CHAPTER FOUR POINT ONE

"You know, I thought professors sleep until noon," Hye Jin said, her voice cutting through the quiet of the Sunday morning. She adjusted her oversized sunglasses, a smirk playing on her lips.

Khynny chuckled, tucking her hands into the pockets of her coat. "If I did, you'd be lost in another century. Besides, we need to leave early. The itinerary you booked for us is packed, right?"

Hye Jin laughed, the sound echoing against the sleek, futuristic walls of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Oner followed a few steps behind, his eyes scanning the curving steel architecture that gleamed under the pale morning light. The city wasn't fully awake yet, but DDP's modern design was already drawing in early visitors.

"I don't think we've explored this part of Seoul before," Oner commented, stepping up beside Khynny. His tone was calm but engaged, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets. "It's a bit different from what people usually picture when they think of Korea."

Khynny's gaze swept over the building's blend of glass and metal, where the structure seemed to melt into the sky. "That's what's fascinating. It's like a statement—progress and tradition coexisting."

Hye Jin snorted. "Oh no, here we go. We're about to get a history lesson, aren't we?" she teased, giving Khynny a playful nudge.

"Well, I am a professor." Khynny grinned. "But hey, take notes this time. It might actually be useful."

Before Hye Jin could respond, her expression changed. The teasing spark vanished, replaced by a flicker of discomfort. She glanced toward the far end of the plaza, her posture stiffening.

Khynny followed her gaze, and her heart sank. Standing a short distance away was a woman—tall, poised, with long black hair cascading over her shoulders. She was unmistakable. It was the same woman the police had shown Khynny a picture of during the interrogation two weeks earlier. Oner's ex-girlfriend.

"Isn't that—" Hye Jin started, her voice tight.

"Yeah," Khynny murmured. "It's her."

They fell silent as the woman spotted them and began walking over. The air around them grew tense, Oner's relaxed demeanor evaporating as he stood rigid, his jaw clenched.

The woman reached them just as they were about to leave the exhibit. "Hyeon Jun, it's been a while." Her voice was smooth, polished—like she'd practiced this moment a hundred times.

Oner's face remained neutral. "Yeah, it has."

"I need to talk to you," she said, stepping closer. Her tone carried a hint of urgency. "It's important."

Khynny could feel the tension between them. Hye Jin shifted uneasily, glancing at her brother, then back at the woman. "Can this wait? We were just about to—"

"No, it can't," the woman said, her voice cutting through the low chatter of the plaza. "It's about the heist. They're accusing me, and I didn't do anything!"

"Not here," Oner interrupted, his voice low. "This isn't the place for this conversation."

"I'm serious! They think I planned the whole thing!" Her voice trembled, desperation creeping in. "If you'd just listen—"

"I can't help you." Oner's voice was sharp, his frustration barely concealed. "You need to clear your name with the police. I'm not getting involved."

"Hyeon Jun, please!" she pleaded, her voice dropping. "They're saying I organized the entire thing. I didn't! I was just—"

"That's your problem," Oner cut in, his tone harsh. "I'm not part of this anymore. You're not dragging me back into your mess."

"But you were there! You saw everything!" Her desperation was palpable now, but Oner remained unmoved.

"I saw you make choices that got you into this. It's up to you to fix it."

"You can't just walk away from this!" Her voice rose, eyes pleading. "You were part of my life! Don't pretend that means nothing!"

Hye Jin stepped in, her protective instincts flaring. "That was a long time ago. You made your choices. He's not responsible for fixing your mistakes."

Oner cast a quick glance at Hye Jin, his face a mix of gratitude and anxiety. "I'm done with this," he said, his voice firm. "I'm not getting involved again."

He turned to leave, but the woman reached out, her voice breaking. "If I go to jail, it'll ruin everything. I need you—"

"You should've thought of that sooner," Oner replied without turning around. "Good luck."

With that, he walked away, leaving a thick silence in his wake. Khynny stood frozen, feeling the weight of what had just transpired. Oner had closed the door on his past, and his ex had reached out one last time, only to find herself grasping at nothing.

"Are you okay?" Hye Jin's voice was soft, snapping Khynny out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine," Khynny replied, though her heart was still racing. "But that was… intense."

Hye Jin exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "She always brings trouble, doesn't she?"

"It's not just her," Khynny said, her eyes following Oner's retreating form. "He's carrying a lot too."

"He's strong," Hye Jin said, though her smile was faint. "He'll handle it. Let's give him a minute. We should check out the next exhibit."

As they walked away, Khynny couldn't shake the feeling that this wouldn't be the last time Oner's past would resurface.

---

Khynny and Hye Jin wandered through DDP's bustling interior, the sounds of conversation, laughter, and the click of cameras blending with the hum of the futuristic art installations. The tension from the encounter gradually faded into the background.

"What's this one about?" Khynny asked, glancing at the colorful signs advertising a journey through modern Korean art.

"It's about digital culture and identity," Hye Jin said, her enthusiasm returning. "You know, the whole 'virtual life versus reality' thing."

"Ah, the age-old dilemma of our generation," Khynny said with a smirk. "I'm addicted to my online classes, but I promise I'm not a cyborg. Yet."

Hye Jin laughed, the sound easing the last bit of tension from the morning. "Just don't hack into my social media and we'll be fine."

"No promises." Khynny grinned as they approached a massive digital mural. The artwork shifted and rippled in response to their movements, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Look! It's like a giant touchscreen!" Hye Jin squealed, waving her hands to manipulate the design. "This is amazing!"

"It's definitely engaging," Khynny agreed, mimicking her gestures. "I wonder how much energy it takes to run all of this."

They continued to explore, the energy of the plaza pulling them into its vibrant rhythm. Conversations about technology, culture, and the blending of old and new flowed easily between them.

"It's like we're in a time capsule," Hye Jin remarked as they entered an exhibit showcasing traditional garments beside VR headsets. "It's so weird but amazing."

"That's the point—blending past and future," Khynny said, her eyes lighting up. "These pieces are more than relics. They're a conversation between generations."

"Okay, professor, tone it down," Hye Jin teased, though her smile was genuine. "Let's take a selfie."

"Only if you promise to post it," Khynny said, grinning as they posed in front of a glowing LED installation. Hye Jin snapped the photo, the moment captured in vibrant colors.

As they approached the exit, Khynny spotted Oner leaning against a wall, watching them. The tension in his expression had softened, replaced by something more thoughtful.

"There's our grumpy little brother!" Hye Jin called out, waving him over.

Oner smirked and pushed off the wall, joining them. "You two look like you're having too much fun."

"You missed out on the art," Hye Jin said. "We even took a selfie. Want to join?"

Oner chuckled. "Sure, as long as it's not a disaster."

Khynny laughed, raising her phone. "Let's make it Instagram-worthy!"

Oner leaned in, casually draping an arm over Khynny's shoulder. Her heart skipped beats at the contact. "Say 'cheese!'"

"Cheese!" they both echoed, the moment captured in a bright snapshot.

"Not bad," Oner said, glancing at the photo. "Might have to add that to my collection."

Khynny smiled, her heart lighter. "Just don't get too cocky."

"I'll try," Oner teased, rolling his eyes.

Hye Jin, watching the exchange with a grin, chimed in. "Alright, let's get a group shot before we leave."

As they gathered together for another photo, Khynny couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and connection. Whatever tension the day had brought, they had found their way back to each other.