Nova pulled the door open, his hand steady despite the chill.

Standing there was a man who seemed to swallow the entire doorway. He was tall—at least five-ten—with warm, pale skin and dark brunette hair. His eyes were sharp and deep, so intense that they seemed to drift instinctively toward Nova's waist the moment the latch clicked. It clearly wasn't his intention; it was merely human instinct catching a glimpse of a covered truth.

The stranger let out a small, polite cough, clearing his throat in a way that suggested a flicker of embarrassment. "My apologies... for showing up so suddenly."

Ugh! Why does it feel like my life is becoming a series of shameful encounters? The memory of the cafe moment flashed before Nova's eyes. He clutched his towel tighter, trying to hide his damp, shivering frame from the stranger's appraisal.

"Who are you?" Nova asked, his voice laced with a thick layer of suspicion.

He used his 'dead eyes' to scan the man from head to toe. This isn't the person who was following us at the cafe, he noted. It's a good thing Rivert didn't notice him back then.

Nova took a long, shaky breath and ran a hand through his wet, long dark hair. He let out a heavy sigh.

"I'm a friend of Rivert's."

That single sentence acted like a magnet, pulling all of Nova's focus. The fear he had been harboring—was it fear?—began to manifest as a physical weight. Anxiety swirled like black clouds above his head. Rivert had never mentioned having a friend. Who knew where this man lived or why Rivert would bring someone here? Yet, Nova felt he was in no position to judge; he was the one who had arrived with nothing but the words, "I can't go back."

Despite the warning bells ringing in his mind, Nova stepped back to invite the guest inside.

"Hope it's not... what I'm thinking," he muttered as he led the guest to the living room. Anything connected to Rivert felt like a map to a hidden gold mine, and he followed it out of necessity.

The man took a seat on the sofa, moving with a relaxed, steady grace. Nova quickly retreated to his room to throw on some clothes—not even bothering to dry his skin—before returning to claim the seat on the opposite end of the room.

The rhythmic tick-tick-tick of the wall clock felt deafening in the silence. The very air in the house seemed to be drowning in Nova's worries. He wanted to get over the reason for this visit, but at the same time, he dreaded the answers.

The unexpected guest scanned the house carefully, his eyes darting as if he were checking for CCTV cameras or anything unfamiliar. Finally, he looked across at Nova, his gaze lingering on the younger man's trembling hands, which Nova was trying desperately to keep still.

(So, this is who Rivert wants to protect...) the man mused silently.

"Forgive me again," he said softly. "First, for coming unannounced. Second... I am not a bad man, and I don't bring bad news."

Those words breathed life back into Nova's chest. He exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding since the moment this man appeared at his gate like an angel of death. But I still feel off, Nova thought. He doesn't look like your normal friend. Who is this man?

"I can't reveal too much," the man said, reaching into his pocket and sliding a card across the table.

Nova lifted his head and caught a glimpse of the professional print.

Name: Do-hyeon | Title: Agent

"So... this man is an agent."

Nova handed the card back, the clarity of the situation settling over him. He let his shoulders drop slightly. "Is he okay?"

Pause-

The guest took a few seconds to reply.

"You're exactly how Rivert described you," a cheeky, unexpectedly bright smile broke across Agent Do-hyeon's face. "The moment you realized he was safe, your whole expression shifted. I guess I didn't even need to show the card. If I'd just said 'He's okay,' the atmosphere would have cooled down instantly."

He paused, his smile fading slightly into something more somber. "But it's good that you feel a little bit... guarded. We live in a world where we can't predict the next moment."

Do-hyeon's expression shifted, becoming a fraction more serious.

"But let's get to the point. You saw the news this morning? Alex, the owner of Trinity Well House... he's dead."

Nova gave a slight nod, confirming he'd seen the headlines. He chose to remain silent and listen rather than ask questions.

Do-hyeon adjusted his posture. "Things are getting heated out there. Every organization has tightened its security. Rivert won't be able to come back for a while. He sent me to look after you."

The suffocating feeling returned, refusing to leave Nova's side. A wave of sadness washed over his face.

"How long will it take for things to settle?" he asked, gathering the courage to speak.

"Hard to say," Do-hyeon replied. "Two to three months. Maybe more."

Nova gripped the fabric of his pants. It wasn't just anxiety; it was a reminder of the jail he had escaped from—chains and all. Now, the shadow of that world was reaching for him again.

"You'll have to cooperate with me for a while," Do-hyeon said, leaning back into the sofa as if he owned the place.

"By 'cooperate'..." Nova's voice cracked with nervousness, "...do you mean you'll be living here until Rivert returns?"

"Uhm? Why? Do you have a hidden girlfriend?" Do-hyeon asked with sudden, playful curiosity.

"Not at all!" Nova snapped, his face flushing a deep red. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to yell. It's just... unexpected."

"Pft."

A laugh broke from the other side of the table. Do-hyeon's shameless vibe actually made Nova feel a strange, grounding sense of control. How shameless can a person be? Who asks something like that the first time they meet someone?

"Anyway... bring your belongings tomorrow. I'll prepare the guest room for you," Nova mumbled, trying to regain his composure.

"No need for me to bring anything," Do-hyeon said, pointing to himself with a cheeky smile. "I brought the most important thing already with me."

Nova froze in annoyance. As I thought... truly shameless.

He turned to head toward his room, a tiny, almost invisible smile tugging at the corner of his lip despite himself. Maybe this man wasn't so bad after all.

I'll call Rivert later to make sure he actually sent someone... Nova thought as he clicked his door shut.

Outside in the living room, Do-hyeon scratched his head. I know why Rivert sent me here. Who lets someone into their house just because I mentioned their family name? Ugh, I have to be careful.