Ahn Cho Hyun rolled out her yoga mat in the bright living room. Sunlight poured in, creating a peaceful glow. She took a deep breath, the cool air calming her. As she gently rolled her neck, her long hair fell over her shoulders, and she felt the tension fade. She stretched her arms up high, fingertips brushing the ceiling, a pleasant tingle running down to her toes.
She bent forward, touching the mat and stretching her hamstrings. After holding the pose, she moved into downward dog, feeling her muscles lengthen. She lowered into a plank, tightened her core, and then arched into cobra pose, feeling energy spread through her chest and stomach. Finally, she settled into child's pose, her forehead on the mat, feeling calm.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her back to reality. An email notification lit up the screen. Frowning, she opened it, expecting work-related updates. Instead, the message shocked her, "I know who's behind your accident."
Fear crept within her. How could Ahn Cho Hyun forget the day she turned back to the past? Memories of the crash came rushing back. Why now? Who could know? Still in a state of confusion, Ahn Cho Hyun began her day by putting on a white blouse and black pants, stylish yet carefully chosen.
After finishing her breakfast, Ahn Cho Hyun sipped her coffee, but the rich aroma did nothing to calm her busy thoughts. Each sip seemed to add to her worry. Locking the door behind her, she stood before the elevator's mirrors, her brow furrowed in deep thought. The soft hum of the elevator couldn't quiet her racing mind as she tried to escape the haunting questions in her head.
Ahn Cho Hyun moved through the lobby of her condo. The marble floors echoed softly under her steps, a sharp contrast to her rapid heartbeat. Residents greeted her politely, their voices a distant murmur mixed with the elevator's hum.
At the lobby doors, sunlight streamed in through the glass, casting a warm glow on the polished surfaces. She stepped outside into the busy city with measured steps, her heels clicking lightly on the pavement. The morning air was humid but fresh, carrying the scent of coffee and faint spring blossoms.
Her driver stood by the car, a silent figure in the morning rush. With a nod, she slid into the backseat. The leather seats welcomed her with a cool embrace as the door closed smoothly behind her.
Inside the car, the city moved past the windows in a blur. Skyscrapers towered above, reflecting the early morning sunlight. Pedestrians moved with purpose along the sidewalks, their faces blurred yet calm in their daily routine.
At her workplace, Ahn Cho Hyun stepped out with calm composure into the office lobby's organized chaos. The bright lights and modern decor felt familiar. Colleagues greeted her warmly, their voices blending with her steady steps.
In her office, she closed the door behind her, shutting out the noise. The clock on her desk ticked, a gentle reminder of passing time. With a focused look, she settled into her chair, ready to work.
Ahn Cho Hyun had pushed aside the troubling thoughts that had bothered her earlier when she arrived at work. However, an hour into her working, she received a sudden message. Assuming it was a normal email from one of her employees, Ahn Cho Hyun opened it, only to be struck by a mix of confusion and shock as she read its contents.
"They are just close. You're not as safe as you think."
Ahn Cho Hyun clicked on the email, hoping for clues, but there was nothing. No sender information, no traceable IP address—just an ominous message hanging in digital limbo.
She opened a browser window and began to trace the email's origin. Each attempt led to dead ends, masked IPs, and encrypted pathways. Whoever sent it knew how to cover their tracks well. Ahn Cho Hyun clenched her jaw, her determination flickering like a dying flame.
Another notification chimed, interrupting her fruitless search. Her heart sank as she read the new message, "The one who smiles the most is hiding the darkest secret." She stopped, comprehending each word. Ahn Cho Hyun began thinking about who the person behind these warnings could be. Close and this message, Ahn Cho Hyun knew this person had interacted closely with her many times.
Ahn Cho Hyun read the message again, a spark of defiance lighting up in her eyes. She tightened her grip on the phone, her lips curling into a provoked smile. Whoever sent this knew the person behind these messages and that person was close and had interacted with her. She had faced worse and come out stronger. Her secrets were hers to keep, and Ahn Cho Hyun wouldn't allow these people to intimidate her. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders, her resolve hardening. If someone wanted to challenge her, she'd be ready. Ahn Cho Hyun knew she wouldn't back down; she would confront this head-on.
Ahn Cho Hyun glanced around her office, checking for any prying eyes. She tried different strategies, searching through lesser-known forums, attempting to trace the message's origin. Each attempt was met with obstacles, each pathway a maze with no way out. Her frustration grew, her pulse quickened with each failed attempt.
But still, she didn't show it. Her expression remained composed, her movements purposeful. She was a master of disguise, concealing her inner chaos behind a mask of calm determination. Inside, though, she was falling apart.
Minutes turned into hours as she persisted in her search. The clock on her desk ticked away, a reminder of time slipping through her fingers. She couldn't afford to waste another moment.
Finally, Ahn Cho Hyun leaned back in defeat. With a firm snap, she closed her laptop, the screen going dark. She couldn't trace the sender no matter how hard she tried. Sighing, she rubbed her temple and glanced at the clock, checking the time—it was already 12:10, lunchtime. Perfect timing to unwind and grab another cup of coffee, just what she needed to clear her mind from all of this.
Standing up, she smoothed down her blouse and straightened her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, Ahn Cho Hyun opened the door and stepped out of her office. Employees smiled and greeted her politely as they passed. She returned their gestures with a nod, acknowledging their greetings, her eyes scanning the crowd for any hint of suspicion.
As she walked towards the elevator, her steps measured and controlled, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The message echoed in her mind, haunting her every move.
Inside the elevator, she pressed the button for the ground floor. The doors closed with a soft hum, enclosing her in temporary solitude. Leaning against the mirrored wall, Ahn Cho Hyun closed her eyes briefly.
When the elevator doors opened again, she stepped out into the lobby, her calm exterior maintained. The marble floors echoed softly under her steps. Residents greeted her politely, their voices blending into the background.
Outside, the afternoon sunlight streamed in through the glass doors, casting a warm glow on the polished surfaces. Ahn Cho Hyun paused for a moment, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the city. The air was humid but fresh, carrying the scent of coffee and faint spring blossoms.
Ahn Cho Hyun stepped out confidently in her high heels, exuding luxury and beauty as she made her way to her favorite cafe. It was a 15-minute stroll under the sun. Her heels clicked against the pavement with each graceful stride, drawing subtle glances from passersby. The sun kissed her white skin gently, highlighting her flawless complexion and the soft waves of her hair.
Ahn Cho Hyun pushed open the heavy glass door of the quaint cafe, a soft chime announcing her arrival. The air inside was a comforting blend of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting warm patterns on the polished wooden floor.
The murmur of conversations blended with the soft jazz playing from hidden speakers, creating a soothing ambiance.
Ahn Cho Hyun ordered her go-to drink, a vanilla latte, and settled into a plush seat by the window. The cool leather of the chair embraced her, adding to her comfort.
As she sipped her coffee, warmth spread through her body, calming her mind. Leaning back, she closed her eyes briefly, relishing the peace amidst confusion. She gazed out of the window, watching the bustling cityscape outside.
Her gaze lingered on two men outside, one wearing a cap and the other glasses, lifting boxes that suggested they were moving out. Their movements were steady yet casual, and Ahn Cho Hyun observed them with mild curiosity. She wondered about their story, imagining the reasons behind their relocation.
Outside, the sunlight filtered through the leaves of nearby trees, casting playful shadows on the sidewalk. The city seemed to carry on its rhythm.
Ahn Cho Hyun took another sip of her coffee, enjoying the familiar blend that always comforted her. The coffee shop offered a peaceful haven amid the city's chaos, a shelter where she could briefly escape the pressures of her daily life.
Lost in her thoughts, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. Despite the uncertainties and unanswered questions that lingered in her mind, this moment offered a brief break—a moment of peace and clarity amidst the city's constant motion.
As she watched the two men disappear from view, finishing her coffee, Ahn Cho Hyun set down the cup with a satisfied sigh. She knew she would return to the whirlwind of her responsibilities soon, but for now, she allowed herself this simple pleasure, this quiet pause in her bustling day.
Ahn Cho Hyun returned to her company and work after a quick lunch, her mind clear and focused. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the office window, casting a warm glow over her desk.
Hours slipped by as Ahn Cho Hyun immersed herself in spreadsheets and reports, her determination unwavering. It was nearing 6 o'clock when a message notification disrupted her concentration. Glancing at her phone, she saw multiple missed calls and texts from her brother, urging her to join him for dinner. She rolled her eyes and ignored the phone.
As the notifications kept pinging, one message caught her eye—a potential business deal that could help her a lot. With a sigh, she agreed to meet her brother, tidied her desk, and shut down her laptop.
Outside, her driver waited as Ahn Cho Hyun headed home. The ride was smooth and peaceful. Passing through the lobby of her condo, she barely noticed two men moving boxes and luggage, her mind on the upcoming business negotiations.
Inside her unit, as Ahn Cho Hyun got ready for the evening, she heard loud noises from a neighboring apartment but brushed them off, used to the daily noise of city life. She dressed carefully, her reflection in the mirror a picture of composed elegance.
Just as she finished her preparations and turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of someone familiar in the hallway outside her door. It was Kang Yejun, the man she had met days ago under unusual circumstances. This would be her second time meeting him.
Ahn Cho Hyun's heart skipped a beat as she processed his unexpected presence. She hesitated, uncertain how to react to this encounter. She smiled and went to him but stopped at the door. "Oh, it's you."
Kang Yejun and the man turned and saw her, slightly surprised. He stood there, seemingly waiting, his expression unreadable yet strangely attractive. She smiled. "Welcome to the building."
With that, Ahn Cho Hyun left with an embarrassed expression, her eyes shut as she rode the elevator, cursing herself for suddenly speaking to a stranger. Ahn Cho Hyun shook her head and composed herself. It's fine, it's natural for neighbors to welcome new people.
Ahn Cho Hyun's mind raced with questions, yet she pushed them aside for now, focusing instead on the upcoming dinner and the potential business opportunity that awaited her.