Shadows Watching

Fragments of Memory

The first light of dawn filtered through Yuna's window, but she was still staring at her reflection in the mirror. She held the delicate white feather between her fingers, unsure if it was real or just a remnant of a dream.

When she closed her eyes, blurry images flooded her mind.

Cold air. The sensation of floating in emptiness. And… a pair of golden eyes.

But whose eyes were they?

She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. She couldn't remember what had happened. Maybe she didn't want to. The only thing that mattered was that she was still alive.

And that alone felt like a miracle.

Carefully, she placed the feather inside a small box and tucked it away in her drawer. Then she quickly got ready and left for work.

But behind her, hidden in the shadows, someone was watching.

Hwan.

His sharp eyes followed her as she walked away, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

"You won't escape so easily, little girl."

---

A Growing Unease in a Small Café

When Yuna arrived at work, an overwhelming sense of dread settled in her chest. As she pushed open the café door, she immediately felt her boss's sharp gaze land on her.

"Late again?"

She glanced at the clock. Her shift hadn't even started yet.

"It's not even opening time yet…"

"I don't want excuses. Get to work!"

Taking a deep breath, she headed to the back, trying to suppress the frustration welling inside her. No matter what she did, everything felt suffocating.

Not even a single moment of peace.

As the sound of the coffee machine filled the air, the café door opened. Yuna instinctively glanced up—and her eyes met those of a stranger.

Tall, sharp-featured, with dark, piercing eyes.

Hwan.

But Yuna didn't know him.

To the casual observer, he was just an attractive man with a commanding presence. But there was something dark lurking beneath his gaze.

He walked up to the counter, smiling faintly. "An Americano."

As Yuna prepared his order, Hwan watched her. To everyone else in the café, he was just another customer.

But in reality, he was much more than that.

Because he was going to play with Yuna's fate.

Because he was a demon.

And he had found his prey.