Chapter 1: The Encounter

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The sun was beginning to set over the quiet town of Daegu, casting a warm glow over the centuries-old cemetery that sat on its outskirts. Y/n walked along the gravel path, her footsteps echoing softly against the backdrop of fading daylight. She carried a small bouquet of wildflowers, her destination clear—her grandmother's grave.

Kim Taehyung watched from a distance, hidden among the shadows of an ancient oak tree. His eyes, dark and intense, followed Y/n's every movement with a mixture of fascination and longing. He had been drawn to her presence for weeks now, unable to resist the pull of her gentle spirit and kind heart.

As Y/n reached her grandmother's grave, she knelt down gracefully and placed the flowers beside the weathered headstone. Her fingers traced the engraved letters lovingly, a silent tribute to the woman who had meant so much to her. Taehyung observed her from afar, struck by the sincerity in her actions.

A sudden gust of wind rustled the leaves above, causing Y/n to shiver involuntarily. She stood up, brushing off the dirt from her knees, and turned to leave. That's when she stumbled over a small stone hidden in the grass, her bag slipping from her shoulder and its contents scattering across the ground.

Taehyung saw his opportunity and moved swiftly. Emerging from the shadows, he approached Y/n with calm determination. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle yet concerned.

Y/n looked up, surprised by his sudden appearance. Her eyes widened slightly, taking in his striking features and the warmth in his voice. "Yes, thank you," she replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I didn't see you there."

"I apologize for startling you," Taehyung said sincerely, crouching down to help gather her scattered belongings. His touch was gentle as he retrieved each item, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Thank you," Y/n murmured gratefully, accepting her belongings from him. She couldn't deny the comfort she felt in his presence, a sense of reassurance that she couldn't quite explain.

"I come here often," Taehyung explained softly, trying to make small talk to ease the awkwardness. "It's a peaceful place to gather one's thoughts."

Y/n nodded, offering him a tentative smile. "It really is. I come here to visit my grandmother. She passed away a few years ago."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Taehyung said genuinely, his heart going out to her. He had never experienced the pain of losing a loved one in the same way, but he could empathize with her grief.

Y/n sighed softly, her gaze returning to her grandmother's grave. "Thank you. It's comforting to come here and feel close to her."

Silence settled between them for a moment, the only sounds being the distant chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Taehyung sensed the weight of her emotions and decided to change the subject, wanting to lighten the mood.

As they walked back towards the town, Taehyung kept a respectful distance, allowing Y/n space while subtly keeping her within his sight. He admired her from afar, the way she carried herself with a quiet strength despite her obvious vulnerabilities. He knew he needed to tread carefully, to earn her trust without revealing the darkness that lurked within him.

"I'm Taehyung, by the way," he introduced himself, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Y/n smiled gratefully, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. "I'm Y/n. It's nice to meet you, Taehyung."

They continued their walk in companionable silence, the sky transitioning from light orange to deep purple as dusk settled over the town. Taehyung listened attentively as Y/n shared stories about her life, her work, and her fond memories of growing up in Daegu.

By the time they reached the edge of the cemetery, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across their path. Y/n paused, turning to face Taehyung with a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Thank you for walking with me. It was nice to have someone to talk to."

"The pleasure was mine," Taehyung replied sincerely, his own heart touched by her kindness. "If you ever need someone to talk to again, I'll be around."

Y/n smiled again, a genuine expression that lit up her features. "I might take you up on that offer. It was really nice meeting you, Taehyung."

Taehyung watched as Y/n walked away, her figure disappearing into the darkness of the town's streets. A sense of satisfaction washed over him, knowing that the first step of his plan had been successful. Yet, beneath the surface, a storm of conflicting emotions brewed within him—desire, longing, and a hint of guilt for the deception he had woven.

For Y/n, the encounter left a lasting impression. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something mysterious about Taehyung, something that drew her in despite her reservations. As she lay in bed that night, her thoughts drifted back to their conversation, to the kindness in his eyes, and to the strange connection she felt with this intriguing stranger. Little did she know, her life was about to take an unexpected turn, one that would lead her down a path where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural would blur in ways she could never have imagined.








To be continued ----------------------

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