CHAPTER TWO POINT TWO

Khynny stood by the window, cradling a warm mug of milk in her hands. The lights of Seoul glittered below, casting the city in a soft, pulsing glow. Her apartment in Itaewon offered a stunning view, but tonight it was a backdrop to her restless thoughts. A cool breeze drifted through the window, brushing against her skin as she stared out, lost in the chaos of the evening.

She took a deep breath, trying to shake the tension still clinging to her. The gala had ended in disaster—a heist, alarms, flashing lights. Not at all how she'd imagined her big night. She had hoped for something memorable, but not like this. The adrenaline from the night had worn off, but her mind refused to quiet.

Seoul had welcomed her only a week ago, but it already felt like a lifetime had passed. She could still remember stepping off the plane at Incheon, the excitement thrumming in her veins. The energy of the city had been intoxicating—the fast pace, the constant hum of conversation, the vibrant streets of Itaewon. She hadn't felt lost. On the contrary, she had felt alive, like she belonged here.

Her thoughts drifted back to her time at Seoul National University. By twenty-five, she had completed her PhD, a prodigy known for seeing connections others missed. Now, she stood at the helm of her career, her reputation growing not just through theory, but through experience. Summers spent on archaeological digs across Asia had honed her instincts, taught her the thrill of unearthing history with her own hands. Seoul National University had recognized her talent, offering her a position some might consider premature. But not for her.

That first day on campus had been a whirlwind, just like tonight. Her students were eager, their curiosity a reflection of her own when she was in their shoes. But it was one particular student who stood out—Moon Hye Jin. The brief encounter had stayed with her. They had bumped into each other in the hallway, Hye Jin rushing off to cheerleading practice. Later, she had shown up in Khynny's class, flustered but focused.

There had been something about her. A spark, a connection that Khynny couldn't quite explain. They'd exchanged pleasantries after class, and Hye Jin had enthusiastically accepted her invitation to the gala. That sense of warmth lingered, and Khynny knew she'd see more of her.

Her thoughts wandered further, landing on the memory of Hye Jin's brother, Hyeon Jun. She could still feel the intensity of the night, the way they'd worked together against the attackers. There was something about him—a quiet strength, a calm in the chaos that had made her feel safe.

She smiled, remembering their playful banter months ago when she'd guided him through her hometown in the Philippines. He had been lost, and she had teased him about leading him astray. That brief moment of connection had stayed with her, though she hadn't expected their paths to cross again.

And then there was the kiss—an accidental, fleeting moment, but one that lingered. They hadn't meant for it to happen, but the memory of his lips brushing hers still sent a thrill through her. Her cheeks warmed at the thought, and she shook her head, embarrassed at how much it had affected her.

But it wasn't just the kiss. There was something deeper. Something about him that made her heart race. His quiet intensity, the way he carried himself—it all intrigued her. She could sense that he was carrying a burden, something unresolved. It stirred something in her, a need to understand him, to reach out.

Khynny sighed, turning away from the window. She wasn't ready to confront these feelings yet. They were too new, too raw. But she knew one thing—she wanted to see him again. To see if the connection they had was real, or just a figment of her imagination.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new moments, and maybe, a chance to unravel the mystery of Moon Hyeon Jun. For now, though, she would let the memory of his quiet smile lull her to sleep.

With a soft exhale, Khynny switched off the lights and headed to bed. Her heart still beat a little too fast, but there was comfort in the uncertainty, a thrill in not knowing what the future held. And as she settled into the warmth of her blankets, she couldn't help but smile, anticipation sparking at the edges of her thoughts.

Whatever the future held, she was ready to face it—especially if it meant crossing paths with him once more.