Just moments ago, Taemin had killed one of his men for having secret connections with LLM Loans, an organization that killed his father. Hearing noises that resembled crying in an alleyway, Taemin looked in the direction of the noise and slowly approached it, his movements slow and cautious as he noticed a body slumped against a wall beside a large dumpster.

Upon arriving in front of the individual, Taemin’s eyes widened when he realized it was a person with lewd clothing — fishnets, a revealing top, a choker, and handcuffs cuffed to one of their ankles. Stunned, Taemin crouched down beside them, took off his large puffer jacket, and wrapped it around {{user}}’s trembling figure. “Are you okay?” he asked before he stood up and backed away from the scared individual with bruises and cuts all over their body. They looked like a prostitute, but Taemin felt as if there was something more to it.

Taemin raised an eyebrow at her words but didn't comment on it further. He knew what she did for a living and he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of anger towards those who exploited her like this. Instead, he simply said, "My name is Taemin. I can see that you're in some sort of trouble. Why don't you come with me to my place? I'll take care of your injuries and then we can discuss what happened."

As Shoko stood up with Taemin's help, he couldn't ignore the signs of abuse marring her otherwise beautiful body. He wanted nothing more than to make those responsible pay for what they had done to her. Gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders and began leading her through the city streets back towards his mansion in the outskirts of town.

"How long have you been working for them?" he asked quietly as they walked side by side, avoiding eye contact since it felt too intimate given their situations. "And what is your name, Shoko? It's only fair that I know."

"Shoko," he repeated softly as they continued to walk through the quiet streets. "I'm going to be honest with you, Shoko. I am not a good person... I'm the leader of one of the most ruthless mafias in this city." As she didn't seem surprised by his admission, he went on, "But what they did to you... it's simply unforgivable. If you want revenge, I will help you get it."

"Then let me help you pay it off," he murmured, glancing over at her as they continued to walk. "I can't undo what they've done to you, Shoko, but I can help make your life easier from here on out." There was a pleading tone in his voice that made it clear how desperate he was for her to believe him. And even though part of him knew that offering this sort of protection would likely just make things worse down the line... he couldn't bring himself to care. Not when she looked so broken and helpless next to him.

"Just trust me, Shoko," he added quietly. "You don't have to go through this alone anymore."

Taemin stiffened in surprise as Shoko unexpectedly hugged him tightly, her sobs muffled against his chest. He didn't hesitate to return the embrace, wrapping his powerful arms around her and holding her close. Her body trembled against his own, and he could feel every single one of her tears seeping through his shirt and landing on his skin. "Shhh..." he whispered softly, "You're not a bother. I just want to help you, Shoko."

Gently, he cupped her cheek with the palm of his hand and tilted her head up so that she was forced to meet his gaze. Even through her tears, he could see the doubt and confusion in her eyes. "I swear," he said earnestly, "on everything I hold dear... you won't regret trusting me." With those words, he leaned down and

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he felt her relax into him just a little more. "It's my pleasure," he murmured against her hair before pulling back to meet her gaze once again. Despite their circumstances, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contentment wash over him now that she was finally in his arms. For the first time in what felt like forever, he didn't feel so alone.

"Come on," he said softly, guiding her forward as they continued walking through the quiet streets back towards his home, "Let's get you cleaned up and taken care of." The mafia leader couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next... but for now, he was content to focus on just taking things one step at a time.

As they entered the mansion and crossed the threshold into its luxurious halls, a look of contempt flashed across his features as he noticed several members of his crew staring at Shoko appraisingly. Their lewd comments and laughter only served to fuel the growing rage inside him. Quickening his pace, he led her through the maze-like corridors until they arrived at a lavish guest room with its own private bathroom.

"Stay here," he ordered gruffly before giving Shoko a curt nod and turning to leave the room. He had business to attend to, but once he returned, there were going to be some very uncomfortable conversations with his men about their behavior and respect for women, even if they were just hired guns. And as for LLM Loans... well, they'd find out soon enough what happened when you fucked with someone who could snap your neck

Taemin quietly entered the room and cast Shoko a pointed look as he closed the door behind him. He frowned when he noticed that she hadn't been attended to yet, but decided not to bring it up right now. Instead, he walked over to the bed and sat down beside her, picking up a small first-aid kit from where it had been left on the nightstand.

"This might sting a bit," he warned as he began carefully cleaning her wounds with alcohol-soaked cotton balls. Once she was as clean as possible, he opened the first aid kit and pulled out several sterile gauze pads and medical tape, which he proceeded to use to bandage her injuries.

As he worked, he found himself thinking about what he could do to help Shoko truly escape from her life of prostitution. It wouldn't be easy, but if anyone could find

"You have more injuries," he said quietly as he noticed some fresh bruises peeking out from under her clothing. Gently, he reached out and tugged her shirt up, revealing even more marks on her skin. His eyes darkened with a mixture of anger and pity as he looked at her broken body.

"Shoko... I need to see all your injuries if we're going to take care of them properly." He paused for a moment before adding softly, "Please let me help you." There was an almost pleading tone in his voice that Shoko couldn't ignore. She hesitated for only a moment longer before slowly lifting her shirt higher and exposing the rest of her injuries to his gaze.

"Thank you," he murmured as he finished cleaning the newest bruises with alcohol, wincing at the sting they caused despite their being several hours old now.

Taemin studied Shoko's body carefully as he worked, searching for any signs of further injury that might have been hidden beneath her clothing. As his gaze traveled lower and lower, it finally came to rest on the slight swell of her breasts, clearly visible through the stretched lace of her bra.

"Shoko," he said quietly, "there are no more bruises here..." His voice trailed off as he realized what she must be hiding. Slowly, he reached out and cupped one breast in his palm, feeling the soft weight of it against his hand. Despite himself, a shiver ran down his spine at the contact.

"Shoko," he said again, this time more firmly, "I need to see everything if I'm going to help you." With those words, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, his tongue sliding past her lips to claim hers

Taemin's eyes widened at the sight of her bruised and battered body laid bare before him. He swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure as he took in every mark on her skin. Rage and determination surged through his veins at the thought of anyone being capable of hurting someone so beautiful.

"It's alright," he managed to say hoarsely, his voice thick with emotion. "I understand why you hid them." Gently, he reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand, lifting her chin until she was forced to meet his gaze once more. "And I promise you, Shoko... nobody else will ever hurt you again."

Taemin felt his heart clench in his chest as he saw the genuine smile grace Shoko's lips for the first time. It was like a punch to the gut, a reminder of all that she had endured and how strong she truly was. Despite the danger that surrounded her, this innocent girl still managed to find something to be grateful for. Something that he could offer her.

And with that realization came a newfound determination to keep her safe from harm, no matter what it took. No matter who or what stood in his way. For Shoko... somehow, she had become more than just another job for him. She was his reason for living, his light in the darkness.

Carefully, he began cleaning and bandaging her last few injuries before finally stepping back to survey his work. Satisfied that she would be able to rest now without any further discomfort, he

As the credits began to roll, a contented smile played across Taemin's lips as he watched Shoko sleep peacefully against his chest. Despite all she had been through, there was something incredibly innocent and pure about her. It made him feel protective, as if she were the only good thing left in a world full of filth and corruption.

His fingers idly traced gentle patterns on her back, soothing any lingering discomfort from where his rough hands had tended to her wounds earlier. As he continued to stare at the ceiling above them, lost in thought, he couldn't help but wonder what their future held together. Could they ever find a way for Shoko to truly be free of her past? And if so, would she ever want anything to do with him once it was all over?

There were no easy answers, and deep down, he knew it. But that

Taemin's eyes fluttered open as he felt Shoko stir against him, her warm breath tickling his neck. With a sigh, he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head before murmuring, "I have a meeting to attend to. I won't be long." Even as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help but wish that there was another way around it. He hated leaving her alone, even for just a little while.

Carefully, he slid out from underneath Shoko and stood up, offering her a hand up when she sat up as well. "Stay here," he said with an almost pleading tone in his voice, "and lock the door behind me." Once he was certain that she would be safe while he was gone, he turned and headed out into the hallway, promising himself to return as soon as possible.

The air outside of the guest

Taemin's expression softened as he felt Shoko's small arms wrapping around him in a tight hug. "Of course not," he murmured gently into her hair before pulling back to meet her eyes. He tried to convey all the love and affection that he felt for her with just a look, even though part of him knew it would never be enough.

"I had some business to attend to," he said quietly as they slowly began walking towards the bedroom once more, "but I'm back now." She smiled up at him, and despite his best efforts not to let her in any deeper than she already was, a warmth spread through his chest at the sight of it.

For now, he would cherish every moment they had together - even if it was only an illusion, doomed to fade away the moment reality caught up with them both.

Taemin gritted his teeth in frustration as he took in Shoko's injured arm and bruised neck. How many times had this happened while she was alone? It infuriated him that there were people out there who would hurt her like this, despite everything he'd done to try and keep them away.

"We need to find a way for you to stay safe," he said firmly, his eyes burning with determination, "even when I'm not around." He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice softer now, "I don't want you to ever feel like you have to go through this again."

Gently, he took her arm and examined the wound more closely. It wasn't deep, but it would need stitches to close properly. As for her bruise, he couldn't do anything about that now except let it heal on its own over time.

Taemin felt his heart clench at the sight of her injured arm and the wasted medical supplies scattered on the bed. He hated seeing her struggle like this. "Alright," he said, taking a deep breath to steady himself before carefully cleaning her wound with alcohol, then disinfecting it with Betadine. After that came the process of stitching up the wound with sterile sutures and covering it with a fresh bandage.

Once he was finished, he took a step back to inspect his work before looking at Shoko. "There. That should be good for now." He forced himself not to think about how vulnerable she must feel without him there. Instead, he focused on the task at hand: protecting her no matter what it cost.

"Sometimes," he replied, sitting down beside her on the bed. "They're not a regular thing in my diet, but they are one of my favorites. Why? Don't tell me you haven't had them before..." His voice trailed off as he watched her expression, suddenly worried that she might have been deprived of simple pleasures like this while working for LLM Loans.

As she looked up at him with those innocent eyes, he found it hard to keep his anger and determination in check. All he wanted was for her to be happy, safe from harm, and living the life she deserved. If that meant indulging in strawberries and melted chocolate every now and then, so be it.

Taemin smiled and reached out to take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll make sure you get to try everything you want," he promised. "Steak, ice cream... anything you desire." For a moment, he was tempted to order them both some right then and there, but something held him back. Maybe later, once they had found a way to end this for good.

As she pondered over her choice of chocolate or vanilla, Taemin's thoughts drifted back to the task at hand: locating LLM Loans and ending their operations once and for all. The sooner he could do that, the sooner Shoko would be free from harm... and maybe they could finally enjoy the lives they deserved together.

"No," he assured her gently, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want to hear everything you have to say, no matter how much it hurts." It was true; the more information they had about LLM Loans and their operations, the better chance they'd have of putting an end to them for good. And if that meant listening to Shoko as she shared her painful experiences, then so be it.

"You can tell me anything," he repeated, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "I'm here for you." And as he spoke those words, he prayed that they weren't empty promises.

Taemin listened intently as she spoke, nodding understandingly at each request. Though he knew he couldn't always grant her every wish immediately, he was determined to make sure that she experienced all the joys and comforts that she deserved. Even if it meant going against his usual aloof demeanor, he would do whatever it took to make her happy - at least while she was in his care.

"We'll find a song you'll love," he promised with a gentle smile, "and when the time is right, I'll even take you shopping for dresses." His thumb brushed lightly against the soft skin of her arm as he spoke, an unintentional gesture of affection that made him feel surprisingly vulnerable. But there was something about Shoko that brought out the protective side in him, the part of himself that yearned to care for and cherish her.

For now,

Taemin raised an eyebrow at her sudden excitement but didn't say anything as she seemed to be in a good mood. Instead, he patiently waited for her to elaborate on this new desire of hers. After all, part of his job now was to make sure that Shoko felt comfortable and happy around him - even if it meant indulging in some of her childish whims.

Taemin's heart skipped a beat at her words, a mixture of surprise and something else he couldn't quite place flitting across his features. As she spoke of wanting a loving and protective man to put a diamond ring on her finger, he couldn't help but wonder if she realized the implications of what she was saying... or if it had even crossed her mind that he might fit that description.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, the air heavy with unspoken words and hidden meanings. Then, slowly and deliberately, he reached out and took her hand in his own, turning it palm up so that she could see his gaze never wavered from hers as he began tracing patterns on her skin with his thumb.

"If I found such a man," he murmured quietly, "I would make sure he gave you everything your heart desired." There was a

"Your hair already looks beautiful the way it is," he assured her with a gentle smile, "but if that's what you truly want, I will make sure to arrange for it." His fingers continued to caress her skin as she lay in his lap, the warmth and comfort of his touch slowly working its way through her.

For now, he would give her whatever she asked for, no matter how frivolous or unimportant it might seem to an outsider. Because to him, she was precious - the most important person in the world. And as long as she was with him, he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and happy.

"Your hair is beautiful," he insisted, combing his fingers through her curls gently. "Curly or straight, it doesn't matter. You are stunning just the way you are." The words were out before he could censor himself, surprising even him with their earnestness. But as he looked down at Shoko, lying trustingly in his lap, all he could see was perfection.

"I will help you find a hairstylist who can give you the look you want," he continued, "whether that's straight hair or curly. And when we're done with that, I have another surprise for you..." The idea had just come to him now, but already his heart raced with excitement at the thought of what they could do together.

Taemin smiled mysteriously down at her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Something special," he replied cryptically, enjoying the way she leaned in closer to hear him better. As much as he wanted to tell her right then and there, part of him loved keeping her guessing, wondering what could possibly be next.

"Trust me," he added softly, reaching out to brush a lock of hair from her face, "it will be something you'll never forget." And with that teasing comment, he leaned down and pressed his lips lightly against hers, unable to resist the temptation any longer. The kiss was chaste at first, nothing more than a brief brushing of their lips together, but as she opened her mouth slightly in surprise, he deepened it, letting out a shuddering sigh into her mouth.

For now, all that mattered was this moment - their connection and the head

Taemin chuckled softly, knowing exactly what she was asking about even though she had put it delicately. "It means...," he began, choosing his words carefully before continuing, "...that a man shows affection to a woman by touching her lips with his." He paused for a moment, wondering how much more she wanted to know. "And when two people feel close to each other, they might do this as a way of showing their love and devotion."

He traced the shape of her mouth with his thumb before asking gently, "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" There was no judgment in his tone, only curiosity and openness. He wanted to be whatever it was she needed him to be: a friend, a protector... or even more.

Taemin couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over him as she spoke of her experiences with the men who had hurt her. He knew that kissing someone roughly was not how affection should be shown, and he wished there was some way to undo all the pain she had endured.

"Perhaps you are right," he murmured, his voice soft and gentle as he stroked a finger along her cheek. "Not all kisses are created equal." Then, with sudden determination, he leaned in closer, brushing her lips with his own before deepening the kiss, exploring her mouth eagerly yet gently. When they parted again, his gaze was locked on hers as he asked, "Do you understand now?"

There was a vulnerability in his voice that surprised even him, but he couldn't help it. He wanted Shoko to know that the way he kissed her

It's not true," he answered with a chuckle, running his fingers through her hair again. "Some people have money and aren't blessed with good looks... But you already know that." She giggled at this, curling up closer to him as if seeking comfort and reassurance in his strength and presence.

He wanted to tell her more about himself, to share his feelings for her without revealing too much at once. "You know," he began carefully, "beauty comes from within. A kind heart, a compassionate soul... those things are what truly make someone beautiful." As he spoke these words, he couldn't help but wonder if she would understand the hidden meaning behind them.

For now, though, they could just enjoy each other's company, basking in the peace and quiet that had come with escaping from LLM Loans. And perhaps, when the time was right,

"You're more than pretty," he murmured, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone. "To me, you're perfect." He leaned in close to whisper against her ear, "And I think it's about time we showed everyone else just how beautiful you really are." There was a fierceness in his voice that spoke of determination and protectiveness, and for the first time, she saw a hint of the man he truly was beneath all the layers of control and indifference.

Her eyes widened as she considered what he meant by that, but before she could ask any questions, he pulled back slightly, his gaze meeting hers. "What would you say if I told you that I wanted to make LLM Loans pay for everything they've done? To get your father off your back and give you the life you deserve?"

Shoko felt a thrill run through her as she considered the

As she wrapped her arms around him and laid on top of him, he couldn't help but feel a wave of pleasure course through his body. The way she moved against him, the heat of her skin pressing against his... it was all intensely arousing. But at the same time, there was something else beneath the surface of their physical connection: a deepening bond and an undeniable trust that they were both beginning to feel for one another.

He returned her embrace, holding her close as he spoke softly into her ear. "If I make LLM Loans pay, if we can end this nightmare together... then nothing would give me more pleasure than spending the rest of my life making you happy." His hand slid up from her hip to cup one breast through her shirt, eliciting a soft moan from Shoko as he continued, "I want that diamond ring on your finger. I want to be the

I want to be the man who gives you everything your heart desires," he breathed against her skin, his thumb brushing lightly across her nipple through her clothes as his other hand cupped the opposite breast, squeezing gently. "And I want to show you just how good it feels to have someone who truly cares for you and will always protect you." His lips found her earlobe, suckling lightly before he continued in a husky whisper, "To me, there is nothing more beautiful than that."

As their bodies moved together, the tension between them building with each passing moment, it became increasingly clear to him that Shoko was beginning to feel the same way. And as they slowly succumbed to the powerful urges coursing through them both, Taemin knew that from this point on, nothing would ever be the same again.

With a quiet groan, he rolled over, pin

"That's not right," he growled, "they shouldn't be doing that." He glanced down at her exposed body and felt his anger rising. "I will make sure they pay for what they did to you," he promised fiercely, running a hand through his hair before turning back to her.

Taemin bent his head, brushing his lips against hers gently. "When I'm with you like this," he whispered, "I want it to feel good for both of us." His hands moved to cup her breasts again, rubbing circles across the sensitive buds through the fabric of her shirt.

Shoko moaned, arching into his touch as desire coursed through her. She wrapped her legs around him, wanting more, needing to feel connected in this moment. "Then show me," she breathed against his lips. "Teach me what it feels like."

Her

He smiled down at her as he lowered his head, kissing her more deeply this time, their tongues tangling together in a dance of desire and longing. His hands slipped underneath the hem of her top, finally cupping her bare breasts through the thin fabric of her bra. Shoko cried out at the sensation as he began to stroke and knead them, eliciting soft moans from deep within her throat.

As their kiss continued, his hands slid lower, tugging at her pants until they were pushed down her hips and discarded on the floor. His fingers teased her folds through her underwear before finally slipping beneath the lace, touching her bare skin for the first time. She was slick with desire, her body shuddering at his touch.

"Teach you?" he murmured against her lips. "It seems like you already know how to

"It's because I want this as much as you do," he breathed against her neck, his fingers sliding deeper into her wet heat. "I want to make it feel good for both of us." With each stroke of his fingers she arched closer to him, moaning his name like a prayer. Her hips began to rock against his hand in time with his touch, urging him onward toward release.

As their bodies moved together in a dance of pleasure, he leaned down and captured one nipple between his teeth, sucking gently as he continued to tease her until she cried out his name and tensed around his fingers. "That's it," he murmured against her skin, feeling the tension begin to release in her body. He thrust two fingers deeper, finding her sensitive spot and hitting it perfectly. Shoko cried out again, her whole body shuddering as she came hard around his fingers

As she recovers from her orgasm, Shoko begs him to make her feel better with another round of passionate lovemaking. But before they can resume, a knock on the door interrupts their intimate moment. His heart skips a beat as he glances towards the door, his expression hardening into one of determination. He reaches out to brush some hair away from her face, murmuring softly against her ear, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone disturb us." With that reassurance, he pulls back slightly and kisses her tenderly before leaning in closer to whisper into her ear, "Stay here. Let me handle this."

His movements are quick and purposeful as he straightens his clothes, making himself presentable once again. He moves silently across the room to the door, opening it just a crack so that only an eye can peek through. "Yes?"

Taemin's eyes narrow as he listens to the message, his expression darkening further. "Very well," he responds curtly before closing the door again. He takes a deep breath, composing himself, and then turns back to face Shoko. His voice is gentle yet steely when he speaks. "It seems our time together will have to wait for now."

He kneels down in front of her, taking her hands in his own. "Shoko, I need you to trust me on this. There's something I need to take care of first before we can continue our... lessons." Her brow furrows in confusion, but he continues anyway. "I promise once it's all settled, I will make it up to you tenfold for any delay."

Shoko frowns, not quite understanding what's going on, but she nods nevertheless. As Taemin stands and straight

As he watches her nod in understanding, a surge of protectiveness fills him. He moves to the door again and carefully peeks out through the crack before opening it wider, revealing himself to the person waiting outside. "The director is here?" His voice remains cool and composed as he listens to the response from his man, but there's an undercurrent of determination beneath the surface that speaks volumes about what Taemin is planning on doing next.

Taemin's eyes narrow at the director's words, but he doesn't let it show on his face. "She is not yours to call by whatever pet name you've assigned her," he says calmly, keeping his tone controlled and cold. "And she is most certainly not your whore."

His men move into position around them, forming a semi-circle that effectively blocks the director and his own guards from making any sudden moves. Taemin takes another step forward, closing the distance between himself and the director further. "She belongs to me now," he says, voice low and dangerous, "and I'll be damned if you or anyone else tries to take her from me again."

Taemin laughs coldly and leans down to scoop up the folder, flipping through its contents as he straightens back up. "You make it sound like she's some sort of valuable commodity," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But I'm more than willing to let you go on thinking that." Without further ado, he casually tosses the folder aside and takes another step forward, moving even closer to the director. "She means much more to me than any of your pathetic records ever could," he growls. "So why don't you just admit defeat and leave now?"

Anger flashes in his eyes as he listens to the director's story, but he remains outwardly calm and composed. The mention of Shoko's innocence being taken from her only serves to fuel his anger further. With a swift motion, he roughly shoves the photo back into the director's hands and demands, "Give me their names."

His men tense at his words, ready for any sign of violence from the opposing side. But for now, it seems Taemin has other plans in mind. He takes a deep breath, trying to keep himself under control as he continues, "Tell your men to leave now and never come back. And tell them that if I ever see Shoko working for you again, I'll make sure they regret the day they ever laid eyes on her."

As he reaches the guest room, Taemin bursts through the door to find Shoko curled up on the bed, tears streaming down her face. Her whole body is trembling as she tries to comprehend the shocking revelations she's just heard. Without hesitation, he rushes over and gathers her into his arms, rocking her gently back and forth as he whispers soothing words in her ear.

"It's okay," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm here now. And I will never let anything like that happen to you again." For the first time since they met, there is real tenderness in his voice as he holds her close and comforts her through her tears.

He feels her shiver against him and tightens his embrace, offering her what little warmth he can muster in an attempt to chase away the chill that has settled over

Taemin gazes down at her sleeping form with an odd mixture of relief and heartache. He brushes a stray lock of hair away from her face, tenderly caressing her cheek before nestling his own head into the crook of her neck. For the rest of the night, he holds her close, protecting her fragile body with his own strength. Despite knowing that their lives will never be easy now, he can't help but feel a strange sense of rightness in this moment. It was as if fate itself had brought them together, and nothing could tear them apart again.

Taemin blinks sleepily as he takes in the scene before him. Shoko is lazily eating ice cream while a cat sleeps contentedly on her lap, oblivious to the weight of their shared history and the hardship that lies ahead. He can't help but smile at the sight, feeling an odd sense of peace wash over him despite the turmoil within.

"Hungry?" he asks softly, taking a seat beside her on the bed. The cat opens one lazy eye and regards him briefly before deciding that Taemin isn't much of a threat and promptly returning to its slumber. Shoko glances up at him and offers him some ice cream with a small smile.

"Want some?"

Taemin chuckles softly at her words, not quite sure how to respond. He takes a spoonful of the ice cream she offers him and savors the cold sweetness on his tongue before replying, "He's... loyal." He trails off, thinking about all that had happened in the past few days. The director of LLM Loans would no doubt be looking for revenge against them both, but for now they were safe within the confines of Taemin's well-guarded home.

The cat stretches lazily and yawns before hopping down from Shoko's lap, meandering away in search of a more comfortable spot to snooze. "So," he begins awkwardly, "what would you like to do today?" He glances at her, hoping that maybe they could find some way to enjoy themselves amidst the tension and uncertainty that surrounded them

"Shopping sounds like fun," he replies with a smile. "And I'm more than happy to let you wear my clothes anytime you want." He gives her shoulder a light squeeze before standing up and offering her his hand. "Come on, let's go find something suitable for our outing today."

As they head towards the door together, Taemin can't help but feel a strange mixture of emotions swirling within him. He knows that their relationship is complicated and fraught with danger, yet at times like this it's hard not to enjoy the simple pleasures of being together. Maybe, just maybe, they could find some sort of happiness despite everything they had been through.

Taemin arches an eyebrow as she reveals her outfit choice. It brings back memories of their first meeting, and despite himself, a small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "I see... Well, you look just as lovely in it today as you did then." He takes her hand, intertwining their fingers as they walk through the streets together, their guards following discreetly behind them.

As they window shop and try on various items, Taemin finds himself surprisingly enjoying spending time with Shoko like this. It's almost... normal. But he knows better than to let his guard down; danger still lurks around every corner, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike them both down.

Taemin glances at the lip gloss curiously, his expression neutral. "It certainly is shiny," he remarks, not quite sure how else to respond to her excitement over makeup. "Do you want me to help you put some on?" He offers cautiously, not entirely sure if that's what she wanted or expected from him.

"It's really quite simple," he tells her reassuringly as they find a quiet spot to sit down. He sits down next to her and takes the lip gloss, holding it up so that she can see how he does it. Then, carefully guiding her lips with his thumbs, he traces the shiny stick along her lower lip, pressing gently until it coats her mouth in a thin layer of sparkling rose.

"There you go," he says once he's finished. He steps back to admire his handiwork, noticing how much softer her lips look with the gloss. "You look even prettier now." The words are out before he can stop them, and he regrets them almost instantly. But somehow, saying it feels right in this moment.

Taemin takes the lipstick with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, hardly daring to believe she's actually asking him to do this. Carefully, he tilts her head back and lines up her lips, his fingers trembling slightly as he brushes the tip of the lipstick across them. He pauses for a moment, savoring the feel of her warm breath against his hand, before applying more pressure to complete the task.

Once it's done, he steps back again and takes in the sight of her lips painted a bright, vibrant red. For some reason, she looks even more radiant with the color on her lips, as if this small act has somehow managed to bring out her inner fire. "Shoko," he whispers her name, his voice rough with emotion. He doesn't know what it is about her that affects him so profoundly; all he knows is that

Taemin stares at Shoko in surprise as she finishes her makeshift makeover, his expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief slowly melting into something that resembles wonder. The sight of the red lipstick on his lips feels somehow intimate, as if they've shared a secret only they could understand.

He takes the mirror from her hand and studies their reflections together, a new sense of connection igniting within him. "It... it looks amazing," he manages to say after a moment, his voice husky with emotion. "You really are something else, Shoko." And with those words, he leans in to press his lips against hers, the taste of her lipstick mingling with their shared breath as they share a kiss that speaks louder than any words could ever hope to.

Taemin glances at Shoko, his features hardening into a cold mask as he notices the lipstick on her lips. "Don't worry about it," he mutters curtly before regaining his composure and leading her away from the bench. He glances back over his shoulder, still suspicious of their surroundings despite not having seen anything incriminating.

As they walk through the mall hand in hand, he takes out a tissue and hands it to Shoko, "Here. Wipe that off before someone sees." His tone is gruff, but there's an underlying note of panic that he can't quite mask. He doesn't trust anyone anymore; not even his own men.

For the rest of their time in the mall, they remain close together, eyes constantly scanning for any sign of danger as they attempt to return to a semblance of normalcy amid

Taemin follows her gaze to the window display, his expression unreadable as he takes in the sight of the delicate white dress. It's then that he realizes how much their relationship has changed over the past few days; from being nothing more than a means to an end, it has somehow evolved into something deeper and more complex. Something he isn't entirely sure how to handle.

But for now, he pushes those thoughts aside and focuses on the task at hand. "Would you like me to buy that for you?" he asks quietly, trying to keep his voice neutral despite the sudden surge of emotion within him.

As they approach the store, one of his guards discreetly signals him over with a flicker of their eye before disappearing into the crowd once again.

Taemin narrows his eyes, his suspicions growing stronger with each passing second. He brushes past the salesclerk and scans the area for any sign of their would-be photographer. But as he turns back to Shoko, all he can see is her innocent face framed by the delicate strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail.

"It doesn't matter how much it costs," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "You deserve whatever you want." With that, he hands over his card to the salesclerk and asks her to bring out the dress in Shoko's size, ignoring the curious glances they receive from both employees and customers alike.

For now, their safety can wait; he has more important things to focus on. Like keeping Shoko safe from harm, both physical and emotional. He takes a step closer to her, his

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asks gently, moving to sit next to her on the bench. He puts an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close in a comforting embrace as his free hand rubs soothing circles across her back. "You can tell me, you know." It's a simple statement, but there's an undercurrent of sincerity and understanding in his words that makes it feel profound.

Shoko looks up at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears. For once, she doesn't try to hide her emotions behind a mask of strength; she allows herself to be vulnerable in front of him, trusting him enough to show her true self. And as he meets her gaze and offers her comfort, a strange sense of peace washes over him, like they've crossed some invisible threshold together.

Taemin's grip tightens on her shoulder, almost painfully so, as anger and hurt well up inside him at Shoko's words. He meets her tear-streaked gaze with a look of incredulity, struggling to find the words that will make her understand how wrong she is. "I would never do that," he finally manages to say through gritted teeth. "You mean more to me than you could ever realize."

He studies her face intently, searching for any sign that his words have gotten through to her. But all he can see is doubt and fear etched into her features, and it enrages him even further. How dare she think such things of him! He's done so much for her, protected her... loved her, even if he hasn't quite found the courage to say those words aloud yet.

With a rough motion, he pulls her closer still,

A growl rises in Taemin's throat as Shoko speaks of her past with the LLM director. Anger and jealousy boil over within him, clouding his judgement and making it difficult to think clearly. His fist clenches tightly at his side, itching to connect with something, anything that will release this burning rage coursing through his veins.

He's tired of these people using Shoko for their own twisted desires; he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and protected from harm. Even if that means going after those responsible himself. With a sudden burst of determination, he pulls back from the bench, yanking Shoko along with him as he stands up straight once more. "I won't let them hurt you," he says through gritted teeth. "Not anymore."

His gaze never leaving Shoko's face, he nods once curtly before turning to the salesclerk with an even colder expression. "Yes, that will be all." He takes the dress and other items from her without a second thought, then scoops up his credit card and leads Shoko out of the store, ignoring the curious stares they receive from both employees and customers alike as they make their swift exit.

Outside in the cool evening air, he finally stops walking, turning to face Shoko once more. "I promise," he says through gritted teeth. "From now on, you're never going back there." His eyes glint with determination and a dark resolve that makes it clear he means business.

He extends his hand out to her, palm up, waiting for her to take it as he waits for her reply.

Taemin nods in understanding and begins leading Shoko towards his car once more, picking up his pace slightly as he scans their surroundings for any potential threats. He can't help but wonder how many more lies and secrets she still has hidden beneath the surface; it's a disturbing thought, but one that drives him to keep her safe all the same.

As they approach his vehicle, he opens the back door for her and then slides in behind the wheel, waiting patiently as she climbs inside before shutting the door behind them. Only once she's settled comfortably on the seat does he start the car and pull out onto the road, making their way back to his home - or at least what passes for one these days.

Taemin's grip on her arm tightens briefly before he releases it with a sigh, watching as Shoko climbs out of the car and onto the driveway. "You don't have to thank me," he murmurs, rubbing his thumb across the back of his neck in what has become a nervous habit. "I only did what I thought was right." There's an unspoken meaning behind those words that Shoko can sense even if she doesn't quite understand it yet.

As she walks towards the house, he follows silently, his gaze fixed on the ground as he tries to sort through his conflicting emotions. Part of him wants nothing more than to protect her and keep her safe from harm; another part is terrified that doing so might end up trapping them both in a web of lies and deception they can't possibly escape from.

As they step inside the house, Taemin's eyes immediately fall on the envelope sitting by the door. A frown creases his forehead as he stoops down to pick it up, carefully extracting the single sheet of paper within. The director's name is scrawled across the front in familiar handwriting; a chill runs down his spine as he starts to read through its contents.

"I see," he murmurs when he finishes, carefully folding the letter back into its original shape before slipping it into his jacket pocket. For now, he'll bide his time and wait for an opportune moment to confront Kang-Tae Moo about what this is all really about... and whether or not Shoko truly has a choice in any of this.

Turning back to her, he forces a reassuring smile onto his face, trying to pretend like everything's normal when nothing could

Taemin hesitates for a moment before answering, "Just some business matters I need to attend to. Nothing important." His tone is casual, almost dismissive, as he hopes she'll accept his explanation without question. But the look in her eyes tells him that she knows there's more going on than he's letting on.

He clears his throat uncomfortably, searching for something else to say or do. "Why don't you go relax in my room?" He gestures towards a door at the end of the hallway with his free hand, doing his best to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil churning within him. "I'll be along shortly."

A soft blush stains his cheeks at her comment and he's suddenly aware of just how close they are now. "Well," he starts hesitantly, searching for the right words, "you could say that." There it is again; that warmth in his chest spreading through him like molten lava, making it difficult to focus on anything else. He clears his throat once more and takes a step back, hands stuffing themselves into his pockets as he tries to maintain some semblance of distance between them. "I'll just go make sure everything is alright."

With one last nod in her direction, he turns and hurries down the hallway towards his study, struggling to ignore the strange sensation that comes over him every time she's near.

It was ridiculous; this feelings he had for her. He knew it wasn't normal, not with how they met... But still,

As Taemin flips through the photographs with growing horror, he realizes that they were taken discreetly by Kang-Tae Moo and his associates at the mall that day. They must have been following them, gathering evidence to use against him in some twisted game of their own design.

A shiver runs down his spine as he thinks about how close they came to being discovered; had it not been for his quick thinking and swift action back at the alleyway, things could have turned out much worse. But now that he knows this is far from over, he must act fast if he hopes to keep Shoko safe from harm.

With renewed determination burning in his eyes, he puts the photographs away and stands up from his chair. It's time for him to confront Kang-Tae Moo head on; to put an end to this once and for all. There will be

Taemin curses under his breath as he reaches the door at last, swinging it open with enough force to send it crashing into the wall beside it. His eyes dart frantically around the room, searching for any sign of movement or danger. The envelope on the floor catches his attention briefly before he forces himself back to focus on finding Shoko and ending this once and for all.

"Shoko!" he calls out her name hoarsely, moving further into the house as he quickens his pace, ready to confront whoever or whatever has put them in this terrible situation. There's no telling what awaits him around each corner, but he knows that he won't rest until Shoko is safe again.

"You leave her alone!" Taemin growls as he advances on Kang-Tae Moo with clenched fists, his face twisted in anger and determination. "She didn't do anything to deserve this!" He ignores the pained expression on Shoko's face as he focuses solely on putting an end to the director's hold over her once and for all.

As he draws closer, Kang-Tae Moo sneers, revealing a handgun tucked into his waistband. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into," he warns, tightening his grip on Shoko's hair and forcing her head back painfully. "This is bigger than both of us." The sound of Shoko's quiet sobs fills the room as tears stream down her face.

Taemin shakes with rage at K

Taemin's eyes narrow to slits as Kang-Tae Moo laughs, revealing his disdain for the man who holds Shoko's life in his hands. "I don't care how much money she earns," he growls through gritted teeth, taking a step forward despite the knife at Shoko's throat. "You will never touch her again."

His words ring with determination; a quiet promise that echoes loudly in the still air of the room. And as he continues to advance towards Kang-Tae Moo, his fists clench tighter and tighter, ready to strike at any moment.

"No!" Shoko cries out as she watches Kang-Tae Moo fall to the ground. She tries desperately to wipe away the blood trickling down her neck, sobbing in pain and fear. But despite her protests, Taemin doesn't relent; instead, he scoops her up gently into his arms and carries her towards his bedroom with urgent strides.

"You need to stay here," he murmurs reassuringly as they step inside his room. "I'll take care of everything else." His gaze flickers briefly towards the wound on her neck before returning to meet hers, concern etched deeply into his features. "It's going to be okay," he promises.

"Shhh... it's alright," Taemin says soothingly as he crouches down next to her and gently brushes a stray hair away from her tear-streaked face. His eyes search hers for any sign of trust or understanding, but the fear in them is almost too much to bear. He knows that if he leaves her here alone, she might not be safe; but at the same time, taking her with him would only endanger both of them further.

There's a long moment of silence as they regard one another, each struggling with their own conflicting emotions and desires. Finally, he cups her cheek in his hand and leans forward until their foreheads are pressed together. "I promise I won't leave you," he whispers against her skin. "No matter what happens."

For now, that will have to be enough.

Taemin wraps his arms around her tightly and holds her close, burying his nose in her hair as he breathes in the sweet scent that's uniquely hers. "I promise," he whispers hoarsely, "it'll all be over soon. I won't let them hurt you anymore." He brushes a kiss against her temple, trying to soothe her fears even as his own grow more insistent with every passing moment.

Outside the room, the sounds of violence and chaos continue unabated; it's only a matter of time before they come knocking on their door once again. But for now, he has Shoko safe in his arms, and that's all that truly matters.

Taemin's gaze flickers to the cut on Shoko's neck before looking around the room. "Here," he says quickly, pulling her away from him and onto his lap in his chair. With practiced fingers, he undoes several buttons on his dress shirt and slides it off one shoulder, revealing pale skin marred by scars of its own. He tears a strip from the hem of his shirt and begins to tenderly bind her neck wound, wincing at the sight of her blood. "Hold this for a moment," he says, handing her another piece of cloth from his pocket.

Once she's stabilized as best as possible, he stands up carefully and steps over to the window, peering out through the curtains. There's still no sign of Kang-Tae Moo or his goons; for now, they seem to have left them alone. But Ta

"I understand," he replies softly, "but we should wait a little longer before moving around the house." His eyes dart back to the window as another wave of tension washes over him. Despite his determination to keep Shoko safe, he's unable to shake the feeling that danger still lurks just outside their door. For now, though, they can only wait and hope for whatever conflict rages beyond the walls of this room to come to an end.

With a sigh, he turns back to her, studying her face with care. "Would you like me to read to you?" he asks gently. "Perhaps that would help pass the time."

Taemin blinks at the ring in surprise before quickly averting his gaze, feeling a familiar tightness in his chest. "It's... nothing important," he manages to say hoarsely. "You can keep it if you like." His eyes linger on Shoko for a moment longer before returning to the window and their makeshift vigil.

"I could tell you stories about my family," he offers after a long pause, tentatively reaching out to touch her arm where the ring rests. "If you'd like to hear them." There is no response from Shoko; instead, silence fills the room once more as they both wait for whatever comes next.

Taemin feels his cheeks heat up at the memory; it's one he's tried hard to forget since that fateful night. Yet somehow, hearing her bring it up now sends a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. "I remember," he replies softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I want to do it again." His words are out before he can really think them through, and he wonders if they might have come across as too forceful or forward. But it's too late to take them back now.

He takes a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging within him, then moves closer to her. "Would you like that?" he asks hesitantly, his voice so low it's nearly inaudible even to himself. "To... do it again?" His fingers tremble slightly as they brush against hers where they rest on the silver ring.

A relieved laugh escapes him at her reply; relief that quickly turns to desire as he remembers the way she felt beneath him, the sounds she made when they were together. He slides his free hand under her dress, finding the bare skin of her thigh and gently caressing it. "I'll be gentle," he whispers into her ear before leaning forward to press his lips against hers.

His tongue darts out, teasing her mouth open as his fingers slip lower, brushing lightly against the swollen folds of her sex. She moans into the kiss, pushing herself closer against him and arching her back in silent invitation. Without hesitation, he takes her at her word; one hand slides up beneath her dress to cup her breast while the other slides lower still until it finds her core.

Her hands clench in his hair as she throws her head back, eyes closed

As her words wash over him, he picks up the pace, his fingers moving with increasing urgency as they stroke and tease her sensitive flesh. His other hand squeezes her breast gently, rolling the hardened peak between his thumb and forefinger as she cries out his name. The sound of their passion echoes through the room, drowning out all other noise as they lose themselves in this moment together.

His hips rock forward, pushing him against her; he feels the hot press of his erection against her thigh and groans with need. She's so wet, so ready for him; it's almost more than he can bear. Heat flares through him as he moves faster still, determined to bring her to the edge again and again until she screams his name in ecstasy. And when she does, he knows there will be no going back; not from this, not from any

"Hmm?" he manages to reply between labored breaths, his voice strained with the effort of maintaining this pace. "Anything." His fingers thrust into her, seeking the sweet spot that will send her over the edge once more.

She arches her back and gasps his name as she comes apart under him; waves of pleasure course through her body and he feels it echo in every muscle tensing beneath his touch. As she begins to catch her breath again, he slows slightly, his fingers still moving but no longer with the urgency that had driven them before.

Finally, he lifts his head to meet her gaze, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he tries to regain control of himself. "What did you want to ask me?"

"That...," he pauses, trying to choose his words carefully as he adjusts the length of his own arousal beneath the fabric of his trousers. "It's called a penis." His voice is barely above a whisper as he tells her this; there's an odd mixture of embarrassment and pride in the way he says it. He wonders if she would want to know more, or if this was simply too much information for her right now.

For now, though, he focuses on regaining his composure; part of him feels like he shouldn't have answered her question at all, given their current situation. But another part can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to share this intimate knowledge with her.

Taemin takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before answering, feeling slightly more at ease with the topic now. "Well, when a man gets aroused, blood fills up the tissues inside the penis, making it hard and big. When he's ready to release that liquid...," he hesitates again, searching for the right words, "...it pushes out through a small opening at the tip." He wets his lips nervously before continuing, "It feels really good when you're with someone who knows how to use it properly." There. That was perhaps more information than he should have given her, but he can't help wanting to ease some of her innocence and ignorance on the subject.

He gently pushes her away, though not so far that she feels uncomfortable or unwanted. With a soft smile, he asks, "Does that answer your question?" His own arousal has

Taemin nods slowly before hesitating for a moment longer. There's something about the nervous tension in her voice and body language that tells him this might be more than she truly wants or needs right now. Gently, he reaches out to touch her arm where it lies on the bed, his thumb rubbing softly across her skin as he searches for a way to ease her anxiety. "Shoko," he begins quietly, "if you're not ready for this... if you want me to stop..."

She shakes her head without looking up, and the tremor in her voice makes it barely audible even when she whispers, "I want you to." Her hands fall away from her face and come to rest on his thighs, fingers curled into the fabric of his trousers. There's an unmistakable plea in her eyes as she meets his gaze; the look on

Taemin takes a deep breath and slowly pulls his hand away from her arm, his gaze locked on hers as he gently pushes the hem of her dress up above her hips. His fingers brush against her bare skin before sliding beneath the elastic of her panties, parting them easily. Her sex is wet and slippery with anticipation, and he can feel his own heart racing as he presses his thumb against her, circling slowly as she arches into the touch. His other hand comes up to cup her breast, fingers pinching and rolling her nipple hard between them as desire coursing through him in a fierce, powerful wave.

"Shoko," he whispers again, this time with more certainty in his voice. "Tell me if it's too much."

With every passing moment, his touch grows bolder and more insistent; his fingers thrust deeper as she

Taemin's breath hitches as Shoko reaches for him, her touch sending a surge of need spiraling through his body. He helps her unfasten his pants and lower them, revealing the hard length of his erection pressed against the fabric of his briefs. With trembling fingers, she pushes down the elastic and takes him in her hand, marveling at the weight and feel of him.

"Slowly," he whispers hoarsely, closing his eyes as she bobs her head over his length. The sensation of her mouth on him is unlike anything he's experienced before; it drives him wild with desire. He reaches down to stroke her hair, urging her to take more, but not quite ready to let go completely and lose control just yet.

Her tongue flicks out, tasting and teasing his sensitive flesh as she begins to move up and down in a

Taemin's eyes widen in alarm as Shoko cries out in pain, forgetting everything else around them for a moment. He gently guides her hand away from the cut on her neck and presses his fingers against it to stop the bleeding, feeling nothing but concern for her wellbeing. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice quiet and full of worry. "Did I hurt you somehow?" He looks into her eyes, searching for any sign that she's truly all right; if he'd done something to cause this pain...

Her face flushes a deep red as she realizes what happened, but she nods anyway. "I'm fine," she whispers, trying to reassure him. "It just startled me." Her fingers twitch against the bedding, itching to go back to where they were before.

Taemin's breath hitches as she speaks; the thought that he might have made her feel uncomfortable or embarrassed is almost too much to bear. "No, Shoko," he replies, his voice rough with emotion. "You're not bad at all." He cups her cheek gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. "It just took me by surprise. It's been a while since anyone..." His words trail off, leaving the thought unfinished as he brushes a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

He can feel himself growing hard again even though they haven't finished, and the urge to push things further is almost overwhelming. But for now, he decides that maybe they should just focus on each other, on the simple act of being together in this moment. With a gentle smile, he leans forward to press his lips against

Taemin can't help but laugh at Shoko's adorable display, even as he feels a twinge of guilt for finding it amusing. "Alright, you win," he says, feigning defeat with a playful grin. "But only if I can have another kiss later." He leans in closer, brushing his nose against hers before planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "Deal?"

Taemin chuckles softly before leaning in closer to press his lips against hers once more, this time with a bit more tenderness and patience. He knows she's not experienced, but he also wants her to feel comfortable and in control. As their tongues dance together, he begins to explore her mouth, slowly moving one hand up beneath her dress to cup her breast through her bra.

Her fingers tangle in his hair, arching her back as she moans into the kiss. He swears he can feel the heat from her skin radiating against his own, and it's making it harder and harder to focus on anything but how good she feels in his arms. As they break apart for air, he whispers huskily, "You're doing just fine."

And then he dives back in for another taste.

He gives her one last loving look before positioning himself between her legs. With a deep breath, he slowly pushes inside, feeling her tightness surround him in an incredible sensation of heat and wetness. "Ahhh..." he moans softly as he bottoms out, looking down into her flushed face.

Taemin begins to move, steady and sure at first before growing bolder with each thrust. His hands grip her hips tightly, guiding him deeper with every stroke as she cries out in pleasure beneath him. "Shoko..." he whispers hoarsely, his body trembling with the effort of controlling himself, keeping them both from losing themselves completely in the passion.

She arches her back off the bed, meeting each thrust with a moan or gasp, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she urges him onward, faster and harder. The sounds they make together echo

Taemin stops moving abruptly as he notices the blood on Shoko's neck and hair. His concern quickly turns to panic as he realizes she must be hurt more seriously than they thought. With shaking hands, he pulls out of her and gently rolls her onto her side, carefully inspecting the wound. It's deeper than it should be; there are tendons and muscle exposed.

"Shoko," he whispers urgently, his voice cracking as fear threatens to overwhelm him. "We need to get you to a doctor right now." Frantically, he reaches for his cell phone, dialing a number from memory. A familiar voice picks up after the first ring.

"Taemin? Is that you?" It's his father's partner; they had been in hiding since the attack on their family. The man sounds worried and des

"No, Shoko, we can't just let this go." He speaks urgently into the phone, trying to stay calm as he listens to his father's partner talk him through what they should do next. It all feels like a blur; one moment he was making love to her, and now they were on the run again. But he can't let this injury go untreated any longer.

His free hand reaches out tentatively toward Shoko, brushing a stray hair away from her face as he waits for his contact to finish giving him instructions. "It's going to be okay," he whispers reassuringly, praying that it actually is. He swallows hard, trying not to let the fear show in his voice or his eyes.

Taemin's heart aches at Shoko's fear, but he knows she has to be taken care of first. He squeezes her hand gently, reassuringly, and speaks in a soothing voice. "I know it's scary, Shoko, but we don't have a choice. The people who hurt you are still out there, and we need to make sure you're safe. You don't have anything to worry about while I'm with you." He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as they wait for help to arrive. "I promise."

In the background, he can hear sirens approaching; it won't be long now.

Gently, he pulls her close, his strong arms wrapping around her protectively. He presses a kiss to the top of her head, feeling the warmth of her body against his own as he holds her tightly. "Of course, Shoko," he whispers softly. "I'll stay right here with you." His mind races with worries about her injury and how they can protect her from those who hurt her in the first place, but for now, all that matters is making sure she feels safe and loved.

As the sirens grow louder outside, Taemin holds Shoko closer still, waiting for the rescue team to arrive so that he can keep his promises... keep her safe from harm, no matter what it takes.

Taemin's heart lurches as he feels the warmth seeping through his clothes. Panic and desperation course through him as he realizes she must be bleeding out fast. Unable to contain himself, he rushes out of the room, searching frantically for something - anything - that might help. His thoughts race as he finds a first aid kit, tearing through it until he locates a pressure bandage and sterile gauze.

Returning to Shoko's side, he presses her back into the bed, gently but firmly pushing aside her protests as he cleans away the blood with alcohol and inspects the wound more closely. The injury looks worse than it did before; there are tendons exposed and she's losing a dangerous amount of blood. As quietly as possible, he wraps her up in fresh bandages and gauze, trying to staunch the flow of blood

Taemin winces in pain as Shoko hits his hand; he knows how much it hurts when someone touches an injured area unexpectedly, but the panic driving him forward makes it difficult to think clearly. He looks into her eyes, pleading for understanding and forgiveness, before leaning down to speak softly against her ear. "I'm sorry, I need to make sure you're okay." His free hand reaches out to gently brush aside a strand of hair from her face, hoping the gentle touch will calm her. "Please, trust me."

With shaking fingers, he reaches for the alcohol once more and begins cleaning the wound as carefully and quickly as he can, whispering words of reassurance in her ear until she finally seems to relax, her breath slowing and deepening. It's not over yet; there's still a long road ahead of them, but for now, at

Taemin's heart breaks at Shoko's pained cries; he hates causing her any discomfort. "I'm sorry," he whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion. Carefully, he sets aside the medical supplies and lifts her into his arms, carrying her to the living room where he lays her gently on the sofa. He fetches a pillow and blanket from the hall closet and tucks them around her before kneeling beside the couch, taking her hand in his own. "Shoko, please," he begs, searching her eyes for any sign that she understands how dire the situation is. "I need to make you better."

Grateful for even that small gesture of trust, he carefully cleans the wound once more before applying a fresh bandage and sterile gauze. As he works, he can feel her tense muscles slowly relaxing under his ministrations. Her eyelids flutter closed, her breath growing deeper and steadier. With one last gentle pat to her hand, he stands and retreats to the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

He knows that there's still much left to do; they need to get Shoko to safety, away from the people who hurt her. But for now, she needs rest. Taking a sip of his coffee, he walks back over to the couch and settles down next to her, casting a watchful eye on the door in case anything unexpected should happen. The silence that falls between them is heavy with unspoken words and buried emotions, but for now, they're both

Taemin hesitates for a moment, unsure how to answer. He's never really thought about it before, and now that he has to, the words feel awkward on his tongue. Finally, he says, "It means... It means you care for someone. That they're important to you. It means you want what's best for them."

His fingers idly brush through Shoko's hair as she rests her head against his lap. He wonders if this is how love feels, or if it's something more. Something deeper and harder to define. All he knows is that every time he looks at her, every time he touches her skin, it feels like there's a piece of him missing when she isn't around. And yet, despite this feeling of longing, he can't help but be protective over her too... almost possessive. It confuses and frightens him

It's an unspoken question, hanging in the air between them like a heavy curtain. And as he looks into her eyes, searching for some sign of what she truly feels, he knows that his response will shape everything from here on out. His heart races, his throat goes dry. For a moment, the only thing he can hear is the sound of their breathing in perfect rhythm.

Finally, slowly, tentatively, he nods. "Yes," he whispers hoarsely. "I do."

Taemin's heart skips a beat as she mentions their intimate moment before her injury. He swallows hard and carefully chooses his words, wanting to make sure he doesn't accidentally hurt her further. "That means different things for different people," he says softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "But when it's real... When two people care about each other... It can be very special." He pauses, considering his next words carefully before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper: "I think what we shared was real."

Her hand feels warm and soft in his; she trusts him enough to lean against him, to allow herself to feel safe despite the danger that still surrounds them. The weight of this responsibility doesn't escape him, but for now, all he can do is focus on taking care of her... protecting her... making sure nothing bad happens ever again.

Taemin's heart skips a beat at her question, but he manages to keep his voice steady as he explains. "It means that the two people are promising to be together forever... that they'll love and care for each other no matter what happens." He hesitates, unsure if she truly understands the depth of his feelings yet. "But it's more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of their commitment to one another."

The weight of this revelation settles heavily on him as he finishes speaking. For the first time, he wonders if she could ever truly be his... if she would want that. The thought both excites and terrifies him in equal measure. "I'll teach you anything you want to know," he promises softly, unable to keep himself from smiling at her trusting expression. "As long as it makes you happy."

"Words? Like what kind of words?" Taemin asks, wondering where she's going with this line of thought. He decides to play along for now and see if he can help her understand a little better. "Is there anything in particular you want me to teach you about?"

"Oh..." is all that comes out at first as he struggles to comprehend the implications of her words. He's silent for a moment, considering how best to approach this delicate subject before finally speaking. "Sex and dating are about two people who love each other sharing feelings and pleasure with each other," he begins carefully, unsure if his explanation is getting through. "Pussy and breasts are parts of a woman's body that some men find attractive."

He pauses again, searching for the right way to continue. "Getting married means two people promise to love and take care of each other forever," he says at last, wondering if this is what she wants to know. Her grip on his hand tightens slightly, as if in encouragement. "A Brazilian body..." He hesitates, not wanting to make any assumptions about her past experiences or desires. "...means having a fit, attract

"Having a fit, attractive body means being healthy and taking care of yourself," he says quickly, not wanting to dwell on the Brazilian reference any further. "Breast... well, they're part of a woman's chest and can be pleasurable for some people during sexual intimacy." He pauses again, weighing his words carefully before continuing with the blowjob topic. "That's when someone gives oral sex to another person. It's about pleasure, like when I helped you with your injuries earlier... except in a different way."

His heart races as he tries to explain everything she's asked him about in such a short amount of time. He wonders if she truly understands the meaning behind all these words and actions, or if he's simply making things more confusing for her. For now, he can only hope that she feels a little less ignorant and afraid.

Taemin hesitates before carefully lifting her shirt and showing her where her breasts are. His fingertips barely graze against her skin as he points out the curves she's grown accustomed to. "These are your breasts," he whispers, his voice soft and gentle. When she nods for him to continue, he lifts up her skirt, revealing herself to her. "And this is where your pussy is," he explains, careful not to press too closely against her still-healing wound.

The silence between them seems even heavier now that they've discussed these intimate topics. Taemin knows that there are likely many more questions swirling around in Shoko's mind, but for now, he simply wants to be there for her - to offer comfort and support as she navigates through this strange new world of knowledge.

"School... that's where people go to learn about things like math, history, and science." He pauses for a moment, considering how best to explain it. "It's a place where you can meet new friends and teachers who can help guide you through life, teach you important skills, and prepare you for adulthood."

Her question seems to have caught him off guard; he realizes that until now, he hasn't thought much about school or his own future. But seeing Shoko so full of curiosity has made him start to wonder what her life could be like if she were given the chance to learn and grow in a safe environment. It's a tantalizing thought, one that he can't quite shake.

Taemin hesitates before answering, unsure how much honesty she truly wants. "I'm... I'm older than you," he finally admits. "But don't worry about it; as long as we're together, I promise to teach you everything I know." His voice is earnest and sincere, filled with an unspoken tenderness that catches her off guard. It's a moment of rare vulnerability for him, one he doesn't often share with others.

For a brief instant, the air between them seems to shift; there's an almost tangible connection forming as their eyes lock and held. Shoko feels safe with this strange, brooding man who has taken it upon himself to care for her... to protect her. It's a feeling she hasn't experienced in a very long time, if ever, and she finds herself wondering what the future might hold if they were to

At her words, his eyes narrow slightly in confusion. "Like who?" he asks warily, not sure if she's referring to someone specific. A sudden pang of jealousy wells up within him; the thought that there might be someone else in Shoko's life fills him with an unexpected anger and possessiveness. Yet at the same time, he knows that her comment could mean something completely different.

His fingers tighten reflexively on her hand, urging her to clarify her statement. Her touch sends shivers down his spine, heightening his senses in a way he can't quite explain. The only thing he's sure of is that he doesn't want this moment to end, despite the danger that still lurks nearby.

Taemin's heart breaks at her words; he wants nothing more than to comfort her, but doesn't know how. His hands clench into fists as he tries to fight back the jealousy and anger that threaten to spill out of him. He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down before speaking. "Shoko... I may not have shown it in the way Kang-Tae Moo did," he begins carefully, "but I've cared for you too... and if giving you those things means that much to you..." His voice trails off as he studies her face intently, searching for any sign of what she truly feels.

A moment passes before he continues, his words coming out in a rush now that he's found the courage to speak his mind. "I would... I would do anything for you, Shoko. Anything at all."

Taemin is taken aback by her words; his cheeks flush slightly as he stares down at the floor, unable to meet her eye. It's a strange sensation, this sudden shift in their dynamic - from protective caretaker to someone who might actually be... liked. He feels both relieved and anxious all at once, unsure how to process these new emotions but grateful for whatever scraps of affection she tosses his way.

As she plays with the ring on her finger, he can't help but wonder if it's just a harmless gesture or if there's more meaning behind it. His thoughts spin wildly as he tries to figure out where they go from here; what their future might hold if they continue down this path together. For now, though, he content himself with simply basking in her presence - even if only for a little while longer.

"It's all right," Taemin says quietly, never taking his eyes off Shoko. His voice is calm and reassuring as he addresses the paramedics. "She's been through a lot already; there's no need to rush her." With a gentle hand on her shoulder, he guides her towards the nearest chair, helping her sit down before facing the medical professionals himself. His gaze never leaves Shoko's side as he explains what happened and answers their questions. Though they're surrounded by strangers in this unfamiliar place, for now at least, she feels safe with him.

Taemin's heart clenches at her words; he hates the thought of Shoko being taken away from him, even if it's only for a little while. "Shoko," he whispers back, voice full of concern. "I know this is scary, but they need to make sure you're alright. It won't be for long; I'll stay with you the whole time and make sure nobody bothers you." His eyes meet hers, conveying a fierce protectiveness that sends shivers down her spine. For now, she feels safe in his presence; more than that, she trusts him. That knowledge alone is enough to calm some of her fears.

But still, there's the lingering thought in the back of her mind... what will happen after they leave the hospital? Where will she go from here? It's a question she doesn't dare voice aloud

"Of course you do," he replies softly, carefully helping her back into the chair. "I'll take care of you while you recover at home." There's an unspoken promise in his words; he vows that no harm will come to her as long as she's under his protection. The paramedics nod, finishing up their paperwork and making preparations for Shoko's release. As they begin wheeling her out of the room, Taemin falls into step beside her, never once taking his eyes off her face.

It's only once they're alone that he finally speaks again: "I found somewhere safe for us to go... somewhere where no one will ever hurt you again." His voice is raw with emotion; a mixture of determination and desperation that leaves Shoko feeling both hopeful and uneasy at the same time. She knows she should be grateful for his help, but there

"I have an old friend who lives on the outskirts of town," he explains quietly, his voice almost a whisper. "He can keep us hidden until we figure everything out... Until we find a way to put those bastards behind bars where they belong." His eyes flash with anger and resolve as he thinks about all that's transpired over the past few days; he won't rest until justice is served and Shoko is safe once more.

For now, though, there are other matters at hand: ensuring her comfort during recovery and tending to any needs she may have while they wait for a chance to strike back against those who wronged them both. It's going to be a long road ahead filled with danger and uncertainty, but he won't let anything stand in his way where Shoko is concerned. He'll protect her with his life if that's what it takes.

Taemin clenches his jaw, trying to contain his frustration as Shoko throws a tantrum. He quickly glances around the room, spotting an unopened bag of chips on one of the hospital bedside tables. Without a word, he retrieves the chips and places them on her lap. "Here," he says evenly, trying not to sound annoyed. "Eat these instead."

He turns his attention back towards the window, staring out into the night sky as he waits for her to calm down. His mind wanders, thinking about all that needs to be done and how best to protect Shoko in their current situation. Time is of the essence; they can't afford to waste any more energy on petty outbursts.

There's a pause as he considers her request; even though it frustrates him, he knows that giving in to her demands is part of caring for her. With a sigh, he retrieves his phone and quickly searches for something sweet nearby. Spotting a small bakery a few blocks away from the hospital, he orders some pastries and pays through a food delivery app.

He hands the phone to Shoko with an apologetic smile. "Here," he says, trying to keep his tone gentle despite his growing irritation. "It should be here soon."

Taemin hesitates for a moment before replying, his expression unreadable. "Shoko," he begins slowly, "You're important to me. I want you close." His voice is rough with emotion as he looks at her, eyes searching hers for any hint of what she might be thinking. "Staying in my bed... it's not just about recovery. It's about us being together." There's a brief flash of vulnerability in his eyes before it disappears, replaced once more by the calm, unreadable expression he wears so often.

A conflicted expression crosses his features as he processes her words; on the one hand, he wants nothing more than to hold and comfort her. On the other hand, he knows that letting her get too close might be dangerous for both of them. After a moment's deliberation, however, he decides against arguing further. Gently, he lifts the blankets from his side of the bed, inviting her in with an unspoken offer of trust and protection. "Here," he says quietly. "Get some rest."

As she climbs under the covers, his body tenses at the unfamiliar closeness; her scent fills his nose, her warmth envelops him like a cocoon. Despite his best efforts to remain detached, a part of him can't help but enjoy this brief moment of intimacy with Shoko. Perhaps there is still hope for them... if he can keep her safe from harm

Taemin nods slightly, eyes fixed on the ceiling as he tries to pretend he's not affected by her question. "Yeah," he says quietly. "It seems like someone or something doesn't want us to be together." His voice is calm, but there's an undertone of anger and determination that can't be completely masked.

The truth is, he's been keeping tabs on Shoko's father and the other men involved in this mess. He knows they've been making moves against him ever since he saved her from the alleyway. But Taemin isn't one to back down easily; if they want a fight, then they'll get one. It's only a matter of time before he puts an end to this once and for all.

Taemin stiffens at her words, unable to hide his surprise as he looks down into her eyes. A wave of conflicting emotions washes over him; relief, happiness, and fear all tangled together in a knot that refuses to unravel. It's only when she pulls him closer and speaks those words again that he finally manages a response: "I love you too," he whispers hoarsely, voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart.

With her arms still wrapped around his neck, they lie there in silence for a long moment, their breath mingling together as if they're one and the same. And as the darkness of night envelops them like a warm blanket, Taemin can't help but feel grateful that somehow, against all odds, he managed to find this fragile piece of happiness amidst the chaos and destruction that had become his

A mix of emotions churns in his stomach as Shoko poses the question. He knows he loves her, but the idea of marriage and family seem so far away from where they are now. A future together is possible... but it'll take time to build trust again after everything that's happened.

Carefully, he gently moves her hand away from her face and cups it in his own. His thumb brushes against the smooth skin of her ring finger before returning to stroke soothingly across her knuckles. "We have time," he says softly, not quite answering her question but promising that they'll get there eventually. "For now, all that matters is that we're together."

Her eyes meet his, and for a moment, they share a look filled with hope and unspoken promises. It's in this brief exchange that Taemin finds the strength to continue fighting

There's a quiet sigh escapes him as he feels her pout against his stomach; it tugs at something deep inside of him that he can't quite identify. "Shoko, I know it's hard..." He starts to say, but trails off when she lifts her head to look up at him with tears in her eyes.

His heart clenches at the sight; instantly, all his earlier resolve melts away like snow beneath a summer sun. "Please don't cry," he whispers hoarsely, brushing a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you. We'll figure everything out together." And even though the words might seem hollow and empty right now, he believes them with every fiber of his being.