"I...um… there was a cat up there," she said in a shy, apologetic tone. "I couldn't just ignore it, so I tried to rescue it. But when I finally reached close enough… the cat suddenly leaped away. I lost my balance and…"
Her voice softened.
"And then I fell."
She bowed deeply once more.
"But thanks to you, I'm safe. I'm really… really thankful."
Junyeok waved his hand lightly. "You don't have to thank me. It's fine."
"But… but…" she hesitated, lifting her head slightly. "I want to repay you."
"I said it's okay. You really don't have to worry about it."
Yet she didn't back down. She stood there quietly, her fingers twisting together, clearly unwilling to give up.
At last, Junyeok let out a tired sigh.
"…Jeez."
He glanced at the bags of sweets in his hands. "Fine, fine. Since I bought way too much, you can help me finish these."
He looked at her. "Are you okay with that?"
She blinked.
"That doesn't really feel like repaying you…" she admitted honestly. "…but if that's what you want, then I'm okay with it."
They sat down on the park bench, the wooden surface still warm from the afternoon sun. Junyeok opened the bag and took out a neatly packed fruit parfait, handing it to her.
Yun received it with both hands, hesitating slightly as if she wasn't sure she deserved it.
"Th-thank you…" she said softly.
She scooped a small spoonful and tasted it.
For a brief second, her expression went blank—then her eyes subtly lit up. She tried to hide it, but the corners of her lips curved upward on their own.
"It's… really delicious," Yun said in a quiet, sincere voice. "Sweet, but not too much."
Junyeok smiled. "Glad you like it."
They ate in silence for a while, the atmosphere calm and comfortable. Yun ate slowly, carefully, savoring each bite. From time to time, she would glance at the parfait as if amazed it was real.
Junyeok broke the silence. "It tastes better outside, doesn't it?"
"Yes," Yun replied with a small nod. "I think… eating like this makes it feel special."
Junyeok then took out a box of cream puffs and placed it between them. "These too."
Yun blinked. "A-Are you sure…?"
"I bought too many anyway."
After a short pause, she nodded. "Then… I'll have one."
She took a cream puff and bit into it, her eyes widening slightly again. She quickly looked away, embarrassed by her own reaction.
"It's very tasty," she said, her voice gentle but honest.
Junyeok leaned back slightly, relaxed. "Perfect day to take a break."
Yun looked ahead at the park, the sunlight filtering through the trees.
"…It really is," she said quietly.
He looked at her face for a moment. "Ah—there's some cream on your face."
Without thinking, he reached out and wiped the cream near her lips with his fingers.
She froze.
"H-hmm…!"
Her face instantly turned red.
Junyeok quickly pulled his hand back and checked his phone, clearly flustered himself.
"It's already 5:38 PM?" he muttered. "Time really flew by today."
"I should head back now."
"Oh—!" she said suddenly. "I totally forgot to ask your name."
She bowed slightly, embarrassed. "How rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself."
"I'm Yun Ji-yeon," she said softly.
Junyeok stiffened internally.
Yun…?
So it really is her.
I can't tell. I never saw her face even once in my previous life… just my damn luck.
He forced his expression to remain calm.
Nothing can be done now anyway. I was planning to keep my distance to avoid trouble. I just hope this doesn't cause some negative butterfly effect.
"And yours?" Yun asked.
"My name is Junyeok."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Aren't you… the one who ranked first in yesterday's exam?" she asked, clearly surprised. "That was totally unbelievable."
"I guess that's me," Junyeok replied with a worried smile.
Yun thought to herself, He really is the one.
Slaying over seventy goblins in one hour… and his reaction speed earlier when he saved me proves it. I'm sure of it.
"Anyway," Junyeok said, standing up, "it's time to head back to the hotel."
Yun stood up as well.
"You're staying at the hotel too, right?" Junyeok asked.
"Yes," she replied quietly.
"Then… do you want to go together?" he asked casually.
"Hmm… umm…" Yun hesitated, her face slightly red. "…yes."
They walked together and soon arrived inside the hotel.
"Today was fun," Junyeok said with a small smile. "A nice day."
"Yes," Yun replied. "I enjoyed it too."
As she took her next step, Yun suddenly tripped.
She was about to fall—but Junyeok caught her instantly, his arm wrapping around her waist.
Junyeok thought with an awkward expression, Wasn't my life supposed to be full of action? Why does this feel like a rom-com? Twice in one day…
A voice rang out nearby.
"Looks like you got yourself a boyfriend, Yun."
"It's not like that!" Yun said quickly.
Junyeok turned toward the voice.
It was the red-haired girl from earlier—the one who had bumped into him before.
"You're misunderstanding the situation, Lyn," Yun said.
"Yun hastily steadied herself and slipped out of Junyeok's arms, her cheeks flushed as she took a small step back, avoiding his gaze."
What's her problem? Junyeok thought, watching Lyn with a faint crease between his brows.
Lyn looked at him and sneered. "Aren't you the loser from before?"
Junyeok remained calm.
So she's not even hiding it anymore.
I really regret my past-life opinion of her personality.
And honestly… I can't even blame people for not realizing they're sisters. Just look at the difference.
Yun straightened up and glared at Lyn. "Don't you dare insult him."
"Oh?" Lyn smirked. "You're taking this loser's side? Is he your boyfriend or something?"
This mess is getting bigger, Junyeok thought.
"That's none of your business," Yun snapped, flustered yet angry. "Whether he's my boyfriend or not—or whatever our relationship is."
Yun grabbed Junyeok's hand and didn't let go, choosing action over words as she led him away.
Junyeok froze.
…What?
I should just play along for now.
"Let's go, Junyeok," Yun said, smiling as she pulled him away, ignoring Lyn completely.
"Yes," Junyeok replied.
Lyn shouted from behind, "You'll regret this!"
Junyeok smiled faintly. Now that's the reaction I wanted.
After they moved a little farther away, Yun muttered angrily, "She really is just…"
She paused, then bowed slightly. "I'm really sorry for all this trouble."
"It's not your fault," Junyeok said calmly.
"Sorry to bringing this up," he said after a brief pause, his voice lowering slightly, "but at this rate… people may start thinking we're a actually couple."
Yun blinked—then realized her hand was still in Junyeok's. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to pull away, but her fingers lingered for a second too long. Sitting side by side, she felt the warmth of his hand and the faint brush of his arm.
She froze for a moment, then stepped back, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"S-Sorry!" she exclaimed. "I didn't mean it! It just… happened!"
"You don't have to apologize," Junyeok said, his face slightly red as well. "I don't really mind."
Yun froze again.
"No… no, that can't be… he didn't mean it like that, right?" Yun whispered, voice trembling slightly. As friends… we're just… friends, aren't we?
She shook her head slightly and looked up.
"Can we… become friends?" she asked.
"There's no reason not to," Junyeok replied, his voice steady and kind, carrying a sincerity that made her heart skip a beat.
Her face brightened instantly. "Then… can I get your number?"
Junyeok gave it to her.
"I should head to my room," he said. "It's late. You should rest too."
As he walked away, Yun caught a brief glimpse of the bracelet on his wrist.
"Have I seen that before…?" Yun murmured to herself, her brow furrowing slightly. She wasn't sure, but somehow it felt familiar. Maybe next time… she'd pay closer attention.
Junyeok's Room
Junyeok entered his room and looked around.
"Nyxara?"
Junyeok froze mid-step.
Nyxara was sprawled on the sofa, fast asleep, her belly completely full and sticking out in a way that made him blink twice.
His eyes drifted to the box of chocolate bars he had given her. Empty. Every single one gone.
He leaned back slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "…Is her stomach a black hole?"
How was it even possible? How much could one person eat?
A mix of disbelief, awe, and a tiny bit of exasperation washed over him. He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Seriously… how does she do this…?"