Chapter 4

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains, warm and indifferent to the storm. I'd tucked myself into the night before. I blinked up at the ceiling, the hotel room still and unfamiliar, save for the echo of last night replaying in my head like a scene stuck on loop.

What was I even thinking?

That I'd walk up to him and say it all. I couldn't even manage eye contact, let alone a coherent sentence.

I sat up slowly, brushing the creases out of my sleeves, as if that would help smooth out the ache in my chest. The world outside moved on, unaware of the small storm swirling inside me. But I had somewhere to be.– something bigger than the regrets tightening in my throat.

My book was launching today. The library was unusually warm for a late morning, soft classical music hummed through the speakers, and fairy lights curled around the bookshelf like ivy. A section in the middle had been transformed into a small exhibit for my latest book release– modest, quiet, the way I liked things.

My pen name– Haneul was printed elegantly on a canvas banner that hung above the singing table. Of course, no one would actually see me there. I never appeared publicly. The whole literary world knew Haneul only through printed words and book jackets. That was the real deal.

"People are already arriving", my manager Mee ji whispered, handing me a plain black mask and motioning toward the side corridor." " Do you want to stay hidden behind the shelves, like last time!? "

I nodded, adjusting the cap on my head. " Just let me observe a bit. I don't want to be noticed. "

"You sure you don't want to meet a few readers? It's a small crowd today. Handpicked. Mostly loyal fans, press, some book critics... "

I smiled faintly, shaking my head." Words are easier than people. "

She sighed in that familiar, gentle way, then walked off to check on the arrangements.

I stayed tucked in the back, nestled behind the literature section, where I could see everything but remain unseen.

The staff buzzed around, offering tea and guiding people to their seats. It was a small event. Just how I'd hoped.

And then...

From the corner of my eye, someone walked in– silent, inconspicuous, wrapped in a black hoodie, a made pulled high over his nose. He moved with effort, like someone trying not to draw attention, which ironically made him stand out even more to someone like me.

At first, I didn't finch. But then he moved closer to the shelf with my book, and then I noticed...

The way his shoulders sloped.

The pause in his stride.

The slight tilt of his head, like he was listening to something only he could hear. And then his hand– callus, clean, careful – reached out and hovered over my book.

He picked it up, thumb brushing the edge with an unconscious flick. My breath hitched. That small gesture– he used to do it all the time. Back in School. In between turning pages of his notebook, or when he was waiting in a line for lunch.

I leaned a little to the side, eyes wide behind my mask.

It was Dongmin.

Why would he be here?

Why now?

Why– how – did he even know about this event?

He didn't glance around. He didn't stop at the refreshments. He simply looked at the cover for what felt like a quiet eternity. Then, clutching the book he turned and began to walk away.

He passed by a small group chatting by the door, giving them a polite bow, then slipped out without a word.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears.

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