Protected By Love

chapter 1

*Meeting J-Hope*

Sun-hee trudged through the crowded streets of Seoul, her backpack weighing her down. She had just finished her part-time job at the convenience store and was heading to her uncle's restaurant for her second job. Her third job, tutoring, would start later that evening.

As she turned a corner, she collided with a tall, imposing figure. Apologetic, Sun-hee bowed deeply.

"I'm so sorry, oppa!"

The man's piercing gaze softened, and he smiled.

"It's okay, kid. I'm fine."

Sun-hee's eyes widened as she took in his sharp features and expensive attire.

"J-Hope, hyung!" Taehyung exclaimed, rushing to his side. "What's going on?"

"Just a minor collision," J-Hope replied, his eyes still on Sun-hee.

Jimin, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.

"Who's this?"

J-Hope nodded toward Sun-hee.

"Our little accident victim."

Sun-hee's cheeks flushed as she quickly gathered her belongings.

"I-I have to go."

As she hurried away, J-Hope's voice stopped her.

"Wait."

Sun-hee turned, her heart racing.

"Yes, oppa?"

"I didn't catch your name."

"Sun-hee," she replied hesitantly.

J-Hope's gaze lingered on her before he turned to Taehyung.

"Find out everything about her."

Taehyung nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Later that evening, Sun-hee's uncle, Mr. Kim, received an unexpected visitor.

"J-Hope, what brings you here?" Mr. Kim asked, his tone obsequious.

"I'm interested in acquiring something from you," J-Hope said, his voice low.

Mr. Kim's eyes narrowed.

"What could that be?"

"Sun-hee," J-Hope replied, his gaze cold.

Sun-hee, eavesdropping from the kitchen, felt a chill run down her spine.

"Uncle, no!" she burst out, rushing into the room.

"Sun-hee, what's going on?" Mr. Kim demanded.

"Please, don't do this," Sun-hee begged, grasping her uncle's arm.

J-Hope's expression remained impassive.

"Name your price," he said.

Mr. Kim hesitated before naming an outrageous sum.

J-Hope nodded, pulling out a checkbook.

As the transaction finalized, Sun-hee's world crumbled.

"You sold me?" she whispered, horrified.

Mr. Kim's face twisted.

"You're just a burden, Sun-hee. This is for your own good."

Sun-hee's eyes locked onto J-Hope's.

"I hate you," she spat.

J-Hope's gaze never wavered.

"We'll see about that."

Taehyung and Jimin exchanged uneasy glances outside.

"Hyung, are you sure about this?" Taehyung asked.

J-Hope's jaw clenched.

"I always get what I want."