Chapter One: The Girl Behind Glass
Haeun stood by her apartment window, clutching a cold mug, staring at Seoul's neon-lit sprawl. Cars flashed below, horns a faint hum in the night. Her phone buzzed on the counter, snapping her focus. A text from Rihan glowed: "Be careful today. Don't mess up, okay?"
"Like I ever do," she muttered, typing back, "I won't." Her fingers trembled, pausing over the keys. She wasn't just Haeun Lee, the high school nobody who blended into shadows. She was Kang Haeun, a name buried with memories of an orphanage—smoke curling through halls, screams echoing, and a boy with eyes that burned too bright, watching her always.
"Hey, you're gonna be late," she told herself, setting the mug down. She grabbed her backpack, her sneakers scuffing the floor. The elevator hummed down, her reflection in the mirrored walls pale, hoodie pulled low over her eyes. She adjusted her earbuds, no music, just a shield against the world.
Outside, the city buzzed—vendors shouting, buses rumbling. She kept her head down, weaving through the morning crowd to the school gate. It was chaos—laughter, shouts, sneakers scraping concrete. Two girls passed, their whispers cutting through.
"Look at her shoes," one sneered, voice dripping. "Total thrift store vibes."
"She's so creepy," the other said. "Like she's in some gang."
Haeun's grip tightened on her bag, knuckles whitening. "Ignore them," she whispered, her mask of indifference locked in place. She'd heard worse at the orphanage, years ago. "You're cursed," kids had taunted, their voices sharp in the dining hall. She'd learned to shut it out, to stay invisible, but the words still stung.
She remembered her first day there, nine years old, sitting alone with a tray of cold rice. Seokjin had approached, his voice low, almost kind. "They're just jealous," he'd said, his eyes too intense. "You're different, Haeun. Stronger." She'd nodded, uneasy, and walked away, his gaze heavy on her back. Even then, his attention felt wrong, like a thread pulling too tight.
"Haeun, move it!" a boy shouted, bumping her shoulder as he ran past. She stumbled, catching herself, and headed to class. The hallway was a blur of lockers slamming and phones pinging. She slipped into her classroom, claiming her back-row seat by the window, the courtyard's sycamore trees swaying outside.
Ms. Kim's voice cut through. "We have a new student today. Lee Minjae, from Busan."
A boy stepped forward, bowing slightly. His hair was tousled, his uniform worn at the cuffs, but his smile was easy. "Hey, I'm Minjae," he said, his Busan accent soft, warm. Haeun glanced up, their eyes meeting for a split second. Her pulse spiked, and she looked away, clutching her pencil like a lifeline.
"Sit next to Haeun," Ms. Kim said, pointing to the empty desk beside her.
Whispers erupted. "She's trouble," a boy muttered, loud enough to carry. "Stay away from her."
Minjae walked over, unfazed, and dropped into the seat. "Hey," he said, his voice quiet but steady.
She ignored him, staring at the scratches on her desk—names, dates, crude hearts carved into the wood. His presence felt heavy, like a crack in her carefully built walls.
"You always this quiet?" he asked, leaning slightly closer, his tone light.
"Don't talk to me," she said, her voice flat, eyes fixed on the window.
"Got it," he said, but his smile didn't fade. "Just saying hi."
"Why?" she said, sharper than she meant.
"New kid," he said, shrugging. "Gotta start somewhere."
"Start somewhere else," she said, but her tone softened, betraying her.
He chuckled, low and warm. "You're tough, huh?"
"Something like that," she muttered, stealing a glance. His eyes were kind, not prying, and it threw her off.
"Cool," he said, leaning back. "I'll leave you alone."
"Good," she said, but her lips twitched, almost a smile.
At lunch, she sat alone in the cafeteria, poking at her rice, the noise of chatter and trays clanging around her. Minjae appeared, tray loaded with kimbap and soup. "Can I sit here?"
"Whatever," she said, eyeing him warily.
He sat, his smile easy. "Not big on crowds, huh?"
"Not big on people," she corrected, stirring her rice.
"Fair," he said, biting into his kimbap. "Crowds are loud."
"Tell me about it," she said, her guard slipping.
Three girls approached, led by Seri, their perfume sharp. "Seriously, new kid?" Seri said, smirking. "You're sitting with her?"
"She's trouble," another girl said, arms crossed. "You'll regret it."
Haeun's eyes narrowed, her spoon freezing. "He sits where he wants," she said, her voice cold. "Got a problem?"
Seri scoffed, tossing her hair. "Whatever, freak." The girls walked off, muttering.
"Thanks," Minjae said, meeting her eyes. "You didn't have to."
"Don't thank me," she said, looking away. "They're just loud."
"I'm Minjae," he said, as if she didn't know.
"Haeun," she replied, her voice softer than she meant.
They ate in silence, his presence oddly calming. "You're not like anyone here," he said, breaking the quiet.
"I don't do small talk," she said, her tone sharp. "Eat your lunch."
He laughed, a warm sound that startled her. "Alright, alright. Eating."
"Shut up and do it," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Good plan," he said, grinning like he'd won something.
"You're weird," she said, shaking her head.
"You're one to talk," he shot back, smirking.
She rolled her eyes, but the smile lingered. "Why're you so annoying?"
"Natural talent," he said, winking.
"Gross," she said, but her laugh slipped out, surprising her.
They talked, small things—his Busan accent, her dislike of math. She envied his ease, his ability to just be. She remembered Seokjin at the orphanage, sitting across from her one night. "You don't belong here," he'd said, his lighter flickering. "You're too strong." His words had scared her, his gaze too heavy.
After lunch, she lingered in the courtyard, watching students laugh and kick a football. She felt apart, always had. "You're different," Seokjin's voice echoed, and she shivered, pushing it away.
Back home, the apartment smelled of popcorn. The door opened, and Rihan walked in, duffel in hand. "Hey, little idiot," he grinned, dropping his bag.
"Don't call me that!" Haeun said, hugging him tight. "Why didn't you tell me you were back?"
"Wanted to surprise you," he said, ruffling her hair. "Gotta keep an eye on you."
"I'm not a kid," she said, smiling despite herself.
"Always are to me," he teased, kicking off his shoes. "You hungry?"
"Starving," she said, following him to the kitchen.
They cooked noodles, settling on the couch with popcorn, a movie blaring. "School okay?" Rihan asked, tossing a kernel at her.
"Same old," she said, catching it. "Loud. Annoying."
"Any boys?" he teased, grinning wide.
"Gross," she said, tossing a pillow. "Just one guy. Minjae. New kid."
"Minjae, huh?" Rihan said, leaning forward. "He cute?"
"Shut up," she laughed, shoving him. "He's… normal. Doesn't think I'm a freak."
"That's something," Rihan said, serious. "He like you?"
"No way," she said, rolling her eyes. "He's just nosy."
"Sounds like a crush," he said, dodging another pillow.
"I'll kill you," she said, laughing. "He's just a friend."
"You sure?" he teased, tossing popcorn back.
"Positive," she said, but her cheeks warmed.
They bantered, the apartment warm with their laughter. "You'd tell me if something's wrong, right?" Rihan asked, his tone shifting.
"Yeah," she said, her smile fading.
"Promise?" he pressed, looking at her.
"Promise," she lied, her heart heavy.
"Alright," he said, relaxing. "But I'm watching you."
"Creep," she teased, throwing another pillow.
"You love me," he grinned, catching it.
"Whatever," she said, smiling.
Later, alone in the kitchen, she checked her phone for the time. A new message waited, from an unknown number: "We know who you really are. Kang Haeun. Stop hiding."
Her heart stopped, the mug slipping from her hand, shattering on the floor. "No," she whispered, eyes wide. "Not now."
"Who's there?" Rihan called, his voice sleepy from the couch.
"No one," she said, her voice shaking. "Just dropped something."
"You okay?" he asked, appearing in the doorway.
"Fine," she said, forcing a smile. "Go to bed."
He frowned but nodded. "Night, Haeun."
"Night," she said, staring at the message. The past was back, and it knew her name. She sank to the floor, the broken mug at her feet, fear curling tight in her chest.
"Who are you?" she whispered to the dark, her voice trembling. "What do you want?"
No answer came, only the city's hum beyond the window, and the weight of a name she'd tried to bury.
Chapter Two: More than Just a Smile
Haeun didn't sleep, the message looping in her mind: "We know who you really are. Kang Haeun." Fear clawed her chest as she stared at the ceiling, shadows shifting across it. Morning came, gray and heavy with clouds. She tied her sneakers, hands trembling, and slipped out before Rihan woke, his snores faint behind the guest room door.
"Gotta keep it together," she muttered, pulling her hood up. The walk to school was tense, her eyes scanning every corner, every face. She remembered Seokjin at the orphanage, his voice low, sitting on the stairs. "You're not like them," he'd said, flicking a lighter, its flame dancing in his eyes. "You're special, Haeun." She'd walked away, his gaze heavy, like a thread pulling her back.
"Why me?" she whispered, her breath fogging in the cold. The school gate loomed, a storm of noise—lockers slamming, phones pinging, students laughing. She kept her head down, earbuds in, no music, just a barrier against the world.
In the hallway, Minjae jogged up, his backpack bouncing. "Haeun, you okay?"
"What?" she said, startled, yanking an earbud out.
"You look like you didn't sleep," he said, frowning. "Everything alright?"
"None of your business," she said, walking faster.
He kept pace, undeterred. "You're paler than yesterday. Something's up."
"Drop it," she snapped, then sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Fine. I'm not okay."
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentle, slowing beside her.
"Got a message," she said, her voice low, almost a whisper. "Someone knows my old name."
"Old name?" he said, his brow furrowing.
"Before I was adopted," she said, avoiding his eyes. "Kang Haeun."
"That's creepy," he said, his tone serious. "Who'd know that?"
"No clue," she lied, Seokjin's face flashing in her mind—his intense eyes, his lighter clicking.
"You tell anyone else?" he asked, stepping closer, his voice low.
"Just you," she admitted, glancing at him, surprised by her own honesty.
He nodded, his expression steady. "I'll walk you home later. Safer that way."
"You don't have to," she said, but relief crept in, warm and unexpected.
"I want to," he said, his tone firm. "You're not alone in this."
"Thanks," she said, her voice small, her guard cracking.
"No problem," he said, smiling softly. "You're stuck with me now."
"Great," she said, rolling her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips.
In class, she sat by the window, feeling his glances—steady, not pushy. "You're staring," she whispered during a lecture, not looking at him.
"Can't help it," he whispered back, his tone light. "You look like you're plotting something."
"Like punching you," she muttered, but her lips twitched.
"Harsh," he said, chuckling. "I'm just worried."
"Don't be," she said, softer. "I'm fine."
"Liar," he said, his voice low but teasing.
She shot him a glare, but it lacked heat. His presence was grounding, like an anchor in her storm. She remembered her first day at this school, the counselor's office packed with posters about resilience. "How's the transition?" Ms. Park had asked, her voice dripping pity. Haeun had stayed silent, wanting to disappear, her past a weight she couldn't shed.
After class, she ducked into Ms. Park's office on impulse. "Haeun?" the counselor said, looking up from her desk. "You okay?"
"Not really," Haeun said, sitting, her hands twisting in her lap. "Ever feel like your past is chasing you?"
"Sometimes," Ms. Park said, leaning forward. "What's chasing you?"
"Someone knows stuff," Haeun said, her voice low. "Things I buried."
"Like what?" Ms. Park asked, her tone gentle.
"My old life," Haeun said. "Before I came here. Before Rihan."
"You can't hide forever," Ms. Park said, her eyes kind. "Maybe it's time to face it."
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice cracking. "It's… big."
"Start small," Ms. Park said. "Tell someone you trust. Like your brother."
"He'll freak out," Haeun said, shaking her head.
"He loves you," Ms. Park said. "He'd want to know."
Haeun nodded, leaving more unsettled. "Face it," she muttered, heading to her next class. The words felt impossible, like climbing a mountain in a storm.
At lunch, Minjae found her table, tray loaded with kimbap and soda. "Persistent," she said, poking at her rice.
"Hungry," he grinned, sitting across from her. "You're less annoying than the others."
"That's a compliment?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"From me, yeah," he said, digging into his food.
They ate quietly, the cafeteria's noise a dull roar. "You always eat alone?" he asked, glancing up.
"You always this nosy?" she shot back, her tone sharp.
"Only with you," he said, smirking.
She laughed, surprising herself. "You're so weird."
"You laughed," he said, grinning like he'd won a prize. "I win."
"Shut up," she said, smiling despite herself. "Eat."
"Bossy," he teased, but complied, taking a big bite.
"Why no friends?" he asked after a moment, his tone softer.
"I don't do people," she said, her voice flat.
"I'm not people," he said, winking.
She rolled her eyes, warmth spreading in her chest. "You're so cheesy."
"Guilty," he said, laughing. "You like it."
"Do not," she said, but her smile betrayed her.
"Why'd you leave Busan?" she asked, curious, stirring her soup.
"Dad's job," he said, his smile fading. "Miss my friends. Seoul's… cold."
"Tell me about it," she said, softening. "It's hard to fit in."
"Yeah," he said, meeting her eyes. "But you don't try to fit. That's cool."
"Cool?" she said, skeptical. "I'm just surviving."
"You're doing more than that," he said, his tone serious.
She looked away, her cheeks warming. They talked, small things—his old school, her hatred of group projects. Her fear eased, just a fraction, his voice a steady hum against her chaos.
After lunch, she hit the rooftop, needing air. The city sprawled below, towers glinting coldly. Minjae followed, sitting a few feet away. "Predictable," he said, his tone light.
"Wanted to be alone," she said, staring at the skyline.
"Figured," he said, leaning back. "But you're scared."
"You notice too much," she said, annoyed, pulling her knees up.
"Habit," he said. "Back in Busan, I learned to watch. You're on edge, Haeun."
She sighed, her guard cracking. "The message. They know my real name."
"That's no prank," he said, his voice low. "Anyone from your past?"
"Maybe," she said, her voice small. "This guy, Seokjin. From the orphanage."
"What was he like?" he asked, leaning forward.
"Weird," she said, shivering. "Obsessed with fire. Always watching me. Scared me."
"Think it's him?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Don't know," she said, hugging her knees tighter. "Haven't seen him since."
"Since what?" he pressed, gentle.
"The fire," she said, her voice barely audible. "Orphanage burned. I got out. Changed my name."
"That's heavy," he said, his tone soft. "And they know that?"
"My old name," she said. "Kang Haeun."
"We'll figure it out," he said, his voice firm. "I'm here."
"Why do you care?" she asked, meeting his eyes, her heart racing.
"You're worth caring about," he said simply, no hesitation.
She blushed, looking away. "You're so cheesy."
"Deal with it," he grinned, leaning back.
"Thanks," she said softly, her voice almost lost in the wind.
"Anytime," he said, his smile warm.
They sat in silence, the wind tugging at their clothes. She remembered Seokjin, sitting across from her at the orphanage one night. "You can't run from who you are," he'd said, his lighter clicking. She'd shaken her head, scared, and left, his words lingering like smoke.
That evening, they walked through the city, vendors shouting, lights flickering. "You good?" Minjae asked, scanning the street.
"Better," she lied, checking shadows, her heart still racing.
"You sure?" he said, glancing at her.
"Yeah," she said, forcing a smile. "Just tired."
"Liar," he said, but his tone was light.
At her building, she paused at the entrance. "Thanks, Minjae."
"Anytime," he said, turning to leave.
"Don't tell anyone," she called after him.
"My lips are sealed," he said, waving over his shoulder.
At home, Rihan was at the table, scrolling his tablet. "Late again," he said, looking up, his grin teasing.
"School stuff," she said, avoiding his eyes, grabbing a water bottle.
"With Minjae?" he said, leaning forward.
"Maybe," she said, rolling her eyes.
"You like him?" he asked, his tone playful.
"Gross," she said, glaring. "He's just… there."
"He good to you?" Rihan asked, serious now.
"Yeah," she said, softening. "He's solid."
"Good," Rihan said, nodding. "Something up?"
"Nope," she lied, her heart heavy with the message's weight.
"You sure?" he pressed, setting his tablet down.
"Promise," she said, forcing another smile.
"Alright," he said, but his eyes lingered, worried.
That night, she lay awake, the message looping in her mind. "Who are you?" she whispered, checking her phone. No new messages, but the silence felt heavy, like a storm waiting to break. She got up, pacing, her mind racing with Seokjin's face, his lighter, his voice. "What do you want?" she said to the dark, her voice trembling. The city hummed outside, offering no answers.
Chapter Three: Someone's Watching
Haeun crossed the school courtyard, hood up, eyes darting to every shadow. A flicker of movement caught her eye, vanishing when she turned. Her heart raced, the message echoing: "We know who you really are." She clutched her bag, whispering, "Not real. It's not real."
Seokjin's voice haunted her, from the orphanage stairs, years ago. "You're not scared," he'd said, his lighter flicking, flame dancing. "You're like me, Haeun." She'd run, his words chasing her, heavy and unsettling, like a warning she didn't understand.
In the hallway, Minjae caught up, his sneakers squeaking. "Haeun, you're jumpy."
"Didn't sleep," she said, avoiding his gaze, her earbuds dangling.
"Another message?" he asked, his voice low, stepping closer.
"No," she lied, the note in her pocket burning: "WE SEE YOU." Red ink, sharp letters, found in her locker that morning.
"You're lying," he said, gentle but firm. "What's up?"
She sighed, her shoulders slumping, and pulled out the note. "Found this in my locker."
He read it, his jaw tightening. "This is bad, Haeun. They're not stopping."
"I know," she said, her voice shaking. "They're watching me."
"You told Rihan?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"Not yet," she said, shoving the note back in her pocket. "He'll freak out."
"He needs to know," Minjae said, his tone urgent. "This isn't a game."
"I'll handle it," she snapped, then softened, her voice small. "I'm scared, okay?"
"I got you," he said, his voice steady, grounding her. "You're not alone."
"Thanks," she said, her throat tight.
In class, she felt his glances, steady, not pushy. "You okay?" he whispered during a lecture, his voice barely audible.
"Stop asking," she muttered, but her tone lacked bite.
"Can't help it," he said, a small smile in his voice. "You're freaking me out."
"You're annoying," she said, but her lips twitched, almost smiling.
"Part of my charm," he whispered, chuckling.
She rolled her eyes, his presence easing her fear, just a bit. After class, she lingered in the hall, hearing whispers. "She's such a freak," a boy said, his voice carrying. She ignored it, her jaw tight, and headed for the rooftop, needing air.
Minjae followed, his steps light. "Predictable," he said, sitting a few feet away on the concrete ledge.
"Wanted to be alone," she said, staring at the city skyline, towers glinting coldly.
"Figured," he said, leaning back on his hands. "But you're freaked out."
"You see too much," she said, annoyed, pulling her knees up.
"Habit," he said, his tone serious. "Back in Busan, I learned to watch people. You're checking every shadow, Haeun."
She sighed, her guard cracking. "The note said they see me. They know my old name."
"That's messed up," he said, his voice low. "Anyone from your past?"
"Maybe Seokjin," she said, her voice small. "From the orphanage. He was… weird."
"What kind of weird?" he asked, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing.
"Loved fire," she said, shivering. "Always watching me. Scared me."
"Think it's him?" he asked, his tone careful.
"Don't know," she said, her voice cracking. "Haven't seen him since the fire."
"Fire?" he said, surprised, sitting up straighter.
"Yeah," she said, hugging her knees tighter. "Orphanage burned down. I got out. Changed my name."
"That's heavy," he said, his voice soft. "And they know that?"
"My old name," she said. "Kang Haeun."
"We'll find out who," he said, his voice firm. "I'm here."
"Why do you care?" she asked, meeting his eyes, her heart racing.
"You're worth caring about," he said simply, no hesitation.
She blushed, looking away. "You're so cheesy."
"Guilty," he grinned, leaning back again.
"Thanks," she said softly, her voice almost lost in the wind.
"Anytime," she said, his smile warm, steady.
They sat in silence, the wind whistling through the rooftop railing. She remembered Seokjin, sitting across from her at the orphanage one night. "You can't run from who you are," he'd said, his lighter clicking, flame flickering. She'd shaken her head, scared, and left, his words lingering like smoke in her lungs.
Later, in the hallway, a girl whispered, "Freak," loud enough to sting. Minjae stepped up, his voice sharp. "Got a problem?"
"Mind your business," the girl muttered, hurrying off with her friends.
"They're jealous," Minjae said, turning to Haeun.
"Of what?" she scoffed, her arms crossed.
"You," he said, his tone serious. "You don't bend to their crap."
"You're too nice," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Just honest," he said, grinning.
She shook her head, warmth spreading. "Whatever."
That evening, they walked home, the city alive with vendors and neon signs. Footsteps echoed behind them, soft but deliberate. "Hear that?" Haeun whispered, her heart racing.
"Yeah," Minjae said, scanning the street. "Keep moving."
A hooded figure darted ahead, vanishing around a corner. "There!" Haeun said, her voice sharp, running after them.
"Haeun, wait!" Minjae called, chasing her.
They reached an alley, the figure gone, shadows empty. "Who was that?" Haeun said, panting, her hands shaking.
"No idea," Minjae said, his voice tense. "They wanted us to see them."
"Why?" she asked, her voice small.
"To scare you," he said, his eyes scanning the alley. "It's working."
"I'm fine," she lied, her heart pounding.
"You're not," he said, his tone gentle. "But you don't have to be."
She nodded, swallowing hard. At her building, she paused at the entrance. "Thanks, Minjae."
"Be careful," he said, his voice low, turning to leave.
"Don't tell anyone," she called after him.
"My lips are sealed," he said, waving over his shoulder.
At home, Rihan was cooking, the smell of kimchi jjigae filling the apartment. "Late again," he said, looking up from the stove, his grin teasing.
"School," she said, avoiding his eyes, dropping her bag.
"With Minjae?" he said, stirring the pot, his tone playful.
"Shut up," she said, smiling despite herself.
"He good?" Rihan asked, turning serious.
"Yeah," she said, softening. "He's… solid."
"Good," Rihan said, nodding. "Something up?"
"Nope," she lied, the note's weight heavy in her pocket.
"You sure?" he pressed, setting the spatula down, his eyes searching hers.
"Promise," she said, forcing a smile, her heart racing.
"Alright," he said, but his frown lingered. "Food's ready."
"Thanks," she said, grabbing a bowl.
They ate, bantering, but her mind was elsewhere. That night, she found another note in her bag, slipped in somehow: "WE SEE YOU. STOP PRETENDING." She crumpled it, her hands shaking. "No," she whispered, fear tightening her chest. "Not you, Seokjin."
She checked her phone, no new messages, but the silence screamed threat. "What do you want?" she said to the dark, her voice trembling. The city hummed outside, offering no answers, only shadows.
Chapter Four: Secrets beneath the Surface
Haeun sat on the couch, the note in her pocket like a stone, her coffee long cold. Rihan was in the kitchen, grabbing a soda from the fridge, when the door burst open. Ella stormed in, her backpack thudding to the floor, her hair a wild mess of curls. "You have a stalker and didn't tell us?" she said, hands on hips, her voice sharp.
"I was gonna," Haeun said, wincing, setting her mug down. "Chill, Ella."
"When? After they grab you?" Ella said, crossing her arms, her eyes flashing. "This is serious, Haeun."
"Ease up," Rihan called, emerging with a soda can. "She told me this morning."
"You're her brother," Ella said, glaring at him. "You should've known sooner."
"It's my mess," Haeun said, her voice sharp. "Back off, Ella."
Ella sighed, flopping onto the couch beside her. "Fine, but you're not dealing with this alone. Show me the message."
Haeun hesitated, then pulled out her phone, opening the text. "They know my old name. Kang Haeun."
"From the orphanage?" Ella said, her eyes widening as she read.
"Yeah," Haeun said, her voice low. "Since Rihan adopted me."
"Who else knows that name?" Ella asked, leaning forward, her tone urgent.
"Rihan," Haeun said, glancing at him. "And now Minjae."
"Minjae?" Rihan said, sitting across from them, his soda forgotten. "The transfer kid?"
"He walked me home," Haeun said, avoiding his gaze. "I told him about the message."
"Before us?" Ella said, her grin teasing. "Wow, Haeun, got a crush already?"
"Shut up," Haeun said, her cheeks warming. "I was freaking out."
"You trust him?" Rihan asked, his tone serious, leaning forward.
"He's not a creep," Haeun said, defensive. "He's… okay. Doesn't push."
"Sounds like love," Ella teased, nudging her shoulder.
"I'll throw you out the window," Haeun said, glaring, but her lips twitched.
"Try it," Ella laughed, sticking out her tongue. "I'm scrappy."
Rihan leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Haeun, this is serious. Someone's targeting you. We need to meet this Minjae guy. Properly."
"Why?" Haeun said, crossing her arms. "You think he's involved?"
"No," Rihan said, shaking his head. "But if he's in your corner, I wanna know he's solid."
"Fine," Haeun said, rolling her eyes. "He's meeting us at the café later."
"Good," Rihan said, nodding. "I'll size him up."
"Don't be weird," Haeun said, pointing at him.
"Me? Weird?" Rihan grinned, cracking open his soda. "Never."
"You locked yourself out of your phone," Ella said, smirking. "Classic Rihan."
"One time," Rihan groaned, tossing a cushion at her. "Let it go."
"Never," Ella laughed, catching it. "It's too good."
Haeun's mind drifted to the orphanage, ten years old, sitting in the yard. Seokjin had found her, his voice soft. "They're scared of you," he'd said, his eyes intense. "You're stronger than them, Haeun." His words had been kind, but his gaze had chilled her, like he saw too much.
"Haeun?" Ella said, snapping her back. "You zoned out. You okay?"
"Yeah," Haeun lied, her fingers tightening around her phone. "Just tired."
"Bullshit," Ella said, her tone blunt. "You're scared. Talk to us."
Haeun sighed, her guard cracking. "The message… it's like they know me. My past."
"From the orphanage?" Rihan asked, his voice low, setting his soda down.
"Maybe," Haeun said, her voice small. "The fire. Everything."
"You think it's someone from there?" Rihan said, his jaw tightening.
"Don't know," Haeun said, looking away. "Maybe Seokjin."
"Seokjin?" Ella said, leaning forward. "Who's that?"
"A kid from the orphanage," Haeun said. "He was… weird. Always watching me."
"Creepy," Ella said, shivering. "Think it's him?"
"Maybe," Haeun said, her voice shaking. "He liked fire. Too much."
"We'll figure it out," Rihan said, his voice firm. "Together."
"Okay," Haeun said, nodding, her throat tight.
At the café, the air smelled of espresso and pastries. Haeun sat by the window, Rihan and Ella across from her, when Minjae walked in, his hoodie loose, his eyes scanning the room. He spotted them and waved, his smile hesitant. "Interrogation squad?" he said, sliding into the booth.
"Yup," Ella said, grinning wide. "I'm Ella. That's Rihan, Haeun's overprotective brother."
"Not overprotective," Rihan said, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing. "Just careful. Why're you following my sister around?"
Minjae met his gaze, unfazed. "I walked her home when she was scared," he said, his voice calm. "That a problem?"
"Why stick around?" Rihan asked, his tone sharp.
"She trusted me," Minjae said simply. "That's enough for me."
Haeun shifted, uncomfortable. "Can we not do this? He's here to help."
"You sure about him?" Rihan asked, glancing at her.
"I'm sitting right here," Minjae said, his tone even. "Ask me anything."
"Why her?" Rihan said, crossing his arms. "Why get involved?"
Minjae glanced at Haeun, his expression softening. "She's different. Doesn't pretend to be someone she's not. I respect that."
Ella snorted, leaning back. "Smooth, Busan boy."
"Ella," Haeun groaned, hiding her face in her hands.
Rihan chuckled, relaxing slightly. "Alright, kid. You're honest. That'll keep you alive around here."
"Is that a threat?" Minjae asked, half-smiling.
"Depends," Rihan said, smirking. "You like her?"
Haeun groaned louder, sinking in her seat. "I should've let the stalker get me."
Minjae laughed, his eyes crinkling. "She's… interesting. That's all I'll say."
"Not an answer," Rihan said, but his tone was lighter.
"It's the only one you're getting," Minjae said, leaning back.
Ella clapped, grinning. "I like him. He's got guts."
"You're all embarrassing," Haeun said, but a smile tugged at her lips.
"So, what's the plan?" Minjae asked, his tone turning serious. "Haeun's got a stalker."
"We figure out who," Rihan said, his voice firm. "I've got a guy who can trace stuff. Messages, servers."
"Your hacker friend?" Ella said, smirking. "The one who crashed your laptop?"
"One time," Rihan groaned, rolling his eyes. "He's good."
"He better be," Minjae said, glancing at Haeun. "She needs us."
"I'm right here," Haeun said, annoyed but grateful. "I'm not helpless."
"No one said you were," Minjae said, his voice soft. "But you don't have to do this alone."
"Thanks," she said, her voice small, warmth spreading in her chest.
They talked longer, Ella teasing, Rihan probing, Minjae holding his own. "You're alright, Minjae," Rihan said finally, leaning back.
"Thanks," Minjae said, grinning. "You're not so bad yourself."
"Don't push it," Rihan said, but he smiled.
Haeun felt lighter, the note's weight easing in their banter. "You're all ridiculous," she said, shaking her head.
"You love us," Ella said, tossing a sugar packet at her.
"Debatable," Haeun said, catching it, a real smile breaking through.
That night, she lay awake, the note's words echoing: "WE SEE YOU." She checked her window, heart racing, the city's glow filtering through the curtains. "Who are you?" she whispered, her voice trembling. The silence answered, heavy with threat, and she knew sleep wouldn't come.
Chapter Five: A Crack in the Mirror
Haeun stood at her locker, the school's morning buzz a dull roar. She opened the door, and a note slipped out, landing at her feet: "WE SEE YOU." Red ink, sharp letters, deliberate. Her breath caught, her hands trembling as she picked it up. She slammed the locker shut, heart pounding, scanning the hallway. Students streamed past, laughing, oblivious, but she felt eyes on her, invisible and relentless.
"Hey," Minjae's voice broke through, his figure appearing beside her. "You okay?"
"No," Haeun said, shoving the note in her pocket, her voice tight.
"What's that?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Nothing," she said, too quickly, turning away.
"Haeun," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "You're shaking. What's going on?"
She met his eyes, her guard wavering. "Another note," she admitted, her voice low. "Same as before. They're watching me."
Minjae's jaw tightened. "Show me."
She hesitated, then pulled out the note, unfolding it with shaky fingers. He read it, his expression darkening. "This is messed up," he said. "You told Rihan?"
"Not yet," she said, shoving the note back in her pocket. "I don't want him freaking out."
"He's your brother," Minjae said, stepping closer. "He'd want to know."
"I'll handle it," she snapped, then softened, her voice small. "Sorry. I'm just… scared."
"I get it," he said, his voice steady. "But you're not alone in this."
"Thanks," she said, her throat tight, heading to class. The morning dragged, her thoughts consumed by the note. She remembered Seokjin at the orphanage, his voice low, sitting across from her. "Fire shows the truth," he'd said, his lighter flickering. She'd backed away, scared, his words haunting her now.
In class, Minjae leaned over. "You're zoning out," he whispered. "Still the note?"
"Yeah," she said, her voice low. "Can't shake it."
"You don't have to," he said. "I'm here."
"Stop being nice," she muttered, but her lips twitched.
"Can't help it," he said, smiling. "It's my face."
"Gross," she said, laughing softly.
At lunch, she skipped the cafeteria, climbing to the rooftop, needing air. The city sprawled below, its towers glinting coldly. Minjae followed, sitting a few feet away. "Predictable," he said, his tone light.
"Wanted to be alone," she said, hugging her knees.
"Figured," he said, leaning back. "But you look like you're about to break."
"You don't get it," she said, her voice sharp. "They know my past."
"Tell me," he said, his tone gentle, scooting closer.
She hesitated, her heart racing. "I lived in an orphanage," she said finally, her voice barely audible. "There was a fire. I got out. Some didn't. I changed my name after."
"That's heavy," he said, his voice soft. "And someone's digging that up?"
"Maybe," she said, her voice cracking. "The notes… they use my old name. Kang Haeun."
"Anyone from back then who'd do this?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"I don't know," she said, shivering. "There was this guy… Seokjin. He was weird. Obsessed with fire."
"Sounds like a creep," Minjae said, his jaw tightening. "You think it's him?"
"I don't know," she said, hugging herself tighter. "I haven't seen him in years."
"We'll figure it out," he said, his voice firm. "I'm here, okay?"
"Why?" she asked, meeting his eyes, her heart pounding.
"Because you're worth caring about," he said simply, no hesitation.
She blushed, looking away. "You're so cheesy."
"Guilty," he grinned, leaning back.
"Thanks," she said softly, her voice almost lost in the wind.
"Anytime," he said, his smile warm.
They sat in silence, the wind tugging at their clothes. Haeun felt a flicker of safety, fleeting but real. She remembered another orphanage moment, Seokjin finding her crying in the library. "You're stronger than this," he'd said, his voice calm but intense. "Don't let them break you." She'd nodded, scared, his words both comfort and threat.
Later, in the hallway, a group of girls passed, their whispers sharp. "She's such a freak," one said, loud enough to sting. Haeun ignored them, her jaw tight, but Minjae stepped forward. "Hey," he called, his voice firm. "Got a problem?"
"Mind your business," one muttered, hurrying off.
"They're jealous," Minjae said, turning to Haeun.
"Of what?" she scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Of you," he said, his tone serious. "You don't bend to their crap."
"You're too nice," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Just honest," he said, grinning.
She shook her head, warmth spreading. "Whatever."
After school, she visited Ms. Park's office. "Haeun?" the counselor said, surprised. "What's up?"
"Feeling trapped," Haeun said, sitting, her hands twisting. "Like my past is back."
"What's in your past?" Ms. Park asked, her tone gentle.
"Stuff I buried," Haeun said, her voice low. "Someone knows."
"Tell someone you trust," Ms. Park said. "Your brother, maybe."
"He'll overreact," Haeun said, shaking her head.
"He loves you," Ms. Park said. "Start there."
Haeun left, her fear heavier. That evening, she told Rihan, showing him the note. "Another one," she said, her voice shaking.
"Shit," Rihan said, pacing the living room. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Didn't want you worried," she said, looking down.
"I'm your brother," he said, stopping to face her. "I'm supposed to worry."
"Sorry," she said, her voice small.
"We'll fix this," he said, his tone firm. "I'm calling my hacker guy."
"The laptop crasher?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"One time," he groaned, smiling despite himself. "He's good."
"Thanks, oppa," she said, hugging him.
"Always," he said, hugging back.
They talked, planning, her fear easing slightly. "We'll keep you safe," Rihan said.
"How?" she asked, her voice small.
"Together," he said, his tone firm.
That night, she lay awake, the note's words echoing. "Seokjin?" she whispered, fear coiling tighter. She checked her phone, no messages, but the silence screamed threat. "What do you want?" she said to the dark, her voice trembling.
Chapter Six: The Warehouse
Haeun's phone buzzed in class, the screen lighting up with a new message: "You're not invisible, Kang Haeun." Her heart stopped, her fingers trembling as she hid the phone under her desk. The name—her old name—chilled her to the bone. She glanced around, but no one noticed, the teacher droning on about history.
After class, she found Minjae by the lockers. "Another message," she said, her voice low, showing him the screen.
He read it, his jaw tightening. "They used your old name again."
"Yeah," she said, her voice shaking. "From the orphanage."
"Seokjin?" he asked, his tone careful.
"Maybe," she said, shivering. "He was… intense."
"Tell Rihan," Minjae said, his voice firm.
"No," she said, her tone sharp. "He'll call the cops. They'll dig up my past."
"Haeun, this isn't safe," he said, stepping closer. "You can't do this alone."
"I know," she said, softer, her eyes meeting his. "I need to handle it my way."
"Not alone," he said, his voice steady. "I'm with you."
"Thanks," she said, her throat tight, grateful.
In the hallway, a girl whispered, "Freak." Haeun ignored it, but Minjae turned. "Got a problem?" he said, his voice sharp.
"Whatever," the girl muttered, hurrying off.
"Thanks," Haeun said, her voice small.
"Anytime," he said, smiling softly.
They talked, planning to tell Rihan. "He's gonna be pissed," Haeun said, nervous.
"He'll want to help," Minjae said. "He's family."
"Yeah," she said, nodding. "You're right."
That evening, they met Rihan and Ella at the apartment. "Another message?" Rihan said, his voice sharp, standing up from the couch.
"I'm telling you now," Haeun said, crossing her arms. "It's my old name."
"This is some serial-killer shit," Ella said, her eyes wide, sitting beside Haeun. "We need a plan."
"Like what?" Haeun asked, skeptical, leaning back.
"Track them," Rihan said, pacing. "I've got a guy who can trace messages."
"Your hacker friend?" Ella said, grinning. "The one who crashed your laptop?"
"One time," Rihan groaned, tossing a cushion at her. "Can we focus?"
"What's the plan?" Minjae asked, sitting across from them.
"Bait them," Ella said, her voice excited. "Haeun goes somewhere public. We watch. Catch them."
"That's risky," Minjae said, glancing at Haeun. "You okay with that?"
"No choice," Haeun said, her voice low. "They're not stopping."
"I don't like it," Rihan said, stopping to face them. "But if we're careful, it could work."
"I'll tail her," Minjae said, his tone firm. "Close but not obvious."
"I'll watch from a distance," Ella said, grinning. "Got my pepper spray."
"You're not fighting anyone," Rihan said, rolling his eyes.
"Wanna bet?" Ella said, flexing her arm, smirking.
Haeun laughed, her fear easing slightly. "You're ridiculous," she said.
"You love it," Ella said, tossing a cushion back.
Haeun remembered Seokjin, late at night in the orphanage. "Fire sets you free," he'd said, his lighter flickering. "You'll see, Haeun." She'd left, scared, his words echoing in her mind.
"Let's do this," Haeun said, her voice steady despite her fear.
"We'll be ready," Rihan said, his tone firm. "No mistakes."
They planned for hours, voices overlapping. "I'll stay close," Minjae said, looking at Haeun. "Not letting you out of my sight."
"Good," Rihan said, nodding. "Ella, you're backup."
"Got it," Ella said, saluting. "I'm sneaky."
"You're loud," Haeun teased, managing a smile.
"Rude," Ella laughed, tossing another cushion.
That night, they walked through an industrial district, Haeun's hood up, an earbud in. Footsteps echoed behind them, soft but deliberate. "Hear that?" she whispered to Minjae, her heart racing.
"Yeah," he said, scanning the shadows. "Keep moving."
A hooded figure darted ahead, vanishing around a corner. "There!" Haeun said, running after them, her pulse pounding.
"Haeun, wait!" Minjae called, chasing her.
They reached a warehouse, its doors rusted, windows cracked. Inside, a note hung on a beam: "YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE COME HERE." The door slammed shut, trapping them. A distorted voice echoed through the dark: "You shouldn't have followed me."
"Who are you?" Haeun shouted, her voice shaking, echoing off the walls.
"This is a reminder," the voice said, cold and sharp.
"Seokjin?" Haeun said, her heart pounding, her hands trembling.
No answer, just silence. Minjae grabbed her arm. "We need to get out. Now."
They found a broken window, climbing out, panting in the cool air. "What was that?" Haeun said, shaking, her breath visible.
"A trap," Minjae said, his voice tense, scanning the alley. "They're playing with us."
At a diner later, they regrouped with Rihan and Ella. "You okay?" Rihan asked, hugging her tight.
"Barely," Haeun said, her voice small. "That was him, wasn't it?"
"Maybe," Rihan said, his jaw tight. "My guy's tracing the message now."
"We almost had him," Ella said, frustrated, slamming her fist on the table.
"Too close," Minjae said, his voice low. "No more bait."
"We have to," Haeun said, her voice firm despite her fear. "He's not stopping."
"Not like that," Rihan said, his tone sharp. "We'll find another way."
"Okay," Haeun said, nodding, her fear lingering like smoke.
Chapter Seven: Closer Than You Think
Haeun sat on the couch, still shaking from the warehouse, her hands clasped tight. Rihan paced the living room, his face tense. "That was too damn close," he said, stopping to look at her. "You're not doing that again, Haeun."
"No choice," she said, her voice low, staring at the floor. "He knows where I am."
"We need to track him," Ella said, sitting beside her, her voice urgent. "Rihan, your hacker guy?"
"He's working on it," Rihan said, rubbing his neck, his voice tight. "Checking the message's source. Should have something soon."
"Will that actually work?" Minjae asked, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed.
"Maybe," Rihan said, glancing at him. "He's good when he's not crashing laptops."
"One time," Ella teased, smirking, trying to lighten the mood.
"Focus," Rihan said, glaring at her. "We need a plan. A better one."
"Like what?" Haeun asked, her hands twisting in her lap.
"Something safer," Rihan said, sitting across from her. "No more alleys or warehouses."
"Like what?" Ella said, leaning forward. "He's out there, Rihan."
"We lure him somewhere public," Minjae said, his voice steady. "Crowded. Like a market. Safer."
"Like a night market?" Haeun said, skeptical, her voice low.
"Yeah," Minjae said, nodding. "Lots of eyes. Harder for him to try anything."
"I don't know," Haeun said, her mind drifting to the orphanage, Seokjin helping her escape a locked room. "You're not trapped," he'd said, his voice calm, his hands quick with a paperclip. "I'll get you out." She'd trusted him then, his eyes steady but unsettling, like he saw too much.
"Haeun?" Rihan said, snapping her back, his voice concerned. "You with us?"
"Yeah," she said, shaking her head. "Just… thinking."
"About what?" Ella asked, her tone soft, touching Haeun's arm.
"The orphanage," Haeun said, her voice small. "Seokjin helped me once. Got me out of a locked room. But he was… weird."
"Weird how?" Minjae asked, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing.
"Too calm," she said, shivering. "Like he knew too much. Always watching."
"He's our guy," Rihan said, his voice hard. "Gotta be."
"How do we catch him?" Ella asked, her voice eager.
"We don't," Rihan said, shaking his head. "We trace him. My guy's close to cracking the server."
"How close?" Haeun asked, hopeful, her voice trembling.
"Few days," Rihan said, his tone firm. "He's digging through encrypted data."
"That's too long," Haeun said, her voice breaking, her hands shaking.
"We'll keep you safe," Minjae said, his tone firm, sitting beside her. "No one's touching you."
"How?" she asked, meeting his eyes, her fear raw.
"We stay together," he said, his voice steady. "No solo moves."
"Agreed," Ella said, nodding. "I'm sticking to you like glue."
"Great," Haeun said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Babysitters."
"The best," Ella grinned, nudging her shoulder.
They talked, planning, their voices overlapping. "We need to be smart," Rihan said. "No more running after shadows."
"I wasn't running," Haeun said, defensive. "I saw him."
"And almost got trapped," Minjae said, his voice gentle but firm. "We do this together."
"Okay," Haeun said, nodding, her fear easing slightly.
That night, she heard footsteps outside her window, soft but deliberate. "Hear that?" she whispered, her heart racing, checking the lock. No one was there, but the fear lingered, cold and heavy.
"Rihan!" she called, her voice shaking.
He appeared, bleary-eyed, in sweatpants. "What's wrong?"
"Footsteps," she said, pointing to the window. "Outside."
He checked, his flashlight cutting through the dark. "Nothing," he said, turning back. "You're safe, Haeun."
"You sure?" she asked, her voice small.
"Positive," he said, hugging her. "I'm here."
"Thanks," she said, her throat tight.
"Always," he said, heading back to bed.
She lay awake, fear coiling tighter. "Seokjin," she whispered, the name heavy on her tongue. She checked her phone again, no messages, but the silence felt like a threat, waiting to break.
Chapter Eight: What He Knows
Rihan's hacker friend sent a video file from the warehouse, grainy and dark. "It's blurry," Rihan said, showing them on his laptop in the living room. "But someone was there, moving."
"Who?" Haeun asked, her heart racing, leaning closer to the screen.
"Not clear," Rihan said, his voice tense. "We need more to pin him."
"Let's bait again," Ella said, her eyes bright with excitement, sitting on the couch.
"No way," Minjae said, shaking his head, standing by the window. "Too dangerous."
"We plan better," Rihan said, closing the laptop. "Safer spot, like Minjae's market idea."
"Where exactly?" Haeun asked, her voice nervous, clutching her phone.
"Night market," Rihan said. "Crowded, public, lots of lights."
"I don't know," Haeun said, her mind drifting to Seokjin's voice at the orphanage: "You can't hide forever," he'd said, his lighter flickering as they sat in the dark. She'd been ten, scared, his words heavy with meaning she didn't grasp.
"Haeun?" Minjae said, touching her arm, his voice soft. "You okay?"
"Just thinking," she said, shaking her head. "Seokjin said I couldn't hide. Like he knew I'd run."
"He's obsessed," Ella said, her voice hard. "Creepy as hell."
"We need to end this," Rihan said, his voice firm. "My guy's tracing the server the message came from."
"How long?" Minjae asked, crossing his arms.
"Couple days," Rihan said, rubbing his eyes. "He's close, but it's encrypted."
"That's too slow," Haeun said, her voice breaking, her hands trembling.
"We'll keep you safe," Rihan said, his tone firm. "No more traps like that."
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice desperate, looking at him.
"We stick together," Ella said, her voice steady. "Like a team."
"Great," Haeun said, half-smiling. "Team babysitter."
"The coolest," Ella grinned, tossing a cushion at her.
They planned, voices tense, mapping out the market. "I'll watch the crowd," Minjae said, his tone firm. "Close but not obvious."
"I'll track from a distance," Ella said, her voice eager. "Pepper spray ready."
"No fighting," Rihan said, exasperated, rubbing his temples.
"Try me," Ella said, smirking, flexing her arm.
Haeun laughed, her fear easing slightly. "You're ridiculous."
"You love it," Ella said, tossing another cushion.
That night, Haeun checked her phone, no messages, but the silence felt heavy, oppressive. "Come on, Seokjin," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Show yourself." She lay awake, the city's glow filtering through her curtains, fear keeping sleep at bay.
Chapter Nine: The Bait and the Bond
Haeun walked the night market, bait again, her hood up, an earbud in. Minjae and Ella watched from a distance, their voices crackling through. "You good?" Minjae whispered, his voice steady.
"Scared," Haeun admitted, her voice low, weaving through stalls of street food and trinkets.
"We got you," he said, his tone firm. "Stay sharp."
"Thanks," she said, scanning the crowd, her heart racing.
A hooded figure appeared, moving fast, lunging toward her. Ella tackled them, crying out as she hit the ground, her arm twisting. "Ella!" Haeun shouted, running over, her pulse pounding.
"I'm fine," Ella groaned, holding her arm, grimacing. "Did we get him?"
"He's gone," Minjae said, helping Ella up, his voice tense.
"Damn it," Haeun said, shaking, her hands clenched.
"You're okay," Minjae said, his hand on her shoulder, steadying her.
"Thanks," she said, her voice small, meeting his eyes.
At the hospital, Ella grinned, her arm bandaged. "Worth it," she said, leaning back in the chair.
"You're crazy," Haeun said, hugging her tight. "Don't do that again."
"You love me," Ella teased, winking.
"Sometimes," Haeun said, smiling through her fear.
Minjae sat nearby, his expression soft. "You scared me out there," he said to Haeun.
"Sorry," she said, meeting his eyes, her heart racing.
"Don't be," he said, his voice gentle. "Just… stay safe."
"I'll try," she said, warmth spreading in her chest.
Rihan arrived, his face furious. "No more bait," he said, pacing the waiting room. "That was too close."
"We have to," Haeun said, her voice firm. "He's close, Rihan."
"Not like this," Rihan said, his tone sharp. "We'll find another way."
Haeun remembered Seokjin, his voice soft at the orphanage: "You're my spark," he'd said, his lighter flickering. She'd run, scared, his words haunting her now.
"We're stronger together," Minjae said, squeezing her hand.
"Yeah," she said, squeezing back, her fear easing slightly.
They talked, planning, Ella joking despite her pain. "I'm a hero," she said, grinning.
"A reckless one," Haeun said, rolling her eyes.
"The best kind," Ella laughed, nudging her.
Chapter Ten: The Unmasking
They found a photo in Ella's bag—Haeun as a kid, Seokjin's name scrawled on the back. "It's him," Haeun said, shaking, her hands trembling as she held it.
"How'd he get this?" Rihan asked, staring at the photo, his voice tense.
"No idea," Haeun said, her mind flashing to Seokjin's voice: "I'll always know you," he'd said, his eyes intense, sitting in the orphanage library.
"He's sick," Ella said, her arm still bandaged, her voice hard.
"We'll get him," Minjae said, his voice firm, standing beside Haeun.
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice desperate, looking at Rihan.
"My hacker's close," Rihan said, his tone steady. "He's tracing the photo's origin."
"How long?" Ella asked, leaning forward.
"Day or two," Rihan said, rubbing his eyes.
"That's too slow," Haeun said, her voice breaking, her hands shaking.
"We'll keep you safe," Minjae said, his tone firm. "I promise."
"Thanks," she said, her fear easing slightly, meeting his eyes.
They planned, voices tense. "We set another trap," Rihan said. "Safer this time. No more markets."
"Where?" Haeun asked, her voice nervous.
"Park," Minjae said. "Open, public, lots of space."
"I'm in," Haeun said, nodding, her voice steady.
"You sure?" Ella asked, her tone concerned, touching her arm.
"Yeah," Haeun said, her jaw tight. "Let's end this."
They talked, mapping out the park, their voices overlapping. "I'll watch the paths," Minjae said. "Close but hidden."
"I'll cover the exits," Ella said, her voice eager. "Bandage and all."
"No fighting," Rihan said, exasperated.
"Try me," Ella grinned, flexing her good arm.
Haeun laughed, her fear easing. "You're impossible."
"You love it," Ella said, tossing a cushion.
Chapter Eleven: Echoes of the Fire
They visited the orphanage ruins, the air thick with dust and memory. In Seokjin's old room, they found a note: "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE." Haeun's heart raced, her hands trembling. "It's him," she said, her voice shaking.
"He's here," Rihan said, scanning the room, his voice tense.
Haeun remembered the fire, Seokjin's voice through the smoke: "It's beautiful, isn't it?" She'd run, the heat choking her, his words echoing.
"We're close," Minjae said, grabbing her hand, his grip steady.
"Too close," Haeun said, shaking, her eyes wide.
"We'll get him," Ella said, her voice firm, standing beside her.
They found a box of photos, all of Haeun, taken over years. "He's obsessed," Rihan said, his voice angry, tossing the box down.
"Let's go," Haeun said, her fear rising, her voice trembling.
They left, the ruins heavy with threat. "He's watching," Haeun said, her voice small.
"Not for long," Rihan said, his tone hard.
Chapter Twelve: Fire in the Blood
They set a trap with a fake diary, luring Seokjin. He sent doctored messages, a VHS tape of the fire. "He's messing with us," Haeun said, shaking, her hands trembling as they watched.
"We'll mess back," Rihan said, his voice hard, slamming the laptop shut.
Haeun remembered Seokjin's taunt at the orphanage: "Fire reveals you," he'd said, smirking, his lighter flickering.
"We trace the tape," Minjae said, his voice firm. "Find him."
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice desperate.
"My guy's on it," Rihan said. "He's digging through servers."
They watched the tape, Haeun's fear spiking. "It's fake," she said, trembling, tears in her eyes.
"We'll prove it," Ella said, hugging her tight. "You're not that person."
"Thanks," Haeun said, her voice small, leaning into her.
Chapter Thirteen: Footage
They watched the VHS again, Haeun's denial breaking. "It's not me," she said, crying, her hands shaking.
"It's fake," Minjae said, holding her, his voice steady. "We know you, Haeun."
"We'll prove it," Rihan said, his tone firm, pacing the room.
Haeun remembered therapy, her voice small: "I'm not that girl," she'd told the doctor, her hands twisting.
"We set a final trap," Ella said, her voice eager. "End this for good."
"Where?" Haeun asked, her voice nervous.
"School," Rihan said. "Controlled space, lots of eyes."
"I'm in," Haeun said, her voice steady despite her fear.
"You sure?" Minjae asked, his hand on hers.
"Yeah," she said, nodding. "Let's finish it."
They planned, voices tense, mapping out the school. "I'll watch the halls," Minjae said. "Close but hidden."
"I'll cover the exits," Ella said. "Bandage won't stop me."
"No fighting," Rihan said, exasperated.
"Try me," Ella grinned, winking.
Chapter Fourteen: Smoke between Us
At school, Seri spread lies, a forum post accusing Haeun of starting the fire. "Why?" Haeun confronted her in the hall, her voice sharp.
"You're a freak," Seri said, smirking, her friends giggling.
"Back off," Minjae said, stepping in, his voice hard.
"You can't protect her forever," Seri said, walking off.
Rihan traced the post. "It's Seokjin," he said, showing them the server data. "He's behind it."
Haeun remembered school whispers, Seokjin's voice: "They'll never get you," he'd said, his eyes intense.
"We're close," Ella said, her voice firm. "Let's finish it."
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice trembling.
"Final trap," Rihan said. "School, tomorrow."
"Okay," Haeun said, her jaw tight, ready.
Chapter Fifteen: The Red Thread
Haeun found her adoption file in Rihan's desk, a red thread tied to it. "What's this?" she asked, holding it up, her hands shaking.
"Seokjin's signature," Rihan said, his voice tense, tracing the server.
Haeun remembered a psychiatric talk at the orphanage: "You're strong," the doctor had said, her voice kind. Haeun clung to that now, her fear raw.
"We'll get him," Minjae said, his voice firm, standing beside her.
"How?" Haeun asked, her voice desperate.
"Final trap," Rihan said. "We're ready."
They planned, voices overlapping, mapping out the school. "I'll watch her," Minjae said. "Not letting her out of my sight."
"I'll cover backup," Ella said. "Ready to roll."
"No fighting," Rihan said, exasperated.
"Try me," Ella grinned, tossing a cushion.
Chapter Sixteen: The Place That Burned
They searched the orphanage's medical annex, finding Seokjin's shrine to Haeun—photos, notes, a lighter. Fire erupted, trapping them. "Run!" Minjae shouted, pulling her through smoke.
They escaped, coughing, Haeun remembering Seokjin's therapy talk: "Fire's my friend," he'd said, smiling, his eyes distant.
"We're okay," Ella said, panting, her voice hoarse.
"Barely," Haeun said, shaking, her hands trembling.
"We've got him," Rihan said, his voice hard. "He's slipping."
They regrouped, planning, their voices tense. "He's desperate," Minjae said. "We're close."
"Let's end it," Haeun said, her voice steady despite her fear.
Chapter Seventeen: The Moment We Chose Forever
Seokjin was arrested after the trap, Haeun safe at last. At the pier, she told Minjae, "I'm free."
"You are," he said, squeezing her hand, his voice warm.
"Thanks," she said, smiling, her heart light.
"Always," he said, his eyes soft.
At Rihan's concert, they laughed, Haru stealing the show with his dance. "Kid's a star," Haeun said, clapping.
"Like his mom," Minjae teased, nudging her.
Years later, as parents, they sat together. "We made it," Haeun said, holding Haru.
"Forever," Minjae said, kissing her forehead.
They talked, reminiscing, their voices warm. "We survived," Haeun said, smiling.
"And thrived," Minjae said, his arm around her.
Chapter Eighteen: After the Curtain Falls
Haeun juggled a birthday party, kids screaming, Haru running wild. "Total chaos," Minjae laughed, holding him up.
"Love it," Haeun said, grinning, passing out cake.
On the porch later, they talked, the night calm. "We survived," Haeun said, leaning against him, her voice soft.
"And thrived," he said, his arm around her, his voice warm.
They planned a group trip with Rihan and Ella, laughter filling the air. "To us," Haeun said, raising a glass.
"Always," Minjae said, clinking hers, his smile bright.
Hope burned bright, their family strong. "We're okay," Haeun whispered, smiling, her heart full.