tow. One of them was guilt -- he couldn't believe he placed her in such a delicate position. Second, disbelief because he can't beleive she was actually having fun with their ordeal. And finally, there was that looming feeling he didn't want to discuss.

It's probably nothing.

That warmth though, as much as he hated to admit it -- it felt familiar.

No, you're not going there.

One of the men managed to follow their trail, screaming for them to stop. Before Hyuk could even dodge him, he found himself being tackled to the ground, with Sun Hee squealing in fear. 

The man was bigger than him, so it was difficult to get out of his grasp.

He wanted to yell at the actress, to tell her to run, but she continued to surprise him. Instead of fleeing like a normal girl, Sun Hee was quick on her feet. She took one of the garbage can's covers and hit it on the assailant's head. 

It was a good shot; the man fell unconscious on him.

"C'mon!" she yelled, helping him up, "We should go back to the car."

They ran again.

Together, they checked if the coast was clear. Hyuk knew he had to get here in the car and they had to go back to the station. He stopped at the corner, holding her tight, and checking for scoundrels. So far, the coast was clear. 

"Come on," he told her.

She stopped and held his hand. 

"Lee Hyuk," she said, "I have a bad feeling about this."

He looked at her and saw that she was eyeing the deserted parking with unease. Her hair was in a mess and she had dirt on her face, but Kim Sun Hee still looked pretty. 

He just tapped her shoulder.

"Don't worry. You have me," he told her. 

Without another word, he took her hand and started running.

She was right when she felt uneasy with the quietness of the parking space. Two of the three men came out on them, about to attack Hyuk. He instructed the actress to get inside of the car, throwing her the key while he dealt with the men. Cracking his knuckles, the detective was set to prove why he earned the nickname the Grim Reaper of Violent Crimes. 

He dodged an incoming punch and hit one squarely in the eye. The other grabbed him by the shoulder, but he effortlessly shook it off. The second one, however, kicked him in the shin, causing disabling him temporarily. Both men were grabbing him by the shirt. 

Aisht, let's get this over with.

Hyuk spat the blood from his lips.

He then charged at his assailants and gave it all he got.

He took one of the men by the collar and started beating the crap out of him. Before the other one could get a grip on him, Hyuk's reflexes kicked him out of the picture. The Gangnam detective allowed his anger to consume him and beat these drug dealers senseless.

"Hyuk!"

The sound of screeching tires alerted the Detective of the actress' arrival. Kim Sun Hee had flung the door open, inviting him to get in. He removed the arm of one unconscious assailant and ran towards the open door. Hyuk fled the scene, hoping to make it without anymore distractions. One of the assailants, however, grabbed hold of his leg, causing him to fall down.

He groaned in pain as the attacker stood above him, about to deliver a painful blow, when a tin can hit him in the face.

"COME ON!"

Hyuk forced himself to get up, seeing that Sun Hee was responsible for the hit (Damn, she's good at aiming). He could feel the soreness all over, but he ran and threw himself inside the car, closing the door. Without wasting any time, the actress screeched out of the scene, making the getaway. 

"Wow!" she exclaimed, "We did it!"

The detective moaned again, rubbing the pain on his side (and everywhere else). His lips tasted of the blood from the cut, which he easily wiped away with his sleeves. He checked his jeans' pockets for the one thing he needed the most. When he pulled out a white USB drive, he heaved a loud sigh of relief, resting his back on the chair. 

Sun Hee noticed.

"Is that what got you in trouble?"

He nodded then he looked at her. 

"Are you okay?" he asked, "Are you hurt?"

"Okay? I feel great!" she exclaimed, manic look in her eyes, "I mean sure, my feet are a bit sore and I did lose some expensive pair of heels but man, that was something! I thought those chases existed only in those dramas I acted in, but wow, the real thing -- it's...incredible!"

Hyuk noticed that her feet were covered in blisters.

"Let me drive. Your feet are badly hurt," he said.

"No, you stay there!" she said excitedly, scaring him, "I can still feel the rush. I love this."

He was stunned with her enthusiasm. One would think he had just taken her out for a roller coaster ride; she didn't look like someone who just escaped dangerous thugs. This new side to her caused him to smile all of a sudden.

"Wah Lee Hyuk, you were also amazing up there," she continued, "You punched them so hard like -- POW!" she mimicked punching, almost swerving the car. "No wonder you're the Grim Reaper of Violent Crimes. You were amazing up there. I mean, wow, you were so tired but you managed to stop them. What's your secret?"

The light turned red so the actress had time to look at him. 

He was too tired, but he could only think of one answer.

"You said I had to come back to you."

The light was still red when the unthinkable happened. He couldn't quite explained how it happened, why it happened. Plenty of reasons could've factored in: stress, worn-out enthusiasm, or craziness.

But one thing was for sure.

Kim Sun Hee had softest lips in the world. 

His lips could attest to that.

A/N: One reader said I should've updated yesterday in commemoration of LDW's Asian Tour kickoff. I'm sorry I'm a day late, but it's here! BTW, did you see Gong Yoo's appearance in his tour. GAAAAAHD. Those two did the model thing again. I can't. It's like that time Lee Joon Gi appeared in IU's concert and re-enacted the umbrella scene. UGH. Why must they do this to us? And LDW's gotten another endorsement -- pizza. WOW. What a good year for our Grim Reaper. 

I hope you enjoyed this one!