Author pov
Yunhee hooked her arm around Y/n's as they walked toward the street food stall. The smell of grilled meat, spicy rice cakes, and sweet snacks filled the air. It was a busy weekend, and the food sellers were working quickly, serving lots of people.
"Let's try the tteokbokki first!" Yunhee pointed toward a stall that had a line of people waiting.
Y/n nodded eagerly. "Yes! And maybe some hotteok after. I've been craving it all week."
They reached the tteokbokki stall, and Yunhee nudged Y/n playfully. "You better eat more than last time. I'm winning today."
Y/n giggled. "You wish. I can eat twice as much as you."
They ordered a generous portion and found a small table nearby. As they sat down, Y/n took the first bite and let out a satisfied hum. "So good. This is exactly what I needed."
Yunhee grinned, taking a bite herself. "I missed doing this with you. I've been so caught up with Jiyoo lately. We should make this a regular thing again."
Y/n smiled, appreciating the moment. "I'd like that. Just us, like old times."
Yunhee raised her chopsticks in a playful toast. "To eating like there's no tomorrow."
Y/n raised hers too. "And not regretting it later!" They both laughed and took big bites, fully enjoying the moment.
As Yunhee chewed her food, she glanced over at Y/n. "Y/n, don't you think it's time you dated someone? How long are you gonna stay single?"
Y/n rolled her eyes and sighed, taking another bite. "I'm not interested," she replied, savoring the food with her eyes closed.
"This is all I need right now."
Yunhee playfully pouted. "Oh come on, Y/nie! You're so beautiful. Sometimes I wish I looked as gorgeous as you." She puffed out her cheeks dramatically, making Y/n burst into laughter.
"Stop being silly!" Y/n giggled, shaking her head.
Yunhee pouted, poking at her food. "I'm serious. You don't even try, and you look perfect."
Y/n shook her head, still giggling.
"Beauty isn't just about how we look. If your heart is beautiful, then we're all beauty queens."
Yunhee smirked, leaning closer. "So, you're saying I'm a beauty queen too?"
Y/n grinned, poking Yunhee's cheek. "Obviously! But let's not forget, food queens too."
Yunhee smiled softly, nodding. "You always know what to say." She picked up another bite of food. "But seriously, if you ever need help finding someone, just let me know. I've got connections." She winked playfully.
Y/n leaned back in her chair, shaking her head with a small smirk. "No thanks, I'll find my partner on my own."
Yunhee sighed dramatically. "How many boys have you rejected already? Do you really expect me to believe you'll find someone by yourself?"
"They didn't meet my standards," Y/n replied confidently, taking another bite of food. "And I'm not about to lower them for just anyone. It's better to be single than stuck in a toxic relationship."
Yunhee scoffed, but there was a playful smile on her face. "You're not an easy girl, are you?"
Y/n winked. "Nope, not at all." She leaned back in her chair.
Yunhee rolled her eyes, laughing. "Yeah, yeah, I know you're not. I still remember when we were in our second year and you beat up that guy who tried to touch you Inappropriate after you rejected him."Y/n laughed, flipping her hair dramatically.
"Of course, I have a red belt in karate, thanks to my appa, who's a black belter." She playfully punched the air, showing off her moves, while Yunhee laughed harder.
"That's what happens when someone doesn't respect women. He deserved it."
Yunhee nodded, still grinning. "Honestly, I'm proud of you. You're not someone to mess with."
"Thanks, but being strong isn't just about fighting. It's knowing your worth and not settling for less."
Yunhee smiled, shaking her head in amusement. "You always know how to make a point."
They both laughed again, diving back into their plates, taking turns grabbing more dishes from the stalls.
Yunhee suddenly pointed at a stall selling shaved ice. "Should we get dessert? I'm not done yet."
Y/n chuckled, her stomach already feeling full but her love for food winning out. "Why not? We're here to eat, right?"
Yunhee stood up excitedly, waving over to the dessert vendor. "Two bowls, please!"
As they waited for the sweet treat, Y/n looked around, taking in the lively atmosphere. "It's nice to have a break like this, no university stress, just good food and good company."
"yeah, Best. Day. Ever."
They stayed like that for a moment, enjoying the quiet, simple joy of being in each other's company. No rush, no worries , just a perfect day shared between friends.
____
"So, how are we going to find her?" Hoseok asked, watching Namjoon take a slow sip from his coffee.
"I've thought of one way," Namjoon said, his eyes focused on the cup in his hand. "But I'm not sure if it'll work."
Suga, who had been peacefully napping on the couch, slowly blinked his eyes open, his voice groggy. "Then tell us," he mumbled, barely awake.
Jin, standing nearby, rolled his eyes in annoyance. "You sleepy cat, just go back to your precious nap," he teased, shaking his head.
Suga gave a small scoff of his own and closed his eyes again. "This lazy-" Jin sighed in frustration, glaring at Suga's curled-up figure. "This lazy shit..."
Without opening his eyes, Suga smirked and muttered, "So, what? You ugly brat."
Jin's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you just say? " he snapped. Without a second thought, he stomped toward the couch and slapped Suga's backside hard, making his eyes snap open in shock.
Suga winced, rubbing his sore spot with a frown. "Ow! What the hell" he muttered, still half-asleep.
"How dare you!" Jin shouted, his face flushed with anger. "How dare you insult my handsome face?! I'll kill you!"
Jungkook, who had been silently eating his breakfast, burst out laughing, nearly choking on his food. "Come on, Jin hyung...!" He clapped his hands, clearly enjoying the chaos.
But his fun was cut short when Hoseok shot him a sharp look, making Jungkook immediately silenced, flashing his bunny smile again before quickly shoving more food into his mouth.
Namjoon sighed, watching the scene unfold with a look of disappointment. "Can you all stop acting like kids?" he muttered, taking another sip of his coffee, shaking his head.
"Can we focus for a second?We still have to figure out a plan." Hoseok uttered.
Jin crossed his arms, still glaring at Suga, but eventually nodded. "Fine," he grumbled, "but this isn't over."
Suga smirked from the couch, eyes still closed. "Sure, sure," he said, sounding completely unfazed.
Namjoon leaned forward, setting his coffee cup down on the table, his face now serious.
"I'm one hundred percent sure she's here in Seoul. I can feel it - his soul isn't far. It means she's close." He paused, glancing at Hoseok, who nodded in agreement.
"There's only one way we can recognize her," Namjoon continued.
"What?" Jin asked, frowning in confusion.
"The ring," Namjoon replied.
Hoseok's eyes widened as he made an 'O' shape with his mouth, realizing what Namjoon meant. "The ring that Taehyung made for her?" Jin asked, still sounding unsure.
"Yeah, the blue one," Namjoon confirmed. "When we get close to the right person, the ring will start to shine. It belongs to her - that's how we'll know."
"That's actually a good idea," Jungkook chimed in unexpectedly. He had been quietly listening to the conversation all along, chewing on his food while taking in the plan.
Namjoon's eyes shifted toward Jungkook, his expression dead serious. "And you're the one who's going to do it."
Jungkook's eyes widened in shock, and he choked on his food. "W-What? Me?!" He coughed, looking around as if hoping someone would rescue him from the sudden responsibility.
"Yes, you," Namjoon said, crossing his arms. "You're the best at being sneaky, and you've got good instincts."
"But-"Jungkook glanced at Jin and Hoseok, hoping for backup, but they both just shrugged, clearly agreeing with Namjoon's plan.
"Come on, it's not like you haven't done riskier things before," Hoseok teased with a smirk.
Jin chuckled, nudging Jungkook's shoulder. "Yeah, you'll be fine. Think of it like a mission."
Jungkook groaned, dropping his head into his hands. "Why is it always me? First, the dangerous missions and now this."
Namjoon raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather I send Jin?"
Jin immediately straightened up, waving his hands. "No, no, I'm good. Let the kid do it. He's perfect for the job."
"Exactly," Namjoon said with a smirk. "You're up for it, right, Jungkook?"
Jungkook sighed, stuffing the last bit of food into his mouth before standing up. "Fine, fine. I'll do it. But if I mess up, don't blame me."
"Don't worry," Namjoon replied, giving him an encouraging pat on the back. "You've got this."
Y/n pov
After spending the day with Yunhee, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my messy mind. I really enjoyed everything we did today. Her presence brought a joyful vibe that made me forget all my worries, even if just for a little while.
The sky was beginning to darken as evening crept in, the shadows slowly embracing the surroundings. We both decided it was time to head home, though unfortunately, we didn't live on the same route, so we had to part ways.
Suddenly, my phone rang, making me glance down at the screen. I saw Appa's name on the caller ID and quickly answered.
"Hello, Appa!" I greeted cheerfully.
"Oh, sweetheart! I hope you enjoyed your day," he said in an excited tone, and I could almost hear the smile in his voice from the other end.
"Of course, I had a great time"
"Probably because of the food," he teased, chuckling softly.
I couldn't help but laugh too. "Okay, okay, you know me too well."
"Hmmm,"he hummed, sounding pleased. "Alright, come home soon. It's getting dark outside, and I want you home safe. I'll cook something for you."
I smiled at his offer, but I could hear a hint of tiredness in his voice. "Oh, Appa, you don't have to cook tonight. I'll pick up something on my way. You sound tired... did you work a lot today?"
He sighed softly, the weariness clear in his breath. "Hmm, maybe a little. But it's nothing I can't handle."
"Still, take a break tonight. I'll grab some food and be home soon, okay?" I said, feeling a little sad for him. He always worked so hard.
"As you wish, my sweetheart. Just be careful and take your time."
"I will, Appa. See you soon."
After hanging up, I slipped my phone into my pocket and made my way to the little restaurant just down the street. They made the most delicious food, at least in my opinion. Not as good as my dad's cooking, though. His food was the best-nothing could compare to that.
Finally, I grabbed two kimchi fried rice and Bibimbap, paid for it, and stepped out of the restaurant. The place was run by a sweet halmoni, whose food was just as warm as her heart. She always greeted me with a kind smile, and that's why this restaurant had become one of my favorite spots.
With a contented sigh, I began walking down the street, the food bags swinging gently in my hand. After a few minutes, I stopped at a crosswalk, waiting for the signal to change so I could cross.
When the light turned green, I started walking across the road. But suddenly, a loud car horn blared from my right. My head snapped toward the sound, and my eyes widened in fear. A car was speeding toward me, the headlights blinding my vision. The driver looked out of control, maybe even drunk, as the vehicle swerved recklessly.
The bright lights hit my face, forcing me to shut my eyes. My legs froze, my mind going blank as panic took over. I couldn't move. I didn't know what to do.
The next thing I knew, strong arms wrapped around me. I was yanked backward, crashing into a warm, firm chest.
The world around me blurred as the wind rushed past, but before I could understand what had happened, I found myself on the sidewalk again, safe.
My heart pounded in my chest as I opened my eyes slowly, still dazed. A figure stood in front of me. Tall, with an aura that felt both powerful and familiar. My gaze traveled up to his face, and then I saw them-those red eyes.
The man who had saved me.
He held me tightly, his grip firm but not painful, as if he owned the very air I was breathing.
His gaze wasn't on me, though. It was fixed on the car that had almost hit me. His eyes darkened, narrowing with a dangerous intensity. He looked at the driver with such cold fury that it sent a chill down my spine.
The car screeched past, but the man didn't let go of me. Instead, he tightened his hold for a second, his jaw clenching as he glared at the retreating vehicle. The air around him felt heavy, thick with something dangerous, something that warned anyone nearby to keep their distance.
I could feel his heart beating steadily against my back, so different from the wild pounding of my own. His presence wrapped around me like a shadow, both comforting and terrifying.
"You're safe now," he whispered, his voice low, almost a growl. His breath was warm against my ear, sending a shiver through me.
I looked up, my lips parting to speak, but no words came out. I was trapped in his arms, His red eyes, now focused on me, held something dark, something dangerous. My stomach twisted with both gratitude and fear.
His eyes , those red eyes bore into mine, and I felt a shiver run through me. His hand lingered on my waist for just a second longer before he released me entirely.
Stepping back, I stumbled slightly, feeling the cold absence of his touch as soon as he let go.
I stood there, frozen, my body still trembling from the near accident and from him. My heart hadn't slowed down, and as I looked down at the bags in my hands, I realized I couldn't even remember what I had bought. All I could think about was him.
I wanted to run away. My mind screamed to escape from all of this from him and everything happening around me. Who was this man? Why did he show up out of nowhere? But I couldn't think about that now. My head hurt so much, I had to close my eyes.
I tried to move, but my legs felt weak. A sharp pain shot through my right leg, making me stumble. Maybe it was injured, or maybe I was just too shaken to tell.
I opened my eyes again, but everything around me was blurry. The world spun, and the edges of my vision grew dark. I felt heavy, like all my energy had vanished. I wanted to fight it, but I couldn't. My legs gave out beneath me, and before I could fall, I felt him catch me.
His strong arms pulled me close as I fell against him. He held me tight, almost like he was afraid to let go, as if his life depended on it. I could feel the warmth of his chest against mine, steady and strong.
I blinked slowly, my head resting on his shoulder as my body grew weak. The pain in my head was too much, and I couldn't focus on anything else. I felt my legs give out completely, and I leaned into him.
I couldn't hold on any longer. My eyes closed, and my breathing became shallow. The last thing I felt before I drifted into darkness was his hand gently touching my back, steadying me as everything else faded away.
Write a comment ...