My Forbidden Fruit - Choi Beomgyu

Chapter 2

Kang Hana's POV

Soobin really knows how to push my buttons. Can't believe he'd even entertain the idea that the so-called handsome prince and I would be remotely attracted to each other.

 If there's one thing I can't stand, it's all that lovey-dovey stuff. I don't know why, but those fairy tales with characters living happily ever after always seemed too good to be true. There's no such thing as happily ever after, in my book.

I've had my fill of that mushy, overhyped falling in love crap. Just the thought of it makes me want to gag. Give me a good punch-up any day, that's where my real talent lies, and it's been that way since I was a kid. After my parents had died, I learned to live the hard way.

Maybe it's just my gut instincts steering the ship, and I've been following a set of rules that apply to me and no one else. And I'm not willing to bend those rules for anyone. 

I strolled through SecurityArc's headquarters, headed for my room all the way in the far reaches of the east wing, the exact opposite of where Soobin's room was. 

I've been holed up in this place for a whopping 12 years now, ever since Soobin decided to take me under his wing. During that time, I've been grinding and honing my skills day in and day out, to the point where I knew I'd never get bested again. 

Then, at the ripe age of 16, I got my first gig – guarding a K-drama star. She had her doubts about my abilities until I knocked out one of her stylists cold for interacting with her inappropriately, and let's just say that the stylist didn't wake up until the next evening.

I got to my room and punched in the password to unlock the door. It's actually quite spacious, just enough for a person. There's even a tiny kitchen tucked in the corner, and there's a massive window that lets in a lot of natural light during the day. 

The walls are painted a cool shade of blue, which somehow helps me unwind after a long day of dealing with clients and training. In the corner, there's a stack of my favorite books, mostly thrillers and action-packed novels that help me escape into a different world when I need a break from reality. 

A few framed certificates hang on one wall – reminders of the awards and recognition I've earned over the years for my kick-ass skills. My bed's the comfiest place in the room, with fluffy pillows and a thick, cozy blanket that makes it impossible to get up some mornings. But I don't mind, it's my sanctuary, and it's the one place where I can truly be myself.

It might seem like a total contradiction to the persona I project in front of others – that moody exterior I wear like armour when anyone's around. I strolled over to my wardrobe, where a sea of black clothes dominated the scene. But hey, that's just the SecurityArc dress code for you.

 Besides, I liked the colour black, most people would say it was because I was a creature conjured up from hell, but in reality, it's just the most damn elegant colour there is.

I cracked open my travel suitcase and crammed it with as many clothes as I could for my upcoming journey. Just as I was getting my essentials squared away, my phone chimed with a notification. I swiped it open to read Soobin's message. 

Soobin: Hey, I've booked tickets for tomorrow, heading to Daegu. Make sure you're packed up by tonight.

I let out an exasperated sigh at his last-minute notice and started typing furiously. 

Me: Seriously, you're telling me this now, less than a day before? 

Soobin: My bad, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Apparently, the prince's old bodyguard retired today, and they need you ASAP. We can't exactly turn down a job from the royals.