Only You - LingOrm Unofficial Fanfic - (IraTawan)

Chapter 6: The Encounter

It had been a month since Tawan became Ira's bodyguard, and the routine had become familiar yet comforting. Each morning, Tawan arrived at Ira's apartment at exactly 5 AM, never late, always ready. She would quietly prepare everything from breakfast to security checks, making sure Ira's day started smoothly. Ira couldn't help but feel touched by Tawan's dedication, even if the stoic bodyguard often brushed it off as just part of her job.

Sitting beside Tawan in the van on the way to the studio, Ira's heart fluttered with gratitude and something deeper she couldn't quite put into words. Tawan was everything Ira admired—sharp, calm, and unwavering in her duty. But in the month they had spent together, Ira had also noticed small cracks in Tawan's icy demeanor. Tawan had begun to smile back at her, albeit rarely, and those moments made Ira feel special, like she was seeing a side of Tawan no one else did.

"Tawan, do you ever remember saving someone in the rain?" Ira asked softly, looking out the window but aware of Tawan's presence beside her.

There was a slight pause before Tawan responded in her usual, composed manner. "I remember some things, but not every detail." Then, as she often did when the topic turned personal, Tawan fell silent and diverted the conversation.

Ira didn't push. She could tell Tawan didn't like talking about herself, but Ira couldn't help the hope bubbling inside her. She knew she had to be patient. Tawan was like a puzzle, one Ira was slowly figuring out.

Ira cherished every moment with Tawan, but she also noticed how Tawan kept an emotional distance. Even when they shared meals, Tawan would keep conversations brief and formal. She would never spend the night at Ira's penthouse, even when Ira offered the guest room. Tawan always insisted on returning to her own apartment, even if it meant leaving late at night.

Still, Ira didn't mind. She enjoyed teasing Tawan, trying to pull her out of her shell. Sometimes, Tawan would let a smile slip, and Ira would catch it before Tawan quickly turned away. Ira knew, deep down, that behind Tawan's tough exterior was a kind and caring heart.

One moment in particular had stayed with Ira. They were having lunch at a small restaurant when an elderly woman almost tripped and fell. Before anyone else could react, Tawan had caught the woman, helping her back on her feet with such gentle care. Ira had watched in awe as Tawan smiled fully for the first time. It was a rare sight, and one that Ira wanted to see again—just for her.

---

Today, as they reached the place where an event was held for Ira, Ira felt more at ease than usual. She was wearing an off-shoulder white dress, and fans waiting outside the venue praised her beauty. Ira waved and smiled at them, but her thoughts lingered on Tawan, who stood by her side, as silent and watchful as ever.

Ira wished, just once, that Tawan would compliment her too. But Tawan remained focused, scanning the crowd with her sharp eyes, making sure nothing was out of place. Her dedication was admirable, yet frustrating. Ira wanted to reach her on a deeper level, but it seemed Tawan's wall was as strong as ever.

The event went smoothly, and by the time it ended, the crowd had thinned. Ira was in high spirits, chatting animatedly with Tawan as they walked toward the van waiting by the side of the road. The evening was calm, and most people around were minding their own business. Ira didn't notice anything unusual—until it was almost too late.

Out of nowhere, someone ran up from behind, a knife glinting in their hand, aimed directly at Ira. Before Ira could even process what was happening, Tawan had acted. With lightning-fast reflexes, Tawan grabbed Ira, pulling her behind her as she kicked the knife out of the attacker's hand. Ira stumbled back, her heart racing, eyes wide in shock.

The assailant, a large man with a muscular build, snarled and lunged at Tawan. But Tawan remained calm, her movements fluid and precise. She dodged his strikes effortlessly, countering with powerful blows that sent him reeling. Ira stood frozen, watching in awe as Tawan fought with a lethal grace that left the attacker disoriented. It was over in seconds, but before Tawan could apprehend the man, he managed to escape into the shadows.

Tawan quickly turned her attention to Ira, her expression shifting from fierce to worried. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice low and steady, but Ira could see the concern in her eyes.

"I... I'm fine," Ira stammered, still in shock, but as their eyes met, all she could feel was admiration. Tawan had just saved her life—again.

It wasn't until Ira glanced down that she saw Tawan's hand was bleeding, red streaks marking her skin from the brief scuffle. "Your hand!" Ira gasped, reaching for Tawan's arm.

"It's nothing," Tawan said dismissively, but Ira wouldn't hear it.

"No, you're coming with me. I'll treat it at my apartment," Ira insisted, her voice firm despite the lingering adrenaline in her system.

Tawan hesitated, but Ira was already instructing her manager to head home. "I'll be fine," Ira reassured her manager, giving her a smile. "Tawan is with me."

---

Back in the van, Ira remained close to Tawan, her heart still pounding from the near-miss. She couldn't shake the image of Tawan fighting off the attacker, so composed and fearless. But what stayed with her most was the look of concern Tawan had given her afterward. It wasn't just about the job—it was about her.

When they arrived at Ira's penthouse, Ira immediately led Tawan to the kitchen, pulling out a first-aid kit. Tawan, ever the professional, tried to wave it off, but Ira wouldn't take no for an answer. Gently, she took Tawan's hand in hers and began cleaning the wound.

Tawan watched in silence, her usual calm mask in place, but Ira could feel the tension between them. It was subtle, but it was there. As she wrapped a bandage around Tawan's hand, Ira glanced up, catching Tawan's eyes for a brief moment. There was something unspoken between them—something Ira wasn't sure how to name just yet.

"You're always saving me," Ira said softly, trying to lighten the mood. "One of these days, I'll have to return the favor."

Tawan gave a small smile, one of the rare ones that Ira treasured. "It's my job," she replied simply, though there was a softness in her tone that hadn't been there before.

Ira finished bandaging Tawan's hand, then stood back, her eyes lingering on Tawan for a moment longer than necessary. "Thank you, Tawan. For everything."

Tawan didn't respond immediately, but Ira could see the subtle shift in her posture, the way her gaze softened just a little. And in that quiet moment, Ira knew that Tawan's walls, as strong as they were, had begun to crack.