Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Shadows Before the Stage

The city skyline sparkled in the distance as Aira sat in her dressing room, surrounded by her team, preparing for another sold-out concert. The energy in the air was electric, but her mind was far from focused on the performance. Ever since the unsettling threats had started—phone calls, letters, people lurking outside her home—she had become uneasy. It wasn't just the life of a celebrity anymore. There was something darker, something more dangerous, trailing her.

"Somchai," she called out, her voice cutting through the hum of the room, "what's the status on the new security detail?"

Her manager, Somchai, who was already pacing in the corner, stopped and turned to her. "We're working on it. I've interviewed a few candidates, but none of them are what we need. You're a high-profile target now. We need someone who's not just here for show but to protect you from real threats."

Aira sighed, knowing he was right but not liking the reality of it. Over the past few months, her life had shifted from one of stardom to one laced with shadows. What had once been fan mail and harmless gifts had turned into unsettling messages, photos of her in places no one should have known she'd been, and vague, but menacing, threats.

At first, she had brushed it off, telling herself it was part of the price of fame. But deep down, she knew it was more than just overzealous fans. It wasn't until her father had confided in her about the enemies he'd made over the years—men tied to organized crime, politicians who had lost fortunes due to her father's dealings—that she realized how deep the danger went.

"There's no easy way to say this," Somchai continued, his face grave, "but some of your father's old allies and enemies are starting to see you as a way to get to him. You're not just in danger because of your fame, Aira. You're in danger because of who you are—his daughter."

Aira's stomach clenched. She had always known her father had a complicated past, but he had kept much of it hidden from her. It wasn't until recently that whispers of his connections to powerful, dangerous people had started surfacing in the media. Rumors of underworld dealings, political payoffs, and alliances gone sour.

"The messages we've received aren't just from crazed fans anymore," Somchai added, pulling out a folder from his bag. He handed it to her, and as she flipped through the pages, Aira felt her blood run cold. They were filled with details—photos of her in public, watching her every move, and chilling letters that referenced her father's past enemies by name.

One in particular stood out—a cryptic message that had arrived the week before, referencing her father's betrayal of a crime syndicate leader years ago. It was a message from someone who knew her father, someone who had the resources to track her down and harm her.

"This one came from the Eastern Syndicate," Somchai said, his voice dropping. "They have deep connections. The kind that don't send empty threats."

Aira's heart raced as she stared at the words, the threat far too real for her to ignore now. She had always been a rising star, adored by millions, but now, she was a target. A pawn in a game much bigger than herself.

"Your father has tried to keep you out of this mess," Somchai added, "but it's catching up. And it's only a matter of time before someone tries to get to him through you."

Aira leaned back in her chair, closing the file. It was suffocating to think that her father's world—one she had barely touched—had now become her own nightmare.

"Fine," she said quietly, though every fiber of her being hated admitting it. "But make sure whoever you choose knows how to blend in. I'm not walking around with a bodyguard who looks like they belong in a war zone."

Meanwhile, Tawan stood silently by the concert hall's perimeter. She was only there as a last-minute replacement for her friend—a favor she hadn't thought twice about when asked. Her focus was on Aira's father, whom she had been assigned to protect for the evening. The job was simple, but Tawan's instincts always told her to stay on alert. Danger rarely announced itself.

As the concert ended, and the crowds began to disperse, Tawan's sharp gaze noticed something off. Aira, moving through the backstage area, was suddenly pulled into the shadows by a man posing as crew. He moved swiftly, dragging her toward an exit where no one could see.

Without a moment of hesitation, Tawan's training kicked in. She crossed the distance between them in seconds, her movements precise and lethal. She subdued the attacker effortlessly, her focus never wavering as she disarmed him and pinned him to the ground. Aira stumbled back, her breath coming in sharp gasps as she stared at her unexpected rescuer.

Tawan glanced at Aira, her face impassive. She didn't recognize the woman in front of her, though there was something in the way Aira looked at her—something distant, as though she were trying to remember a dream long forgotten.

"Are you alright?" Tawan asked, her voice calm but commanding.

Aira nodded, still shaken but steadying herself. "I... I think so."

Tawan gave a brief nod before turning her attention to securing the attacker. For her, it was just another day, another mission. But for Aira, the moment lingered. As she stared at Tawan's calm, controlled demeanor, flashes of memory stirred in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that she knew this woman. Something about her was familiar, but the memory was hazy, just out of reach.

She didn't say anything. Not yet. But deep inside, Aira knew this wasn't the first time Tawan had saved her.

The aftermath of the attempted kidnapping was chaotic. Security swarmed the area, police were called, and the concert venue was put into lockdown. Aira's father, rushing to her side, was visibly shaken. He embraced her tightly, relief flooding his face.

"I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured. "Thank God for Tawan."

Tawan, standing nearby, remained stoic. Her job was done—at least for the moment. She wasn't looking for gratitude or praise. She was simply doing her duty.

"I'm just glad I was here," Tawan said flatly. "Keeping you safe is my job."

But Aira's father wasn't about to let her leave so easily. He approached Tawan, his eyes filled with gratitude. "You saved my daughter's life tonight. I owe you a great debt."

Tawan didn't respond, merely offering a curt nod. Her eyes flickered toward Aira, who stood silently, still processing the events of the night.

The next day, Somchai and Aira met in her manager's office. The tension in the air was thick as they reviewed more profiles for potential bodyguards.

"None of these feel right," Aira said, tossing another folder aside. "They all look like they belong in a war zone."

"We need someone, Aira," Somchai insisted. "After what happened last night, you can't keep avoiding this decision. Your father's enemies won't stop."

Aira stared at the ceiling, frustrated. "It's not that I don't want protection. It's just... I don't want to feel trapped."

Somchai sighed. "I get it. But the world isn't safe for you anymore. We'll have to find someone who understands that balance."

As they continued to review options, a knock on the door interrupted them. Aira's father entered, his expression as stern as ever. Behind him, Tawan followed, her posture stiff and formal. Aira's breath caught slightly when she saw her. The memory of the rescue from last night flashed in her mind, and again, she felt that strange familiarity, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

"I want to talk about security," her father began, looking directly at Aira. "I've asked Tawan to be present for this discussion. She's the one who saved you last night."

Aira looked at Tawan, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had expected this conversation, but the tension between them was palpable. Tawan, for her part, remained silent, her face betraying no emotion.

"After what happened, I've asked Tawan to consider taking on a more permanent role in your protection," her father continued.

Aira's heart skipped a beat. The idea of having Tawan by her side was both comforting and strange, but she kept her composure. "And what does Tawan think of that?"

Tawan's eyes flickered to Aira, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension. "With all due respect, I'm not a personal bodyguard," she said, her tone measured. "My work has always been focused on higher-level operations."

But Aira's father wasn't about to give up so easily. He stepped forward, his voice softening. "Tawan, I can offer you whatever you need—training, resources, connections. If you take this job, I will make sure your future in Secret Ops is secure. You'll have everything you need to get to the top, I promise you that."

Tawan remained silent, clearly weighing her options. Her ambitions lay elsewhere, in covert ops, not in personal security. But Aira's eyes never left hers, and Tawan couldn't ignore the strange pull she felt—both professional and personal.

"I'll consider it," Tawan finally said, her tone clipped. "But I won't make any promises."

Aira's father nodded, satisfied with the answer for now. "That's all we ask."

As the meeting ended, Aira watched as Tawan left the room. Something inside her wouldn't let it go. She couldn't let Tawan walk away without saying more. Without thinking, she stood and followed her.

Aira caught up to Tawan in the hallway, calling out softly, "Tawan, wait."

Tawan stopped but didn't turn around immediately. She stood still, waiting.

Aira hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Last night... when you saved me... I couldn't shake the feeling that I've met you before."

Tawan remained silent, still not turning around.

"There was a moment, years ago, when I was lost in the rain. Someone helped me. They gave me an umbrella, stayed with me... and I've never forgotten that."

Tawan's back stiffened, but she didn't respond.

"I don't know if it was you, but when I look at you, it feels like that memory is coming back to life. Like you're the same person who saved me then."

Aira stepped closer, her voice quiet but filled with emotion. "I'm not asking because it's just a job. I trust you. More than anyone else."

For a moment, Tawan didn't move. Then, slowly, she turned to face Aira. Her expression was still guarded, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of recognition—though she wouldn't admit it.

Aira reached out and gently took Tawan's hand, her fingers trembling slightly. "Please... consider it. Not for the job, but because I need you. To help me move forward."

Tawan looked down at their joined hands, the softness of Aira's touch contrasting with the hard edges of her own life. For a brief moment, something inside her shifted.

"I'll think about it," Tawan finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aira smiled, stepping back and releasing her hand. "I'll be waiting."