Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

Shadows Chasing

Hyejin's POV:

Hyejin stood at the cash register of a convenience store, nervously tapping her foot as the cashier scanned her items. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead did little to ease the unsettling feeling that had crept over her. She had rushed out to pick up a missing ingredient for  dinner, but now she regretted not asking Minho to come along.

Sliding her card through the reader, she glanced over her shoulder, catching sight of the dark, empty street outside. A shiver ran down her spine.

"Thank you," the cashier said, handing her the bag.

"Thanks," she mumbled, quickly stepping outside.

The night air was unnervingly quiet, and the faint glow of the streetlights only made the darkness between them seem deeper. Pulling her jacket tighter around herself, she began the short walk back to Lee Know's house, her pace brisk.

A prickling sensation ran up her neck, the distinct feeling of being watched. Her footsteps quickened.

No sound.

She glanced over her shoulder. Nothing.

Get a grip, Hyejin.

As she crossed an intersection, a faint sound reached her ears. Footsteps. At first, she thought it was an echo of her own, but then they grew louder, heavier, falling in rhythm with hers.

Her heart thudded in her chest. She tightened her grip on the bag, resisting the urge to turn around. Instead, she picked up her pace, her breaths coming faster.

The footsteps quickened, matching her speed.

A swell of panic surged. She fumbled for her phone, her trembling fingers barely finding Lee Know's number. When he picked up, she barely managed to whisper through her labored breaths.

"Wait outside—"

The phone slipped from her grasp, clattering to the pavement. 

"Shit" She let out a soft curse but didn't stop.

She broke into a run, her legs burning as she pushed forward. The footsteps behind her grew louder, closer. Her lungs felt like they were on fire, but she could see Lee Know's house ahead, a beacon of safety.

The porch light was on, and there he stood, his tall frame illuminated against the doorframe. Relief washed over her, and she sprinted faster, tears blurring her vision.

She practically crashed into him, clutching his shirt as sobs broke free.

"Go inside," his voice was low, firm, as he guided her toward the door. "Lock it. Don't open it for anyone but me."

"W-What about—"

"Do as I say, Hyejin."

She hesitated, her eyes wide, before nodding and stumbling inside. The door clicked shut behind her, the deadbolt sliding into place.

Lee Know's POV:

After hearing the lock sound, Lee Know turned, his jaw tightening as he descended the porch steps. He moved swiftly, rounding the corner of the house to find the man lurking at the edge of his driveway.

Seojun.

The sight of him sent a surge of rage through Lee Know. He stalked toward the man, his voice sharp and cutting "You've got a lot of nerve showing up here."

Seojun sneered, his expression dripping with arrogance.
"Relax. I just wanted to talk to Hyejin."

"Talk?" Lee Know's fist clenched at his side. "Chasing her down the street isn't talking."

Seojun took a step closer, his grin widening.
"She needs someone who can take care of her. Someone who knows how to handle her."

Before he could say another word, Lee Know's fist connected with his jaw, the force of it sending Seojun stumbling back. The fight was raw and brutal. Seojun threw a punch, grazing Lee Know's arm, but he didn't relent.

Lee Know's knuckles split against Seojun's cheekbone, blood smearing his skin, but he didn't care. All he could see was the fear in Hyejin's eyes, the way she'd trembled in his arms.

Seojun lunged, managing to cut Lee Know's lip, but Lee Know twisted his arm behind his back and slammed him against the wall.

"This ends here," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You won't come near her again."

Seojun struggled, but Lee Know held firm, pulling his phone out to call the police.
"I've got everything I need to put you away," he said coldly. "Every woman you've hurt, every disgusting thing you've done—it's over."

The police arrived minutes later, arresting Seojun as Lee Know handed over the evidence he'd been keeping.

Hyejin flung the door open as soon as Lee Know stepped onto the porch, her face pale and tear-streaked. The moment she saw him, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, holding him as if he might disappear.

He hugged her back, his grip just as firm, his voice soft against her ear.
"It's okay. He's gone."

She pulled back, her eyes scanning his injuries. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his knuckles were raw and bruised. Her fingers brushed his arm, and he winced slightly.

"You're hurt!"

"It's nothing."

"Nothing? You're bleeding!"

"I've had worse." He smirked, trying to lighten the mood, but she wasn't having it.

"You're going to the hospital."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Absolutely not."

"Lee Minho!"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.