My Idol

Chapter 7

Before she could even find the words to reply, a sleek black car pulled smoothly up to the kerb right in front of them, the windows tinted dark. Ace glanced at it, then back at her, his expression open and unhurried — no push, no pressure, just a quiet offer.

“That’s my ride,” he said. “Let me drop you home. Waiting in this rain isn’t worth it.”

Anna hesitated for only a heartbeat — the familiar reflex to keep her guard up, to rely only on herself, warring with the exhaustion settling in her bones and the sheer hopelessness of the downpour outside. But when she looked up at him, she saw nothing but genuine kindness in his pale eyes — no hidden agenda, no expectation of anything in return, just… care.

“You don’t have to,” she said softly, even as she found herself stepping a little closer to his side, under the shelter of the umbrella. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

Ace gave a faint, gentle smile, shifting the umbrella so it shielded her completely, even though his own shoulder was already damp. “It’s no trouble at all. I wouldn’t offer if it was. Come on.”

The driver stepped out and opened the rear door for them, holding it wide. Ace gestured for her to go first, still keeping the umbrella steady over her as they moved together from the shelter of the building out to the car — his arm brushing hers, solid and warm, steadying her as they went.

Once inside, the car was quiet and warm, the rain drumming softly against the roof. Ace closed the door behind them, the world outside fading to a grey blur through the glass. He turned to her, his hair slightly damp, but his gaze calm and sure.

“Thank you — you're too kind. I live at 42 Marine Drive, the Oceanview Tower in Haeundae-gu.”

Ace’s brow lifted, his expression shifting instantly to clear surprise. “Oceanview Tower?”

“Yes — the new high-rise.” She tilted her head, confused by his reaction. “Why?”

A quiet, stunned sort of wonder touched his face. “That’s where I live too.”

They stared at each other — equal parts shocked and amused. Of all the places in Busan…

Twenty minutes later the car glided down the ramp into the warm, dry underground car park of Oceanview Tower. The engine cut out, and they stepped out together, still shaking their heads.

They walked side by side to the elevators, the silence now comfortable, almost amused. When the doors slid open, they stepped inside together.

“Which floor?” Ace asked, turning to her.

“Twenty-eighth,” she said. “Top residential floor.”

Ace’s fingers hovered over the panel — then pressed the button marked 28, glowing bright. He looked at her, his smile soft and wondering. “Me too.”

Anna laughed in disbelief. Literally, of all of the places in Busan, she lived next to the only person to ever make her heart race. Like fate had a numerous way of toying with her life.

The elevator hummed smoothly upward, the numbers climbing steadily. Ace leaned back against the glass wall, shaking his head with a soft, amused huff.

“I knew someone had taken the place,” he said, glancing at her. “Saw movers in and out all week. Wondered who’d ended up there… never in a million years guessed it’d be you.” He smiled, warm and faintly disbelieving. “Small world, isn’t it?”

Anna nodded, hands folded loosely in front of her. “It seems that way.”

He tilted his head gently. “What made you choose this building, of all places?”

Her answer came quiet and direct. “Security. It’s the main reason. The gated access, the patrols, the keyed lifts… I just wanted somewhere I could come home and feel truly safe. Privacy matters a lot to me.”

Ace’s expression softened, understanding settling in his eyes. He didn’t push, didn’t ask why — just nodded slowly, as if that made perfect sense. “It does here. You’ll be left alone. No one bothers anyone too much. That’s why I’m here too.”

He watched her for a moment longer — the way she stood, calm but contained, her answers careful, her guard gentle but firmly in place. “You’re quiet, aren’t you?” he said, not unkindly. “Not shy… just careful. Like you’re always listening more than you’re speaking.”

Anna met his gaze, a little surprised. “I suppose I am. I’ve found it’s safer that way. Say less, know more.”

Ace’s smile turned softer, quieter — something like recognition. “I get it. I do the same thing. Most people talk just to fill the space… I’d rather wait and see who’s actually worth hearing.”

The elevator gave a soft ding as it reached the top floor. The doors slid open to a wide, bright hallway with only two apartment doors — his, then hers.

He held the doors open for her. “Well… neighbour,” he said, the word warm and new. “It’s good to know who moved in. And for the record? Your secret’s safe with me. Whatever you’re protecting yourself from… you don’t have to protect yourself from me.”

Anna paused by her door, her chest feeling light and strange. “Thank you, Ace. That… means more than you know.”