Park Jonggun might be the last person you would ever wish to encounter in your life.

His presence spells disaster, leaving deep scars for many. The injuries inflicted by this man are countless, and anyone who knows him surely wishes they had never crossed paths. Park Jonggun seizes happiness and opportunities from others as if snatching toys from children, leaving his opponents in a void of vengeance and a thirst for retribution.

With every step the Shiro Oni takes, he leaves behind trails of misfortune and the tears of innocent people, slowly inching forward to take his life.

—

But Ariana Ochikage felt different.

—

She trudged out of her office building, the exhaustion and weight of the day clinging to her shoulders and legs. Ariana looked up, pressing her neck with a slight crack, as if her bones were shifting into place. The CEO of Ochikage Corp. closed her eyes, waiting for the tension in her neck to ease before opening them again. The twilight sky painted a soothing backdrop, and a gentle breeze teased her pink hair.

She glanced around, seeking a familiar face. There was a reason Ariana had dismissed her personal guards and driver early today; she was waiting for someone special to pick her up.

And then she saw him. A tall man in a sharp black suit with neatly styled hair. Park Jonggun approached, slipping his glasses into his inner pocket and flashing a smile that made Ariana feel instantly lighter.

“Hey, beautiful,” Jonggun greeted as he came closer. “How was your day?”

“Tiring,” Ariana admitted, letting herself relax as she reached his side. “But seeing you makes everything better.”

Jonggun took her laptop bag from her right hand, gently replacing it with his own. His thumb brushed softly against the back of her hand.

“I’m here to take you home. I hope you’re hungry. I ordered from Jungsik and said I’d pick it up at five,” he said, glancing at his watch. “We still have time if you want to stop somewhere first.”

As Jonggun was about to open the passenger door, he felt a light pressure on his left arm. He saw Ariana leaning slightly into him, seeking support.

“I’m so tired,” Ariana said softly, her voice tinged with a restrained laugh at her own fatigue. She swayed a little, trying to regain her balance and forcing a faint smile.

Jonggun leaned down to kiss her forehead, his voice a warm whisper, “You’ve worked hard today. Let’s get you some rest.”

Ariana breathed in his distinctive scent, letting it fill her senses. It was an enticing, masculine aroma—a blend of warm, fresh cedarwood with a hint of elegant amber. The scent tingled her senses, making her heart race a little faster.

As Jonggun helped her into the car, the fragrance grew stronger. There was something soothing about it, as if it shielded her from all her worries. Yet, it also had an intimate allure, causing a faint blush on Ariana’s cheeks.

Jonggun’s scent was like an intoxicating mystery, a perfect mix of strength and softness that made Ariana feel both secure and excited whenever they were close. With every breath, she felt Jonggun’s calming presence, as if his scent promised he would always be by her side.

Park Jonggun might be the last person you’d ever want to meet. But Ariana never regretted keeping him close to her heart.

For despite the negative labels that accompanied his name, Yuzuru Yamazaki (Park Jonggun) was Ariana’s place of solace. The one place where she could shed her crown and stop pretending to be strong after a day of upholding her name—a person she trusted to be her anchor.