Dangerous Proximity

An Unknown Attraction

For days after the concert, Yuna couldn't shake off the strange feeling inside her. The eyes of that man on stage… the warmth in his voice… It was as if he had touched her soul. But that was just ridiculous, right?

Trying to regain her composure, she focused more on her job. She continued working as a barista at the small café, making coffee as usual. Yet, the emptiness inside her refused to fade.

Minji had noticed her change.

"You've been acting weird since the concert," she said, slipping beside Yuna. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Yuna quickly shook her head. "No, I'm just… a little tired."

But Minji wasn't one to give up easily. "I'm not buying that. Who were you looking at on stage that night?"

Yuna froze for a moment. Had she really been looking at Eunwoo? At that moment, she had only felt the energy of the stage, but…

"Don't be ridiculous," she laughed, trying to brush it off.

Minji giggled. "I think you've fallen for Eunwoo."

Yuna gripped the coffee cup in her hand tightly. Her heart sped up for just a second, but she quickly composed herself. "He's an idol, Minji. Who am I to get caught up in something like that?"

Minji shrugged. "Girl, you're a person too. And you do know they come here often, right?"

Just then, the café door opened, and a group of customers walked in. Yuna looked up to take their orders, and her eyes locked onto a familiar golden gaze.

NOVA was here.

Eunwoo immediately caught the flicker of surprise in Yuna's eyes but didn't react. He wore a comfortable sweater and a light cap, blending in to avoid attention. He had only wanted a quiet day out with the group. But seeing Yuna again… filled him with an unfamiliar restlessness.

Yuna quickly straightened herself, gathering her focus. This was just a customer, she reminded herself. She only had to take his order and move on.

Right?

But fate had other plans.

A Threat in the Shadows

Just as she was about to take the order, another customer entered the café.

Hwan.

He sat in a quiet corner, unnoticed by most, his gaze fixed on Yuna. A smirk played on his lips, his eyes glinting with amusement—yet something darker lurked beneath.

The real game was just beginning.