"Boss! New job alert!" - Pey bowed her head respectfully to the person meticulously cleaning a gun in front of her.

"Accept it, then proceed. Why are you reporting to me?" - The other person glanced up coldly at her subordinate.

"Uh..." - Pey hesitated. Her boss's personality wasn't entirely good or evil, overall unpredictable. She wasn't sure whether to speak up or not.

"What?" - The boss frowned.

"I'm not sure if I should tell you or not."

"Then don't."

"Roger that!" - Pey turned to leave.

"Wait!"

"Yes?"

"Tell me!"

"Alright!" - Pey smiled triumphantly, knowing her hunch was right. - "The client requested specifically for you to take this one. I can't handle it myself."

"I'm busy."

"But, Boss... the payout is huge!"

"How much?"

"Enough to buy a house in central Bangkok when it's done!" - Pey grinned slyly.

"Fine. I'll break my rule. Accept it!"

"Yes, Boss!"

"What's the job?"

"Personal bodyguard."

"For whom?"

"A trending youth idol called Ira!"

"Ira? Fine. Draft a set of rules for a female idol. Let me know the location and time."

"Understood, Boss!"

"Ira, huh? Could it be that girl?"

Tawan placed the gun on the table, picked up her phone, and searched for Ira's name. In seconds, she found the results. Seeing a somewhat familiar face, she nodded.

"Glasses look better on her." - Tawan's lips curved into a faint smile.

***

[HC3 Corporation - Conference Room]

"Ira, why are you so unruly?!" - Her manager, Sushi, clutched her head in exasperation.

"What?"

"That bodyguard contract!!"

"I need a bodyguard, P'Sushi!"

"But it's worth the price of a house in central Bangkok! P'Dew is going to kill us!"

"It's fine. I'll pay for it myself."

"What?!"

"I said I'll pay for it myself. No company funds needed."

"When did you become a millionaire? Why don't I know about this?" - Sushi leaned in, blinking in surprise.

"You don't need to know. Just inform P'Dew and the company that I'll be hiring a personal bodyguard."

"But... is the bodyguard male or female? No men allowed!"

"Female."

"How can a woman protect you?"

"She can! She's stronger than any man!"

"How do you know? Have you met her already?"

"Stop asking questions, please! Just arrange it. She'll come to my office tomorrow."

"This girl... always so mysterious!" - Sushi muttered, annoyed.

Three years ago, Ira submitted her application to the company. Thanks to her aura to her appearance as well as her innate artistic talent, she quickly became one of the brightest, youngest stars in the field, who has thrived over time. Now, she was the leading star, an idol to the youth, admired by countless fans, and her presence like a beacon of light in the dark expanse of the entertainment world.

Sushi had been by her side as her manager since Ira first joined the company, and her career had blossomed alongside Ira's. As Ira's fame grew, many skilled managers vied to take the helm, but Ira turned them all down, choosing to journey with her original manager, Sushi. This loyalty was like a warm embrace for Sushi, who treated Ira with the affection of a sister, though she had never delved into the mysteries of Ira's family life.

Ira lived alone in a luxurious apartment, its modern elegance a stark contrast to the solitude it housed. When asked, she would only tell Sushi that her family had settled abroad and she had come to Thailand to forge her own path. Sensing Ira's reluctance to share, Sushi respected her privacy, her curiosity a quiet whisper she chose not to pursue further.

"What's the bodyguard's name?"

"Tawan kha!"

Looking out at the bustling Bangkok skyline, Ira smiled radiantly.

"Five years... P'Tawan, do you still remember me?" - Her eyes glimmered with hope as she gazed at the sky.

***

[HC3 Corporation]

Today was special for Ira. She woke up early, styled her hair, and applied makeup. Staring at her reflection, she deemed herself perfect before finally leaving her room. Sushi watched in bewilderment. Ira had no photoshoots, filming, or events today. Yet here she was, dressing up like a peacock.

"Ira, are you going on a date?" - Sushi asked, sipping her coffee.

"No! Why would you think that?" - Ira shot her a look.

"You look like a peacock showing off its feathers!"

"What?"

"A male peacock showing off to attract a mate!" - Sushi teased.

"What nonsense!" - Ira blushed and sat down, trying to act serious.

"Are you meeting someone? Or sneaking off to do a shoot? Don't tell me you're planning another night out with Prigkhing like last time!"

Sushi's voice turned stern, recalling the time when the two hottest idols in the company had snuck out to party with their close friends, getting drunk to the point of almost being drugged. Their luck had changed when they encountered the kind-hearted Officer Ying, narrowly escaping disaster. When Sushi arrived there, she was drowning in anxiety, and afterward, she was scolded so fiercely by P'Dew that she could barely lift her head. Since then, Sushi had been wary whenever Ira dressed up without going to work.

"No way! I learned my lesson after that scare! I won't do it again!" Ira clasped her hands together, looking at Sushi with eyes that remembered her fortune that night; without it, she might have had no choice but to bite her tongue.

"So, how come you're all dolled up even more than for a photoshoot?"

"I'm just dressing as usual!"

"Usual? You've tried on eighty outfits since this morning, woke up at 5 AM to do your hair and makeup, while usually, I have to call you for an hour before you even consider getting up!"

"Well... today's different!"

"How so?"

"Oh, come on, stop nagging me!"

Sushi gazed at Ira's stubborn face, finally surrendering to her indomitable spirit. She wondered who could possibly manage the mischievous defiance of the young woman before her. With a sigh that carried the weight of resignation, Sushi walked out to brew coffee for Ira, leaving her to continue her peacock-like priming. As long as Ira didn't stir up too much trouble, Sushi was prepared to handle everything else; this was, after all, the role of a manager.

Ira accepted the coffee from Sushi's hand, nodding in thanks, her smile a gentle curve as she sipped the rich, aromatic brew. Sushi, having her own tasks to attend to, gave Ira a few instructions before departing. Holding her coffee, Ira turned her gaze to the streets of Bangkok in the morning light, where the city was awakening with a soft golden hue. Today, the sky was a canvas of beauty, the air crisp with the promise of a new day.

"Ahem..."

As Ira took a sip of her coffee, she heard a voice that was both familiar and strangely new. She turned around, her eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and delight.

"It's so wonderful to see you again!" Ira set her coffee cup down on the table and stepped towards the figure, her smile dazzling like the morning sun - "My bodyguard!"

Tawan looked at the girl who had matured into a vision of perfection standing before her. Ira's long, wavy brown hair cascaded naturally down her back, her full cherry lips inviting, her bare shoulders with delicate collarbones exuding allure, and her long, slender legs perfectly straight. Ira's eyes held anticipation and joy as they met Tawan's, her smile genuine and filled with delight. For a moment, Tawan felt blinded by Ira's radiant beauty, questioning how this child had grown into such a breathtaking woman.

Seeing Tawan momentarily lost in her gaze, a victorious pride swelled within Ira. It hadn't been in vain that she woke up early to make herself up for this moment, to leave Tawan speechless with her appearance. Ira's smile widened, her gaze fixed on the figure before her. Tawan's sleek black hair flowed freely down her back, her sophisticated black blazer paired with a crop top underneath, showcasing her strength. Her deep brown eyes were resolute, a charming beauty mark adorned her cheek, and her lips, full and red, curved in a subtle smile.

Ira hadn't been mistaken; even when they first met under the rain, Tawan, without a touch of makeup, was drenched but still a beauty. Time had only deepened Tawan's maturity, enhancing the essence of her womanhood, which now captivated Ira in a way that left her utterly enchanted.

"*gush*"

The sound snapped Ira out of her thoughts. Tawan handed over a document full of strict rules.

"These are the conditions you must follow with me as your bodyguard." - Tawan said calmly.

"Not wearing revealing outfits..". - Ira skimmed the list, stopping at the last rule. - "Staying within your sight at all times?"

"..."

"How close is "within your sight"?" - Ira teased, stepping closer to Tawan.

" ..."

"Here?" - Another step closer.

"..."

"Or here?"

Ira boldly took another step forward, closing the already narrow space between them. Now, barely a hand's width separated her from Tawan. The air between them felt charged, electric. So close—so close that Ira could breathe in the faint, cool fragrance lingering on Tawan's skin.

It was subtle, crisp yet intoxicating, like the whisper of the first autumn breeze or the scent of rain on dark wood. Unknowingly, Ira found herself drawn to it, to her. She liked this scent—no, she loved it.

Tawan's gaze flickered, her lips curving into the barest hint of a smirk. The woman standing before her was fearless. The first person who dared to stand this close—this dangerously close.

Everyone else who had tried? Well, they had either ended up in a hospital bed or six feet under. Lowering her head slightly, Tawan let out a quiet, knowing chuckle.

This girl... she was either incredibly brave—or completely reckless.

"My vision is 20/20."

"... "- Ira was speechless. How could this woman be so cold?

"When can I start working?"

"Today!"

Tawan blinked, momentarily stunned. "Today? Isn't this just an introduction day, a chance to meet everyone? Besides, I heard you don't have any schedule today."

Ira tilted her head, a sly glint in her eyes. "Did you even read the contract?"

Silence.

Tawan's throat tightened. Of course, she hadn't read it. Why would she? Pey had handled everything for her.

Ira's smirk widened as she continued, voice teasing yet firm. "The contract clearly states that you must be by my side at all times, whether I have a schedule or not. And whenever I call, you must be there. In fact..." She leaned in slightly, eyes dancing with amusement. "You're required to be with me 24/7."

A vein twitched on Tawan's forehead. Who in their right mind had signed such a ridiculous contract? Oh right. Pey. That traitor.

Before she could form a coherent response, Ira clasped her hands behind her back and grinned mischievously. "P' Tawan, the contract is already signed. If you cancel now, you'll have to pay three times the agreed compensation."

Tawan's jaw clenched. Damn it.

She exhaled slowly, schooling her expression into something neutral. "Today isn't possible. I'll admit I didn't read the contract..." She met Ira's eyes, offering a cool, practiced smile. "So I apologize. But I haven't arranged anything for today. Can we start tomorrow instead?"

Ira feigned contemplation then grinned. "Fine. Tomorrow morning at 6, you'll pick me up for work." She extended her hand toward Tawan.

Tawan frowned. "What?"

"Your phone."

"For what?"

"So I can save my number. How else would you call me when I need you?"

"Normally, I—"

"The contract specifies personal contact numbers, not company lines." Ira cut in smoothly, already anticipating Tawan's resistance.

Tawan clenched her jaw. This time, Pey wasn't just going to Africa. He was going straight into the heart of the Sahara, preferably with no return ticket.

She eyed the outstretched hand in front of her, radiating patience and persistence. With obvious reluctance, she pulled out her phone, unlocked it, and handed it over.

Ira took the device with a delighted expression, quickly entering her number before calling herself from Tawan's phone. Once the number was saved on both devices, she returned the phone with a victorious smile.

Tawan snatched it back, shooting Ira one last frustrated glare before turning on her heel and walking away—without so much as a goodbye.

Ira watched the tall, commanding figure disappear into the distance.

Then, slowly, her innocent, bright-eyed expression faded, replaced by something else entirely.

A quiet, knowing smirk. A flicker of something almost... calculated.

And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.

"P'Tawan, I've waited five years for this. This time, you won't escape me."

END CHAP 1