"But I'm a detective not a bodyguard, for Pete's sake!"

His sudden outburst startled a lot of people in the Violent Crimes Unit; even his district attorney was surprised with his reaction. Detective Lee Hyuk was not one to whine out of nowhere; it was his reputation. But today, it seemed as if the situation called for it.

"You're not going to be a bodyguard. You will investigate this case undercover."

"While following her around? Staying beside her? Isn't that what a bodyguard does?"

"Undercover detectives do it too."

Detective Lee couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was like a big step down from where he alreadt was. Were they seriously telling him to become some actress' bodyguard? He didn't study years of criminology just to end up as someone's dog.

"But don't I have other cases to attend to?" he asked, "What about that gang case at Busan? I'm supposed to be part of that."

"They alread have plenty of people attending to it. This one doesn't have much manpower and you're the lead guy for the job."

"But why?"

Did he just whine?

Judging from his superior's face, it looked as if he did.

"Detective Lee Hyuk, just because you got your badge, doesn't mean you can look down on cases assigned to you," reprimanded his senior, "So what if you are following an actress around? Are you not saving a life by protecting her? Isn't that what you swore to when you got your badge?"

As much as he hated it, Hyuk had no choice but to bow his head in shame. He knew DA Park had a point.

"This might not be a violent crime case, but it could be for all you know," continued his sunbae, "We exist to protect and if this woman needs your help, you better stop whinning and start acting like the determined detective I know."

DA Park glared at him for being so immature, which Hyuk could not deny. His sunbae grunted frustratedly as he got up from his chair, muttered something about superiority complex, and left the room for coffee. Detective Lee, on the other hand, was left speechless, unable to defend himself from what his boss just said. Whether he liked it or not, DA Park had a point.

He gazed at the case file once again. A photo of Kim Sun Hee fell from the folder. 

As he got down to get her photo, he couldn't help but feel annoyed. Staring at her face, he acknowledged that there was something about this actress that he couldn't shake off. For now, he was sure that he didn't like her. He didn't hate her -- but with all the things she said and freaking out over a phone call, he couldn't put up with her immaturity. 

He couldn't deny, however, that she was magical in many ways.

But that's what he did -- he denied. 

He sighed again.

"I guess...I have no choice."

"Well, look who's here."

Detective Lee was already uncomfortable with the environment -- countless mirrors with lights, mess of cosmetics, dresses here and there, as well as the usual chatter you'd hear on the set. His temporary stint as a consultant already introduced him to that world, but he was never completely comfortable with that place. Yet here he was again -- faced with the same stunning woman.

Unlike him, his head inspector was basically drooling at the sight of Kim Sun Hee. He was obviously starstrucked and miserably failing at trying to keep his cool.

"So, what brings you here?" asked Kim Sun Hee, arms crossed and surrounded by make-up artists.

Hyuk waited for his sunbae to bring up the topic, but it seemed like the latter was having a hard time gathering his words.

"Sunbae," he began, "Miss Kim wants to know why we're here."

"Huh?" asked his senior, who then remembered, "OH! Yes! God, my apologies Miss Kim Sun Hee; I'm just...really glad to be here," he admitted, "I've seen you in your drama and might I say that you look more beautiful in person."

Lee Hyuk couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Thank you," said Sun Hee, smiling graciously, then she looked at Hyuk.

"What's the update?" she asked them.

"Well, Miss Kim, so far we are still investigating the case, but the department could not risk leaving you without protection. After all, this is a serious stalker case," said Inspector Jung, "For your protection, the team lead for the investigation will stay by your side -- undercover, that is -- until we can find the suspect. We have an inkling that he might not be alone, as you said."

"That's true," said Sun Hee, shuddering as she did, "But who's the lead?"

"He's standing beside me."

Lee Hyuk could feel his cheeks warming at the sight of Sun Hee staring at him. She always did that -- that knowing stare combined with a sort-of mocking smile. It's almost as if she was taunting him or something. She cocked her head.

"That's wonderful, then," she remarked, "I've worked with Detective Lee before. I'm sure he'll handle my case well."

"That's what we thought also; since he is familiar with the comings and goings in the set, our department figured he is the perfect man for the job," said Inspector Jung, "In fact, part of his job is to make sure you are safe."

"So, he's going to be around here pretty much?"

"And after, if possible."

"What?"

Both Sun Hee and his sunbae stared at his exclamation.

"Detective Lee, don't play dumb. Remember what the Director said? To make sure Miss Kim is safe," said his Inspector, "I'm sure you will do a great job."

Hyuk wanted to argue, but his sunbae stared him down. Sun Hee, on the other hand, gazed at him with such amusement, he was trying to figure out if she was silently playing with him. 

"He's working undercover then," remarked Sun Hee.

"Yes, Detective Lee's pretty good at his job. Rest assured, he will solve the case and keep you safe, as well."

She was smiling at him now.  There was something in the way Kim Sun Hee smiled at him; without fail, it always sent shivers to his spine. The pleasantness varied from time to time. Judging from the look in her eyes, she was obviously planning something with him.

"He could be my stylist, then," she said.

"Wait, what?"

Detective Lee couldn't be more mortified.

"What? You're working undercover, right?" she asked, "After this drama, the people outside would probably wonder who you are. I can't say you worked as a consultant for this drama; they'll know you're a detective. Unless, I dunno...I'm not dating anyone right now, maybe a boyfriend--"

"Stylist would be great."

It was embarassing, but he accepted the fact that he said those words. Kim Sun Hee seemed to be enjoying it; she smiled mischeivously at him.

"That's settled then," she said, "When does the investigation begin?"

"The sooner the better," replied Inspector Jung, "Detective Lee will be finishing a few cases and paperwork, but once he gets them straight, he'll begin on your case."

She nodded. "That would be great. I can't live another night knowing those people are still out there," she admitted, "Thank you so much for your help, Inspector. Really appreciate it." She extended her hand to shake the Inspector's, whose cheeks blushed furiously.

"Anything for the pretty woman," said Inspector Jung. He looked a little too happy for Lee Hyuk's comfort.

Kim Sun Hee's attention then returned to him. He saw that familiar sparkle in her eyes, the very first thing he noticed when they first met. She crossed her arms and looked at him expectantly.

"I trust my case to you, Detective Lee," she said, "And I'm glad that we're working together again. Now, you'll have a reason to call me."

Inspector Jung seemed confused with what Sun Hee just said, but Lee Hyuk was not up for any explanations. Instead, he just returned Kim Sun Hee's gaze, minus the mocking vibes she sent. He simply stared at her, trying to understand this complex yet very beautiful woman. As his inspector continued to babble about the case, Hyuk knew Sun Hee was no longer listening.

They were just staring at each other.

Tomorrow, he would be working undercover as this woman's stylist with the hopes of finding a stubborn stalker. It felt like such a degrading task, but DA Park was right when he said every life counted. Sun Hee was no different. 

But he couldn't shake off that feeling.

As Kim Sun Hee tried to stare him down, his brain went into overdrive.

What is it with that woman? What? What?

What?

A/N: Now the real fun begins after this chapter. I'm sorry I take so long, but I'm nearly done with my other fan fic (Scarlet Heart Ryeo 2: The Aftermath) so I'm pouring all creativity in that part of my life. If you're enjoying the story so far, I hope you'll do me one of these favors: upvote, comment (let me know what you think!), or share with your friends. Would mean a lot! I know, that's kinda pathetic, but shameless plugging. Anything for my PiChi couple.

Thanks a lot and see you on the next chapter!