My Forbidden Fruit - Choi Beomgyu

Chapter 12

Choi Beomgyu's POV

As I woke up, my mind went straight back to last night, thinking about how tiny Hana seemed when she was cuddled up against me. It was weird, you know? She looked all delicate and vulnerable, and there I was, being the safe haven she needed, when really I needed her that much too. 

During that whole hug, I had to swallow back my tears and all these emotions that I've been trying to dodge. It's just been a little over a month since Hana joined me, and it's like she's flipped my life upside down. 

Then today morning, after our kinda-sorta breakfast date, I got a call from my father saying I've got to go out on some "date" with Rosé. It was absurd, but I had no choice. If I skipped this, my head would probably end up on a silver platter. 

The drive back to the castle was dead silent. I wished Hana would say something, anything really. Even a simple, but heartbreaking "I hate you" would've been better than the eerie silence. But nope, she remained tight-lipped the entire time, not even a peep, especially as we walked into the library. 

Rosé was already there, sitting in one of the chairs. She got up and immediately came in for a hug as soon as she saw me. Hana, as always, was busy on a call. When I inquired, she just gave me this annoyed glare and mentioned it was Choi Soobin again. That guy's a total mystery to me and I did not know what to make of him.

As we arrived at the restaurant, my mind wandered to the image of Hana sitting across from me instead of Rosé. Lost in thought, I didn't even notice the main dishes being cleared and the desserts being served. 

Just as I was about to dig in, I felt something cold pressing against my neck. I sighed inwardly. Why is everyone after my life? Leaning back in my chair, I waited, knowing Hana would intervene in no time. And sure enough, she didn't disappoint. 

She sprinted toward us, her dagger already in hand, followed closely by Ryujin, who had her gun at the ready. Before I could even process what was happening, Hana had her blade against the masked waiter's neck. Before she could act, the waiter raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, which elicited a brief moment of confusion on Hana's face before she resumed her composed expression. 

The waiter pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and discreetly slipped it into Hana's hand. Moments later, the police arrived and took the masked individual into custody, but not before he made a crude gesture toward both Hana and me. 

Curious, I asked Hana about the note, and she handed me the crumpled paper, her expression filled with anger. 

"It's a death threat, directed at me," she explained. 

The note contained a chilling message: 'Ms. Kang Hana, cease interfering in my affairs with the prince. This is our business. Consider this a warning. If you meddle again, your blood will be on my hands, and no one else's.'

My blood ran cold. Was this the same person responsible for...? No, it couldn't be. Were they the one who attacked Hana during the New Year's party? Fear gripped me, sending shivers down my spine. It had been years since this had occurred—why now, why again? I struggled to remain steady on my feet as I sank back into my chair, feeling my legs tremble. 

Before Hana could speak, I interrupted, "Did you know about this?" 

Her expression softened, and she lowered her gaze before approaching me, placing a hand on my shoulder. In that moment, I momentarily forgot about Rosé and Ryujin's presence. "Yes, and I'm sorry for not telling you earlier. I wanted to, but I didn't want you to live in fear once again."

Before any impulsive moves on my part—like kissing her right then and there—Rosé rushed towards me, almost colliding with Hana. As Rosé wrapped me in a tight embrace, I reciprocated, but my focus remained on Hana, our eyes locked in an unspoken conversation.