The afternoon sun cast long, honeyed streaks through the window of Chae-Rin's room, where soft indie music played low from her speakers. The scent of fresh mandarin peels lingered in the air, and a few crumpled snack wrappers lay scattered on the floor.
Seo Hana sat cross-legged on the bed, chewing absently on a Pocky stick as she stared at the ceiling.
"You're doing that thing again," Chae-Rin teased, tossing a pillow at her.
Hana blinked, catching it midair. "What thing?"
"That thing where you zone out like some tragic drama heroine. Don't even deny it. Spill."
Hana hesitated, then sighed, flopping back onto the bed. "It's… that guy."
Chae-Rin's eyes lit up. "The foreign assistant guy? Aryan?"
Hana groaned, covering her face with the pillow. "Don't say it like that."
"Oh my god, you totally have a crush."
"I do not!" Hana sat up, her face flushed. "I mean… maybe. It's not even like that. He's just… I don't know. Strange. And different."
Chae-Rin grinned, grabbing a drink from the desk. "Different how? Like bad-boy motorbike different? Or he-might-be-an-assassin different?"
Hana let out a half-laugh. "Both, maybe."
She pulled her knees to her chest. "There's something about him, Rin. The way he watches everything. The way he talks — like he's been through things. And I swear, sometimes he's there before I even realize I'm looking for him."
Chae-Rin sobered a little at her friend's tone.
"Hana… are you sure it's a good idea to get close to someone like that? Especially now, with your sister freaking out and those bodyguards tailing you like secret agents?"
"I know it's stupid," Hana admitted softly. "I just… it's the first time in a while someone's made me feel… like myself again. Not Ji-Yeon's sister. Not Detective Hyun-Soo's ward. Just me."
Chae-Rin reached over, squeezing her hand.
"Okay," she said gently. "Then get to know him. But promise me you'll be careful, okay? If he's mixed up in anything… dangerous, you walk."
Hana smiled, leaning her head against her friend's shoulder.
"I promise."
Outside, the sun began to dip toward the horizon, and neither of them noticed the black sedan idling quietly at the far end of the street.