One day after that noisy Monday—still three days before the Yelsulin University alumni gathering—Duyen couldn't shake off the restlessness in her chest. Something inside her remained uncertain about this decision. Deep down, she knew it had never been a place for her. Whether the rumors were still floating around or not, what difference did it make? Would they really accept someone like her among them?
Sometimes, Valko's sinister face and that repulsive smile still flashed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. He had haunted her like a nightmare for four long years. Valko—the golden boy, adored by everyone. And her? At this point, Duyen didn't even care who was right or wrong anymore. All she wanted was peace.
She had typed and deleted countless messages to Mina, ready to say she couldn't come to the reunion. But each time, something stopped her. God, this was a mistake. Maybe Nayeon had always been right. She should've thought this through before deciding.
But why had Nayeon been so strangely silent these days? Duyen had wanted to call her back and apologize for yesterday, yet Nayeon still hadn't answered. Could something have happened? Probably not, Duyen told herself, shaking her head. She must just be busy.
Out of the corner of her eye, Duyen noticed Shana lurking at the bedroom door, grinning mischievously, hiding something behind her back. Duyen frowned but turned away, folding her laundry neatly into the closet.
"What crazy idea have you cooked up this time, darling~?"
The silly girlfriend-roleplay thing had ended the night before, but sometimes Duyen slipped into it out of habit. With just the two of them in the house, she didn't really care. Besides, Shana always lit up when Duyen called her baby, love, or sweetheart. And truthfully, it made Duyen look ridiculously cute.
Shana bounced into the room, wearing nothing but a sheer slip of a nightgown that clung to her curves, her soft rosy pink tips pressing against the thin fabric. Any man would've drooled at the sight. Duyen, however, only chuckled—she was used to Shana being like this at home.
But she noticed the deep sapphire satin fabric in Shana's hands.
Shana suddenly unfolded it with a flourish.
It was a sapphire-blue evening gown, crafted from luxurious satin, its metallic sheen catching the light with every movement. The sleek silhouette hugged the body, with a flowing hemline, and delicate hand-sewn crystal details along the neckline and waist. Regal and mesmerizing.
Duyen froze. That dress was anything but cheap. Yet for someone like Shana, who normally flaunted fiery, daring outfits, this one seemed… oddly modest.
"What's this? Another dress for your collection?" Duyen laughed. "You'll need a bigger closet soon. And my room's tiny, you know."
Shana giggled, playful as always. "You're right. Maybe I do need a bigger room with a whole closet to myself. But just so you know—if I move into that room, you're sleeping there with me."
Duyen shook her head with an exasperated smile—Oh, give me a break. But some thoughts she shouldn't have flickered in her mind before she quickly shoved them aside and busied herself with pillows and blankets.
Shana pouted. "But this dress… isn't for me. It's for you."
Duyen snapped her head back. First the dress, then Shana. "You've got to be kidding me."
"Why would I joke? I bought it for you."
"You want me in a dress?"
Duyen's jaw nearly dropped. The last time she'd worn one was back in high school, a decade ago. She had always been more tomboy than girly. Dresses were… foreign. And embarrassing.
"No way. Forget it."
But Shana didn't back down. She had always imagined Duyen in a dress—and knew she'd look stunning. To Shana, Duyen was already beautiful, no matter what anyone else said. She tugged at Duyen's hand, pleading.
"Just once, Duyen. Please? You don't have to go outside in it—just try it on. For me~"
Duyen groaned. Shana's tricks never failed to wear her down—especially when she pressed Duyen's hand against her chest, rubbing like a tease. Annoying. Maddening. And somehow, always effective.
"Fine," Duyen sighed. "Five minutes. Then we sleep. It's already ten."
Shana's eyes lit up like fireworks. She shoved the dress into Duyen's hands, practically bouncing with excitement.
A few minutes later, Duyen stepped out, clutching the fabric at her sides, her face flushed with unease. This was a mistake. A huge mistake.
The dress hugged her just enough to highlight her rare feminine charm—something almost no one had ever seen, hidden beneath years of tomboy clothes. Duyen didn't feel confident in this new look at all… but Shana?
Her eyes went wide, sparkling like headlights. Her jaw dropped.
"Oh my God…"
Shana's voice trembled with awe, making Duyen's face burn hotter.
"Duyen… you're so beautiful. God, if only you knew how breathtaking you are…"
While Shana stood frozen in adoration, Duyen turned to the mirror, hardly believing her own reflection. Her fingers traced the curves the dress shaped, the softness she never thought she had. It was awkward, yes—but she couldn't look away.
A sudden gasp escaped her when Shana slipped her arms around her waist, resting her chin on Duyen's shoulder. Together, they gazed at the mirror.
"See? I told you. You're gorgeous..."
Duyen's cheeks flamed, but she didn't argue. Shana's words—You're beautiful. You're perfect.—were things no one else had ever told her. It was overwhelming sometimes, hard to accept. And yet… staring at her reflection, she couldn't hate what she saw.
But even in her happiness, a flicker of unease stirred in Shana's chest. Duyen was dazzling—but didn't realize it herself. Years of mistreatment had carved that insecurity deep inside her. Shana feared the day the world would see what she saw—that Duyen might no longer in hers arms.
Almost without thinking, Shana murmured, "That director and Dao still want you as a model. What do you think?"
Duyen stiffened. Yes, they had offered her a contract. Dao had even suggested freelancing, free from the chains of one company. The money would be good—more than good. But Duyen had never wanted to be a model.
"I told them I'd think about it. Honestly? Modeling feels… out of my league."
Shana blinked in disbelief. Out of her league? If anything, Duyen had more than enough to shine. Her height, her rare beauty—she could be a star. Jealousy prickled at Shana at the thought of sharing her with the world, but the desire to see her glow outweighed it.
"Why say that, Duyen? This could be your chance."
Duyen sighed, peeling Shana's arms off as she started unfastening the dress.
"You'll laugh, but… my dream is to open a bakery."
Shana froze. "A bakery?"
Duyen's soft smile and small nod were enough to melt her.
"I tried interning at some companies after graduation. It didn't work out… too many things went wrong. I gave up and started helping at a café-bakery for a while. It was short, but—I loved it. I learned so much. Honestly, I could've stayed there forever."
Her eyes sparkled with warmth and nostalgia. Talking about pastries, customers, the smell of fresh bread—it lit her up in a way Shana had never seen.
"So why didn't you stay?"
"Because the owner moved back to France. They closed the place. My dad needed help with his pho shop, so I went home to work with him. But really…" Duyen's gaze grew distant, hungry.
"I want to save up to open my own little bakery. Small is fine. Big would be amazing, but… small is enough."
Shana chuckled, her heart swelling. The more she learned about Duyen, the more hopelessly charmed she became.
"But bakeries aren't cheap to open, right?"
"True. I've saved about half already. In maybe two years, I could do it."
Suddenly, Duyen smacked her forehead. "God, I shouldn't even say it out loud. I've never told anyone about this dream—except you."
Shana smirked. "Oh really~? Or do you whisper it to all the girls you charm?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Duyen playfully swatted her shoulder, and they both laughed.
"You know," Shana added slyly, "modeling could help you save up faster. You don't have to love it now. But it could fund your dream."
Duyen had to admit—it wasn't a bad point. Still, her doubts lingered.
"I just don't know the contracts, or the business side of it…"
"Then ask someone who does." Shana arched a brow.
"You mean Dao?" Duyen blinked. "I thought you couldn't stand her."
"I don't. She doesn't like me either. But she's harmless. And after you risked yourself for her—twice—she'd never take advantage of you. She'd help."
Shana left unsaid what Duyen might not notice: Dao's best friend was a venomous snake.
Still, Duyen found comfort in Shana's logic. Some of her worries eased, though a nameless unease still lingered in her chest. Sleepiness finally won over.
"Let's sleep!" Shana chirped, then pounced on her. She peppered kisses down Duyen's neck, hands slipping under her tank top.
"Hey—calm down! I haven't even turned off the lights!"
"Mmm, I can't help it~ I want to eat you up, Duyen~"
"At least let me close the damn curtains first!"
Duyen squirmed free, reaching for the window—when a chill zapped through her body, freezing her in place. Her eyes darted to the dark street outside. A strange sensation prickled her spine, as though someone was watching.
She shook it off, pulled the curtains shut, and turned off the lights.
Across the street, headlights flared inside a sleek red Maserati.
A beautiful woman sat inside, her long black hair shining, her eyes fixed on the attic window where Duyen had just disappeared. Her eyes were wide open—staring, unblinking.
It was nearly 11 p.m., yet she hadn't moved, staring up in silence. Nobody knew what she was thinking...
---
The next day, Duyen and Shana went to Nayeon's apartment. Two days had passed without a word from her, and worry gnawed at Duyen.
Unit 24, inside a luxury complex—Duyen was shocked. Nayeon clearly lived well. She'd once said she worked for multinational corporations. Whatever she was doing now, she must've saved up a fortune.
Duyen rang the bell—once, twice, three times. No answer.
They exchanged uneasy glances.
Duyen pushed gently at the door. It swung open. Unlocked. Forced.
Her heart stopped. She shoved the door wide.
"NAYEON!"
The apartment was trashed—furniture smashed, shards of glass scattered everywhere. More than a robbery.
Nayeon's in trouble!?
Duyen dashed frantically through every room, shouting,
"NAYEON! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
Meanwhile, Shana stood silently, arms crossed, eyes scanning the ceiling.
Strange paper talismans were plastered everywhere. So many and dense that it makes one's spine shiver.
Not something an average person would even notice.
But Shana wasn't surprised.
Who exactly was Nayeon?