You flipped the little red ticket between your fingers as you stood in line, listening to the excited chatter of the people around you. You looked up at the large building looming in front of you, the words Haunted House painted in bold blood-red letters across the front. The concrete structure was modest in size, with two levels and a basement. Some of the windows were broken, while others were boarded up, all adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The front door stood slightly ajar, painted black, and the building was covered in graffiti with ominous words like hell and death. The air was filled with the distant screams and eerie sounds of music echoing from within. You could feel the buzz of excitement from the other visitors, each one eager for the thrill inside.
This wasn't your first time at the haunted house, but it was Baekhyun's. His first time ever, in fact. You smiled to yourself, excitement bubbling up inside. You noticed him standing beside you, chewing on his lower lip nervously, glancing up at the building as he fidgeted with his ticket.
"Aww, is someone getting scared?" you teased, nudging him with your elbow. "We can always go to the funhouse instead. It's way less scary."
"No, I'm not scared," Baekhyun replied, his hands on his hips, trying to look confident.
"Mmhmm, sure you're not." You smirked, watching him stomp his foot and stick his tongue out at you in mock defiance.
"I'm not! I'll prove it to you," he said, glancing back at the haunted house, though you could see the apprehension in his eyes. His brave face was cute, but you knew he was nervous.
Your heart warmed at the sight of him, wanting to comfort him, but you stayed still, amused by his stubbornness. The fall air had already started to chill, and the leaves were scattered on the ground, a few still fluttering from the trees. You zipped up your jacket against the cold breeze, shivering a little.
Just then, Baekhyun pulled you close, his arms wrapping tightly around you. The warmth of his embrace made you smile, and you buried your face in his chest, inhaling his sweet scent.
"Why didn't you tell me you were cold?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.
"It wasn't that bad until the wind picked up. I just hope we get inside before it starts raining," you replied, smiling up at him.
"I think we'll make it. And it should be done by the time we come out." He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your cold lips, his hand rubbing your back to keep you warm.
The line started moving, and before you knew it, it was your turn to go inside. You walked hand in hand, your eyes catching Baekhyun's as he put on his brave face again. You gave his hand a gentle squeeze, offering a silent promise that you were with him. He looked down at you, nodding, as you both entered the building, the old wooden stairs creaking beneath your feet as you made your way to the front door.
Inside, it was pitch dark, save for the small red flashlights you were given. The music blasted, muffling the distant screams and adding to the atmosphere. Cobwebs and torn sheets hung from the walls, and dust settled on old furniture, splattered with fake blood. You admired the effort they put into the decorations, the detail making it even creepier.
As you made your way through the corridors and rooms, Baekhyun's grip on your hand tightened with every step. You could feel the tension in his fingers, but you kept your hand in his, even as it started to hurt. Every now and then, you'd hear him gasp or feel him jump beside you, and though it was cute, you couldn't help but feel a little guilty for dragging him into this. Still, you squeezed his hand, encouraging him as you moved on.
At one point, a figure jumped out from behind a wall, making both of you gasp. Baekhyun immediately wrapped his arms around your waist, burying his face into your neck, trembling. Your heart ached for him, knowing he was truly scared, despite his efforts to hide it.
"Baekhyun, it's over," you whispered softly, rubbing his back as you exited the last room.
Once outside, you moved to the side to let the others pass by. Baekhyun pulled away slowly, still holding onto you tightly. His face was pale, and he let out a relieved sigh.
"So much for keeping my cool," he muttered, a sheepish grin forming on his face.
"Hey, it's okay. I was scared too. I shouldn't have made you come here. We could have gone somewhere else and had fun." You gazed up at him, a little apologetic, but Baekhyun shook his head.
"I wanted to. Even though I was scared, I knew you were having fun. And honestly, I was just happy to be with you." He leaned down and kissed you softly, his lips warm and comforting.
You melted into the kiss, your hands finding their way up to his chest, pulling away only when you both needed to breathe. You smiled up at him. "Let's go home."
You turned to leave, but stopped short when you saw it was pouring rain outside. People were running to their cars, trying to avoid getting soaked.
"Oh great. And we don't have hoods or umbrellas," you sighed.
Baekhyun smiled at you. "Well, I guess there's only one thing to do." Without another word, he grabbed your hand and pulled you out into the rain.
You didn't even have time to protest before he was leading you toward the car, both of you running to escape the downpour. The rain hit you both hard, but you finally made it to the car, diving in and slamming the doors shut behind you. Baekhyun burst into laughter, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.
"That wasn't too bad," he chuckled.
"No, not at all," you replied, grinning back at him.
After a few seconds, you both burst into another fit of laughter. You looked at him, admiring how handsome he looked, even soaked to the bone. Water dripped from his hair, glistening under the streetlamp's light, making him look almost ethereal.
Baekhyun reached up, brushing a few wet strands of hair from your face, tucking them behind your ear with a soft caress that sent tingles down your spine. He leaned over and kissed you again, his lips warm against yours.
You stayed like that for what felt like forever, neither of you wanting to break the moment. Eventually, Baekhyun pulled away, the cold air between you making your lips ache for his touch again.
"I love you," he said, his smile lighting up his face as he started the car and turned on the heat to keep you both from freezing.
"I love you too, Baekhyun," you smiled, placing your hand on his as he pulled out of the parking lot, driving the two of you home.
Mingi let out a relieved sigh as he placed the pencil down beside the small stack of flashcards. He smiled, a sense of pride washing over him. The plan he had been meticulously working on for weeks was finally complete.
For five long years, Mingi had kept his feelings for you hidden—hesitant and unsure of how or when to confess. But now, thanks to Seonghwa’s advice, he had a clear plan in mind: turn his confession into a game.
The game would start with Seonghwa handing you the stack of cards Mingi had spent so much time preparing. Each card, tied together with a string in the top-left corner for convenience, contained a unique task or activity you had to complete in order to discover the identity of the person who had been secretly admiring you for so long.
You and Mingi had been close friends since high school, and now, as second-year college students, your feelings for him had evolved into something much deeper. Every time Mingi flashed that familiar gummy grin, your heart would flutter, and your stomach would fill with butterflies. His every glance made your heart race, and you found yourself wanting something more than the friendship you had built over the years. But you assumed Mingi didn’t feel the same.
He treated you like one of the guys. He would flirt with other girls, date some of them, but those relationships never lasted. A month, maybe two at most, before they fizzled out and he was off looking for someone new.
Mingi was a bit of a player, but not in a harmful way. He was charming and friendly, but his relationships were often short-lived. You’d always been there for him, helping him out with dating advice whenever he asked. You played the role of the supportive friend, even though it pained you more than you let on. No one, not even your closest friends, knew the depth of your feelings for him.
What you didn’t realize, though, was that Mingi felt the same way. He had developed feelings for you too, but just like you, he didn’t know how to express them. Mingi was shy at heart, and his usual bravery when it came to other things seemed to vanish when it came to you. Instead of taking a chance, he kept you as a friend, thinking that was the safest route.
Mingi had also started to realize that you might see him as a player. After all, he didn’t make much of an effort to hide his flirting with other women. He would even ask you for advice on how to handle his relationships—but it wasn’t as innocent as it seemed. In fact, he was hoping to make you jealous. But when you never showed the reaction he expected, he assumed you didn’t feel that way about him.
Both of you, oblivious to each other’s feelings, had continued living in this unspoken tension, neither of you willing to take the risk.
But now, Mingi had finally had enough. He had to confess, even if it meant risking rejection. All he wanted was the chance to be honest with you and, no matter what, remain friends. And deep down, you wanted the same outcome. There had been so many moments when you almost confessed, when you almost told him how you felt—but you always hesitated. Every time you worked up the courage to tell him, you’d see him with another girl, and the pain would hit all over again. You wanted to keep him in your life, even if only as a friend, but you weren’t sure how much longer you could bear the constant ache in your heart.
Now, with the game in place, Mingi was finally taking the step he had been too afraid to make all these years.
Mingi stood up from the table, a satisfied smile on his face, and walked over to Seonghwa. He handed him the stack of flashcards, making sure the string holding them together was secure. “Hyung, you remember the plan, right?”
Seonghwa sighed dramatically, a smile tugging at his lips. He took the cards from Mingi’s hand with a mock groan. “Yes, Mingi, I’ve heard it all a million times. I could probably recite it in my sleep.”
Mingi chuckled at his friend’s teasing, nodding in agreement. He raised his hand in a casual goodbye before Seonghwa spun around and quickly left the room, heading toward the location where the game would begin.
Meanwhile, you collapsed onto your bed, the familiar weight of sadness settling over you once again. Another Valentine’s Day, spent in solitude. Another year of watching Netflix and eating the expensive box of chocolates you’d bought yourself just the day before. You couldn’t help but imagine Mingi, probably out on a date with some new girl. That thought made you sigh deeply.
The two of you had always spent Valentine’s Day together, the single ones in the group, watching cheesy rom-coms and laughing about the absurdity of the holiday. But now that Mingi had started dating, you’d decided it was better to spend the day alone in the comfort of your home, surrounded by your favorite plushies scattered across the bed.
At first, Mingi had protested, not wanting to break the tradition of celebrating the holiday with you. You two had spent almost every holiday together since high school, after all. But after reassuring him multiple times that you were fine and it didn’t bother you, he’d eventually accepted it, though you couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted.
As you lay there, lost in your thoughts, your phone suddenly vibrated on the nightstand. You grabbed it, already knowing who it was before even looking at the screen. It was Seonghwa. You opened his message: “Meet me in the park.”
You groaned, already feeling the weight of whatever plan he had in store for you. You quickly replied, letting him know you’d be there in ten minutes. Grabbing your white slip-on shoes, you threw your hair up into a messy bun, slipped into your coat, and left the house. You hadn’t given much thought to your outfit today—just an oversized black band tee and your favorite sweatpants, the ones Mingi had given you years ago when the two of you got caught in the rain. The memory made you smile a little despite everything.
As you made your way to the park, you wondered what Seonghwa was up to this time.
A smile tugged at your lips as you thought back to that rainy day. You and Mingi had been caught off guard by a sudden downpour, sprinting to his place as the sky poured down on you both, soaking you to the bone. Laughter rang through the sound of raindrops hitting the ground as you teased each other about how ridiculous you looked. Once you were safely inside, you both exchanged playful jabs about your drenched appearances. Mingi quickly fetched towels and a change of clothes for you, his easygoing kindness a comfort as always. The next day, when you tried to return the clothes he had lent you, he insisted you keep them. They didn’t fit him anymore, he said, and ever since, that pair of sweatpants and his old band tee became your go-to lazy day outfit.
Shaking off the memory, you zipped your jacket a little higher, trying to shield yourself from the chilly air. The park was honestly the last place you wanted to be right now. Everywhere you looked, couples were wrapped in cozy blankets, sharing heart-shaped plates and red-and-pink snacks. Some were feeding each other chocolate-dipped strawberries, their eyes full of affection. The sight stirred up a familiar ache in your chest, and you couldn’t help but avert your gaze, wishing for the whole scene to fade away.
It didn’t take long to spot Seonghwa in a quieter corner of the park, away from the lovebirds. You hurried toward him, grateful for the break from the heart-shaped chaos around you. When he saw you, he looked up and gave you a knowing look.
“So, what’s this all about? Your message sounded kind of urgent.”
“You’ll see.” Seonghwa’s only reply was a cryptic grin, and he held out a small stack of flashcards, his fingers brushing against the edges.
Confused, you reached for the first card. “Have Seonghwa give you the bouquet of roses,” it read.
You glanced up just as Seonghwa pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing a small bouquet of eleven red roses. You took the flowers from him, bringing them to your nose for a quick sniff, and flipped to the next card.
“Find the 12th rose.”
That was all it said. You studied the card in your hand, noting how the handwriting matched the one on the previous card. But there was something about it — the familiar loop of the letters, the distinct curve of the “M” — that made something stir deep inside you. Where had you seen that handwriting before?
“Is this some kind of joke?” you asked, genuinely puzzled. You weren’t the biggest fan of roses, or of Valentine’s Day for that matter.
Seonghwa shrugged nonchalantly, not saying a word but motioning for you to continue. You groaned, flipping over the card again, and read aloud, “Mission 1: Go to the park bench.”
And just like that, your curiosity piqued, though you had no idea where this game was leading.
This was shaping up to be a long night.
You walked toward the nearest park bench, half-expecting to find one of the other guys sitting there, but as you approached, it became clear you were alone. The bench sat beneath a flickering streetlamp, casting a lonely glow over the surrounding area. You were about to sit down when something caught your eye—just a hint of red paper peeking out from between the slats of the bench. The same shade of crimson as the envelope from before.
Curiosity won out, and you reached under the bench to pull the paper free. Settling yourself on the cold wood, you carefully opened the envelope, the feeling of the paper familiar against your fingers. As you unfolded it, you saw the words:
“October 31, 2018 - We sat on this bench, intoxicated, and talked for hours. You were wearing a cat costume, but an angel would’ve fit you better. I caught you staring at me and immediately wondered if you feel the same way for me like I do towards you.”
The memory didn’t fully come back to you. You recalled the party, sure, but the rest was a blur—too much to drink, too much chaos. You couldn’t remember exactly what had happened, but the words felt almost too familiar. Brushing the confusion aside, you turned the page to the next card, which read:
“Mission 2: Go to the public fire pit.”
You sighed, muttering under your breath, “Good thing I wore my sneakers.” The park was familiar enough, and the fire pit was one of your favorite spots. You followed the cobblestone path, the dim light of the streetlamps barely enough to guide your way. When you reached the fire pit, you didn’t immediately see a red envelope, making your confusion grow. You circled the pit, scanning every inch until you finally spotted the envelope, taped discreetly to the side.
You quickly reached for it, already expecting the usual paper cut. Sure enough, the sealed flap almost caught you, but you managed to tear it open without injury. Inside was another folded piece of paper, longer than the last. You skimmed through it:
“November 22, 2018 - Thanksgiving Day. You invited me and a few others over to your home. I sat and talked to your family—sneaking glances while I watched you cook. Your bottom lip juts out when you concentrate—did you know that? Your uncle asked me if we were dating, and I wanted to tell him, ‘I wish,’ but I refrained from doing so. Later that night, you, me, and the rest of our friends sat outside by a fire pit similar to this one. Amidst conversation, you suddenly rose to your feet and walked to a vacant area. Soft cries began echoing, but before I could rise to follow you, San stood up and went after you. I know eavesdropping is wrong—it’s something you scold me for quite a bit—but I couldn’t help it. I heard you tell him something about it being hard for you to keep being friends with someone.”
Your heart tightened as the memory hit you like a wave.
It had been a cold Thanksgiving night, the fire crackling and casting shadows around your friends. Everyone was laughing, talking, roasting marshmallows, and teasing each other. Then Mingi’s voice had caught your ear—talking about a woman he had been seeing. And there it was again, that familiar ache, sharper this time. You hadn’t been able to stay there, not with him speaking about another girl so casually.
You stood up abruptly, retreating to a quieter spot. Sitting in the grass, you hugged your knees to your chest, burying your face in your arms as you let the tears fall, the pain so overwhelming. You were so sure no one had noticed. You couldn’t let any of them see you like this, especially not Mingi.
But then you heard footsteps approaching. You wiped your face quickly, trying to regain some semblance of composure before looking up. There stood San, his face a mask of concern. He didn’t need to ask what was wrong; it was written all over you. Your red eyes, tear-streaked cheeks, and the way your shoulders trembled gave it all away.
San sat down beside you without a word, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. “What’s going on?” he asked softly, his voice laced with understanding. Unable to hold it in any longer, you let the tears flow again, resting your head on his shoulder as you poured out your heart.
San was the only person who knew. He was the only one who knew just how much Mingi had hurt you—how much you wished things could be different. You begged him to keep your secret, to never tell Mingi, and he had kept his word. Not once had San ever spilled a word of your feelings, but you knew he understood. He’d always look at you with that sad, knowing look when Mingi was around, shaking his head in quiet frustration. But you appreciated him for it. You appreciated him for being there when you couldn’t be strong enough on your own.
Shaking the memory from your mind, you flipped to the next card, reading aloud the scribbled text: “Mission 3: Find the swing set.” You made your way toward the nearby playground, spotting the swing set in the distance. As you approached, the cool touch of the metal chains sent a rush of forgotten memories flooding back.
Sitting on the swing, you heard a soft rustling sound, like paper crumpling. Leaning forward, you reached under the swing and felt the familiar texture of the red envelope. Pulling it out, you opened it and unfolded the paper, reading the letter that immediately brought back another vivid memory.
“November 27, 2018 - I asked you to meet me here. You showed up, and I still remember exactly what you were wearing—a white tank top under your favorite denim jacket, black leggings, and the same white slip-ons you had on the first time I realized I was in love with you.
We sat on the swings for hours. At some point, a shooting star passed over us. You told me to hurry and make a wish. I glanced at you as you sat there, hands gripping the chains of the swing, your eyes squeezed shut, and your lips pursed together. My heart skipped a beat. I wished for your happiness.”
Your mind raced. How could someone have gone to so much trouble to plan this? To handwrite all these letters and cards? The thought alone made your head spin, and you tried to push it aside as you moved to the next card: “Mission 4: Find the tallest tree in the park. Hint: It’s towards the middle.”
The middle? Of the park? There were so many places that could be considered the middle. You began retracing your steps, heading back toward the heart of the park, scanning the area until you spotted what seemed to be the tallest tree. A feeling of warmth and familiarity washed over you, though you couldn’t quite place why.
Looking around, you began searching for the red envelope, but it wasn’t where you expected it to be. You ran your hands through the grass, eyes darting in every direction. A sinking feeling crept over you. Was it lost to the wind? Did someone else find it?
Frustration was bubbling inside you when, just as you were about to give up, you noticed a red envelope hanging from a string above your head, taped to the tree. Relief flooded through you, but then you saw how high it was. You jumped, stretching your fingers as far as they could reach, but it was just out of grasp.
Sighing, you looked around for something to help you. There, just outside the park, was a small rock. You dashed toward it, picked it up, and placed it under the tree. Climbing onto the rock, you gave one more jump, this time your fingers brushing the envelope. With a final stretch, you managed to grab it, pulling it down with a victorious smile.
You quickly tore it open and read the new letter aloud:
“December 25, 2018 - We met here on Christmas night and exchanged gifts. I was a little late, and you got upset, thinking I had stood you up for my girlfriend at the time. When I tried to explain, you pouted, holding your hand up, palm out, ignoring me. I joked about leaving, but you immediately frowned and clung to my arm, assuring me you were just teasing. My heart skipped a beat—I had never seen you look so cute before, and that’s saying something.
“You gave me my gift first, then folded your hands behind your back, swaying from side to side as you looked up at me with those puppy-dog eyes, asking where your present was. I pulled the wrapped box from my jacket, and a grin spread across your face—just for a moment. As I held the gift above your head, out of your reach, you immediately pouted and jabbed your fingers into my sides. You yelled at me for a solid minute, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Eventually, I lowered the box and handed it to you, your sweet smile returning almost instantly.
You told me I was as tall as this tree.”
It all started to click.
The significance of each carefully chosen spot, the memories tied to every location, the exact details—now it was making sense. You thought you knew who your secret admirer was, but even so, something didn’t add up. There was no way it could be who you were thinking, right? Mingi had always treated you like one of the boys—except for when he was flirting with other women. And he was always coming to you for dating advice, talking about his girlfriends. If he really felt this way about you, surely he would’ve never done that.
You didn’t want to dwell on it any longer. You shoved the paper into your jacket pocket, alongside the other red slips, and flipped to the next card. The task written on it read: “Mission 5: Return to the swing set and look under the same seat from Mission 3.”
You had to go back there? Seriously?
Your legs were starting to ache, the long walk beginning to take its toll. You hadn’t walked this much since your family’s hiking trips, which were nearly a decade ago, before your grandmother passed away.
Arriving back at the swing set, you crouched down, searching beneath the seat as you had done earlier. Another red envelope was taped to the bottom of the same swing. Your brow furrowed. Had that one been there the whole time? Had you grabbed the wrong one earlier? No... you were sure you only saw one. That meant someone must be nearby, watching you.
Straightening up, you scanned the area, but there was no sign of anyone. It wasn’t fear you felt, but the overwhelming curiosity that had been building in you for so long—it was almost unbearable. Little did you know, San, dressed in all black, was hidden just behind a nearby bush. Mingi had tasked him with replacing the envelope while keeping an eye on you, making sure you stayed safe.
You tore open the new envelope and read aloud:
“January 1, 2019 - New year, same feelings. After a night of partying, you and I came back to this swing set again. We swung for a while and talked. You told me about all your resolutions and then asked if I had any, and what they were. The way your eyes bore into mine made my breath catch in my throat.
How could I tell you that my resolution was to gather the courage to confess my feelings for you?
But I didn’t want to lie to you, so I told you that I hoped to become braver. You laughed and told me I was already the bravest person you knew, so I should pick a 'real' resolution. Before I could say anything, though, fireworks began lighting up the sky. You checked your phone’s digital clock and threw your hands into the air, shouting, ‘Happy New Year!’
That was when I debated whether or not I should finally make my move.”
My heart began to race as my palms grew clammy. You didn’t know this, but I tried to reach over and take your hand. As you gazed up at the fireworks lighting up the night sky, I felt my heartbeat echoing in time with the bursts of color. My fingertips were almost touching yours, but... I stopped. I chickened out. I didn’t have the courage. Instead, I wished you a happy new year, shrugged off my jacket, and draped it around your shoulders. We stood there together, ringing in the new year beneath the exploding sky.
You were the first thought I had for 2019."
At this point, your mind was racing faster than ever. Your heart pounded in your chest as you began to connect all the dots, a deeper realization setting in. It had to be him. It had to be Mingi.
But no, that couldn’t be right—he was just a friend. Besides, he had a girlfriend. There was no way he could be in love with you. It had to be someone else. You tried to shake the thoughts out of your head as you flipped to the final card, nearing the end of your journey.
Butterflies fluttered in your stomach, excitement and nerves building as you neared the moment when you would finally discover who your secret admirer was.
“Final Mission: Go to the pond.”
Your legs felt heavy as you forced yourself to move forward. With each step, exhaustion started to take over, and you arrived at the pond a little later than planned. You immediately began your search, eyes scanning the area for the last red envelope, but you found nothing.
Fatigue, cold, and confusion weighed heavily on you. Was this going to be like the tree incident? You hoped not—the pond wasn’t particularly large, but it was still a decent size to circle around.
In the center of the water stood a granite statue of a man and woman, tightly holding each other in an embrace. The statue sat on a concrete pedestal beneath the surface of the pond. You never knew who had the idea to install it, but it was the only thing about the pond that felt somewhat special. The pond had become a popular spot for couples, and recently, you’d made it a point to avoid it when visiting the park.
But if you were being honest, the pond was beautiful.
The water was perfectly still, reflecting the moon’s light in a mirror-like surface. Lily pads floated gently on the water, their white flowers sitting delicately on top. The soft scent of lilies mixed with the stronger fragrance of the roses still cradled in your arms, the two aromas blending into something intoxicating yet calming.
The croaks of frogs and the chirps of crickets combined in the background, creating the perfect soundtrack of nature. You let yourself relax, feeling a peaceful wave wash over you. But with it came exhaustion, quickly draining the last of your energy.
You sighed and lowered yourself to the grassy edge of the pond. For a moment, you forgot why you were even here. Despite having walked the full length of the pond, the red envelope was nowhere to be found. You had checked every bench, every trash can, every light pole, and every tree in sight—but there was nothing.
At this point, you had no idea where the envelope could be.
Frustration bubbled up inside you, and you let out a groan, dropping your head into your hands. Was this all just some cruel prank? No, it couldn’t be. You flipped through the cards again, reading each mission carefully, checking the backs this time. That’s when you noticed it—on the very last card, in small print:
“This is the last envelope you will find. If you're confused, just trust me.”
Great. That didn’t help at all.
Groaning once more, you tossed the cards onto the bench beside you, exhaustion and frustration overtaking you. Tears stung at the back of your eyes, threatening to fall. But just as you were about to give up entirely, you heard a familiar voice behind you.
You spun around, startled, and froze. Standing before you was none other than Mingi.
Mingi? Song Mingi?
He was dressed in a cozy white knitted sweater with red and blue detailing at the shoulders, a black jacket, and black jeans. His tall frame moved toward you, his presence casting a soft shadow in the moonlight. He took a step closer, the light catching the red rose tucked behind his ear and the pen and paper he held in his hands.
He cleared his throat and began to read aloud:
“February 14, 2019 - You stood in front of the pond wearing the sweatpants I lent you. Hopefully, you enjoyed the little adventure I coordinated for you.”
At the mention of your outfit, he paused and looked up at you, flashing your favorite smile before returning to write and speak.
“All of the envelopes were found in places significant to us. I tried to give you the best clues I could muster without directly revealing myself. Did I do a good job? Regardless, this is the final spot of this little game I created just for you.”
He took a deep breath, stepping a bit closer until the distance between you seemed almost nonexistent. His gaze locked with yours, intense and unflinching. The silence stretched on, and for a moment, it felt as though time had stopped. Then, clearing his throat, he glanced down at his paper and continued, his voice softer now:
“This pond we’re standing before is the same pond where I realized my feelings for you. We found this spot during our freshman year of high school, one day after classes. I watched you lean down and scoop a lily pad into your hands, your smile big and bright.”
He paused, eyes flickering up to meet yours, and you couldn’t help but feel your heart stir. You were mesmerized by his words.
“You told me a story about a beetle who decided to climb one of the lily pads to see what lay beyond the muddy home he lived in. After climbing for what seemed like forever, the beetle grew tired from the effort, but the warmth of the sun felt so good that he allowed himself to fall asleep once he reached the surface. When he woke, he discovered that he had transformed into a dragonfly. The story was a metaphor about taking chances in life. As I listened to you, my heart swelled.”
Mingi’s voice faltered for a moment, his nervousness now becoming apparent. He noticed you hadn’t moved or made a sound, and for a brief second, he feared you had stopped breathing altogether. His own breath caught in his throat as he chewed on his lip, hoping his nerves wouldn’t overwhelm him.
Finally, he took a deep breath and, gathering his courage, finished the final part of his letter:
“It was here, at this pond five years ago, that I realized I’m in love with you.”
He slowly folded the paper into a red envelope, sealing it with care. Then, with a shaky but determined breath, he stepped closer to you. Before you could fully process, he was standing just inches away, his eyes still locked with yours.
With a soft smile, he reached behind his ear and pulled out the red rose, gently extending both the flower and the envelope toward you.
“Congratulations,” he whispered, his voice steady now, “you’ve found the twelfth rose and the final letter.”
Inhaling a shaky breath, you took the rose and envelope from Mingi’s hands, your own trembling from the whirlwind of emotions crashing over you. Had you heard him correctly? Was this some dream, or was it really happening? Opening the envelope, you reread every word he had just spoken aloud, each one aligning perfectly with the letter in your hands. You were stunned. Your mind was spinning.
You had to say something. But what could you say? You were speechless.
“Mingi, I... I don’t know what to say,” you whispered, your voice trembling.
Heat rose to your cheeks, and you could feel tears threatening to spill. You couldn’t cry now, not after everything that had happened. But as the realization finally settled in—Mingi really did have feelings for you—it was like a weight lifting from your chest. Song Mingi, the boy you had known for years, was your secret admirer.
All those moments, all those little clues—it had all been him. And now, here he was, standing before you, confessing his feelings. You didn’t fully understand why he’d acted the way he had, causing you so much pain along the way, especially if he’d felt this way for so long. But none of that mattered now. He loved you. And you loved him.
Tears began to fall, but you didn’t try to stop them. With a shaky breath, you looked up at him, locking eyes. “I don’t know how else to say this, but Mingi... thank you. Thank you for telling me your feelings after all these years.”
Mingi’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, his voice low and tinged with fear. “So, does that mean... you don’t feel the same for me?”
You could hear the pain in his voice, the fear of rejection. Smiling softly, you shook your head, reaching out to take his hand. “What that means is... I feel the same. I, too, have feelings for you.”
Mingi’s eyes lit up like the stars themselves. His signature gummy smile spread across his face, eyes squinting into crescent moons as joy overtook him. Without a second thought, he pulled you into his arms, wrapping them carefully around your waist. You mirrored his movements, your arms wrapping around his frame.
His body was warm against yours, his embrace comforting as the cold night air brushed around you both. You could feel his heartbeat match yours, a rhythm of connection that seemed to settle the chaos in your chest.
Mingi cupped the sides of your face gently, his touch tender as he lowered his head, bringing his lips closer to yours. You rose onto your toes, your breath catching as your lips nearly brushed. The moment felt like it would last forever, a perfect union of everything you had longed for. But just as your lips were about to meet—
A sudden scream interrupted the moment, pulling you both out of your bubble.
You both jerked your heads toward the sound, still in each other's arms, trying to comprehend what was happening.
Seonghwa bolted past the two of you, shouting in a panic, his voice carrying a mix of desperation and confusion. “Who is Sohee? Yah, Park Seonghwa—do you hear me? Who is she? How dare you call me by her name! And on Valentine’s Day! Are you kidding me?”
A petite brunette, her cheeks flushed in anger, was hot on his heels. Her name wasn’t Sohee, though—it was Kang Solmi. The two of them had been together for a year now, and Seonghwa had never once shown any interest in another woman. But there was one thing that always tripped him up—he had a habit of calling Solmi by San’s older sister’s name due to their names sounding similar.
“It’s not what you think! It’s just San’s sister! You can even ask him!” Seonghwa yelled, his voice carrying as he darted past you, running in circles around the pond.
As Seonghwa looped back, he didn’t realize just how close he had gotten to the two of you.
"No way, man, this is too funny!" San called from behind, his laughter clear even from a distance. "I’ll step in when she catches you."
Then, in the blink of an eye, Seonghwa collided with Mingi, knocking him off balance. Since you were still connected to him, you lost your footing too. Instinctively, Mingi pulled you closer, trying to steady both of you. But the momentum was too much. The two of you tumbled into the shallow pond, the cold water splashing around you as you fell.
A few moments later, you both surfaced, gasping for air, completely drenched. Your hearts were still racing from the fall, but now the shock of the situation was setting in. The laughter of your friends echoed around the pond as you both wiped the water from your faces, trying to come to terms with what had just happened.
Inhaling a shaky breath, you took the rose and envelope from Mingi’s hands, your fingers trembling from the overwhelming flood of emotions washing over you. Had you really heard him correctly? Was this a dream, or was it all happening right in front of you? You opened the envelope, your heart racing as you reread the words he had just spoken aloud, each one matching the letter in your hands. It felt surreal. Your mind was spinning.
You needed to say something. But what could you say? You were completely speechless.
“Mingi, I... I don’t know what to say,” you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion.
The heat in your cheeks burned, and you could feel tears welling up. You couldn’t cry—not after everything that had happened. But as the realization sank in—that Mingi truly had feelings for you—it was like a weight was lifted off your chest. Song Mingi, the boy you had known for so long, was your secret admirer.
All those moments, the clues that never quite made sense—they had all been him. And now, here he was, standing in front of you, confessing his love. You didn’t fully understand why he’d caused you so much pain before if he had been feeling this way all along. But none of that mattered now. What mattered was that he loved you—and you loved him.
Tears began to spill down your cheeks, but you didn’t try to stop them. With a shaky breath, you locked eyes with him. “I don’t know how else to say this, but Mingi... thank you. Thank you for finally telling me your feelings after all these years.”
Mingi’s face faltered with uncertainty, and his voice was barely above a whisper. “So, does that mean... you don’t feel the same for me?”
You could hear the fear in his voice, the anxiety that perhaps he would be rejected. Smiling softly, you shook your head, gently reaching for his hand. “What that means is... I feel the same way. I, too, have feelings for you.”
Mingi’s eyes lit up, as if a light had been switched on inside him. His signature gummy smile spread across his face, eyes squinting into crescent moons as joy overtook him. Without hesitation, he pulled you into his arms, wrapping them carefully around your waist. You mirrored his movements, your arms wrapping around him, holding him close.
His body was warm against yours, his embrace grounding you as the cool night air swirled around you both. The thrum of his heartbeat matched yours, an unspoken connection that calmed the chaos in your chest.
Mingi cupped your face gently, his touch soft as he lowered his head. His lips were so close to yours, and you rose onto your toes, heart racing. The moment felt like it would last forever, the perfect culmination of everything you had both longed for. But just as your lips were about to meet—
A sudden scream shattered the stillness.
Both of you jerked your heads toward the sound, still wrapped in each other’s arms, struggling to understand what was going on.
“Mingi! Are you okay?!” you exclaimed, rushing to sit up, looking him over for any sign of injury. Laughing, Mingi sat up as well, still holding onto you gently. “I’m okay. Are you?”
You nodded quickly, checking yourself over. After a brief moment, the two of you stood up, Mingi stepping out of the water first, then reaching down to help you out. As you both made your way back to the shore, you spotted the roses scattered across the grass, still intact.
Frantically, you reached into your jacket pocket, pulling out the letters. You were shocked to find them mostly dry, with only a small dampness around the edges. You sighed in relief, glancing back up the hill at the scene unfolding.
Seonghwa was being pulled back by the arm, a frantic look in his eyes as he glanced at the boys, who immediately jumped to help him. His girlfriend, though, was glaring at him like she wanted to set him on fire. You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head at the drama unfolding before your eyes.
Mingi and you both did your best to wipe off the pond plants and dirt that clung to your clothes. Despite being soaked, Mingi pulled you back into his arms, wrapping you tightly against him. You mirrored his actions, arms wrapping around his torso, holding him close to you, ignoring the cold and the wetness of your clothes. Your warmth seemed to comfort him, and he pulled you closer, his grip tightening around you.
Your eyes locked, and you both smiled softly, your hearts beating in sync. He placed his hands back on your cheeks, the heat of his palms radiating through your skin. Gently, he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours. You closed your eyes, melting into the kiss, feeling the world fade away around you.
After a long moment, you both pulled away, gazing at each other in sheer bliss. Mingi quickly wrapped you into another tight embrace, ignoring the cheers and clapping from the distance. You knew that soon, you'd be bombarded with questions, but for now, you only cared about him—and he about you.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Mingi whispered softly into your ear, his voice full of warmth and love. You smiled, tightening your arms around him. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Mingi laughed softly, pulling away just enough to see your reaction. “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”
You laughed and rolled your eyes, leaning up to press your lips against his in answer. His hand caressed your jaw as he returned the kiss, pulling away after a moment. Suddenly, his gaze shifted toward the pond.
You followed his eyes and watched in awe as a dragonfly hovered over one of the lily pads, its delicate wings catching the moonlight. A smile tugged at your lips as you remembered the story from one of the letters. You reached up to poke his cheek with your finger, his head turning to look at you.
“Now it’s your turn to tell me a story about a dragonfly,” you teased, a playful glint in your eyes.
Mingi chuckled softly, pulling you closer. “Allow me to tell you the story of the two that fell in love,” he whispered, his voice full of warmth.
The sound of loud beeping broke the peaceful silence of the morning, dragging you from your sleep. You groggily swatted at the alarm clock on your bedside table, finally hitting the right button to silence the noise. As the beeping stopped, you slowly opened your eyes, greeted by the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the small gap in your curtains. The sun's light illuminated the dust particles floating through the air, almost dancing in their own rhythm.
You gazed at the peaceful scene for a moment, then grabbed your phone to check the time. Your eyes immediately went to the date—February 14th, 2014. It was Valentine's Day, one of your favorite holidays. A wide smile spread across your face as you stretched and climbed out of bed.
Excitement bubbled up inside you. Today was a day to be special, and you couldn't wait to see what surprises it would bring. You grabbed your phone and docked it, playing your favorite EXO songs to set the mood for the day. As you got ready, you hummed along to the familiar tunes, the voices of the boys filling your apartment as you prepared for the day ahead.
Valentine's Day had always been meaningful to you, but this year, it was even more special. You had been a fan of EXO since their debut, and a year ago, fate had brought you into their orbit. You met them unexpectedly on the streets, offering to help them find their way when they were lost. As a thank you, they invited you to one of their fan signings, and the rest, as they say, was history. You had become fast friends with all of them—and even started dating your bias, the Happy Virus himself, Chanyeol.
The guys used to joke about you and Chanyeol being the perfect couple, but you never really believed them. Now, a year later, you couldn't imagine your life without him. Today was special, not just because it was Valentine's Day, but because you had a plan to surprise Chanyeol.
After a quick breakfast, you finished getting ready, brushing your hair and slipping into your outfit. You chose a pair of black skinny jeans, a comfortable off-the-shoulder EXO shirt, and your trusty black Converse. With everything packed—your purse, phone, car keys, and Polaroid camera—you locked your door behind you and headed out.
The guys had already been in on the surprise, so they slipped you VIP passes to get front and center at the show. You wanted to arrive early to get a good parking spot and make sure you had a prime seat for the concert.
As you drove to the arena, you sang along to more EXO songs, thinking about how lucky you were to be a part of their world. Once at the venue, you quickly parked, found your seat, and sent a text to the guys, letting them know you had arrived. The stadium was already buzzing with excitement, filled with eager fans. Thanks to the VIP passes, you had a private area to enjoy the show.
The lights dimmed, signaling the start of the concert, and the crowd erupted into cheers. As the spotlight hit the stage, you felt your heart race with excitement. The guys—twelve of your favorite people—stood in front of you, and you couldn't help but smile as you sang every word to each song. The crowd cheered with every performance, but you couldn't keep your eyes off Chanyeol, even in the dim light. You knew he could see you, and he couldn't take his eyes off you either.
As the concert progressed, the members took a brief break, drinking water and talking to the fans. Suddenly, the lights dimmed further, and the sound of "Baby Don't Cry" filled the arena. One by one, the members walked to the edge of the stage, sitting down as the fans screamed in excitement. You smiled and waved as they all noticed you sitting front and center. When Chanyeol saw you, his eyes widened in surprise, and he flashed his signature eye smile, making your heart flutter.
You stayed seated, knowing it wouldn't be wise to rush to him, given the crowd. But your gaze stayed locked with his, your connection strong even from a distance. You snapped a quick photo with the Polaroid camera Chanyeol had given you for your birthday, capturing the magical moment.
Then, something unexpected happened. Chanyeol stood up, signaling the others to stop. He took the microphone and announced that he wanted to sing a special song for his girlfriend, for Valentine's Day. The music started, and he began singing "XOXO" in Mandarin, his deep voice filling the arena. You couldn't help but smile, your heart swelling with emotion. This was one of your favorite songs, and hearing him sing it to you made it even more meaningful.
The rest of the members joined in, and you continued to sing along, your eyes locked with Chanyeol's whenever he glanced down at you. Every time he did, you felt your heart skip a beat.
As the song came to an end, you blew Chanyeol a kiss, and he responded with a hand heart, much to the delight of the fans. The concert continued, and before you knew it, it was time for the final farewell. One by one, the guys thanked everyone for coming, and then they exited the stage.
Once the concert wrapped up, you rushed backstage to find Chanyeol. It took a moment, but you spotted him, and before you could say anything, you ran toward him, crashing into his tall, strong frame. His arms instantly enveloped you in a tight embrace.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Oppa!" you exclaimed, your heart racing.
Chanyeol pulled away in surprise. "What are you doing here?! I thought I wouldn't see you until later tonight."
With a grin, you explained, "The guys planned this surprise for me to come here and see you."
His eyes softened, and he pulled you into another hug, lifting you off the ground. He whispered into your neck, his breath warm against your skin. "This is the best Valentine's Day ever, Jagiya."
You smiled up at him. "Happy Valentine's Day, Chanyeol."
Without warning, Chanyeol cupped your face gently with both hands and pressed his lips to yours. You closed your eyes and kissed him back, the world fading away as you got lost in the moment. His arms tightened around you, and you felt like you could stay in his embrace forever.
A click interrupted the moment, followed by quiet laughter. You pulled away, realizing someone had taken a photo of the two of you. Chanyeol turned toward the others, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Okay, whoever took that picture, hand it over right now," he said playfully.
When he spotted the culprit, he grabbed the photo, glanced at it, and slid it into his pocket. "This is for my personal collection," he said, grinning at you.
The others protested, but Chanyeol ignored them, his attention solely on you. "This is the best Valentine's Day ever. Thank you for the surprise. I'll make sure to thank the guys later tonight."
He gently cupped your neck and pulled you closer, his lips hovering near yours. You tippy-toed to meet him halfway as he leaned down to kiss you again, sealing the perfect day with another kiss.
Summary: Two unlikely companions join together to ride the rollercoaster known as: Life. With a yin and yang balance, they soon discover that there’s not only beauty in the beast, but beast in the beauty.
“I agree, ma’am. I think it’s for the best, especially for the case,” Saetbyeol said, standing with her hands clasped in front of her. Ever since San’s outburst in the car after their trip to the cave, it had been decided that San would be removed from the case. Saetbyeol still couldn’t understand what had triggered San’s sudden behavior that night.
“Good,” her boss replied, her voice calm but firm. “I trust you’ll keep up the hard work. Just remember, though, to take care of yourself. Don’t push too hard.”
Saetbyeol nodded, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. “I will, ma’am,” she said, though her mind was still preoccupied with San’s strange behavior. “But… I can’t help but wonder what happened with him. That wasn’t like him at all.”
Her boss paused, a hint of something unreadable crossing her face. “Sometimes people go through things we don’t see. Whatever it was, we have to stay focused. The case comes first.”
Saetbyeol took a deep breath, accepting the finality in her boss’s words. But a lingering curiosity gnawed at her. She couldn’t just forget what had happened with San. Still, she knew she had to put that aside for the moment—there was no room for distractions.
With a soft smile, her boss waved Saetbyeol out of the office, a gesture that spoke of their close bond. Her boss had always been caring and kind, and since Saet’s hiring, their friendship had blossomed into something deeper.
Once at her desk, Saetbyeol sank into her chair, letting out a long, tired sigh. It had been nearly three weeks since she’d last seen San, and the ache in her chest was constant. At first, she couldn’t quite understand the source of her unease, but it quickly became clear—she missed her friend. And it wasn’t just San. She hadn’t heard from Mirae since the night she was attacked. Was everyone pulling away from her? Had she been left behind?
She shook her head, trying to shake off the troubling thoughts. A few strands of hair brushed against her bare shoulders, sticking to the soft fabric of her sweater and falling across her face, tickling her skin. The sensation was both familiar and strange, a gentle reminder of the comfort she sought but couldn’t quite find.
As her computer powered on, Saetbyeol quickly skimmed through her notes, mentally marking what she still needed to add. She wasn’t sure how she’d manage everything on her own, but she knew one thing for certain—nothing was going to stop her from solving this case. She couldn’t afford to let anything hold her back.
-
The case was becoming more and more baffling. The deeper Saetbyeol delved, the more it seemed like something primal, something beyond human nature. But what could possibly explain such behavior? She realized it was time to widen her approach, to think beyond the confines of what she knew.
As Saetbyeol made her way back to the office, her mind buzzing with questions, she noticed a familiar figure standing near the picnic tables. She stopped, her steps faltering for a moment. The sight of the figure brought a sudden wave of recognition—and a feeling she couldn’t quite place.
“Mirae!” Saetbyeol exclaimed, her heart leaping as she rushed toward her friend. She collided with Mirae in a burst of emotion, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug.
“Where have you been? What happened after that night? I’ve been trying to reach you! I was getting so worried something terrible had happened to you!”
Mirae held her friend close, gently rubbing her back as she tried to calm Saetbyeol’s shaking frame. They sat at a nearby table, and Mirae quietly watched as Saetbyeol wiped away the tears staining her rosy cheeks. Once she sensed Saet was composed enough, Mirae began to explain.
“I got an emergency call from my parents the morning after,” she said, her voice calm. “I had to leave immediately and ended up forgetting everything here. My phone had died, so I couldn’t get in touch with you. I’m really sorry for worrying you. Everything’s fine now.”
Saetbyeol sniffled, trying to process everything. “When did you get back?”
“Late last night,” Mirae answered. “I thought you’d be asleep, so I decided to wait until today to talk to you. How’s the case going? And what about San?”
Saetbyeol’s heart dropped at the mention of his name, her face clouding with worry. Mirae instantly noticed the change in her demeanor.
“I haven’t seen or heard from him since we returned to the office after the caves,” Saetbyeol said, her voice laced with concern. “I know I shouldn’t be worried, but… I just can’t help it. I’ve grown so used to having him around. I miss his teasing, his laughter, the way his eyes crinkled into crescents when he smiled. I miss all of it, and I don’t even know why.”
Mirae’s eyes widened as the weight of Saetbyeol’s words hit her. She saw the tears welling up in her friend’s eyes once more, and a surge of anger flooded her body. How could this happen? San had always been so good to Saetbyeol—protective, caring, treating her better than anyone else. Mirae had a feeling she understood what was going on, but she kept her thoughts to herself. This was something Saetbyeol needed to figure out on her own. But still, none of it made sense to Mirae. How had things gotten to this point?
“What happened while I was gone?” Mirae asked softly, her voice tinged with confusion and concern.
Saetbyeol lowered her head, her voice trembling as she began to recount everything that had happened over the past three weeks. Tears flowed freely, but she didn’t care anymore. The ache in her heart was unbearable, and it was only now, as she spoke, that she truly realized how deeply she felt about Choi San.
“That night in the car,” Saetbyeol said softly, her voice breaking. “He looked at me… with such intensity. It was different—his eyes were so cold, like the damp stones in that cave. I’ve never been afraid of him before, Mirae, but in that moment, I was. His words cut like knives. He told me I was smothering him, that I was holding him back, that he was always embarrassed to be around me. He said I was nothing but trouble for him and that he didn’t want anything to do with me anymore.”
She paused, the memory of it still sharp in her mind. “We drove back to the office in silence. I was in shock, just staring out the window. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. The last time I saw him… was when his car drove away, leaving me standing there in the cold night. I turned around and walked back to my apartment, and that’s when I finally let myself cry.”
Saetbyeol’s voice trailed off, her heart heavy with the weight of the past few weeks. It felt like a dream—a terrible, painful dream—and she wasn’t sure how to wake up from it.
“I don’t understand how this all happened,” Saetbyeol said, her voice thick with confusion and hurt. “Things were going so well between us. San had changed, but now… he’s gone back to his old self, maybe even worse.”
Mirae pulled Saetbyeol closer to her side, shielding her from the world around them, her own anger rising. She wanted nothing more than to track San down, confront him, and give him a piece of her mind. Little did she know, she was about to get her chance.
Suddenly, the roar of an engine cut through the air, drawing Mirae’s attention. She looked up just as a yellow sports car screeched into an empty parking spot, barely avoiding the car next to it. A young woman, about their age, stepped out from the driver’s side with a confident stride.
“Well, that explains the reckless driving,” Mirae thought, eyeing the woman with a mixture of irritation and curiosity.
Then she saw him. The familiar, slender figure stepped out of the passenger side, moving with the same smooth grace Saetbyeol had always known. It was Choi San. A smug smirk spread across his face, and Mirae could feel her anger boil over—she wanted nothing more than to slap it off of him.
San walked toward the woman, who immediately hooked her arm around his, and they began talking and laughing together as if they’d known each other for years. Saetbyeol’s mind spun—San had always insisted he had no friends or family, so who was this girl?
Saetbyeol lowered her head further, letting her hair fall over her face, hiding her eyes. She couldn’t let him see the tears. She couldn’t let him know how deeply this was affecting her.
As the pair walked past, completely oblivious to her presence, Saetbyeol felt her heart break into pieces. He hadn’t spared her even a second glance. It was clear—he had completely forgotten about her, about everything they had shared. Fate, it seemed, was playing its cruelest game with her once again.
“Who the hell does she think she is?!” Mirae muttered angrily, standing up as if to chase after San and demand an explanation. But before she could take a step, she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.
Looking down, she saw Saetbyeol’s hand clutching at her, trembling, her head lowered as if she couldn’t bear to look up. Mirae’s frustration melted into concern, and with a soft sigh, she helped her friend to her feet.
“Come on, let’s go home,” Mirae said quietly, guiding Saetbyeol toward the car, not needing to say anything more.
Saetbyeol buried herself under her sheets, blocking out all light. She felt numb—detached from everything around her. No pain, no cold, no heartbreak could reach her. She had retreated so far into herself that nothing seemed to matter anymore. Mirae had been looking after her, feeding her, but Saet’s eyes were empty, her gaze vacant. The warmth and light had vanished, leaving behind only a hollow version of the person she once was. She felt emotionless, like a shell that no longer held its soul.
Mirae couldn’t stand seeing her like this any longer.
Determined to fix this, she grabbed her jacket and keys, stormed out of the apartment, and sped to Saetbyeol’s workplace. Saet knew exactly what Mirae was about to do, but it didn’t matter anymore. She had stopped caring.
Mirae’s car screeched to a halt as she spotted him—San, sitting alone at the farthest picnic table, absentmindedly picking at his food, his gaze distant. Without a moment’s hesitation, Mirae marched over and slammed her fist down onto the table beside him.
“Choi San,” she said, her voice laced with fury, “you’ve got a lot of explaining to do. And it better be good.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” San said blankly, still staring ahead, his eyes distant and unfocused. They were puffy, though Mirae couldn’t tell whether it was from sleeplessness, staring at a screen for too long, or something deeper.
Mirae’s blood burned with anger, and without a second thought, she grabbed him by the front of his shirt, yanking him toward her. She forced him to look into her eyes, her gaze sharp and unyielding. For a moment, San just stared at her, taken aback—he’d never seen this normally gentle woman so enraged. But he had no idea why she was angry. What had he done?
He attempted to shake her off, but her grip only tightened, like a vice, unforgiving and relentless.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” Mirae hissed, her voice rising. “Saetbyeol! Or have you completely forgotten her? Your partner, your friend, the girl you claimed to care about—the horrible things you said to her that night!”
Confusion flashed across San’s face as Mirae’s words sank in. The mention of Saetbyeol seemed to stir something within him, like he was desperately trying to grasp onto a fading memory. His eyes slowly started to clear, the fog lifting as he fought to hold onto the past. Mirae could see the struggle in his gaze, a silent battle between recognition and confusion.
But before the moment could settle, a voice broke the tension.
“What do you think you’re doing?! Get off my boyfriend!”
Mirae snapped her head toward the sound of the voice, seeing the girl from the office—the one attached to San earlier—approaching. Her long blonde hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, her bangs swept to one side, barely concealing her left eye. She wore a short, skin-tight dress that seemed far too revealing for a chilly winter afternoon, with a fur jacket draped over her frame. The sound of her heels clicking against the pavement grew louder as she approached.
Without missing a beat, Mirae shot back, “This is none of your business!” But as she turned her attention back to San, she saw his eyes glaze over once more, the spark of recognition fading. What was happening to him? What power did this woman hold over him?
“It is my business when you’re harassing my boyfriend,” the girl retorted, her voice cold and sharp.
Mirae couldn’t deny that the girl before her was undeniably charming—but it was almost too much. Her voice was soft, like the gentle chime of bells, sending shivers through Mirae’s body and leaving goosebumps in its wake. Her eyes were large and round, exuding a warmth that contrasted sharply with the intensity in her gaze, a look that could make any man cower—including San.
“My name is Solmi,” she said, a quiet confidence lacing her words. “I’m San’s girlfriend, and I’m also his new partner here.”
Mirae’s patience was running thin. With a sharp exhale, she released San, turning fully toward Solmi. “I don’t care who you claim to be. I know exactly who you are. You can’t fool me, and you’ll never take Saetbyeol’s place.”
Solmi raised her chin, a scoffing smile spreading across her face. Her gaze hardened as she glared at Mirae. “I don’t care what you think. It’s not going to change anything. You and I both know that.” She paused before adding, “Oh, and by the way… I know exactly who you are too.”
Without another word, Solmi reached down, helping San to his feet. They both turned and walked toward the building, backs to Mirae.
“Damn siren,” Mirae muttered under her breath, the words sharp with frustration.
Without wasting another moment, she spun on her heels and headed back to her car. She wasn’t about to let that woman manipulate San, and she certainly wouldn’t let her best friend give up—no matter what.
-
Saetbyeol sat at her desk, her eyes fixed on the screen as her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard. She was documenting the latest findings in the ongoing investigation-the recent killings that continued to plague their city. Another attack had taken place a couple of nights ago. Saetbyeol had been woken in the middle of the night by a call from her boss. The scene was all too familiar: animal carcasses carefully arranged in a pile, the kill site disturbingly neat, and the livers of each animal missing.
Her mind drifted back to that night in the cave-the chilling atmosphere, the stench of death, the sharp pain from the cut on her ankle-and then, San. His face, his words, the cold distance he had put between them. Saetbyeol clenched her jaw, pushing the thoughts away. She had buried her emotions deep, refusing to let herself dwell on the past. She had to focus, had to keep moving forward. It wasn't easy, but with Mirae's encouragement, she managed to find a way to stay numb.
She wasn't ready to deal with any of it-not yet.
But then, a familiar laugh broke her concentration.
Saetbyeol glanced up, just enough to see through the corner of her eye. Across the room, San stood with his new partner, Solmi-the name Mirae had mentioned.
They were standing close to each other, engrossed in a conversation, laughing as if they shared an unspoken connection. Watching them, a knot tightened in Saetbyeol's chest. It was all anyone seemed to talk about lately-San and Solmi. And once again, she found herself on the sidelines, invisible, just a shadow in a room that used to be her place.
Her heart still ached, an all-consuming pain she couldn’t shake. She knew it would swallow her again when she returned home tonight, pulling her into the familiar misery. But she would never let it show. She couldn’t. Not that San would notice or care anymore. He had likely forgotten everything, including her.
After signing off from her computer, Saetbyeol made her way to the door, her resolve strong as she prepared to head back to the woods in search of more clues. She could feel eyes on her as she walked, but she didn’t dare look to see who it was. Stepping outside into the chilly air, the cold helped clear her mind and refocus her thoughts on the task at hand.
The site, once filled with reporters and officers, was now eerily quiet. The silence hung heavily in the air. A thick, damp fog lingered, making her hair cling to her face as she moved. She pulled her camera from her bag and began moving around the area, snapping pictures to examine later. As the sun sank lower in the sky, she finished her work, her notes scribbled on the notepad in her hand.
Turning to leave, she misstepped, her foot sinking into a hole that had been concealed by fresh snow. She cursed as she tumbled to the ground, her palms and ankle grazing against the sharp edges of the hidden earth. The sting of the scrape burned in her hands and leg, but she clenched her jaw, refusing to let the pain slow her down.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Not this again.”
Saetbyeol gritted her teeth as she slowly rose to her feet, wincing at the pain radiating through her ankle and palms. The cuts weren’t as bad as the first time, but they still stung. She wiped her hands on a clean spot of her pants, trying to shake off the discomfort. Hobbling to her car, she pushed herself to get back to the office and clean up.
She walked into the building, keeping her head down, determined to ignore the stares and muttered comments from the people around her. She knew she looked a mess, but it didn’t matter. Locking herself in the bathroom, Saetbyeol quickly removed the dirt and leaves from her hair, wiping away the grime from her clothes. As she examined her hands and ankle, she gritted her teeth against the pain. The bandages would have to do for now, even as fresh blood began to seep through.
When she was done, she took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom. Her body ached, but she pressed on. As she passed by Solmi and San, she felt their eyes on her. She couldn’t help but hear San’s soft gasp, and for a brief moment, she caught the movement in his direction, as if he might come over. But Solmi was right there, stopping him before he could take a step.
“Saet?” San’s voice barely reached her, but she didn’t turn around. Instead, she continued walking, focused on getting back to her desk. The last thing she wanted right now was to face him.
The sound of her name, coming from him after so long, made Saetbyeol’s heart race, but she didn’t allow herself to react. She sank into her chair, trying to block out the flutter of emotions that surged through her. Her injured ankle throbbed as she extended it, trying to ignore the sting in her palms as she carefully set her camera and notebook on the desk. It felt all too familiar, but different this time—San could smell the blood on her again.
She was hurt, again. The pain in her ankle was nothing compared to the knot tightening in her chest, but it was enough to grab his attention. Why did it pull at him like this? Why did he feel the urge to rush over to her and take care of her, despite the space between them? They weren’t close—he and Saetbyeol had worked side by side for years, never really connecting beyond their professional roles. He had a girlfriend, a life, a routine. So why did seeing her like this feel so…wrong?
San was lost, unable to make sense of the unease swirling inside him. His gaze was fixed on her as if some invisible force was drawing him in, the scent of her blood luring him further. Memories—strange and fleeting—rushed through him, like pieces of a puzzle he couldn’t quite assemble. Saetbyeol, laughing with him, sharing something he didn’t remember. The images felt like his, but they couldn’t be. Could they? The confusion was maddening, and it only made the veil around his thoughts thicker, more impenetrable.
His chest tightened with an ache he couldn’t explain, something he hadn’t noticed until now. He was missing something, but he didn’t know what. Why was he so desperate to remember? He had everything he needed—his career, his relationship with Solmi—but still, there was a pull, a tugging at his heart, something important slipping away. And now, in the midst of all of this, there was her, Saetbyeol. Who was she, really? And why did she haunt his thoughts so relentlessly?
Solmi gripped San’s face firmly, forcing him to face her. As their eyes locked, San felt the fog in his mind grow thicker, the memories he’d been struggling to grasp slipping further away. His heart screamed to remember, to hold on to something—anything—that made sense, but the pull of the present was too strong. Confusion, once so apparent, faded into the familiar, cocky smirk that had become his default.
“Babe, you okay? You had me worried there for a second,” Solmi said, her voice sugary sweet, pressing herself against him and gripping his arms in a show of concern.
San, still lost in the haze, instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist, glancing down at her with a practiced smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just got distracted for a moment. Don’t worry, you’re the only one for me.” The words slipped out easily, automatic, though a gnawing sense deep inside him hinted that they weren’t entirely true. It felt effortless to say, but something in his chest ached.
Solmi beamed up at him, her gaze triumphant, and for the briefest moment, San allowed himself to believe it was real. But beneath the surface, something tugged at him, a shadow of a memory he couldn’t quite reach, a sense of something lost that he couldn’t let go of.
As Saetbyeol entered her apartment, she felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. She carelessly dropped her things by the bed, her usual attention to order lost in the haze of exhaustion and pain. She had long since stopped caring about neatness; all that mattered was the throbbing in her ankle and the hollow ache in her chest. Slowly, she changed into her pajamas, her movements mechanical as she tried to shake off the day’s events.
When she made her way downstairs, Mirae was absorbed in a drama on the couch, unaware of Saetbyeol’s arrival. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of Saetbyeol’s slow, limping steps that Mirae looked up, her face immediately filled with concern. “What happened to you?” she asked, setting the remote down.
Mirae, having seen Saetcome back from more than one scrape, wasn’t shocked, but the sight of her friend in pain still tugged at her heart. Without missing a beat, she grabbed the first aid kit and sat beside Saetbyeol, carefully cleaning the cuts on her hands and ankle. As Mirae worked, Saetbyeol recounted the day’s events, from the fall in the hole to San’s odd behavior afterward. Her voice wavered with frustration and confusion as she spoke, the pain of it all still fresh.
Mirae listened intently, but something in her gaze shifted. After a long pause, as she gently held Saetbyeol’s hands in hers, a seriousness took over her expression that Saetbyeol rarely saw.
“This isn’t like him,” Mirae said quietly, her tone more somber than usual. “Something’s off. I think you’re not seeing the whole picture right now.”
“Saet, there’s something I need to tell you, and I need you to promise me that you’ll keep an open mind,” Mirae’s voice was shaky, a rare sign of vulnerability that Saetbyeol instantly picked up on. This wasn’t like Mirae—who was always so confident and in control. Whatever Mirae was about to say, it was serious.
Saetbyeol was confused, but she trusted Mirae completely. She nodded, trying to offer some reassurance, though her heart raced in anticipation of whatever Mirae was about to share. “I promise. What’s going on?”
Mirae took a deep breath, her eyes flicking to the floor for a moment before meeting Saetbyeol’s gaze once more. “Saet, everything you know about the world… it’s not what it seems. There’s so much more happening than you realize, more than anyone realizes.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of a secret long buried. “You’re starting to sense it, even if you don’t fully understand it yet. You, me, San, Solmi—we’re all connected in ways that you don’t even know. We’re not normal.”
Saetbyeol’s brow furrowed, her mind scrambling to piece this together. Mirae, too? What did that mean?
Mirae exhaled slowly, her voice steadying as she continued. “Saet, I’m the Samjokgu—the three-legged dog from our folklore. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.”
For a moment, Saetbyeol just stared at her, processing the words. Her breath caught in her throat, and her world seemed to tilt. “Wait… what?” she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper. Nothing in her life had ever prepared her for this moment.
Summary: Two unlikely companions join together to ride the rollercoaster known as: Life. With a yin and yang balance, they soon discover that there’s not only beauty in the beast, but beast in the beauty.
Saetbyeol sat outside the restaurant, tears streaming down her face. The quiet sound of her sniffles filled the air as she wiped at her cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt. Her face was flushed, her eyes red from the tears, and she tilted her head back, trying to hold herself together.
Why was she reacting like this? Why did seeing the two of them talking affect her so much? It wasn’t as if she and San were a couple. They were just friends—friends who could talk and share things in a way that made sense. Mirae, with her open and outgoing personality, was exactly the type of person San would connect with. It made sense, didn’t it? Besides, Saetbyeol hadn’t made any effort to talk to him either. She had kept her distance, building walls higher and higher around herself, pushing him away in ways she couldn’t even explain.
She didn’t hate either of them. No, the person she hated was herself. She hated that she had stood by, silent, letting things happen without saying a word. She hated that she’d let her own fear and stubbornness keep her from reaching out.
With her hood pulled up to hide her face, Saetbyeol lowered her head, letting her hair fall in front of her like a curtain. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape. But the tears kept coming, uncontrollable and messy, as she sat there, lost in the storm of emotions that had finally overwhelmed her.
-
Five hours earlier…
“San, why don’t we focus on how the corpses were disposed of?” Saetbyeol suggested, her voice sharp with a hint of impatience.
San looked up from his notepad, his eyes briefly meeting hers through the mess of his bangs. He made a mental note to get that haircut soon but quickly turned his attention back to the task at hand.
“Well, we could,” he said slowly, “but I think people would get bored with that. It’s not what they care about. They want to know who did this and why. The details of how the bodies were stacked just don’t have that same hook.”
Saetbyeol’s cheeks puffed slightly as her irritation simmered beneath the surface. She wasn’t sure when it started, but lately, his constant disagreements were wearing on her. It felt like he was challenging every idea she brought up, no matter how small, and it was beginning to feel personal.
She clenched her jaw, trying to keep her frustration in check. “I never said it had to be the main focus. But fine, we’ll put it somewhere in the middle,” she replied, her voice tinged with bitterness. She shrugged it off and turned her back to him, hoping he wouldn’t push further.
San cleared his throat, sensing her irritation. Straightening his posture, he softened his tone. “Okay, we can mention it briefly. But I really think we should stick with the main points. Focus on the bigger picture.”
Saetbyeol didn’t respond. Instead, she scribbled down notes by each paragraph, marking potential spots for their changes. The room fell into a quiet rhythm—the sound of her typing and the faint hum of music from her laptop speakers filling the silence between them.
San glanced over at her, noticing the tension in her posture. It was hard to ignore. The energy in the room had shifted, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He had sensed a change in her mood ever since he visited her house. The way she acted toward him had been different since then, more guarded, and he wasn’t sure why.
He bit his lip, trying to find the right words to ease the distance growing between them. He didn’t want to make her angry. He just wanted things to go back to how they used to be. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he wasn’t sure how to fix this.
Had he said something wrong? Did he do something to make her feel this way? San couldn’t stop questioning himself. Saetbyeol was known for being distant, but this—this felt different. There was something in the air, a shift in her demeanor that felt colder, more withdrawn.
He glanced at her again, noticing the way her brows furrowed as her fingers pressed against the bridge of her nose. She was clearly frustrated, more so than usual, and with every second that ticked by, San could feel her anger building. He wanted to reach out, to do something to make her feel better, but he didn’t know how. He couldn’t comfort her when he had no idea what was wrong.
Could it have been what he said earlier? When she pitched her idea for the article, had he dismissed it too quickly? He never meant to hurt her. He just wanted to focus on what would interest the readers, but maybe he’d come across as dismissive. He had always tried to understand what people wanted, what would make them engaged—he thought he knew, but maybe this time, he’d gotten it wrong.
As Saetbyeol abruptly stood and walked past him without a word, heading toward the bathroom, San’s chest tightened. She wouldn’t even look at him. His eyes flicked to her desk, and he saw the changes she had made to the article, her portion now aligned with his approach, as if she had given in to his suggestion.
It’s because of what I said, he realized, his stomach dropping.
He cursed himself quietly, slumping back in his chair. He groaned in frustration, burying his face in his hands. He never intended to make her feel this way. He needed to fix this. He had to make things right, but how? He didn’t know where to start.
San sat quietly, his mind still trying to figure out how to shift the focus of the article without completely undermining Saetbyeol’s idea. He glanced up when she returned, noticing the way she sank back into her chair with a quiet sigh. Her hair was damp at the tips, and her eyes looked slightly red and puffy. His stomach twisted, realizing that if he had caused her to cry, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.
He opened his mouth to speak, to apologize or explain himself, but before he could get the words out, a familiar voice called their names.
“Saet! San!”
Mirae’s cheerful squeal cut through the tension in the air as she pranced into the room, her usual energy a sharp contrast to the quiet atmosphere between Saetbyeol and San. She hopped onto the desk with ease, leaning over to get closer to San, her bright smile contagious.
“Who’s hungry? I found this amazing restaurant! You both should totally come with me!” she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Saetbyeol’s shoulders drooped as she glanced up at Mirae, clearly uninterested in the interruption. “Mirae, we’re still working. Can we—”
“No!” Mirae cut her off, her voice full of playful defiance. “You’re always working! I get that you want to solve this mystery, but you need a break.”
Saetbyeol was well aware of Mirae’s stubbornness. It was no use arguing. Once Mirae made up her mind, nothing would change it.
With a long sigh, Saetbyeol reluctantly turned off her computer and stood up. “Okay, okay, you win. Let’s go.”
San watched them, a small sense of relief settling in. As much as they needed to finish the article, maybe a break would help them reset—clear their minds and come back to the work with fresh eyes. It was probably just what they needed.
Mirae flashed a wide grin as she led the way out of the office, her bright energy lifting the mood slightly as the cool evening air hit them. The chill instantly made them shiver, and they pulled their coats tighter around themselves as they made their way to Mirae’s car. San followed Saetbyeol into the backseat, and as the engine roared to life, Mirae didn’t say a word. The car pulled away in silence.
The tension between Saetbyeol and San was palpable. Mirae couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with her best friend. She could tell that Saetbyeol was distant, but she wasn’t sure why. Deciding not to press her just yet, Mirae shrugged it off, instead focusing on the route to the restaurant.
Feeling the weight of the silence, San shifted in his seat, hoping to break the awkwardness. He turned to Mirae and started a conversation with her, asking about the restaurant or something lighthearted. Saetbyeol, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed outside the window. She seemed completely detached, staring at the blurred scenery with a vacant expression, her mind clearly far away from the conversation unfolding around her.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the trio stepped out of the car. San and Mirae walked ahead, their conversation flowing effortlessly, punctuated with laughter and lighthearted remarks. Saetbyeol trailed behind, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the pair. She couldn’t help but notice how easily they seemed to connect, their closeness stirring an uncomfortable feeling inside her. She let out a quiet huff, frustration bubbling as she followed at a slight distance. This was already shaping up to be a long night.
The hostess led them to their table, and Saetbyeol exhaled softly, running a hand through her hair as she prepared herself for what was sure to be an awkward evening. Mirae slid into the booth without hesitation, planting herself directly across from San. Saetbyeol hesitated briefly before sliding in beside him, ensuring there was a noticeable distance between them.
San caught the deliberate move and frowned. He wanted her closer—wanted to bridge the gap between them—but it was clear that whatever was bothering her ran deeper than their earlier disagreement about the article. For now, he let it go, though the tension between them lingered in the air.
After placing their orders, Mirae, ever the extrovert, decided it was the perfect moment to liven things up. She propped her elbows on the table and grinned at San. “Okay, San, let’s play a game of 21 Questions! I need to know everything about you.”
Saetbyeol remained quiet, her fingers toying with her water glass as she listened to Mirae’s playful interrogation. The game began with simple questions, but it quickly evolved into a lively back-and-forth filled with laughter. San seemed at ease, answering Mirae’s questions with humor and charm, drawing more giggles from her with every response.
Saetbyeol’s chest tightened as she watched the two interact, their easy chemistry making her feel more and more out of place. She wanted to join in, to laugh and talk like they did, but she didn’t know how to bridge the invisible wall she’d built around herself. Mirae was the only person she ever felt truly comfortable with, and now, seeing her best friend so effortlessly connect with San made Saetbyeol feel like an outsider.
The more they laughed, the harder it became to ignore the twinge in her chest. The twisting sensation in her stomach grew worse with every exchanged smile, every playful tease. She felt like she didn’t belong—like she was nothing more than a third wheel.
Mirae leaned in closer to San, resting her chin on her palm as she grinned. “You’re so organized, San—almost to the point of OCD. And you barely eat! Are you on some kind of special diet or something?”
Saetbyeol’s hand tightened around her glass as she stared down at the table, her reflection rippling in the water. She didn’t know why it bothered her so much, but the warmth between Mirae and San felt suffocating. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she tried to steady herself, pushing down the emotions threatening to rise. Tonight was going to be harder than she thought.
San cleared his throat, slightly caught off guard by Mirae’s questions and her sharp observation of his habits. Shifting in his seat, he replied, “I just like to keep things organized—it helps me think clearly. As for my diet, it’s not really strict. I just try to stay healthy and fit, so I watch what I eat. Plus, I usually have big lunches, so by dinner, I’m not that hungry.”
“That’s so impressive,” Mirae said, her tone full of admiration. “I could never do that. I mean, I try to stay healthy, but being that disciplined? No way.” Her words were sincere, her voice carrying an effortless cheer that filled the space. Just as she finished speaking, their meals arrived, interrupting the flow of conversation.
San’s gaze flicked toward Saetbyeol, who sat beside him in silence. Her chin rested in one hand, while the other listlessly moved her chopsticks through the food on her plate. She hadn’t taken a single bite. The distant look in her eyes and the faint crease between her brows told him she wasn’t present, not really. A frown crept onto his face.
He wanted to talk to her, to break through the barrier of silence that seemed to grow thicker by the second. But Mirae’s unrelenting energy left no room for anyone else to speak. Even so, he could tell Saetbyeol didn’t want Mirae speaking for her. The tension in her posture, the subtle way she avoided their eyes—it was clear. Yet her inability to initiate a conversation held her back, keeping her locked in silence.
Reluctantly, San turned his attention away from her, his chest tightening with frustration he couldn’t quite place. Lifting his glass, he took a sip of water, trying to refocus his thoughts. But something about Mirae tugged at the edges of his mind.
His brows knitted slightly as he studied her, her animated gestures and lively voice sparking a strange familiarity. There was something about her—her expressions, her tone, even the cadence of her laugh—that felt oddly recognizable. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was as if he’d met her before. Maybe it was a passing encounter or a brief interaction in the past, but the feeling lingered, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Sitting there in her presence, it was like déjà vu. Something about Mirae stirred a memory that refused to fully surface, leaving him uneasy yet curious all the same.
Biting his lip, San exhaled quietly, trying to shake off the nagging feeling of familiarity Mirae gave him. He was determined to figure out why she felt so recognizable, but for now, he was growing tired of the conversation, which had shifted into something resembling a mild interrogation. Perhaps Mirae was just naturally curious—or maybe she was asking on Saetbyeol’s behalf—but San did his best to remain composed, answering her questions with as much patience as he could muster.
Finally, he decided to address the thought that had been bothering him all evening. “Are you sure we haven’t met before, Mirae? There’s just something about you… talking to you feels oddly familiar, like I’ve done it before.”
Mirae’s eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing faintly. She cleared her throat, offering a small, nervous laugh. “I don’t think so. As far as I know, meeting you through Saet was the first time we’ve ever crossed paths.” She paused, then added with a sweet smile, “And this is the first time we’ve ever really spoken.”
San studied her for a moment, his gaze intense and thoughtful. “Maybe you’re right. I could just be imagining things,” he replied, shrugging lightly before taking a sip of his water. Still, his mind refused to let go of the idea. He turned the thought over and over, trying to piece together any memory that might explain why she seemed so familiar to him.
“Maybe I just have one of those personalities,” Mirae laughed, though there was an edge of awkwardness to her tone. She avoided his eyes, focusing instead on her water glass as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
The tension at the table grew heavier, and Saetbyeol couldn’t take it anymore. Her chest felt tight, and her patience was wearing thin. Silently, she placed her napkin on the table and rose from her seat, her movements sharp and deliberate. “Excuse me,” she said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion. Without waiting for a response, she stepped away from the booth and made her way toward the restroom—or so it seemed.
Once she was out of sight, Saetbyeol turned abruptly and headed straight for the restaurant’s exit. The moment she stepped outside, the crisp night air greeted her, biting at her skin and cutting through her frustration. She exhaled sharply, her breath visible in the cold as she tilted her head back, closing her eyes. The quiet and chill of the outdoors felt like a lifeline, a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere she’d left behind. Anything was better than sitting there, watching Mirae and San connect so effortlessly while she felt like an outsider in her own world.
They had been talking for what felt like an eternity, completely ignoring her presence. For the past thirty minutes, not once had they acknowledged her, let alone included her in the conversation. She sat there, seething with a mix of hurt and anger. How could her best friend treat her this way? And San—he had always made sure to include her, always made her feel seen. But tonight, it was as if she didn’t even exist. They were so engrossed in one another, so wrapped up in their own world, it made her stomach turn.
The laughter they shared cut through her, a constant reminder of her isolation. She glanced down at her phone, pretending to check a message, but her mind was far away, swirling with thoughts. How could she confront them about this? Was she overreacting? But deep down, she knew this wasn’t just some random moment. It was a pattern, one she had seen before. Her best friend had been drifting away, and now even San, someone who used to notice everything, seemed oblivious to her.
The sting of being forgotten cut deeper than she cared to admit, and the tears threatened to spill. She fought them back, refusing to let them see her vulnerability. Not tonight.
San couldn’t shake the unease building in his chest as he glanced repeatedly at the bathroom door. Saetbyeol’s sudden exit had thrown him off, but it was her cold silence toward Mirae that truly alarmed him. He was used to her pulling away from him, but from Mirae? That was something he hadn’t expected. He nervously chewed on his bottom lip, his mind racing, trying to make sense of it all.
Fifteen minutes had passed, and there was still no sign of her. San’s anxiety grew with every second. He knew something wasn’t right, and the longer she stayed away, the more his worry deepened.
“Should we go find her?” San suggested, his voice laced with concern. Mirae nodded, her worry matching his, and together they paid for their meals before setting out to search for Saetbyeol.
Mirae checked the bathroom first, but it was empty. The lack of answers left them both feeling uneasy. They exchanged a glance, and without another word, they rushed toward the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her outside.
Relief washed over them as they spotted Saetbyeol sitting on the curb. Her head was down, hair shielding her face from view, and she wiped away the last of her tears in silence.
“Saet! What are you doing out here?” Mirae asked, rushing over to kneel in front of her, concern etched across her face.
“Oh, I just wasn’t feeling well, so I stepped out for some fresh air,” Saetbyeol replied with a faint smile, hoping her face didn’t betray the fact that she’d been crying.
“Maybe we should head home. It’s getting pretty late,” Mirae suggested, gently helping Saetbyeol to her feet and linking their arms together for support. They turned toward San, but Saetbyeol couldn’t bring herself to look at him.
The sight of him standing there, so comfortable with Mirae, made her chest tighten. She didn’t want anyone to know how much it hurt to watch them talk and laugh like they had known each other for years, sharing jokes and a bond that felt so natural. It was everything she secretly longed for with him—the kind of connection where time seemed to stand still, where they could talk endlessly and laugh at each other’s dumb jokes.
But what hurt even more was the feeling that Mirae was taking that away from her, that her best friend was getting something from San that Saetbyeol could only dream of. She couldn’t even admit it to herself, let alone say it aloud, but the jealousy was suffocating.
Saetbyeol wished she could be closer to San, to share the easy camaraderie that Mirae seemed to have with him. But the words never came, and she kept the longing to herself, buried deep inside.
“I can walk you both home if you want. It’s not safe for girls to be out alone at this hour,” San offered, stepping in beside Saetbyeol, ready to support her if she needed it.
Mirae smiled gently and shook her head. “Thanks, but we’ll be fine. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”
“Alright then,” San said, giving them both a nod. “Stay safe, you two. Saetbyeol, I’ll see you tomorrow at work. I’m really glad we’re working together—it’s been great getting to know you a bit better.” He smiled at her, then turned to walk away, calling out a final good night before heading toward his own place to wrap up the day’s tasks.
As he left, Saetbyeol watched him go, her heart heavy. She wanted to say something, to reach out, but the words tangled in her throat. For now, all she could do was watch him walk away, wishing things were different.
Saetbyeol’s heart skipped at his words, even as she rolled her eyes. Despite the flutter of happiness they caused, she was still fuming from the events earlier that day, and her stubbornness made her mask the tiny smile that threatened to form. Mirae, ever observant, took Saetbyeol’s arm as they made their way down the street toward their apartment. The quiet evening was filled only with the distant barking of dogs and the hum of lively restaurants, where patrons came and went in a steady stream. The two walked side by side, their footsteps the only sound between them as they moved through the calm night.
As they turned the corner, a sudden unease washed over Mirae. A chill ran down her spine, and she felt every hair on her body stand on end. Her eyes quickly darted around, scanning the area. Her jaw tightened, and her brows knitted together—there was no one else around. Keeping her composure, she urged Saetbyeol to walk faster, her voice calm but her senses alert. Saetbyeol immediately picked up on the shift in her friend’s behavior, feeling a tension in the air. She complied, her own nerves kicking in as she became more conscious of their surroundings.
Trying to shake the unsettling feeling of being followed, the girls turned down a quiet, unfamiliar street. The air hung still for a moment, peaceful even, until the sharp sound of a throat clearing broke the silence. Both of them froze, their bodies locking in place as a wave of fear washed over them. In one swift motion, they spun around, eyes immediately drawn to the source of their dread: two large men, grins spread across their faces, looming over them.
Mirae instinctively positioned herself in front of Saetbyeol, her body tense and ready. She stared at the men with unwavering focus, her eyes darting between them, assessing every move they made. Her jaw was clenched tight, shoulders squared, and every muscle in her body was coiled in defense. She stood tall, unwavering, prepared to protect her friend at all costs.
“What brings two beautiful ladies out this way tonight?” the shorter, stockier man asked, his grin wide and insincere. He subtly signaled to his partner, and the two of them began to move closer, their steps deliberate and slow, closing the distance between them.
“That’s none of your business,” Mirae hissed, her tone icy. Her muscles tensed, and she instinctively stepped back, pulling Saetbyeol with her to create some distance. “I suggest you leave us alone.” Her voice was low but fierce, her eyes never leaving the men as she prepared to react.
“Oh, a tough one. I like a girl with some fire,” the taller man smirked, his gaze slowly trailing over Mirae’s body. He slid his tongue across his lower lip, and his friend began to rub his hands together, a sinister grin stretching across his face.
Mirae’s skin crawled at his words, a wave of nausea rising in her stomach, but she stood tall, refusing to let them have the satisfaction of seeing her falter. She wasn’t about to let them touch either of them. The men took another step forward, and the girls instinctively stepped back. Fury burned in Mirae’s chest, and she locked her eyes on them, her glare cold and unwavering. “Stay back,” she warned, her voice sharp with threat. “I’m not saying it again.”
It was clear these men weren’t taking her seriously, nor did they view her as a threat—but they had no idea what kind of danger they were stirring up.
Mirae gently pushed Saetbyeol back before charging forward, her fist aimed at the shorter man's cheek. But her strike was swiftly intercepted. Despite her strength, she was no match for the muscle of the men before her. With a sinister grin, the shorter man seized her fist, twisting it before tossing her aside like a ragdoll.
A sharp cry of pain escaped Mirae as she hit the ground, her body slamming against the rough pavement. Her hand landed on a broken beer bottle, its sharp shards slicing into her skin. Blood began to seep through her sleeve. Saetbyeol let out a frightened squeal, her heart sinking as she saw Mirae writhing in pain, the blood staining her sleeve.
Saetbyeol’s eyes flicked nervously to the two men, now fully focused on her. A wave of panic coursed through her, freezing her in place. She had no idea how to defend herself, especially against two towering, muscle-bound men. Step by step, she backed away, but the tears welling up in her eyes blurred her vision, making it hard to see. Her throat constricted, and though she wanted to scream, no sound came out. She had to escape, had to find help, but in that moment, her body felt like it had forgotten how to move, locked in a state of paralyzing fear.
“Run Saet!”
Snapping out of her trance, Saetbyeol stole a quick glance at Mirae before spinning around and running as fast as she could down the empty street. Her heart pounded in her chest, and though fear clouded her thoughts, she couldn’t stop. The men quickly followed in pursuit, their heavy footsteps growing louder behind her.
Meanwhile, Mirae, shaken but fueled by determination, pushed herself to her feet and charged toward the men. Taking advantage of their focus on Saetbyeol, she leapt onto the smaller man’s back, locking her arms tightly around his neck in a desperate attempt to choke him into unconsciousness.
The man’s huge hands shot up, grabbing her arms with crushing force. His grip was strong enough to leave bruises, but Mirae refused to release her hold. She had promised to protect Saetbyeol, and nothing would stop her now. With the surge of adrenaline, she tightened her grip even more, clinging to him as his resistance weakened, his hands slowly loosening around her arms. Mirae held on, driven by the need to keep her friend safe.
Saetbyeol kept running, her heart pounding as she searched desperately for any sign of help. Her eyes locked on a porch light ahead, and she pushed herself to go faster, but it wasn't enough. The man's large hand gripped her shoulder, yanking her back.
Her feet tangled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, her already-injured ankle buckling painfully beneath her. Panic flooded her as she looked up, eyes wide with fear. She knew she was in serious trouble— alone, disoriented, and with no idea where Mirae was or if she was okay. She opened her mouth to scream, but the man lunged forward, his hand quickly covering her lips.
Smirking down at her, he held her down as she tried to struggle free. Her palms scraped painfully against the rough concrete as she fought to pull away. With a hiss, he pulled his hand back, giving Saetbyeol the chance to run. But as soon as she tried to push herself up, a sharp pain shot through her ankle, sending her crashing back down to the ground. She was trapped.
The man laughed, a low, mocking sound, as he watched Saetbyeol try to back away. With slow, deliberate steps, he followed her, cracking his neck side to side and shoving his hands deep into his pockets.
When Saetbyeol’s back collided with the brick wall behind her, her heart dropped. She was trapped.
What could she do now? There was nowhere to run, nowhere to escape.
Panicked, Saetbyeol scanned her surroundings, her eyes landing on a broken bottle nearby. She reached for it, her hands shaking as she grabbed the jagged glass. It cut into her palm, but she gripped it tighter, the pain barely registering as her fear took over. She raised the bottle in front of her, the wound on her hand deepening with the force.
“Stay back,” she forced out, her voice trembling with fear.
The man merely stared at her, a cruel laugh escaping his lips. He knew she was no real threat—just a helpless target, and the bottle in her hand was nothing more than a pathetic defense.
With a sharp motion, he knocked the bottle from her hand, sending it crashing to the ground a few feet away. Defenseless now, Saetbyeol raised her arms instinctively to protect herself, but the man easily pinned her hands behind her back. His other hand reached up, trailing a finger along her cheek, before cupping her face with a slow, deliberate motion.
A wave of nausea hit her as bile rose in her throat-she felt like she might choke on the revulsion.
Leaning in closer, he pressed a wet, sloppy kiss to her cheek, his breath thick with the stench of liquor. His lips lingered near her ear as he whispered, "Such a pretty girl."
The man chuckled lowly, leaning in as he brought his lips closer to hers. Saetbyeol's heart raced, knowing what was about to happen. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the touch of his grimy, alcohol-soaked lips against hers. Her body squirmed under his hold, panic rising in her chest.
But it never came.
Instead, she felt a sudden tug, and the man was yanked away from her. His hand released her wrists as he scrambled to grab at whoever had pulled him back.
The figure who had intervened was smaller in stature than the man, but the sheer intensity of his presence sent a shiver down Saetbyeol's spine. She wiped her eyes, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. As the figure came into focus, her breath caught in her throat.
San. It was San.
He was the one saving her. But how had he found her?
In that moment, Saetbyeol had never felt more relieved to see him. Fear for him flickered in her chest-he looked so small compared to the man who had attacked her. But at that moment, size didn't matter.
With a sudden, powerful move, San threw the man to the ground like he weighed nothing. He grabbed the predator by the collar of his shirt, yanked him up, and without hesitation, pulled his arm back. His fist slammed into the man's face with a sickening crack, the sound of shattering bone filling the night air.
Saetbyeol's breath caught in her throat as she watched in disbelief, the scene unfolding like something out of a nightmare. San's face was consumed by fury, and each punch he delivered made her heart race with fear. Blood soaked his fist, splattering onto the ground with every blow. The look in his eyes was one of pure rage, and a chill ran down Saetbyeol's spine as she realized the grim truth: he wasn't just stopping him-he was going to kill him.
The man's body hung limp, but San didn't stop. He continued to strike him, each punch landing with brutal force, the sickening sound of crushed bone echoing with each blow. Saetbyeol's own scream mixed with the violence as she rushed forward, panicked and desperate.
"San, stop!" she cried, her voice barely above a whisper, fear overtaking her as she reached out to pull him away.
Ignoring the sharp pain in her ankle, Saetbyeol forced herself to her feet and hurried toward them. She threw her arms around San’s torso, clinging to him in an effort to pull him out of the storm of rage that had taken over him before he did something he couldn’t take back.
For a moment, he didn’t react, but then, gradually, she felt his body relax under her touch. He let go of the lifeless man, his body dropping to the ground with a heavy thud.
Time seemed to slow as Saetbyeol’s gaze fixed on his chest. The faint rise and fall of his shirt confirmed he was still alive. Sweat dripped down San’s face, and his breaths were ragged, his body still trembling with the aftershocks of the violence.
When he finally seemed to regain control, he turned swiftly, pulling Saetbyeol into his arms. His hold on her was so tight it felt like he never wanted to let go, as though he was trying to hold onto reality itself.
“Are you okay?” His voice was strained, full of concern, as he held her close, the intensity of the moment still hanging between them.
His voice trembled, filled with the fear he couldn’t shake off, as he tried to suppress the thoughts of what might have happened if he had arrived even a minute later. He cursed himself under his breath, teeth clenched tight. He should’ve insisted on walking them home. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but the thought of something worse happening to Saetbyeol was unbearable.
When he felt her small body begin to shake against his, he held her even tighter, silently trying to offer her some sense of safety. The weight of everything that had just happened hit her all at once, leaving her too stunned to speak.
Saetbyeol buried her face in his chest, drawing in his familiar scent, hoping it would calm her nerves. But even as the tears flowed freely, a new panic surged through her — Mirae. Where was Mirae?
Pulling back slightly, still gripping his waist, Saetbyeol began scanning the area frantically.
“Where’s Mirae?” she asked, her voice quivering with worry.
San met her gaze with a soft sigh of relief. “She’s fine. I ran into her when I was dealing with the other guy. She told me to find you.”
Relief washed over Saetbyeol as she heard that Mirae was safe. Her body, drained from the night’s events, gave way to exhaustion, and she slumped against San. She felt utterly spent, her strength gone, and she leaned into him for support.
Quickly, San scooped her up, pulling her close against him as she relaxed, her head resting on his shoulder. Saetbyeol closed her eyes, too tired to do anything but breathe deeply, and managed a weak, “Thank you,” before burying her face against his neck.
“I’m just glad I made it in time,” San replied softly, his voice filled with a hint of guilt. “I heard the commotion while I was on my run and went to see what was going on. I didn’t expect to find you, but the second I saw what was happening, I didn’t even think twice. I ran straight to you.”
She nodded faintly, her body feeling like lead against him, as he continued to walk down the street. San didn’t ask, didn’t give her a choice—he was already set on taking her back to his place. He wasn’t going to leave her alone after what she’d been through.
As they rounded a corner, Saetbyeol felt the comforting weight of his embrace. His apartment was just ahead, and with every step, Saetbyeol could feel herself slipping further into the safety of his presence. She didn’t want to be anywhere else.
Mirae stepped out from the shadow of a nearby alley, her eyes tracking San as he carried Saetbyeol down the street toward his apartment. A deep sense of relief washed over her, knowing her best friend was safe in his capable hands. Though she longed to be there with her, Mirae recognized it was better to keep her distance for now. She needed to calm herself first, to regain composure before seeing Saetbyeol again. The anger she had felt earlier had been overwhelming, threatening to consume her, but she knew she would do anything to protect her friend. Saetbyeol was worth every ounce of that intensity.
With a soft sigh, Mirae gave one last look at the two of them, a faint smile forming on her lips. “Thank you, San,” she whispered under her breath. “Take good care of her for me.” Then, quietly and with one final glance, she turned and slipped back into the darkness, heading to the small studio she kept for moments like this.
Inside his apartment, San gently laid Saetbyeol on the bed, careful not to disturb her peaceful state. He flicked on the light with his elbow, watching her face soften as she slept, completely exhausted. Her body had finally relaxed in the safety of his arms. He carefully removed her shoes, covered her with the blanket, and ensured she was comfortable.
After retrieving the first aid kit, San returned to her side, tending to her cuts with delicate care. He cleaned away every trace of dirt and gravel, bandaging her wounds with precision, making sure she would heal without any further complications. As he finished, he tucked her arms back under the covers and sat for a moment, gazing at her. Her peaceful face calmed him in a way he hadn’t expected.
Reaching out gently, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. As his hand moved, Saetbyeol instinctively leaned into his touch, pressing her face softly against his palm. A small smile tugged at the corner of San’s lips as he whispered, his voice low and affectionate, “What am I going to do with you?”
He lingered for a moment, stroking her hair one last time before rising to leave. He grabbed a pillow and a blanket from the closet, quietly making his way out of the room. As he glanced over his shoulder at Saetbyeol one final time, he couldn’t help but smile. The sight of her safe in his bed filled him with a sense of peace.
Turning off the light, he made his way to the couch, laying out the blanket and pillow with care. Once settled, he sank into the couch, the warmth of the blanket surrounding him. As sleep began to claim him, his thoughts drifted to Saetbyeol, still resting in the next room. The thought of her being safe brought a sense of contentment.
“Goodnight, Saet,” he whispered softly before closing his eyes, allowing himself to finally drift off into sleep.
Summary: Two unlikely companions join together to ride the rollercoaster known as: Life. With a yin and yang balance, they soon discover that there’s not only beauty in the beast, but beast in the beauty.“Are you sure I shouldn’t be the one driving?”
San’s voice wavered as he gripped the seat with his right hand, his foot instinctively pressing against an imaginary brake. His heart pounded in his chest—he had never been more terrified in his life.
“Shut up, San! I’m a great driver,” Saetbyeol snapped, her hands tightening around the steering wheel until her knuckles were stark white.
The car swerved slightly, and San’s breath caught in his throat. He glanced at her, eyes wide, then out the window, fighting the urge to scream. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
“Saetbyeol, seriously, maybe we should—”
“I said I’m fine!” She cut him off, her voice sharp but her gaze distant, as if trying to convince herself more than him. “We’ve got this, okay?”
San swallowed hard, his grip on the seat growing tighter. He knew she was stubborn, but that didn’t stop the fear from crawling up his spine. This wasn’t just reckless—it felt dangerous.
A week had passed since San and Saetbyeol were assigned as partners, and their progress on the article had been slower than expected. Frustrated, San suggested they check out the crime scene themselves, now that it had been cleared. Despite their differences, they had surprisingly become a decent team.
Ever since San had stepped in to help her with their coworker, Saetbyeol seemed to have let her guard down a little. She was more open around him now, though he could still sense there was much more beneath the surface. It only made him more determined to figure her out.
His thoughts were suddenly shattered by the burning sensation of hot liquid soaking into his jeans. He looked down in shock to see his thighs drenched in tea. Saetbyeol had hit a bump a little too hard, and his drink had spilled all over him.
“Shit!” San yelped, flailing his hands as if he could will the tea away. He blew at his lap in a futile attempt to cool the burning fabric, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Don’t you dare spill any on my car!” Saetbyeol snapped, shooting him a quick glare before glancing back at the seat to make sure none of the tea had leaked onto it.
San shot her a look. “I wouldn’t have spilled it if you actually knew how to drive! Keep your eyes on the road!” He muttered curses under his breath, using the napkins he’d grabbed to dab at his soaking jeans, his irritation growing by the second.
Since they’d started the drive to the cave, San had been nonstop with his driving advice—what she should do, what she shouldn’t. He could tell it was getting under her skin, but he was just trying to make sure they reached their destination in one piece. Given her driving, though, he wasn’t so sure that would happen.
“If you’d stop talking, I wouldn’t be so distracted,” Saetbyeol muttered, her tone clipped. “I’ve been driving for years. I know what I’m doing.”
San could feel her frustration. Without another word, she reached for the radio and slammed the power button, instantly flooding the car with calming melodies and mellow beats.
San’s eyes widened. He never would’ve pegged her for the low-fi type. It caught him off guard—she never failed to surprise him.
He watched her for a moment as she settled into the music, tapping her fingers lightly on the wheel and mouthing the lyrics, her expression softening. There was a spark in her eyes that he hadn’t seen before. It was like a new side of her had emerged.
Relaxing a little, San turned his attention to the rain-smeared window, watching the landscape blur by as they neared their destination, the car now filled with a quiet, unexpected peace.
When they arrived at the cave, Saetbyeol parked in almost the same spot as the first time they had visited. They both grabbed their notebooks and cameras before making their way to the entrance. San went ahead, taking in the vastness of the cave. It was easy to see why someone would choose this place as the stage for something so dark.
As he moved forward, he noticed Saetbyeol carefully picking her way across the rocky terrain behind him. The memory of the first time she came back from this place hit him hard—the way she limped past his desk, her ankle a bloody mess from cutting it on the sharp rocks. That injury had yet to fully heal. His eyes never left her, watching the slight limp still present in her walk, the fear rising in his chest that she might hurt herself again.
Unable to ignore his concern, he reached out his hand. “Let me help,” he said, his voice soft but insistent.
Saetbyeol paused for a moment, her gaze flicking between his hand and her own, before she finally placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her through the rocky path into the cave. There was no need for words—just a quiet agreement between them.
When they reached the crime scene, San couldn’t help but whistle. The pool of blood was still there, though the once gruesome pile of bodies had been removed. The scent of blood still hung in the air, thick and unsettling. He crouched down, scanning the area. “The bodies were moved right after the discovery,” he muttered. “But where did they go? No one knows.” The unanswered question made the atmosphere feel even heavier, the mystery growing deeper with every passing second.
“I have to admit, I kind of admire the creature who did this,” San said, pausing to cross his arms over his chest. “There’s blood, but not nearly as much as I expected. No splatters on the walls or the surrounding area. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing—no unnecessary mess.”
Unlike Saetbyeol, San was completely unfazed by the smell of the dried blood as he began scanning the area again, his eyes taking in every corner and crevice. Saetbyeol stood still in the middle of the cave, her mouth slightly open, stunned by his words.
“How can you admire someone for this?” she asked, disbelief in her voice. “They might have been just animals, but who could do something like this? What if next time it’s a person?”
“Maybe they were just hungry?” San shrugged, casting a glance back at her as if the idea didn’t bother him at all.
“For animal livers?” she retorted, meeting his gaze. There was a playful look on his face, but something in his eyes made her uneasy. It was unsettling, yet strangely captivating. “Have you ever tried liver? It’s actually pretty tasty—don’t knock it ‘til you try it.”
Saetbyeol caught herself staring at him, her eyes lingering a moment too long. Realizing how intense it must have seemed, she quickly looked away. “Well, no, but I don’t exactly have any desire to try it. And why do you keep assuming the killer is a man? It could very well be a woman.”
San, a little flustered, brushed dirt off the nearby wall as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “Why are you assuming I think it’s a male?”
Saetbyeol stared at him, confusion written all over her face. “You literally just referred to it as ‘he’—what are you talking about?”
“When I picture the creature,” San interrupted, as if the explanation was obvious, “I imagine something like… a half-man, half-animal. You know? With flowing hair, ripped muscles. Very strong, very intimidating. Definitely strikingly handsome. Probably pretty terrifying, but also… just totally jacked and out of this world.”
Saetbyeol blinked, her mind reeling. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be disturbed by the vivid image he’d painted. Either way, it was clear San’s imagination was just as intense as everything else about him.
Saetbyeol stood in stunned silence, her gaze fixed on the smirking San. She gestured toward the blood spatter on the ground, her voice laced with confusion. “Are… are you trying to romanticize the culprit, San?”
San shrugged casually, his hair falling slightly into his eyes as he looked at her. “Not exactly. I’m just saying, it’s possible.”
She raised an eyebrow, still struggling to grasp whether he was joking or serious. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing as she shook her head. “You’ve been watching way too many sci-fi shows and reading too many manhwa.”
San chuckled and pulled out his notebook and camera. “Come on, let’s finish up and head back to the office. I’m getting hungry.”
Rolling her eyes, Saetbyeol mirrored his actions, pulling out her own equipment. They moved through the cave, staying close but never out of each other’s sight. Once satisfied with their work, they stepped out of the warm cave and into the cool, crisp fall air.
Back in the car, San began browsing his phone for nearby restaurants. “How about this place?” he asked, holding it up for her to see.
Saetbyeol leaned over to take a look, her finger tracing the menu on the screen. San, a little taken aback by the closeness, tensed up, aware of how near she was. The scent of her strawberry shampoo mixed with the earthy remnants of the cave that lingered on her clothes filled his senses, an oddly sweet yet musky fragrance that made him feel strangely aware of her presence.
“Alright, we can go there,” Saetbyeol said, leaning back into her seat, oblivious to the tension. She started the car, entering the bistro’s address into the GPS and then carefully backed out of the spot.
-
After their meal, the pair returned to the office and settled at Saetbyeol’s desk, sorting through their notes and combining bits and pieces of the half-finished article. They also uploaded the pictures they had taken to her hard drive. San couldn’t help but glance at her every now and then, noticing the way she chewed on her lower lip when she was deep in thought or tapped her pencil on the desk when she was frustrated. Every little habit of hers seemed to draw his attention, and he found himself admiring them more than he cared to admit.
“Can you stop tapping your finger on the desk? It’s distracting,” San said, his tone flat.
Saetbyeol shot him a quick glare. “No one asked you to stay here. This is my desk. You can easily go back to yours if it’s such a bother.”
San chuckled, but his eyes flicked over to their coworkers, who were glancing at them curiously. Saetbyeol noticed and immediately looked away, focusing on her computer screen. Her hair fell over her face, hiding her from both her colleagues and, surprisingly, from San as well. A strange pang of frustration tugged at San as he watched her withdraw. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he felt the distance growing.
With a resigned sigh, San closed his computer loudly, the sound breaking the tension in the air. Saetbyeol looked up at him, raising an eyebrow.
“I think we’ve made good progress today,” he said, smiling. “Let’s wrap it up and grab something to eat. My stomach’s practically screaming at me.”
Saetbyeol furrowed her brows. “We just ate like half an hour ago.”
San shrugged, grinning playfully. “What can I say? I’m your average guy. And the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
He grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and returned to Saetbyeol’s side, walking with an exaggerated sense of obedience, as though he were her dog. Saetbyeol rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips as she powered down her computer and stood.
“I don’t even know what you mean by that, but fine. Let’s go before you start eating raw liver.”
As they headed toward the door, Saetbyeol felt her cheeks warm, her mind flashing back to his earlier comments about liver in the cave. She couldn’t shake the feeling that his words had some sort of hidden meaning, and it made her uncomfortable in a way she didn’t fully understand.
Just as they reached the exit, San collided gently with her, startled by her sudden halt.
“What’s going on?” San asked, noticing Saetbyeol staring at someone ahead.
He followed her gaze and saw a petite woman with blonde hair, her locks swaying slightly in the breeze. When the woman caught sight of them, she smiled widely, waving energetically. As she jogged toward them, San’s eyes widened in recognition—it was the same girl he had seen walking with Saetbyeol one night after work.
“Mirae, you’re a bit early?” Saetbyeol said, surprised, as her best friend reached them.
“I know, but I finished early and thought I’d see if you wanted to grab a bite,” Mirae replied. She glanced over at San, her smile widening as she extended her hand toward him. “Hi, I’m Mirae—Saet’s best friend, roommate, and practically family. It’s nice to meet you.”
San took her hand, giving it a firm shake. “Nice to meet you, too. I’m San—Saetbyeol’s coworker and work partner.” He smiled softly, hoping to make a good first impression.
Saetbyeol gave Mirae an apologetic look. “San and I were actually just about to head out to eat.”
Mirae grinned. “Well, why doesn’t she just join us? We were about to eat anyway, so what’s one more?”
San glanced between the two women, his mind racing. This was a good opportunity to spend more time with Saetbyeol and maybe learn more about her. “Yeah, why not? Let’s make it a group thing.”
“If it’s no trouble, I’d love to join,” Mirae said, clasping her hands together in excitement.
Saetbyeol smiled and shrugged. “Alright, then. It’s settled—let’s go eat!”
San led the way into the bistro, listening to Saetbyeol and Mirae chatting behind him. They were discussing Mirae’s workday and, to his surprise, Saetbyeol spoke about him in a way that almost sounded… positive.
“He’s pretty cool,” Saetbyeol said with a shrug. “Kind of annoying, but a good partner.”
San grinned at her words, feeling oddly pleased, though he tried to mask it. He pushed open the door to the bistro and ushered the two women inside. Mirae smiled brightly as she walked past him, her eyes glinting with playful intent. “Wow, what a gentleman,” she teased.
Saetbyeol groaned, rolling her eyes. She followed Mirae into the restaurant, with San closing the door behind them. As they stepped inside, the warm air embraced them, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the comforting ambiance of the bistro. The trio chose a table by the window, where they began to browse the menu.
After placing their orders, Mirae and Saetbyeol slipped into an animated conversation, leaving San to sip his latte in quiet observation. He couldn’t help but notice how Saetbyeol’s expression softened when she talked to Mirae, her eyes lighting up with laughter as she playfully smacked her friend’s arm. It was a side of her he rarely saw, and it made him smile without even realizing it. He found himself wishing he could see this version of her more often—the one who wasn’t guarded, the one who let her true feelings show.
Caught staring, Saetbyeol’s demeanor quickly shifted back to its usual coolness. “What are you staring at?” she asked, her voice sharp.
San blinked, snapping out of his trance. He grinned nonchalantly, as if nothing had changed. “Oh, nothing. Just finding new material to tease you about.”
“Excuse me? Tease me?” Saetbyeol started to protest, but she was interrupted by the waiter bringing their food to the table.
After the waiter set their plates down, he flashed an overly sweet smile at Saetbyeol and Mirae, lingering just a little too long before asking if they needed anything. San couldn’t help but notice the way his attention seemed to linger on the two women, which made a spark of irritation flare in his chest. He bit his tongue, focusing back on his meal as the trio began eating.
Every so often, San would glance up from his plate, watching Saetbyeol as she ate. To his surprise, she wasn’t the dainty, careful eater he expected. Instead, she dug in without a care, taking big, unapologetic bites. Food occasionally smudged the corner of her mouth, but she was completely unaware, too engrossed in her meal.
“You know, you’re a pretty noisy, messy eater,” San remarked, his gaze still on his food, voice casual but teasing.
Saetbyeol’s eyes shot up, fury evident in her expression. “Oh, really?” she snapped, ready to retaliate. She reached for one of the rolls between them, raising it high, clearly intending to throw it at him. But before she could let it fly, Mirae reached out and gently grabbed her wrist, stopping the imminent bread-throwing incident.
San gave Mirae an appreciative look but then turned his attention back to Saetbyeol, who was glaring at him as if she could melt him with her stare. It was moments like these that made San want to push just a little further. But instead of fueling her anger, he reached across the table and, without a word, wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb, then casually returned to his meal.
Saetbyeol froze, the heat of embarrassment rushing to her cheeks. She huffed, her face reddening, but quickly placed the roll back on the plate, as if to ignore the moment. She continued eating, her irritation growing as she pushed through, eager to finish and get back to the office—away from San and his teasing.
Once she finished, Saetbyeol set her fork down with a sigh. “I’m going to step outside for a bit,” she muttered, needing a break from San’s constant jabs. She rose from the table and walked out the door, hoping some fresh air would help her calm down.
As San and Mirae wrapped up their meals, they paid for the bill and made their way outside. Saetbyeol, lost in thought, sat on a nearby bench, absentmindedly kicking at a few fallen leaves and twigs. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice them approaching.
Mirae, ever the one to bring Saetbyeol back to the moment, gently touched her shoulder, breaking her out of her daydream. “It’s time to go home. San, would you like to join us? Saetbyeol, didn’t you say you had something for the article in your room you wanted to give to him?”
Saetbyeol’s eyes widened, startled, before she shot Mirae a look of disbelief and then turned to San with a mix of annoyance and surprise. She knew exactly what her friend was trying to do, and she wasn’t having it.
“Well, technically, yes,” Saetbyeol began, clearly trying to brush it off. “But Mirae, I’m sure he just wants to go home. It’s been a long day. I can bring it to the office tomorrow.”
San’s response came quickly, and far too eagerly. “I’d love to.”
Saetbyeol shot him a pointed glare—another one to add to the growing list. They seemed to be developing a routine of exchanging looks, though she could tell he was enjoying it far more than she was.
With a friendly smile directed at both women, San gestured for them to lead the way. Mirae, always the cheerful one, linked her arm with Saetbyeol’s and coaxed her forward, not giving her a chance to object.
As they walked, San kept a comfortable distance but remained close enough to be alert, always keeping an eye on both women. He wasn’t sure why, but something about the situation made him extra vigilant, his protective instincts never quite fading.
After a few minutes, they arrived at a charming little brick house. Mirae opened the door and gestured for San to follow them inside. “It’s small, but make yourself comfortable.”
San glanced around, clearly impressed. “This is a lovely place you both have.”
The interior was exactly what he hadn’t expected—feminine but not overly delicate. The space had a warm, inviting feel with small plants scattered across shelves and countertops. Thin white curtains fluttered gently in the breeze from a ceiling fan, creating a peaceful atmosphere. A cozy sofa rested against one wall, with a TV neatly placed on a stand nearby. Across from the living area, a dining table sat beside the only kitchen window, two chairs pulled in close. Through the glass, San noticed a neat backyard with a vibrant garden, colorful flowers blooming in the sunlight.
Mirae gave a cheerful grin, glancing at him. “Feel free to make yourself at home. Saet’s room is that way,” she said, motioning down the hall.
Saetbyeol, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance, spoke up, her tone sharper than before. “Follow me,” she said, before turning briskly and leading the way, her frustration clear in her footsteps.
Following her up the small flight of stairs, San noticed a room decorated in a rather dark manner towards the end of the hallway. Midnight blue colored blackout curtains made the room look similar to the cave they had visited earlier that day. Various violet and grey toned abstract paintings scattered across the walls as blacklight string lights draped themselves over the curtain rods. Small creepy dolls occupied shelves nailed into the walls as a larger one sat motionlessly in a polished rocking chair nestled towards the corner of the room. A decent-sized, rope twined bookshelf holding horror mangas sat next to a charcoal grey vanity as a black canopy hung over a matching bed set; tall, iron rods holding melted candles decorating either side.
That must be Saetbyeol’s room, San thought to himself.
Just before they entered the dark room, Saetbyeol made a quick right into another bedroom. Confusion washed over San as soon as he entered.
The navy blue blackout curtains hung over the windows, but this room, unlike the other one, felt inviting and bright. Soft fairy lights twinkled along the curtain rods, creating a warm, cozy glow. The walls were a soft beige, decorated with cream-colored wall decals—images and uplifting quotes that stood in stark contrast to the dark, abstract art of the other room. In the far corner, a curved bookshelf was filled with books and framed pictures of Saetbyeol and Mirae, capturing moments of laughter and memories.
The queen-sized bed was a burst of color, buried beneath an assortment of plushies and pillows in every shape imaginable. The cream-colored faux fur comforter peeked out from beneath the pile of stuffed animals. A navy blue wooden bench sat at the foot of the bed, with a small beige throw blanket draped casually over it. A TV was mounted on the wall directly across, and beneath it, a three-drawer dresser stood, decorated with a line of tiny potted succulents that added a lively touch to the room.
San blinked in surprise, his mouth falling open as he took it all in. This was Saetbyeol’s room? The one he had assumed to be cold and distant was clearly full of warmth and personality. He had completely misjudged her, and it was a realization that left him momentarily stunned.
Saetbyeol, unfazed by his reaction, walked over to a medium-sized desk nestled in the corner of the room. She opened the top drawer and retrieved a small flash drive. Walking over to him, she placed it in his hand with a brief touch.
“This is important for our article,” she said, her tone serious. “Don’t lose it.”
San quickly regained his composure, his fingers tightening around the flash drive before tucking it securely into his pocket. She had trusted him with it—he couldn’t afford to lose it. He gave a small nod to himself, then followed her out of the room.
As they approached the front door, Mirae called out from the kitchen with a teasing tone, “Don’t be a stranger!”
Saetbyeol rolled her eyes but smiled, shaking her head as she opened the door for San. “We made good progress today. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
San grinned, nodding in agreement. “We sure did. See you bright and early.”
As he stepped onto the street, he glanced back, seeing Saetbyeol still standing in the doorway, watching him as he walked away. She gave a small wave. San smiled, waving back. But in his distraction, his foot caught on a dip in the pavement, sending him stumbling forward and landing on his hands with a loud thud.
“Are you okay?” Saetbyeol’s voice called out, concerned.
Face turning crimson, San scrambled to his feet, trying to play it off. He ran a hand through his hair, acting nonchalant. “Of course! I didn’t trip, if that’s what you’re thinking!”
With that, he shot her a playful wink and finger guns before spinning on his heel and walking away, trying to recover his dignity. As his figure disappeared from her view, Saetbyeol blinked, then let out a soft, resigned sigh. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“What an idiot,” she muttered, though there was no hiding the fondness in her tone.
Summary: Two unlikely companions join together to ride the rollercoaster known as: Life. With a yin and yang balance, they soon discover that there’s not only beauty in the beast, but beast in the beauty.
Saetbyeol sat outside the restaurant, tears streaming down her face. The quiet sound of her sniffles filled the air as she wiped at her cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt. Her face was flushed, her eyes red from the tears, and she tilted her head back, trying to hold herself together.
Why was she reacting like this? Why did seeing the two of them talking affect her so much? It wasn’t as if she and San were a couple. They were just friends—friends who could talk and share things in a way that made sense. Mirae, with her open and outgoing personality, was exactly the type of person San would connect with. It made sense, didn’t it? Besides, Saetbyeol hadn’t made any effort to talk to him either. She had kept her distance, building walls higher and higher around herself, pushing him away in ways she couldn’t even explain.
She didn’t hate either of them. No, the person she hated was herself. She hated that she had stood by, silent, letting things happen without saying a word. She hated that she’d let her own fear and stubbornness keep her from reaching out.
With her hood pulled up to hide her face, Saetbyeol lowered her head, letting her hair fall in front of her like a curtain. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape. But the tears kept coming, uncontrollable and messy, as she sat there, lost in the storm of emotions that had finally overwhelmed her.
-
Five hours earlier…
“San, why don’t we focus on how the corpses were disposed of?” Saetbyeol suggested, her voice sharp with a hint of impatience.
San looked up from his notepad, his eyes briefly meeting hers through the mess of his bangs. He made a mental note to get that haircut soon but quickly turned his attention back to the task at hand.
“Well, we could,” he said slowly, “but I think people would get bored with that. It’s not what they care about. They want to know who did this and why. The details of how the bodies were stacked just don’t have that same hook.”
Saetbyeol’s cheeks puffed slightly as her irritation simmered beneath the surface. She wasn’t sure when it started, but lately, his constant disagreements were wearing on her. It felt like he was challenging every idea she brought up, no matter how small, and it was beginning to feel personal.
She clenched her jaw, trying to keep her frustration in check. “I never said it had to be the main focus. But fine, we’ll put it somewhere in the middle,” she replied, her voice tinged with bitterness. She shrugged it off and turned her back to him, hoping he wouldn’t push further.
San cleared his throat, sensing her irritation. Straightening his posture, he softened his tone. “Okay, we can mention it briefly. But I really think we should stick with the main points. Focus on the bigger picture.”
Saetbyeol didn’t respond. Instead, she scribbled down notes by each paragraph, marking potential spots for their changes. The room fell into a quiet rhythm—the sound of her typing and the faint hum of music from her laptop speakers filling the silence between them.
San glanced over at her, noticing the tension in her posture. It was hard to ignore. The energy in the room had shifted, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He had sensed a change in her mood ever since he visited her house. The way she acted toward him had been different since then, more guarded, and he wasn’t sure why.
He bit his lip, trying to find the right words to ease the distance growing between them. He didn’t want to make her angry. He just wanted things to go back to how they used to be. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he wasn’t sure how to fix this.
Had he said something wrong? Did he do something to make her feel this way? San couldn’t stop questioning himself. Saetbyeol was known for being distant, but this—this felt different. There was something in the air, a shift in her demeanor that felt colder, more withdrawn.
He glanced at her again, noticing the way her brows furrowed as her fingers pressed against the bridge of her nose. She was clearly frustrated, more so than usual, and with every second that ticked by, San could feel her anger building. He wanted to reach out, to do something to make her feel better, but he didn’t know how. He couldn’t comfort her when he had no idea what was wrong.
Could it have been what he said earlier? When she pitched her idea for the article, had he dismissed it too quickly? He never meant to hurt her. He just wanted to focus on what would interest the readers, but maybe he’d come across as dismissive. He had always tried to understand what people wanted, what would make them engaged—he thought he knew, but maybe this time, he’d gotten it wrong.
As Saetbyeol abruptly stood and walked past him without a word, heading toward the bathroom, San’s chest tightened. She wouldn’t even look at him. His eyes flicked to her desk, and he saw the changes she had made to the article, her portion now aligned with his approach, as if she had given in to his suggestion.
It’s because of what I said, he realized, his stomach dropping.
He cursed himself quietly, slumping back in his chair. He groaned in frustration, burying his face in his hands. He never intended to make her feel this way. He needed to fix this. He had to make things right, but how? He didn’t know where to start.
San sat quietly, his mind still trying to figure out how to shift the focus of the article without completely undermining Saetbyeol’s idea. He glanced up when she returned, noticing the way she sank back into her chair with a quiet sigh. Her hair was damp at the tips, and her eyes looked slightly red and puffy. His stomach twisted, realizing that if he had caused her to cry, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.
He opened his mouth to speak, to apologize or explain himself, but before he could get the words out, a familiar voice called their names.
“Saet! San!”
Mirae’s cheerful squeal cut through the tension in the air as she pranced into the room, her usual energy a sharp contrast to the quiet atmosphere between Saetbyeol and San. She hopped onto the desk with ease, leaning over to get closer to San, her bright smile contagious.
“Who’s hungry? I found this amazing restaurant! You both should totally come with me!” she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Saetbyeol’s shoulders drooped as she glanced up at Mirae, clearly uninterested in the interruption. “Mirae, we’re still working. Can we—”
“No!” Mirae cut her off, her voice full of playful defiance. “You’re always working! I get that you want to solve this mystery, but you need a break.”
Saetbyeol was well aware of Mirae’s stubbornness. It was no use arguing. Once Mirae made up her mind, nothing would change it.
With a long sigh, Saetbyeol reluctantly turned off her computer and stood up. “Okay, okay, you win. Let’s go.”
San watched them, a small sense of relief settling in. As much as they needed to finish the article, maybe a break would help them reset—clear their minds and come back to the work with fresh eyes. It was probably just what they needed.
Mirae flashed a wide grin as she led the way out of the office, her bright energy lifting the mood slightly as the cool evening air hit them. The chill instantly made them shiver, and they pulled their coats tighter around themselves as they made their way to Mirae’s car. San followed Saetbyeol into the backseat, and as the engine roared to life, Mirae didn’t say a word. The car pulled away in silence.
The tension between Saetbyeol and San was palpable. Mirae couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with her best friend. She could tell that Saetbyeol was distant, but she wasn’t sure why. Deciding not to press her just yet, Mirae shrugged it off, instead focusing on the route to the restaurant.
Feeling the weight of the silence, San shifted in his seat, hoping to break the awkwardness. He turned to Mirae and started a conversation with her, asking about the restaurant or something lighthearted. Saetbyeol, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed outside the window. She seemed completely detached, staring at the blurred scenery with a vacant expression, her mind clearly far away from the conversation unfolding around her.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the trio stepped out of the car. San and Mirae walked ahead, their conversation flowing effortlessly, punctuated with laughter and lighthearted remarks. Saetbyeol trailed behind, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the pair. She couldn’t help but notice how easily they seemed to connect, their closeness stirring an uncomfortable feeling inside her. She let out a quiet huff, frustration bubbling as she followed at a slight distance. This was already shaping up to be a long night.
The hostess led them to their table, and Saetbyeol exhaled softly, running a hand through her hair as she prepared herself for what was sure to be an awkward evening. Mirae slid into the booth without hesitation, planting herself directly across from San. Saetbyeol hesitated briefly before sliding in beside him, ensuring there was a noticeable distance between them.
San caught the deliberate move and frowned. He wanted her closer—wanted to bridge the gap between them—but it was clear that whatever was bothering her ran deeper than their earlier disagreement about the article. For now, he let it go, though the tension between them lingered in the air.
After placing their orders, Mirae, ever the extrovert, decided it was the perfect moment to liven things up. She propped her elbows on the table and grinned at San. “Okay, San, let’s play a game of 21 Questions! I need to know everything about you.”
Saetbyeol remained quiet, her fingers toying with her water glass as she listened to Mirae’s playful interrogation. The game began with simple questions, but it quickly evolved into a lively back-and-forth filled with laughter. San seemed at ease, answering Mirae’s questions with humor and charm, drawing more giggles from her with every response.
Saetbyeol’s chest tightened as she watched the two interact, their easy chemistry making her feel more and more out of place. She wanted to join in, to laugh and talk like they did, but she didn’t know how to bridge the invisible wall she’d built around herself. Mirae was the only person she ever felt truly comfortable with, and now, seeing her best friend so effortlessly connect with San made Saetbyeol feel like an outsider.
The more they laughed, the harder it became to ignore the twinge in her chest. The twisting sensation in her stomach grew worse with every exchanged smile, every playful tease. She felt like she didn’t belong—like she was nothing more than a third wheel.
Mirae leaned in closer to San, resting her chin on her palm as she grinned. “You’re so organized, San—almost to the point of OCD. And you barely eat! Are you on some kind of special diet or something?”
Saetbyeol’s hand tightened around her glass as she stared down at the table, her reflection rippling in the water. She didn’t know why it bothered her so much, but the warmth between Mirae and San felt suffocating. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she tried to steady herself, pushing down the emotions threatening to rise. Tonight was going to be harder than she thought.
San cleared his throat, slightly caught off guard by Mirae’s questions and her sharp observation of his habits. Shifting in his seat, he replied, “I just like to keep things organized—it helps me think clearly. As for my diet, it’s not really strict. I just try to stay healthy and fit, so I watch what I eat. Plus, I usually have big lunches, so by dinner, I’m not that hungry.”
“That’s so impressive,” Mirae said, her tone full of admiration. “I could never do that. I mean, I try to stay healthy, but being that disciplined? No way.” Her words were sincere, her voice carrying an effortless cheer that filled the space. Just as she finished speaking, their meals arrived, interrupting the flow of conversation.
San’s gaze flicked toward Saetbyeol, who sat beside him in silence. Her chin rested in one hand, while the other listlessly moved her chopsticks through the food on her plate. She hadn’t taken a single bite. The distant look in her eyes and the faint crease between her brows told him she wasn’t present, not really. A frown crept onto his face.
He wanted to talk to her, to break through the barrier of silence that seemed to grow thicker by the second. But Mirae’s unrelenting energy left no room for anyone else to speak. Even so, he could tell Saetbyeol didn’t want Mirae speaking for her. The tension in her posture, the subtle way she avoided their eyes—it was clear. Yet her inability to initiate a conversation held her back, keeping her locked in silence.
Reluctantly, San turned his attention away from her, his chest tightening with frustration he couldn’t quite place. Lifting his glass, he took a sip of water, trying to refocus his thoughts. But something about Mirae tugged at the edges of his mind.
His brows knitted slightly as he studied her, her animated gestures and lively voice sparking a strange familiarity. There was something about her—her expressions, her tone, even the cadence of her laugh—that felt oddly recognizable. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was as if he’d met her before. Maybe it was a passing encounter or a brief interaction in the past, but the feeling lingered, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Sitting there in her presence, it was like déjà vu. Something about Mirae stirred a memory that refused to fully surface, leaving him uneasy yet curious all the same.
Biting his lip, San exhaled quietly, trying to shake off the nagging feeling of familiarity Mirae gave him. He was determined to figure out why she felt so recognizable, but for now, he was growing tired of the conversation, which had shifted into something resembling a mild interrogation. Perhaps Mirae was just naturally curious—or maybe she was asking on Saetbyeol’s behalf—but San did his best to remain composed, answering her questions with as much patience as he could muster.
Finally, he decided to address the thought that had been bothering him all evening. “Are you sure we haven’t met before, Mirae? There’s just something about you… talking to you feels oddly familiar, like I’ve done it before.”
Mirae’s eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing faintly. She cleared her throat, offering a small, nervous laugh. “I don’t think so. As far as I know, meeting you through Saet was the first time we’ve ever crossed paths.” She paused, then added with a sweet smile, “And this is the first time we’ve ever really spoken.”
San studied her for a moment, his gaze intense and thoughtful. “Maybe you’re right. I could just be imagining things,” he replied, shrugging lightly before taking a sip of his water. Still, his mind refused to let go of the idea. He turned the thought over and over, trying to piece together any memory that might explain why she seemed so familiar to him.
“Maybe I just have one of those personalities,” Mirae laughed, though there was an edge of awkwardness to her tone. She avoided his eyes, focusing instead on her water glass as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
The tension at the table grew heavier, and Saetbyeol couldn’t take it anymore. Her chest felt tight, and her patience was wearing thin. Silently, she placed her napkin on the table and rose from her seat, her movements sharp and deliberate. “Excuse me,” she said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion. Without waiting for a response, she stepped away from the booth and made her way toward the restroom—or so it seemed.
Once she was out of sight, Saetbyeol turned abruptly and headed straight for the restaurant’s exit. The moment she stepped outside, the crisp night air greeted her, biting at her skin and cutting through her frustration. She exhaled sharply, her breath visible in the cold as she tilted her head back, closing her eyes. The quiet and chill of the outdoors felt like a lifeline, a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere she’d left behind. Anything was better than sitting there, watching Mirae and San connect so effortlessly while she felt like an outsider in her own world.
They had been talking for what felt like an eternity, completely ignoring her presence. For the past thirty minutes, not once had they acknowledged her, let alone included her in the conversation. She sat there, seething with a mix of hurt and anger. How could her best friend treat her this way? And San—he had always made sure to include her, always made her feel seen. But tonight, it was as if she didn’t even exist. They were so engrossed in one another, so wrapped up in their own world, it made her stomach turn.
The laughter they shared cut through her, a constant reminder of her isolation. She glanced down at her phone, pretending to check a message, but her mind was far away, swirling with thoughts. How could she confront them about this? Was she overreacting? But deep down, she knew this wasn’t just some random moment. It was a pattern, one she had seen before. Her best friend had been drifting away, and now even San, someone who used to notice everything, seemed oblivious to her.
The sting of being forgotten cut deeper than she cared to admit, and the tears threatened to spill. She fought them back, refusing to let them see her vulnerability. Not tonight.
San couldn’t shake the unease building in his chest as he glanced repeatedly at the bathroom door. Saetbyeol’s sudden exit had thrown him off, but it was her cold silence toward Mirae that truly alarmed him. He was used to her pulling away from him, but from Mirae? That was something he hadn’t expected. He nervously chewed on his bottom lip, his mind racing, trying to make sense of it all.
Fifteen minutes had passed, and there was still no sign of her. San’s anxiety grew with every second. He knew something wasn’t right, and the longer she stayed away, the more his worry deepened.
“Should we go find her?” San suggested, his voice laced with concern. Mirae nodded, her worry matching his, and together they paid for their meals before setting out to search for Saetbyeol.
Mirae checked the bathroom first, but it was empty. The lack of answers left them both feeling uneasy. They exchanged a glance, and without another word, they rushed toward the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her outside.
Relief washed over them as they spotted Saetbyeol sitting on the curb. Her head was down, hair shielding her face from view, and she wiped away the last of her tears in silence.
“Saet! What are you doing out here?” Mirae asked, rushing over to kneel in front of her, concern etched across her face.
“Oh, I just wasn’t feeling well, so I stepped out for some fresh air,” Saetbyeol replied with a faint smile, hoping her face didn’t betray the fact that she’d been crying.
“Maybe we should head home. It’s getting pretty late,” Mirae suggested, gently helping Saetbyeol to her feet and linking their arms together for support. They turned toward San, but Saetbyeol couldn’t bring herself to look at him.
The sight of him standing there, so comfortable with Mirae, made her chest tighten. She didn’t want anyone to know how much it hurt to watch them talk and laugh like they had known each other for years, sharing jokes and a bond that felt so natural. It was everything she secretly longed for with him—the kind of connection where time seemed to stand still, where they could talk endlessly and laugh at each other’s dumb jokes.
But what hurt even more was the feeling that Mirae was taking that away from her, that her best friend was getting something from San that Saetbyeol could only dream of. She couldn’t even admit it to herself, let alone say it aloud, but the jealousy was suffocating.
Saetbyeol wished she could be closer to San, to share the easy camaraderie that Mirae seemed to have with him. But the words never came, and she kept the longing to herself, buried deep inside.
“I can walk you both home if you want. It’s not safe for girls to be out alone at this hour,” San offered, stepping in beside Saetbyeol, ready to support her if she needed it.
Mirae smiled gently and shook her head. “Thanks, but we’ll be fine. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”
“Alright then,” San said, giving them both a nod. “Stay safe, you two. Saetbyeol, I’ll see you tomorrow at work. I’m really glad we’re working together—it’s been great getting to know you a bit better.” He smiled at her, then turned to walk away, calling out a final good night before heading toward his own place to wrap up the day’s tasks.
As he left, Saetbyeol watched him go, her heart heavy. She wanted to say something, to reach out, but the words tangled in her throat. For now, all she could do was watch him walk away, wishing things were different.
Saetbyeol’s heart skipped at his words, even as she rolled her eyes. Despite the flutter of happiness they caused, she was still fuming from the events earlier that day, and her stubbornness made her mask the tiny smile that threatened to form. Mirae, ever observant, took Saetbyeol’s arm as they made their way down the street toward their apartment. The quiet evening was filled only with the distant barking of dogs and the hum of lively restaurants, where patrons came and went in a steady stream. The two walked side by side, their footsteps the only sound between them as they moved through the calm night.
As they turned the corner, a sudden unease washed over Mirae. A chill ran down her spine, and she felt every hair on her body stand on end. Her eyes quickly darted around, scanning the area. Her jaw tightened, and her brows knitted together—there was no one else around. Keeping her composure, she urged Saetbyeol to walk faster, her voice calm but her senses alert. Saetbyeol immediately picked up on the shift in her friend’s behavior, feeling a tension in the air. She complied, her own nerves kicking in as she became more conscious of their surroundings.
Trying to shake the unsettling feeling of being followed, the girls turned down a quiet, unfamiliar street. The air hung still for a moment, peaceful even, until the sharp sound of a throat clearing broke the silence. Both of them froze, their bodies locking in place as a wave of fear washed over them. In one swift motion, they spun around, eyes immediately drawn to the source of their dread: two large men, grins spread across their faces, looming over them.
Mirae instinctively positioned herself in front of Saetbyeol, her body tense and ready. She stared at the men with unwavering focus, her eyes darting between them, assessing every move they made. Her jaw was clenched tight, shoulders squared, and every muscle in her body was coiled in defense. She stood tall, unwavering, prepared to protect her friend at all costs.
“What brings two beautiful ladies out this way tonight?” the shorter, stockier man asked, his grin wide and insincere. He subtly signaled to his partner, and the two of them began to move closer, their steps deliberate and slow, closing the distance between them.
“That’s none of your business,” Mirae hissed, her tone icy. Her muscles tensed, and she instinctively stepped back, pulling Saetbyeol with her to create some distance. “I suggest you leave us alone.” Her voice was low but fierce, her eyes never leaving the men as she prepared to react.
“Oh, a tough one. I like a girl with some fire,” the taller man smirked, his gaze slowly trailing over Mirae’s body. He slid his tongue across his lower lip, and his friend began to rub his hands together, a sinister grin stretching across his face.
Mirae’s skin crawled at his words, a wave of nausea rising in her stomach, but she stood tall, refusing to let them have the satisfaction of seeing her falter. She wasn’t about to let them touch either of them. The men took another step forward, and the girls instinctively stepped back. Fury burned in Mirae’s chest, and she locked her eyes on them, her glare cold and unwavering. “Stay back,” she warned, her voice sharp with threat. “I’m not saying it again.”
It was clear these men weren’t taking her seriously, nor did they view her as a threat—but they had no idea what kind of danger they were stirring up.
Mirae gently pushed Saetbyeol back before charging forward, her fist aimed at the shorter man's cheek. But her strike was swiftly intercepted. Despite her strength, she was no match for the muscle of the men before her. With a sinister grin, the shorter man seized her fist, twisting it before tossing her aside like a ragdoll.
A sharp cry of pain escaped Mirae as she hit the ground, her body slamming against the rough pavement. Her hand landed on a broken beer bottle, its sharp shards slicing into her skin. Blood began to seep through her sleeve. Saetbyeol let out a frightened squeal, her heart sinking as she saw Mirae writhing in pain, the blood staining her sleeve.
Saetbyeol’s eyes flicked nervously to the two men, now fully focused on her. A wave of panic coursed through her, freezing her in place. She had no idea how to defend herself, especially against two towering, muscle-bound men. Step by step, she backed away, but the tears welling up in her eyes blurred her vision, making it hard to see. Her throat constricted, and though she wanted to scream, no sound came out. She had to escape, had to find help, but in that moment, her body felt like it had forgotten how to move, locked in a state of paralyzing fear.
“Run Saet!”
Snapping out of her trance, Saetbyeol stole a quick glance at Mirae before spinning around and running as fast as she could down the empty street. Her heart pounded in her chest, and though fear clouded her thoughts, she couldn’t stop. The men quickly followed in pursuit, their heavy footsteps growing louder behind her.
Meanwhile, Mirae, shaken but fueled by determination, pushed herself to her feet and charged toward the men. Taking advantage of their focus on Saetbyeol, she leapt onto the smaller man’s back, locking her arms tightly around his neck in a desperate attempt to choke him into unconsciousness.
The man’s huge hands shot up, grabbing her arms with crushing force. His grip was strong enough to leave bruises, but Mirae refused to release her hold. She had promised to protect Saetbyeol, and nothing would stop her now. With the surge of adrenaline, she tightened her grip even more, clinging to him as his resistance weakened, his hands slowly loosening around her arms. Mirae held on, driven by the need to keep her friend safe.
Saetbyeol kept running, her heart pounding as she searched desperately for any sign of help. Her eyes locked on a porch light ahead, and she pushed herself to go faster, but it wasn't enough. The man's large hand gripped her shoulder, yanking her back.
Her feet tangled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, her already-injured ankle buckling painfully beneath her. Panic flooded her as she looked up, eyes wide with fear. She knew she was in serious trouble— alone, disoriented, and with no idea where Mirae was or if she was okay. She opened her mouth to scream, but the man lunged forward, his hand quickly covering her lips.
Smirking down at her, he held her down as she tried to struggle free. Her palms scraped painfully against the rough concrete as she fought to pull away. With a hiss, he pulled his hand back, giving Saetbyeol the chance to run. But as soon as she tried to push herself up, a sharp pain shot through her ankle, sending her crashing back down to the ground. She was trapped.
The man laughed, a low, mocking sound, as he watched Saetbyeol try to back away. With slow, deliberate steps, he followed her, cracking his neck side to side and shoving his hands deep into his pockets.
When Saetbyeol’s back collided with the brick wall behind her, her heart dropped. She was trapped.
What could she do now? There was nowhere to run, nowhere to escape.
Panicked, Saetbyeol scanned her surroundings, her eyes landing on a broken bottle nearby. She reached for it, her hands shaking as she grabbed the jagged glass. It cut into her palm, but she gripped it tighter, the pain barely registering as her fear took over. She raised the bottle in front of her, the wound on her hand deepening with the force.
“Stay back,” she forced out, her voice trembling with fear.
The man merely stared at her, a cruel laugh escaping his lips. He knew she was no real threat—just a helpless target, and the bottle in her hand was nothing more than a pathetic defense.
With a sharp motion, he knocked the bottle from her hand, sending it crashing to the ground a few feet away. Defenseless now, Saetbyeol raised her arms instinctively to protect herself, but the man easily pinned her hands behind her back. His other hand reached up, trailing a finger along her cheek, before cupping her face with a slow, deliberate motion.
A wave of nausea hit her as bile rose in her throat-she felt like she might choke on the revulsion.
Leaning in closer, he pressed a wet, sloppy kiss to her cheek, his breath thick with the stench of liquor. His lips lingered near her ear as he whispered, "Such a pretty girl."
The man chuckled lowly, leaning in as he brought his lips closer to hers. Saetbyeol's heart raced, knowing what was about to happen. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the touch of his grimy, alcohol-soaked lips against hers. Her body squirmed under his hold, panic rising in her chest.
But it never came.
Instead, she felt a sudden tug, and the man was yanked away from her. His hand released her wrists as he scrambled to grab at whoever had pulled him back.
The figure who had intervened was smaller in stature than the man, but the sheer intensity of his presence sent a shiver down Saetbyeol's spine. She wiped her eyes, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. As the figure came into focus, her breath caught in her throat.
San. It was San.
He was the one saving her. But how had he found her?
In that moment, Saetbyeol had never felt more relieved to see him. Fear for him flickered in her chest-he looked so small compared to the man who had attacked her. But at that moment, size didn't matter.
With a sudden, powerful move, San threw the man to the ground like he weighed nothing. He grabbed the predator by the collar of his shirt, yanked him up, and without hesitation, pulled his arm back. His fist slammed into the man's face with a sickening crack, the sound of shattering bone filling the night air.
Saetbyeol's breath caught in her throat as she watched in disbelief, the scene unfolding like something out of a nightmare. San's face was consumed by fury, and each punch he delivered made her heart race with fear. Blood soaked his fist, splattering onto the ground with every blow. The look in his eyes was one of pure rage, and a chill ran down Saetbyeol's spine as she realized the grim truth: he wasn't just stopping him-he was going to kill him.
The man's body hung limp, but San didn't stop. He continued to strike him, each punch landing with brutal force, the sickening sound of crushed bone echoing with each blow. Saetbyeol's own scream mixed with the violence as she rushed forward, panicked and desperate.
"San, stop!" she cried, her voice barely above a whisper, fear overtaking her as she reached out to pull him away.
Ignoring the sharp pain in her ankle, Saetbyeol forced herself to her feet and hurried toward them. She threw her arms around San’s torso, clinging to him in an effort to pull him out of the storm of rage that had taken over him before he did something he couldn’t take back.
For a moment, he didn’t react, but then, gradually, she felt his body relax under her touch. He let go of the lifeless man, his body dropping to the ground with a heavy thud.
Time seemed to slow as Saetbyeol’s gaze fixed on his chest. The faint rise and fall of his shirt confirmed he was still alive. Sweat dripped down San’s face, and his breaths were ragged, his body still trembling with the aftershocks of the violence.
When he finally seemed to regain control, he turned swiftly, pulling Saetbyeol into his arms. His hold on her was so tight it felt like he never wanted to let go, as though he was trying to hold onto reality itself.
“Are you okay?” His voice was strained, full of concern, as he held her close, the intensity of the moment still hanging between them.
His voice trembled, filled with the fear he couldn’t shake off, as he tried to suppress the thoughts of what might have happened if he had arrived even a minute later. He cursed himself under his breath, teeth clenched tight. He should’ve insisted on walking them home. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but the thought of something worse happening to Saetbyeol was unbearable.
When he felt her small body begin to shake against his, he held her even tighter, silently trying to offer her some sense of safety. The weight of everything that had just happened hit her all at once, leaving her too stunned to speak.
Saetbyeol buried her face in his chest, drawing in his familiar scent, hoping it would calm her nerves. But even as the tears flowed freely, a new panic surged through her — Mirae. Where was Mirae?
Pulling back slightly, still gripping his waist, Saetbyeol began scanning the area frantically.
“Where’s Mirae?” she asked, her voice quivering with worry.
San met her gaze with a soft sigh of relief. “She’s fine. I ran into her when I was dealing with the other guy. She told me to find you.”
Relief washed over Saetbyeol as she heard that Mirae was safe. Her body, drained from the night’s events, gave way to exhaustion, and she slumped against San. She felt utterly spent, her strength gone, and she leaned into him for support.
Quickly, San scooped her up, pulling her close against him as she relaxed, her head resting on his shoulder. Saetbyeol closed her eyes, too tired to do anything but breathe deeply, and managed a weak, “Thank you,” before burying her face against his neck.
“I’m just glad I made it in time,” San replied softly, his voice filled with a hint of guilt. “I heard the commotion while I was on my run and went to see what was going on. I didn’t expect to find you, but the second I saw what was happening, I didn’t even think twice. I ran straight to you.”
She nodded faintly, her body feeling like lead against him, as he continued to walk down the street. San didn’t ask, didn’t give her a choice—he was already set on taking her back to his place. He wasn’t going to leave her alone after what she’d been through.
As they rounded a corner, Saetbyeol felt the comforting weight of his embrace. His apartment was just ahead, and with every step, Saetbyeol could feel herself slipping further into the safety of his presence. She didn’t want to be anywhere else.
Mirae stepped out from the shadow of a nearby alley, her eyes tracking San as he carried Saetbyeol down the street toward his apartment. A deep sense of relief washed over her, knowing her best friend was safe in his capable hands. Though she longed to be there with her, Mirae recognized it was better to keep her distance for now. She needed to calm herself first, to regain composure before seeing Saetbyeol again. The anger she had felt earlier had been overwhelming, threatening to consume her, but she knew she would do anything to protect her friend. Saetbyeol was worth every ounce of that intensity.
With a soft sigh, Mirae gave one last look at the two of them, a faint smile forming on her lips. “Thank you, San,” she whispered under her breath. “Take good care of her for me.” Then, quietly and with one final glance, she turned and slipped back into the darkness, heading to the small studio she kept for moments like this.
Inside his apartment, San gently laid Saetbyeol on the bed, careful not to disturb her peaceful state. He flicked on the light with his elbow, watching her face soften as she slept, completely exhausted. Her body had finally relaxed in the safety of his arms. He carefully removed her shoes, covered her with the blanket, and ensured she was comfortable.
After retrieving the first aid kit, San returned to her side, tending to her cuts with delicate care. He cleaned away every trace of dirt and gravel, bandaging her wounds with precision, making sure she would heal without any further complications. As he finished, he tucked her arms back under the covers and sat for a moment, gazing at her. Her peaceful face calmed him in a way he hadn’t expected.
Reaching out gently, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. As his hand moved, Saetbyeol instinctively leaned into his touch, pressing her face softly against his palm. A small smile tugged at the corner of San’s lips as he whispered, his voice low and affectionate, “What am I going to do with you?”
He lingered for a moment, stroking her hair one last time before rising to leave. He grabbed a pillow and a blanket from the closet, quietly making his way out of the room. As he glanced over his shoulder at Saetbyeol one final time, he couldn’t help but smile. The sight of her safe in his bed filled him with a sense of peace.
Turning off the light, he made his way to the couch, laying out the blanket and pillow with care. Once settled, he sank into the couch, the warmth of the blanket surrounding him. As sleep began to claim him, his thoughts drifted to Saetbyeol, still resting in the next room. The thought of her being safe brought a sense of contentment.
“Goodnight, Saet,” he whispered softly before closing his eyes, allowing himself to finally drift off into sleep.
