Chapter 8 : "PERFECT SCHEME"
A month had passed, and Taesoo was on his way to meet Harin at Vesper Court. His careful work to earn her trust had paid off — the first phase of his plan had unfolded without a single hitch. Even Shin Juhyuk, who'd been bossing Harin around before Taesoo's arrival, had stopped causing trouble. As an added touch, he'd asked her to call him "oppa" — a term girls use for older brothers or trusted older males (while boys use "hyung"). It was a small but calculated move meant to rattle the other men vying for her attention, drawing their focus squarely his way.
Harin had taken to the name without hesitation — in fact, she'd welcomed the idea of having an older brother figure. Though she had an older sister, they rarely spent time together; her sister was always consumed by work. But Taesoo, despite his position as chairman, carried himself with humility and was easy to talk to.
She'd come to feel she could truly lean on him — he treated her with such gentle care, just as a real brother would.
Now that their bond was solid, it was time for the second phase of his plan: orchestrate a scenario to scare her, then step in as her protector, embodying the caring "oppa" he'd so carefully crafted himself to be.
Taesoo sat in the back of the car as Hyunjin steered toward the restaurant. It was 9:53 PM, and darkness wrapped tight around the vehicle like a heavy wool blanket. Excitement thrummed through him, barely contained — a wide grin stretched across his face, unhinged and sharp, the kind that let his most cruel instincts rise to the surface. The monster buried deep inside him was finally unfurling, stretching its claws after being kept in check for just a while.
It had been too long since he'd let this hungry, ruthless part of himself run free. His mind was fixated on one thing alone: Harin's face, wide with terror, her voice cracking as she cried out in fear.
Ten minutes of smooth driving brought them to Vesper Court, where the car glided to a stop at the curb. The door swung open, and without a moment's pause, Taesoo stepped onto the pavement.
Nightlife pulsed through the streets as nearly ten o'clock approached — crowds ebbed and flowed between buildings, storefronts cast warm glows across the asphalt, and the whole city stretched out like a carefully framed movie scene. Inside Vesper Court, the familiar hum of activity already spilled through the entrance.
Through the glass doors and up a flight of stairs, the second-floor bar unfolded in a rush of sound and light. Weekend revelers filled every corner, their laughter mixing with the clink of glasses as they sought refuge from the week's grind. Weaving through the crowd, eyes scanning the room, Taesoo spotted her at last — Harin, bent over a table with pen in hand, taking orders with unwavering focus. A slow grin pulled at his lips as he navigated toward a quiet nook in the back: a small round table tucked under soft, dim lighting, Hyunjin moving silently in his wake.
Sliding into the lounge seat, he rested his forearms on the table's edge, legs spread slightly to carry an air of easy confidence. Beside him, Hyunjin stood at attention, his gaze sweeping the room like a guard's watchful eye.
Eyes locked on Harin, Taesoo waited for her to turn back toward the service counter. With her break drawing near, he poured himself a glass of liquor and let the amber liquid warm his throat — but every muscle in his body was taut with anticipation. He was itching to speed things up, to set his trap in motion.
His patience was wearing thin, yet he held himself in check. Everything was ready — every detail of the dangerous scenario he'd planned for Harin was locked in place. All he needed was for her to be in the right place, at the right time, for the perfect setup to be executed.
Fifteen minutes ticked by before Harin finished her rounds, wiping her hands on her apron and heading for the exit to take her rest. With no need for words, Taesoo pushed to his feet and moved after her, Hyunjin falling into step behind. He could barely contain himself — it was time to put his plan into action...
Break time had finally arrived, and Harin was already reaching for her wallet and jacket — street food was calling her name. Her favorite vendor only opened on weekends, and the fish cakes from the old lady's stall were the highlight of her week. She darted for the employee back door, slipping into a long, wide alley that cut a quick path through to the main street.
The familiar glow of warm string lights came into view before she even reached the stall. Under the canvas tent, the halmeoni moved with practiced ease, skewering ingredients over a pot that bubbled and steamed. A handful of customers chatted and laughed at small tables, while the rich scent of soy sauce, chili paste, and grilled fish filled the air. Harin's stomach rumbled loud enough she almost thought someone might hear, and a wide grin spread across her face as she stepped inside.
"Good evening, Halmeoni! I'm here for your amazing food again..."
(Halmeoni = Grandma)
The old woman glanced up from her work, her weathered features softening into a warm smile as she tied off a bundle of skewers.
"Oh my… you're just as bright and busy as always, young lady! Give me just a moment — I'm finishing up this batch of tteokbokki and kimbap..."
Harin settled into an empty seat, watching as the vendor's hands moved swiftly over her prep station. With each breath, the aroma of freshly cooked food washed over her, making her hunger twist and build in her belly.
In no time at all, the halmeoni carried over a full plate and set it down with a gentle thud. Harin's eyes lit up like a child on her birthday, her mouth watering as steam curled up from the skewers, tteokbokki, and neatly rolled kimbap. She looked up at the old lady, her voice bubbling with excitement.
"This looks incredible — as always! What's your secret?? I swear just the smell was enough to make my stomach growl."
"Flatterer — you say that every single time!"
The halmeoni let out a hearty laugh.
"But I'm glad you love it so much. Pay me when you're done — I've got more people to feed over here."
With a quick nod, Harin turned her full attention to the plate in front of her. She picked up a skewer — warm enough to tingle on her tongue, never hot enough to burn — and took her first bite. The fish cake melted against her teeth, the flavors deep and perfectly balanced. She ate with joyful abandon, savoring every bite as if it were the first she'd had all day.
Ten minutes passed in a blur of flavor and warmth — Harin set down her chopsticks, full but already craving another bite. She'd eaten quickly, knowing her twenty-minute break was winding down; with just five minutes left, she had to hurry back to Vesper Court.
"I'm heading out now — here you go." She walked to the small cashier spot where the halmeoni stood, pressing payment into her hands. "Thanks so much — it was the best as always!"
She turned to leave, but a gentle call stopped her in her tracks.
"Wait, child — you forgot your change."
The old lady held out a handful of coins, and Harin took them with a sheepish laugh.
"Sorry about that — I'm just in a rush to get back."
Before she could step away, the vendor's weathered hand settled lightly on her arm. The concern in her eyes was sharp and clear.
"By the way — be careful walking back. I've been hearing talk of thugs roaming these streets lately. Keep your wits about you, alright? We don't want anything happening to a good girl like you."
Harin gave her a steady smile, hoping to ease the worry on the old woman's face.
"Don't fret, Grandma — I've always been safe. I'll be extra careful now that you've warned me. But I really have to run — if I'm late, my boss will never stop nagging me!"
With a quick wave, she ducked out of the tent and hit the sidewalk at a brisk pace.
Vesper Court came into view within minutes, and she turned into the narrow alley that cut straight to the employee back door — the same shortcut she'd taken earlier. But halfway down the brick-lined lane, movement ahead made her freeze: six men stood blocking her path, tall and broad-shouldered, their presence casting a heavy shadow over the space.
The halmeoni's warning echoed in her head as her heart beat faster and faster. Panic fluttered hot in her chest, but she forced her shoulders to square and her voice to stay steady as she stepped forward.
"Excuse me, sirs — could you please step aside so I can pass? I'd really appreciate it."
Her words were polite, even as fear coiled tight in her stomach. She'd felt a flicker of unease the first time she met Taesoo, but he'd proven himself kind and steady — nothing like the dangerous aura radiating from these men. In that moment, a desperate wish rose up in her: that he really was her older brother, here to shield her from this.
"Shh… why rush back to all that work?" One of them stepped forward, his voice low and smooth in a way that made her skin crawl.
"Yeah, we could show you a much better time than serving drinks all night."
"Come on, miss — no need to wear yourself out. Let us take care of you."
They moved as one, closing in until every escape route was blocked. Harin's eyes widened, her carefully composed mask cracking as she tried to back away — but strong hands grabbed her arms, yanking her off balance and making her stumble.
"Let me go! Don't touch me!"
Harin's panic spiked, and she shoved at the men with every ounce of strength she had — but they were solid as stone, not even shifting their weight. In seconds, the situation spiraled from bad to worse: they dragged her backward into the alley's darker end, their voices thick with crude, sexual insults that made her skin crawl.
"Come on, sweetheart — don't you want to experience something good for once?"
"Your skin feels so smooth… bet you're even nicer to touch all over."
"Look at that pretty face. I'll make sure you're begging for more by the time we're done."
The six men pushed her hard against a cold brick wall, their hands digging into her arms like iron bands. Harin thrashed and twisted, tears streaming down her red-rimmed eyes in steady streams, her screams raw and desperate as terror seized every inch of her. But one of them slammed a palm over her mouth, cutting off her cries as she fought wildly, her nails scratching at his wrist, her body writhing to break free… until a sharp crack ripped through the air, followed by a guttural shout of pain.
A heavy stone had struck the back of his head. The man holding her stumbled back, clutching the spot and his hand, and every eye spun toward the alley's mouth.
"Fucker—! Who the hell did that?!"
His voice was slurred with pain and rage as he staggered against the wall, and all attention snapped to where the projectile had come from.
"Let go of her."
Harin trembled as she lifted her gaze — and there stood Taesoo, his hand still slightly raised from where he'd thrown the stone, his shoulders squared. Relief washed over her so fast it made her dizzy, but it vanished just as quickly. These were hardened thugs; if he pushed them too far, a fight would explode, and she had no idea if he could take all six of them.
"What the fuck did you just say to us?"
"Look at this guy — maybe he's one of the crew. You wanna get in on this, brother?"
"Yeah, we're not greedy. We'll even let you have first turn with the girl."
The thugs spoke over each other, sneering as they sized him up — leather jacket, dark jeans, the same rough look they wore. They saw him as just another street rat they could bring into their mess.
"This is your last chance... "
Taesoo said, each word sharp and deliberate.
"Let. Go. Of. Her."
His voice was flat and cold as ice, his eyes cutting through them like broken glass — hard, unyielding, leaving no room for doubt that he meant every syllable. The thugs froze, their smirks fading as something in his energy shifted. One moment he'd looked like one of them; the next, he felt like a predator they couldn't see clearly — dangerous, unpredictable, and far more than they'd bargained for.
"You… you got a fucking death wish, kid?! You think you can walk out of here after talking to us like that?!"
A burly thug stepped forward, his jaw clenched so tight his teeth ground together, his fists balled at his sides. He shouted like he could bully Taesoo into backing down — but Taesoo didn't flinch. Not a blink, not a twitch. He just stood there, his posture loose but coiled, his face blank as a slate… yet a heavy, quiet stillness hung around him like thick fog. It was more menacing than any yell or raised fist, sending a shiver up the group's spines as they realized they had no clue who they were really facing.
He said nothing, just held their stares — his eyes dark and piercing, as if he'd already mapped out every move, counted exactly how fast he could drop each man to the ground. The silence stretched so thin it felt like it might snap, and one by one, the thugs shifted their weight, shoulders hunching, unease rippling through them like a cold wind. Even Harin, still pressed against the wall and shaking so hard her teeth chattered, could feel it: that sharp, electric tension that hangs in the air right before a storm breaks.
"What?!! You wanna die that bad?!"
"This prick really thinks he can take six of us?!"
"Who does he think he is? Pathetic little shit."
"C'mon, let's stop messing around — break his legs first, then we'll have our fun with the girl."
"Yeah, make him beg for mercy. Teach him not to stick his nose where it don't belong."
"Wait — hold up a second. Let's see what he's got first. Maybe he's got backup hiding somewhere. Either way, he's dead."
Hot rage flashed across their faces, and with a collective roar, they charged at Taesoo all at once, fists flying. Harin stumbled back as the last of the men let go completely, finally free from their grasp. She pressed herself against the wall, still shaking uncontrollably, but her eyes were glued to the scene unfolding in front of her — watching as Taesoo stood his ground, his hands dropping to his sides, ready.
The thugs swarmed Taesoo all at once, closing in tight to pin him down — but he moved with sharp, practiced skill, and not a single blow landed on him. When the first lunged for his throat, Taesoo ducked under the outstretched arm, catching the man's wrist mid-reach and twisting it just enough to make him yelp and stagger back, his bruised knuckles white with strain. A second swung a rusted, dented pipe at his head.
Taesoo leaned sideways, metal whooshing an inch from his ear, then slammed his elbow into the thug's ribs hard enough to force a gasp and send the pipe clattering to the ground. A third tried to tackle him from behind, arms out to wrap around his waist — but Taesoo shifted his weight, grabbed the back of the man's shirt, and flipped him onto the gritty alley pavement, his skull hitting concrete with a dull thud.
The remaining three split up: one darted for his legs, one threw a wild, sloppy punch, and the last snatched a broken beer bottle from the ground. Taesoo stepped down hard on the first's ankle, making him cry out and collapse. He caught the second's fist mid-swing and drove his knee into the man's stomach, leaving him to slump gasping against the wall. For the third, Taesoo grabbed the bottle as it swung toward him, snapped the glass neck clean off, and pressed the sharp edge to the thug's throat until he froze, whimpering with his hands raised high.
He fought like it was second nature — like a cat toying with mice: quick, precise, and relentless, never wasting a single movement. His face stayed set and serious, expression closed off, no flicker of anger or satisfaction showing as he took them apart one by one.
Harin watched every moment unfold. It was a fight against six men, but Taesoo was clearly in control. She could barely believe her eyes — the man in front of her felt almost alien compared to the person she thought she knew.
But she didn't care. Taesoo had saved her, risking his life to do it. Even as he dismantled the thugs, a tight, quiet worry settled deep in her chest for him. She didn't dare move or speak, just stood frozen in place — and forgot entirely that her break had long since ended.
Before long, the thugs were scattered across the alley, groaning in pain with broken bones and battered bodies. Taesoo stood completely untouched — not a scratch on his face or anywhere else. He walked over to Harin, his steps steady and calm.
"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
He placed his palm gently on her shoulder, his expression softening into worry and concern. Harin stared at him for a beat, then suddenly burst into tears, throwing her arms around him and sobbing like a small, scared child.
Taesoo hugged her back, and a grin pulled at his lips — cold, sharp, and twisted with quiet satisfaction. His plan had worked perfectly.
Harin couldn't see his face, pressed tight against his chest and crying too hard to notice. He was so tall her head only reached his sternum, making her look like a little kid clinging to a parent. She cried for nearly five minutes before her sobs slowed to a stop, still too shaken and scared to speak.
Taesoo guided her into Vesper Court, leading the terrified Harin to the private dining room he used every day. Hyunjin followed quietly behind them, and they took the main entrance — making sure everyone would see she was with him.
Taesoo wanted to stir up a rumor. The faster word spread, the quicker the male leads would reveal themselves.
Finally, they entered a room with no one else around — just Taesoo, Harin, and Hyunjin standing off to the side.
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[I actually like this chapter lolol]