Moonlit Embrace

Chapter One: A Chance Encounter

Seoul was alive with the glow of neon lights and the hum of bustling streets. Jihoon navigated through the crowd with an ease born of centuries of practice. To any observer, he was just another handsome face among millions, but beneath his calm exterior lay a secret that could shatter the world around him.

The little café on the corner of Insadong had become a sanctuary for Jihoon. Its warm lights and soft music offered a temporary escape from the shadows that haunted his nights. As he pushed open the door, a bell chimed softly, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around him like a comforting embrace.

Behind the counter, Eunji was busy with the espresso machine, her dark hair tied up in a loose bun. She looked up and smiled as she saw him, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

“Good evening, Jihoon. The usual?” she asked, her voice a melody he had come to anticipate.

Jihoon nodded, unable to suppress a smile. “Yes, please.”

As she prepared his drink, Jihoon found his thoughts drifting to the first time he had met Eunji. She had been a new hire, nervously fumbling with the cash register. He had helped her with a customer, and their interaction had sparked something unexpected. Her kindness and warmth had drawn him in, a stark contrast to the cold immortality he endured.