Before I realized it, it was already 7 p.m. Most of the staff had gone home, the store finally quiet after such a busy day.
I entered the staff room and I opened my locker to grab my things. I will never get tired of the sweet sugar scene of this place.
Auntie told me I didn't need to stay overtime, but of course, I insisted.
This heavy feeling in my chest wouldn't leave me alone anyway. Worse, it would only grow heavier once I got back to my empty apartment… thinking about him. Sniff.
Just the thought made my eyes sting. Ugh, how could you, Ice?!
I twisted the key to lock my locker and started walking toward the employee exit.
The whole day—nothing. Not a single glimpse of him.
My anger had long since melted into grief. It felt like water flooding my chest, drowning me with no way to breathe.
And the worst part? I didn't even know why we were like this. Or how to fix it.
The night had already begun. I stepped out onto the pavement leading toward the outer gate. Rows of cars were parked along the left side, though most had left an hour ago. Out of habit, I scanned the lot.
It wasn't completely dark; the trees swayed with the cold wind, their shadows stretching across the ground. From beyond the gate came the occasional hum of passing cars, while the alpine backdrop stood tall and timeless—something I could never grow tired of.
And then—I froze.
A man leaned against one of the cars just a few meters away. The lamppost behind him threw his figure into silhouette, sharp and dark. But I didn't need to guess. I knew who it was.
Ice.
No phone in hand. Just standing there, like he'd been waiting… uncomfortably still, distressed.
Better if he doesn't see me.
I walked faster, pretending I hadn't noticed. My heels echoed too loudly—like my heartbeat, faster and louder.
Why am I running? It's not like he's going to chase me… right?
The cold painted clouds of fog with every breath I took, fragile and fleeting. I kept walking, but somehow the path felt heavier, longer—like each step was carrying the weight of a truth I wasn't ready to face.
Realizing how ridiculous I sounded, I slowed down. Chuckled even.
Then slowed more, almost relaxed again.
…So why did I want to avoid him? Just earlier, I'd been desperate to talk to him.
I still do!
Then why—
A sudden cold hand caught my forearm.
"Ah!" I yelped, spinning around like an idiot, half-expecting a ghost.
But scarier than that—
Ice.
My expression must've gone from terrified, to shocked, to completely clueless.
The night breeze rushed between us, loud against the silence. His hand was firm but not harsh, holding me like he was afraid I'd slip away. His gaze fixed somewhere—anywhere—but me.
I just stared.
This wasn't the Ice I knew. No coldness, no sharp edges. Just silence. Fake Ice!
"Are you mad?" His voice was soft. Too soft. Again Fake Ice!
I forgot how to breathe. Bad news for my cardiac muscles.
Words jammed in my throat. I probably looked like a broken robot. The soft light made him look… gentler. Like the library that time.
Still holding me, he pulled something from his pocket—like I was a child who'd float away if he let go.
…Did he really wait here? That shadow of him leaning against the car—it looked like something straight out of a dream.
If this were real, it'd kill me with sweetness.
And yet—I almost wished he had ruined it.
He stretched out his hand. My phone.
Eyes still avoiding mine.
For some twisted reason, it only made him look even more handsome. And I hated that!
I snatched my phone, then yanked my hand free.
"Thanks!" I said, dripping sarcasm as I checked for damage. What did you do to my poor phone?
"Sorry."
The word was so faint I almost thought I imagined it.
I turned to his direction, sharply, and blinked at him. "Wait—you're actually sorry? For cutting off my call with Ace?"
Crossing my arms, I tried to glare. Intimidation pose.
I probably looked like a sulking kid.
"No." His answer was flat.
My jaw dropped. "Then why say sorry?!"
I stomped my heel—regretted it instantly—and sighed hard.
"I don't know," he said, clearly lying.
"First it was impossible to make you apologize!"
I stepped forward, phone raised like a weapon, my heels clicking against the pavement.
"Let alone saying it for nothing!"
Click. Another step. His feet shuffled back.
"There is no way—"
Click. I closed the gap, loving how he flinched—
"—that you'll say it for nothing!"
For a second, his eyes met mine.
Then—snap—he looked away, avoiding me like I carried the plague.
"Wait!" I fumbled with my phone, scrolling. Ace's name—gone. My eyes widened.
"Did you block Ace?!" My voice pitched higher. I scrolled harder. "No… you deleted it!?"
I whipped my head up. He was already looking anywhere but me.
"Ice!!"
And then—like a criminal caught in the act—he turned and bolted for his car.
"Come back here, you coward!" I shouted, charging after him.
Click. Click. Click. My heels betrayed me, stabbing the ground like gunshots.
"I swear—Ice!! If I fall, you're paying for my medical bills!"
But the very nice, very protective Ice didn't even glance back.
Next Chapter:
I only wanted a ride home… but instead I got Ice's glares, my phone sabotaged, and him leaning way too close for my heart to survive. And just when I thought I could yell at him properly—he dropped one line, slammed the door, and sped off like some runaway villain.
What am I supposed to do with this chaos?!