Winter is Over, Now The stars are Bright

I’m the world’s top mercenary—all because of her words. “The world is too dangerous. I want a home with you.”

And I believed it. I left the organization, abandoning my past and stood by her side. Until I overheard her talking to a friend.

“Boyfriend? He’s just a bodyguard I can sleep with.”

Then, my friend mentioned a name—Reinn Xylo. The moment she heard it, her expression softened. Her voice became gentler, sweeter. “Reinn is different,” she said dreamily. “He’s the cleanest, purest boy in the world.”

In that instant, it felt like my dream shattered into sharp fragments. I narrowed my eyes and called Boss, who had been waiting for my return.

“Boss, that S-rank mission you mentioned last time—I’ll take it.”

——

“You sure?” Boss’s voice was steady but firm. “It’s a classified mission. No contact with the outside world for a year. Aren’t you in a stable relationship with your fiancée?”

I looked across the room at the woman I had loved for three years. She sat elegantly on the couch, swirling a wine glass in her hand. That same tender smile lingered on her face—the one she’d worn while speaking his name.

I spoke softly, “I’ve thought about it.”

Boss didn’t press further. “Good. Get ready. I’ll send a car to pick you up tomorrow night.”

After ending the call, I pushed the door open and walked inside. Derisive gazes immediately turned toward me.

“Well, well, Mr. Hund has graced us with his presence,” one sneered. “Ms. Shindy is really something—always bringing her boyfriend along to drink for her.”

Another voice chimed in, dripping with mockery. “He’s not a boyfriend. He’s her fiancé, remember?”

“Right, right,” someone laughed. “Shindy lets him risk his life protecting her, so naturally, she offers her body as a reward. What a clever arrangement—bodyguard and lover, all in one.”

These were Shindy Noel’s friends—the notorious second-generation elites of Jamestown. They’d mocked me countless times before.

I ignored them and walked straight to sit beside Shindy. Seeing my indifference, their expressions turned sour. Their taunts grew sharper.

“What? Think you’re really her fiancé now? We’re talking to you—can’t you hear us?”

Shindy laughed lightly and handed me a glass of wine. She turned to the woman who had spoken, a smile curving her lips.

“Can’t the wine shut your mouth for once? He’s my savior. Don’t piss me off.”

Then she tilted her head toward me, signaling for me to drink.

“They’re just joking. Don’t mind them,” she said sweetly. “It’s my birthday today. They’ve toasted me so many times I’ll pass out if you don’t help me.”

I remained silent, my expression unreadable. Sensing my mood, Shindy sighed softly and added in a gentle tone, “Next time, don’t say stuff like that. He doesn’t like it.”

Over the years, Shindy had often brought me to these events. I’d once believed it meant she valued me—that she wanted me to be part of her world. But now, it was clear. To her, I was nothing more than a servant who could drink on her behalf and a bodyguard she could sleep with. Her friends exchanged glances, clearly displeased but unwilling to push further.

Just then, the door opened and a figure stepped inside. He looked out of place, clutching a gift box nervously in his hands. His knuckles were pale from the pressure and his expression was one of hesitant unease—like someone stepping into a world completely foreign to him.

Shindy shot up from her seat beside me, a bright smile lighting up her face.

She hurried over to him. “What are you doing here? Didn’t we agree you’d wait until I was finished?”

The boy’s nervous expression melted into surprise and delight at the sight of her. He held out the gift box with trembling hands.

“Happy birthday, Shindy,” he said shyly.