A soulmate who wasn't meant to be

The quiet hum of the restaurant offered a soothing backdrop as Carrie and Taeyang sat across from each other. The soft clinking of cutlery and the gentle glow of candlelight wrapped them in a cocoon of warmth. Carrie's once-nervous energy had melted away, replaced by a comforting sense of familiarity.

"You really like the food, don't you?" Taeyang's lips curled into a gentle smile.

Carrie nodded, her eyes bright. "I do. I can't believe you still remember my favorite dish."

"How could I forget?" Taeyang's gaze softened with nostalgia. "You always had this radiant smile whenever Grandma fed you some."

Carrie's smile dimmed slightly, a shadow passing over her features. "I miss her. I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"She knew you loved her. She left this world content." Taeyang said softly.

A soft sigh escaped her lips. "I still feel guilty. I should've been there when she was sick."

Taeyang leaned forward, his hand reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His touch was as gentle as the brush of a feather. "She understood. She always did."

Carrie's eyes lingered on his, then she suddenly pulled back. "I'm done eating. Is it just me, or is it a bit warm in here?"

Taeyang chuckled, his voice a low, comforting rumble. "night walk? The fresh air might help."

He stood up, pulling her chair back with practiced ease. She rose to her feet, offering him a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you."

And with that they walked out of the restaurant.

The city's night embraced them as they strolled along the dimly lit street. The moon, shrouded by thin clouds, cast a silver haze over the pavement. Carrie's footsteps slowed, savoring the quiet, each step a beat in a melody only they could hear.

"I'm sorry."

His words hung in the air, a delicate thread woven with regret. Carrie turned to him, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Sorry? For what?"

Taeyang's breath clouded in the cool air as he exhaled deeply. "For what happened back then. I didn't realize how much it would change things between us. I thought… I thought you felt the same."

Carrie's eyes shimmered with a mix of old wounds and newfound clarity. "You don't need to apologize. I've never regretted it. I just… I didn't know how to handle it."

His shoulders relaxed slightly, hope dancing in his eyes. "Then... can I ask how you feel now?"

Carrie's fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "Back then, and even now, I've always been flattered that someone like you could ever love me. But I was terrified. Terrified of losing you and I did." She swallowed, her voice a fragile whisper. "I love you, Taeyang. I always have. But as a friend, you were always my number one supporter and the thought of risking that, of hurting you and watching us fade into strangers—it was suffocating."

Taeyang's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. He reached out, ruffling her hair like he used to. "You've always been an overthinker." His hand fell away slowly, leaving a ghost of warmth. "I don't want to lose you either. If holding on to this love means losing you, then I'd rather let it go. Just promise me you'll never shut me out again."

His words were a balm to the old ache between them. Before he could say more, Carrie surged forward, wrapping her arms around him. Her embrace was tight, fierce—her own unspoken promise.

Taeyang froze, then his arms circled her, pulling her closer. Beneath the dim moonlight, with only the quiet city as their witness, years of confusion, regret, and unspoken words melted away.

And in that moment, they found something that had been lost—something as simple and profound as friendship, reborn in the stillness of the night.

MEANWHILE

Somewhere around Daegu, Ms. Kim knelt on the cold stone floor of an abandoned warehouse. The dim light cast sharp shadows, dancing over the grimy walls. Before her stood Master Jang—a broad-shouldered man with a scar slicing through his left brow, his presence heavy and suffocating. His voice, when it came, was a rumble of distant thunder.

"What brings you here?" His eyes narrowed, a predator's gaze. "You, of all people, should know the consequences of returning empty-handed."

Ms. Kim lowered her head further, her hair grazing the dirt-stained floor. "My apologies, Master."

He took a step forward, boots crunching against the ground. "How long do you plan to drag this out? Why is your mission still unfinished?"

Her voice remained steady. "Mr. Alex demands a subtle approach. He wants everything calm and smooth."

Master Jang's lips curled into a joyless smile. He leaned in, his breath hot and metallic. "And how is that going, hm?" His tone softened, a venomous lullaby. "Must I remind you why it is our duty to protect Mr. Chang's son?"

"No, Master."

"Then act. Or should I hand this to Hwang?"

A flash of defiance sparked in her eyes. "Father, you have no idea how dangerous it is to move without caution. Na-eun is more smarter than you think."

He straightened, his silhouette casting a long shadow. "Then I suppose you're not as smart as I thought." He turned to leave, the chill in the air deepening with each step.

Desperation slipped into her voice. "Father, wait!" She rose swiftly. "I will not fail. Give me fifteen days, and I'll finish this."

Master Jang paused, a subtle tilt of his head. His voice, when it came, was a dagger wrapped in silk. "Fifteen days. If not, you'll return home and marry the king's son. No more excuses."

He vanished into the dark, his guards trailing behind like shadows. The air seemed to breathe again—until another voice sliced through the quiet.

"Naksu!"

Her jaw tightened. She turned slowly, eyes cold as frost.

"Still alive?" Her words were blades.

Hwang emerged from the shadows, a smirk painted across his face. His movements were lazy, cat-like. "I expected you to be six feet under by now." He reached out, brushing nonexistent dust off her shoulder.

Her hand snapped up, catching his wrist. She twisted until his smirk shattered into a grimace. "Touch me again, and I'll break more than your pride."

He bit back a groan, stumbling back as she released him. "No mercy for your own brother?" He massaged his wrist. "You hate me that much?"

She took a step closer, voice a razor's edge. "You're still breathing, aren't you? That's all the mercy you'll ever get." She tugged his ear, dragging him down to her level.

He hissed through clenched teeth. "Not even a word about Mom? Or is she just another ghost to you?"

Ms. Kim's expression remained a mask. "I can't see her until my mission is complete."

Hwang leaned in, his breath warm against the chill. "At this rate, you might as well get fitted for a crown. Princess Naksu has a nice ring to it."

She released him with a shove. "You're a pest. Stay out of my way, and don't let Mom know I was here."

He chuckled, a low, taunting sound. "She'll find out. You're not as invisible as you think. The people talk, you know." He raised his hand in a mock farewell. "Run along, sister. Tick-tock."

Her patience frayed, a thread pulled too tight. "Son of a bitch." She turned sharply, her steps echoing as she disappeared into the night.