The Moment She Didn’t Wait

The day had been unusually quiet.

A soft drizzle clung to the glass windows of the practice room, grey light filtering in like a half-hearted promise. I had just finished vocal rehearsals when the past walked in wearing a familiar shade of lipstick.

Yang Da-Som.

Ex-girlfriend. PR scandal. Closed chapter. Or so I thought.

“Soo Yeon,” she said, her voice too casual, too controlled. “You look good.”

I turned slowly, unsure whether to respond or ask how she got past the security desk.

“What are you doing here?”

“I was in the building. Thought I’d say hi.” She shrugged. “Besides, I saw your group’s new video. Impressive.”

I offered a clipped smile. “Thanks. Glad you liked it.”

She took a step closer.

Too close.

“We didn’t exactly talk things through,” she said, eyes searching mine. “Maybe now we can.”

Before I could answer, she stumbled slightly—heels catching the corner of a rug—and out of instinct, I caught her.