The next morning felt… normal.
Too normal.
Elina stepped out of the car, adjusting her bag slightly as she looked up.
A large campus stood before her.
Students everywhere.
Voices. Laughter. Movement.
"…Finally. Fresh air. Normal people. No suspicious reactions."
She walked forward with calm steps, blending into the crowd.
"…Let's see how peaceful life outside is."
"Tahee."
She stopped.
Her shoulders stiffened slightly.
Slowly—
She turned.
And there he was.
Jeon Jungkook.
Standing a few steps away.
Hands in his pockets.
Calm.
Watching her.
Elina blinked.
"…Why is he here?"
A pause.
"…Wait. Don't tell me—same college?"
Jungkook took a step closer.
Then another.
Stopping right in front of her.
"Coincidence?" she asked lightly.
He tilted his head slightly.
A faint smile appearing.
"Do you believe in those?"
Elina froze for a split second.
"…No. I believe in bad luck."
Outwardly, she smiled politely.
"Sometimes."
Jungkook studied her face.
Carefully.
Too carefully.
"…Why does it feel like he's testing me again?"
A group of students passed by, whispering quietly.
Eyes lingering on them.
Elina noticed.
"…Ah. Attention. I hate attention."
She shifted slightly.
Trying to move past him.
But—
He didn't move.
Instead—
He stepped closer.
Just enough to block her path.
Her heartbeat stuttered.
"…Too close."
She looked up at him.
"…If he leans any closer, I might actually lose my self-control again."
Silence.
Jungkook's expression changed.
Just slightly.
His eyes darkened.
Then—
He leaned in.
Close enough that only she could hear.
"Careful," he murmured.
Her breath caught.
"Your thoughts…"
A pause.
"…are very honest."
Elina froze.
Completely.
"…What?"
Her mind went blank.
Jungkook straightened slowly.
Watching her reaction.
As if waiting.
Testing.
Elina forced a small laugh.
"You're joking."
"…He's joking. Right?"
A dangerous silence followed.
Jungkook didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
He smiled.
"Am I?"
A chill ran down her spine.
For the first time—
Something felt real.
Too real.
"…No."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"…This isn't coincidence."
She looked at him again.
Properly this time.
"…He knows something."
And Jungkook—
Watching her closely—
Seemed to confirm it.
Without saying a word.