Mirror Hearth

The next morning, Hyunsu was still not sober—clearly, he drank like it was his last night on Earth.

Meanwhile, Luna was at the office, but her mind was anywhere but present. She sits by the window, staring blankly outside, her mother's words replaying endlessly in her head. Physically, she's there; mentally, she's stuck.

Her trance was broken by Nina's voice. "What are you thinking about so hard that you didn't even notice me walk in?"

Luna blinks, snapping back to reality. "Nothing. Did you find anything about what I asked?" she replies, getting up and walking toward the sofa.

Nina holds up her phone. "I think I did. It might help us a little." She swipes through photos of a beautiful home.

"This.....Mirror Hearth—our old home. What about it?" Luna asks, eyeing the screen.

Nina leans in slightly. "Do you have any memories tied to this house? I think it might be a good place to start digging."

Luna hesitates, her gaze drifting. "I wanted to try before… but I never went back. I was too scared, and my parents never let me. After my accident, we moved out so quickly so I really don't remember staying there for long—it was too early…"

She pauses, voice softening. "And the time I spent there was all in my bedroom. I rarely went out." Her words trail off as she tries to piece together fragments of her past.

Nina scrolls to a layout of the house and points at the screen. "Here's the interesting catch—this house has a unique structure. It's not actually one house; it just looks like it from outside. Inside, there are two separate living spaces.

I cross-checked property records and old floor plans—it was originally designed that way. Two wings. It looks like one for your parents, another for your uncle. But only one entrance. Symbolic, maybe. One family under one roof."

Luna's lips parted, but no words came. Something about that detail—it scratched at the edge of a memory, just out of reach. 

"So you're saying… we used to live together with them?"

So that's why it was called Mirror Hearth… The name echoed in her mind, suddenly heavier, almost sacred. It wasn't just a house—it was her past, it was a memory wrapped in silence.

"It seems that way," Nina replied, nodding slowly. "But it wasn't exactly living together... and yet, in some strange, delicate way, it was."

Nina paused, her tone softening. "What if we go there? Maybe standing in that space again will bring something back. Something you've forgotten… or maybe something you were made to forget."

Luna's eyes drifted away, her thoughts spinning. The idea of going back felt like digging through a time capsule buried too deep.

"We can try that," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Then, after a long beat, she added, "Also, Nina… what if we try meeting my aunt and uncle—without my parents knowing? May be they are willing to help me." She tapped her fingers against the armrest, her face unreadable, but her heart racing.

Nina's reaction was immediate. "Not yet. I think we should hold off on that." Her voice was firm, but kind. "Let's take this one step at a time. If we dive in too fast, everything could fall apart before we even begin. And then… you might lose your only shot at exploring what really happened."

Luna let out a quiet sigh, the kind that carries years of weight. "Okay… we'll do it your way," she murmured, leaning back against the cushions. She glanced over at Nina and gave a small, half-hearted smile.

"So… looks like you're really helping me out, huh?"

Nina smirked, but her eyes gave her away—there was no humor in them, only concern. "Well, someone has to. If not me, then who?"

She didn't say the rest: I can't bear to see you like this anymore. You deserve answers. You deserve peace.

For a moment, a spark returned to Luna's eyes. "So… can we go now?" she asked, her voice lighter, tinged with something she hadn't felt in a while—hope.

But Nina raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. Even though it was once your home, it's now officially under the Lee family's property. And from what I found, the place is surrounded by tight security and surveillance."

She leaned forward slightly. "We'll need to wait for the right opportunity—or create one if it comes to that."

Luna's excitement dimmed, her shoulders drooping. "So… my aunt and uncle still live there?"

"Yep," Nina confirmed with a quiet nod.

"Got it," Luna sighed, the spark in her eyes flickering out. "But how exactly are we supposed to create that opportunity to get in?"

Nina opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, the door to their office suddenly swung open. Luna turned toward the sound, surprised.

"Dad?" A smile touched her lips as Mr. Kim stepped into the room. But as he walked closer, Luna and Nina shared a subtle glance—an unspoken question: Is today our last day on earth? Did he hear any of that?

"Lulu… how are you feeling now?" Mr. Kim asked gently, placing a warm, protective hand on her shoulder. "You should've stayed home and take rest. Your mom told me you looked terrible."

"Don't worry, Dad. I'm fine," Luna said with a soft smile, trying to reassure him as they both sat down.

Nina greeted him politely, keeping her tone light, but her eyes remained watchful.

Something felt off.

Mr. Kim hesitated. His expression flickered with uncertainty—as if he were on the edge of saying something important, but couldn't bring himself to let it out. His hands folded nervously, fingers twitching with restraint.

Luna picked up on it immediately. "Dad… is something wrong?" she asked gently. "Do you have something to tell me?"

She leaned in, her voice quiet but firm, eyes locked on him.

The room seemed to still. Nina barely breathed.

Mr. Kim cleared his throat. "Nothing important… just wanted to check how things are going for the annual event."

"Everything's on track, Uncle. Don't worry," Nina replied with practiced ease. "There's no room for things to go wrong."

Mr. Kim nodded, though a thoughtful crease remained on his brow. "I trust you both, but there are lot of entries this time. And since it's a one-day event, we have to make sure we spotlight the right talent. This could be a turning point for lot of young artists—one chance to finally be seen."

He paused, then added, "And don't forget to send out the invitations to the judges. We can't afford any slip-ups like last time."

Just then, Luna's eyes lit up, like a switch had flipped in her head.

She smiled, playing it cool. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll take care of everything. This time event is going to be flawless." There was a glint in her eye now—one that Nina didn't miss.

Mr. Kim chuckled and gently patted her head, a gesture of affection he'd never grown out of. "My little Lulu has grown up so much…" he murmured, his voice tinged with pride and something else—something wistful.

Then, his expression shifted ever so slightly. "Lulu, I heard about your little… disagreement with your mom last night."

Luna tensed. She opened her mouth, instinctively ready to defend herself—or maybe, finally ask him the questions that had haunted her for years.

But he didn't give her the chance.

"Lulu," he said softly, but with unshakable firmness, "don't argue with your mother. She… we're just concerned about you, that's all. When the time comes, you'll understand everything."

When the time comes. Those words echoed in her chest like a bell tolling in an empty hall.

Luna wanted to scream. When will that be? But she already knew—deep down—that if she simply waited and trusted them blindly, that time might never arrive.

She gave a small nod, the kind that masks quiet rebellion. On the surface, she appeared obedient. But inside, her resolve hardened like cooling steel.

Mr. Kim smiled, unaware, and left the room without another word.

Silence lingered like smoke.

Luna sat frozen, his words looping in her mind. Her chest tightened—not from fear, but from clarity.

Then slowly, she turned to Nina, her eyes steady, "Let's go to Mirror Hearth."

"Give me the judges' list," Luna said, her eyes sharp, calculating. "I just thought of the perfect way to get in—without raising any suspicion."

As she scanned the list of names, eyes flickering with strategy, but just then Nina's phone rang.

Luna glanced up, then gave a casual nod, silently motioning for her to answer it.

"You still alive?" Nina greeted, her tone light and teasing.

Luna raised an eyebrow at the odd question but kept her focus on the list.

"Did you want me dead?"

Hyunsu?

His voice was hoarse and rough, the kind of rasp that only followed a long night of drowning sorrows. Even though his words were sharp, but the exhaustion behind them was clearer.

The speaker volume was just a touch louder than necessary—thanks to Nina, who turned it up with the subtlety of a fox.

Luna, of course, acted like she didn't care.

"Who told you to drink like that?" Nina scolded, half-joking, half-genuine.

He drank last night? Luna's eyes didn't move, but her thoughts did. Her hand stilled over the list.

Then, Nina added, her voice taking on that deliberately playful tone she reserved for when she wanted to poke the bear.

"Be honest, brother… were you heartbroken last night? Did some girl reject you?"

The question wasn't for Luna—but it was aimed at her all the same. A quiet jab, disguised in laughter.

Luna's fingers twitched ever so slightly. Her grip on the page faltered. She didn't need Nina to spell it out. She knew exactly what she was referring to.

Last night's words echoed in her mind like sharp, broken glass. She had been the one to fire the first shot—cold, defensive, cruel. And Hyunsu… he had only retaliated after she'd pushed too far.

He wouldn't have spiraled like that if it weren't for me. But thinking it was easier than saying it. And admitting it? Impossible.

"Shut up…" Hyunsu groaned through the phone, sipping what sounded like warm water on the other end.

Then, as if flipping a switch, his tone turned serious. "Nina, do you have any information on Elder Lee? If you know anything… send it to me."

Luna's eyes narrowed slightly. Why is he asking about Grandpa? What does he want? Could he have figured out the favor I was about to ask yesterday?

"I have some info, but why do you need it?" Nina asked, brows furrowed with suspicion.

"Just send me whatever you have. Don't ask questions. My head's pounding—I can't talk right now," Hyunsu mumbled, practically collapsing onto the couch.

"Okay, okay," Nina sighed. "But seriously, brother, take some medicine. Girls are important, but your health is more important." She deliberately slowed her words, making sure Luna caught every syllable.

Before Luna could react, Hyunsu scoffed. "What girl? What nonsense are you spewing this early in the morning? Me? Waste time on some girl? That's the most ridiculous thing men do. I'm not like those idiots. I'd rather work on my projects."

Luna's jaw tightened. Of course. Classic Hyunsu. So smug, so infuriating. As if he'd ever guess what I was going to ask him. There's not a single chivalrous bone in that man's body. What was I even thinking?

"Why do you always have to talk like that, brother? You're beyond help," Nina huffed and hung up, not giving him the chance to dig his grave any deeper.

She slumped back in her chair, exasperated. As much as she tried, Hyunsu always had a way of turning even small chances into big disasters.

Poor Hyunsu… she thought, even heaven and hell must be punishing you for the mess you've made.

Hyunsu frowned at his phone, dragging a hand through his already messy hair. "What's with this girl? Cutting the call while I'm still talking? No respect for her brother whatsoever…" he muttered, looking like a complete wreck.

He rubbed his eyes, groaning. 'Why did I say that?' he muttered. 'Of all the things I could've said…'"

Meanwhile, silence had settled in Luna's office. Nina glanced at Luna, expecting some kind of reaction.

But Luna didn't move. She remained fixated on the same guest list—just one page with five names, as if decoding the secrets of the universe.

"…LuLu?" Nina finally prompted, clearing her throat.

Luna blinked, as if waking from a trance. "Huh?"

Nina leaned forward slightly, pretending to be casual. "Quick question… did you happen to see any girl around my brother yesterday?"

Luna stiffened for a moment, caught off guard. Why is she asking me that?

She scrambled for an answer, settling on, "Not that I remember… only I was with him…"

Nina's smirk was immediate. "Only YOU…?"

Luna cursed herself internally. Damn it.

"I mean, he helped me. From the café to the hospital… and even dropped me home. I didn't get a proper opportunity to thank him," she added quickly, trying to sound casual, but her throat tightened slightly.

Nina, clearly enjoying the unraveling, leaned closer, eyes glinting.

"But why are you asking me that question?" Luna shot her a look.

"No reason." Nina tilted her head, playing innocent. "It's just… his friend said he was completely drunk last night. And apparently…" She paused dramatically.

What? apparently what?..... continue talking....

"…he kept mumbling about being an idiot for saying certain words to some girl. Do you think she is my brother's girlfriend."

Luna's fingers twitched over the list. She didn't need Nina to elaborate.

She knew exactly what those words were. She knew what he regretted.

She coughed, nearly choking, startled by the sudden tightness in her chest by hearing "she as his so called hidden girlfriend", and quickly reached for the water on the table, taking a long sip to hide the heat creeping into her cheeks.

Nina, of course, was watching her like a hawk.

Luna sensed it. Straightening, she tried to play it cool. "I don't know anything about that," she said a little too fast.

Before Nina could pounce, Luna cut in sharply, "Now go. Get to work. I need more details about the house."

She added a glare for good measure.

Nina held up her hands in surrender, reading the room. Alright, alright, she thought, biting back a grin. Still, there's plenty of time to unpack this little storm brewing between you two.

She turned and walked out, the smirk never leaving her face.

Left alone, Luna leaned back in her seat and sighed, swirling the remaining water in her glass.

So he regrets it now, huh? Atleast now he knows that…

he is stupid...

A part of her wanted to be mad. Another part… wasn't. And without meaning to, her lips twitched. Just a little.