Chapter 5
The morning sun bathed the city streets with its warm rays, flooding the sidewalks with golden light. The air was still cool, and the aroma of coffee from the shops along the street mingled with the scent of drying leaves.
Hanni walked with calm steps, her bag slung over her shoulder. Her head still felt heavy, even though she had gone to bed early the night before.
Or... so she thought.
Something felt off.
Even though her eyes had opened when morning came, she felt as though something was missing.
Like a fragment of a dream she couldn’t remember, but its traces lingered in her body—a faint sensation on her skin, something both warm and cold at the same time.
She bit her lip, trying to shake off the feeling.
Maybe she was just too tired.
Or maybe she was overthinking.
Hanni sighed, tightening her grip on the strap of her bag. Today, she just needed to focus on her classes, her assignments, and her work at the gallery later that evening.
She couldn’t let herself get too caught up in the strange feeling that was bothering her.
But her plan to have a normal day fell apart in seconds.
As she passed a coffee shop on the corner of the street, someone bumped into her.
Not just a light bump.
Her body was pushed back, and in an instant, something warm splashed onto her chest.
"Oh my!"
The voice was soft but filled with surprise.
Hanni was startled, her eyes widening as she looked down at her chest, now soaked with a light brown latte. The distinct aroma immediately filled the air.
"Sorry! I really didn’t mean to," the voice said again, full of regret.
Hanni looked up, staring at the person who had just spilled coffee on her.
And her breath caught.
It was her.
The girl she had met at the minimart that night.
The same face.
The same long black hair.
The same deep, dark gaze—something about her felt too familiar.
Hanni was speechless for a moment, but the girl quickly reacted.
"Oh no, your clothes are wet. I’m so clumsy," she said again, sounding genuinely apologetic. She quickly rummaged through her bag, pulling out a few tissues and began wiping the spill on Hanni’s jacket.
"It’s okay," Hanni said quickly, still a little stunned.
The girl looked up, meeting Hanni’s gaze with an awkward expression, then gave a small smile. "You..." She seemed to think for a moment before her eyes lit up slightly. "Ah! I remember! We met at the minimart that night, right?"
Hanni paused for a moment but eventually nodded slowly.
"Yeah... I remember," she said in a softer voice.
Of course, she remembered.
There was something about this girl that she couldn’t forget.
Since that night, Hanni hadn’t thought much about her—but now, seeing her again in the sunlight, she realized something she hadn’t noticed before.
There was something different about this girl.
As if she was someone Hanni had known longer than their brief encounter.
But... why?
The girl chuckled softly, still with a regretful expression. "I guess I owe you another coffee. But this time, it’s worse—I made your clothes wet."
Hanni gave a faint smile, still a little confused by the coincidence. "It’s fine... I can clean it."
The girl looked at her for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I feel really guilty. At least let me replace it with another drink."
Hanni hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. "Alright."
The girl smiled wider.
Everything was going according to plan.
---
The air inside the coffee shop felt warmer compared to the cool atmosphere outside. The aroma of espresso mixed with cinnamon filled the room, creating a cozy ambiance. Hanni sat on one of the chairs near the window, still feeling the dampness from the spilled latte on her clothes.
In front of her, the girl—who she now remembered was named Minji—sipped her drink slowly, then looked at Hanni with a slight frown.
"You’re not comfortable with your wet clothes, are you?" Minji asked, her tone light, but her eyes were sharp as they observed Hanni.
Hanni shook her head slowly, trying to smile. "I’m fine. It’ll dry soon."
Minji sighed, then without warning, began to take off her oversized black shirt.
Hanni’s eyes widened.
The action was so spontaneous, so confident, as if Minji didn’t care about the stares from the people around them.
Now, the girl was only wearing a thin white t-shirt that slightly hugged her figure. In contrast to the loose shirt she had been wearing earlier, the t-shirt made her look more relaxed—and for some reason, Hanni felt like she shouldn’t be noticing that.
"Here, wear this," Minji said, handing her black shirt to Hanni.
Hanni was stunned. "What? No, I can’t—"
"You can." Minji smiled, but there was something in the way she spoke that made it sound more like an order. "I don’t want you sitting here with wet clothes like that."
Hanni looked at the shirt in her hands, hesitating. The shirt still felt warm from Minji’s body. The scent of her still lingered on it, faint but enough to make Hanni aware of how close they were now.
She swallowed. "But you’re only wearing a t-shirt now."
Minji shrugged casually. "I’m fine. Besides, my t-shirt is still dry. What’s important is that you’re comfortable."
Her tone was so relaxed, so sincere—as if this wasn’t a big deal. But for Hanni...
Why did it feel like there was more to this than just a shirt?
Minji was still looking at her, waiting. There was no pressure in her expression, but there was something in her gaze that made it hard for Hanni to refuse.
Finally, with a slightly hesitant motion, Hanni accepted the shirt.
Minji smiled in satisfaction.
As Hanni slowly put it on, Minji leaned back in her chair, sipping her coffee calmly.
She liked this.
Liked how Hanni was now wearing something that belonged to her.
Liked how her scent now enveloped the girl’s body.
Liked how, in a subtle yet certain way, she was beginning to leave her mark on Hanni.
One small step at a time.
One more sign that Hanni was hers.
Minji watched Hanni, now wearing her shirt, a small smile playing on her lips. The sight was deeply satisfying.
Hanni, unaware of anything, had accepted something from her. Something simple—a black shirt—but to Minji, it was a symbol.
A mark of ownership.
"You look more comfortable now," Minji said casually, taking another sip of her coffee.
Hanni gave a small smile, looking down at her arms now covered by the slightly oversized black shirt. Warm.
"I still feel bad about spilling your latte," Minji added with a slightly guilty tone, though in her heart, she just wanted to see how Hanni would respond.
"I already said it’s fine," Hanni replied, chuckling softly.
They chatted for a few more minutes, talking about light topics—the unpredictable weather lately, the fact that this coffee shop had only opened a few months ago, and a little about their respective busy lives.
Until finally, Minji pretended to ask with a curious tone, "So, what do you usually do besides school?"
Hanni shrugged. "I work at an art gallery after classes."
Minji feigned surprise. "Oh? You work at a gallery?"
Hanni nodded. "Yeah. I like the atmosphere there... it’s peaceful."
Minji rested her chin on her hand, pretending to think. "I’ve always been interested in art, but I haven’t really visited a gallery in a while."
In reality, she knew everything.
She knew every corner of the gallery where Hanni worked.
She knew how the dim light inside made Hanni look calmer, more fragile, more captivating.
She knew how Hanni worked late into the night, how she always gazed at the paintings with an unreadable expression, as if searching for something that could comfort her.
But in front of this girl, Minji pretended not to know.
Because watching Hanni talk about her life on her own—without coercion, without control—was something enjoyable.
"Really?" Hanni asked with a bit of enthusiasm. "Then you should come by sometime. Maybe you’ll find something you like."
Minji smiled. "I’ll definitely visit. It sounds interesting."
She could feel the trap tightening.
How Hanni was slowly opening up, unknowingly letting Minji deeper into her world.
And Minji didn’t want to rush.
Not this time.
She wanted to savor every moment.
She wanted to enjoy the process.
Because the longer she let Hanni feel safe...
The deeper the girl would sink into her grasp.
"Oh, right," Minji spoke up, pretending to remember something. "Maybe we should exchange numbers? If I want to visit your gallery, I can contact you first."
Hanni seemed to hesitate for a moment but then nodded. "Sure."
They exchanged phone numbers.
Minji looked at her phone screen, noting the name 'Hanni' now saved in her contacts.
A small step that meant everything.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
By the time Hanni realized it, it might already be too late.
Because she was already too deeply tied to her.
---
After a long conversation that felt shorter than it should have, Hanni finally glanced at the time on her phone and realized how much time had passed without her noticing.
"I should go," she said, her voice sounding a little reluctant. "I still have a class this afternoon."
Minji, who had been resting her chin on her hand with a relaxed expression, simply raised an eyebrow with a small smile. "Of course. I should get going too," she replied, though she didn’t really have anywhere else to go.
Hanni still hadn’t realized that wherever she went, Minji was always there first.
Hanni stood up, adjusting the strap of her bag and occasionally brushing her arm covered by the shirt she was still wearing. Minji’s shirt. Still clinging to her body.
And Minji saw that.
Saw how the fabric wrapped around Hanni’s body, how every thread touched the girl’s skin.
As if she herself was touching her.
Mine.
"Thanks for the coffee," Hanni said with a polite smile.
Minji simply shrugged lightly. "Consider it my apology. After all, I was the clumsy one."
Hanni chuckled softly before finally waving. "I’ll see you later."
Minji only nodded, letting the girl walk away.
But her eyes remained fixed on Hanni’s back.
On how the girl’s steps were so light, so calm, so unaware that she was being watched so intensely.
Minji didn’t leave immediately.
She remained seated, sipping the rest of her coffee leisurely, letting Hanni’s shadow grow farther away.
Yet, even as Hanni walked away, Minji knew the girl couldn’t truly escape her.
Not after everything that had happened.
Not after Minji had so deeply embedded herself in the girl’s life.
Minji tilted her head slightly, letting a faint smile—one that wasn’t just satisfaction, but something deeper—grace her lips.
She enjoyed this.
Enjoyed watching Hanni, unaware that she was walking deeper into the trap.
Slowly, Minji stood up, slipping her hands into her pockets and walking in the opposite direction.
She didn’t need to rush.
Hanni might feel like they had parted ways today.
But Minji knew better.
This wasn’t a goodbye.
This was just the beginning.
---
A few days passed without any trace of Minji in Hanni’s life.
No strange coincidences.
No whispers in her head.
No dark fog enveloping her in a hazy consciousness.
No invisible presence that made her hair stand on end.
For the first time in a while, life felt calm.
Hanni went about her days as usual—going to campus, working on assignments, working at the gallery, and returning to her dorm late at night.
Yet, this silence didn’t truly free her.
She still occasionally touched her chest, trying to understand the strange feeling lingering in her body.
She still found herself daydreaming longer than she should, as if there was something in her mind she couldn’t grasp.
And every time she saw the black shirt still neatly folded in the corner of her room—**Minji’s shirt—**something inside her trembled.
She didn’t know what.
But she knew that something was waiting for her.
Somewhere, out there.
Meanwhile, Minji enjoyed her time in the shadows.
She let Hanni have her world back.
Let the girl breathe, let her mind calm down.
Minji didn’t want to rush.
If she stayed around Hanni without a break, the girl might start to wonder.
Might start to suspect.
And that was the last thing Minji wanted.
So, she gave her space.
But that didn’t mean Minji was idle.
She still had a thirst to quench.
In the darker corners of the city, in the pulsating nightclubs, Minji walked like a queen amidst a sea of people.
Her eyes scanned the room casually, searching for something—someone.
Her prey for the night.
Someone she could play with, someone who would give her temporary pleasure, someone who would make her forget the girl she truly wanted to touch.
And when her gaze met a pair of desiring eyes across the room, Minji knew...
The game was on again.
Her smile widened as she stepped closer, letting her captivating presence draw the person into her snare.
Because even though she wasn’t by Hanni’s side right now...
She was still a predator who never stopped hunting.
---
Minji walked slowly through the crowd of people lost in their own worlds. The music thumped from large speakers in the corner of the room, the bass vibrating like a rapidly beating heart. Neon lights flickered, coloring the faces of those drowning in alcohol and momentary pleasure.
Places like this... were always full of easy prey.
Those who came seeking an escape.
Those who came to forget something.
Those who had lost their way, drowning themselves in the noise that would never truly fill their emptiness.
And this was where Minji thrived, among them.
The predator in the midst of the unsuspecting herd.
Her gaze swept the room, searching for something to satisfy her tonight.
Until finally, her eyes landed on someone.
A young man sitting at the bar, his fingers playing with a half-empty cocktail glass in front of him.
His gaze was blurry, whether from intoxication or because his mind was elsewhere.
Minji smiled.
Easy.
She stepped closer, her movements full of a grace that was too natural, too perfect. Like a magnet drawing the attention of anyone around her, even without her trying.
The man felt her presence before Minji even sat down beside him.
He turned, looking at Minji with a gaze that was initially confused but then turned intrigued.
Of course.
"Alone?" Minji asked, her voice light, almost like a whisper lost in the thumping music around them.
The man chuckled softly, shrugging. "Seems like it."
Minji studied his expression. Stressed. Bored. Desperate.
People like this... were too easy to play with.
She leaned a little closer, her fingers brushing the rim of his glass gently.
"Then, let me keep you company," she said with a small smile.
The man looked at her, and in that moment, Minji knew he was already trapped.
Just like everyone else.
---
It didn’t take long for Minji to lead him out of the club.
They walked down a quiet alley, the sound of music fading behind them.
The man chuckled softly, his eyes still fixed on Minji with transparent admiration.
"Seriously, I’ve never seen anyone like you," he said, his voice slightly trembling—between drunk and mesmerized.
Minji gave a small smile. "Is that so?"
She traced his face, watching as his gaze lost focus.
He was already too deep in her charm.
And now, Minji could start playing.
Gently, she raised her hand, touching his cheek. A touch that should have felt comforting, should have felt soft.
But for the man, something started to feel wrong.
The air around them suddenly grew colder.
Minji’s hand felt too cold on his skin.
And in an instant, Minji’s smile changed.
The man flinched, his body tensing as he realized something.
Her eyes.
Minji’s eyes, which had been so alluring before... were now dark, deep, and filled with a darkness that swallowed the light.
And before the man could move...
Minji gripped his jaw tighter.
A black mist enveloped them.
The man opened his mouth, wanting to scream, but no sound came out.
Minji touched his lips with the tip of her finger, then traced his neck—savoring the last moments of the man’s weakening pulse.
She could feel the fear enveloping his body.
And it... tasted sweet.
She inhaled his life slowly.
As if she wanted to savor every second, letting every bit of his energy flow into her, filling the void she always felt.
Until finally...
The man collapsed to the ground.
His eyes were still open, but there was no life in them.
His skin dried up, like a flower withering without water.
Minji crouched down, observing the body for a moment before finally licking her fingertip casually, as if what had just happened wasn’t a big deal.
But she didn’t feel satisfied.
It felt different.
Her thirst remained, even though she had taken what she needed.
Because she realized something she didn’t want to admit.
She didn’t want this.
The blood of others, the lives of others—none of it felt enough.
Because the only one she truly wanted...
Was someone she couldn’t touch like this.
Hanni.
Minji closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before finally standing up.
Maybe it was time.
Maybe she had given the girl enough time.
Maybe... it was time for Hanni to return to her grasp.
Minji smiled faintly.
Yes.
It was time for her to return.
---
The evening sky was beginning to turn golden as Hanni finished organizing some art catalogs on her desk. The gallery was relatively quiet tonight, with only a few visitors strolling slowly among the paintings hanging on the walls.
She was about to breathe a sigh of relief when her phone vibrated on the table.
Minji.
Hanni was slightly surprised to see the name pop up on her screen. It had been a few days since their meeting at the coffee shop, and Minji hadn’t contacted her since.
Without thinking too much, she answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Hanni." Minji’s voice was soft, slightly deep, like a whisper slipping into her mind. "I think it’s time I kept my promise."
Hanni frowned. "Promise?"
"To visit your gallery."
"Oh," Hanni smiled faintly, feeling a little relieved yet awkward. "You’re really interested?"
A soft laugh came from the other end. "Of course. I said I liked art, didn’t I?"
Hanni bit her lip. Why did this feel like something bigger than just a casual visit?
"Alright," she finally said. "I’m still here until tonight. You can come anytime."
"Good." There was a brief pause before Minji continued, her voice sounding warmer. "Oh, and one more thing... You still have my shirt, right?"
Hanni looked down at her bag. Minji’s black shirt was still neatly folded inside.
Since that day, she hadn’t had the chance to wash it, and for some reason, every time she saw it, something tickled her mind.
"Oh, yeah! I actually wanted to return it to you," she said quickly. "Sorry, I haven’t had the chance."
"No problem," Minji replied casually. "But I’m glad you kept it."
Hanni didn’t know why, but that sentence made her heart beat a little faster.
As if there was something in Minji’s tone that made her feel like she wasn’t just talking about the shirt.
"Wait for me, okay?"
And before Hanni could respond, the call ended.
Hanni stared at her phone screen for a few seconds before finally letting out a long breath.
Why did she feel... a little restless?
And why, somehow, did she also feel like she was waiting?
---
Hanni placed her phone on the table, but the strange feeling still lingered in her chest.
Why was her heart beating faster just because Minji was coming?
She bit her lip, trying to shake off the feeling, then took Minji’s black shirt from her bag. The shirt still felt warm in her hands, even though it should have long lost Minji’s body heat.
Or maybe, that feeling was just in her head?
Hanni quickly shook her head, trying to distract herself by organizing some catalogs on the gallery desk. She didn’t want to think about unnecessary things.
Minji was just a new friend she had met twice. Nothing strange. Nothing to worry about.
But for some reason... the air around her felt different since that call.
---
Evening turned to night, and Hanni was still at the gallery. The number of visitors had dwindled, leaving a quieter, more serene atmosphere. The lights on the ceiling cast a soft glow, illuminating the paintings with warm colors.
She was rearranging some brochures for an upcoming event when the doorbell chimed.
Someone had just entered.
Hanni turned, and in that moment, time seemed to slow down.
Under the warm gallery lights, Minji stood at the entrance.
Her outfit tonight was different from before. No longer wearing an oversized shirt like at the coffee shop, Minji now wore a black turtleneck that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with long pants and a long coat slightly open at the front.
Hanni couldn’t deny that the girl looked... captivating.
Not just because of her outfit or her graceful posture, but also because there was something in her gaze—something that made the air in the room feel heavier, denser.
Minji smiled faintly, her eyes not leaving Hanni.
"Am I late?" she asked, her voice sounding low and deep, as if there was something hidden beneath her casual tone.
Hanni felt like she had to take a breath before answering.
"No," she finally said. "You’re right on time."
Minji stepped inside, walking through the door with a calm and calculated movement.
Every step she took seemed to carry meaning.
As if each step brought something unseen.
And at that moment, Hanni felt something familiar.
Not about Minji, but about the feeling that had enveloped her since their first meeting.
Like... something surrounding her without her realizing it.
Minji now stood in front of her, only a few steps away.
Her gaze fell to Hanni’s hands, where her black shirt was still tightly gripped.
"Oh," Minji whispered softly, her smile widening slightly. "You really brought it."
Hanni nodded, quickly handing over the shirt. "I’ve been meaning to return it."
Minji didn’t take it immediately. Instead, she looked at Hanni in a way that made the girl a little nervous.
"You kept it well, didn’t you?"
The question should have sounded normal, but there was something in Minji’s tone that made Hanni feel like she had done something more than just keeping the shirt.
"I... of course," Hanni replied, trying to sound casual. "I felt bad if I didn’t return it soon."
Finally, Minji took the shirt from her hands. Their fingers brushed briefly.
And in that brief moment, something flowed from Minji into Hanni’s body—something she couldn’t explain.
Something that didn’t feel unfamiliar.
Hanni swallowed, then quickly looked down, pretending to organize the catalogs on the table.
She didn’t know why, but she felt as if Minji had left something inside her without even touching her longer.
Minji, who was still watching Hanni with satisfaction, finally spoke in a casual tone.
"I’d like to see this gallery more closely. Can you accompany me?"
Hanni looked up, meeting Minji’s calm gaze.
And without realizing, without thinking, without knowing why she couldn’t refuse—
Hanni nodded.
"Of course."
Minji smiled.
Everything was going according to plan.
---
Minji walked slowly along the gallery walls, her eyes tracing each painting with a calm expression. Hanni, walking beside her, occasionally glanced at the girl, trying to gauge her reactions.
"This gallery is bigger than I thought," Minji commented, her tone sounding casual but still carrying a deep impression.
Hanni nodded. "A lot of people think it’s just a small place, but the collection here is quite diverse. We often hold exhibitions for local artists."
Minji smiled faintly. "Interesting."
They stopped in front of a large abstract painting dominated by deep blue and black. The strokes were sharp, but there was harmony in it, as if each line had its own role in creating a story that could only be understood by those who truly paid attention.
"This painting often catches visitors’ attention," Hanni said, glancing at Minji briefly. "It’s by Jeong, one of the artists who often collaborates with the gallery. He likes to explore human emotions through color."
Minji looked at the painting with an unreadable expression, as if understanding more than what Hanni had said. "Blue and black... Melancholy and mystery?"
Hanni was slightly surprised. "More or less. Blue is often associated with calmness and sadness, while black... can mean many things."
Minji turned to her, a faint smile on her lips. "Like something unspoken?"
Hanni felt something in Minji’s gaze, something deep and hard to explain.
"Yeah... you could say that," she replied softly.
Before their conversation could go further, the sound of heavier footsteps approached.
"Hanni, can you—oh?"
Mr. Seo, the gallery owner, appeared from one of the rooms, his eyes slightly widening as he saw Minji. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair, but his face still carried the sharpness of an artist who had lived in the art world for years.
Hanni turned and smiled faintly. "Mr. Seo, this is Minji. She’s interested in art, so she came to visit."
Minji bowed her head slightly politely. "Nice to meet you."
Mr. Seo smiled warmly, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Ah, it’s always nice to see young people still interested in art." His eyes studied Minji for a moment before saying, "From the way you look at that painting, it seems you’re not just an ordinary admirer."
Minji smiled faintly, as if not surprised by the man’s sharp observation. "I like art that has deeper meaning."
Mr. Seo nodded, looking impressed. "That’s the essence of art. It’s not just about visual beauty, but also about what we can feel from within."
Minji kept smiling, but her gaze remained sharp, as if she understood those words more than an ordinary person could.
Hanni watched their interaction with slight surprise. Usually, Mr. Seo didn’t talk much to new visitors, but Minji seemed to catch his attention.
"Are you an artist too?" Mr. Seo finally asked.
Minji looked at him for a moment before smiling more deeply. "I prefer observing over creating."
Mr. Seo chuckled softly. "That’s an art in itself. Artists need someone who can understand their work, not just look at it."
Hanni was slightly stunned by how Minji and Mr. Seo could talk as if they had long been part of the same world.
Minji turned to her, giving a faint smile. "I can see why you like this place."
Hanni nodded slowly, but she still felt like there was something bigger happening between them.
Mr. Seo finally nodded in satisfaction. "I’ll let you two continue. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate."
Minji bowed slightly as a sign of respect. "Thank you."
Mr. Seo walked back to his room, leaving the two of them in a silence that felt... deeper than before.
Hanni turned to Minji, who was still looking at the painting in front of her.
"I didn’t expect you to talk to Mr. Seo like that," she said softly.
Minji smiled faintly. "Art doesn’t need long introductions to understand each other."
Hanni couldn’t argue with that.
Yet, something inside her told her that Minji wasn’t just understanding art.
She understood something bigger.
And for some reason, Hanni felt like she was sinking deeper into Minji’s world... without being able to escape.
---
Hanni was about to explain another painting to Minji when a familiar voice interrupted the silence between them.
"Hanni!"
She turned and saw Jihoon walking toward her with a wide smile. The young man looked slightly tired, as if he had just finished his work, but his eyes were bright as he looked at Hanni.
Minji, standing beside Hanni, didn’t move.
But inside her, something screamed.
One blink, and she could kill him.
Two blinks, and Jihoon would disappear without a trace, torn apart by the black mist that had been waiting.
But no.
Not now.
Minji took a slow breath, holding back the anger boiling inside her.
Hanni couldn’t suspect.
She couldn’t see Minji as something dangerous.
Not yet.
So, Minji smiled.
Friendly. Gentle. No threat visible on her face.
As if she was just an ordinary girl who happened to be here.
Jihoon stopped beside them, his eyes shifting from Hanni to Minji. His expression became slightly more serious, as if assessing who this girl was.
"Eh? You’re Hanni’s friend?" he asked casually, but Minji could catch a slight tension in his voice.
Interesting.
Minji smiled faintly, extending her hand politely. "Minji."
Jihoon looked at her hand for a moment before finally shaking it hesitantly. "Jihoon."
Minji could feel his grip tighter than it should have been.
As if he was measuring something.
As if he sensed something about her, even though he couldn’t explain it.
And that made Minji want to tear him apart.
But she kept smiling.
Because Hanni was here.
And Hanni had to keep seeing her as the sweet Minji.
"I didn’t know Hanni had a new friend," Jihoon said, his voice sounding casual, but Minji could hear something hidden beneath his relaxed tone.
Suspicion.
Protectiveness.
He didn’t like her.
Minji knew that.
Just as she didn’t like Jihoon.
Hanni chuckled softly, unaware of the subtle tension between them. "We met at the minimart that time, then accidentally met again. Minji is interested in art, so she came here."
Jihoon looked at Minji again, as if trying to find a flaw in her story.
Minji just smiled softly. "Hanni is very kind. She made me feel comfortable here."
Hanni blushed slightly, not realizing that the two people beside her were sizing each other up like two predators on the same battlefield.
Jihoon kept looking at Minji, then finally nodded slightly, but his gaze remained wary. "Yeah... Hanni is like that."
Minji wanted to laugh.
She could see it so clearly.
Jihoon was trying to protect Hanni.
And that made her want to destroy him faster.
But not now.
She had to wait.
She had to play patiently.
"Alright," Jihoon finally said, turning to Hanni. "I just came to say, if you need anything later, I’m here, okay?"
Hanni nodded. "Thanks, Jihoon."
Jihoon glanced at Minji once more before finally turning and leaving.
Minji kept smiling, but inside her, her anger burned.
She held herself back.
But she knew, sooner or later...
That man would disappear.
And when that time came...
Hanni would only have Minji.
---
Hanni rubbed the back of her neck slowly, feeling her hair stand on end for no apparent reason. The air inside the gallery suddenly felt colder. Not like the coolness of the air conditioner or the breeze coming through the door—this was different.
Heavier.
As if something unseen was flowing between them, seeping into every crevice of the room.
Hanni bit her lip, her eyes reflexively scanning the surroundings. The room was still the same. The paintings remained still in their places, the gallery lights still glowing with warm light.
But why did she feel... something had changed?
Her hand was still pressing the back of her neck as she turned to Minji, who remained standing beside her with an unreadable expression.
Minji’s gaze was still fixed on Jihoon, who had just left, but the expression on her face was too calm—too perfect.
"Minji..."
Minji finally turned, as if just realizing Hanni was looking at her.
"Hm?"
Hanni hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Do you... feel like the air suddenly got colder?"
Minji didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, she looked at Hanni longer, her smile still there, but her gaze looked darker.
As if she was enjoying the question.
As if she was enjoying the fact that Hanni could feel the effects of her emotions.
But of course, Minji couldn’t say that.
So, she just smiled faintly.
"Cold?" She looked around, pretending to check the room before turning back to Hanni. "I don’t feel it."
Hanni frowned slightly. "Really?"
Minji nodded, her expression still soft. "Maybe you’re just tired."
Hanni sighed, trying to ignore the strange feeling. "Maybe."
But still... something felt off.
She didn’t know what.
She didn’t know why.
But every time she looked at Minji, the feeling grew stronger.
And Minji, though she looked calm...
Inside her, she smiled in satisfaction.
Because this meant Hanni was starting to feel her presence more deeply.
And that meant...
Hanni was getting more tied to her.
---
Hanni tightened her jacket as the night air touched her skin. The sky above them was dark, only illuminated by streetlights and the glow from the shops still open.
She glanced to the side, seeing Minji walking casually beside her with her hands tucked in her coat pockets.
They had just left the gallery after Hanni finished her work, and somehow, Minji had managed to convince her to stop by a small café at the end of the street.
"I still don’t understand why you suddenly want to drink coffee this late," Hanni said with a small chuckle.
Minji glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Because I want to spend more time with you," she replied casually.
Hanni almost choked on air.
Minji laughed softly at her expression. "You’re too easy to surprise."
"I’m not surprised!" Hanni retorted quickly, but her face was slightly red.
Minji just shrugged, still walking calmly. "Consider it my way of thanking you for accompanying me and explaining all the paintings earlier."
Hanni sighed softly, but she still smiled. For some reason, she felt comfortable.
It didn’t take long before they arrived at the small café with large windows emitting a warm glow. The café wasn’t too crowded, with only a few customers sitting and enjoying their night.
They entered, and a small bell above the door chimed softly.
"What do you want?" Minji asked, glancing at the menu.
Hanni thought for a moment before answering, "Just a hot chocolate."
Minji turned with a raised eyebrow. "Not coffee?"
Hanni shook her head. "I need something sweeter tonight."
Minji’s smile widened. "An interesting choice."
After ordering, they sat near the window, where they could see the now quiet streets outside.
Hanni leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly. "Today was quite long."
"Tired?"
"A little," Hanni admitted. "But I’m glad you came to the gallery."
Minji looked at her silently for a few seconds before finally saying, "I’m glad I could come too."
Hanni looked at her for a moment before smiling faintly. For some reason, she believed those words.
Their conversation flowed more casually after that. Minji occasionally made light jokes that made Hanni laugh, while Hanni started opening up more about her daily life.
The night felt lighter, warmer.
And if Hanni had thought there was something strange earlier, she almost forgot about it now.
Almost.
Because even though Minji looked relaxed in front of her, Hanni didn’t realize that the girl was working hard to distract her.
To distract her from the reality that slowly, without Hanni realizing it... Minji had started bringing her closer to her world.
---
The air inside the café felt warmer compared to the night air outside. Hanni blew softly on her cup before taking a small sip of the hot chocolate she had ordered. Sweet and smooth, enough to make her body more relaxed after a long day.
Across from her, Minji sipped her coffee calmly, her eyes still fixed on Hanni as if enjoying every expression on the girl’s face.
"You’re drinking too fast," Minji commented suddenly, her tone light.
Hanni looked at her confused. "Huh?"
Minji leaned slightly forward, touching the corner of Hanni’s lips with her thumb, wiping away a small chocolate stain left there.
Hanni froze in place.
The touch was brief, light, but enough to make her feel a warmth creeping up her face.
"All clean," Minji said casually before leaning back, sipping her coffee again without any noticeable expression, as if she wasn’t aware of the effect of her action.
But Hanni felt it.
Her heart beat a little faster.
Her hands gripped the cup tighter, trying to ignore the strange sensation that suddenly enveloped her.
"Oh... u-uh, thanks," she mumbled, trying to sound normal.
Minji looked at her for a moment before smiling faintly. "You blush too easily, Hanni."
Hanni coughed softly, trying to divert her attention to the window. "I’m not blushing!"
Minji just chuckled softly.
Of course, she wouldn’t say anything.
Because she liked how Hanni reacted to her.
She liked how a small touch from her could disrupt the girl’s calmness.
One small step at a time.
One more step to make Hanni more accustomed to her presence.
---
The night air still felt cool as Hanni and Minji stepped out of the café. The streets were much quieter now, with only a few cars passing in the distance and the streetlights glowing dimly.
Hanni took a deep breath, enjoying the night breeze touching her face. Tonight felt lighter, more comfortable than she had expected.
Maybe it was because of Minji.
Minji always knew how to make the conversation flow casually, how to make her feel more relaxed.
Hanni glanced to the side, seeing the girl standing near her, still with her calm expression.
"I should head home now," Hanni said softly, slipping her hands into her jacket pockets. "Thanks for tonight."
Minji smiled faintly. "Glad to hear it."
They looked at each other for a moment before Hanni finally stepped back, giving a small wave. "See you, Minji."
Minji nodded slowly. "See you, Hanni."
Hanni turned and started walking away.
Her steps were light, but the strange feeling still lingered inside her.
Why did she feel like something was left behind?
She bit her lip, trying to ignore the feeling.
Behind her, Minji remained standing, watching Hanni’s back grow farther away.
Her smile was still there—but slowly fading.
The warmth she had shown earlier was now gone, replaced by something darker, colder.
Anger.
Dislike.
Not toward Hanni.
But toward what had happened at the gallery tonight.
Toward how Jihoon had tried to approach Hanni.
Toward how the man had looked at her, judged her, as if he had the right to protect something that wasn’t his.
Minji’s fingers clenched at her sides, her nails almost digging into her skin.
Jihoon was a nuisance.
He was too close.
Too bold.
And it made Minji’s blood boil.
She closed her eyes for a moment, regulating her breathing.
No.
She couldn’t let her anger take over right now.
But she needed to vent it.
Slowly, the smile returned to her face—but this time, there was something wrong with that smile.
She slipped her hands into her coat pockets, then stepped into the shadows of the alley nearby.
She wouldn’t just go home tonight.
She needed something—or someone—to vent her anger on.
And the world was always full of people too foolish to realize they were being hunted.
---
The evening sun was beginning to set as Hanni finished her work at the gallery. She organized the scattered catalogs on the table, then let out a long sigh, trying to ease the fatigue slowly creeping into her body.
As she was about to grab her bag, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Hanni."
She turned and found Jihoon standing at the doorway, leaning against the wooden frame with an unreadable expression.
"Oh, Jihoon. You’re still here?" Hanni asked, slightly surprised. Usually, Jihoon would have left earlier.
Jihoon didn’t answer immediately. He closed the door slowly and stepped inside, making the distance between them smaller. There was something in the way he looked at Hanni—something that made her slightly uneasy.
"There’s something I need to talk to you about," Jihoon finally said, his voice lower than usual.
Hanni frowned. "Why so serious?"
Jihoon looked at her for a moment before sighing. "It’s about Minji."
Hanni fell silent.
For some reason, her chest tightened at the mention of that name.
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Jihoon crossed his arms over his chest, hesitating for a moment before speaking again. "I know this might sound strange, but... I feel like there’s something off about Minji."
Hanni stared at him, confused. "Off? What do you mean?"
Jihoon seemed to think, as if trying to find the right words. "I can’t explain it clearly... but I feel like there’s something about her that’s... wrong."
Hanni frowned. "Wrong?"
Jihoon nodded. "Since the first time I met her at the gallery, I’ve felt like there’s something different about her. She’s too calm. Too perfect. And the way she looks at people... I don’t know, Hanni. It’s not a normal gaze."
Hanni swallowed. She knew what Jihoon meant.
Minji was different.
From the way she spoke, the way she moved, the way she smiled—it all felt like something calculated.
But... why did she feel like she didn’t want to admit that?
"Jihoon," Hanni finally said, shaking her head slowly, "You might just be too suspicious. Minji is a good person. I don’t see anything strange about her."
Jihoon looked at her for a long time, as if trying to gauge whether Hanni truly believed her own words.
"Really?" he asked, his tone skeptical.
Hanni nodded, though her heart was slightly doubtful. "Yeah... She’s friendly, polite, and she’s really interested in art."
Jihoon still didn’t look convinced. "Or she’s just making you think that?"
Hanni fell silent.
There was something in Jihoon’s words that made her chest feel heavier.
Could it be...?
No. That didn’t make sense.
Minji couldn’t possibly be doing something to her on purpose, right?
Hanni bit her lip. "Jihoon, I know you’re just worried about me, but I’m fine."
Jihoon looked at her for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh. "I don’t know, Hanni... I just have a bad feeling."
Hanni wanted to say something to reassure Jihoon, but for some reason, the words felt hard to come out.
Because deep down in her heart...
She was also starting to wonder.
---
The night was already late when Jihoon stepped out of the minimart, one hand carrying a plastic bag with cold drinks and some snacks. The air felt colder than usual, but he didn’t pay much attention to it.
His mind was still stuck on his conversation with Hanni earlier.
About Minji.
He didn’t know why, but that uneasy feeling grew stronger every time he thought about the girl.
There was something wrong.
He was sure of it.
But how could he prove it?
As he let out a long sigh, Jihoon started walking toward the parking lot. But just a few steps in, he suddenly felt something.
A gaze.
Someone was watching him.
Jihoon slowed his steps, his eyes scanning the surroundings carefully. The street was quiet, with only a few parked cars along the sidewalk, the streetlights casting a dim yellowish glow on the asphalt.
Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw her.
Minji.
Standing near a streetlight, wearing her long coat as before. Her long black hair was slightly blown by the night breeze, and her face was still calm, but her eyes—those eyes were staring at him so deeply.
As if she already knew something she shouldn’t.
Jihoon swallowed, then took a deep breath.
He couldn’t show hesitation.
Couldn’t show fear.
So, he decided to act normal, pretending not to be affected.
"Minji," he greeted, trying to sound neutral. "Didn’t expect to run into you here."
Minji just smiled faintly, slowly walking closer to him. Her steps were calm, so smooth it was as if she was gliding over the asphalt.
"Is this coincidence not pleasant for you?" she asked, her tone still soft, but Jihoon could feel something implied behind it.
Jihoon shrugged. "Just didn’t expect it. You alone?"
Minji nodded, then stopped a few steps away from him. Her eyes remained locked on Jihoon, as if she was stripping his thoughts one by one.
Then, suddenly, she asked.
"You like Hanni, don’t you?"
Jihoon flinched.
The question came so directly, so suddenly, that he was left speechless for a moment.
Minji remained silent, waiting for his answer.
Jihoon bit his lip, feeling his heart beat a little faster.
He could have dodged.
He could have changed the topic.
But what for?
Because it was the truth.
So, after a few seconds of silence, he finally sighed and nodded slowly.
"Yeah," he said honestly. "I like Hanni."
Minji didn’t react. There was no change in her expression, no surprise, no sign that she was shocked by his answer.
Only silence hung between them.
Jihoon looked at her carefully before finally continuing, "I’ve wanted to protect her for a long time. I want her to be happy, away from everything that hurts her."
His eyes hardened. "And I’ll do anything to make sure of that."
Minji kept smiling.
But this time, there was something in that smile—something that made the air around them feel colder.
As if she had just heard something disturbing.
As if... she had just found a reason not to let Jihoon live much longer.
---
Jihoon looked at Minji warily. The girl didn’t react as he had expected. No surprise, no awkwardness, not even a hint that she felt threatened.
Instead, Minji smiled.
Not a normal smile.
Not a warm or friendly smile like the one she showed Hanni.
This was a deeper smile, slower, as if she was savoring something only she understood.
The night breeze grew colder, but Jihoon didn’t flinch.
"You want to protect Hanni," Minji repeated softly, as if tasting the words on her tongue.
Jihoon raised his chin slightly. "Yes. I want her to be happy."
Minji studied his face with an unreadable gaze. "Interesting."
Jihoon clenched his fists inside his jacket pockets. "What do you mean?"
Minji didn’t answer immediately. She took a small step forward, close enough that Jihoon could faintly smell the sweet scent lingering around her.
"Are you sure... you can protect her?" she whispered.
Jihoon tensed. "What do you mean?"
Minji shrugged casually. "Hanni... She’s not as strong as you think."
Jihoon frowned deeper. "I know that. That’s why I want to always be there for her."
Minji looked at him longer, then sighed softly, as if amused by the young man’s naivety.
"I don’t doubt your intentions, Jihoon," she said in a softer tone. "But the world isn’t that simple."
Jihoon felt something in Minji’s words that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
As if... he was being warned.
Or more accurately—reminded that he didn’t know who he was up against.
Minji looked at him one last time before finally smiling wider. "I hope you can really protect Hanni, Jihoon."
Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
Her steps were still light, still elegant, but something about her departure felt threatening.
Jihoon remained standing, feeling a chill run down his spine.
He didn’t know why, but every time Minji spoke, he felt like he was facing something more than just an ordinary girl.
And as he watched Minji’s back grow farther away, he knew one thing for sure.
Minji wasn’t someone he could ignore.
And if he really wanted to protect Hanni, then he had to be more careful.
---
Days passed with the same rhythm.
For Hanni, the routine continued as usual—going to campus, working at the gallery, then returning home with all its chaos.
Every night, her father’s shouts still seeped through the cracks of her door. Every morning, her mother still sat with a blank stare, as if indifferent to the world around her.
Nothing had changed.
Yet, amidst the growing fatigue, there was one small thing that made her days feel lighter.
Messages from Minji.
Even though they were just short texts, somehow, reading them always made Hanni smile faintly.
Minji: Today wasn’t too tiring, right?
Hanni typed a reply on her phone as she sat at her desk in the gallery.
Hanni: Not too bad. What about you?
Minji: Me? I’ve been quite busy.
Hanni smiled faintly before typing again.
Hanni: Busy with what?
However, Minji didn’t reply immediately.
And Hanni had no idea where Minji was at that moment.
—
In a much darker corner of the city, far from the warm coffee shops and quiet galleries, Minji stood in a narrow alley barely illuminated by light.
In front of her, a man staggered, his hands trying to grip Minji’s arm buried in his chest.
More accurately—piercing straight into his heart. Blood flowed profusely, warming Minji’s pale skin, but she wasn’t bothered at all. Her eyes remained calm, her dark gaze only focused on the phone in her left hand.
A message from Hanni had just come in.
Hanni: Busy with what?
Minji pressed her lips, her fingers hovering over the phone screen.
Her other hand was still buried in the chest of the man who was losing his life, but the agonized screams from his mouth only sounded like background noise.
She typed casually.
Minji: Ah, just some small matters.
The man jerked once more, his body convulsing before finally going limp. Minji slowly pulled her hand out, letting the lifeless body fall to the ground with a soft thud.
Blood flowed onto the asphalt.
But she didn’t even glance at it.
Her eyes were only on her phone screen, waiting for a reply from the girl who had truly caught her attention.
The girl who, among all the humans in the world, was the only one who could make her ignore her thirst.
Just as she started walking away, her phone vibrated again.
Hanni: Must be really important if you didn’t reply right away 😅
Minji smiled faintly.
Unconsciously, her blood-stained fingers touched the screen, leaving a dark red stain on the edge of her phone.
But she didn’t care.
She typed a quick reply.
Minji: Not as important as you.
Then, without looking back, she disappeared into the darkness.
---
Hanni leaned back in her gallery chair, her eyes on her phone as her fingers busily typed. For some reason, she felt like talking. She wasn’t the type to share much. Usually, she would keep everything to herself—whether it was her fatigue, disappointment, or whatever was happening in her life.
But with Minji...
For some reason, talking to her felt easier.
Hanni: Today was quite tiring. My professor suddenly gave extra assignments, then at the gallery, some visitors asked a lot of questions...
She paused for a moment, then typed again.
Hanni: But at least I got to chat with Mr. Seo about some new paintings. He told me a lot of interesting things.
Normally, she wouldn’t have typed this much. Even with Jihoon, her messages were always short and to the point.
But with Minji... she didn’t think too long before sending it.
A few seconds later, her phone vibrated.
Minji: You must be tired.
Hanni smiled faintly, feeling something warm in that simple reply.
Hanni: Not that bad. I can still manage.
Minji: I’m glad to hear that. But if it’s too much, don’t push yourself too hard.
Hanni paused for a moment, staring at those words.
Don’t push yourself too hard.
When was the last time someone said that to her?
Not "don’t be lazy," not "you have to be strong," not "don’t complain."
But a simple reminder not to hurt herself by enduring everything alone.
Hanni bit her lip, then typed something more personal—something she rarely told anyone.
Hanni: Sometimes it feels hard to stop.
Her phone screen remained silent for a few seconds before Minji finally replied.
Minji: Because you’re used to bearing everything alone?
Hanni fell silent.
A soft breath escaped her lips.
As if Minji truly saw her.
Not just heard, but saw.
Hanni: Maybe.
Minji replied almost instantly.
Minji: I understand.
Hanni frowned.
What did she mean?
Before she could ask, Minji sent another message.
Minji: If you want to talk, I’m here.
Hanni stared at her phone screen for a long time, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Why did those words feel so meaningful?
Why did she feel more comfortable with Minji than anyone else?
She took a deep breath, then finally typed one word before putting her phone down.
Hanni: Thank you.
And for the first time in a long while, her heart felt lighter.