The Grand Announcement
The gala was buzzing with celebration, but for Kim Aerum (Aeri) standing on the stage, time had frozen. Under the harsh spotlight, right beside her, stood a man wearing 'The Devil' mask. Suddenly, the announcement echoed through the mic:
"We take great pride in turning the decades-old friendship between the Kim and Jeon families into a lifelong bond. The engagement of Kim Aerum and the true heir of Jeon Enterprises, Jeon Dae-hyun (Kang), will be celebrated exactly two months from today!"
Aeri's head spun. She looked into the boy's eyes through the mask. His stature, his terrifying aura... how could this be her "Kangu"?
Aeri (Thinking): "Kangu? My timid Kangu turned out to be such a massive heir? But this man... the way he stands, this cold vibe... why is it nothing like my Kangu? Did the Jeon family send this 'Devil' instead of my innocent friend?"
The Mysterious Warning
Below the stage, Do-shik was checking his tablet; his trackers had locked onto signals. Suddenly, 'The Devil' gripped Aeri's hand firmly. Aeri felt a strange sense of familiarity in his touch, but she was terrified.
Kang (In a heavy voice from behind the mask): "Stop the dramatization, Aerum-ah... If you want to keep those 'Wings' safe, come with me right now. Someone is tracing your signals."
Aeri froze. He called me 'Aerum-ah'—exactly the way Kangu used to call me when we were kids! And why is he talking about 'Wings'? Does he suspect I am 'Butterfly'?
The Blackout & Escape
Before Aeri's seven brothers could reach the stage, the entire ballroom plunged into darkness. This was Kang's backup plan. Taking advantage of the chaos, Kang grabbed Aeri's hand and led her out through a secret exit.
The Devil vs. Crimson Shadow (The Fight)
Outside, it was pouring rain. Kang shoved Aeri into his black bulletproof car, but on the way, they were surrounded by 25 of Do-shik's goons. Kang stepped out, threw off his coat, and pulled out two tactical knives. Aeri also drew her Butterfly Swords from the long slit of her gown.
"Whoever you are... let's see if this 'Devil' of the Jeon family is all talk or actually knows how to fight on the field!" Aeri shouted, lunging at the first goon. The two of them tore through the enemies like a storm. In the heat of the battle, Kang leaned back-to-back against Aeri.
"Watch your back, Aeri. If you die, who will I get engaged to?"
Aeri kicked a thug away and snapped back, "Worry about yourself, Devil! I can clean up this trash without your help."
The Final Confrontation (Inside the Car)
In five minutes, it was over. As soon as they got inside the car, Aeri grabbed his collar in a rage. He was still wearing the mask.
Aeri (Panicked): "Who are you? How do you know my name 'Aerum-ah'? Where is my friend Kangu? Have you harmed him?"
Kang (A mysterious laugh from behind the mask): "What do you think, Aerum-ah? Could your innocent Kangu have saved you in this bloodbath?"
Aeri's Realization (The Twist):
Aeri looked into the man's eyes in the dark. That depth, that touch... Aeri's heart began to race.
(Thinking): "No... it can't be anyone else. Is it possible that Kangu only acts like a 'Puppy' in front of me so I would trust him? Is his innocent face just a veil... and in reality, he is this 'Devil' the world fears?"
Aeri (Aloud): "Kangu? Is it you? Were you pretending to be a puppy in front of me?"
Kang (The Devil): "Not now, Aerum-ah. Tomorrow at college, your innocent 'Kangu' will be waiting for you... decide then who you want to see. But remember, 'The Ghost' always keeps his eyes on his 'Butterfly'."
The car's interior lights were dim. Aeri gripped the masked man's collar, her breath hitched.
Aeri (Angrily): "Take off your mask! I want to see who is behind this devil. How do you know my name?"
The Devil gave a cold laugh. He suddenly accelerated and slammed on the brakes. Aeri lurched forward, but before she could hit the dashboard, Kang blocked her with his hand. His gloved hand was right over her heart. Aeri could feel his powerful aura.
Kang (Whispering): "What's the rush, Aerum-ah? Some secrets are better left behind the veil. If I show you my face today, how will your 'Kangu' meet your eyes at college tomorrow?"
He leaned toward her, and though she couldn't see his eyes, she felt his gaze. He reached out to touch a strand of her hair but pulled back.
Kang: "Your heartbeat is very fast... Is it fear, or the effect of the engagement that was just announced? Remember... for the next two months, you will stay in my shadow."
Aeri's heart was thumping, but she turned her fear into fury. She shoved his hand away and looked directly where his eyes would be.
Aeri (Livid): "Stop dreaming about keeping me in your shadow! And this engagement? It will never happen. I am Kim Aerum, not some old property the Jeon family has bought. And I don't even want to speak to Kangu!"
Kang looked at her with a hint of surprise behind the mask.
Aeri (Emotional and Angry): "Do you know why I'm angry? He was my best friend. Go tell your 'Heir' friend Kang... that friendship isn't just about playing together in childhood. He didn't call me once in 10 years! Not a single message! He forgot me, and now he's suddenly going to show up as my groom? I am furious. Tell him this resentment isn't so cheap that an engagement ring will fix it. I will never bind myself to a man who wasn't there for me during my hard times."
Kang remained silent. He saw that Aeri's anger was the pain of a broken bond. He took a deep breath, his hand tightening on the steering wheel.
Kang (Softly): "Maybe he had some compulsion, Aerum-ah..."
Aeri (Screaming): "Compulsion isn't bigger than friendship! I don't care what games you people are playing. Tomorrow when he stands before me, he will learn the consequences of abandoning me for ten years. I will break this engagement!"
Kang accelerated into the night. Only one thought echoed in his mind: "Your anger is justified, Aeri... but I wish I could tell you that I wasn't away for 10 years. I was always standing behind you like a 'Ghost', ensuring no one could lay a finger on you."
"Thank you so much for reading Chapter 4! ❤️
Things just hit a whole new level of intense! Aeri and Kang are officially engaged, but the tension is higher than ever. Aeri is heartbroken and furious over the 10 years of silence, while Kang is silently playing the role of her 'Ghost' protector.
Will Aeri ever forgive her 'Kangu' for the distance? Or will her anger lead her to break the engagement before she finds out he is 'The Devil'? 🎭🔥
Drop a comment if you're:
#TeamAeri 🦋 (The Fierce Butterfly) or #TeamKang 😈 (The Protective Ghost)
"Will Kang be able to win back Aeri's heart in college with his 'Puppy' persona? Will Aeri spin a dangerous web to uncover his true identity? And will Aeri's fury outweigh 'The Devil's' love?"
Your support keeps me going! Stay tuned for Chapter 5: The Puppy's Guilt, coming soon!"