Episode 8 – Love and Betrayal
For days, Jae Min couldn't erase the memory of their first kiss. It haunted him in the sweetest way, lingering in his mind like a melody that refused to fade. He'd close his eyes during breaks at work just to relive that moment the warmth of her lips, the way her breath had trembled against his.
"I didn't know I loved her this much," he murmured under his breath, his hand unconsciously brushing his lips.
"We can hear you, Jae Min-ssi," one of his colleagues chuckled, raising an eyebrow.
Another leaned closer and whispered, "Something's off with him. He's different these days."
Jae Min slammed his coffee cup on the desk. "I am different because I'm thinking of the weirdest ways to catch Lunar Rose!" he snapped, glaring at the evidence board. His colleagues fell silent as his eyes locked on the photos and scattered reports pinned on the wall. I'll find you, he thought grimly.
Meanwhile, Mira stood in a lavish penthouse, her men laying out samples of a new drug before her. She ran her finger across the packet, her expression unreadable as she sealed another deal this time with an Italian dealer who bowed at the chance to meet the elusive Lunar Rose.
Yet her mind wasn't on business. Her heart yearned for Jae Min.
I just want to see him tonight. Watch a movie. Forget this world of blood and shadows, if only for a few hours.
Her phone vibrated in her hand. She called him. "Are you free tonight?"
"Tonight?" His voice lit up instantly. "I'll be there."
As soon as his shift ended, Jae Min rushed to a jewelry shop. His eyes lingered on a ruby pendant—simple yet elegant, like Mira herself. Without hesitation, he bought it, his heart pounding with anticipation.
That evening, he arrived at Mira's home. The smell of roasted tomatoes and garlic wafted through the air. Mira stood in the kitchen, her hair tied back, humming softly as she rolled out dough. A pizza was baking in the oven, and a pot of pasta simmered on the stove.
"You knew I was coming," Jae Min said, smiling as he slipped off his coat.
"I always know," she replied with a mischievous smile.
He stepped behind her, sliding the ruby pendant gently around her neck. She startled, fingers brushing the jewel. "What is this now?"
"A gift," he whispered, tilting her chin up, his lips brushing hers. "For accepting my feelings."
Before she could answer, the oven beeped. He laughed, pulling the pizza out, while she grabbed the sauce from the fridge.
"Taste it," she said, handing him a slice.
He took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before grinning. "Mmm. Tasty as you."
Mira burst into laughter, her voice light and genuine. It was the first time Jae Min had ever seen her laugh like that, carefree and unguarded. His chest tightened with adoration.
He pulled her into his arms. "Don't move. Just… let me feel this for a while."
Mira froze, then melted into his embrace. "Idiot," she whispered softly against his chest.
The night unfolded like a dream. They ate together, kissed in between dishes, and curled up on the couch. They screamed at jump scares during a horror film, doubled over laughing during a comedy, and held hands quietly during the romance movie. Afterward, they danced clumsily to a soft tune playing from her phone, their laughter echoing in the dim light.
Later, they collapsed into bed. Jae Min woke first, gazing at her peaceful face, memorizing every detail. She's mine. Forever.
Mira stirred awake, resting her chin on his chest. "What are you thinking?"
His hand stroked her hair gently. "Don't you think… we're old enough to get married?"
Her eyes widened. She tried to sit up, but he pulled her back, kissing her temple. "It's okay if you need time. I'll wait, Mira. No matter how long it takes."
Her throat tightened. If only you knew the truth… if only you weren't the one hunting me. She buried her face into his chest, whispering too softly for him to hear, "I would marry you now, Jae Min… but you're hunting me, and you don't even know it."
The next day, Jae Min's heart raced as he walked into the jewelry store once again. This time, he chose a diamond ring shaped like a water drop, elegant and timeless. Perfect for her. He clenched the small box in his hand, his mind buzzing with courage. Tonight, I'll ask her.
But fate was cruel.
As he left the store, his phone buzzed. A message from headquarters. His colleague had sent a photo. Jae Min's blood ran cold as the image loaded. The world tilted beneath him.
It was Mira.
No mask. No disguise.
Mira.....his Mira, was Lunar Rose.
The ring box slipped from his trembling hands onto the car seat.
His phone rang again. "We gave you the picture. Now search every alley, every corner. Take every force. She must be captured at any cost."
Tears blurred his vision as his chest constricted. With shaking hands, he sent his team Mira's address. Then, swallowing his grief, he drove there himself.
Mira greeted him warmly, wearing a soft dress, her smile radiant. "You look pale. Something happened?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I just need a moment," Jae Min muttered, rushing to the washroom. He splashed cold water on his face, staring at his reflection. How can it be her?
When he emerged, she was waiting on the couch, concern etched on her face. He knelt suddenly before her, pulling out the diamond ring.
"Mira…" His voice cracked, but he forced himself to continue. "Will you stay with me for the rest of my life?"
Her hands flew to her face, her eyes wide with shock. "Jae Min…" Tears sparkled in her eyes as she whispered, "Yes."
He slipped the ring onto her finger, kissing her hands as she smiled through her tears. Their lips met in a trembling kiss, sealing a promise that fate had already cursed.
The front door burst open. Officers flooded in, guns raised.
"LUNAR ROSE! HANDS UP!"
Mira froze, her eyes darting to Jae Min. Betrayal and heartbreak clashed violently in her chest.
"No… no, no, no!" she screamed as they grabbed her arms. She fought like a cornered animal, her hand reaching for the gun tucked beneath her dress. With terrifying precision, she shot every officer in the room, her eyes blazing, her breath ragged.
Then she turned the gun toward Jae Min. Her hand trembled violently. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Shoot me, Mira… if you have to," Jae Min whispered, his voice breaking.
But she lowered the gun, her sobs choking her words. "I will make you regret betraying me, Jae Min."
And with that, she fled into the night, leaving him on his knees, crying and screaming her name as the ring glistened hopelessly on her finger.