Stepping out of the university library, I adjusted the strap of my backpack, weighed down by textbooks. The cool autumn breeze felt refreshing against my cheeks, a welcome contrast to the hours spent in the stuffy indoors. Criminal psychology was a demanding major, but I thrived on the challenge, even if it left me exhausted.

Walking down the bustling street towards my apartment, a sleek black car parked at the curb caught my eye. The tinted windows and the suited man leaning against it made it stand out. I shrugged it off, assuming it belonged to some wealthy student with a private chauffeur.

The next day, I was in my favorite café, a cozy place filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Engrossed in my laptop, I didn't notice the tall, broad-shouldered man standing before me until his shadow fell across my table.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth. Looking up, I saw the same man as yesterday, standing infront of me wearing a black three peace suit with a white shirt and a black tie. His hair was perfectly gelled to the side as he looked down at me with a piercing gaze, making me shiver.

I looked up, momentarily lost in his piercing gaze. "No, go ahead," I replied, gesturing to the empty chair.

"I'm Namjoon," he introduced himself, extending a hand. "Mind if I join you?"

"Sure," I said, shaking his hand. "I'm Ava." I said setting my laptop to the side after I saved the document I was working on. Namjoon flagged down a waiter, who later served us both our drinks.

"So Ava, what do you study? " He asked

As we chatted, I found myself opening up to him with surprising ease. Namjoon was intelligent and well-spoken, genuinely interested in my studies. He asked insightful questions about my classes and shared anecdotes that hinted at a well-read mind. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and by the time I glanced at my watch, hours had passed.

"I have to get going," I said packing up my things. "But it was really nice talking to you, Namjoon."

"Likewise," he replied, standing up. "Perhaps we could do this again sometime?"

I smiled. "I'd like that." I said, not knowing that this simple meet was going to change my life forever

Over the next few weeks, Namjoon made it a point to visit the café regularly, each time coinciding with my study sessions. Was this a coincidence,or was he trying to find ways to meet me?

Our friendship deepened as we shared more about our lives. Though Namjoon remained elusive about his profession, I sensed there was more to him than he let on and chose not to press him for details. I was simply enjoying our connection. I had a hutch over what his professional might be. Rumours in this city, often spread quicker than the truth. I won't believe them, until the man in question himself admits to it.

It was late when I finally ended my study session, Namjoon had informed me before hand, that he had a work meeting thst he had to take care of,which mesnt he couldn't walk me home like he was for the past few weeks. As I was walking back from the library, a group of rowdy young men cornered me. They were jeering and making me uncomfortable, blocking my path.

"What's a beauty like you doing alone at this hour? "

"Obviously she was waiting until we showed up. After all who can resist us"

Panic set in as I tried to look around for an escape. Just as one of the boys tried to touch me a sleek black car screeched to a halt beside us. I recognised the car, relief washed through my body as the doors flew open, and Namjoon, flanked by two other men, stepped out with an air of authority that silenced the group instantly.

"Is there a problem here?" Namjoon's voice was calm but menacing.

The men mumbled apologies and scattered, leaving me trembling but relieved.

"Are you alright?" Namjoon asked, his voice softening as he approached me nodded, my eyes wide with gratitude.

"Thank you, Namjoon. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up." I said as I instinctively wrapped my arms around him. He stiffened for a second before gently hugging me back. A few moments later he pushed me back slightly so that he could look at me

Giving me a reassuring smile he spoke
"I'm just glad I was here. Let me drive you home."

I nodded, my heart still pumping with adrenaline and fear

As we drove, I couldn't help but wonder about the extent of Namjoon's influence and power. We're the rumours about him being linked to the mafia true? If so was I making a mistake by befriending him?

"Namjoon," I began hesitantly, "why are you being so kind to me?" I asked sitting in the back with him, while one of the men who accompanied Namjoon drove.

He glanced over at me, his expression unreadable. "Because you're worth protecting, Ava." he replied in a tone which meant that he wasn't joking.

His words left me speechless, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far more complicated than I could have ever imagined. Why would a man who had just met me a couple of days ago, feel so strongly about wanting to protect me? Moreover, how did he know where I was? Surely it can't be a coincidence that he showed up just when I was about to be robbed or forced by those men?

As the weeks passed, our bond deepened. We spent countless hours talking, sharing pieces of our lives with each other. Namjoon's intellect and curiosity mirrored my own, creating a connection that felt both effortless and profound. I found myself looking forward to our conversations, eager to learn more about this man who had become such an integral part of my life.

Author note
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