The Place Before the Darkness.JJK [m]

Prologue

4 Years Ago

You can't believe Mi-yeon is getting married! You want to laugh when you remember how many times she told you that marriage wasn't for her. But there she is. And you would have never guessed that she was this romantic — or maybe it's because of Hoseok, her soon-to-be-husband.

As they wanted to do something special, they have invited their closest friends to Bali. The wedding will take place tomorrow in front of a beautiful beach, as perfect as the numerous romcom you've watched. It's really romantic and you can't wait to get married too because, even if you don't really want to admit it, your hopelessly romantic weak heart is all about love and weddings and cheesy things couples can do. Well, you have to find a man first, which is not easy.

After all, you only had one boyfriend, during college. You don't know much about love despite the hundreds of romance books you have read. But even you know that Prince Charming doesn't exist... With that thought in mind you sigh and sip on your — delicious — cocktail, hoping at least one day you'll meet someone kind enough. You don't need someone extraordinary who has lived a hundred lives before. Just someone who is honest with you, that would be more than enough for you.

But for now, the bar of the hotel is great, just like the rest of the facilities, especially to forget how awfully lonely you are while your friend is getting married. You look around and you try to spot your friends, before you remember that they wanted to scuba dive. Too dangerous for you, you rather much enjoy tanning on the beach. Maybe you're boring, but it's a too stupid way to die in your opinion. And what about the sharks? The jellyfishes? The sea urchins? No thanks. A good book is funnier — and safer.

Yet, the relaxing time you were expecting is fading away when a man takes the seat next to yours at the bar. Your breath hitches because damn! He looks good. You are not sure you've ever seen a man this handsome. He is tall and his black hair is shining. He looks casual with his Hawaiian shirt and his shorts. Okay, he must be very muscular because you can see how the fabric of his bottom held his thighs. And what is it on his right arm? Tattoos? It's the first time you get to see so much ink in real life. It's scary but... sexy. All of the stranger seems sexy. Especially his charming smile.

You're having a hard time not staring at him but what can you say? It's not easy taking your eyes off of him. He is attractive, too attractive. It's in moments like that you wish you had more confidence so you could talk to him but at the same time, would someone like him be interested in you? You have no doubts he just has to clap his fingers for a dozen of women to be naked in front of him. And yet...

'No scuba diving?' He asks you

You are surprised — it's an understatement — because how the hell does he know that?! But you can't say anything when you meet his eyes. They are so black, it's intimidating but there is a sparkle of playfulness in them. This man is a paradox: all seems mysterious and comfortable at the same time; cold and warm; distant and kind. However, a weird feeling embraces you, just like you've known him all your life. Is it... love at first sight? You've read about it, you've seen it in movies but experiencing it... Wow, it's an all other level.

'I saw you and your group of friends yesterday at the restaurant, and this morning, I spotted them heading to the boats' He explains — your shock must have been well visible

'You have a great memory to remember so much about strangers' You joke

"Selective memory in fact" He corrects with a oh-so-charming smile and you literally feel your heart melt and your cheeks burn "And I'm particularly attentive to beautiful women"