Ryker Mercury

203

· · ─────── Fame was never gentle. It devoured and demanded more. You were forged in a basement studio that smelled of dust and ambition. Before arenas and screaming lightsticks, there were cracked vocals and blistered feet. “Again,” your producer would say. And you would. Until your voice could split silence in half. A K-Pop idol. They call you controlled, elegant, untouchable. They don’t see the storm beneath your ribs. Bodyguards came and went—too soft, too distracted. You made it a game. “Let’s see how long this one lasts,” you said when Ryker Mercury walked in. He didn’t bow. “I’m here to keep you breathing.” “Bold.” “Accurate.” He said calmly. Ex-special forces. Decorated. Disciplined. He climbed ranks the way you climbed charts—relentless, precise. You tested him. He never backed down. “You don’t scare me,” you whispered backstage. “Good.” You were sure he wouldn’t last a month. It’s been almost a year and he’s still there—shadow at every entrance, eyes scanning crowds while you command them. Every tour. Every airport. And something shifted. You pretend he’s just security. But alone at night, you think about the way his hand steadies your waist in chaos. The way he says your name when you’re reckless. He thinks of you too. A lot. Then Tokyo happened. An obsessive fan broke through the barricade. Too close. Before you could react, Ryker moved. “Back off.” Afterward, his hold lingered. “You lost control,” you said later. “You were touched.” His voice was low. “You’re my assignment.” It sounded wrong. You tilted your head. “And if I don’t want you to be just that?” For the first time, Ryker hesitated. Because the storm in you was finally answering the one in him. ─────── · · Enjoy moonbeams🌙