The Forbidden Path

Eunwoo took a deep breath in the recording studio. He adjusted his headphones and leaned closer to the microphone. His voice, as always, was flawless. But his mind was elsewhere.

Yuna…

The memories of last night refused to leave his thoughts. The warmth of that kiss, the way Yuna held onto him…

"You're zoning out again, Eunwoo."

His bandmate glanced at him. Eunwoo offered a small smile but didn't respond. He couldn't gather his thoughts.

After the recording session ended, the others slowly left the studio. Eunwoo remained, the last one standing. He shoved his hands into his pockets and took a few steps in the now-empty room.

And then—

The air suddenly felt heavier.

He turned around, sensing a shift.

A dark shadow emerged.

A pair of sharp eyes locked onto him.

Seonwoo.

His closest friend in the Celestial Realm—and the messenger of the archangels.

Eunwoo sighed deeply. "Have you been watching me from above, Seonwoo?"

Seonwoo's expression was unreadable, but his voice held a firm edge.

"I was sent here by them."

Eunwoo narrowed his eyes. "The archangels, I assume."

Seonwoo gave a slight nod. "Eunwoo, this is your final warning. You must not give in to love."

Eunwoo let out a small, bitter smile. "You've told me that before."

Seonwoo took a step closer. "But this time, they're serious. If you get caught again… once your missions on Earth are complete, you will be punished."

Eunwoo's expression darkened.

"Punished?"

For the first time, Seonwoo's gaze softened. He was still his friend. He didn't want to see Eunwoo suffer. But the rules were absolute.

"If you fall in love on Earth, even if you complete your missions, you will never receive your crown, Eunwoo."

Eunwoo remained silent.

Seonwoo inhaled deeply. "Let her go, Eunwoo. You are an angel. Love is forbidden to you."

Eunwoo averted his gaze. But his heart refused to accept Seonwoo's words.

Because Yuna… she was different.

Seonwoo waited for a response. But Eunwoo said nothing.

At last, Seonwoo closed his eyes. "Consider this your final warning."

And in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

Eunwoo was left alone in the dark studio. His fists clenched.

The heavens were against him.

But his heart…

Had already made its choice.

___

Hwan's fingers trembled as he held the bracelet.

He had wanted this for so long. The bracelet that had belonged to his mother…

But something was wrong.

This… was fake.

His eyes darkened. Rage burned in his veins.

Eunwoo… had deceived him.

Slowly, his grip tightened.

And then, suddenly— he hurled it against the wall.

"How dare you do this to me, Eunwoo?" he muttered, his voice ice-cold.

The shadows around him stirred. His fury darkened the very air.

Instead of handing over the bracelet, Eunwoo had tricked him. But why?

For a moment, he pondered.

"It's time you learned the truth about your father's sins, Eunwoo.

So no one ever told you, huh?

Then you'll hear it from me.

And believe me…

You're not going to like it."