VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{26} Under the Starlit road

Chapter 26

"Under the starlit road"

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Mingyu's black car sat waiting, sleek and polished like its owner. He strolled to the passenger side, casually tugging the zipper of his jacket halfway down to reveal the snug fit of his black t-shirt underneath.

The silver cross pendant glinted against the dark fabric as he leaned against the open car door, his effortless confidence radiating.

Alara approached hesitantly, her gaze briefly flickering over him before darting away. She tried not to notice the way his casual outfit emphasized his broad shoulders or how the chain added an understated edge to his look.

"Don't tell me you're already second-guessing this," Mingyu teased, his voice warm and smooth as he motioned to the open door. "I promise I don't bite... much."

Alara gave him a pointed look, crossing her arms. "Maybe I just don't trust where you're planning to take me."

He chuckled, leaning down slightly so he was at her eye level. "What, you think I'd drive you to the edge of a cliff and push you off?"

His lips quirked up in a grin. "If that was my plan, I'd have at least worn something more dramatic."

She raised an eyebrow. "You think you're funny, don't you?"

"I know I'm funny," he said, straightening up with a shrug. "And devastatingly good looking. But let's not make this about me." He gestured to the open door again. "Come on, princess. We've got places to be."

"Stop calling me that," she muttered, brushing past him and sliding into the car.

Mingyu smirked, leaning slightly into the doorframe. "Alright, I'll stop... if you admit you like it."

Alara glared at him, her cheeks warming. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, here you are," he replied, closing the door gently behind her. He jogged around to the driver's side and climbed in, the scent of his cologne filling the cabin as he adjusted his seatbelt.

As the engine roared to life, Mingyu glanced at her, his tone light and teasing. "I should warn you, though if you don't tell me what kind of music you like, I might just play something embarrassing. Like kids' karaoke songs."

Alara's lips twitched, though she tried to suppress it. "Do you ever stop talking?"

"Not when I'm with you," he said with a grin, pulling out of the driveway. "Now buckle up, princess. You're in for the ride of your life."

Despite herself, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, quickly turning her head toward the window to hide it. Mingyu noticed, of course, but he didn't say anything his grin widening as he drove on.