𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 1: 𝙊𝘽𝙎𝙀𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉'𝙎 𝙀𝘿𝙂𝙀/𝘾𝙀𝙊 𝘼𝙐/𝙅𝙃𝙎 𝙁𝙁

ℂℍ𝔸ℙ𝕋𝔼ℝ 𝟙: 𝕀ℕ𝕋ℝ𝕆𝔻𝕌ℂ𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Seoul. Amidst the city’s ceaseless hum, Jung Hoseok, known to the world as Jhope, moved with an effortless grace. His striking features and undeniable charisma made him stand out, but it was the dark intensity in his eyes that hinted at a deeper, more dangerous nature. For years, he had carefully crafted his life to avoid emotional entanglements, preferring instead to maintain a calculated distance from others.

Tonight, however, something felt different. He found himself in a quaint little café, not for business, but because he had heard about a new, enchanting customer who frequented the place. Hoseok sipped his coffee, scanning the room with a predatory gaze.

In walked Ishaani, her presence like a burst of color in the otherwise muted setting. Her warm brown skin seemed to glow under the café’s soft lights, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She was the epitome of grace and beauty, her traditional Indian attire contrasting with the modern surroundings.

Jhope’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t know why, but something about her pulled him in. As if on cue, his sharp mind took note of every detail: the way her hair fell in loose waves, the elegance of her movements, the soft laughter that escaped her lips as she greeted the barista.

“Is she always this radiant?” he muttered to himself, eyes locked on her. The barista smiled warmly at her, handing over a steaming cup of chai. Ishaani thanked him and took a seat by the window, pulling out a book from her bag.

Hoseok’s curiosity was piqued. He leaned back in his chair, pretending to read a newspaper, but his focus remained solely on her. He could not recall the last time he had been so utterly captivated.

A few minutes later, he decided to make his move. Standing up, he approached her table with a casual confidence that was both charming and intimidating. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “Is this seat taken?”

Ishaani looked up from her book, startled. Her eyes widened slightly, taken aback by his striking appearance and the intensity in his gaze. “No, it’s not,” she replied, her voice warm but cautious.

“May I?” Hoseok asked, gesturing to the empty chair.

“Sure,” Ishaani said, nodding.

Hoseok sat down, and the conversation began effortlessly. “I’ve seen you here a few times. You always seem so engrossed in your reading. What’s the book about?”

“It’s a novel by an Indian author,” Ishaani said, her initial hesitation fading as she warmed to his genuine interest. “It’s about love and loss.”

Hoseok’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “Sounds intriguing. I must admit, I haven’t read much Indian literature.”

Ishaani smiled, finding his interest charming. “It’s a beautiful genre. There’s so much depth and emotion.”

Hoseok leaned in slightly, his gaze fixed on her. “Emotion, you say? That’s quite a topic. Do you believe in the power of emotion?”

“Absolutely,” Ishaani said, her eyes meeting his. “Emotion shapes our lives, our decisions. It’s what makes us human.”

Hoseok’s expression was unreadable, though his mind was racing. “Interesting. I’ve always found it to be a double-edged sword. It can be both a strength and a vulnerability.”

Ishaani’s smile faltered for a moment. “That’s true. But isn’t it worth the risk?”

“Perhaps,” Hoseok said, his tone thoughtful. “Though I’ve found that keeping a distance can sometimes be safer.”

The conversation flowed naturally, with Hoseok skillfully weaving in questions and comments that kept Ishaani engaged. He was intrigued not just by her beauty but by her outlook on life.

As the evening wore on, Ishaani began to relax in his company, her laughter more frequent, her demeanor more open. Hoseok, however, was already planning his next move. He was fascinated by her, and the challenge of getting closer to her ignited something within him.

By the time the café began to close, Hoseok knew he had to leave. “I should let you get back to your book,” he said, standing up. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ishaani.”

Ishaani looked up at him, her eyes a mixture of curiosity and warmth. “It was nice talking to you, Hoseok. Maybe we’ll meet again?”

“Perhaps,” Hoseok replied with a knowing smile. “I look forward to it.”

As he walked out of the café, Hoseok’s mind was already racing with thoughts of Ishaani. He had no intention of letting this chance encounter be a mere coincidence. For the first time in years, he felt the stirrings of something he had long suppressed: obsession.

Little did Ishaani know, this was just the beginning of an intense and dangerous journey that would entwine their lives in ways she could never have anticipated.