The first light of dawn was just a pale hint behind the mountains when a firm, insistent knock echoed through the silent shrine. Beom Seok, who had been awake for a while, unable to sleep after the horrors of the previous night, was the first to hear it. His heart, already heavy with worry for Rinwoo, sank further. Who could it be at this hour?
Cautiously, he slid the heavy wooden door open just a crack. And froze.
Standing on the worn stone step, looking haggard and utterly out of place in his expensive but rumpled city clothes, was Lee Taekyun.
A wave of pure, protective fury washed over Beom Seok. This man. This source of all of Rinwoo's pain, standing at their doorstep as if he had any right to be there.
Without a word, Beom Seok moved to slam the door shut.
"Wait!" Taekyun's hand shot out, stopping the door with surprising strength. His voice was rough from lack of sleep, but it held a new, unfamiliar note—not a command, but a plea. "Please. I need to see Rinwoo."
