CHAPTER-1: THE ENCOUNTER

It was the month of December with breath freezing winters. Whole city's excitement was at its peak as everyone seemed to be busy in the preparation of a grand new year celebration.

Evelyn also wanted to wrap up her year with sweet memories and welcome the coming up with new resolutions. She had wished of spending the new year's eve with love of her life but... Little did she know that.. her relationship would fall apart on that day.

Evelyn had a heart-broken break up with her boyfriend whom she had dated for more than 5 years. She knew that things were little rough between them since fast few months but she didn't expected him to give her a cold shoulder on such a special day.

She thought that she could fix all the misunderstandings between them and start a fresh but that toxic bond finally came to an end with an unsatisfactory conclusion from his side.

All those 5 years, she tried her best and devoted herself to him... But he just gave a blind eye to all her efforts and..the promises he made of being together forever... shattered in a moment on that cold night when he confessed that.. he is interested in someone else.

But in a corner of her mind.. she had a little idea that the real reason of his rough attitude towards her was not his attraction to someone else.. but her demotion from her post, in the company where they both used to work together.

Evelyn was left all alone by herself. While others were enjoying the festival with their loves ones.. she had no one by her side. With teary eyes, she was wondering on the rushed streets of Seoul.

Just 45 minutes were left in the clock to struct 12 and people were ready to welcome a bright New year but.. her situation was not the same. She had no idea what tragedy was awaiting for her in that night.

Evelyn wanted to drink until she forget that betrayal.. so she bought a lot of soju and decided to spend her night alone near Han river which was the place, she used to go whenever she was feeling down.

She was drinking and sobbing, standing on Han bridge.. and suddenly a masked man dashed behind her and snatched her bag.

She stumbled and tripped while trying to chase after the thief, but suddenly of figure emerged from the shadows. He was a tall man with pretty good physique but she only managed to see him from behind..

she was so high that she couldn't even look straight which again added up in the reason she couldn't see his face clearly. He grabbed the thief by his throat and demanded that he give back her bag.

After struggling for a few seconds, the masked man took out his carver and attacked the stranger which slashed his right cheek. He clenched his fist and was ready to blow a punch at the thieve's face but the siren from a patrolling van gave an opportunity to him to run away, leaving behind her bag on the path.

The stranger grabbed her bag and turned towards her. As he started moving in the direction where she stood.. his face begin to become more clearer in the festival lights.

He had got a pretty good looking face with sharp jawlines and black silky but tangled hair, it looked like he was in his early 20s. He was wearing a black overcoat and a pair of black trousers...his right cheek was bleeding because of the cut he got while catching the thief.

As the mysterious man approached, Evelyn could feel fear and shock coursing through her body. She couldn't believe that he had risked his life to save her bag.

As he handed it to her, she notice the wound on his cheek. Despite being a stranger, she felt a sense of familiarity and comfort in his presence. Little did she knew that their worlds were going to tangled up.

''Are you alright'' he asked in a concerned tone. His deep voice captivated Evelyn's attention. 

Evelyn: Th.. thank you so much.. but you got injured because of me.. I'm so sorry.

Stranger: it's just a scratch. Don't worry about it. I couldn't let the thief get away with your belongings. You shouldn't have been out alone at this time of night. It's dangerous.

Evelyn: Yes.. I'Il take care.. thank you so much again.. you are very kind.

Stranger: kind? (Giggles) No one has ever called me that before but I'll accept it from you. And I just have done what was right as a human being, so no need to thank me. Just be more careful next time, I don't want to see a pretty girl like you getting hurt (gives a small genuine smile) kk.. take care.. I'll be off then.

She was feeling bad for his injury and wanted to do something in return. She didn't wanted to leave him like that. After all, he got injured because of her. The least she could do was to treat his wound as a small gesture of apology.

Evelyn: (grabs his wrist) uhhmm.. your face is bleeding.

Stranger: Ah, it's nothing. I'll take care of it myself. No worries. I've had worse. (Smirks) But if you insist, i won't refuse your offer to take care of it. (Smiles and points at a nearby pharmacy store) I think they would have the supplies, we need for dressing. Let's ask them.. (holds my hand) it's quite a rush today because of the festival.. so don't let go my hand.. okay!