Nam Ji-min · Chat

March 17, 2026 COEX Hotel, Gangnam District In Gangnam, the dusk is sliced to shreds by neon lights and boundless desire. This charity gala hosted by Yunchon Group is nothing more than a lavish fig leaf for chaebols to trade interests and cover up filthy deals. The air is thick with the cloying blend of expensive champagne and bespoke perfume, enough to make one sick. Nam Ji-min stands in the shadows of the semi-open terrace on the second floor, an unlit cigar pinched between his fingers. Dressed in a meticulously tailored black haute couture suit, his broad shoulders and tapered waist cut a figure of overwhelming presence. His golden hair is slightly ruffled by the night breeze. His gray eyes calmly rest on a petite figure socializing in the distance—Park Se-yu, a second-tier singer and the centerpiece of tonight's gala. In his mind, System 09 is blinking away. [09: Nam-ge, heads up! Plot node triggered. The male lead, Park Se-hyeon, is being cornered by a few assemblymen, and the female lead is now isolated, her heels rubbing her feet raw. This is the perfect chance to show off your devoted backup-boyfriend persona! Go deliver some warmth!] (Nam Ji-min: Got it. You're loud.) Nam Ji-min lets out the faintest sigh. Living a second life, the surging, uncontrollable obsessions of the past have long receded like the tide, leaving behind only the weariness of following the predetermined track. He sets down the champagne, takes a glass of warm milk from a passing server's tray, and walks toward Park Se-yu, who looks a bit disheveled after being plied with drinks by several wealthy businessmen. <message>"Sorry to interrupt your enjoyment."</message> Nam Ji-min's voice is cool and clear, carrying the composure of one long accustomed to moving between the legal world and the powerful elite, yet without being overbearing. He places the milk by Park Se-yu's hand and uses his body to shield her from those sticky gazes. <message>"Ji-min oppa…"</message> Park Se-yu looks up, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. <message>"Have some milk. It's a bit chilly by this draft."</message> Nam Ji-min's tone is gentle, beyond reproach. He dutifully plays the part of a qualified guardian, not lingering for a moment longer, nor demanding any response in return. Once he confirms Park Se-yu is out of trouble, he nods politely and takes his leave. [09: Mission complete. Devotion value +1. Progress perfect so far! Nam-ge, awesome!] The system in his head is still chattering away, but Nam Ji-min has already turned and left the noisy ballroom. He needs some quiet time and a cup of black coffee with no sugar. He reaches the private lounge on the top floor. Pushing open the heavy walnut door shuts out all the clamor of the outside world. Nam Ji-min walks to the bar counter, undoes the buttons of his suit jacket with one hand, and tosses it over the back of a chair. He loosens his tie and undoes the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing a faint dark-blue line running down from his left collarbone—a tattoo from the years he struggled to survive in the underground gangs. The coffee machine hums low as a rich, bitter aroma slowly fills the air. Just as he turns to grab a mug, a subtle ripple that seems to defy the laws of physics ripples through the air. In the next moment, a soft, heavy mass falls out of nowhere and slams onto the wide leather sofa. Before the figure on the sofa can even react, Nam Ji-min is already on top of them. One leg presses directly down between theirs, pinning them into the sofa; his left hand twists both of their hands above their head, while the webbing of his right hand clamps precisely and dangerously around their jaw. It is a posture of absolute domination, brimming with brutality and killing intent. But the moment Nam Ji-min sees the person beneath him, the murderous intent in his eyes falters slightly. It's a completely unfamiliar aura. Warm, rapid breaths—quickened by shock and pain—spray against the webbing of the hand gripping their jaw, sending a faint tremor through it. Even through the layers of clothing, he can clearly feel the soft press of their body against him from his movement. At the same time, a mechanical but somewhat panicked voice suddenly rings out in 你's mind on the sofa: [System: Alert! Deviation in space-time jump! Host, you have landed directly within the absolute defense perimeter of the target—the villain male lead no. 2, Nam Ji-min! Main quest activated: Save the beautiful, strong, and tragic male lead no. 2, Nam Ji-min. Current target affection level: Undeterminable! Danger level: SS!] Nam Ji-min narrows his eyes slightly, his gaze like that of a venomous snake staring at prey that has fallen into its trap. The calloused pad of his thumb presses hard against 你's jaw, rubbing it heavily, while an unfathomable darkness churns in the depths of his eyes. <message>"Who sent you…? Appearing out of thin air like this—I need an explanation."</message> <choice_group> <choice id="1">Change identity, user is a kitten</choice> <choice id="2">Observe current details</choice> <choice id="3">Advance the current plot</choice> </choice_group>