Crimson Shadows

Chapter 3

-Seokjin's Pov-

I leaned back in my leather chair, the soft hum of the city filtering through the thick glass windows of my office. The usual array of reports, ledgers, and strategic plans lay untouched on my desk. My thoughts were elsewhere, far removed from the ruthless dealings that defined my life.

Ever since the night Namjoon had stumbled into that alley, I couldn't get the boy out of my mind. The innocence in Namjoon's eyes, the genuine fear and trust, had struck a chord deep within me. It was a stark contrast to the darkness I was accustomed to, and I found myself drawn to it, almost obsessively.

My phone buzzed, breaking my reverie. It was a message from one of my men, confirming Namjoon’s whereabouts. I had given strict instructions to keep an eye on Namjoon, ensuring his safety without revealing our presence. It was a covert operation, one that I personally oversaw.

I left my office, my expression unreadable as I navigated the maze of corridors that led to the outside world. A black car awaited me, and I slipped into the backseat, signaling the driver to head to the cafe where Namjoon was a regular.

As the car wove through the city streets, my mind raced. I knew it was irrational, this need to protect and watch over Namjoon. But the boy had ignited something in me, something I hadn’t felt in years—an almost forgotten sense of humanity.

When we arrived at the cafe, I dismissed my driver and entered the cozy establishment, scanning the room. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted Namjoon at his usual table by the window, absorbed in his notebook.

I took a seat in a secluded corner, my eyes never leaving Namjoon. I watched as he scribbled notes, occasionally looking out the window with a thoughtful expression. There was a purity to his actions, a simplicity that I found captivating.

Namjoon’s peaceful demeanor was a stark contrast to the chaos of my world. I felt an overwhelming need to preserve that innocence, to shield Namjoon from the darkness that surrounded him. It was an unfamiliar, almost frightening feeling, but I couldn’t deny it.

As the days passed, my silent observations became a routine. I learned Namjoon’s habits, his favorite places, and even the little quirks that made him smile. My men reported Namjoon’s movements with precision, ensuring I was always a step ahead.

I knew I was crossing a line, but I couldn’t stop myself. I had to know that Namjoon was safe, even if it meant lurking in the shadows. My men were loyal and discreet, understanding the unspoken command to protect Namjoon at all costs.

One evening, as I watched from a distance, Namjoon left the cafe and began his walk home. I followed at a safe distance, my eyes never straying from the boy. The streets were dark and quiet, and I felt a surge of protectiveness.

Namjoon turned into a narrow alley, and my heart raced. Memories of our first encounter flooded my mind. I quickened my pace, staying close enough to intervene if necessary. As Namjoon reached the end of the alley, he paused, looking around nervously.

My instincts kicked in, and I stepped forward, ready to reveal myself if needed. But Namjoon simply adjusted his backpack and continued on his way, blissfully unaware of the guardian shadowing his every move.

I watched until Namjoon disappeared into his apartment building, a sense of relief washing over me. I knew this obsession was dangerous, that it blurred the lines between protection and control. But I couldn’t deny the truth—Namjoon had become my weakness, and I would do anything to keep him safe.

As I walked away, blending into the night, I vowed to myself that no harm would ever come to Namjoon. I would remain in the shadows, a silent protector, ensuring that the boy who had unknowingly stolen my heart remained untouched by the darkness of my world.

My nights grew longer and my days more restless. Namjoon had become my fixation, an anchor in the tumultuous sea of my existence. Watching him, ensuring his safety, had become a necessity, something I couldn’t go a day without.

Each morning, my men updated me on Namjoon’s activities. They knew better than to miss a single detail. Where he went, whom he talked to, what he did—it all mattered. I wanted to know everything about him, not just to protect him, but to understand the boy who had so effortlessly captured my attention.

One afternoon, I found myself following him to a park. He had his headphones on, completely immersed in the music. He looked serene, blissfully unaware of the world around him. It struck me how vulnerable he was, how easily someone could harm him. The thought tightened a knot in my chest, and I stayed closer, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice.

Namjoon sat on a bench, pulling out his notebook. He had a habit of writing whenever he found a quiet moment. I watched from a distance, marveling at the simplicity of his actions. There was something almost therapeutic about watching him, a stark contrast to the chaos that usually consumed my life.

The park was relatively empty, but I didn’t let my guard down. I scanned the area, making sure no one posed a threat. A couple walked by, a jogger ran past, but no one seemed interested in Namjoon. Still, I couldn’t shake the unease. I was determined to keep him safe, no matter the cost.

As the sun began to set, Namjoon packed up his things and headed home. I followed, keeping to the shadows. He took his usual route, occasionally stopping to look at shop windows or greet familiar faces. His kindness and innocence were evident in every interaction, and it only made my resolve stronger.

One evening, I noticed a suspicious figure trailing Namjoon. My heart pounded as I closed the distance between us. The man’s movements were deliberate, predatory. I clenched my fists, ready to strike if necessary. Just as I was about to confront him, Namjoon turned a corner and the man disappeared into the crowd. I made a mental note to have my men investigate further. No one would be allowed to threaten Namjoon’s safety.

I started taking more drastic measures. I installed security cameras around Namjoon’s apartment building, hidden from view but providing a comprehensive watch. I also had a tracker discreetly placed on his backpack. It was invasive, but I couldn’t afford to be careless. Knowing his exact location at all times was the only way to ensure his safety.

Despite my efforts, I never let Namjoon know I was watching. He needed to live his life freely, unburdened by my shadow. But that didn’t stop me from stepping in when necessary. When he misplaced his wallet, I made sure it found its way back to him. When he missed the last bus home, a taxi mysteriously appeared to give him a ride.

The more I watched him, the deeper my feelings grew. It wasn’t just about protection anymore. I was falling for him, hard and fast. His innocence, his kindness—they were things I craved, things I had lost touch with over the years. But I knew I couldn’t let my emotions cloud my judgment. My world was too dangerous for someone like Namjoon. I had to remain in the shadows, his silent protector.

One night, as I watched Namjoon through the camera feed, I felt a pang of longing. He was sitting by his window, staring out at the city lights, lost in thought. I wondered what he was thinking about, if he ever felt lonely. I wanted to be there for him, to be the one he turned to. But I knew I couldn’t. Not yet.

For now, I would continue to watch over him, doing everything and anything to keep him safe. It was a dangerous obsession, but one I couldn’t abandon. Namjoon was my light in the darkness, and I would do whatever it took to protect him. Even if it meant remaining in the shadows, forever unseen.