Nari had practically moved in overnight, and by the time the two of them collapsed onto Hana's couch, it was long past midnight. Outfit debates had spiraled into laughter, giggles that echoed through the apartment like a storm of mischief. Morning arrived in a haze—tidying, snacking, half-hearted attempts at a proper breakfast—until Hana finally glanced at the clock. Eleven. Eleven!
"We're screwed!" Nari yelped, springing into action like a drill sergeant on caffeine. She snatched Hana's makeup kit, tossing blush and brushes around with military precision. In minutes, Hana's skin glowed, lips popped with color, and her hair was half-braided, half-cascading in soft waves that caught the light just right.
Hana stepped into a sleek black dress—modest enough to be elegant, daring enough to turn heads. Nari stepped back, mouth slightly open. "Wow… you're—wow."
Hana's phone buzzed. She picked it up.
"Hi, Miss Hana. Are you ready?" Kang's smooth voice chimed from the line.
"Yes… I'll be outside in a sec," Hana replied, sliding into her heels.
"They're here," Nari said, eyes wide. "Like, right now."
Hana's heart skipped. She grabbed her purse. "Let's go." She bent down, pecked Nari's cheek.
"Don't die, text me, survive," Nari teased, grinning. "And if he does anything weird, punch him."
Outside, the world seemed to slow, the streetlights flickering like spotlights on her every step. Her heels clicked in rhythm, a melody of anticipation and dread.
And then—the car door swung open.
Kai.
He stepped out, his presence folding the air around him. For the second time in years, the icy composure fractured. His amber eyes widened, subtle but telling. When had little Hana—the girl he once chased around Damyang-gun—become this? Poised, radiant, and fearless in black silk?
Hana's lips curved into a tentative smile. "Hi, Kai. How are you?"
His throat tightened. Half a second of closing his eyes, breathing, reigning himself in. No. She's Jihoon's sister. She's Bambi. He exhaled slowly, opening his eyes with a faint, measured smile.
"I'm… good. You… look incredible."
Heat rose in Hana's cheeks. "Thanks."
But he didn't look away. His gaze lingered, probing, as if trying to reconcile the girl in his memories with the woman before him.
A polite cough: Kangsoo at the rear, reminding them time didn't wait.
Kai straightened, moving with effortless authority. He opened the backseat door. "Shall we?"
Hana nodded, slipping past him. A fleeting brush of her floral perfume reached him—sweet, familiar, almost dangerous. His jaw tightened.
Kai closed the door behind her, expression unreadable. Sliding into the car beside her, the engine's low hum was nothing compared to the storm rising in his chest.
And then, a thought hit Hana, sharp and electric: She was sitting next to the boy who had shattered her heart—and somehow, he still made her pulse race.