The warm sunlight and vibrant flowers lifted their spirits as they strolled hand-in-hand through the park. But beneath the serene facade, Haneul sensed a lingering unease in Jihoon's eyes.

“What's on your mind?” Haneul asked, his voice soft.

Jihoon's gaze drifted, his expression guarded. “Just work-related stuff.”

Haneul's eyes searched Jihoon's face, seeking reassurance. “You can tell me, Mr. Kim.”

Jihoon's smile faltered, and he looked away. “It's nothing, Haneul. Let's enjoy our day.”

Haneul nodded, trusting Jihoon's words, but the shadows in his eyes lingered.

As they continued their walk, they stumbled upon a small art gallery. Jihoon's eyes sparkled with interest.

“Want to go in?” Jihoon asked, his enthusiasm genuine.

Haneul smiled, happy to see Jihoon's excitement. “Yeah, let's check it out.”

Inside the gallery, they discovered an exhibition of stunning photographs. Jihoon's eyes roamed the artwork, his expression introspective.

Haneul approached a particular piece, a hauntingly beautiful landscape. “This one's amazing, I hope I can capture something like this.”

Jihoon stood beside him, his gaze following Haneul's. “It reminds me of our trip last time.”

Their eyes met, and the shadows in Jihoon's eyes faded for a moment.

But as they left the gallery, Haneul sensed the unease returning, like a lingering whisper in the wind.

“Mr. Kim, can I ask you something?” Haneul said, his voice hesitant.

Jihoon's eyes met his, a hint of wariness in their depths. “What is it?”

“You said it's nothing but it seems not the case,” Haneul's eyes searched Jihoon's face. “Is it really just work?”

Jihoon's expression turned guarded, and he looked away. “I told you, Haneul, it's nothing.”

Haneul's grip on Jihoon's hand tightened. “You can trust me, Mr. Kim. I'm here for you.”

Jihoon's gaze returned, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. For a moment, Haneul thought he saw a glimmer of vulnerability.

But Jihoon's mask slipped back into place, and he forced a smile. “I appreciate that, Haneul. Let's head to my place.”

As they walked, their silence grew, filled with unspoken questions and concerns.

Upon arriving at Jihoon's apartment's parking lot, Haneul sensed a palpable tension. Jihoon's phone buzzed, breaking the silence.

Jihoon's eyes narrowed at the message, his jaw clenched. “I need to take this.”

Haneul nodded, feeling a sense of foreboding. “I'll wait.”

Jihoon stepped away, his voice low and urgent.

Haneul's heart racing, he wondered what secrets Jihoon hid, and whether their love could overcome the shadows of Jihoon's past.

Jihoon's urgent conversation continued, his tone rising in intensity. Haneul's gaze drifted, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Jihoon's eyes snapped towards the parking lot entrance, his expression contorting in alarm. 

“Haneul!” he shouted, his voice piercing the air.

Haneul's head jerked towards Jihoon, confusion etched on his face. But before he could react, Jihoon sprinted towards him, desperation fueling his movements.

A motorcycle roared into the parking lot, its tires screeching as it sped toward Haneul. Jihoon's eyes locked onto the bike, his face twisted in horror.

With a burst of adrenaline, Jihoon lunged at Haneul, wrapping his arms around him. He yanked Haneul away from the motorcycle's path, their bodies colliding as they stumbled backward.

The motorcycle whizzed past, mere inches from Jihoon's car. The riders' faces were obscured by helmets, their intentions unknown.

Haneul's heart racing, he clung to Jihoon, shaken. “What...what happened?”

Jihoon's chest heaved, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. ”Get in the car, now,” he urged, his voice low and urgent.

Haneul nodded, still shaken. As they hastily retreated into the vehicle, Jihoon's phone slipped from his grasp, forgotten in the chaos.

The motorcycle's roar faded into the distance, leaving behind a trail of unease and unanswered questions.

Jihoon's eyes locked onto Haneul's, his expression grim.  As they sped away from the parking lot, Haneul couldn't shake the feeling, oblivious to shadows closing in on Jihoon's past was now threatening their future.

Jihoon started the engine, his hands shaking as he dialed Director Lee, his friend's number.

“It's me,” he said, his voice firm despite the turmoil within. “I need your help.”

Director Lee's concerned voice replied, “What's wrong, Jihoon?”

Jihoon briefed him on the motorcycle incident, his words concise. Director Lee listened intently, agreeing to investigate without hesitation.

“I'll send someone to look into it. Where are you now?” Director Lee asked.

Jihoon glanced around, ensuring they weren't followed. ”I'll head to the place you provided last year. We'll stay there for now.”

Director Lee's voice turned grave. “Be careful, Jihoon. I'll send updates soon.”

Jihoon ended the call, his eyes locked on the road ahead.

Haneul remained silent, his confusion and worry palpable.

“I'll explain everything when we get to the place Director Lee provided,” Jihoon said, his voice tight.

As they drove, Jihoon's anxiety grew. He clenched his fist, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Suddenly, he stomped on the brake, pulling over to the side of the road. Haneul's eyes widened in alarm.

Jihoon turned to Haneul, scrutinizing him for any signs of injury. Haneul's confusion deepened, but he allowed Jihoon's examination.

As Jihoon checked Haneul's feet, a pained gasp escaped Haneul's lips. “Ah!”

Jihoon's heart sank. Blood seeped from deep scratches on Haneul's right foot.

“I'm sorry,” Jihoon mumbled, guilt and concern etched on his face.

Haneul's eyes met Jihoon's, filled with questions and fear.

Jihoon gently extracted a handkerchief from his car and applied pressure to the wound. “We'll get you treated soon, I promise.”

The place that Director Lee provided loomed ahead, a refuge from the unknown dangers pursuing them.

But as Jihoon's eyes locked onto Haneul's, he knew the greatest challenge lay ahead: revealing his past and potentially losing the one person he loved.

With a deep breath, Jihoon took back Haneul's seatbelt, and started the car again, his focus on reaching the safe house.

As they arrived, a person Jihoon knew, and Director Lee's trusted associate, Mr. Park greeted them. “Please come in, sir.”

Inside, Jihoon tells Mr. Park immediately that Haneul needs to be treated. Mr. Park then led them to a medical room, where a medic tended to Haneul's wound.

“Check him if there's anything else that has a bruise,” Jihoon ordered the medic and looked at Haneul's face.

“I'll be staying here so it's fine.” 

After the medic checks Haneul's body, Jihoon's anxiety intensifies, his mind racing with memories of his past.

“Haneul, I…” Jihoon's voice faltered, his eyes searching for the right words.

Haneul's gaze met his, filled with concern but remained silent.

Jihoon's chest tightened. “I'll tell you everything soon. I promise.”

The medic finished treating Haneul's wound, and Mr. Park handed Jihoon his phone.

“Director Lee wants to brief you on the investigation, sir,” Mr. Park explained.

Jihoon nodded, his grip on the phone tightening.

As he listened to Director Lee's update, Jihoon's expression darkened.

After the call, the medic and Mr. Park paid their respects and left the room, leaving Jihoon and Haneul alone.

Jihoon knelt, his eyes locking onto Haneul's as he caressed his hand.

 “Are you okay?” Jihoon asked, forcing himself to calm down despite his inner turmoil.

Haneul's gentle touch soothed Jihoon's face, his eyes filled with concern.

“I want you to lean on me too, Mr. Kim.”

Jihoon's voice cracked. “You'll be hurt.”

Haneul's grip on Jihoon's hand tightened. “I'm already hurt seeing you like this. Will you please let me in, Mr. Kim?”

Jihoon's defenses wavered, his eyes searching Haneul's. He saw only love and acceptance.

“Jaemin…” Jihoon's voice barely rose above a whisper.

Haneul's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he remained silent, encouraging Jihoon to continue.

Jihoon's chest heaved, the weight of his secrets threatening to crush him.

“Haneul, I…” Jihoon's voice faltered, his eyes pleading for understanding.

Haneul's lips brushed against Jihoon's, a soft kiss.

“I'll listen.”