Dangerous Proximity

Hwan took another sip of his coffee, placing the cup back onto the table with deliberate ease.

Nova's members had already left under the protection of their security team, but their departure wasn't the only lingering presence in the café.

Someone was still here.

Yuna.

And Hwan's gaze remained fixed on her.

As Yuna worked behind the counter, preparing orders, she suddenly felt a pair of eyes watching her. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine. When she finally lifted her head, her gaze locked onto Hwan's. His deep, dark eyes carried an unsettling intensity.

Hwan leaned back in his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I asked you a question earlier. Do you remember?"

Yuna frowned slightly, trying to recall. "What question?"

Tapping his fingers lightly against the table, Hwan spoke again.

"Why were you the one to bring Nova's order?"

Yuna blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected inquiry. "It was just my turn."

Hwan tilted his head slightly. "Was it, really?"

A strange discomfort settled over Yuna. There was something unsettling about this conversation. "Yes. Why does it matter?"

Hwan chuckled softly. "No reason. But… I saw the way Eunwoo looked at you."

Yuna's heart skipped a beat.

"That look…" Hwan idly stirred his coffee, his voice laced with intrigue. "As if he had found something he had lost for a long time."

Yuna had no response. Her fingers clenched at her sides as she tried to steady herself.

"You're mistaken," she said firmly, though there was the slightest tremor in her voice.

Hwan's smirk widened. "Is that so? Well then."

He took his final sip, then stood up smoothly.

"Next time, I expect you to recommend something other than an Americano, Yuna."

He deliberately emphasized her name.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he strolled out of the café.

Yet, even after he was gone, Yuna couldn't shake the lingering weight of his presence.