𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 || ᴠɪᴍɪɴᴋᴏᴏᴋ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ꜰꜰ

NINE

Jeon's Pov

As her bodyguard, it was my job to keep her safe, to ensure her well-being, but also to safeguard her reputation. I casually leaned against the wall, allowing myself to blend in with the ambiance of the club, as she got busy talking to this new variable in the equation-an unfamiliar man who had joined her circle.

He was striking with an easy confidence, broad shoulders, and dark hair that fell just shy of his eyes. I had to remind myself of my position. It was not jealousy that made my fists clench, nor was it desire. No, it was the instinctual urge to protect, to assess the threat that strangers posed to Y/N I had sworn to protect.

Every smile he flashed at her, the way his elbow brushed against her arm, sent waves of unease rippling through me. I chastised myself-the man was just talking, nothing more. But in my line of work, my instincts came first. I had to watch him, assess each flicker of his expression and every laugh that fell between them.

I tried catching bits of their conversation over the booming bass. "I have my sources, you know... Plus I've been stalking your social media," he said. My ears perked up. What kind of conversation was this? Was he a fan? A stalker? I repressed a growl at the thought.

Y/N laughed, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes as she playfully slapped his bicep. "You're such a stalker! How could I forget, Jake the Stalker?"

Jake. So that's who this guy was.

I leaned slightly closer, the distance between Y/N and me shrinking as I tried to decode this new interloper. Lexi, chimed in, adding some light-hearted banter that I missed as my attention was too focused on Jake. I guessed he had to be connected to her. Maybe a cousin or that family friend that always lurked around. The tension in the pit of my stomach twisted tighter.

Despite my stern demeanor, I could feel a part of me loosen-Y/N looked genuinely happy. Her laughter rang clearer each time Jake leaned in closer. I wanted to warn her, to remind her of the risks of letting strangers into her life, into this bubble of safety I had tried so hard to create. But how could I do that without sounding possessive?

I couldn't risk looking weak, so I stood still, arms crossed, a living statue with a watchful eye. My heart, however, had begun a chaotic dance of concern; I couldn't let my defenses down.

The air felt charged with energy, promising laughter and secrets. That was until Jake, with a cocky grin, announced his ludicrous idea. "Let's play a game!" The smirk on his face was infectious, igniting a spark of excitement within the crowd; curiosity dancing in their eyes. As they settled into plush seats, a makeshift circle began to form, leaving me firmly in the shadows, the silent observer.

His gaze flicked my way, and I felt a jab of irritation knotting in my stomach. "Oh, I think we should include your bodyguard in this game," he said to Y/N, punctuating the statement with an exaggerated wave of his hand, his tone dripping with playfulness. "It seems like he's been feeling a bit left out over there."

I bristled, even as the others turned to look at me. Y/N rolled her eyes, making it clear that she had no interest in inviting me into their fun. "No need; he's on duty," she said firmly, her voice laced with sharpness.

Jake feigned disappointment, lips pouting in a mock expression of hurt. "Aww, come on, sweetheart. Don't be like that. I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking a little break from his duty for a game. Right, big guy?" His smirk only deepened as I squared my shoulders defensively, a rush of annoyance coursing through me. He was pushing it.

I held my tongue, opting to remain a looming figure in the background. My presence wasn't required, plus, did he truly think I wanted to jump into their fun, especially with someone like him? Most days, I'd rather sweep floors than engage in his brand of juvenile antics.