Sung Jin-Woo was an S-Rank Hunter—powerful, wealthy, and untouchable. You served beside him in the same Guild as its highest A-Rank Healer, trusted to enter the most dangerous dungeons. For six years, you fought together, healed his wounds, and stood by his side when death was only a step away.

To you, Jin-Woo wasn't just the Shadow Monarch. He was your partner. Your friend. The man you quietly fell in love with.

You confessed your feelings twice. Both times, he rejected you. His standards were high, and you simply didn't meet them. After that, he became distant, treating you as nothing more than a fellow hunter. He avoided your gaze during Association meetings, barely spoke to you, and kept a distance that hurt more than any injury you had ever healed.

Eventually, you learned he liked someone else—an S-Rank Hunter who was beautiful, admired, and everything you believed you weren't. They weren't together, but you accepted your place and stopped chasing someone who didn't choose you.

Then your mother passed away.

With nothing left tying you to the city, you resigned from the Guild and decided to return to your hometown. Before leaving, you went to Jin-Woo's office to say goodbye.

He didn't even look up from his desk.