Ji-an
The security office was too small for the number of people crammed inside.
Nova's management team was there—handlers, publicists, and a few personal security staff seated around the long conference table. The members of Nova stood against the wall, waiting for the briefing to begin.
And standing at the front, beside the venue's manager, was Han Si-woo.
Shorter than Logan but broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed, Si-woo carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had been doing this for years. His suit was immaculate, his tie crisp, but there was nothing corporate about him. He had the air of a soldier—a bodyguard who had seen enough to know when things could turn south.
The room buzzed with chatter. The support crew talked animatedly while a few security guys leaned against the wall, watching a video on someone's phone. From the sound of it, they were playing a Nova performance clip.
I wasn't paying attention to any of it.
I was waiting.
Waiting for him to walk in.
Waiting to see if the extra time I'd spent making sure I looked like a goddamn goddess would get a reaction out of him.
The door swung open.
I didn't look up immediately.
But then—
The energy in the room shifted.
The quiet hum of conversation dipped.
And I felt it.
A presence.
Commanding. Confident.
I lifted my gaze—
And there he was.
Logan, not five feet from me.
Looking stupidly handsome.
Dressed in black tactical gear, radio clipped to his vest, sleeves rolled up just enough to show off his forearms. Sharp. Professional. Completely unfazed by the fact that he was in the same room as the woman he had once loudly declared was ridiculously attractive.
The one he was now ignoring.
The dick.
Si-woo was the first to speak.
"Carter." His voice was calm, measured, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. His English was perfect, with zero accent. "Glad you could finally join us."
Logan didn't blink. "Some of the early arrivals are causing problems."
Si-woo's gaze flickered, a silent exchange passing between them. Then he nodded. "Urgent?"
"Not urgent. But disconcerting."
"I see." Si-woo scanned the room. "We'll discuss it later. Let's get started."
The venue director—John? Don? Bond? Something like that—cleared his throat. "Alright, for those of you who don't already know, this is Han Si-woo, head of Nova's private security team. He'll be working directly with Logan Carter, head of venue security, to ensure the group's safety throughout the event."
Logan gave a curt nod. "Nice to meet all of you."
Si-woo stepped forward. "I know what you're all thinking—Mr. Carter looks young to be leading an operation like this."
There was some murmuring among Nova's entourage. They were thinking it, even though Logan was in his thirties.
Si-woo's expression didn't waver. "I've read Mr. Carter's file. Former military. Private security consulting. Good credentials. He's also the CEO of Archangel Protective Services. This is his house."
The murmurs changed. I could tell from their faces—Nova's staff was impressed.
Si-woo turned to Logan. "You have their attention, Captain. It's your show."
Logan nodded, then addressed the room.
"Thank you, Mr. Han." His tone was even, professional. "I appreciate that Nova chose The Gorge as one of their venues. I understand this is your first time performing in central or eastern Washington, and I know your fans are excited. Thank you for being here—and for trusting Archangel Protective Services with your safety."
He gave a small, respectful bow. I liked that.
Logan continued. "Let's go over the security plan." He motioned toward the layout on the screen. "This is one of the largest outdoor venues on Nova's tour. We have multiple entry and exit points to monitor, along with VIP sections that require tighter control. Unlike an arena, there are no solid walls to keep threats at bay. The only structures providing real security are the administrative buildings. Vigilance is key. The summers here mean long daylight hours, but when it gets dark, it gets dark. Staying together—especially our stars—will be rule number one."
There were nods around the room.
Logan pointed to Si-woo. "Mr. Han's team will be covering the group directly, while my team will handle perimeter security, crowd control, and backstage access."
I barely heard any of it.
I was too focused on him.
The way he spoke. The way he commanded the room. The way he still hadn't looked at me.
Maybe I should throw something at him.
It was childish, but at least he'd have to acknowledge me.
I was standing right in front of him—the same girl he had talked to for nearly an hour in an airport, the same one he had unknowingly been messaging for months—
And he was acting like I didn't exist.
This was worse than before.
He was ignoring me on purpose.
I folded my arms, barely hearing the rest of the briefing as Logan continued outlining safety measures, emergency protocols, and audience management.
All I could focus on was the fact that he still hadn't acknowledged me.
And the longer he kept that up?
The more I wanted to make him.
"Any questions?" Logan finally asked, glancing at Nova's team.
I saw my chance.
I let the silence stretch a second too long—then tilted my head and said, voice smooth as silk, "Hello, Mr. Carter. Thank you for keeping us safe."
Si-woo's gaze flicked to me immediately, picking up on something.
But Logan?
He barely reacted.
Just gave me a stiff, polite nod, his expression unreadable. "Ms. Ji-an. You're welcome."
That was it.
No second glance.
No flicker of recognition.
Nothing.
I clenched my teeth.
Fine. If he wanted to play it this way...
"I do have a question, Mr. Carter," I said, keeping my tone light. "Your team seems awfully standoffish. Will you be assigning personal security to each of the members in addition to our regular bodyguards? That's what most venues do. I assumed it was standard protocol."
Si-woo raised an eyebrow. He knew what I was doing.
Logan, on the other hand, didn't miss a beat. "No, we won't. We don't currently have any female security staff, and that was a requirement from your management."
Before I could stop myself, I said, "I don't think that's a good idea. I think you should assign individual guards for each of us. I'd feel much safer if you protected me personally."
The room went silent.
Si-woo's brows lifted slightly. My bandmates turned to look at me.
Logan's eyes finally met mine.
And for the first time since he walked in, I felt his attention.
There was a pause—a fraction of a second where something passed between us.
Logan's expression remained neutral, but I saw it. The flicker of something behind his eyes.
He recovered quickly. "I don't play favorites. I doubt you need my undivided attention," he said evenly. "Though I have to disagree with your basic premise, Ms. Ji-an."
He turned to the rest of Nova, then back to me. Then he smiled.
Its effect was devastating.
"If I'm being frank," he continued, "your staff is used to your presence. I'm not sure close proximity to you and my team is a good idea."
I narrowed my eyes. "Oh? And why is that, Mr. Carter?"
His smile didn't waver. "Because as professional as my staff is, I'd be surprised if anyone could fully focus in your presence."
A few chuckles rippled through the room.
Si-woo sighed.
Wait. WHAT?
Did he seriously just—
My face went red instantly.
I mumbled some half-response that didn't even make sense.
Logan raised an eyebrow, then turned back to the team. "Alright. If there's nothing else, let's get to work."