Sim Jake / Jaeyun

London, 1887.

You had one rule.

Never get involved.

Whether it was a street fight, a police chase, or some rich noble's family drama, you kept walking. Curiosity got people arrested.

Which was exactly why you ignored the well-dressed young man sprinting through the marketplace with two men chasing after him.

Not your problem.

You continued browsing the fruit stalls.

Seconds later, someone crashed straight into you.

The force sent both of you sprawling onto the cobblestones.

"...I'm so sorry," the stranger gasped, scrambling to pick up the books he'd dropped. "I wasn't looking where I was—"

You looked up.

Expensive coat.

Polished shoes.

A gold signet ring.

Definitely rich.

"You should watch where you're running," you muttered.

"You're absolutely right."

Before you could walk away, the two men chasing him burst into the square.

"There he is!"

The stranger's face drained of color.

Without thinking, you grabbed his sleeve and pulled him behind a merchant's wagon just as the men hurried past.

The two of you stayed perfectly still.

One of the guards paused only a few feet away.

"They couldn't have gone far."

Your hand instinctively covered the stranger's mouth before he could accidentally make a sound.

After what felt like forever, the men finally moved on.

You let go.

"...Thank you," he whispered.

"You can thank me by explaining why half of London is chasing you."

He hesitated.

"It's... complicated."

You narrowed your eyes.

"You're a criminal."

"What? No!"

"A thief?"

"No."

"A murderer?"

His eyes widened.

"Good heavens, no!"

"Then who are you?"

The young man looked genuinely embarrassed.

"...I'm the Duke of Ashbourne's son."

You stared.

"...You're running from your own family's guards?"

He nodded sheepishly.

"I may have escaped my engagement party."

You blinked once.

Then twice.