A HEART DIVIDED ── kpop

I. A Chance Encounter

Chapter One

Y/N

You were comfortably nestled in a velveteen barstool, the smooth wooden surface cool against your thighs, as you delicately cradled a crystal wine glass filled with a deep, rich Merlot that danced with the soft glow of the pendant lights above. Each sip was a symphony of flavors, a delightful blend of oak and berries that coated your tongue and warmed your insides. The bar itself was a polished mahogany masterpiece, with ornate carvings that whispered secrets of past patrons and their own tales of solitude and camaraderie. The air was thick with the mingling scents of various spirits and the faint aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen, hinting at the gourmet bar snacks that lay in wait.

When the sleazy individual sidled up, his shadow fell over your personal space like an unwelcome shroud. His eyes, half-moons of lechery, bore into you as a crooked smile played on his lips. His words slurred like a serpent's hiss as he spoke, "What's a pretty girl like you doing all the way out here?" His breath was a noxious cloud of stale beer and cigarette smoke, assaulting your senses and leaving a bitter taste in the air.

My heart raced as I observed him, his oily hair plastered to his sweaty forehead, his leather jacket creaking with each ill-mannered movement. His eyes were bloodshot and droopy, a clear indication of his excessive indulgence in the evening's libations. His fingers, adorned with cheap, silver rings, grazed my shoulder with the grace of a bull in a china shop, sending a shiver down my spine.

I swiftly pivoted on the stool, my movements precise and deliberate, to face the intrusion. The bar's soft jazz played on in the background, the smooth saxophone notes seemingly mocking the tension that had suddenly gripped the atmosphere. The man's touch was a violation, a declaration of war that I had not signed up for. "Hey, bitch!" he bellowed, his grip on my shoulder tightening like a vice. "I was talking to you!" His voice was a garbled mess of anger and entitlement.

But fate had a different plan. A sudden intervention came from my left, a flash of color and a whisper of authority. A young man with hair the shade of a midsummer sky stepped between us, his eyes a fiery brown that could melt the coldest of hearts. His attire was an interesting juxtaposition of elegance and edge - a tailored suit with a dash of rebellious flair. He looked at the offender with a gaze that could cut glass. "Don't touch her; she's with me," he said through gritted teeth, his hand wrapping firmly yet gently around the man's wrist.

The sleazy individual's eyes bulged, and his grip on me loosened as he stumbled backward, his bravado dissolving like sugar in water. He stuttered, "I-I didn't know that," his confidence seeping away as he tried to maintain his dignity. The blue-haired hero's grip tightened for a brief moment, a silent warning, before he released him. "Now go and bother someone else," he commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

The man retreated, his eyes flickering between fear and confusion, as if he couldn't comprehend how the evening had taken such an unexpected turn. He slunk away, disappearing into the sea of patrons, leaving an awkward silence in his wake.

I turned to face my gallant rescuer, feeling the heat of a blush creeping up my neck. "Uh, thank you, Mr...," I trailed off, my voice quivering with relief. His smile was like the sun breaking through a storm, warm and comforting. "Don't worry about it," he assured me, his eyes holding a gentle understanding. "I can't stand seeing someone like that take advantage of those they perceive as weaker."

He extended a hand, the gesture both courteous and reassuring. His skin was smooth and cool to the touch, his grip firm yet non-threatening. "Kim Hongjoong," he introduced himself with a slight bow. I took his hand, feeling the strength within, and returned the gesture. "Y/N L/N," I replied, my voice gaining its usual composure. He brought my hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on the back, his eyes never leaving mine. "Nice to meet you, Lady L/N."

Curiosity piqued, I glanced around the dimly lit bar, taking in the eclectic mix of individuals that had gathered here this evening. The walls were adorned with vintage posters, their colors slightly faded with time, and the floor was a mosaic of worn-out tiles that had seen countless footsteps. The jukebox in the corner played a classic tune, its vibrations adding to the ambiance. "What's a gentleman like you doing here?" I inquired, arching a brow. "It seems rather out of character for you, doesn't it?"

He chuckled, a sound that washed over me like a comforting blanket. "Well, not exactly my usual haunt," he admitted, nodding towards the corner where his brother stood, tall and stoic amidst a giggling group of women. "My brother had his heart set on coming here to unwind. We've just finished a string of missions, and he needed a break from the others."

His brother, with his short, military-cut hair, was a stark contrast to Kim's more flamboyant style, yet they shared a familial bond that was palpable even from a distance. His eyes searched mine, a silent question lingering. "Well, I mustn't keep you," he said finally, with a hint of regret. "Hope to see you around."

With a tip of his hat, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving me to revel in the lingering scent of his cologne and the warmth of his touch. As I gathered my things and stepped into the cool evening air, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. Who was this mysterious blue-haired boy who had so effortlessly swept into my life and vanquished my would-be tormentor?

The walk home was filled with the vivid replay of our encounter, each step echoing with the memory of his voice and the warmth of his eyes. The stars above twinkled in approval as I floated down the quiet streets, my heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. The night had taken an unexpected twist, and I found myself eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this unscripted romance.